Abp. Elpidophoros Leads Funeral for Elder Joseph in New York

Photo: Orthodox Observer / Facebook

ROSCOE, NY — His Eminence Abp. Elpidophoros of America presided on April 20, 2026, over the Divine Liturgy, Funeral Service, and burial of Archimandrite Joseph, founder and abbot of the Holy Monastery of St. Nektarios. The service drew hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and thousands of faithful from across the United States, Canada, and Greece, reflecting the late elder’s widespread spiritual influence.

Concelebrating were Metr. Savas of Pittsburgh and several bishops, alongside abbots and clergy from across the Archdiocese. Among those in attendance were Abp. Demetrios, monastic communities, and countless spiritual children who came to venerate the elder’s body and pray for his repose despite cold conditions. Burial followed in the monastery cemetery, along with a customary meal.

In his eulogy, Abp. Elpidophoros praised Elder Joseph’s humility, spiritual fatherhood, and foundational role in helping to establish Athonite monasticism in North America. He emphasized the elder’s legacy of prayer, repentance, and pastoral care, urging the brotherhood to continue his work and elect a successor in due time.

“And now he journeys to the triumphant Church, together with his spiritual forebears: with his spiritual ‘grandfather,’ Saint Joseph the Hesychast; with his venerable Elder Ephraim of Arizona; and with the blessed Elder Ephraim of Xeropotamou," His Eminence said. "There, as a citizen of the Kingdom of God, he continues the ministry of spiritual fatherhood in a new and wondrous way, interceding for us before the Throne of God.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Eastern American Diocese mourned the repose of Dn. Andrei Antchoutine.

Read also