St. Nektarios Monastery Elects New Abbot
Photo: Orthodox Observer
ROSCOE, NY — The brotherhood of the Holy Monastery of St. Nektarios in Roscoe, New York, has elected a new abbot following the falling asleep of its longtime abbot, Elder Joseph, according to an announcement released by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOARCH).
On Friday, June 5, 2026, the monks convened in the monastery’s Katholikon and carried out the canonical process for the election of a new Abbot. During a secret ballot, the community selected the Reverend Hieromonk Fr. Stephanos, born Constantine Giannakopoulos, who is described as a spiritual son of the late Elder Joseph.
Fr. Stephanos’ election was met with a formal response from the GOARCH. His Eminence Abp. Elpidophoros expressed joy at the outcome and offered prayers for the new abbot, asking that he serve the monastery “with wisdom, humility, and love,” and continue the spiritual legacy of both his predecessor and the influence of Elder Ephraim of Arizona.
Church officials noted that the new abbot is recognized for his ecclesiastical ethos, spiritual stability, obedience, and commitment to monastic ideals, qualities they said will support the monastery’s ongoing mission. The Archdiocese also extended congratulations to the brotherhood and prayed for divine guidance for the new leader.
The monastery announced that the enthronement of Abbot-elect Stephanos will take place on September 3, 2026.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Saba presided at the 40-day memorial for Elder Joseph.
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