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# Metr. Apostolos Celebrates Panagia Paramythia at Vatopedi Monastery
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/86342-metr-apostolos-celebrates-panagia-paramythia-at-vatopedi-monastery/
- Published: 2026-02-05T04:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:12:46.000Z
- Description: Metr. Apostolos’ pilgrimage to Vatopaidi culminated in the feast of Panagia Paramythia, underscored by his praise of Athonite prayer and Marian intercession.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Mt. Athos, Panagia Paramythia, Vatopedi Monastery, Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey

**MOUNT ATHOS —** His Eminence Metr. Apostolos of New Jersey concluded a multi-day pilgrimage to the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopaidi with the celebration of the Feast of Panagia Paramythia, one of the monastery’s most important commemorations.

Arriving on January 31, Metr. Apostolos [was received](https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story%5Ffbid=122236476884121368&id=61553641055865&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=rekcLxXn1brZ3BK7) by Geronda Ephraim and the brotherhood. In his welcome homily, he described himself as “a humble pilgrim in the company of Our Lady,” thanking God for granting him the opportunity to be present at Vatopaidi. He praised the monastery’s hospitality as “a living witness to the Athonic tradition,” stressing that at Vatopaidi, “hospitality is not a simple act, but a functional extension of prayer life.”

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/01/86059-hilandar-monastery-marks-nativity-of-christ-on-mt-athos-5c9c2f3adbaa.jpg)On this topicHilandar Monastery Marks Nativity of Christ on Mt. Athos](https://uoj.news/news/86059-hilandar-monastery-marks-nativity-of-christ-on-mt-athos/)

On February 1, he [presided](https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story%5Ffbid=122236581866121368&id=61553641055865&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=AOGbWeLzDDJQX2tJ) at the Divine Liturgy in the katholikon, reflecting on monastic life as “the uninterrupted ascent to God through prayers, sighing, and love.” Citing the Athonite tradition, he recalled that “a monk prays for the whole world,” adding that this hidden labor sustains the Church far beyond Mt. Athos.

During the following days, Metr. Apostolos took part in the [procession](https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story%5Ffbid=122236782560121368&id=61553641055865&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=YIWnsOkkUfX5uX1g) of the icon of Panagia Paramythia, Great Vespers, and daily Divine Liturgies. On February 3, he celebrated the [feast itself](https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story%5Ffbid=122236790144121368&id=61553641055865&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=UeXbib1gg2yxN0Z1), honoring the Theotokos as the monastery’s protector and intercessor.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/85933-st-michael-orthodox-church-announces-january-spiritual-retreat-with-mt-athos-elder/) that St. Michael Orthodox Church announced a January spiritual retreat with a Mt. Athos elder.