Archimandrite Stephanos Enthroned as New Abbot of St. Nektarios Monastery
The enthronement of Fr. Stephanos marked a new generation of leadership at St. Nektarios Monastery while emphasizing continuity with the spiritual inheritance of its founders and elders.
ROSCOE, NY — Abp. Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America presided over the Divine Liturgy and enthronement of Archimandrite Stephanos as the new Abbot and Elder of the Holy Monastery of St. Nektarios in Roscoe, New York, on Sept. 3. The ceremony marked a new chapter for the monastery following the repose of its founder and first Abbot, the ever-memorable Elder Joseph, earlier this year.
The celebration took place during the Feast of the Translation of the Holy Relics of St. Nektarios the Wonderworker, the monastery’s heavenly patron. Abp. Elpidophoros was joined by Metr. Savas of Pittsburgh, Bp. Athenagoras of Nazianzos, Bp. Nektarios of Diokleia, and numerous abbots, abbesses, monastics, clergy, pilgrims, and faithful from the United States and Canada.
The enthronement followed Fr. Stephanos’ tonsure to the Great and Angelic Schema on Sept. 2, a service presided over by Abp. Elpidophoros that marked the first time an Archbishop of America had presided over such a tonsure in the history of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOARCH). Addressing the new Abbot, the Archbishop emphasized the responsibility entrusted to him by the brotherhood: “They have said to you: ‘Be our Elder. Be our spiritual father. Guide us. Correct us. Pray for us.’”
Abp. Elpidophoros emphasized the monastery’s vocation as a place of spiritual refuge and renewal, urging Fr. Stephanos and the brotherhood to preserve its ministry to those seeking Christ. “Let this monastery always be a refuge for the human person,” the Archbishop said. “Let the pilgrim who enters Saint Nektarios feel that he has stepped out of the turbulence of the world and into a place where eternity has come a little closer.” He also described the transition in leadership as one of spiritual continuity, observing, “The first generation planted. Now another generation is called to cultivate.”
The monastery was founded in 1999 by Elder Joseph, who belonged to the generation of monastic leaders formed under the spiritual guidance of Elder Ephraim of Arizona. Abp. Elpidophoros urged Fr. Stephanos and the brotherhood to continue that inheritance, telling the new Abbot, “Receive this brotherhood. Become their father. Guard their unity. Carry their burdens. Open the doors of this monastery to the weary.” The celebration concluded with the proclamation, “ΑΞΙΟΣ! He is Worthy!”
Previously, the UOJ reported that Elder Joseph of St. Nektarios Monastery reposed in the Lord at 76.