Festive Holy Vigil for Saint Ephraim of Katounakia at the Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi

According to the Mount Athos order, the festive celebration of the memory of Saint Ephraim of Katounakia is being held in the Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi. During the feast of St. Ephraim, the abbot of the Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi, Elder Ephraim, celebrates his name day.

On the eve of the Feast Day, the festive Vespers were held, which was officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Ioustinos of Nea Krini and Kalamaria.

After the Vespers procession, the customary offering followed in the Synod room of the Monastery, during which the Abbot Elder Ephraim referred to the life of the celebrated Saint Ephraim of Katounakia. His Eminence Metropolitan Ioustinos of Nea Krini and Kalamaria, also spoke, who wished Elder Ephraim well for his patronal feast day. Wishes were also offered by the Emeritus Professor of the Theological School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Mr. Georgios Mantzaridis, as well Emeritus Professor of the Theological School of Athens and President of the Institute Saint Maxim the Greek, Mr. Apostolos Nikolaidis.

Large crowds of pilgrims made their way to participate in the feast day services at the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos. At this time the Holy Vigil is taking place and this morning (Greece time) the festive Divine Liturgy will be celebrated.

For the feast day vigil the hymns will be chanted from the right choir by the head chanter, Mr. Georgios Constantinou, who will be joined by several Vatopedi Fathers and at the left choir the Vatopedi brotherhood will chant.