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Today, June, 11, the newly-elected Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Nektarios in Roscoe, New York, the Reverend Hieromonk Stephanos, visited the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in New York in order to formally offer his respects to His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and to receive his paternal blessing as he prepares to undertake the sacred responsibility entrusted to him by the brotherhood of the Monastery.
Accompanying the newly elected Abbot were the Reverend Deacon Chrysostomos and Brother Epiphanios, members of the monastic brotherhood of the Monastery.
During the meeting, which took place in a spirit of filial love and ecclesiastical unity, Archbishop Elpidophoros warmly welcomed Fr. Stephanos and conveyed, once again, his paternal joy and satisfaction at the prayerful decision of the brotherhood following the repose of the ever-memorable Elder Joseph. His Eminence offered words of encouragement and spiritual counsel, emphasizing the importance of humility, discernment, obedience, joy, and unconditional love in the ministry of an abbot.
The Archbishop expressed his confidence that Fr. Stephanos, through his faithfulness to the monastic tradition and his devotion to Christ and His Church, will continue the sacred mission of the Monastery and foster the spiritual growth of the brotherhood entrusted to his care.
On his part, Fr. Stephanos expressed his gratitude to His Eminence for his continued paternal support, guidance, and prayers, affirming his obedience to the Church and his commitment to the brotherhood so as to preserve and build upon the spiritual inheritance they have received.
During the visit, the newly-elected Abbot and the accompanying members of the brotherhood also conveyed their heartfelt prayers and respect His Eminence, as Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America, on the occasion of the feast day of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. They wished many years to His All-Holiness and expressed their fidelity and respect to the Mother Church of Constantinople, the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The meeting concluded with the Archbishop’s blessing and prayers for the newly elected Abbot and the entire brotherhood as they enter this new chapter in the life of this most blessed monastery.
The installation and enthronement of the new Abbot is scheduled to take place on September 3, at the Holy Monastery of Saint Nektarios in Roscoe, New York.
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