A solitary haircut at the Holy Monastery of Agios Neophytos of Egleistos, in Tala, Paphostranslated

The Holy Basilic and Stavropigian Monastery of Agios Neophytos, in Tala, Paphos, experienced a special spiritual joy on Sunday, August 16, 2026. In this holy place, where for centuries the prayer and the quiet tradition of the great Cypriot ascetic have resounded, a new man was added to the monastic choir, surrendering his life to the love and ministry of Christ.

The novice monk Raphael received the monastic name Ephraim during his holy circumcision.

The haircut was performed by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Kiti, Mr. Nektarios, co-officiant of the Professor of the Holy Monastery, Mr. Leontios, Theophilestate Bishop of Khytra, and fathers of the Monastery.

The solitary haircut is not a simple ceremony nor an external change of man. It is the beginning of a new life. The monk leaves behind the old name and receives a new one, as a sign that he now wishes his whole existence to belong to Christ.

The change of name becomes a visible testimony of a deeper inner transformation: Raphael becomes Ephraim, not because his course until now is erased, but because this course is now delivered into the hands of God and receives a new orientation.

The special…