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Corfu Nektarios in the Diapontian Islandstranslated

July 13, 2026 · 1 min read

The Metropolitan of Corfu Mr. Nektarios, as every year during the month of July, so this year, in this period of July, is touring the Diapontia Islands, the westernmost tip of Greece. Today, Sunday, he officiated and spoke at the Holy Church of the Holy Trinity of Othons. He came into contact with the residents not only during the Divine Liturgy, but also after the Divine Liturgy. They walked together, talked, listened to their requests, sympathized with their difficulties and welcomed the numerous immigrants from the Othons to America, who every year return to their birthplace.

With many efforts, His Eminence placed Hieromonk Joseph, who comes from Georgia, after he first studied Jurisprudence and Theology, about seven years ago. He wanted to isolate himself on the island of Othoni, creating at the same time a small Hermitage of Saint Joseph of Spilaiot and Saint Ephraim of Katunakiot, where he lives with a subordinate. At the same time, he sanctifies and teaches the inhabitants, who expressed their gratitude for this position of father Joseph.

Several soldiers were also present at the Divine Liturgy, as well as the Commander-in-Chief of the Military...

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (11) 🌐 Show original

Radmila Nikolić

It's good that Bishop Nektarije went to Othonoi again, just like every year. It's nice that he appointed Father Joseph from Georgia to live there with his student in that little ischastirion, the people are obviously grateful to him. I wonder how they cope with the winter in that part of Greece.

Sarah Scott

The bishop's visit to Othonoi sounds like a real encouragement for those families who come back from America every summer. It's good he placed Fr. Joseph there from Georgia all those years ago; you can tell the locals really appreciate having him and his disciple in that little hesychasterion. I wonder how they manage supplies when the winter winds pick up out on those remote islands.

Галина Беляева

I’m glad that Bishop Nektary went to Otoni again, like every July. It’s good that Father Joseph from Georgia has been there for seven years with a novice in his small hesychastirion of Saints Joseph and Ephraim - apparently, the residents are really grateful to him. I wonder how they cope in winter on such a windy region, especially the soldiers who are also on duty.

Дмитрий Соловьёв

Yes, Galina, Father Joseph really took root there; the residents always talk about him warmly. In winter, the wind on Otoni is such that even the locals are holed up in their houses, and the soldiers are probably especially cold at their posts. I wonder how they cope with heating in these old buildings?

Nikola Živković

Yes, I also heard that the winters in Othoni can be quite strong, the wind blows from all sides. After all, father Josif is from Georgia, he is used to the cold and the mountains, so I guess he can tolerate it more easily. Have you ever been there in the off season?

Антон Орлов

Yes, Galina, Father Joseph has clearly taken root, since the residents are so grateful. I wonder, how many days does Bishop Nektary himself usually spend on Otoni on this trip? In winter, it’s probably really hard there, especially when the wind is from the sea.

Aleksandar Stojanović

I haven't been to Othoni in the off-season, but I heard that in winter only a few houses are inhabited. Father Josif is indeed from Georgia, so probably he is not unfamiliar with those storms and wind, but after all, it is an island at the end of the world. And you, Nikola, how did you hear about those winters there?

Snežana Obradović

I haven't been to Othoni in the off-season, but I remember that a woman from the church told me how the wind can carry tiles off the roofs. Father Josif is really from Georgia, so those storms are probably no stranger to him, but I'm still glad that he has that servant by his side. And you, Nikola, where did you hear about those winters?

Dušan Stanković

I heard the same thing from relatives who were there in January, they say that five or six houses remain alive, everything else is locked. Father Josif is really hardy, Georgia has obviously got him used to the wind, but it's still strange to me how he can stand the complete silence when there are no tourists. And you, Alexander, where did you hear about those winters in Othoni?

Светлана Новикова

Yes, the residents of Otoni are really happy about Father Joseph, he has been serving there for seven years and even built a small monastery. Lord Nektariy usually spends two or three days on the island, no more, in order to have time to visit other Diapontine islands. And in winter there really is such a wind that the windows rattle, I heard from the locals.

Ana Kostić

Yes, Snezana, that wind in Othoni can be a real devil - I remember when we were there in July a few years ago, and they told us that in winter the roof tiles fly as if they were made of paper. Father Josif is really from Georgia, so I guess he knows what a storm is, but it's good that he has that servant with him to help him. And I heard it from an aunt from the church who has relatives in Erika, Nikola didn't tell me.