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The ultimate humiliation of Elder Chrysostom of the Jordan deserttranslated

July 5, 2026 · 1 min read

A lesson in faith, forgiveness and true strength One of the most shocking and deeply human moments unfolded in the heart of the Jordanian desert, in the Holy Monastery of Agios Gerasimos the Jordanite, in Jerusalem. The Abbot of the Monastery for more than forty years, the militant Archimandrite Chrysostomos Tavulareas, the man who with effort, prayer and self-denial turned a once abandoned sanctuary into a great spiritual destination for thousands of pilgrims from all over the world, gave an invaluable lesson in humility and Christian love.

During the service, the venerable Elder stood before the faithful and read the forgiving wish, as prescribed by the Orthodox tradition. But this time the moment was different. With a trembling voice, visibly moved and with tears in his eyes, he did not hesitate to put aside all human pretensions and ask, from the depths of his heart, for forgiveness from all those who may have once been saddened, embittered or wronged by his words or actions, even unintentionally.

The image of this ascetic old man, who for decades has been a support for countless people, being humbled in front of the flock...

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Daniel Baker

That moment when the old abbot stood there with a shaky voice asking forgiveness from everyone really hit me. After forty years rebuilding that monastery in the Jordan desert, he still chose to humble himself in front of the whole crowd. Makes you think twice about holding onto any pride.

Тимофей Соколов

The old man, with a trembling voice, asked for forgiveness from everyone whom he might have unwittingly offended over forty years - this is truly touching. After such work to restore the monastery in the Jordanian desert, he might not have to do this in public. And he did.

Степан Кузнецов

Yes, it is this detail with the trembling voice and tears that is remembered most of all. After forty years of such hard work in the desert, he still stood up and asked everyone for forgiveness - without any “I’ve done so much.” This is real power, not big words.

Валентина Соколова

The old man, with a trembling voice and tears, asked for forgiveness from everyone whom he might have unwittingly offended during his forty years in this desert - this is memorable. After such work to restore the monastery, he could have remained silent, but he stood up in front of everyone. It wouldn’t hurt for us to do this more often, without excuses.