Geronimos Ephraim: "The Alpha and Omega of spiritual life is Christ’s longing" (BINTEO)translated

In Orthodox spirituality and the importance of Hieros Pantokrator, Abbot Geronimos Ephraim of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi focused on the theme “Christ’s Longing,” speaking at the Hieros Pantokrator Archontariki organized by the Hieros Pantokrator Shelter of Saint Dionysios in Olympus, at the family center "Pierida" in Katerini on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Abbot Ephraim emphasized that the purpose of spiritual life is a true knowledge of God and an essential communion with Christ. He also highlighted the importance of Hieros Pantokrator, noting that it is "a very serious work" and that its essential task does not limit itself to material works but primarily concerns the salvation of people. “What they do essentially is that they make souls,” he characterized.

He then spoke about Orthodox spirituality as a unique inner labor. “Man is not what appears; man is what does not appear,” he said, explaining that at the center of human existence lies the heart, not as a physical organ but as "the entire spiritual substance of the person."

Special emphasis was placed on distinguishing...