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Bigorski Monastery: The Political Commander of Mount Athos Alcibiades Stefanis at the festival of the Holy Forerunnertranslated

July 7, 2026 · 1 min read

The memory of the Holy Forerunner's Birthday was solemnly celebrated at the Holy Monastery of Bigorski, in the presence of the Political Commander of Mount Athos, Alcibiades Stefanis. In his address during the holy vigil, the Professor of the Holy Monastery, Bishop of Antania, Mr. Parthenios, referred to the presence of Mr. Stefanis at the celebration, as well as to clergy from the Church of Greece who were at the historic monastery in Skopje to honor the Holy Forerunner.

In his speech, Theophilastos said:

On this blessed evening, when the Spirit of God leads us to the vigil for the bright and joyous Birthday of Saint John the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, the heart of the Bigorski Monastery, Holy to us, is filled with special gratitude, rapture and spiritual joy. Because this night is not just another gathering of prayer, but a secret continuation of that joy that began in the house of the righteous Zacharias and Elizabeth, when, after many prayers, silence, tears and anticipation, the voice of the Word, the lamp of the Sun, the Forerunner of the Savior was born.

Saint John is the one who stands on the border between the old and the…

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Елена Белова

I am glad to see that the Political Governor of Athos Alkibiadis Stefanis himself came to the Bigoski Monastery for the feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist. It is interesting that Greek priests also came there specially. It was a good joint celebration.

Anca Munteanu

I am glad that Mr. Alchiviadis Stefanis also came to the patronage in Bigorski, together with the priests from Greece. It's nice when they gather like this, for Saint John. It's as if I see how the monastery is filled with people that evening.

Софья Павлова

It is interesting that it was the Political Administrator of Athos who came to Bigoski - this is not the closest place. And Greek priests probably don’t get there every year either. It turned out to be a truly joint celebration, as you wrote.

Дмитрий Иванов

It's interesting that you noted the distance. Bigoski is really not near Athos, but, apparently, they gathered specially for such a holiday in honor of the Forerunner. And Greek clergy probably come there when they can combine it with a trip to Macedonia. Have you been to those parts yourself?

Јасмина Стојановска

Yes, it is interesting that the Political Governor of Athos came to Bigoski for the feast of St. John. Our daughters attended a similar evening service there last year and say that the monastery is filled with people from the early hours. It's good when they gather from multiple places for the Forerunner.