The Dormition of the Virgin in I.M.M. Vatopediou: Spiritual reasons at the bank (VIDEO)translated

On Friday, August 28, 2026 (August 15 according to the old calendar), the celebration of the great Mother of God feast of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi, on Mount Athos, culminated with splendor and excitement. The solemn Divine Liturgy was presided over by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Patras, Mr. Chrysostomos, while the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Ireland, Mr. Iakovos, the Most Reverend Bishop of Eumeneia, Mr. Irenaios, as well as the Professor of the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi, Elder Ephraim, concelebrated.

A special moment of the solemn Divine Liturgy was the blessing of the monk, who received the name Matthias, now entering a new period of his solitary journey.

After the end of the Divine Liturgy, a solemn repast was offered, according to the order of the Saints.

In his address, the Professor of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi Geron Ephraim, referred to the person of the Most Holy Theotokos in whom, as he noted, every believer turns and submits to Her "his problems, his pain, his temptations" and the difficulties of life. Referring to an earlier conversation he had with a Bishop,…