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Monastic gathering in Poland with references to the Elder Ephraim the Philotheitistranslated

September 6, 2026 · 1 min read

Traditionally, the annual meeting of the monks and nuns of the Polish Orthodox Church takes place at the beginning of September. This year, on September 3 and 4, 2026, representatives of the brotherhoods of the Monasteries gathered at the Holy Monastery of Genesis of the Virgin in Zwierki. The central theme of the meeting was: "The figure of Elder Ephraim of Philothetis as a renewer of the monastic life on Mount Athos and a builder of monasteries in the United States and Canada."

The meeting began with a prayer, which was performed by Archimandrite Petros, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Agios Onufrios in Iambletsna. His Beatitude Metropolitan of Warsaw and All Poland, Mr. Savvas, the Most Reverend Archbishop of Bielsk Mr. Grigorios, as well as the invited Hieromonk Ephraim (Pounan), Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Peter in Montana, United States and spiritual child of Saint Elder Ephraim of Philotheitis.

After the few minutes of prayer in the church, His Beatitude addressed fatherly words to the assembled monks and nuns. He warmly welcomed them and expressed his gratitude to God, who once again claimed everyone to…

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Nicholas Parker

Interesting to see Fr Ephraim (Pounan) from St Peter’s in Montana there as a direct spiritual son. The theme on Elder Ephraim as a renewer of monastic life on the Holy Mountain and founder of those American monasteries makes sense for a gathering like this. Did they record any of the talks?

Damien Moreau

It is interesting to see that Archimandrite Pierre, igumen of Jabłeczna, celebrated the opening prayer, and that Metropolitan Sabbas spoke immediately afterwards. The theme of Father Ephraim as the founder of monasteries in America fits well with the presence of his spiritual son, Hieromonk Ephraim of Montana. I hope they kept track of the interventions, it must be enriching for our own monasteries in Poland.

Иванка Иванова

Interestingly, they invited Hieromonk Ephrem (Punan) from Montana - as a direct spiritual son of the old man. The theme of the renewal of monastic life on Athos and the founding of those monasteries in the States and Canada fits perfectly. I wonder if they recorded at least part of Metropolitan Sava's speech, I would like to hear it.

Екатерина Попова

It is interesting that it was Hieromonk Ephraim (Punan) who came from Montana as the direct spiritual son of the elder. The topic about the renewal of monasticism on Mount Athos and the founding of monasteries in America is very appropriate with him. It’s a pity that the text breaks off; I would like to know what Metropolitan Savva said next.