Greek monastery reviving with first tonsure in more than a century

Tyrnavos, Greece, March 17, 2026

Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr     

A milestone in the revival of the ancient Holy Monastery of Prophet Elijah in Tyrnavos, Greece, was marked on Saturday, with the first monastic tonsure at the holy habitation in more than a century.

The rite of monastic tonsure, the first at the monastery in 110 years, was served by Metropolitan Ieronymos of Larissa and Tyrnavos, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.

The revival of monastic life at the monastery is attributed to the ongoing efforts of its presiding abbot, Archimandrite Iakovos (Kalkoulos), who has worked to bring about both its spiritual renewal and the physical restoration of the monastery buildings.

During the sacred service, Georgios Bentikougia was formally received into the monastic life and given the name Georgios, in honor of two New Martyrs of Tyrnavos: George of Rapsani and George the Tyrnavite, who are venerated as spiritual treasures of the local Church.

In his homily, Met. Ieronymos addressed the newly tonsured monk, emphasizing the gravity of the vows he had made before God and the Church. He spoke of the monastic calling as a path of cross-bearing, obedience, and total dedication to Christ, holding up the two New Martyrs as models of confessing the faith.

The Metropolitan also noted that the name Georgios was chosen in part as a tribute to the late Archimandrite George (Kapsanis), the former abbot of Grigoriou Monastery on Mt. Athos, whose spiritual legacy left a lasting mark on contemporary monastic tradition.

A large number of faithful from Tyrnavos and the surrounding region attended the service.

Follow OrthoChristian on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe and Gab!

3/17/2026

See also
Relics of St. Gregory Palamas processed through Thessaloniki Relics of St. Gregory Palamas processed through Thessaloniki Relics of St. Gregory Palamas processed through Thessaloniki Relics of St. Gregory Palamas processed through Thessaloniki
The two-day feast was held on March 7–8, coinciding with the Second Sunday of Great Lent. Greek hierarchs warn of demographic collapse behind EU abortion funding initiative Greek hierarchs warn of demographic collapse behind EU abortion funding initiative Greek hierarchs warn of demographic collapse behind EU abortion funding initiative Greek hierarchs warn of demographic collapse behind EU abortion funding initiative
On December 10, the European Parliament approved a European Citizens’ Initiative that proposes establishing a dedicated fund for abortion services. Ancient Greek monastery returning to Church after century of gov’t control Ancient Greek monastery returning to Church after century of gov’t control Ancient Greek monastery returning to Church after century of gov’t control Ancient Greek monastery returning to Church after century of gov’t control
Located in the Pieria region at the foot of Mount Olympus, the Monastery of Panagia Petra has been intimately connected with the spiritual life and history of the area for over twelve centuries. Until the late 19th century, it even served as the seat of the Bishop of Petra.

Subscribe
to our mailing list

* indicates required
×