The renowned Athonite Elder Archimandrite Vasileios (Gontikakis), former abbot of Stavronikita and Iveron Monasteries on Mt. Athos, reposed in the Lord early yesterday morning after a prolonged hospitalization following an accident last month.
This is a book for pilgrims, for seekers, and for all who desire to taste the freshness of the Gospel flowing through the monastic heart of Mount Athos.
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel sent a message on the occasion, saying: “In the 20th century, God gave the Romanians great spiritual luminaries who strengthened the people in faith through their prayers, deeds and teachings. Among these great ascetics is also the Venerable Confessor Sofian of Antim, who shone in Romania’s capital through his love and gentleness.”
Orthodox Christianity continues to expand its presence in the Western world.
The service was celebrated in the presence of clergy and crowds of faithful. Among those baptized were infants, young people, and adults who thus entered the fullness of the Church.