Archbishop Elpidophoros of America arrived at the Xenophontos Monastery at Mount Athos where he will spend four days and officiate a vigil and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the Feast Day of the Epiphany as well as the blessing of the waters on January 19.
Archbishop Elpidophoros is scheduled to attend the Vigil of the Epiphany tonight at the Xenophontos Monastery, specifically in the monastery’s katholikon. Tomorrow morning, following the Vigil, he will preside over the Divine Liturgy, and attend the traditional ceremony of Diving for the Holy Cross into the sea, and perform the Blessing of the Waters at the marina of the monastery.
The Archbishop of America arrived in Thessaloniki in the morning, accompanied by his entourage. Subsequently, he traveled by road to Ouranoupolis and later took a boat in the afternoon to reach the Xenophontos Monastery.
The Archbishop’s service is expected to be attended by forty Greek-Americans, including four clergymen, who are joining Archbishop Elpidophoros on a pilgrimage to Mount Athos. During his visit, the Archbishop will also make stops at the monasteries of Philotheos and Pantokrator. He is scheduled to depart on Monday, heading back to Thessaloniki.
We begin this holy pilgrimage to Mount Athos with a profound sense of awe and joy, welcomed by Elder Alexios, the Αbbot of the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos. May our pilgrimage be blessed! pic.twitter.com/texnknTkoT
— Elpidophoros (@Elpidophoros) January 18, 2024
Photos: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos
