On Wednesday, September 17, Elder Vasileios Gontikakis fell asleep in the Lord at the age of 90. He had served as the Abbot of the Iviron Monastery (1990–2005) and the Stavronikita Monastery (1968–1990). The blessed Elder was an emblematic contemporary figure of monasticism on Mount Athos, as well as a significant theologian with an international presence and influence. In the past, he had also traveled to Australia. Notably, in 1977, while serving as Abbot of the Stavronikita Monastery, he visited the “Fifth Continent” together with Elder Paisios of Mount Athos, who would later be canonized as a Saint of the Orthodox Church and become the Patron of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.
Upon learning of Elder Vasileios’ passing, Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who shared a long-standing spiritual friendship with him due to their common origins, issued the following statement:
“The blessed Elder Vasileios was a fragrant flower in the Garden of the Theotokos, attracting, comforting, and sanctifying the souls of those who were blessed to meet him and hear his spiritually edifying and God-inspired words. I glorify and thank God for granting me the privilege of knowing him and establishing a spiritual connection with him since my student years, to partake in the spiritual fragrance he radiated, and to find rest in the simplicity, humility, wisdom, and love that he conveyed through every word and deed. I also give thanks to the All-Good God for the fact that, many times in the past, He guided the steps of the blessed Elder of Mount Athos to Australia, granting our people the blessed opportunity for personal encounter and spiritual fellowship with him. The God-loving faithful of our Archdiocese remember with devotion and profound gratitude the presence of Elder Vasileios in Australia.
With the certainty that his blessed soul now rests in the tents of the righteous, I pray that his holy earthly life and his exalted theological teachings continue to inspire the hearts of our devout Christians, guiding them toward virtue, truth, and salvation. May we have his blessing.”
