Elder Vasileios Gontikakis, former abbot of the Iviron Monastery on Mount Athos, fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday morning.
The 90-year-old archimandrite had fallen and sustained injuries on August 27 during the monastery’s evening service, held for the major feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, resulting in a serious hip fracture.
He was rushed to Thessaloniki, where he underwent surgery and remained hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit of Saint Luke throughout this period. Due to his advanced age and other health complications, he did not recover and passed away this morning.
His passing has brought sorrow to the entire Mount Athos community, as he was a luminous figure for the Garden of the Virgin Mary and for all of Orthodoxy, with numerous writings and lectures. He was known for his erudition, spiritual vigor, diligence, and deep love for Athonite traditions.
Fr. Vasileios leaves behind a significant legacy, having spiritually guided and inspired dozens of faithful.
His funeral service will be held on Thursday at 14:00 at the Iviron Monastery, which he served for decades.
