On Saturday of Lazarus, April 12, 2025, the Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos held elections to appoint a new abbot following the recent passing of Archimandrite Ambrose.
In accordance with the monastery’s internal regulations and the Organic Charter of Mount Athos, the monastic brotherhood unanimously elected Hieromonk Gavriil as their new spiritual leader.
Who is the New Abbot?
Hieromonk Gabriel, born Georgi Karatotev on December 11, 1973, in Sofia, Bulgaria, first arrived at the Zograf Monastery on December 20, 1997. One year later, on December 20, 1998, he was tonsured a monk, and on October 24, 2003, he was ordained a hieromonk.
Since early 2003, he has served almost continuously as the monastery’s first epitropos (steward), playing a key role in the spiritual and administrative life of the community.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
