The Archbishop of America, His Eminence Elpidophoros, arrived for a historic visit to the Holy & Great Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos on Monday, where He was received by the Elder Archimandrite Ephraim, the Abbot (Hegumen) of the monastery as well as monks of the Vatopedi brotherhood.
The Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of America arrived in Greece last Friday.
On Tuesday, His Eminence solemnly officiated at the Divine Liturgy in the catholicos, or main cathedral, of the venerable monastery, co-officiated by Vatopedi elders and conducted based on centuries-old Athonite rite.
The Elder Ephraim and the Civil Governor of Mount Athos, Athanasios Martinos, were present and in prayer for the Divine Liturgy service.
