© Dn. Eleftherios Constantine / GOA

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America today convened the first ever Monastic Assembly in the United States to promote the value and importance of monasticism in our Orthodox Christian tradition and the spiritual life of the faithful. The abbots and abbesses of 18 monasteries are attending the Assembly, which is taking place at the Holy Monastery of Saint Nektarios in Roscoe, NY.‬

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew addressed the participants of the Monastic Assembly with a video message. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros delivered the keynote address.

Hierarchs in attendance included the following members of the Holy Eparchial Synod: Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago, and Bishop Apostolos of Medeia, the Holy Eparchial Synod’s Chief Secretary who was assigned coordination of the Assembly. Their Graces Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos and Bishop Ierotheos of Efkarpia are also in attendance. The Assembly will conclude tomorrow with the celebration of the Archieratical Divine Liturgy.