The Holy Monastery of Prophet Elijah in Tyrnavos has held its first monastic tonsure in 110 years, marking a significant moment in the revival of monastic life at the historic monastery.
Festal Vespers were celebrated on the eve of the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross at the historic monastery. The service was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Leronymos of Larisa and Tyrnavos.
During the service, the monastic tonsure of Georgios Bentikougias was performed and he received the monastic name “Georgios”. The name honours the two New Martyrs of Tyrnavos – Georgios of Rapsani and Georgios of Tyrnavos – who are regarded as a source of pride and a spiritual adornment of the local Church.
The name also reflects the legacy of the late spiritual father Archimandrite Georgios Kapsanis, the former abbot of the historic Holy Monastery of Saint Gregory on Mount Athos.
Addressing those who gathered, Metropolitan Leronymos emphasised that the monastic calling is a path of sacrificial offering, obedience, and total dedication to Christ.
