An inspiring event was held at the Athens Concert Hall – the Megaron – on Monday evening to unveil a commemorative edition of the book “Monastic Wisdom; The Letters of Elder Joseph the Hesychast”, published by the Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi on the occasion of the 60 years since the Elder’s repose.
Numerous Church hierarchs, Mt. Athos elders, Athonite hieromonks and monks, as well as office-holders were among the audience members that filled the Megaron’s main auditorium.
The Greek government was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Antonis Diamataris, who spoke at the event, while the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, His All Holiness Bartholomew I, was represented by Archimandrite Chrysostomos, the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of St. Paraskevi of Mazi.
The Civil Governor of the semi-autonomous monastic community of Mt. Athos, Athanasios Martinos, also attended and addressed the event.
The Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, His Beatitude Ieronymos, was represented by the Bishop of Thaumakos and Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Asomaton Petraki, , His Grace Iakovos.
The commemorative book was presented by the Metropolitan of Limassol, His Eminence Athanasios, who spoke of a “blessed edition”.
The Elder Archimandrite Ephraim, the Abbot of the Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi, touched on the significant spiritual legacy left by the Elder Joseph, noting that more than 1,000 Orthodox monks today are his spiritual offspring. The Most Reverend Ephraim added that Mt. Athos has always been a source of Saints.
A documentary on the life and work of Elder Joseph the Hesychast was shown during the event, with award-winning actor, musician and author Jonathan Jackson subsequently speaking about his portrayal of the Elder Joseph in the documentary.
Jackson referred to a “flame” burning within him from the portrayal, as well as to his decision to be baptized in the Orthodox faith. Jackson’s children were also baptized as Orthodox Christians.
