New Abbot Installed at Holy Monastery of Palaiokastritsa in Corfu
Corfu, June 6, 2026 – A significant ecclesiastical event took place yesterday, Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the ancient and venerable Holy Monastery of Panagia Palaiokastritsa in Corfu. His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxoi, and Diapontia Islands, officiated the Divine Liturgy and, prior to it, performed the installation of the newly elected Abbot of the Holy Monastery, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Sebastian Drosopoulos, in accordance with proper ecclesiastical order.
During the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence was joined by Hieromonks of the Holy Monastery and other clergy from the local Church. Among them was the Very Reverend Archimandrite Christodoulos Triantafyllos, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Theodore Tyron and George the Trophy-Bearer of Stratia, as well as his Deacons. The liturgical gathering was also attended by the Abbots of the male Holy Monasteries of the local Church, representatives from female monastic communities, and representatives of the political and military authorities of the island.
The attendance of devout pilgrims was abundant, contributing to an atmosphere of joy, emotion, and spiritual devotion for this historic day of the Holy Monastery. Following the Divine Liturgy and the installation ceremony, the new Abbot hosted a celebratory meal for those present.
Abbot Sebastian Drosopoulos’ Inaugural Address
In his inaugural address, the new Abbot of the Holy Monastery expressed his deep emotion upon assuming this new ministry. He referred to the profound spiritual legacy inherited from his predecessors, who marked the historical course of the Monastery with their contributions and work. He emphasized the importance of authentic witness to the Orthodox faith and Greek hospitality, underscoring that the embrace of Panagia Palaiokastritsa will always remain open to every person seeking solace, prayer, and spiritual rest.
He made special mention of the value of unity, love in Christ, and mutual support within the brotherhood, while also highlighting the great burden and responsibility of the abbatial ministry. Concluding, he expressed warm gratitude to the local Shepherd, Metropolitan Nektarios, for his trust, paternal love, and continuous support, as well as to the brotherhood of the Monastery, his family, and all those who have walked alongside him on his journey so far.
Metropolitan Nektarios’ Paternal Address
Subsequently, His Eminence, responding to the address of the new Abbot, delivered a paternal and admonitory speech, initially expressing his joy for the election and installation of the Abbot in this important ecclesiastical ministry. He also referred to the long history of the Monastery, noting that despite the difficulties and trials that monastic fraternities and local Churches occasionally face, the Grace of God and the Panagia never abandon the work of the Church. He reminded those present of Saint John Chrysostom’s words that the ship of the Church may be buffeted, but it does not sink.
Addressing the new Abbot personally, he emphasized that his election is an expression of Divine Providence and the trust of the fathers of the brotherhood in his person. He stressed that the Abbot’s ministry is not merely an honorary position, but a cruciform path of responsibility, sacrifice, and offering – a continuous ascent to Golgotha that leads to the Resurrection.
At the same time, he pointed out that the Abbot is placed “on a lampstand,” to enlighten, teach, and spiritually guide his brothers, charting a safe spiritual path, being “in the type and place of Christ” within the brotherhood, as he constitutes the visible sign of unity. For this reason, he called upon the new Abbot to proceed with discernment, love, prayer, and a spirit of sacrificial ministry, having the Lord Himself as his model, Who said, “I did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28).
Furthermore, Metropolitan Nektarios also referred to the significance of Father Sebastian’s monastic experience, noting that his many years of monastic life constitute a precious spiritual asset and the most important school for the exercise of pastoral responsibility, beyond the academic degrees of secular education. He expressed his certainty that the Most Holy Theotokos, who has timelessly protected her monastery, will continue to provide for and bless the work of the brotherhood.
Concluding, he wished the new Abbot strength, enlightenment, and reinforcement from the Triune God, assuring him of his paternal love and care, while also calling upon the fathers of the brotherhood to surround their new spiritual father with respect, love, and obedience, for the edification of the brotherhood and the glory of God.
Commemorative Gifts and Spiritual Appointments
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence, upon the proposal of the new Abbot of the Holy Monastery, performed the investiture of the Very Reverend Archimandrite Kallinikos Ninos and the Very Reverend Archimandrite Methodios Chaldezos, fathers of the Holy Monastery, as Spiritual Fathers. Subsequently, a reciprocal exchange of commemorative gifts took place between His Eminence and the new Abbot, as an expression of mutual respect, love, and gratitude for the new chapter opening in the historical course of the Holy Monastery.
Source: ekklisiaonline.gr
