On Saturday, November 29, 2025, a significant event took place at the historic male Holy Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos Palaiokastritsa in Northern Corfu. His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxoi, and Diapontia Islands, co-celebrated the Divine Liturgy with His Eminence Metropolitan Kyrill of Kazan from the sister Orthodox Church of Russia, who presided over the service.
Unanimous Election of Archimandrite Sebastian Drosopoulos
Following the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the brotherhood of the Holy Monastery proceeded with the election of a new Abbot, in accordance with the order and canonical procedures stipulated by the Church. The Panosiologiotatos Archimandrite Sebastian Drosopoulos, who had been serving as the interim abbot, was unanimously elected as the new Abbot.
Metropolitan Nektarios’ Address to the Brotherhood and New Abbot
During his address, Metropolitan Nektarios extended his congratulations to the new Abbot, wishing him strength from God in his ministry as the shepherd of the Lord’s rational flock. He emphasized the crucial role of an abbot in guiding monks towards the light of the Lord, supporting them in their spiritual life, and helping them achieve their ultimate purpose: eternal life through dedication.
Metropolitan Nektarios highlighted that an abbot must embody holiness and love, serving primarily as a father figure to the brotherhood, embracing all fathers with discernment. He also stressed the importance of administrative skills for an abbot to effectively organize the daily life of the Monastery and manage its worldly affairs.
The Monastery as a Living Organism
The Metropolitan further explained that these qualities alone are not sufficient. A monastery is a living organism that requires constant revitalization through the life-giving oxygen of God’s grace. This grace is sustained through liturgical life, prayer, the spirit of obedience among the monks, and love in Christ. In this spiritual process, the abbot must serve as a model of spiritual struggle, prayer, patience, obedience to the Church, and love for the entire brotherhood.
Exchange of Thanks and Gifts
At the conclusion of the ceremony, both Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu and Metropolitan Kyrill of Kazan exchanged heartfelt thanks, blessings, and gifts, symbolizing the strong bond between their respective Orthodox Churches.
The election of Archimandrite Sebastian Drosopoulos marks a new chapter for the Holy Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos Palaiokastritsa, with the community looking forward to his spiritual leadership and administrative guidance.
Source: https://www.startmediacorfu.gr/eklogi-neou-igoumenou-stin-i-m-y-th-palaiokastritsas-kerkyras/
