The feast of Saints of Vatopaidi: the vigil (part 1) – Photo Report

The present day Monastery of Vatopaidi has produced a multitude of saints throughout its history of over a thousand years, most of them unknown to us. We know with certainty only a few that lived within its walls and precinct - almost 70 - whose names and lives have been preserved in the Calendar of Saints in the Orthodox Church. However visions of holy elders have revealed the number of those having attained great sanctity to be as many as 300. In any case, the land of the Holy Mountain has been nourished by the tears and prayers of countless holy men of whom we know only a fraction. In this photo, Metropolitan Polykarpos of Spain is venerating a selection of the Holy Relics of several saints of Vatopaidi Monastery. From right to left: St. Kosmas the Protos; St. Nikodemos; St. Agapios; St. Gerasimos Paladas; St. Joachim Papoulakis; St. Evdokimos; and the three founders of the Monastery, St. Nicholas, St. Athanasius and St. Anthony from Adrianople.

At Small Vespers, a monk is censing Pantanassa, one of seven miracle-working icons of the Mother of God at Vatopaidi.

Receiving the blessing of the Metropolitan at the end of Small Vespers

At the beginning of the All-Night Vigil (Vespers), the priest censes the entire church, beginning with the Metropolitan.

After incensing the church, the Monastery itself is also blessed from the entrance of the church.

At the beginning of Vespers the chandeliers are set in motion, provoking a stunning effect.

Deacons censing Metropolitan Polykarpos of Spain at the beginning of Vespers. He will be on the throne during entire vigil.

Chanters from Vatopaidi and elsewhere, including students of theology and other laymen, are chanting to honor the Vatopaidi saints.

Children asking a monk about the service. The one in the lower-left corner already knows the program; he is a student at the Athoniada Academy, a boys' high school on Mount Athos.

Fathers are preparing kerasma (traditional sweets and refreshments) for the pilgrims. It will be served in the assembly hall during the vigil. Metropolitan Polykarpos, Elder Ephraim and officiants will give a brief spiritual word.

The Entrance at Vespers. Next to the Metropolitan, leading the priests is Elder Nektarios Moulatsiotis, Abbot of the Monastery of St. Augustine and St. Seraphim of Sarov.

A candid shot within the Sanctuary before the Entrance at Vespers.

The Metropolitan Polykarpos of Spain is chanting during Vespers

Deacons before entering the Sanctuary after censing the church during Matins.

A hermit recording the feast with an old cassette recorder.

The dome of the church at the end of Matins.

A general view of the church during the veneration of the holy relics

Monks venerating the holy relics of their forerunners.

The Metropolitan Polykarpos of Spain is venerating the Holy Relics, while the monks held his mantle and his mace. At end, a priest is waiting with the holy unction.

Before venerating the holy relics, the chandeliers are set once again in motion.

At Matins during the First Ode.

Matins. Deacons incensing during Ninth Ode.

A general view of the church during Matins.

Cleaning the katzio.

Incensing with the hand censor (katsio). It provides a pleasant moment both visually and acoustically.

At Matins, during the Polyeleos, where the Psalms 134 and 135 are chanted, the main chandelier (also called the polyeleo) is set in motion.

Seasoning with lemon juice.

In the kitchen, preparing the fish for the next day.

Polishing the bell for the head table where the Metropolitan and the other officials will be seated. The bell is used primarily to signal the beginning and the end of the meal.

Incensing the refectory

Cleaning cucumbers for the meal the evening before. Everything must be ready for the meal following the Liturgy in the morning.

Feta cheese. A staple on non-fasting days.

A candid shot in the assembly hall.

In the assembly hall as refreshments are served, the Metropolitan, the Elders, and other officials share a few spiritual words and thoughts.

The press is also present. Two of the most well-regarded ecclesiastical journalists from Greece were present at the feast: Emilios Polygenis (front) from Romfea.gr and Georgios Theoharis from Vima Orthodoxias