THE FEAST OF SAINT EUTHYMIOS THE GREAT AT THE PATRIARCHATE – Jerusalem Patriarchate

The Patriarchate commemorated Saint Euthymios the Great on Monday, January 20 / February 2, 2026, at the Holy Monastery dedicated to his name, located near the Old City of Jerusalem.

Saint Euthymios the Great

Saint Euthymios was born in Melitene in Armenia to parents who were previously childless. Orphaned at the age of three, he was raised by his uncle Eudoxios and later by Bishop Otreios of Melitene, receiving instruction in sacred letters and eventually being ordained as a Priest.

He began his ascetic practices in a monastery in his homeland before traveling to the Holy Land in 406. Initially, he practiced asceticism in the desert of ‘Ain Fara, at the Lavra of Saint Chariton. He then, alongside Saint Theoktistos, retreated to the desert of Kutila for a life of solitude and prayer. Responding to requests from monks, they established a cenobitic monastery for novices and a Lavra for more advanced ascetics, attracting many seeking spiritual guidance.

Saint Euthymios and Saint Theoktistos served as spiritual mentors to Saint Sabbas, guiding him during his early monastic years.

In 420, Saint Euthymios received nomadic Arab-Saracens under Aspevestos Peter and interceded with the Patriarch of Jerusalem for Peter’s ordination as Bishop of the Camps. The Lavra of Saint Euthymios was consecrated in 429 by Patriarch Iouvenalios of Jerusalem. He was known for his spiritual discernment, wonderworking abilities, and played a role in restoring Empress Eudocia to Orthodoxy. Though destroyed by the Persians in 614, the ruins of his Lavra remain.

Vespers and the Divine Liturgy were celebrated at the Holy Monastery in Jerusalem, presided over by Archbishop Dorotheos of Avila, with Archimandrites Makarios, Philoumenos, and Amphilochios, Priests Farah and Nikolaos, and Hierodeacon Prodromos as concelebrants. Archimandrite Simeon and students from the Patriarchal School led the chanting. The service was attended by Consul General of Greece in Jerusalem, Dimitrios Angelosopoulos, members of the Consulate, monks, nuns, faithful, and pilgrims.

Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III visited the Holy Monastery during the Divine Liturgy to offer veneration.

The Patriarchal and Episcopal entourages were welcomed by Nun Photini, who cares for the Monastery.