Letter from a pilgrim

Four years ago on 04 July 2013, a modern Godly figure of Orthodoxy passed away, the Abbess of the Holy Monastery of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene of Mytilene, Eugenia Kleidara, our holy mother, as we called her. 

Abbess Eugenia, was a Godly woman with much love, compassion and understanding. She supported and helped, especially us young people, numerous times. I praise every day God who allowed us to become acquainted with her.

I remember her nobility, affection and love in Christ, the hope she gave us when we were facing a problem or when we were writting exams, the transfusion of life, strength and courage that she offered us with her heavenly words. I will never forget her, such people appear every 100 years. She had such a rare ethos and integrity. She loved Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene very much and people from all over the universe got to know the Saints through her wonderful books. Her offer is innumerable. 

She listened to the young people and encouraged them to continue the beautiful struggle for Christ and the country. Purity, values, ideals, radiated through her work.

The island of Mytilene should feel proud to have hosted such a Godly woman. Her benevolence, almsgiving, forgiveness and infinite love characterized her personality.

Her writing work is huge, unique and unrepeatable. How many souls did she empower? How many others did she save? I was particularly moved by her work on Elder Cornelius.

Holy Abbess Eugenia, we will never forget you.

Thank you for everything you have offered and still offering to us. Please stand for Greece that suffers and our Church which is battled. We will be extremely grateful to you. 

With immense respect,

Agis Bekiaris, Graduate of the Theological School of Thessaloniki.