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[[Image:Aimilianos.jpeg|thumb|left| The Elder Archimandrite Aimilianos]]The Right Reverend Elder [[Archimandrite]] '''Archimandrite Aimilianos(Vafeidis)''' is , [[monastic]], was the former [[abbot]] of [[Simonopetra Monastery (Athos)|Simonopetra Monastery]] from 1974 to 2000. As a young [[monk]], Elder Aimilianos looked forward to a career as a foreign [[missionary]]. (There are many variations on spelling his name in English - AmelianosAssigned to a [[monastery]], the Elder experienced a spiritual crisis from which he emerged a man, Aemilianossupremely energized, etcand dedicated to revitalization of monastic life.){{stub}}

==History and Life==Alexandros Vapheides was born in Piraeus, Greece, in October 1934. His higher level education began with his studies at the University of Athens where he received, in 1959, a degree in theology. His intentions were to enter the [[Holy Orders]], become a [[priest]], and then become a foreign missionary. After consulting with his friend [[Anastasios (Yannoulatos) of Albania|Anastasios Yannoulatos]] (now Archbishop of Albania), who supported his intention, but thought he should prepare for this work by spending time at a monastery. Yannoulatos had him contact the [[Bishop]] of Trikala, who he thought would initiate the young Alexandros into a monastic life.

==His own words==* ''Spiritual Instruction and DiscoursesEmerging from the experience, volume 1: The Authentic Seal''Fr. By Aimilianos was a different man, like the dramatic conversion of [[ArchimandriteApostle Paul|St. Paul]] Aimilianos. Ormylia, Halkidiki: Ormylia Publishing, 1999he had become energized and single-mindedly dedicated to the revitalization of monastic life. 400 pagesHe was soon appointed [[abbot]] of Meteora with the additional duties as diocesan preacher and confessor. ISBN 9608560330. (Available As a preacher he soon took the Meteora region captive as his brilliant, mesmerizing speeches resonated especially with the young people who came in North America from [http://wwwgreat numbers to hear him.alexanderpressHaving heard Fr.com Alexander Press] or [http://www.alexiapublications.com/ Alexia Publications]Aimilianos, many were attracted to a monastic life under his guidance, so that soon he headed a large and dynamic community.)

::With his fame as well as the natural attraction of Meteora many tourists came, adding to the pressures on the community. As life at Meteora became increasing difficult under the pressures of tourism, an opportunity arose when the governing body of [[Mount Athos]] invited him and his community of monks and [[http://abacusnovice]]s, in 1983, to repopulate the ancient [[Simonopetra Monastery (Athos)|Monastery of Simonopetra]], that under the charismatic elder the organization and structure of life of which was dramatically altered.bates.edu/~rallison/friends/reviews/1999reviews/discourses_fowden1999.htm FoMA book review]

* ''Elder Aimilianos also founded, in 1974, Panagia Philanthropini, a Center for Social Advancement and Medical Prevention and Research, (Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Who Loves Humankind) that is located in northern Greece, near the town of Ormylia, Chalkidike. The Living Witness center functions as an adjunct to the [[Cenobium of the Holy Mountain: Contemporary Voices from Mount Athos''. Translated Annunciation (Ormylia, Chalkidiki)|Sacred Convent of the Annunciation of the Mother of God]], a large monastic community with introduction and notes by over 120 [[Hieromonknun]] Alexander (Golitzin). South Canaan, PA: St. Tikhon's Seminary Press, 1996from various nations—the majority of whom hold university degrees. 311 pages. Price p/b £18.75. ISBN 1878997483. (Available in The convent is a dependency of the UK from Orthodox Christian Book Service, 95 Spencer Street, Birmingham B18 6DAMonastery of Simonos Petras on Mount Athos.)

::[http://abacusElder Aimilianos retired as abbot in 2000.bates.edu/~rallison/friends/reviews/1996reviews/golitzin_speake1996.htm FoMA book review]

* http://www.fhc.org/holycrossmonastery/upload/en/elder_sub13.html==Source==* [http://wwwelderaimilianos.fhcblogspot.org/holycrossmonastery/upload/encom/elder_sub3.html Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra]

==Works about himBibliography==''' In English'''* ''Spiritual Instruction and Discourses, Volume 1: The Authentic Seal''. By Archimandrite Aimilianos. Ormylia, Halkidiki: Ormylia Publishing, 1999. 400 pages. ISBN 9608560330. (Available in North America from [http://www.alexanderpress.com Alexander Press] or [http://www.stninaalexiapublications.com/ Alexia Publications].) <ref> An excerpt from this book, ''Orthodox Spirituality and the Technological Revolution'' is available at [http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/testarticles5/journal/artAimilianosTechnology.php OrthodoxyToday.org] </ref>*''The Church At Prayer - The Mystical Liturgy Of The Heart''. By Archimandrite Aimilianos. ISBN 960-518-251-3.4* ''The Living Witness of the Holy Mountain: Contemporary Voices from Mount Athos''.13 An Interview Translated with Sister Aemilianeintroduction and notes by Hieromonk [[Alexander Golitzin|Alexander (Golitzin)] of ]. South Canaan, PA: St. Tikhon's Seminary Press, 1996. 311 pages. ISBN 1878997483. (Available in the Exaltation UK from Orthodox Christian Book Service, 95 Spencer Street, Birmingham B18 6DA.) * [http://www.fhc.org/ypsosis/holycrossmonastery/en/elder_sub13.html Last sermon of the Archim. Aimilianos] at Holy Cross Monastery, Thebes, Greece (''St. Nina Quarterly'', vol 3:4)