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Saturday, July 25, 2020

A 16th Century Monastery in Konitsa Dedicated to All the Prophets Has Been Rebuilt


The historic Monastery of the Prophets (which is dedicated to all the Prophets and Prophetesses of the Old Testament) in Distrato of Konitsa, which dates back probably to the 16th century or possibly earlier, since we don't know exactly the date of its foundation, was recently rebuilt and the cells and other area of the monastery are near completion. When it is completed, it will function as a female monastery. Thus, this monastery which had a past, will also now have a future.

The initial name of this monastery when it was founded was the Monastery of the Prophets. The successor of this Monastery was the Monastery of Vryazis or Briazis, whose katholikon was honored with the name of Panagia Prostasia, in the south of the village. Both of these Monasteries became ruins.

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Concerning the Alleged Prophecy of Abba Pambo


By John Sanidopoulos

If one searches "Prophecy of Abba Pambo" on the internet, you will come across many websites that present this alleged prophecy of Abba Pambo as either a prophecy reflective of our times or as an eschatological prophecy foretelling coming and future events. This is because it is presented in a deceptive way. Three things should be noted about this alleged prophecy:

First, this prophecy does not have Abba Pambo as a source, as it claims. Instead, it is one of the anonymous sayings of the Desert Fathers attributed to Abba Pambo that probably dates no earlier than the eighth century. This is confirmed by the fact that it refers to "canons" as part of the structured hymns of the Church. However, canons don't date to the time of Abba Pambo, who reposed around the year 375, but to at least the seventh century, though really the eighth century. The only reason the name of Abba Pambo is associated with this alleged prophecy is because Palladius in one sentence of his biography of Abba Pambo mentions that he had the gift of prophecy, but in none of the authentic sayings do we actually have a record of these prophecies, which were probably not eschatological at all, but foretold things in the immediate future within his lifetime.