Oxford University hosts presentation of book about Ukrainian Athonite Avvakum (Vakarov)
June 20, 2023On 17 June, the University of Oxford hosted a presentation of the English-language book by Ukrainian historian Dr Serhii Shumylo “Elder Avvakum of Mount Athos. The Life of Athonite Hieroschemamonk Avvakum (Vakarov)” – about the Ukrainian Athonite Elder Avvakum (Vakarov), who came from Transcarpathia and was a student of the famous Orthodox saint St Silouan the Athonite.
During the presentation, the author spoke about certain aspects of the Ukrainian heritage on Athos and the role of Transcarpathians in the preservation of the Athos Panteleimon Monastery in the second half of the twentieth century. The presentation was held as part of the conference of the British Society “The Friends of Mount Athos”, whose honorary patron is His Majesty King Charles III.
In addition to the author of the book, the presentation was also attended by Fr Douglas Dales and Dr Maryna Samsonova.
The book about the Ukrainian Elder Avakum is a joint publication of the International Institute of Athonite Legacy in Ukraine and the British Society “The Friends of Mount Athos”. It is one of the last publications to be completed during his lifetime with the blessing of Metropolitan Kallistos and begins with his introduction. As Metropolitan Kallistos notes in his introduction, “the life and deeds of Elder Avakum are instructive and convincing evidence of what a person can achieve spiritually when he selflessly serves God and his fellow men.”
