Prayer of Elder Joseph the Hesychast: Lord of mercy Look upon my humility and forgive all my sins

Short but powerful prayers to the Mother of God Virgin Mary, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Angels, which have real value only if they are said with repentance, humility and deep faith. "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" - "All the heavenly powers of the holy Angels and Archangels, intercede for us"

Elder Joseph the Hesychast or Spileot was born in 1898 in the village of Lefkes on the Paros Island in Greece. He had been chosen to serve God since he was in his mother’s womb. He lost his father when he was very young, and his mother, who was very pious, took care of his education. Since his family was very poor, the young Frances, (that was his name before he took monastic vows), had to labour from a very early age in order to provide the necessary things for the survival of his family.

The name of the Monastery probably comes from the founder of the oldest monastery in the area, the hermit Grigorios Helandaris. Around 980 AD the monk Grigorios built, together with other monks, a small church and a small house, on the site where the Monastery is today. According to tradition, there is also the interpretation that the name of the Monastery is based on the etymology of the word "helandio" which is the Byzantine ship.