July 11, 2026 - Abbatial Election

Every six years, the community of Gethsemani has a chance to reflect and to choose an abbot. Usually the abbot is chosen from among the members of the community. Fr. Elias has served as abbot for three six year terms now, but has consented to stand for another term.

The conventual chapter, that is, all of the solemnly professed brothers, gathered in the chapter room for the election, which was held on the feast of St. Benedict. Mother Kathy of the monastery of Crozet has been our acting Mother / Father immediate for the past few years, so she presided over the election. She opened with a talk on the importance of Christ in the Rule of St. Benedict and in our lives as monastics. She specifically quoted the Rule, “Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ,” which is literally written in stone above the abbot’s chair in the chapter room, which you can see in the photograph showing Mother Kathy.

The election proceeded smoothly, and to no one’s surprise, Fr. Elias was re-elected for another six year term. The election took place in the morning, and after confirmation had been received from our Generalate in Rome, the community met again in the afternoon. Each monk renewed his vow of obedience to the abbot by kneeling and placing his hands in the abbot’s and swearing obedience until death.

The whole community is extremely grateful to Fr. Elias for his many years of selfless service so far and are all very happy that he has consented to lead us for another six years. Please join us in praying for Fr. Elias and our community.