The term "Aparchi"

The term "Aparchi" (in the beginning) has a deep history, and its usage is found in the long historic past, in the ancient Greek civilazation as much as the Israeli-old testamental era.

From an etymological and interpretive point of view, the synthetics of the word "Aparchi" reveal its interpretation from the beginning: the absolute beginning, the starting point of a new thing.

However, the historical interpretation of the word is clearly specialized and is part of the ritual of man's offerings to the Divine. Also, in ancient Greece, used mainly in the plural, it means the beginning of a sacrifice. But, at the same time, it means the most exquisite offering to the gods, the first and best part of the harvest, which man offered to the gods through sacrifice.

In the Old Testament it appears in a similar sense, that is, offering to God, to the house, and to the ministers of God. And the commandment that God gave to the children of Israel through the prophet Moses is typical:"Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give" (Exodus 25.2). God wants the Israelites to offer Him from their material goods according to their choice and will. But even in the book of the prophet Ezekiel, the interpretation of the term is clearly visible and similar: "first of all the Lord's" (that is, to separate what you will offer to the Lord). Therefore the word Aparchi (in the beginning) is inseparable linked to worship and offering of man to the Divine.

For that reason, this new effort of the Brotherhood of the Holy Monastery of Prophet Elias of Thira received this name. After all, the service of every monk in obedience and prayer (regardless of field - ministry) is an extension of worship and a sacrifice - offering to Christ, Who "began to fall asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20), and who endured death for our salvation.

The monk works diligently, carefully and conscientiously not with the aim of producing a good work or offering the necessary work, but because it contributes to his solitary exercise and life with the sole purpose of "in the Judgment Day" to listen with the saints and holy monks "from God" with his eloquent voice: "they were bought by men from the beginning of God and the Lamb" (Book of Revelation).