View more saints

Saint Paisios the Athonite

About Saint Paisios

Saint Paisios of Mount Athos, often simply referred to as Elder Paisios, is one of the most beloved contemporary saints of the Orthodox Church. His deep spiritual insight, gift of discernment, and compassionate counsel have drawn countless seekers to his door. His teachings and words, filled with love and wisdom, continue to inspire and guide believers worldwide.

Feast Day

July 12

Birth Place

Farasa, Cappadocia

Born

July 25, 1924

Reposed

July 12, 1994
Saint Paisios the Athonite

Photo credit to

alchetron.com

Early Life and Education

01

Early Life and Education

Born on July 25, 1924, in the town of Farasa, Cappadocia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), he was christened Arsenios. The family soon relocated to Greece due to the population exchanges between Greece and Turkey. From his early years, Arsenios displayed a unique inclination toward spirituality and prayer.

At the age of 14, he began work to support his family. However, feeling the divine call, he decided to embrace monastic life and entered the Monastery of Esphigmenou on Mount Athos in 1948. Here, he was tonsured a monk and received the name Averkios. Later, he moved to the Philotheou Monastery, where he was re-christened Paisios.

02

Ecclesiastical Career

Elder Paisios led an ascetic life characterized by prayer, fasting, and night vigils. Yet, despite his strict routine, he was always available to lend an ear to those in need, gaining a reputation as a wise spiritual father.

He later lived in various hermitages on Mount Athos, including at Stavronikita and Panagouda. People from various walks of life, whether laymen, clergymen, or fellow monks, flocked to him for advice, spiritual guidance, and healing. His words, often simple, struck deep, resonating with the spiritual and daily struggles of those who sought him.

Ecclesiastical Career

Later Life and Canonization

03

Later Life and Canonization

Elder Paisios had the gift of discernment and often provided counsel that was both timely and timeless. He emphasized the importance of humility, love, and inner stillness. He was also known to have the gift of foresight, predicting various events and providing solutions to problems before they were even voiced.

His teachings have been compiled into several volumes by those who met him, ensuring that his spiritual insights remain accessible to future generations.

On July 12, 1994, Elder Paisios reposed in the Lord, leaving behind a profound spiritual legacy. Recognizing his widespread veneration and the miracles attributed to his intercessions, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate canonized him on January 13, 2015. He is commemorated every year on July 12.

04

Legacy

The life and teachings of Saint Paisios of Mount Athos serve as a beacon for contemporary Orthodox Christians. His words, filled with divine wisdom, continue to guide and inspire believers in their spiritual journeys.

For an in-depth exploration of the teachings, miracles, and spiritual insights of orthodox saints, browse our collection of books here. Additionally, immerse yourself in the stories and teachings of other influential figures in the Orthodox Christian tradition.

Legacy

Relics

Where are the relics of Saint Paisios the Athonite

The relics of Saint Paisios the Athonite, a revered contemporary Orthodox elder, are located at the Monastery of St. John the Theologian in Souroti, near Thessaloniki, Greece. After his repose in 1994, Elder Paisios was initially buried at the Holy and Great Monastery of St. John the Theologian on Mount Athos. However, in accordance with his wishes, his remains were later transferred to the Monastery in Souroti, where he had spent significant periods of his life and had established deep spiritual ties. The monastery has since become a place of pilgrimage, with many faithful visiting to venerate his relics and seek his intercessions.

Other Saints from this region

Saint Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia

Saint Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia

Saint Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia, also known as Elder Porphyrios, stands as a testament to the timeless nature of Orthodox sanctity and spirituality. In the 20th century, he emerged as a beacon of love, spiritual wisdom, and simplicity, guiding countless souls to Christ through his genuine empathy and insight.
Read More
Saint John Chrysostom

Saint John Chrysostom

Saint John Chrysostom, one of the most celebrated Early Church Fathers, is renowned for his eloquent homilies and commentaries. He is one of the "Three Holy Hierarchs" in the Eastern Orthodox Church, alongside Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian. The epithet "Chrysostom" means "golden-mouthed" in Greek, highlighting his exceptional oratorical skills.
Read More
Saint Joseph the Hesychast

Saint Joseph the Hesychast

Saint Joseph the Hesychast stands as one of the most influential figures in modern Orthodoxy, renowned for his profound spirituality, hesychastic practices, and significant impact on monasticism in the 20th century.
Read More
Saint Ephraim of Katounakia

Saint Ephraim of Katounakia

Saint Ephraim of Katounakia is one of the contemporary Orthodox Christian saints known for his ascetic life, spiritual wisdom, and profound humility. A monk from the Holy Mountain (Mount Athos) in Greece, he stands as an emblem of true monastic dedication in modern times.
Read More
Subscribe to receive news, articles and more from the Orthodox Calendar Company
Thanks for joining our newsletter.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Works written by Saint Nektarios

Saint Paisios of Mount Athos

Saint Paisios of Mount Athos (†1994) is perhaps the greatest and most revered Elder of the Orthodox Church of our time. Even though he lived the monastic life in obscurity on the Holy Mountain of Athos in northern Greece, he became a shining light for thousands of faithful who flocked to see him. His life, miracles, and teachings continue to touch the hearts of people throughout the world to this day. Unquestionably, this present biography (written by his spiritual disciple Elder Isaac), which is the most authoritative account of his life, will inspire readers forevermore. Hard cover, 752 pages with numerous photos and icons. Second Edition. Published by The Holy Monastery of Saint Arsenios the Cappadocian.

Buy it now

Spiritual Counsels of Elder Paisios - Six Volume Set

St. Paisios the New (1924-1994) was one of the most loved and revered Greek Orthodox Elders of our times. Living as a monk in the ancient monastic republic of Mount Athos, Greece, he lived in the Kingdom of God even while on earth, and received many heavenly visitations. Because he lived in obscurity, giving himself over entirely to God, God gave him to the whole world. During the last fifteen years of his life, he spent his nights in prayer and his entire days guiding, consoling, healing, and giving spiritual rest to countless people who took shelter in him.  The wise spiritual counsels of the Elder have been collected into six volumes.

Buy it now

Credit card mockups
History of Orthodoxy in Greece

Eastern Orthodoxy in Greece: Unveiling the Ancient Faith and Enduring Spirituality

Embark on a captivating exploration of Eastern Orthodoxy in Greece, the birthplace of this ancient faith and a country deeply intertwined with its rich spiritual traditions. Greece stands as a vibrant tapestry of Orthodox Christianity, with a profound influence that extends beyond its borders.
Orthodox Church

Amazon Kindle - Digital

Download the 2024 Lives of the Saints Calendar

This 365-page daily calendar book features the life of an Orthodox saint, insightful teachings from the Saints and elders of the Church, a list of all commemorations for the day, Gospel and Epistle readings, fasting guidelines, and references to feasts. The stories include the lives of Greek, Russian, Georgian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Serbian, English, Celtic, and American saints.

Download Now