Patriarch
The venerable and God-bearing father our Athanasius I, born in Adrianople, was the son of pious parents George and Euphrosyne. At holy baptism, he was named Alexius. From a young age, he aspired to serve the Church and study the Divine Scriptures, avoiding the vanity of the world. After the death of his father, he decided to renounce the world and seek solitude, inspired by the life of Saint Alypius the Stylite.
Alexius withdrew to Thessalonica, took monastic vows under the name Akakios, but soon left the monastery due to the lack of piety among the brethren and went to the Holy Mountain of Athos. There he learned strict non-possessiveness and spent much time in prayer and vigil. Later, he became a priest and ecclesiarch in the monastery on Mount Galatian, where he was granted divine revelation about pastoral care.
After ten years on Mount Galatian, he withdrew again to the Holy Mountain, but soon he was sought after by disciples, and he became a spiritual mentor. At this time, he was elected Patriarch of Constantinople, despite his resistance. On the throne, he showed zeal in defending the Church, rebuking heretics and the unjust. However, his enemies began to slander him, which led to his removal from the patriarchate.
After this, he returned to his monastery, where he continued to strive and was granted the gifts of foresight and miracles. He healed the sick and helped the needy, showing humility and compassion. Saint Athanasius occupied the patriarchal throne twice, and in both cases, his life was full of virtues and care for the poor.
At the end of his life, he gathered his disciples and left them instructions on humility, love, and mercy. He died on October 20, reaching the age of one hundred, and was glorified for his holy life and service to the Church.
