Ηegumen / Abbot
Saint Athanasius the Athonite was born in Trebizond. His secular name was Abraham. He was orphaned at a young age.
He was raised under the care of a nun, who introduced him to the principles of monastic life. He grew to love prayer and the hesychastic way of life. He completed his education and became a teacher himself. After meeting Saint Michael Maleinos, he withdrew to the Monastery of Kyminas in Bithynia of Asia Minor, where he was tonsured a monk and received the name Athanasius.
During his time there, he carried out his duties with great zeal, devoting himself especially to the study and copying of sacred books. Through fasting, vigil, and unceasing prayer, he attained great spiritual heights. In 960, having received the blessing of the abbot, he settled on Mount Athos. The devil attempted to drive him away. However, the saint overcame every obstacle.
He founded a cenobitic monastery, imposing a strict rule and daily spiritual struggles. The fame of the brotherhood, as well as of the saint himself, spread rapidly. Abbots and hierarchs came to Athos, seeking to become simple monks in his Lavra.
For his God-pleasing life, he was granted the gifts of foresight and miracles. Through his prayers he healed the sick and expelled unclean spirits. Moreover, the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to him on several occasions, promising help and protection.
Foreseeing the end of his life, he asked the brethren not to be afraid. One day, he climbed to the summit of the mountain to inspect the construction of the church being built there. Suddenly, a section of the dome collapsed, burying him beneath the ruins.
The memory of the saint is commemorated on July 5.
