Venerable Dionysios was born in the village of Korisso, in the region of Kastoria, to devout parents. From a young age, he received great education. His brother, Theodosios, traveled to Constantinople at the age of eighteen, where he was ordained a priest and later became abbot of the Holy Monastery of Philotheou in Mount Athos. Inspired by his brother’s example, Dionysios also chose monasticism and was ordained a priest.
Desiring a life of hesychasm, he withdrew into the wilderness, where he lived in prayer and fasting, sustaining himself only on wild herbs. His ascetic struggles became an example to many monks. Soon a new brotherhood gathered around him. With the blessing of Elder Dometios, he began the construction of a monastery dedicated to Saint John the Forerunner.
The monastery was founded in 1380. Despite many hardships, Dionysios never ceased to care for it. He repeatedly appealed to the emperor for assistance, while his brother Theodosios, who had become Metropolitan of Trebizond, also supported him, working for the prosperity of the brotherhood. However, after a Turkish attack, Venerable Dionysios spent all his remaining wealth to ransom the monks who had been taken captive, leaving the monastery in severe financial distress.
Shortly before the end of his life, he once again approached the emperor searching for help. Nevertheless, he passed away before receiving the financial support that had been promised to him.
The saint reposed on June 25, at the age of seventy-two.
He was buried with great honors. After his death, numerous miracles occurred. The monks mourned for his loss and Elder Dometios took on the administration of the monastery until his own death.
