Saint Euphemius, a Byzantine nobleman and disciple of Saint Athanasius of Athos, was appointed as the dochiarios, diligently caring for the needs of the brotherhood with zeal and integrity. Seeking solitude, he founded a small monastery in Dafne in honor of Saint Nicholas, but soon faced an attack by Saracens, who destroyed his abode. Euphemius, not succumbing to despair, thanked God for saving his life and the lives of the brethren. Later, finding a more secluded place, he established a new monastery, also dedicated to Saint Nicholas.
To Euphemius came his nephew Nicholas, who wished to leave the world and become a monk. After the death of his parents, he received the imperial consent for monastic life and was tonsured with the name Neophytus. Blessed Neophytus, becoming the abbot, developed the monastery, attracting new monks and caring for its prosperity. He faced difficulties, but relying on God, he received miraculous help in the form of gold found by his novice Basil.
Neophytus, learning of a conspiracy by three monks who sought to kill the youth for the sake of gold, showed wisdom and compassion. After the miraculous rescue of the youth, he exposed the guilty and restored justice. The monastery was re-consecrated, and Neophytus continued to care for its prosperity until he was elected as the protos of the Holy Mountain. He peacefully departed to the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of virtues and spiritual guidance.
