Venerable Theonas, Archbishop of Thessaloniki, lived during the 16th century and pursued an ascetic life in Mount Athos. He lived at the Holy Monastery of Pantokrator, where he faithfully carried out his priestly ministry. Desiring to embrace the hesychastic way of life, he became a disciple of the Venerable Martyr James, who was renowned for his profound spiritual wisdom and the many gifts he had received from the Lord. Theonas assisted him in the administration of the monastery, while he also cared for the needs of the monastic brotherhood. When his spiritual father was arrested, he willingly followed him into prison.
After the martyrdom of Saint James and his two companions, Theonas assumed the leadership of the community. A year later, the monks relocated to the Athonite Monastery of Simonopetra. From there, they moved to the village of Galatista, near Thessaloniki, where they restored the Holy Monastery of Saint Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions. Before long, almost 150 monks were living and practicing the cenobitic life there.
Theonas became abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Anastasia and was later elevated to the office of Metropolitan. The final years of his life were spent in secluded places near the monastery, where he devoted himself to the hesychastic life and prayer.
He reposed in 1541. His holy relics are preserved to this day at the Holy Monastery of Saint Anastasia.
