The earthly homeland of the divine Philotheus, named Theophilus at holy baptism, was Chryssopolis in Macedonia. His parents, having left Elatia, settled in Chryssopolis, where Philotheus's father passed away, leaving the children orphaned. The mother, suffering from the oppression of the Turks, prayed for the salvation of her children. Miraculously, they were led out of prison by the Mother of God and brought to a monastery in Neapolis, where they took monastic vows. The mother, unaware of her children's fate, also entered a monastery and was tonsured as a nun under the name Evdokia. Meeting at a church feast, they recognized each other and glorified God for their miraculous reunion.
Philotheus, distinguished by humility and obedience, faced temptations from one of the nuns but stood firm against her seductions. After this, he decided to leave the monastery and went to the Holy Mountain of Athos, where he joined the brotherhood of the Dionysiou Monastery. Later, seeking solitude, he withdrew to the desert, where he was attacked by Satan but remained unharmed. Philotheus also escaped from robbers by praying to God for protection.
Reaching a deep old age, he strictly forbade his disciples to bury his body, wishing it to be left for the beasts to devour. However, God glorified his relics, and an elder, seeing light from Philotheus's skull, took it and, receiving guidance in a dream, returned it to the disciples. Blessed Philotheus passed away on October 21 and now enjoys bliss in the light of the saints, glorifying the Holy Trinity.
