Patriarch
Saint Gerasimos was born in Chandax, Crete. His first teacher was his father, Protopresbyter Theodore. After receiving his initial education at home, he pursued higher studies in Venice, where he studied Greek, Latin and Hebrew.
Following the Ottoman conquest of Chandax, he moved to the Peloponnese and later to Kastoria, where he became a preacher of the Gospel. He was subsequently appointed Archbishop of Kastoria and administered the Diocese of Adrianople.
Following the death of Patriarch Parthenius of Alexandria in 1688, Gerasimos was elected as his successor. He was distinguished by his pious way of life, although he was not spared accusations. In particular, he was accused of introducing innovations into the liturgical life of the Church. After being judged innocent, he continued to carry out his priestly duties.
He administered the Orthodox Church of Egypt for twenty-two years, after which he resigned from the patriarchal office and withdrew to Mount Athos. There, he soon reposed in the Lord.
His canonization was carried out by the Orthodox Church of Alexandria, while his feast day was established on May 7, 2003, together with the saints of the Russian Orthodox Church.
