Saint Gerasimos (1506, Trikala of Corinthia — August 15, 1579, Cephalonia) is the patron saint of the island of Cephalonia. He came from the aristocratic Byzantine Notaras family. He became a monk in Mount Athos and was later ordained a priest in Jerusalem, where he served for twelve years at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Seeking a life of hesychastic asceticism, he withdrew to Crete and Zakynthos, where he lived as a hermit. In 1555, he settled in Cephalonia, in a cave near Argostoli. Later, he founded a monastery in the mountains near Valsamata.
According to tradition, in his final words he advised people to live peacefully, avoiding pride and selfishness.
Saint Gerasimos of Cephalonia is especially venerated in the island, since many families give his name to young boys. His incorrupt relics are kept in a silver reliquary at the women’s monastery dedicated to him. During the period of his feast, the relics are carried close to the sick, offering them healing. October 20 is the official feast day of the saint and of the whole island.
