Venerable
The Venerable Fathers Dionysios the Orator and Mitrophanes the Spiritual are commemorated in Mount Athos each July.
Saint Dionysios, born in the early sixteenth century, was distinguished for his education and spiritual wisdom. He was tonsured as a monk at the Monastery of Stoudiou, while he later withdrew to Mount Athos. He practiced the ascetic life in various sketes until he eventually settled in a cave together with his disciple, Mitrophanes. On the place of that cave, there stands today the Small Skete of Saint Anne. He became renowned for his wisdom, the rich body of spiritual writings, and the grace that characterized his life.
His disciple, Mitrophanes, embraced an equally rigorous ascetic life. With the blessing of his elder, he traveled to Chalkidiki to preach the message of the Gospel.
These two saints are regarded as the first inhabitants and founders of the Small Skete of Saint Anne.
