Saint Silouan of Athos (in the world - Simeon) was born in 1866 in the Tambov province in a pious family of the peasant Ioann Antonov. From his youth, he wished to take monastic vows, but his father insisted on military service. In the army, he manifested the gift of wise counsel.
Shortly before the end of his service in St. Petersburg, he left a note to Father John of Kronstadt asking him to pray for his desire to become a monk.
In the autumn of 1892, Simeon arrived at the Holy Mountain and became a novice in the Russian Panteleimon Monastery. He lived in the atmosphere of the Athonite spiritual tradition, dedicating his days to prayer, services, fasting, and labor. His obedience included hard work at the mill, the duties of the economus, and managing the workshops.
In 1896, he was tonsured into the mantle with the name Silouan, and in 1911 - into the schema.
Having lived forty-six years in the monastery, he did not seek seclusion, keeping his mind and heart free from worldly thoughts. His life was a heartfelt prayer "to great tears," and he reached a spiritual state that allowed him to foresee the future and call for repentance. The venerable one reposed on September 11, 1938.
In 1988, he was canonized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and in 1991 - by the Russian Orthodox Church. Pilgrims came to venerate his holy head, believing in his intercessory prayers. His writings on Christian life and monastic endeavors gained fame and have been translated into many languages.
