Saint Paisios - never remain in a state of sadness #StPaisios #elders #monastaic #shorts

Saint Paisios of Mount Athos, born Arsenios Eznepidis on July 25, 1924, in Pharasa, Cappadocia (now in modern-day Turkey), was a revered figure in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Here's an overview of his life and contributions:

Early Life: Born into a pious family, he was baptized by Saint Arsenios the Cappadocian, who foresaw Arsenios' future as a monk. His family fled to Greece during the population exchange following the Greco-Turkish War in 1924.
Military Service: During World War II, he served in the Greek military as a radio operator, famously refusing to fire a weapon, instead relying on prayer during combat situations.
Monastic Life: In 1950, after his military service, he went to Mount Athos, the spiritual center of Orthodox monasticism, where he became a monk. He was tonsured with the name Averkios initially, then later given the name Paisios when he received the Small Schema in 1957. Over the years, he lived in various monasteries including Esphigmenou, Philotheou, and Iviron, before settling in the hermitage of Panagouda.
Spiritual Guidance: Known for his deep spirituality, Elder Paisios became a spiritual guide to many. He was renowned for his humility, love, and ability to provide spiritual counsel that resonated deeply with people from all walks of life. His teachings focused on love, humility, and the importance of prayer.
Health and Later Years: Despite suffering from serious health issues, including lung surgery and cancer, he continued to minister to those who sought his guidance. He was known to take on the suffering of others, praying fervently for them.
Canonization: Saint Paisios passed away on July 12, 1994, and was canonized by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on January 13, 2015. His feast day is celebrated on July 12. His canonization was relatively swift due to the widespread recognition of his sanctity during his lifetime.
Miracles and Teachings: There are numerous accounts of miracles attributed to him, both during his life and after his repose. His writings and recorded sayings, which include counsel on spiritual life, have been published in several volumes, impacting Orthodox Christians globally.
Legacy: Saint Paisios is venerated not only in Greece but also across the Orthodox world. He is often depicted in icons with a scroll that includes one of his sayings, emphasizing love and humility as the "frequency in which God works."

His teachings continue to guide and inspire those seeking spiritual growth in the Orthodox tradition

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