Athanasius of Athos

Description

Athanasius of Athos, also Athanasius the Athonite (Greek: Αθανάσιος ο Αθωνίτης) and Athanasios of Trebizond, was a monk who founded the monastic community on Mount Athos, which has since evolved into the greatest center of Orthodox Christian monasticism. His feast day is July 5.Born Abraham in Trebizond about the year 920, he was orphaned at an early age and was raised by a pious nun. After the death of his adoptive mother, Abraham was taken to Constantinople, to the court of the emperor Romanus the Elder. There, he was enrolled as a student under the renowned rhetorician Athanasius. Soon, he attained the mastery of skill of his teacher, and he himself became an instructor of youths. During his time in Constantinople, Abraham met St. Michael Maleinus, igumen of Kyminas Monastery. Abraham told St. Michael about his life and revealed to him his desire to become a monk. Michael recognizing in Abraham the Holy Spirit taught him much in questions of salvation. During their spiritual talks Michael was visited by his nephew, Nicephorus Phocas, a military officer who was to be a future emperor. Nicephorus became impressed with Abraham’s spirit, and for all his life Nikephoros regarded Abraham with reverent respect and love.