Agios Paisios of Mount Athos, born Arsenios Eznepidis, was a well-known Greek Orthodox ascetic from Mount Athos, who originated from Pharasa, Cappadocia. He was respected for his spiritual guidance and ascetic life and many people worldwide highly venerate Elder Paisios, especially in Greece and in Russia.
Agios Paisios of Mount Athos, the Holy Mountain was born on July 25, 1924, and died July 12, 1994.
Over the course of his life the words of Agios Paisos, came to be honoured by many and was viewed as a “holy elder” by those of Greek and Russian Orthodox faith.
Agios Paisos is said to have really loved people and suffered along with those in despair, listened to them, offered them hope, and prayed for them. He spent his nights in prayer and his entire days in relieving human pain and spreading divine consolation. He guided, consoled, healed, and gave rest to countless people who took shelter in him.
Agios Paisios of Mount Athos was canonised January 13, 2015, and his feast day is celebrated today, July 12.
He arrived on Mount Athos in 1950, first to Fr. Kyril, the future abbot of Koutloumousiou Monastery, and then to Esphigmenou Monastery. In 1954, Arsenios, having been a novice for four years, was tonsured a monk and was given the name Averkios. He was a conscientious monk, finding ways to both complete his obediences (which required contact with others) and to preserve his silence, so as to progress in the art of prayer. He was always selfless in helping his brethren. He was unwilling to rest while others worked (though he may have already completed his own obediences) as he loved his brothers greatly and without distinction. In addition to his ascetic struggles and the common life in the monastery, he was spiritually enriched through the reading of soul-profiting books
In 1968, he resided at the Monastery of Stavronikita helping with its spiritual as well as material renovation. While there he had the blessing of being in contact with the ascetic Elder Tikhon who lived in the Hermitage of the Holy Cross, near Stavronikita. Elder Paisios stayed by his side until his repose, serving him selflessly as his disciple. It was during this period that Elder Tikhon clothed Fr. Paisios in the Great Schema. According to the wishes of the Elder, Fr. Paisios remained in Elder Tikhon’s hermitage after his repose. Fr. Paisios stayed there until 1979 when he moved to his final home on the Holy Mountain, the hermitage Panagouda, which belongs to the Monastery of Koutloumousiou.
His words were recorded by thousands who journeyed to seek his advice and prophecies. Agios Paisios had warned of the great cataclysms, which was said to await future generations and spoke of Greece’s crisis, as well as the European Union, Islam, and WWIII.
Here are some of his prophecies:
