Today, on July 12, we honor Elder Paisios of Mount Athos, a cherished modern Saint of the Orthodox Church.
Born in 1924 in Farasa, Cappadocia, he was named Arsenios after being baptized by St. Arsenios the Cappadocian, who foresaw his monastic future. In 1926, Arsenios and his family relocated to Konitsa following the Greek-Turkish population exchange.
Arsenios showed an early interest in the lives of the saints, often retreating to the forest for silent prayer. Emulating Christ, he became a carpenter, nurturing humility and love, and proclaimed his intent to become a monk.
During World War II, Arsenios was recognized for his bravery and self-sacrifice, risking his life for soldiers with families. In the Greek Civil War, he served as a radio operator, refusing to fire a weapon.
Post-war, Arsenios ensured his sisters' care before beginning his monastic journey. At 29, he joined Philotheou Monastery on Mt. Athos, where his uncle was a monk, and was tonsured in 1956, receiving the name Paisios.
Elder Paisios was known for his diligent service, always helping others and viewing his own spiritual struggles as contributing to the world's troubles. He developed the practice of finding "good reasons" for others' actions to avoid judgment. When asked about another monk's odd behavior, he advised not to judge, explaining the monk's actions were a guise to maintain his silence.