Andrew of Karakallou

Andrew of Karakallou, with the secular name Athanasios Klavatzas, was born in 1884 at Plagiari near Gallipoli. He came in 1906 and was tonsured a monk in 1914; from 1944 he was superior. For more than five decades he lived in the Monastery of the Holy Apostles Karakallou, from the time he entered the gate of his monastery of repentance. His life flowed with great asceticism, obedience and patience. After the illnesses he patiently hosted in his body, he acquired continual tears. Archimandrite Chrysostom Moustakas relates that you saw him always joyful, with a large handkerchief soaked with the precious drops from his eyes, which delighted his humble heart. Like that of the great abba of the ancient desert, the handkerchief of good Andrew never dried.

The register of Karakallou Monastery notes, sparingly as usual: "Status: monk. Name in the world: Athanasios Klavatzas. Place of birth: Plagiari, Gallipoli. Year of birth: 1884. Year of arrival: 1906. Year of tonsure: 1914. Remarks: superior 1944. Died: 15.8.1958." The Mother of God, mother of us all, deemed the Theotokos-⁠loving monk Andrew worthy to fall asleep on the day of her great feast, the Dormition, which all of holy Athos, her Garden, celebrates with joy. He is venerated by the faithful, without synodal canonization.