Athanasius the Wonderworker

Holy Venerable Athanasius the Wonderworker devoted himself from youth to serving the Gospel, in word and in deed, and received from God the gift of healing the illnesses of body and spirit. His prayers gave health to many, so that people ran to him or invited him into their homes.

Later he wished to live among monks. He went to a monastery near the river Sagaris, whose abbot was a former senator. Life there had been spoiled by worldly passions, and Athanasius, at the abbot's request, agreed to set the unruly monks right. His fervent word, his blameless example, his brotherly exhortations and his all-⁠night prayers soon brought compunction and holiness into souls that had been hard.

He then passed to the monastery of Trajan, where he remained as a priest. There he copied devotional books, sold them, and gave the money to the poor. He fell asleep in peace at a great age. He is commemorated on 3 June (new style), together with Saint Pappus, Bishop of Chytri, and is counted among the venerable wonderworkers.