Chrysostomos of Katounakia

Chrysostomos of Katounakia was born in 1903 at Neo Karlovasi on Samos. In 1930, "wounded by divine love, he left worldly things and came to the Garden of the Mother of God." He entered Xeropotamou Monastery, where after the regular trial he was tonsured into the great schema. He was distinguished by obedience and zeal in all obediences, and all the monks loved him, especially his elder, Abbot Athanasios.

Desiring a stricter life, he left the comforts of the idiorrhythmic monastery and went into the Athonite wilderness. He lived in Saint Anne's Skete, at Karoulia, at Little Saint Anne's, and for the last 17 years in the hut "It Is Truly Meet" at Katounakia. Those who knew him say he was among the virtuous and pious monks, careful, experienced in counsel to all, a fervent zealot for the faith, who never consented to novelties and innovations. At eighty-⁠six, a year and a half earlier, he became continuously bedridden and lost his sight. Even on the bed of pain he endured with perseverance and joy, glorifying God and the Mother of God. To his last days he cast himself on the mercy of God and never thought he had done anything great. Sensing the end of his sojourn, he asked forgiveness of all and forgave those who had wronged him. Since coming to Athos he never left it, although this was advised for reasons of health.

He reposed in the Lord on 29 January 1989. He is venerated by the faithful, without synodal canonization.