Eustathios the Cypriot

Saint Eustathios the Cypriot, a venerable monk, was born in 1922 at Palaiochori near Nicosia in Cyprus, with the name Eustathios Papageorgiou, the son of George. His parents were poor and sent him to Nicosia to learn the carpenter's trade. His love for the Church moved some good clergy, who helped him study theology in Athens. In 1949 he was tonsured a monk and ordained deacon, and in 1957 priest. In 1960 he was appointed episcopal vicar of Famagusta and president of the church court there. He insistently refused to be elected bishop, citing ill health. In his soul burned the longing for quiet, watchfulness and prayer.

After the Turkish invasion and the flight of refugees he turned his heart to the Holy Mountain and reached the New Skete in 1978, in obedience to Father Elpidios (died 1983). The honours he had enjoyed and his illnesses did not prevent him from humbling himself and obeying. Father Joseph of Vatopaidi described him as gentle, free from anger, long-⁠suffering, obedient, hardworking, reverent and serene. His cell was filled with an indescribable fragrance. He stayed in the skete about 1200 days. A diabetes of twenty years led him early to his death. He fell asleep in the Lord on 7 August 1981, after the feast of the Transfiguration. Father Elpidios said of him: "For three years here he did not open his mouth to condemn anyone. He praised everyone, he excused everyone." He is honoured by the faithful, without synodal canonization.