Gennadios the Athonite

Gennadios the Athonite was a deacon and chanter, born at Dorohoi in Romania. As a young man he entered Rishca (Rasca) Monastery and after a short time left for the Holy Mountain, where he stayed a long time, learning with obedience and willingness in various places of the Garden of the Mother of God. He then returned to Romania, laden with Athonite blessings and experiences, was ordained deacon and served in various churches and monasteries.

Life on Athos taught him simplicity, humility and decorum. All his life he dressed simply and behaved with order and courtesy. His modesty made him respected by all. He had great reverence and compunction; he was first to enter the church and last to leave. He served in the sanctuary as deacon and at the lectern as chanter with dignity and gravity, and he was an exceptional chanter. His reading of the Gospel was very moving. He was the adornment of all the feasts of the churches. He was distinguished by discernment. He disliked talkativeness; his few words were all humility and love. He marvelled at God's creation and glorified the Creator. Following scientific discoveries, he said: "Our brethren know many things today, but they were not taught reverence and humility."

In old age he had many illnesses but was never absent from church. When told to see a doctor, he pointed toward the cemetery. Only in the last week of his life did he lie in bed, in his cell at Sihastria Monastery. He reposed peacefully at noon on 22 January 1972. He is venerated by the faithful, without synodal canonization.