Goyrias of Pantokratoros

Goyrias of Pantokratoros, with the secular name George Paskas, son of Stephen and Cassandra, was born at Stanen in Romania. He came to the Holy Mountain in 1903 and was tonsured a monk in 1908. He lived in the Romanian skete of Saint John the Forerunner and in other places of Athos. For about forty years he lived in the hut of the Annunciation of Pantokratoros in Lower Kapsala. As a young man they called him "the admiral," because in the world he had been a sailor. He was captain and shipowner and carried wheat to the monasteries in hard times. As fellow struggler he had his compatriot, the hieromonk Theodosios, who later took him with him to the hut of Saint Savvas in Kapsala. Before them, in the hut of the Annunciation, their compatriots had also lived, the very virtuous hieromonk brothers Gymnasios (d. 1965) and Dionysios (d. 2004), later of Kolitsou.

Elder Goyrias had a secret ascetic life unknown to the many. Often he withdrew to the cave next to the hut and lived heavenly states, praying warmly and with tears for himself and for the whole world. Though almost illiterate, he was a great fighter and zealot. "Keeping vigil, praying and fasting above all, having reached deep old age, he departed to the eternal tents and a wonderful miracle took place at his exit." Sitting, and asked if he was well, he answered that he was very well. Asked if he wanted anything, he asked for a little water. This happened twice. Then, remaining seated, he crossed his arms, took on a beautiful form, drew a deep breath and expired. He reposed in 1975. He is venerated by the faithful, without synodal canonization.