Kallinikos of Katounakia

Saint Kallinikos of Katounakia, a venerable monk, was an Athenian and struggled at Katounakia, below the Great Lavra, where he was a recluse in his cell for more than four decades. He loved the Philokalia of the ascetic fathers, quiet, solitude, fasting, silence and prayer. Fasting, chastity, vigil, labour and tears were for him deeds and experiences, not words. Simplicity, humility and goodness adorned him. By his voluntary seclusion he sought only a greater working of the Jesus Prayer. Lack of cares, lack of curiosity, lack of sleep and silence accompanied him in his ardent prayer. Illumined by God, wise, loving the brethren and full of grace, he was made worthy to see the Light of Tabor, and his disciples sometimes saw him shining. He battled against the heresy of the Name Worshippers and became a true teacher of the prayer of the mind. His last day on earth was 6 August, the feast of the Transfiguration, the Pascha of the hesychasts. He reposed in the year 1930. He is honoured by the faithful, without synodal canonization.