Kosmas of Koutloumousiou

Kosmas of Koutloumousiou, with the secular name John Stogiannis, the son of Peter and Maria, was born in 1912 in the village of Sokraki on Corfu. He came to the Holy Mountain in 1939 and in 1940 was tonsured a monk in the Koutloumousiou cell of Saint Spyridon (of the Corfiots), where he stayed until his death, never going out into the world.

Those who remember him say he was a monk without possessions, silent and humble. He lived poorly, patiently tending hazel trees and vines. He was also a good cook and went to cook, when called, at the feasts of monasteries and cells. All his life he was modest; he knew only the church, the cell and the garden. He did not talk much, nor have visits or friendships. In winter, in his poor cell, he never used heating, although it was very cold, and covered himself with some old rugs meant for animals. He lived to give rest to others. If you insisted that he advise you, he would say quietly: "As far as you can, give rest to the other, to your neighbour, to your brother."

His elder was Damian of Zakynthos (d. 1955), who likewise never went out into the world. He reposed in the Lord on 23 January 1988. He is venerated by the faithful, without synodal canonization.