Neophytus of Dochiariou

Venerable Neophytus of Dochiariou was the second founder of the Docheiariou Monastery on Mount Athos and for a time Protos of the Holy Mountain. He lived in the tenth century, in the days of the emperors Nikephoros Phokas and John Tzimiskes (963-976).

He was the son of a duke of Constantinople and, endowed with wisdom, was loved by all, and the emperor made him first secretary. Hearing that his uncle Euthymius was abbot at Docheiariou, he wished to follow him and went to Athos. He left his wealth and gave it to the monastery, was tonsured a monk by his uncle and appointed abbot. He loved the monastery like a mother, renewed it and enlarged it: he built a larger church and a tower for defence of the monks against pirates, and later he was chosen Protos of Athos. He then left the abbacy and fell asleep quietly. With Euthymius, his uncle, he is called the founder of the monastery. He is commemorated on 9 November (new style).