Panteleimon of Karyes

The hieromonk Panteleimon of Karyes, also called Panteleimon of St Anne's, was born on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the city of Patras in 1936. At only fifteen he came to the Holy Mountain to learn the art of icon painting, in the hut of Saint George of the Kartsonaioi in Saint Anne's Skete. After three years of trial he was tonsured a monk by Elder Gabriel (d. 1956), who lived with his brothers Chrysostomos (d. 1941) and Seraphim (d. 1966). He was ordained deacon in 1960 and priest in 1965 by Metropolitan Nathanael of Miletoupolis (d. 1978). He was distinguished as an excellent chanter, always chanting with reverence and compunction, and helped many to learn Byzantine music. He was also a good icon painter and calligrapher. He cared for four elders of his hut and received many blessings. From long years of obedience he gained experience and knowledge and could then assist brothers troubled by thoughts. As a spiritual father he helped many; communion with him gave joy and peace. We remember him serious, with a sweet face, clear gaze, all courtesy and respect, quiet and sweet-⁠spoken, keeping vigil and chanting willingly and cheerfully.

He did not press his interlocutors to understand. He prayed secretly, warmly and humbly that they be enlightened. He systematically avoided self-⁠promotion. In confession he wept with the penitent. He often sent those who asked to confess to more experienced confessors. Those who wronged him he forgave. Those who slandered him he did not get angry with. He bore his bitterness with prayer, hope and trust in God. Father Chrysostomos of the Kartsonaioi says: "He was a calm man. In the 27 years we were together I never saw him angry at anyone. Sad, yes, but angry, never. He did not judge, did not gossip, did not speak with malice." He received God's call with such calm and deep peace that one would think another was the sick man. He reposed on 12 January 1992, and the funeral was held the next day in the skete's kyriakon, where he had chanted for forty years, in the presence of four bishops, five Athonite abbots and the whole St Anne's brotherhood. He is venerated by the faithful, without synodal canonization.