Philaretos of Karoulia

Saint Philaretos of Karoulia, a Constantinopolitan, had been abbot of the Stavronikita Monastery and later became a poor ascetic at Karoulia, below the Great Lavra. He also played the fool for Christ in order to be humble. His hermitage was a palace to him, and his cell resembled a grave. He had left everything in God's hands and cared for nothing of the earth. He counted contempt as praise and cared only for the purity of his mind. He loved the Mother of God much. Chanting made him weep, and he thought of chanters as angels. His prayer was united with his breathing. He used to say: "My brothers, the whole world runs and strives for its salvation, except me, the sinner." He reposed happily, after the Danielites chanted the "Axion Estin" for him. Our sources place this in 1962, while a short note gives him as having reposed in 1956. He is honoured by the faithful, without synodal canonization.