Prokopios of Karyes

Prokopios of Karyes, a hierodeacon, with the secular name Paradeisis Gagas, son of George and Maria, was born in 1843 at Polygyros in Chalkidiki. He finished the urban school of his native town. In 1863 he came to the Koutloumousiou cell of Saint Nicholas the Smith above Karyes. After a three-⁠year trial he was tonsured a monk by his elder Nikephoros, from whom he also learned Byzantine music. He perfected his education by continual study of the works of the holy fathers and the nepsis writings. Icon painting he learned from his fellow cell dweller, the monk Anthimos, formerly of Esphigmenou. With his disciples, the monks Anthimos and Neophytos, he had a good icon-⁠painting workshop. They painted about four thousand icons, sent mostly to Russia, of good Renaissance art. He was also known as a good photographer for his time.

The hieromonk Christopher of Docheiariou writes of him: "Father Prokopios is not only an excellent artist but also one of the most virtuous of monks, for he never plotted against anyone, nor slandered, nor calumniated, nor wronged, but forgave all and prayed for all, sincerely loved all, helping them; he had one burning desire, that all Orthodox Christians attain the good things to come and that all humanity return to Orthodox Christianity, as well as the liberation of the queen of cities by the Greek army. For all these virtues he is esteemed by all Athonites, especially for his quietness, gentleness, peace, restraint of tongue and belly, goodness and sincerity." He was a studious, serious, virtuous, hardworking monk, a good chanter, icon painter and photographer, a lover of country, God, brothers, children and people. He supported the schools of Polygyros and raised an orphaned nephew. He reposed in 1932. He is venerated by the faithful, without synodal canonization.