Theophilos of the Great Lavra

Theophilos of the Great Lavra, with the secular name Thomas Kapsis, the son of Panagiotis and Margaro, was born in 1885 at Kaniani near Lamia and came to the Great Lavra in 1910. An elder of recognized virtue, he was elected superior of the monastery in 1945 for his prudence. He was an ever-⁠willing servant, admirable, fond of the services, with enlightened thought and an unspotted conscience.

Bishop Chrysostom of Rodostolon writes that he did not endure long in the office of superior: he soon discovered that the quiet of the cell, sober contemplation and the laborious work of the prayer of the mind could not be reconciled with administrative responsibilities, financial management and public relations. He submitted his resignation at a meeting, thanking the elders for the honour, and begged them with tears to understand. From then on he became more silent, shut himself up in his cell and gave himself to prayer. Dress and appearance did not interest him. He met chiefly the ascetics of Vigla, Kavsokalyvia and Karoulia, whom he loved and by whom he was loved. With his worn prayer rope, patched undergarment, faded cap and eyes usually lowered, he avoided conversation. He ate once a day, with water, rusk and dried figs, and oil only on weekends. His cell was utterly plain. He was an ascetic hidden for many years in the great and first monastery. He kept to the old rule of the monastery and stood in the katholikon like a lit candle. His prayer worked wonders.

Foreseeing his end, he asked to commune. To the priest who encouraged him he said: "I will keep Pascha in heaven." So it was: he reposed at dawn on Great Wednesday, 18 April 1975. He had distributed money for his memorial services and had given his few belongings to the fathers of the monastery. He is venerated by the faithful, without synodal canonization.