St. Athanasius the Athonite
Born with the baptismal name Abraham in Trebizond around 920, he was educated in Constantinople and tonsured a monk with the name Athanasius by Saint Michael Maleinos at the Kyminas monastery.
Settling as a hermit on Mount Athos around 958, he founded the Great Lavra in 963 with the support of Emperor Nikephoros Phokas, establishing the cenobitic (communal) form of monastic life on the Holy Mountain. Under his Rule, modeled on the ancient Palestinian and Studite traditions, Athos grew into the preeminent center of Orthodox monasticism that it remains today. He reposed around the year 1000, when the dome of the church he was enlarging collapsed upon him and six of his disciples.
Glory to Thee, O God! Lord, Jesus Christ, help me!
For Wisdom disposes otherwise than as people judge.
Troparion · Tone 3
The Angels' ranks were awed by thy life in the flesh, how, though corporeal, and clad with earthly clay, thou didst set forth with courage to invisible wars and wrestlings and didst boldly smite the hordes of the demons with mortal wounds. Wherefore, Christ rewarded thee with abundant gifts in return. Entreat Him that our souls find salvation, O most renowned Father Athanasius.
Kontakion · Tone 2
Taking the yoke of Christ upon yourself, you bore your cross on your shoulders, O Athanasius; you became a most virtuous imitator of His sufferings, and a sharer of His glory, partaking of endless joy.
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