Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Gerasimus of Cephalonia in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint Gerasimus was born in 1509 AD. in Trikala, Corinth from a wealthy family. His father Demetrios came from the famous Byzantine family of Notarades. The Saint, at a young age, decides to go to Zakynthos to expand his education. His deep connection with the Orthodox faith leads him to Constantinople and then to Mount Athos, where he practiced as a monk. In Jerusalem, he was ordained a deacon by the Patriarch Germanos and was named Gerasimus, in honor of Saint Gerasimus of Jordan.

After a long tour in Syria, Damascus, Alexandria and other places, the Saint went to Cephalonia and founded a monastery called New Jerusalem. His fame spread throughout the Christian world, with the result that a large number of believers flocked to the monastery. Gerasimus, protector of Cephalonia, died in peace on August 15, 1579 AD. His memory is not honored by the Orthodox Christian Church on the day of his death, due to the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, but on October 20, the day of the resurrection of his remains.

Apolytikion of Saint Gerasimus of Cephalonia

First Tone

Let us the faithful praise the divine Gerasimus, who hath been newly revealed to us as a protector of the Orthodox, an angel in the flesh, and a God-bearing wonderworker. For he worthily received from God the unfailing gift of healing; he restoreth the ailing and healeth demoniacs. Wherefore, he poureth forth healings upon them that honour him.