Weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Athanasius of Mount Athos in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint Athanasios the Athonite was born in Trabzon around 930 AD. and his original name was Avramios. He was orphaned at a very young age and was raised by a nun, a friend of his mother. He studied in Constantinople and later taught at the school of Athanasios, a wise teacher of the time. When he met Saint Michael Maleinos, he became a monk in the Monastery of Kymina where he took the name Athanasius.

Later he went to the monastery of Zygos on Mount Athos to asceticize. In the year 963 AD, with the encouragement and help of Nikiforos Fokas, he built on Mount Athos the famous Monastery of Megisti Lavra where he remained for forty years. He died tragically when he was crushed by the roof of the Temple of the Monastery. Saint Athanasius the Athonite is the founder of monasticism on Mount Athos. The Orthodox Christian Church commemorates him on July 5 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Athanasius of Mount Athos

Third Tone

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.