Sophronius was born in Damascus around 550 AD. He was interested in philosophy, and proved to be gifted in all his studies, earning the title Sophronius the Wise. However, he was unsatisfied with these gifts as they were not yet accompanied by spiritual perfection. His pursuit for the true philosophy began in then-Palestine, where he venerated the Holy Places before arriving at the monastery founded by St Theodosius. Here he developed a kinship with John Moschus, a monk with whom Sophronius discovered wonderful spiritual wisdom. John Moschus became Sophronius’ spiritual father, and together they travelled to Alexandria to learn from [...]

There is perhaps no greater philosopher, scientist, ethicist or theologian born so far, apart from Aristotle (Αριστοτέλης). This year marks 2400 years since his birth, and numerous international scientific conferences and symposia are being organised for the occasion, to honour who many regard as the greatest intellect in Western history that ever walked on our planet. Aristotle was born in 384 BC, in Stageira (Στάγειρα) of Chalkidiki (Χαλκιδική), a peninsula in northern Macedonia, and died in Chalkida (Χαλκίδα), a town in Euboia (Εύβοια), opposite Attica, in 322 BC.   His father was a doctor of the Macedonian King, whilst his [...]

Life of Saint Agathon of Egypt

Life of Venerable Joachim Papoulakis of Ithaca, Monk of Vatopedi