Venerable Neophytus of Vatopedi, Mt Athos
Commemorated January 21
Saint Neophytus of Vatopedi was a church warden at the Vatopedi monastery at Athos. He was sent to the monastery’s metochion (representation church) in Euboea to serve. Falling grievously ill, he turned with intense prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos, asking to be allowed to die in his own monastery. He heard a voice from the icon of the Mother of God saying, “Go to your monastery, Neophytus. You will be ready in a year.” The miraculously healed Neophytus intensified his spiritual efforts in preparation for his departure from this life.
A year later, after he had received the Holy Mysteries of Christ, he again heard the voice from the icon of the Mother of God saying that it was time for him to depart. He returned to his cell and fell ill. After asking forgiveness from the brethren, he surrendered his soul to the Lord.
Troparion
In thee, O father, was manifestly preserved what is in the image of God, for having taken up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thine own example hast taught that the flesh is to be despised as transient, but that particular care should be bestowed on the soul, as a thing immortal; wherefore, together with the angels, rejoiceth also thine, O holy Neophytus, spirit.
Kontakion
Having divinely armed thyself with the purity of thy soul and unceasing prayers firmly grasping as a spear, thou, our father Neophytus, hast pierced the armies of the demon; supplicate unceasingly for us all.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
