The venerable Silouan the Athonite (also known as Silouan of Mount Athos) was a monk of the early twentieth century at the Monastery of St. Panteleimon at Mount Athos known for his wise counsel. He is remembered by the Church on September 24 (New Calendar).
An ardent ascetic, he received the grace of unceasing prayer and saw Christ in a vision. After long years of spiritual trial, he acquired great humility and inner stillness. He prayed and wept for the whole world as for himself, and he put the highest value on love for enemies. Thomas Merton, a twentieth-century Catholic monk, described Silouan as “the most authentic monk of the twentieth century.” St. Silouan died on September 24, 1938. He was glorified by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1987.
Though barely literate, he was sought out by pilgrims for his wise counsel. His writings were edited by his disciple and pupil, Archimandrite Sophrony. Father Sophrony has written the life of the saint along with a record of St. Silouan’s teachings in the book Saint Silouan the Athonite.
Troparion:
On the path of humility,
By your prayers you received Christ as your Master.
In your heart the Holy Spirit witnessed to your salvation.
Therefore all people called to live in hope rejoice and celebrate your memory!
Holy Father Silouan, pray to Christ God to save our souls.
