Venerable Euthymius the New of Thessalonica (†889) – October 15 / October 28 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 15 according to the Julian Calendar (October 28 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Venerable Euthymius the New of Thessalonica.

Venerable Euthymius the New of Thessalonica (in the world, Nicetas) was born in Galatia in Asia Minor. His devout parents, Epiphanius and Anna, raised him in faithful observance of the Savior’s commandments. Nicetas was seven years old when his father died, and from then on he stood faithfully beside his widowed mother in every task.

After completing his military service the saint married. When a daughter was born to him, he judged that she was ample consolation for the family, and he secretly left his home and went to a monastery to labor in the ascetic life. At first Euthymius settled on Mount Olympus, where he spent fifteen years in the God-pleasing labor of prayer and fasting. He then moved to Mount Athos, withdrew into a cave, and passed three years in complete silence.

Afterward the Lord’s chosen one came to Thessalonica, where for a long time he struggled upon a pillar east of the city, on the summit of Mount Peristera. By divine direction he founded two communities, one for monks and one for nuns, which he governed for fourteen years while holding the rank of deacon. The saint’s mother and wife entered the convent as nuns. Near the end of his life the saint withdrew to a small island near Athos, where in the year 889 he peacefully gave his soul to the Lord. His relics were translated to Thessalonica. He is called “the New” to distinguish him from Venerable Euthymius the Great (commemorated on January 20).