Venerable Michael Maleinos — July 12 / July 25 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, July 12 according to the Julian Calendar (July 25 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Venerable Michael Maleinos.

Venerable Michael Maleinos (in the world, Manuel) was descended from the illustrious Maleinos family and was related to Emperor Leo VI the Wise (886-912). He was born around 894 in Cappadocia. In his youth, Manuel was sent to Constantinople to the imperial court.

However, the young man’s heart was not drawn to earthly glory. At the age of eighteen, Manuel secretly left Constantinople and withdrew to a monastic community, receiving the monastic tonsure and the name Michael.

He settled on Mount Kyminas in Bithynia, where he lived in great ascetic labors — fasting, vigil, and prayer. His holy life attracted many disciples, and he became the spiritual father of a flourishing community.

Among his most celebrated disciples was the young Nikephoros (later the great Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas), whom Michael received and guided. Another disciple was the great ascetic Athanasios, who later founded the Great Lavra on Mount Athos.

Venerable Michael possessed remarkable gifts of discernment and spiritual insight. He guided his disciples with wisdom and love, always directing them toward humility and interior prayer.

He reposed in the Lord in 962, having lived many years in holy ascetic struggle. He is venerated throughout the Orthodox Church as a great monastic father and a model of the contemplative life.