Venerable (Monastic)10th century

Saints Euthymius and Neophytus of Docheiariou

10th century

Also known as Euthymius · Neophytus

An uncle and nephew of Byzantine aristocracy who became monks and founded Docheiariou Monastery on Mount Athos.

November 9New Calendar

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November 22Old Calendar

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Life

Saints Euthymius and Neophytus were an uncle and nephew drawn from the highest ranks of the Byzantine aristocracy who renounced the world for the monastic life on Mount Athos and together founded the Monastery of Docheiariou. They are commemorated jointly on November 9, Euthymius as founder and Neophytus as co-founder.

Euthymius had been a friend of Saint Athanasius of Mount Athos while still living in the world. He became Athanasius's novice and disciple, and for his sincere love of the brethren and ascetic dedication he was appointed steward (docheiarios) of the community — the monastic office from which the monastery he later established took its name.

Neophytus, who had served as a companion of Emperor Nikephoros Phokas in secular life, succeeded his uncle in the governance of the foundation. Under his guidance the small monastery grew into a Lavra, and he was later chosen as protos, head of the governing council of Mount Athos.

Timeline5 momentsReadHide

10th centuryAristocratic originsEuthymius and his nephew Neophytus, both of the highest Byzantine aristocracy, live in the world. Euthymius is a friend of Saint Athanasius of Mount Athos, and Neophytus serves as a companion of Emperor Nikephoros Phokas (r. 963–969).
10th centuryMonastic profession and stewardshipEuthymius becomes the novice and disciple of Saint Athanasius on Mount Athos and is appointed steward (docheiarios) of the community for his love of the brethren and ascetic dedication.
10th centuryFounding of DocheiariouEuthymius settles at Daphne with several monks and establishes a monastery dedicated to Saint Nicholas, naming it Docheiariou after his office as steward. After Saracen raiders destroy it, he rebuilds it.
10th centurySuccession of NeophytusBefore his death Euthymius entrusts the monastery's administration to Neophytus, under whom it grows into a Lavra and is enlarged through the patronage of Emperor Nikephoros Phokas.
10th centuryNeophytus as protos of AthosNeophytus is chosen as protos, head of the governing council of Mount Athos, serving many years before returning to Docheiariou in old age.

Contributions & Legacy

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Foundation of Docheiariou

After entering the monastic life under Saint Athanasius of Mount Athos, Euthymius settled at Daphne together with several monks and established a monastery there. He dedicated it to Saint Nicholas and named it Docheiariou in memory of his own monastic duties as steward (docheiarios) of Athanasius's community.

The monastery was destroyed by Saracen raiders, but Euthymius refused to lose heart and rebuilt it. The community is traditionally held to have been founded in the late 10th or early 11th century.

The monastery as it later stood on Mount Athos is dedicated to the memory of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, with its patronal feast celebrated on November 8.

Expansion under Neophytus

Before his death, Euthymius transferred the administration of the monastery to his nephew Neophytus. Under Neophytus's spiritual guidance the small foundation expanded into a Lavra.

Drawing on his earlier standing at court as a companion of Emperor Nikephoros Phokas, Neophytus secured the emperor's patronage, which significantly enlarged the monastery.

Neophytus was afterward chosen as protos, the head of the governing council of Mount Athos, and served in that position for many years before returning to Docheiariou in his old age.

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Synaxis of All Saints of Mount Athos

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Sources: OCA Synaxarion (oca.org), Lives of the Saints