Saint Nikanor of Mount Kalistratos (Zavorda)

Saint Nikanor of Mount Kalistratos (Zavorda)
Saint Nikanor was born in Thessaloniki at the end of the 15th century. From a young age, he showed deep love for God and a strong desire to dedicate his life to prayer and spiritual struggle. After the death of his parents, he distributed his inheritance to the poor and withdrew to Mount Kalistratos (later called Mount Nikanor), near Siatista in Macedonia.

There, he lived a life of strict fasting, prayer, and silence, devoting himself entirely to God. Through his purity and faith, Saint Nikanor received the grace of the Holy Spirit and became known for his miracles and spiritual insight. He founded the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior (Zavorda Monastery), gathering around him disciples and monks whom he guided in humility, obedience, and love.

His life was filled with compassion and miracles, and even after his repose, many faithful have received healing and help through his prayers. Saint Nikanor fell asleep in peace in 1519 AD, and the Orthodox Church commemorates his memory on August 7th each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Nikanor

Loving the life of asceticism,
you withdrew to Mount Kalistratos,
and cleaving wholly unto God,
you shone forth, O Nikanor, as a river of wonders.
Therefore we cry to you:
Rejoice, our Father,
mirror of virtue and glory of monks.

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