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Venerable (Monastic) · 20th century

Joseph the Hesychast

Also known as Elder Joseph · Joseph the Cave-dweller · Joseph the Spelaiotis · Frangiskos (Francis) Kottis

A renewer of hesychasm and the Jesus Prayer on Mount Athos. Born Francis Kottis on the island of Paros, he lived as a strict ascetic at Katounakia, Little St Anne's, and New Skete, gathering a brotherhood whose disciples revitalized Athonite and American monasticism.

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A simple (unordained) monk. He reposed on the feast of the Dormition (Aug 15, 1959) and is commemorated the following day, Aug 16. Glorified by the Ecumenical Patriarchate (proclaimed at Karyes Oct 2019; synodal decision Mar 2020). Spiritual father of Ephraim of Arizona, Joseph of Vatopaidi, and Charalambos of Dionysiou.

Sources: OrthodoxWiki; Wikipedia; St Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery; Ecumenical Patriarchate glorification (2019/2020); Synaxarion (Mystagogy)