Dionysios of Zakynthos

Dionysios of Zakynthos

Saint Dionysios was born in 1547 AD. in the village of Aigialos in Zakynthos and was brought up with the teachings of the Gospel. Early, as soon as he came of age, he engaged in the teaching of the divine word, taking care, at the same time, to assist in the relief of the poor. Afterwards, he became a monk in the royal Monastery of Strophades, taking the name Daniel, where he practiced vigilance, temperance and the study of the Scriptures. Later, Dionysios was ordained a priest by the bishop of Kefalonia and Zakynthos, Theophilos. Then, in 1577 AD, he went to Athens in order to travel to Jerusalem. But the then high priest of Athens, Nikanoras, heard his brilliant sermon one Sunday and made him bishop of Aegina, with the official approval of the Church of Constantinople, giving him the name Dionysios. However, he fell ill from the many labors and resigned. Afterwards, he retired to the Monastery of Theotokos of Anafonitria in Zakynthos, where he practiced asceticism and lovingly preached and helped the island's inhabitants. Dionysios died in old age, in 1622 AD. and was buried in the Strophadon Monastery. His memory is commemorated on December 17