Mount Athos serigraph (icon) of Saint Cosmas of Aetolia on wood with real gold leaves.

Dimensions: 20x15cm. / 30x22cm. / 40x30cm.

Saint Cosmas of Aetolia was born in the village of Megalo Dendro in Aetolia in 1714 AD. He received his higher education at the Athoniada Academy and then taught at the Lombotinas Taxiarchis school. In 1759 AD went to the Monastery of Philotheos where he became a monk and was ordained a priest. He practiced asceticism on Mount Athos for ten consecutive years and then went to Constantinople where he received the blessing of Patriarch Seraphim II.

Saint Kosmas made four big tours all over Greece. Wherever he went, crowds flocked to hear his teachings and prophecies. He founded many schools and churches and was distinguished for his great and ethno-saving missionary activity. The Turks had great respect for his face but the Jews hated him to death and finally managed to kill him. He was arrested in the village of Kolikontasi in Veratio and hanged from a tree on the banks of the river Apsos.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate recognized Patrocosmas as a Saint on April 20, 1961 AD. The Orthodox Christian Church celebrates his memory on August 24 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Kosmas the Aetolian

Third Tone

With odes let us acclaim the renowned Cosmas, who gloriously excelled among the choirs of the martyrs, priest, and ascetics, and let gather in praise of his memory; for he dispenseth healing to them that have recourse to him with faith, since, as an equal of the Apostles, he hath boldness before Christ.