Istanbul, February 11, 2026
Romfea
Two great Athonite saints were formally canonized by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople today.
Under the presidency of Patriarch Bartholomew, the hierarchs resolved to add Papa Tikhon the Russian, the spiritual father of the great St. Paisios, and Elder Hadji-Georgis the Athonite, a renowned 19th-century ascetic, to the Church’s liturgical calendar, reports Romfea.
St. Tikhon the Russian (1884–1968)
St. Tikhon, a Russian hieromonk, lived as an ascetic in the Skete of Kapsala on Mount Athos, at the Cell of the Precious Cross belonging to the Monastery of Stavronikita. Known for his life of extreme poverty, unceasing prayer, and humility, he became widely regarded as a spiritual father of exceptional discernment.
He is especially known as the spiritual guide of St. Paisios the Athonite, one of the most revered Orthodox saints of the 20th century. Those who knew Papa Tikhon described his daily life as marked by continuous liturgical consciousness and devotion.
Read more about St. Tikhon in the article, “In Memoriam: Fr. Tikhon the Anchorite.”
St. Hadji-Georgis the Athonite (1809–1886)
St. Hadji-Georgis, born in Cappadocia and later reposed in Constantinople, was one of the most prominent Athonite monastic figures of the 19th century. A monk of rigorous ascetic practice, he became known for the strictness of his spiritual discipline and the depth of his spiritual influence.
His life and teaching shaped an entire generation of monks on Mount Athos, many of whom followed closely in the patristic tradition he embodied.
St. Hadji-Georgis was also praised by St. Paisios, who wrote a book about him.
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