The Path to the Cell – A Humble Trail Toward Grace
As one walks down from the Monastery of Stavronikita toward Karyes, a small prayer post appears on the left side of the road. Just beyond it, a narrow path cuts through the wild greenery—low forest filled with arbutus, holm oaks, heather, and small shrubs. The trail is uneven, with steps formed by roots and stones. At the end, the cell of Saint Paisios reveals itself.
Next to the entrance, there once was a small box with a note written by the Saint himself:
"Write what you wish to talk about and place it in the box. You will benefit more from prayer than from discussion."
A thin wire tied to the fence reached inside the cell, so the Saint would know when someone had arrived. Everything was simple, quiet, and saturated with the presence of God.
The Courtyard and the Grave of Elder Tychon – Ground Soaked in Prayer
In the courtyard, olive trees and grapevines provide shade. Next to an olive tree, there was a simple table and a few chairs—what he called the “summer guesthouse.” There he welcomed visitors with loukoumi (Turkish delight), water, a few words, and an abundance of love.
To the left of the yard, lovingly tended, lies the grave of Elder Tychon—Saint Paisios’ spiritual father. The Saint had planted rosemary around it “so no one would step on it,” and always remembered him with tenderness and reverence.
The Chapel and the Cell – Nobility in Simplicity
The cell featured a small anteroom that led into a modest chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross. It held only a few icons, a single stasidi (monastic chair), a lectern, and a deep sense of prayer. Behind the chapel was a small room used both as a workshop and a guestroom. The roof was low, made of reeds and earth. Here, the Saint made handicrafts, rested, and continued praying unceasingly.
To prevent being seen when he went to his workshop, he stacked wood in front of the narrow path. His life was filled with wisdom and discernment—even in the smallest details.
The Saint’s Daily Life – Vigil, Labor, and Offering
Saint Paisios slept only a few hours. He rose at midnight and prayed until morning, pouring out his heart for the world. Then he worked on his crafts: printing small icons, carving wooden crosses, and other blessed items. When night fell, he would write letters by candlelight, responding to requests for prayer and guidance.
Twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, he would retreat into silence. He had built a small hut in the woods near a spring, where he could isolate himself in prayer. In these ascetic conditions, he would place visitors' written requests into a basket and intercede for each one with tears and love.
His Bond with God’s Creatures – A Living Paradise
The Saint lived with deep respect for nature. Wild animals approached him without fear. He fed them, spoke to them, and called them by name. His meals were frugal—lentils, rice, or a handful of greens. He only cooked when visitors were present.
He produced olive oil from his trees using a makeshift press. Whatever was left, he gave to ascetics and monks in need.
Entirely Yours – The Saint’s Humble Hospitality
In a letter from 1971, Saint Paisios wrote:
"I have every good intention to host you in my Cell with all of my gypsy-like hospitality, and to be yours—not half of Paisios, but wholly yours…"
This was the spirit of the Saint: total offering, utter humility, and boundless love.
