Saint Joseph the Hesychast
Elder Joseph: A Story of Faith and Devotion
Elder Joseph, known as Francis before becoming a monk, was born in 1898 in the village of Lefkes on Paros Island. His life was marked by the loss of his father at a young age, which deprived him of the opportunity for extensive studies.
Despite the difficulties, Francis developed a strong character, based on the values instilled in him from a young age. He worked hard, initially as a street vendor in Athens, while also studying books by ancient ascetics.
A defining moment in Francis' life came with a dream that resembled a revelation. In it, he found himself in a magnificent palace, where he was received with honors and offered splendid clothes.
This dream ignited a strong desire for spiritual exploration in Francis. He began to practice prayer, fasting, and vigil, imitating the ascetics, and eventually, guided by an Athonite monk, he found himself on Mount Athos.
On Mount Athos, Francis, now Elder Joseph, settled in Katounakia, the most remote and ascetic area. He devoted himself entirely to his spiritual cultivation, battling his passions and seeking guidance from experienced elders.
In a moment of weakness and disappointment, at the deserted Vigla area, Elder Joseph experienced a profound spiritual event. He felt joy and saw a light from the chapel of the Virgin Mary that filled him with supernatural powers. From then on, his prayer "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me" became unceasing, guiding him on the path of spiritual awakening.
The story of Elder Joseph is a testament to the power of faith and devotion. His simplicity, humility, and unwavering desire for spiritual elevation make him a role model for those seeking the deeper meaning of life.
Elder Joseph: Grueling Struggles and Ascetic Heights
On the summit of Mount Athos, on the very day of the feast of the Transfiguration of Christ the Savior, Elder Joseph, then still young Francis, met his future co-ascetic, Fr. Arsenios. They agreed to embark together on the path of the ascetic life and sought guidance from the wise Elder Daniel of Katounakia. Elder Daniel advised them to submit to a virtuous Elder, even if he was simple, to receive his blessing, and then after his repose to struggle as they desired.
Following Elder Daniel's advice, Francis and Arsenios settled in Katounakia, near Elders Ephraim and Joseph. There, they immersed themselves in the ascetic life, striving with prayer, fasting, and vigil, strictly following the program and teachings of their spiritual guides.
The ascetic life was not easy. Physical fatigue, spiritual struggle, and deprivation were daily trials. Despite this, Francis and Arsenios remained dedicated to their goal, gazing with faith and determination towards the summit of spiritual virtue.
After some years, Elder Joseph, Francis' spiritual father, fell asleep in the Lord. Francis, now a monk with the name Joseph, and Arsenios sought quietude and seclusion to delve even deeper into the ascetic life. Thus, they settled in caves in the area of Mikri Agia Anna.
There, in conditions of extreme austerity and strict asceticism, Elder Joseph and Arsenios devoted themselves entirely to their spiritual cultivation. Prayer, fasting, silence, and humility were their weapons in the fight against passions and temptations.
The fame of Elder Joseph's holiness gradually spread throughout Mount Athos. More and more pilgrims sought him out for spiritual guidance and solace. The Elder, with simplicity, humility, and deep wisdom, taught them the path to salvation.
In 1947, Elder Joseph accepted Elder Joseph from the Monastery of Vatopedi into his brotherhood. The young monk, full of zeal and spiritual thirst, found the ideal spiritual guide in Elder Joseph.
For 12 years, the two Elder Josephs, spiritual father and spiritual son, shared the ascetic life, striving and praying together. Elder Joseph of Vatopedi, deeply influenced by the teaching and example of Elder Joseph the Hesychast, dedicated his entire life to the service of God and Mount Athos.
The harsh ascetic life, however, left its mark on Elder Joseph the Hesychast's body. The doctors advised him to descend from the mountainous and inhospitable Katounakia to a lower altitude. Thus, in 1951, with a heavy heart, Elder Joseph moved his brotherhood to Nea Skete.
Despite the difficulties of adaptation, Elder Joseph and his disciples continued to strive spiritually with undiminished zeal. The Elder's reputation for holiness continued to attract many faithful who sought his precious spiritual advice and blessing.
On August 15, 1959, after a long illness, Elder Joseph the Hesychast fell asleep in the Lord. His memory is venerated with piety by the Orthodox Church and serves as an example of faith, dedication, and spiritual struggle for contemporary monks and lay believers.
