Ecumenical Patriarchate Canonizes Two Athonite Ascetics

Photo: romfea.gr

CONSTANTINOPLE — The Ecumenical Patriarchate has officially canonized two revered ascetics of Mt. Athos, Sts. Tikhon and Hadjigiorgis, affirming a long-standing veneration among the faithful. The decision was made February 11, 2026, during a session of the Holy and Sacred Synod presided over by Patr. Bartholomew.

According to Romfea.gr, the Synod unanimously approved the inclusion in the Church's hagiography of Hieromonk Tikhon, who labored in asceticism at the Stavronikita Cell of the Holy Cross in Kapsala, and Monk George, known also as Hadji-Georgis, originally from Cappadocia. St. Tikhon (1884–1968) was the spiritual father of St. Paisios of Mount Athos, while St. Hadjigiorgis (1809–1886) became known for rigorous asceticism and spiritual influence.

Church sources described the canonizations as recognition of the Holy Spirit's enduring presence, offering contemporary believers models of humility, prayer, and sacrificial love.

Previously, the UOJ reported that sixteen women were proclaimed saints in Bucharest.

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