Saint Dionysius of Zakynthos – Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Saint Dionysius of Zakynthos: Life

Saint Dionysius was born in 1547 AD in the Aiyialos area of Zakynthos. His family was wealthy and aristocratic. He was raised with the teachings of the Gospel and distinguished himself in both letters and virtue. Upon reaching adulthood, he dedicated himself to preaching the Gospel and philanthropy.

Shortly afterward, he became a monk at the Monastery of Strofades, taking the name Daniel. Despite his reservations about the heavy responsibility of the priesthood, he was ordained as a priest by the local bishop.

In 1577 AD, he traveled to Athens to make his way to Jerusalem. The Archbishop of Athens, Nikanor, heard his brilliant preaching and insisted that Dionysius become a bishop. After many entreaties, Nikanor ordained him as the Bishop of Aegina, giving him the name Dionysius.

Saint Dionysius performed his pastoral duties with great love and dedication. When he fell ill, he resigned and returned to Zakynthos. Until 1579 AD, he was the temporary bishop of the island. He then withdrew to the Monastery of the Theotokos of Anaphonitria.

The Saint of Forgiveness

Historical documents testify to the deadly feud between the Sigouros and Mondinos families of Zakynthos, which led to frequent clashes. In one of these, Saint Dionysius’ brother, Konstantinos Sigouros, was murdered. The murderer, in his attempt to escape, sought refuge in the monastery where Saint Dionysius was the abbot, unaware of his relationship to the victim.

When the murderer arrived at the monastery, Dionysius asked him why he was seeking refuge. After persistent questioning, the murderer confessed to killing Konstantinos and explained that the Sigouros family was pursuing him. Despite the immense grief for his brother’s death, Saint Dionysius not only hid the murderer but also helped him escape. In this way, he prevented another crime and gave the perpetrator the opportunity to repent.

Saint Dionysius died at an advanced age on December 17, 1622. He was buried at the Monastery of Strofades. Upon his exhumation, his body was found incorrupt and fragrant. The Church commemorates his memory on December 17th.

Lithograph of Saint Dionysius of Zakynthos

Using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the gifted iconographer Nektarios Nastos created this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught to him on Mount Athos. The image is embellished with a gold finish in the four corners, between the carvings of artificial aging.

Origin: Mount Athos