Description

Lithograph of Saint Eugenios of Aetolia

Saint Eugenios Ioannoulios or Giannoulis of Aetolia was born in 1595 AD (or 1596 AD) in Megalo Dendro, Apokouro, to poor parents.

As a young man, he entered the Monastery of Panagia Vlohou in Agrinio. He was ordained deacon in 1616 AD at the Monastery of Tatarnas and spent a brief period at the Monastery of Xeropotamou on Mount Athos. In 1619 AD, he was ordained priest at the Monastery of Sinai by the then Patriarch of Alexandria, Cyril Loukaris (see June 27), who later became the Ecumenical Patriarch. He lived through many hardships due to his commitment to Orthodoxy and his unyielding spirit. Eugenios even faced the prospect of being deposed by the pro-Turkish and Latinophile Patriarch Cyril Kontaris, but in 1639 AD, Patriarch Parthenius reinstated him in a grand ceremony.

From 1639 to 1640 AD, Saint Eugenios directed the School of Arta. Later, he went to Karpenisi, where he built a larger church dedicated to the Holy Trinity and established a Higher Education School in its courtyard, which became a center of spiritual revival for Evrytania. Many prominent men emerged from there, including bishops, patriarchs, and others. The saint also founded schools at the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi in Vragiana and in Aetoliko.

He fell asleep in the Lord in 1682 AD at the Monastery of Vragiana, surrounded by his beloved disciples, leaving behind a valuable body of written work. His biographer was his devoted disciple, the hieromonk Anastasius of Gordios. He was canonized by the Orthodox Church on July 1, 1982 AD. His feast day is celebrated on August 5th, as it coincides with the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Savior, though his memory is officially on August 6th.

From the work of Saint Eugenios, it is evident his great love for God and humanity. He was an untiring spiritual worker during difficult times for the nation, a brilliant guide, and a virtuous teacher. He used his eloquence, education, vast memory, courage, will, and extraordinary determination for the upliftment of his enslaved brethren. There are two chapels dedicated to him in Karpenisi.

Lithograph: Characteristics

Using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the iconographer monk created this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught to him on Mount Athos. In the four corners, the image is adorned with a golden finish, between the carvings of the artificial aging.

The image is available upon request.

Origin: Mount Athos