By Metropolitan Panteleimon of Koroneia
With great joy and jubilation I read the news of the canonization of Elder Athanasios the Lavriotis by the Holy Synod of our Ecumenical Patriarchate under the presidency of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Mr. Bartholomew, which allegedly took place through the actions of the elected Metropolitan of Kifisia Mr. Kyrillos.
Of course, in the consciousness of his spiritual children, Father Athanasios was always a Saint.
I remember, with nostalgia I would say, the humble cell of Elder Athanasios next to the Chapel of Nerantziotissa in Amarousio.
There many deposited the testimony of their struggles. There I received from his blessed hands the Canonical Testimonial, which I delivered to Metropolitan Dionysios of Trikki and Stagon (another Saint in the consciences of the faithful) of eternal memory, when in August 1962 I was ordained a Deacon.
And after the establishment by the Elder of the Sacred Hesychasterion of Panagia Faneromeni in Rodopoli of Attica, I visited him from time to time.
With great emotion I remember a year at the beginning of April, when I went to the Monastery to confess to the Elder. He received me, as always, with his sweet smile.
When I finished my confession, I was surprised to see the Elder take off His stole and give it to me to wear, saying: "Great Lent is about to begin. I have to confession too!"
You understand my surprise and my feelings.
THESE ARE THE SAINTS!
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
