George of Drama
November 6·20th century·Greece
George of Drama, born Athanasios Karslidis, was a Greek Orthodox monk venerated for his spiritual guidance and ascetic lifestyle. He is remembered for founding the Monastery of the Ascension in Drama, Greece, and is associated with both Greek and Georgian Orthodox traditions. His relics are preserved at the Monastery of the Ascension, with reports of a cross-like imprint on his skull.
Key Facts
- ›He was born Athanasios Karslidis on January 1, 1901, in Chadik, Tsalka, then part of the Russian Empire.
- ›Karslidis lost both parents on the same day and later fled abuse from his brother.
- ›He founded the Monastery of the Ascension of Christ in Taxiarches, Drama, Greece, in 1938.
- ›During his life, he was reportedly imprisoned, tortured, and sentenced to death by communist and Bulgarian forces, but survived.
- ›His relics are preserved at the Monastery of the Ascension in Drama, Greece.
- ›He was officially canonized on November 2, 2008, by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Athanasios Karslidis, Elder George of Drama, Saint George Karslides
About George of Drama
Saint George of Drama, born Athanasios Karslidis on January 1, 1901, was a Greek Orthodox monk of Caucasian origin. He is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and is recognized within both Greek and Georgian Orthodox traditions for his profound spiritual guidance and ascetic way of life. Karslidis died on November 4, 1959, in Greece, and is buried behind the katholikon of the Monastery of the Ascension, where he served for three decades.
Early Life and Monastic Journey
Born in Chadik, Tsalka, within the Russian Empire, Karslidis experienced early tragedy, losing both parents on the same day. After suffering abuse from his brother, he fled to the mountains and was eventually taken in by Turkish villagers. His monastic journey began in Georgia, where he served as a novice for nearly ten years before being tonsured a monk and receiving the name George Symeon in July 1919. During this period, he was reportedly imprisoned and tortured by the communist government, with some accounts claiming he survived an execution attempt.
Founding the Monastery of the Ascension
In 1929, Karslidis settled in the village of Taxiarches, in northern Greece, where he would spend the remainder of his life. In 1936, he made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. A significant development in his life was the founding of the Monastery of the Ascension of Christ in Taxiarches in 1938, after the Greek government granted him land. The monastery was officially blessed and opened in 1939. Following Karslidis' death, the monastery experienced neglect but was later revived and recognized by the Church of Greece.
Veneration and Legacy
George of Drama was officially canonized on November 2, 2008, by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. His relics are preserved at the Monastery of the Ascension in Drama, with notable reports of a cross-like imprint on his skull. In 2013, one relic was transferred to Wuppertal, Germany, and in 2016, a portion was donated to the Episcopal Church of Tsalka, Georgia, reflecting his enduring veneration across different regions. The Russian Orthodox Church included him in its Menology in 2008, designating his feast day. His attributed sayings, such as "God cares for everyone. Despair is in effect a lack of faith," offer insight into his spiritual teachings.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was George of Drama born and where?
George of Drama, whose birth name was Athanasios Karslidis, was born on January 1, 1901, in Chadik, Tsalka, which was then part of the Russian Empire. His parents were refugees from Gümüşhane.
What is George of Drama chiefly remembered for?
He is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and is chiefly remembered for his spiritual guidance, ascetic lifestyle, and for founding the Monastery of the Ascension in Drama, Greece. He is associated with both Greek and Georgian Orthodox traditions.
When was George of Drama canonized and by whom?
George of Drama was officially canonized on November 2, 2008. The canonization took place during a visit by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Drama.
Where are the relics of George of Drama kept?
The relics of Athanasios Karslidis are preserved at the Monastery of the Ascension of Christ in Taxiarches, Drama, Greece. A portion of his relics was also donated to a church in Georgia.
What is his feast day?
His feast day is celebrated on October 24 (Old Style) / November 6 (New Style), as designated by the Russian Orthodox Church.
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