Venerable Euthymius and Neophytus of Docheiariou (X)
The Venerable Euthymius and Neophytus of Docheiariou, uncle and nephew, belonged to the highest Byzantine aristocracy. While still in the world Euthymius was a friend of Saint Athanasius of Athos (commemorated 5 July), and afterwards he was tonsured a monk by his hand and became the great ascetic’s disciple. For his sincere brotherly love, his humility and his wonderfully diligent labour, the blessed Athanasius entrusted the saint with the office of docheiar (steward). Euthymius carried out this duty as though it had been laid on him by the Lord Himself.
The venerable father settled with a few monks at a place called Daphne and there founded the monastery of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, which he called Docheiariou in remembrance of his obedience. Euthymius lovingly taught his little flock; he taught them the need for special attention to oneself and to every movement of the soul, and reminded them of the Apostle Paul’s words that the Christians’ wrestling is “not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world” (Eph. 6:12).
The peaceful ascetic rhythm of the monks’ life was broken by the Saracens. The Venerable Euthymius hid the brotherhood in the forest. When they returned, they found the monastery destroyed to its foundations. The holy father did not lose heart, and the house was restored.
The Venerable Neophytus was, in the world, a man close to the Emperor Nicephorus Phocas (963–969). After his parents’ death he went to Athos and was tonsured a monk in the monastery of his uncle, the Venerable Euthymius. Before his end Euthymius handed over the leadership of the house to his nephew. While the Venerable Neophytus was abbot, the small monastery became a lavra. The saint proposed to the Emperor Nicephorus that he become the monastery’s ktitor. With his donations Docheiariou was enlarged and given its present form. The blessed Neophytus was counted worthy to be appointed Protos (head of the Protaton, the council of the monks of the Holy Mountain) and laboured long in this rank; when the saint was relieved of the office of Protos because of his great age, he returned to the monastery of Docheiariou and committed his soul to the Lord in peace (10th century).
