The saint library

Saint Joasaph of Meteora

Monastic founder and former ruler
Thessaly, Meteora and Mount Athos
Feast day: May 3 (Gregorian); April 20 (Julian)

Fresco of Joasaph John Uroš of Meteora. Image source: Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral

A life of faith

Joasaph was born John Uroš, a son of Simeon Uroš of the Nemanjić family. He relinquished rule in Thessaly and became a monk at Great Meteoron under Athanasius of Meteora. He later became abbot and supported other Meteora monasteries with gifts and protection of their rights. With resources entrusted to him by his sister Maria Angelina, he built monastic cells, a hospital and water cisterns. Displacement took him to Vatopedi on Mount Athos for a time before he returned to Meteora.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Care for a community includes ordinary necessities. Support dependable access to water, shelter or health care where you can.

Read the Orthodox source

Serbian Orthodox Church Typikon 2023, calendar page 8

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.

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