Saint Nikodemos of the Holy Mountain: A Life of Asceticism and Scholarship

Saint Nikodemos, originally named Nicholas, was born on the Greek island of Naxos in 1748. From a young age, he demonstrated an innate love for learning and a zealous devotion to Christ and His Church, receiving his initial education from a village priest and later from Archimandrite Chrysanthos, the brother of Saint Cosmas Aitolos. At the age of twenty-six, Nicholas arrived at Mount Athos, where he was tonsured with the name Nikodemos at Dionysiou Monastery. His quiet, focused demeanor and remarkable mental abilities, which included knowing the Holy Scriptures and the writings of the Fathers by heart, made him stand out.

The Beginning of His Literary Work

Saint Nikodemos's lifelong mission of scholarship began in 1777 when Saint Makarios Notaras, the Metropolitan of Corinth, assigned the young monk to edit the newly discovered manuscript of the Philokalia. This monumental task shifted his focus, and after an initial six years spent in complete silence following his tonsure into the Great Schema, he dedicated himself fully to literary endeavors. His work was vast, encompassing over half a dozen theological fields, including ascetical-mystical theology, ethics, and canon law. He later edited the writings of Saint Symeon the New Theologian, translating and publishing numerous works that were critical to the Orthodox Church.

Key Contributions and Influential Publications

Among his many influential works, the Exomologitarion (Manual of Confession, 1794) was a groundbreaking book in the Orthodox Church, providing comprehensive guidance for confessors and penitents. He also made significant contributions to liturgical life by publishing the New Theotokarion, a collection of sixty-two Canons to the Theotokos. Most notably, he collaborated on the definitive new edition of the Pedalion or Rudder (1801), a canonical collection of the Church's laws. Furthermore, his translation and commentary on Lorenzo Scupoli’s Unseen Warfare became widely known and was translated into several languages, strengthening Orthodox spiritual practice worldwide.

Final Years and Legacy

Saint Nikodemos also passionately championed the contemporary relevance of the faith by editing the New Martyrologion with Saint Makarios of Corinth, intending to demonstrate that the Orthodox Church continued to produce martyrs in modern times. Worn out by his intense literary efforts and ascetic struggles, he relocated to the Kelli of Hieromonks Stephen and Neophytos Skourtaίos to facilitate the final publication of his works. Saint Nikodemos peacefully reposed at the age of sixty on July 14, 1809, after receiving the Holy Sacraments. He was mourned as the "intelligible sun of the Church" and was formally glorified (canonized) by the Church of Constantinople in 1955.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

Reviews (0)