ST. DIONYSIOS OF OLYMPUS (January 23)

The Monastery of St. Dionysios in Greece was founded in 1542 by St. Dionysios. A charismatic figure, bearing unquenecheable the seal of the All - Holy Spirit, St. Dionysios has been a prototype anchorite, as well coenobetic monk, and cenobite, a perfect example of gentleness, humility and spiritual perfection, a spiritual leader for many souls, both of monks and thw laity. At the same time he was a writer with a rich hagiological and spiritual work, a monastic rule - setter, an icon painter, a manuscript copyist and teacher of children.

He was born in the late 15th century in Sklataina (Drakotrypa), located at the region of Fanari, Karditsa. At a young age, he departed for the Great Meteoron Monastery, where he became monk and was renamed to Daniil. Seeking a  more isolated place, he moved to Mount Athos, where he was tonsured to schema - monk and then ordained deacon and priest. He lived as ascetic near the Holy Monastery Karakalou observing austere ascetism, prayer and fast, experiencing many miraculous acts of God. His angel-like life led to his election as Hegumen of the Bulgarian, at the time, Monastery Filotheou, which he renovated, compiled monastic rules and Hellenized it. The reactions he became faced with on account of these changes were big; hence he fled from this Monastery and was installed at the Monastery Timiou Prodromou, in Veria.

In order to avoid his election as bishop, pursued by the locals, he secretly fled to Mt. Olympus. Slandered, though, he was chased off his cell, and he departed for Pilio, where he founded the Monastery of Sourvia. Three years later and due to the complete aridity that inflicted the area of Olympus, he officially returned following invitation by the local commander and founded, in 1542, the Monstery of Holy Trinity, further to God’s miraculous suggestion.

His angelic life soon attracted a mass of monks, but he preferred to lead an ascetic life in prayer in caves of the area, such as the cave of Christ’s Birth (Holy Cave), the kathisma (cell) of Prophet Elias on the top of Mt. Olympus, etc. He combined in a unique way the austerity of monastic life with the unremitting care for the Greeks subjugated by the Turks. He toured the towns and villages ofMacedonia and Thessalia, provided the people with spiritual guidance and support, worked miracles and built Churches. His love for the people was infinite. He died in peace, on 23 January in the cave of St. Lazarus located at the old Monastery, leaving us the priceless treasure of his graceful relics, which have conducted multiple miracles up to date.

the old monastery

"For St. Dionysios of Olympus, God was his total enjoyment, spiritual pleasure, and care during his ascetic struggles in Panagia's garden. Taking no care for his bodily sustenance, he fed only on wild chestnuts. But the all-merciful and all-caring God, to show His endless care and protection toward those who are His friends and servants, allowed the following to happen on a Saturday before the Great Lent.
A monk from the monastery of Zographou came to him and said, "Holy Father, the Great Lent is here. Take this food to comfort your weak body a little bit, and give thanks to God, Who provides abundantly and satisfies the entire world with His love." After he said this, he vanished, in spite of the saint's pleading for him to stay and share the food with him.
The saint was amazed that the fish brought by the unknown monk was still alive, and the cheese was so fresh that whey was dripping from it, and he praised the all-providing God." 

the new monastery

"Today, the visitor will find the new Monastery, at a height lower than the initial building, at the location of the old Metochion of Skala, built in 1650, at 3 km from Litohoro and 15 km from the old Monastery.
Its main church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Mother of God. Its temple is adorned by the icons, painted in 1955 by the brilliant hagiographer Fotis Kontoglou.
From 1989 on was restituted the Monastery΄s entrance prohibition for women, in line with the tradition bequeathed by St. Dionysios. Only men are allowed in the prohibited area. Here are located the monks΄ cells, the workshops, the dining room and the main church, where are celebrated the daily services. In the remaining area, where all believers are allowed, a new spectacular church, dedicated to St. Dionysios, was built, where the Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday."  

monks of the monastery with the icon of their Saint

Apolytikion in the First Tone (amateur translations below)

The builder at Olympus and the boast of Pierias, and the holy surrounding wall of the Monastery that bears your name, you were shown to be, O wise Dionysios, for you lived as an Angel on earth, and you grant grace to those who reverently flee to your protection. Glory to Him Who gave you strength, glory to Him Who crowned you, glory to Him Who grants to us through you, healings for all.

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

You shone, O Father, with the rays of continence, and were seen as a pure vessel of the Holy Spirit, O wise Father Dionysios, entreating that we be granted deliverance from our sins.

Megalynarion

You shone on Olympus ascetically with the rays of miracles, and you truly shine upon all Pierias, who faithfully praise your struggles, O godly Dionysios.

(http://www.imado.gr/monastery/,http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.de/)