Kefalonia & the Ionian Islands
What is the name of the group of islands that Kefalonia belongs to?
The Ionian Islands
Where was Saint Gerasimos born?
Trikala in the Peloponnese
What is a monk?
Someone who dedicates their life completely to God through prayer and love for others
What special gift did God give Saint Gerasimos because of his humility?
The gift of healing and casting out unclean spirits
What are relics?
The bones of holy saints, kept and venerated by the Church
Where is Kefalonia located in relation to mainland Greece?
Off the western coast of Greece
What type of life did Saint Gerasimos choose when he became an adult?
The monastic life
What is a schemamonk?
A monk who has reached the highest level of monastic dedication
Who was the woman healed after the priest repented for hitting her?
Susannah
What does “incorrupt” mean when speaking about Saint Gerasimos’ relics?
His body did not decay after death
Which ancient hero is Kefalonia believed by some to be the home of?
Odysseus
What is Mount Athos also known as?
The Holy Mountain
Where did Saint Gerasimos fast for 40 days to imitate Christ?
Near the Jordan River / in the Jordan desert
What illness struck Kefalonia in 1760?
Cholera
Where are Saint Gerasimos’ relics kept today?
At his monastery in Kefalonia (Omala Valley)
What natural disaster in 1953 destroyed most old buildings on Kefalonia?
A major earthquake
Which holy place did Saint Gerasimos serve as a lamp-lighter?
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
What simple foods did Saint Gerasimos live on during his ascetic life?
Vegetables, greens, and legumes soaked in water
Which nun had a vision of Saint Gerasimos praying to the Panagia?
Nun Akakia
What must pilgrims do to enter Saint Gerasimos’ cave?
Descend a ladder and squeeze through a very narrow entrance
Why do the people of Kefalonia call Saint Gerasimos simply “the Saint”?
Because of his miracles, protection of the island, and deep connection to the people
Who ordained Saint Gerasimos as a priest?
Patriarch Germanos of Jerusalem
What famous saying of Saint Gerasimos is often written on his icons?
“Children, live in peace and do not be arrogant.”
What happened to the woman who mocked the miracles as “children’s stories”?
Saint Gerasimos appeared to her in a dream and struck her, leaving a bruise
Which three saints, according to Saint Paisios, form a spiritual “dam” protecting Orthodoxy?
Saint Spyridon (Corfu), Saint Dionysios (Zakynthos), Saint Gerasimos (Kefalonia)