Neophytos Mavromatis, Metropolitan of Naupactus and Arta (1703–1722)

Neophytos Mavromatis, Metropolitan of Naupactus and Arta (1703–1722)

Neophytos Mavromatis was born on Antiparos in 1662. In 1703 he was elected Metropolitan of Naupactus and Arta. In 1722 he retired to the Holy Mountain. As metropolitan, he left behind a fine legacy. He was erudite and discerning. At his own expense, he built churches and schools, paid teachers for these schools and helped all who were in need. On Mount Athos, he initially settled at the Monastery of Iveron and later at Megisti Lavra. He lived an ascetic life in great obedience and labored much for the benefit of the fathers. He reorganized the libraries of Megisti Lavra and Iveron Monastery, to which he donated all of his books. He reposed in 1746 at the Monastery of Megisti Lavra. He was the first Greek to think of publishing books in the Greek language with a parallel text printed in Turkish with Greek letters for the benefit of the Turkish-speaking Christians of Asia Minor. At Vatopaidi Monastery, with which he had close ties, his large bishop’s stole is preserved.

The bishop’s stole of Neophytos Mavromatis. 1723.