'This holy father had already been able to build a fort on the feet of Little Athos [Anti-Athos], where Astropotamos runs, near the place called Vouleuteria. And it was the Elder's purpose to build in it a monastery dedicated to St John the Baptist, and walls, and cells for the stay of those who practiced with him. However, though he had completed the fortress, the monastery had not yet begun, when he came in a fortunate coincidence and told me everything, and I was interested in it, as I said. When my sovereignty saw the modesty of the man, the grace, the simplicity, the innocence, the full and extreme joy, he loved and accepted him and embraced him and received him as sent by God; I let his words dwell in me, dew to my soul.'
