The second important milestone in the history of the monastery was the arrival on Mount Athos in 1078 of an important Byzantine officer who wanted to adopt a monastic life: Stefanos, who had been awarded the most prestigious court position (Μέγας δρουγγάριος της βίγλης/βίγλας, 'Great Commander of the Watch') by Emperor Konstantine IV, was born of an eminent family of Athens and possessed considerable wealth. Stefanos was assigned to the monastery of Xenofontos by the Protos of Mount Athos, after he had donated a considerable sum of money for the restoration of the Protaton church in Karyes. He settled at the Monastery with three followers, became a monk, changed his name to Simeon, and assumed the leadership of the almost-deserted monastery. He sponsored major renovation works, which made him a new founder.
