Greek Orthodox Saint. A native of the island of Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea, Draganigos Sigouros was educated by the monks, becoming soon fluent in Greek, Italian and Latin while excelling in theology. Entering monastic life himself, he received the religious name of Dionysius and following ordination, was appointed hieromonk of his native Zakynthos and as well as of the Strofades islands. Elected archbishop of archbishop of Aegina, Hydra, Poros and Angistria, which appointment he tried to avoid in order to pursue his monastic way of life, he eventually resigned his office and retired to his native Zakynthos as abbot of the local monastery. Passing away in 1622, Dionysius soon began to be held as a wonderworker, with many miracles attributed to his intercession. Many prodigious stories also surround his figure. While every time the tomb which houses his incorrupt remains is opened, his slippers are always found worn thin and covered with seaweed despite being changed from time to time, hence his nickname "The Walking Saint", many state that he is often seen alive and walking. His liturgical feast day is held on December 17, while on August 24 the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the transfer of his relics from the monastery of Strofades, where he was originally interred, to that of Zakynthos.
Greek Orthodox Saint. A native of the island of Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea, Draganigos Sigouros was educated by the monks, becoming soon fluent in Greek, Italian and Latin while excelling in theology. Entering monastic life himself, he received the religious name of Dionysius and following ordination, was appointed hieromonk of his native Zakynthos and as well as of the Strofades islands. Elected archbishop of archbishop of Aegina, Hydra, Poros and Angistria, which appointment he tried to avoid in order to pursue his monastic way of life, he eventually resigned his office and retired to his native Zakynthos as abbot of the local monastery. Passing away in 1622, Dionysius soon began to be held as a wonderworker, with many miracles attributed to his intercession. Many prodigious stories also surround his figure. While every time the tomb which houses his incorrupt remains is opened, his slippers are always found worn thin and covered with seaweed despite being changed from time to time, hence his nickname "The Walking Saint", many state that he is often seen alive and walking. His liturgical feast day is held on December 17, while on August 24 the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the transfer of his relics from the monastery of Strofades, where he was originally interred, to that of Zakynthos.
Bio by: Eman Bonnici
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