Gerasimus of Kefalonia

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Saint Gerasimus of Kefalonia (Greek: Άγιος Γερασιμός/'Gerasimos') is the patron saint of the island of Kefalonia in Greece.

Gerasimus (1506-1579) came from the aristocratic and wealthy Notaras family. He was ordained a Monk at Mount Athos, went to Jerusalem for 12 years, spent some time in Crete and Zakynthos and in 1555 arrived on Kefalonia. He spent his first 5 years in a cave in the area known as Lassi. He subsequently cultivated the area where the monastery of Saint Gerasimus now exists near Valsamata. The monastery which he established cared for the poor and became a center for charity.

Saint Gerasimus is believed by natives of Kefalonia to protect them and to also heal them of illness. Many natives of the island name their children after Saint Gerasimus as a tribute to the saint who protects them.

The body of Saint Gerasimus is guarded and protected in a glass casement at the monastery as it has never decomposed. After his death, his body was buried twice and exhumed intact, thus leading the church to ordain him as a saint. Kefalonians throughout the world still revere and pray to him.

In 1953, immediately after a powerful earthquake on the island of Kefalonia destroyed 90% of the island, there were many sightings of Saint Gerasimus throughout the island who is believed to have comforted and tended to the injured trapped inside homes and buildings.

During the feast of Saint Gerasimus on August 16th, his body is passed over ill and sick persons for the purpose of healing them. His body is also displayed by the church during liturgy at the monastery on many occasions.

A church named after Saint Gerasimus was established in New York City by Kefalonians who emigrated to New York in the early 20th century.