Saint Paisios was born in the early 1920s in the small town of Farasa, in Cappadocia, where the town priest was Saint Arsenios. Saint Paisios led a normal life and grew up to join the army during the Greek Civil War. He insisted on never firing a weapon, and therefore served as a radio operator. Once, during a battle, his unit was under heavy fire, but he prayed to the Panagia to intercede, and she quickly did, saving him and his unit. Following the Civil War, Saint Paisios became a monk, arriving on Mount Athos in 1950. He first settled at the monastery of Esphigmenou, before leaving for Philotheou. Later in life, Paisios suffered from lung problems and had to leave for Thessaloniki to be treated. During his time outside of Mt. Athos, he stayed with the Sisterhood of St. John the Theologian in Souroti, just outside of Thessaloniki. Saint Paisisos returned after a couple of years of treatment to live in the cell of Panagouda, which belongs to the Koutloumousiou Monastery. It was there where Saint Paisios became widely known. Many people from around the world came to see and speak with him. Saint Paisios had many God-given abilities and helped many who came to him, simultaneously praying for the entire world. In 1993, Saint Paisios left the Holy Mountain due to health issues. Saint Paisios lived for others, not caring at all for himself, which left him in a weakened health state. He slept in Christ in 1994 in the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian in Souroti, Greece.