How many stories can one life contain? The story of Agia Philothei is a testament to a life overflowing with faith, resilience, and profound charity.
Agia Philothei, also known as Philothei of Athens, was born Revoula Benizelou in 1522. She came from the illustrious Benizelos family in Athens. Her parents were Angelos Benizelos and Syrigi Palaiologina. They were both from old Byzantine families.
Revoula’s early life took an unexpected turn. Against her will, she married Andrea Chila at 14. He mistreated her. By 17, she was a widow. Her parents urged her to remarry. Instead, she devoted herself to prayer and charitable works.
When her parents died in 1549, Philothei inherited extensive holdings. Around 1551, she embraced monastic life. She established a women’s monastery dedicated to Saint Andrew. There, she became known as Philothei. The nuns were taught handiwork, weaving, housekeeping, and cooking. She prepared them for domestic life.
Agia Philothei is most remembered for her philanthropy. Her convent ran many charity establishments in Athens and the Aegean islands. She founded a second monastery in Patisia. She also built hospices, homes for the elderly, and schools for boys and girls.
One of her most daring acts was buying the freedom of Greeks enslaved by the Ottoman Turks. This was especially true for women taken into harems. She sheltered these women, some pregnant. Despite being hunted, she helped them escape to safety. Tzia, Andros, Aegina, and Salamina became sanctuaries.
In 1583, Agia Philothei appealed to the Venetian Senate for financial aid. She needed help to pay off debts incurred from ransom money, duties, bribes, and taxes owed to the Turks. Her monasteries faced frequent looting. The agricultural programs that sustained her work were devastated.
Four women who had been enslaved in Ottoman harems sought refuge with her. The Turks found them. Agia Philothei was beaten and imprisoned. Friends intervened, bribing the governor for her release. As her reputation grew, so did the animosity towards her.
In 1588, Ottoman mercenaries broke into her monastery in Patisia during evening vigil. They severely beat her. Bedridden, she died from her injuries on February 19, 1589.
Agia Philothei is venerated as a martyr by the Eastern Orthodox Church. Canonized shortly after her death, her memory is celebrated on February 19. She is considered a patron saint of Athens, alongside Hierotheus and Dionysius the Areopagite. Her relics are interred in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. The Filothei district is named in her honor.
Agia Philothei’s life was one of unwavering faith and selfless service. Even today, her story inspires us to act with compassion and courage.