Mihailo Tolotos was a Greek monk who lived on Mount Athos, an autonomous monastic republic in Greece, where only men were allowed to enter. He was born in 1856, and his mother died just four hours after his birth. Since no one claimed him, he was abandoned on the steps of a monastery on Mount Athos.
The monks who found him decided to adopt him and raised him in the monastery. They gave him the name Michael Tolotos, which means “the one who is entirely from Mount Athos.” Mihailo grew up in a monastery, where he was educated and trained in the ways of the Orthodox Church.
As he grew older, Mihailo became a devout monk, dedicating his life to prayer and contemplation. He was known for his piety, asceticism, and discipline. He spent most of his time in the monastery, rarely venturing beyond its walls.
One of the unique aspects of Mihailo’s life is that he never saw a woman. Mount Athos strictly enforces the avaton rule, which prohibits women from entering the monastic republic. Since Mihailo lived on Mount Athos from infancy until his death, he never saw a woman in person.
Despite his isolation from the outside world, Mihailo was not completely cut off from society. Mount Athos has been a center of Orthodox monasticism for over a thousand years and is home to several monasteries and hermitages. Mihailo interacted with other monks and pilgrims who came to visit the holy mountain.
Mihailo lived a long and full life, passing away at the age of 82. His life is a testament to the power of faith and the strength of the human spirit. Despite his challenges and isolation, he remained dedicated to his calling as a monk and never lost sight of his purpose.
Today, Mihailo Tolotos is remembered as a symbol of the enduring tradition of Orthodox monasticism on Mount Athos. His life inspires those who seek a deeper understanding of the spiritual life and a reminder that the power of faith can sustain us even in the most challenging circumstances.
