Overview

He was born in 1134 by poor parents. The times then were difficult and they could not provide Neophytos with any education. They were however able to offer him spiritual education. At 17 they engaged him against his will. With divine guidance he withdrew from "the vanity of life" and lead a monastic life. He wore the monk's garment with joy and enthusiasm and went to the Monastery of Saint Chrysostomos. Initially he was assigned the duty of attending the Monastery's vines because he was illiterate. For five years he performed this task, learning his first letters at the same time. His obedience to the divine will and his zeal were so great that he memorised the entire Book of Psalms. So, the prior got him to sing psalms as a second chanter.