10 Saint Gerasimos October 20 St. Gerasimos was born in Tricala of Cor - inthia in 1509 of parents who were descendants of one of the official families of the court of Byzantuim, the family of Notaradon. He received a noble breeding and education, and early in life was distinguished for his keen mind, his interest in his lessons, his polite man - ners, his modest character and especially for his warm faith which was given to him by his de - vout mother, Kale. When he grew up, Gerasimos made long re - ligious journeys so that he could enrich his ex - periences and his spiritual world. Among others, he visited Constantinople, Agion Oros, Mt. Sinai, Egypt, Damascus, Antioch, and the Holy lands. There he was ordained by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Germanos, and remained with him for twelve years as the head of the Brother - hood of the Holy Seputchre. Later, he made another journey during which he visited Crete, Zakinthos, and Kefallinia where he stayed the remainder of his life. There he built a church and later a monastery which became a center for charity. After his death, his body remained in tact and is guarded to this day with great reverence by the people of Kefallinia whose devoutness for Aaint Gerasimos is proverbial.
**Our Friendship is a Miracle** When two people join together as Friends, it is truly one of life's Greatest gifts, friends stand beside Each other, not in front or behind. They Are two people joined in the soul, Transcending all known bonds and life's Limitations. We each have a different path to walk In life, and sometimes our lives become Burdens we must bear. Friends help to ease the burden and Give us comfort - not through lofty Speeches and glamorous words, but Simply by their presence. As miracles, friends don't happen Every day. They are hard to find And even harder to keep. But when we find someone special in our lives, our journey through time becomes easier. You and I have been blessed By the gift of friend, many Things in our lives may come and Go; some are as fleeting as sand Castles on the shore. But like the Ocean, our friendship is the Foundation and root of who we are And who we must be. May you and I remain forever united By the simple act of knowing what It means to give of ourselves to Each other, and by the peace that Comes from knowing we are friends!