 |
Isaiya SalonskiyOrthodox priest
Country:
 Greece |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Education and Ecclesiastical Career
- Return to Desfina
- Role in the Greek Revolution
- Battle of Alamana
- Legacy
Early Life and Education
Isaiah, a prominent Greek Orthodox priest and revolutionary, was born in Desfina, Phocis. He received his primary education in Salona (Amfissa) under the guidance of monk Gerasimos Licikas. In 1797, he became a monk at the Monastery of Desfina and was ordained a deacon at the Monastery of St. Luke.
Education and Ecclesiastical Career
Isaiah continued his education in Ioannina, studying under Kosmas Balanos and Athanasios Psalidas. He soon became hegumen and attracted the attention of Patriarch Cyril, who invited him to Constantinople in 1814 to further his studies. There, he met the future Patriarch of Constantinople, Gregory V.
Return to Desfina
Isaiah returned to Desfina and in 1818 was ordained Bishop of Salona. Two years later, he joined the Filiki Eteria, a secret society preparing for an uprising against Ottoman rule. Isaiah used his philanthropic activities to gather funds and weapons for the rebellion, storing them in Salona.
Role in the Greek Revolution
Uprising in BoeotiaOn March 11, 1821, Isaiah met with Athanasios Diakos in Antikyra, Boeotia. He swore in revolutionaries and proclaimed the beginning of the uprising in Boeotia. Together with the klepht Panourgias, he raised the banner of rebellion in Salona.
Battle of Alamana
After the rebels captured the city's fortress, Isaiah joined forces with Diakouniatis and Diakos and marched towards Phthiotis. They were defeated at the Battle of Alamana, where Isaiah became the first Orthodox bishop to fall in the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829).
Legacy
Isaiah's death inspired the Greek poet Valavoritis to write the poem "On the Death of the Bishop." He is remembered as a fervent patriot and a martyr for the liberation of Greece.
