Nilus the Younger was a 10th and 11th-century monk and abbot from Calabria who established Italo-Byzantine monasticism in southern Italy. Born into a Greek-rite family in Rossano, he initially lived a secular life before turning to asceticism following an illness. He practiced the Rule of Saint Basil, serving as a hermit and later as a monastic leader. He is recognized for his theological knowledge and his efforts to maintain peaceful relations between different Christian traditions during his lifetime.
Life and work
After embracing monasticism, Nilus lived as a hermit before attracting followers to Rossano. To avoid being appointed as a bishop, he moved to Capua, where he remained for fifteen years. He founded or restored several monasteries and maintained connections with Benedictine communities. In 1004, he established the Greek Catholic monastery at Grottaferrata, serving as its first abbot until his death.
Veneration
He is honored as a saint within the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican traditions. His feast day is observed on September 26. Because of his connection to monastic writing, he is regarded as the patron saint of calligraphers and scribes. The community at Grottaferrata continues to follow the Byzantine Rite established by him.