Bishop Sophianos of Dryinoupolis

Who was Bishop Sophianos of Dryinoupolis?

Bishop Sophianos of Dryinoupolis was a religious figure and orthodox missionary in Ottoman Epirus.

At the time he became bishop of Dryinoupolis the religious composition of the region was changing due to massive conversions to Islam. In 1672 he founded a Greek school in the local monastery of Saint Athanasios.

In recognition of the danger that Christian religion was shrinking Sophianos resigned his bishopric and became a wandering missionary, preaching from village to village. Sophianos' last days were spent in the monastery of Saint Athanasios in his hometown Polican where he taught religion and letters to the village children. Although uncanonized, he is considered a saint in his village.

Because of his pious character he was respected and honored by both Christians and Muslims. Sophianos is considered the predecessor of Cosmas of Aetolia in the region.