Joachim of Ithaca was an 18th-century Greek monk and ascetic who became a prominent spiritual leader. Born Ioannis Patrikios on the island of Ithaca in 1786, he spent his youth working as a sailor before entering the Vatopaedi Monastery on Mount Athos. Known affectionately as Papoulakis, he was a prolific preacher and organizer who founded monasteries and schools. During the Greek War of Independence, he provided vital support to refugees and fighters, enduring imprisonment and torture for refusing to renounce his faith.