Egypt, 170 - 640, Patriarchs and Saints History Folder, Later Ancient Times.kmz

Egypt, 170 - 640, Patriarchs and Saints History Folder, Later Ancient Times

Egypt, 100, 2nd Century Folder, St Clement

Egypt, 170-215, CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA, Athens native, intellectual, Cathetical School, philosopher, taught Origen, fAthens
Egypt, 170-215, CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA, Athens native, intellectual, not Catholic saint, Cathetical School, philosopher, taught Origen, fAthens, converted bPantaenus tFounder Catechetical School oAlexandria, succeeded P 180, 20yrs apoligist&catechist otFaithful, Greek science philosophy prep fGospel, so school liberal education, speculative theology scholarly defense, meet scholars own grounds, gave Christianity good rep iLearning world, prepared way fOrigen, tMost eminent Greek theologian; Greece, 170-215, CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA, Athens native, intellectual, not a saint, Cathetical School head about 180, theologian and philosopher, taught Origen and Alex of Jerusalem, influenced by Helenistic philosophy more than others, Plato and the Stoics, Jewish esotericism, Gnosticism, taught Torah a preparation for the Gospel, for sound liberal education; Flavius Clemens, also known as Clement of Alexandria (c. 150 - c. 215 AD),[5] was a Christian theologian and philosopher who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria. his pupils were Origen and Alexander of Jerusalem. A convert to Christianity, he was an educated man who was familiar with classical Greek philosophy and literature. his three major works demonstrate, Clement was influenced by Hellenistic philosophy to a greater extent than any other Christian thinker of his time, and in particular, by Plato and the Stoics.[6] secret works, which exist only in fragments, suggest that he was familiar with pre-Christian Jewish esotericism and Gnosticism as well. one of his works he argued that Greek philosophy had its origin among non-Greeks, claiming that both Plato and Pythagoras were taught by Egyptian scholars.[7] is usually regarded as a Church Father. He is venerated as a saint in Coptic Christianity, Eastern Catholicism, Ethiopian Christianity, and Anglicanism. was revered in Western Catholicism until 1586, when his name was removed from the Roman Martyrology by Pope Sixtus V on the advice of Baronius. The Eastern Orthodox Church officially stopped any veneration of Clement of Alexandria in the 10th century. Athens; CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA, TEACHER AND APOLOGIST (5 DEC 213?) ; a native of Athens, was converted to Christianity by Pantaenus, founder of the Catechetical School at Alexandria (then the intellectual capital of the Mediterranean world), succeeded his teacher as head of the School about 180. over 20 years he labored effectively as an apologist for the faith and catechist of the faithful. regarded the science and philosophy of the Greeks as being, like the Torah of the Hebrews, a preparation for the Gospel, and the curriculum of his School undertook to give his students both a knowledge of the Gospel of Christ and a sound liberal education. speculative theology, his scholarly defense of the faith and his willingness to meet non-Christian scholars on their own grounds, helped to establish the good reputation of Christianity in the world of learning and prepare the way for his pupil, Origen, the most eminent theologian of Greek Christianity. is not on the present Roman calendar (having been removed by Bellarmine at the time of Galileo, when the Roman See was undergoing a period of wariness about intellectual venturesomeness), but is on the Eastern calendar and many modern revisions of the Anglican calendar. His influence has been considerable. by James Kiefer

Egypt, 180-268, Eugenia, Perfect's d, virginity, Paul's epistles, monastery as monk Eugene, much more
Egypt, 180-268, Alexandria, Perfect's d, fine upbringing, beautiful, g disposition, virginity, Paul's epistles, b by Bishop Elias' vision, monastery as monk Eugene, healing gift, false accusation of a rape, trial before her f, secret revealed, father rejoices w family, they receive baptism, father dismissed, becomes Bishop, new perfect assassins to kill him, back to Rome w mother Claudia and family, monastic life, Claudia built hostel, aided poor, new emperor Galenus' persecution, refuge w C & E, imperial line Basilla requests c teaching, accepts b, B tells fiance who tells emperor, B killed, idol shattered, E dragged to dianna temple which collapses before, E survives stone around neck into river, also s fire, into pit for 10 days, Jesus appears, into kingdom on Christmas by sword, later E appears to her mother for time of death; Alexandria; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24 ; Holy Martyr Eugenia, was a Roman by birth. lived at Alexandria, where her father Philip was sent by the emperor Commodus (180-192) to be Prefect of Egypt. received a fine upbringing and was noted for her beauty and good disposition. Many illustrious youths sought her hand, but she did not wish to marry anyone, for she was determined to preserve her virginity. she became acquainted with the Epistles of the Apostle Paul. She yearned with all her soul to become a Christian, but kept this a secret from her parents. At that time, Christians were banished from Alexandria by the command of the emperor. to learn more about Christian teachings, she asked permission to visit one of the family estates outside the city, supposedly to enjoy the countryside. She left in the company of her two servants Protus and Hyacinthus, dressed in men’s clothes. and her companions were baptized at a certain monastery by Bishop Elias (July 14), who learned about her in a vision. He blessed her to pursue asceticism at the monastery disguised as the monk Eugene. her ascetic labors, Saint Eugenia acquired the gift of healing. Once, a rich young woman named Melanthia turned to her for help. Seeing “Eugene,” this woman burned with an impure passion, and when she was spurned, she falsely accused the saint of attempted rape. Eugenia came to trial before the Prefect of Egypt (her father), and she was forced to reveal her secret. Her parents and brothers rejoiced to find the one for whom they had long grieved. a while they all accepted holy Baptism. But Philip, after being denounced by pagans, was dismissed from his post. The Alexandrian Christians chose him as their bishop. The new Prefect, fearing the wrath of the people, did not dare to execute Philip openly, but sent assassins to kill him. They inflicted wounds upon Saint Philip while he was praying, from which he died three days later. Claudia went to Rome with her sons, daughter, and her servants. There Saint Eugenia continued with monastic life, and brought many young women to Christ. Claudia built a wanderers’ hostel and aided the poor. After several peaceful years, the emperor Galienus (260-268) intensified the persecution against Christians, and many of them found refuge with Saints Claudia and Eugenia. an orphaned Roman girl of imperial lineage, heard about the Christians and Saint Eugenia. She sent a trusted servant to the saint asking her to write her a letter explaining Christian teachings. Saint Eugenia sent her friends and co-ascetics, Protus and Hyacinthus, who enlightened Basilla, and she accepted holy Baptism. ’s servant then told her fiancé Pompey that his betrothed had become a Christian. Pompey then complained to the emperor against the Christians for preaching celibacy and denouncing idolatry. Basilla refused to enter into marriage with Pompey, and so they killed her with a sword. dragged Saints Protus and Hyacinthus into a temple to make them sacrifice to the idols, but just as they entered, the idol fell down and was shattered. The holy Martyrs Protus and Hyacinthus were beheaded. They also brought Saint Eugenia to the temple of Diana by force, but she had not even entered it, when the pagan temple collapsed with its idol. threw the holy martyr into the Tiber with a stone about her neck, but the stone became untied and she remained unharmed. She also remained unscathed in the fire. Then they cast her into a pit, where she remained for ten days. this time the Savior Himself appeared to her and said that she would enter into the heavenly Kingdom on the day He was born. this radiant Feast came, the executioner put her to death with a sword. After her death, Saint Eugenia appeared to her mother to tell her beforehand the day of her own death.

Egypt, 200, 3rd Century Folder, Origen and first Hermit St Paul of Thebes

Egypt, 201-251, Pansophius oAlexandria, Governor's son, distributed inheritance, 27yrs iDesert, martyred in Decian persecution
Egypt, 201-251, Pansophius oAlexandria, Goshen, Egypt, son oProcounsul (Governor), distributed inheritance, settled desert, 27yrs, Decius persecution 249-251, trial before prefect (senior magistrate) Alexandria, confessed faith and denounced Pagan errors, fiercely beaten wRods &died aMartyr; Alexandria; Venerable Pansophius of Alexandria, the Martyr, Commemorated January 15 ; Monk Martyr Pansophius, a son of the Alexandrian proconsul Nilus. the death of his father, he distributed his inheritance to the poor and settled in the desert, he lived in asceticism for twenty-seven years. the persecution by Decius (249-251) Saint Pansophius was brought to trial before the prefect of Alexandria. monk boldly confessed his faith in Christ and denounced pagan errors, which he was fiercely beaten with rods. died from these beatings, thereby receiving a martyr’s crown (249-251).

Egypt, 204-254, Church Father Origen, but not saint
Egypt, 204-254, Church Father Origen, but not saint; St Gregory the Wonderworker of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on November 17;

Egypt, 210-264, Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria, t great, m suffering, D&V p, civil war, famine, plague, preachng charity
Egypt, 210-264, Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, the great, Origen's pupil, Catechetical school head, much suffering, Decian&Valerian persecutions, civil war, famine, plague, tend C and pagans alike, bury dead, preaching love charity; Alexandria; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated October 5 ; Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria, was the son of wealthy pagan parents. converted to Christianity at a mature age, and became a pupil of Origen. he was appointed as the head of Alexandria’s Catechetical School, and then became Bishop of Alexandria in the year 247. Dionysius devoted much effort to defend the Church from heresy, and he encouraged his flock in the firm confession of Orthodoxy during the persecution under the emperors Decius (249-251) and Valerian (253-259). holy bishop endured much suffering in his lifetime. the Decian persecution broke out, Saint Dionysius was forced to flee Alexandria, but returned when the Emperor died. was later exiled to Libya during the reign of Valerian. he was able to resume his duties in Alexandria in 261, Saint Dionysius had to contend with civil war, famine, plague, and other difficulties. saint called upon his flock to tend sick Christians and pagans alike, and to bury the dead. the death of his spiritual children he wrote, “In such a manner the best of our brethren have departed this life. This generation of the dead, a deed of great piety and firm faith, is no less of a martyrdom.” Dionysius illumined his flock through his preaching, and with deeds of love and charity. illness prevented him from attending the Council of Antioch (264- 265), and he fell asleep in the Lord while it was in session. influence of Saint Dionysius extended beyond the limits of his diocese, his writings dealt with practical as well as theological subjects (“On Nature,” “On Temptations,” “On the Promises,” etc.). was also familiar with Greek philosophy. fragments of his writings survive today, of them preserved in Eusebius, who mentions him in his CHURCH HISTORY ( Book 7) and calls him “Dionysius the Great.” complete letters of Saint Dionysius are extant, one addressed to Novatian, and the other to Basilides.

Egypt, 210-264, Saint Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria, Cathetical School, writer
Egypt, 210-264, Saint Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria; Egypt, 245-339, Saint Paul the Simple; Egypt, 271-356, Saint Anthony the Great; Egyptian Patriarch, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic; Venerable Ammon, Commemorated on October 4; Venerable Paul the Simple of Egypt, Commemorated on October 4; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 5; Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria, was the son of wealthy pagan parents. He converted to Christianity at a mature age, and became a pupil of Origen. Later, he was appointed as the head of Alexandria’s Catechetical School, and then became Bishop of Alexandria in the year 247. Dionysius devoted much effort to defend the Church from heresy, and he encouraged his flock in the firm confession of Orthodoxy during the persecution under the emperors Decius (249-251) and Valerian (253-259). holy bishop endured much suffering in his lifetime. When the Decian persecution broke out, Saint Dionysius was forced to flee Alexandria, but returned when the Emperor died. He was later exiled to Libya during the reign of Valerian. he was able to resume his duties in Alexandria in 261, Saint Dionysius had to contend with civil war, famine, plague, and other difficulties. The saint called upon his flock to tend sick Christians and pagans alike, and to bury the dead. Concerning the death of his spiritual children he wrote, “In such a manner the best of our brethren have departed this life. This generation of the dead, a deed of great piety and firm faith, is no less of a martyrdom.” Dionysius illumined his flock through his preaching, and with deeds of love and charity. An illness prevented him from attending the Council of Antioch (264- 265), and he fell asleep in the Lord while it was in session. influence of Saint Dionysius extended beyond the limits of his diocese, and his writings dealt with practical as well as theological subjects (“On Nature,” “On Temptations,” “On the Promises,” etc.). He was also familiar with Greek philosophy. Only fragments of his writings survive today, most of them preserved in Eusebius, who mentions him in his CHURCH HISTORY ( Book 7) and calls him “Dionysius the Great.” complete letters of Saint Dionysius are extant, one addressed to Novatian, and the other to Basilides. St John of Egypt,Commemorated on December 2;

Egypt, 212-251, Alexander of Jerusalem, Bishop, first C Library at J, beasts refused to eat him, died in prison
Jerusalem Patriarch, 212-251, Alexander of Jerusalem; of Jerusalem (died 251 AD) was a third century bishop who is venerated as a martyr and saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox churches, and the Roman Catholic Church. He died during the persecution of Emperor Decius.[1] Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on December 12 ; Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem, was a disciple of the great teacher and writer of the Church, Clement of Alexandria. At the beginning of the third century he was chosen bishop of Flavia, Cappadocia. He was arrested during the reign of the emperor Septimus Severus (193-211) and spent three years in prison. his release from prison he went to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places, and was told to remain there through a divine revelation. In 212 he was chosen as coadministrator with the elderly Patriarch Narcissus, an unusually rare occurrence in the ancient Church. Following the death of Saint Narcissus (August 7), Saint Alexander succeeded him and governed the Church of Jerusalem for thirty-eight years, working for the enlightenment of Christians. He also established the first library of Christian theological works at Jerusalem. Alexander was arrested during the persecution of the Church under the emperor Decius (249-251). The holy martyr was sent to Cappadocia, where he suffered many tortures. He was condemned to be eaten by wild beasts, but they did not harm him. Saint Alexander was cast into prison, where he surrendered his soul to God. hieromartyr Alexander is also commemorated on May 16. St Alexander the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on May 16; story as above--------The Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem, was a disciple of the great teacher and writer of the Church, Clement of Alexandria. the beginning of the third century he was chosen bishop of Flavia, Cappadocia. He was arrested during the reign of the emperor Septimus Severus (193-211) and spent three years in prison. his release from prison he went to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places, and was told to remain there through a divine revelation. 212 he was chosen as coadministrator with the elderly Patriarch Narcissus, an unusually rare occurrence in the ancient Church. the death of Saint Narcissus (August 7), Saint Alexander succeeded him and governed the Church of Jerusalem for thirty-eight years, working for the enlightenment of Christians. He also established the first library of Christian theological works at Jerusalem. Alexander was arrested during the persecution of the Church under the emperor Decius (249-251). The holy martyr was sent to Cappadocia, where he suffered many tortures. He was condemned to be eaten by wild beasts, but they did not harm him. Saint Alexander was cast into prison, where he surrendered his soul to God in the year 251. The hieromartyr Alexander is also commemorated on December 12.

Egypt, 220-250, Saint Euphrosynus the Cook, inner virtue, spiritual heights, heaven
Saint Euphrosynus the Cook, of Alexandria, Commemorated on September 11 Euphrosynus the Cook was from one of the Palestinian monasteries, and his obedience was to work in the kitchen as a cook. Toiling away for the brethren, Saint Euphrosynus did not absent himself from thought about God, but rather dwelt in prayer and fasting. He remembered always that obedience is the first duty of a monk, and therefore he was obedient to the elder brethren. patience of the saint was amazing: they often reproached him, but he made no complaint and endured every unpleasantness. Saint Euphrosynus pleased the Lord by his inner virtue which he concealed from people, and the Lord Himself revealed to the monastic brethren the spiritual heights of their unassuming fellow-monk. of the priests of the monastery prayed and asked the Lord to show him the blessings prepared for the righteous in the age to come. The priest saw in a dream what Paradise is like, and he contemplated its inexplicable beauty with fear and with joy. also saw there a monk of his monastery, the cook Euphrosynus. Amazed at this encounter, the presbyter asked Euphrosynus, how he came to be there. The saint answered that he was in Paradise through the great mercy of God. The priest again asked whether Euphrosynus would be able to give him something from the surrounding beauty. Saint Euphrosynus suggested to the priest to take whatever he wished, and so the priest pointed to three luscious apples growing in the garden of Paradise. The monk picked the three apples, wrapped them in a cloth, and gave them to his companion. he awoke in the early morning, the priest thought the vision a dream, but suddenly he noticed next to him the cloth with the fruit of Paradise wrapped in it, and emitting a wondrous fragrance. The priest, found Saint Euphrosynus in church and asked him under oath where he was the night before. The saint answered that he was where the priest also was. Then the monk said that the Lord, in fulfilling the prayer of the priest, had shown him Paradise and had bestown the fruit of Paradise through him, “ the lowly and unworthy servant of God, Euphrosynus.” priest related everything to the monastery brethren, pointing out the spiritual loftiness of Euphrosynus in pleasing God, and he pointed to the fragrant paradaisical fruit. Deeply affected by what they heard, the monks went to the kitchen, in order to pay respect to Saint Euphrosynus, but they did not find him there. Fleeing human glory, the monk had left the monastery. The place where he concealed himself remained unknown, but the monks always remembered that their monastic brother Saint Euphrosynus had come upon Paradise, and that they in being saved, through the mercy of God would meet him there. They reverently kept and distributed pieces of the apples from Paradise for blessing and for healing.

Egypt, 222-235, Serapion tNew, Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, devout, did what was beneficial, confessed Christ, burned alive
Egypt, 222-235, Serapion tNew, Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, devout, did what was beneficial, confessed Christ, burned alive, incorruptible Crown oMartyrdom; Alexandria; Saint Serapion the New, Commemorated on July 12; Serapion (Σεραπίων) lived in Alexandria the reign of Emperor Severus (222-235). was a devout man who did whatever was beneficial. was arrested by the archon Aquila, and when he was asked what religion he followed, confessed courageously that he believed in Christ and honored Him. archon was furious when he heard the Saint's reply, and he was thrown into a fire and was burnt alive, thereby receiving the incorruptible crown of martyrdom from the Lord.

Egypt, 225-270, Egyptian Neo Platonist Philosopher, Plotinus
Egypt, 225-270, Egyptian Neo Platonist Philosopher, Plotinus; AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430);

Egypt, 235-622, Migdol, an Island in the Nile, Jewish Settlement, Later Ancient Times
Migdol, an Island in the Nile, Jewish Settlement, Later Ancient Times ; Prophet Jeremiah, Commemorated on May 1;

Egypt, 236-274, Parthian Manichaeus, Mani, Prophet of Gnostic Manichaeism
Egypt, 236-274, Parthian Manichaeus, Mani, Prophet of Gnostic Manichaeism; Venerable Patermuthius the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on July 9;

Egypt, 244-341, Paul oThebes, 1st Christian hermit, food bRaven 91yrs, Anthony tGreat sent tHim, angels, prophets, apostles
Egypt, 244-341, Saint Paul of Thebes, the first Christian hermit, born 227 iThebaid, orphaned, greedy relative wanted his inheritance, planned turn him in to Decius' persecutors, so Paul fled tThebaid wilderness, into mountain cave for 91 yrs, praying incessantly day night, dates&bread brought by raven, Palm leaves fClothes, Anthony tGreat also in Thebaid desert, revelation fGod concerning Paul, Anthony There is servant more excellent than you, you should go see him, A went to P's cave, prostrating aEntrance asked admittance, introductions, embrace, conversed all night, A told how God led him there, P told how 60 yrs bird brough half loaf bread each day, but today Lord sent double portion, next morning P spoke approaching death, burial instructions, also get cloak received fAthanasius fMonastery, he wished depart when A absent, as he was returning wCloak, A saw P's soul surrounded by angels prophets apostles, shining in the sun and ascending to God, in the cave Paul was on knees arms outstretched, P forgot shovel, 2 Lions came running dug a grave wClaws, A took Palm leaves garment back to his monastery, A wore it twice yr Pascha Pentecost, Paul died 341 113yr old, no monastery but many life imitators who filled desert wMonasteries, 12th C relics transferred Constantinople, later Venice, finally Hungary at Ofa, part his head in Rome; Egypt, 244-341, Saint Paul of Thebes; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Paul of Thebes was born in Egypt around 227 in the Thebaid of Egypt. orphaned, he suffered many things from a greedy relative over his inheritance. the persecution against Christians under the emperor Decius (249-251), Saint Paul learned of his brother-in-law’s insidious plan to deliver him into the hands of the persecutors, so he fled the city and fled into the wilderness. into a mountain cave, Saint Paul dwelt there for ninety-one years, incessantly to God both day and night. sustained himself on dates and bread, which a raven brought him, he clothed himself with palm leaves. Anthony the Great (January 17), who also lived as an ascetic in the Thebaid desert, had a revelation from God concerning Saint Paul. Anthony thought that there was no other desert dweller such as he. God said to him, “Anthony, there is a servant of God more excellent than you, and you should go and see him.” Anthony went into the desert and came to Saint Paul’s cave. to the ground before the entrance to the cave, he asked to be admitted. Elders introduced themselves, and then embraced one another. conversed through the night, and Saint Anthony revealed how he had been led there by God. Paul disclosed to Saint Anthony that for sixty years a bird had brought him half a loaf of bread each day. the Lord had sent a double portion in honor of Saint Anthony’s visit. next morning, Saint Paul spoke to Anthony of his approaching death, and instructed him to bury him. also asked Saint Anthony to return to his monastery and bring back the cloak he had received from Saint Athanasius. did not really need a garment, but wished to depart from his body while Saint Anthony was absent. he was returning with the cloak, Saint Anthony beheld the soul of Saint Paul surrounded by angels, prophets, and apostles, shining like the sun and ascending to God. entered the cave and found Abba Paul on his knees with his arms outstretched. Anthony mourned for him, and wrapped him in the cloak. He wondered how he would bury the body, for he had not remembered to bring a shovel. lions came running from the wilderness and dug a grave with their claws. Anthony buried the holy Elder, and took his garment of palm leaves, then he returned to his own monastery. Anthony kept this garb as a precious inheritance, and wore it only twice a year, on Pascha and Pentecost. Paul of Thebes died in the year 341, when he was 113 years old. did not establish a single monastery, but soon after his end there were many imitators of his life, and they filled the desert with monasteries. Paul is honored as the first desert-dweller and hermit. the twelfth century Saint Paul’s relics were transferred to Constantinople and placed in the Peribleptos monastery of the Mother of God, on orders of the emperor Manuel (1143-1180). they were taken to Venice, and finally to Hungary, at Ofa. of his head is in Rome. Paul of Thebes, whose Life was written by Saint Jerome, is not to be confused with Saint Paul the Simple (October 4).

Egypt, 245-339, Saint Paul the Simple, his beautiful wife's affair
Egypt, 245-339, Saint Paul the Simple; Egypt, 271-356, Saint Anthony the Great; Egyptian Patriarch, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic; Venerable Ammon, Commemorated on October 4; Venerable Paul the Simple of Egypt, Commemorated on October 4; St John of Egypt,Commemorated on December 2;

Egypt, 249-251, Martyr Philosophus, bit off his tongue and spit it at her
Egypt, 249-251, Martyr Philosophus, bit off his tongue and spit it at her ; Martyr Philosophus suffered for Christ in Alexandria during the persecution by the emperor Decius (249-251). They urged the youth to deny Christ, but he remained steadfast. suffering various tortures, he was placed on a soft bed, bound hand and foot, and a harlot was put in the room with him to tempt him to sin. In order not to yield to sin, the saint bit off his tongue and spit it in the harlot’s face. She was so horrified that she fled from him. The executioners, seeing the martyr’s bravery and fearlessness, beheaded the saint with a sword.

Egypt, 250, Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, Mt Peleusium, came to city, destroyed idols and confessed
Egypt, 30-1st Century, Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria; Alexandria; Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 31 ; Holy Martyr Epimachus of Alexandria was a native of Egypt. For a long time he lived in seclusion on Mount Peleusium. a persecution against Christians at Alexandria (about the year 250), Saint Epimachus in his fervent zeal came into the city, destroyed pagan idols, and fearlessly confessed Christ. this the saint was put to torture. Among the people watching the torture was a woman who was blind in one eye. A drop of blood from the martyr healed her infirmity. fierce tortures, the saint was beheaded by the sword. Epimachus is also commemorated on March 11.

Egypt, 250, Epimachus of Pelusium, Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, drop of his blood healed woman's eye
Egypt, 250, Epimachus of Pelusium, Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria; Pelusium; Venerable Isidore of Pelusium, Commemorated February 4 ; Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 31 ; Holy Martyr Epimachus of Alexandria was a native of Egypt. For a long time he lived in seclusion on Mount Peleusium. During a persecution against Christians at Alexandria (about the year 250), Saint Epimachus in his fervent zeal came into the city, destroyed pagan idols, and fearlessly confessed Christ. For this the saint was put to torture. Among the people watching the torture was a woman who was blind in one eye. A drop of blood from the martyr healed her infirmity. fierce tortures, the saint was beheaded by the sword. Epimachus is also commemorated on March 11. Translation of the relics of the Martyr Epimachus of Pelusium, Commemorated on March 11; Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt, Commemorated on June 6; Venerable Paisius the Great, Commemorated on June 19;

Egypt, 250, Cyriacus, Faustus, Abibas, & 11 others at Alexandria, confessed Christians under Valerius under Decius
Egypt, 250, Martyrs Cyriacus, Faustus the Presbyter, (Habib) Abibas the Deacon, and eleven others at Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, confessed Christians under Valerius under Decius, beheaded, buried; Alexandria; Martyr Cyriacus and 11 others at Alexandria, Commemorated September 6 ; Martyrs Cyriacus, Faustus the Presbyter, (Habib) Abibas the Deacon, and eleven other martyrs suffered martyrdom for Christ at Alexandria under the emperor Decius (249-251). the persecution, they all steadfastly confessed themselves as Christians before the governor Valerius. were beheaded by the sword, about the year 250. Their bodies were buried by Christians in Alexandria.

Egypt, 250, 3rd Century, Gerontius and Basilides, Beheaded by the Sword, location assigned to Egypt
Martyrs Gerontius and Basilides, Commemorated on April 1; Troparion & Kontakion The Martyrs Gerontius and Basilides suffered martyrdom for Christ in the third century. They were beheaded by the sword.

Egypt, 253-259, Gaius, Faustus, Eusebius, &Chaeremon, oAlexandria, Egypt, deacons & Dionysius' disciple, banished, beheaded
Egypt, 253-259, Gaius, Faustus, Eusebius, and Chaeremon, of Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, deacons and disciples of Dionysius, banished with him, tortured, beheaded during Valerian's time; Alexandria; Martyrs Gaius, Faustus, Eusebius, and Chaeremon, of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 4; Gaius, Faustus, Eusebius, and Chaeremon were deacons and disciples of Saint Dionysius of Alexandria (October 5). were arrested and banished from from Alexandria along with with Saint Dionysius. were tortured and beheaded during the persecution of Valerian (253-259).

Egypt, 271-356, ANTHONY, the great, father of monasticism, protection of Cross, lived to 105, John Chrys says read his bio
Egypt, 271-356, ANTHONY, father of monasticism, first monastic rule, temptations, eternal punishment, granted a vision, angel, prayer and work, food at sunset, praying till dawn, sleep every 3rd day, monsterous phantoms, protection of the Cross, beaten devil hypocrit, vanquished w prayer, moved into graveyard, shut in tomb, friend deliver bread, devils pounced, as if dead, prepared for burial, regained consciousness, back to tombs, form of ferocious beasts, defeated by trusting, roof opening ray of light, where have you been Jesus? Why? Wanted to see you struggle, now I will always help and make you famous, to Thebaid alone, ignored silver and gold, abandoned fort w water other side of river, friend's bread twice a year, perfect calm after 20 yrs struggle, friends besought his guidance, soon surrounded by several monasteries, don't fear demonic assaults, repel them by Cross, Maximian persecution in 311, A goes to p in Alexandria to suffer, but preserved , back to Thebaid, gifts wonderworking, deliverance, healing, great crowds, deeper into desert but asked to visit monasteries, Manichaean Arian heresies in Alexandria misrepresented him, but he publically denounced them, he lived to 105, John Chrysostom says everyone should read his biography by Athanasius ; Alexandria; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17 ; Anthony the Great is known as the Father of monasticism, and the long ascetical sermon in The Life of Saint Anthony by Saint Athanasius (Sections 16-34), could be called the first monastic Rule. was born in Egypt in the village of Coma, near the desert of the Thebaid, in the year 251. His parents were pious Christians of illustrious lineage. Anthony was a serious child and was respectful and obedient to his parents. He loved to attend church services, and he listened to the Holy Scripture so attentively, that he remembered what he heard all his life. Saint Anthony was about twenty years old, he lost his parents, but he was responsible for the care of his younger sister. Going to church about six months later, the youth reflected on how the faithful,in the Acts of the Apostles (4:35), sold their possessions and gave the proceeds to the Apostles for the needy. he entered the church and heard the Gospel passage where Christ speaks to the rich young man: “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me” (Mt.19:21). Anthony felt that these words applied to him. Therefore, he sold the property that he received after the death of his parents, then distributed the money to the poor, and left his sister in the care of pious virgins in a convent. his parental home, Saint Anthony began his ascetical life in a hut not far from his village. By working with his hands, he was able to earn his livelihood and also alms for the poor. Sometimes, the holy youth also visited other ascetics living in the area, and from each he sought direction and benefit. He turned to one particular ascetic for guidance in the spiritual life. this period of his life Saint Anthony endured terrible temptations from the devil. The Enemy of the race of man troubled the young ascetic with thoughts of his former life, doubts about his chosen path, concern for his sister, and he tempted Anthony with lewd thoughts and carnal feelings. But the saint extinguished that fire by meditating on Christ and by thinking of eternal punishment, thereby overcoming the devil. that the devil would undoubtedly attack him in another manner, Saint Anthony prayed and intensified his efforts. Anthony prayed that the Lord would show him the path of salvation. And he was granted a vision. The ascetic beheld a man, who by turns alternately finished a prayer, and then began to work. This was an angel, which the Lord had sent to instruct His chosen one. Anthony tried to accustom himself to a stricter way of life. He partook of food only after sunset, he spent all night praying until dawn. Soon he slept only every third day. But the devil would not cease his tricks, and trying to scare the monk, he appeared under the guise of monstrous phantoms. The saint however protected himself with the Life-Creating Cross. Finally the Enemy appeared to him in the guise of a frightful looking small dark figure, and hypocritically declaring himself beaten, he thought he could tempt the saint into vanity and pride. The saint, however, vanquished the Enemy with prayer. even greater solitude, Saint Anthony moved farther away from the village, into a graveyard. He asked a friend to bring him a little bread on designated days, then shut himself in a tomb. Then the devils pounced upon the saint intending to kill him, and inflicted terrible wounds upon him. By the providence of the Lord, Anthony’s friend arrived the next day to bring him his food. Seeing him lying on the ground as if dead, he took him back to the village. They thought the saint was dead and prepared for his burial. At midnight, Saint Anthony regained consciousness and told his friend to carry him back to the tombs. Anthony’s staunchness was greater than the wiles of the Enemy. Taking the form of ferocious beasts, the devils tried to force the saint to leave that place, but he defeated them by trusting in the Lord. Looking up, the saint saw the roof opening, as it were, and a ray of light coming down toward him. The demons disappeared and he cried out, “Where have You been, O Merciful Jesus? Why didn’t You appear from the very beginning to end my pain?” Lord replied, “I was here, Anthony, but wanted to see your struggle. Now, since you have not yielded, I shall always help you and make your name known throughout all the world.” After this vision Saint Anthony was healed of his wounds and felt stronger than before. He was then thirty-five years of age. gained spiritual experience in his struggle with the devil, Saint Anthony considered going into the Thebaid desert to serve the Lord. He asked the Elder (to whom he had turned for guidance at the beginning of his monastic journey) to go into the desert with him. The Elder, while blessing him in the then as yet unheard of exploit of being a hermit, decided not to accompany him because of his age. Anthony went into the desert alone. The devil tried to hinder him, by placing a large silver disc in his path, then gold, but the saint ignored it and passed by. He found an abandoned fort on the other side of the river and settled there, barricading the entrance with stones. His faithful friend brought him bread twice a year, and there was water inside the fort. Anthony spent twenty years in complete isolation and constant struggle with the demons, and he finally achieved perfect calm. saint’s friends removed the stones from the entrance , and they went to Saint Anthony and besought him to take them under his guidance. Soon Saint Anthony’s cell was surrounded by several monasteries, and the saint acted as a father and guide to their inhabitants, giving spiritual instruction to all who came into the desert seeking salvation. increased the zeal of those who were already monks, and inspired others with a love for the ascetical life. He told them to strive to please the Lord, and not to become faint-hearted in their labors. He also urged them not to fear demonic assaults, but to repel the Enemy by the power of the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord. the year 311 there was a fierce persecution against Christians, in the reign of the emperor Maximian. Wishing to suffer with the holy martyrs, Saint Anthony left the desert and went to Alexandria. He openly ministered to those in prison, he was present at the trial and interrogations of the confessors, and accompanying the martyrs to the place of execution. It pleased the Lord to preserve him, however, for the benefit of Christians. the close of the persecution, the saint returned to the desert and continued his exploits. The Lord granted the saint the gift of wonderworking, casting out demons and healing the sick by the power of his prayer. great crowds of people coming to him disrupted his solitude, and he went off still farther, into the inner desert where he settled atop a high elevation. But the brethren of the monasteries sought him out and asked him to visit their communities. time Saint Anthony left the desert and arrived in Alexandria to defend the Orthodox Faith against the Manichaean and Arian heresies. that the name of Saint Anthony was venerated by all the Church, the Arians said that he adhered to their heretical teaching. Saint Anthony publicly denounced Arianism in front of everyone and in the presence of the bishop. During his brief stay at Alexandria, he converted a great multitude of pagans to Christ. from all walks of life loved the saint and sought his advice. philosophers once came to Abba Anthony intending to mock him for his lack of education, but by his words he reduced them to silence. Constantine the Great (May 21) and his sons wrote to Saint Anthony and asked him for a reply. He praised the emperor for his belief in Christ, and advised him to remember the future judgment, and to know that Christ is the true King. Anthony spent eighty-five years in the solitary desert. Shortly before his death, he told the brethren that soon he would be taken from them. He instructed them to preserve the Orthodox Faith in its purity, to avoid any association with heretics, and not to be negligent in their monastic struggles. “Strive to be united first with the Lord, and then with the saints, so that after death they may receive you as familiar friends into the everlasting dwellings.” saint instructed two of his disciples, who had attended him in the final fifteen years of his life, to bury him in the desert and not in Alexandria. left one of his monastic mantles to Saint Athanasius of Alexandria (January 18), and the other to Saint Serapion of Thmuis (March 21). Anthony died peacefully in the year 356, at age 105, and he was buried in the desert by his disciples. Life of the famed ascetic Saint Anthony the Great was written by Saint Athanasius of Alexandria. This is the first biography of a saint who was not a martyr, and is considered to be one of the finest of Saint Athanasius’ writings. Saint John Chrysostom recommends that this Life be read by every Christian. “These things are insignificant compared with Anthony’s virtues,” writes Saint Athanasius, “but judge from them what the man of God Anthony was like. From his youth until his old age, he kept his zeal for asceticism, he did not give in to the desire for costly foods because of his age, nor did he alter his clothing because of the infirmity of his body. He did not even wash his feet with water. He remained very healthy, and he could see well because his eyes were sound and undimmed. Not one of his teeth fell out, but near the gums they had become worn due to his advanced age. He remained strong in his hands and feet.... He was spoken of everywhere, and was admired by everyone, and was sought even by those who had not seen him, which is evidence of his virtue and of a soul dear to God.” following works of Saint Anthony have come down to us: Twenty Sermons on the virtues, primarily monastic (probably spurious). Seven Letters to various Egyptian monasteries concerning moral perfection, and the monastic life as a spiritual struggle. A Rule for monastics (not regarded as an authentic work of Saint Anthony). the year 544 the relics of Saint Anthony the Great were transferred to Alexandria, and after the conquest of Egypt by the Saracens in the seventh century, they were transferred to Constantinople. The holy relics were transferred from Constantinople in the tenth-eleventh centuries to a diocese outside Vienna. In the fifteenth century they were brought to Arles (in France), to the church of Saint Julian. ANTONY, ABBOT IN EGYPT (17 JAN 356) ; the conversion of the Emperor Constantine in 312 AD, back in the days when Christianity was still a persecuted religion, the act of becoming a Christian involved turning one's back on the pursuit of security, of fashionable prestige and popularity, of success as the term is widely understood. the Emperor had changed Christianity from a persecuted religion into a fashionable one, many earnest Christians felt the need to make such a renunciation in the service of Christ, and did not see mere Church membership as any longer enough to constitute such a renunciation. Accordingly, many of them sought Christian commitment by fleeing from society into the desert, and becoming hermits, devoting themselves to solitude, fasting, and prayer. this trend was much accelerated and reinforced by the conversion of Constantine and attendant changes, it had already begun earlier. An outstanding early example is Antony of Egypt, often reckoned as the founder of Christian monasticism. of Egypt, the son of Christian parents, inherited a large estate. On his way to church one day, he found himself meditating on the text, "Sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and come follow me." he got to church, he heard the preacher speaking on that very text. He took this as a message for him, and, having provided for the care of his sister, he gave his land to the tenants who lived on it, and gave his other wealth to the poor, and became a hermit, living alone for twenty years, praying and reading, and doing manual labor. 305, he gave up his solitude to become the head of a group of monks, living in a cluster of huts or cells, devoting themselves to communal singing and worship, to prayer and study and manual labor under Antony's direction. They did not simply renounce the world, but were diligent in prayer for their fellow Christians, worked with their hands to earn money that they might distribute it as alms, and preached and gave personal counseling to those who sought them out. 321, Christians in Alexandria were being persecuted by the Emperor Maximinus (the rule of Constantine was not yet universal), and Antony visited Alexandria to encourage those facing the possibility of martyrdom. visited again in 335, when Arianism was strong in the city, and converted many, by his preaching and testimony, and by prayer and the working of miracles. His biography was written by Athanasius, who said of him: "Who ever met him grieving and failed to go away rejoicing?" by James Kiefer Egyptian Patriarch, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic; Venerable Ammon, Commemorated on October 4; Venerable Paul the Simple of Egypt, Commemorated on October 4; St John of Egypt,Commemorated on December 2;

Egypt, 276-336, Egyptian Scholar, Arius of Alexandria
Egyptian Scholar, 276-336, Arius of Alexandria ; Egyptian Patriarch, 328-373, Athanasias of Alexandria; Venerable Hellius of Egypt, Commemorated on July 14; St Frumentius the Archbishop of Abyssinia, Ethiopia, Commemorated on November 30; St Athanasius the Great the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on May 2 ; ATHANASIUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, THEOLOGIAN, DOCTOR (2 MAY 373); Venerable Theodore the Sanctified, Disciple of the Venerable Pachomius the Great, Commemorated on May 16;

Egypt, 276-311, Egyptian Saint, Pope Peter I of Alexandria, e anathama leniency, excomd Arius
Egypt, 276-336, Egyptian Saint, Pope Peter I of Alexandria; Egyptian Scholar, 276-336, Arius of Alexandria ; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25 ;

Egypt, 286-287, Apollonius of Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, change clothes with me, but he confessed, arrow destroys eye, healed
Egypt, 286-287, Apollonius of Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, change clothes with me, but he confessed, arrow destroys eye, healed, aAntinoe, under Diocletian, Arrian first persecuted Chriatians, Apollonius first feared, asked pagan musician Philemon change clothes&sacrifice for him, but unexpectedly P confessed, A repented&confessed, both tortured&executed, P's body hung olive tree, arrows, one ruined perfect Arianus' eye, eye healed by dirt Philemon's grave, perfect's family baptized & martyred, P&A d 286, A&T d287; Alexandria; Martyr Apollonius of Alexandria, Commemorated December 14 ; Holy Martyrs Philemon, Apollonius, Arianus and Theotychus suffered for the Faith in Egypt, the city of Antinoe, the emperor Diocletian (284-305). Arrian up until his conversion to Christ was a persecutor of Christians, among whom were the martyrs Apollonius and Philemon. Apollonius, at first fearing to face the sufferings, asked the pagan musician Philemon to change clothes with him and offer sacrifice to the idols for him. unexpectedly Saint Philemon confessed himself a Christian in front of the pagans. Apollonius repented and also confessed Christ. torture, both martyrs were executed. Philemon’s body was hung upon an olive tree, arrows were shot at him. struck prefect Arianus in the eye, destroying it. ’ injured eye was healed by when he applied dirt taken from Philemon’s grave. repented and was converted to the Christian Faith and baptized together with all his household and bodyguards. of love for Christ they voluntarily went to torture and were sentenced to death. Martyr Theotychus was the eldest of the guards, and is remembered with the other saints. Martyrs Philemon and Apollonius died on March 16, 286, and the Martyrs Arrian and Theotychus on March 4, 287.

Egypt, 287, Martyr Asclas, Antinoe, Thebaid, Egypt (Nile River 15)
Egypt, 287, Martyr Asclas, Antinoe, Thebaid, Egypt (Nile River 15); Holy Martyr Asclas was a Christian, born in the city of Great Hermopolis (Middle Egypt). The saint suffered under Diocletian (284-305). Brought before the governor Arrian, Saint Asclas boldly confessed his faith and refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. The saint predicted to Arrian that there would come a time when he himself would be forced to call on Jesus Christ as the one true God. Arrian’s order, they began to torture the saint cruelly, they suspended him and raked him with iron instruments, so that pieces of his flesh fell to the ground. Saint Asclas quietly endured the torments. When one of those present said, “Look, he is already unconscious and near to death,â€ the holy martyr answered, “I have not lost consciousness, and unceasingly do I glorify my God and Savior.â€ governor Arrian gave orders to to resume the martyr’s tortures in the city of Antinoe, on the opposite bank of the Nile, where he himself soon intended to go. But the martyr prayed to God, beseeching Him to hold back Arrian’s boat until he confessed the Lord Jesus Christ before all the people. boat suddenly halted in the middle of the river, and not even oars could move it from the spot. Arrian ascribed the miracle to sorcery. In drawing up the sentence of the saint, the governor happened to say something about the one true God, and then the boat sailed on to shore. Going into the city, Arrian again gave orders to suspend Saint Asclas and scorch him with fire. the saint was sentenced to be drowned in the river. The martyr said to the Christians accompanying him, “Strive, brethren, to receive the rewards of the Lord God. My children, come to the north part of the city in three days and find my body. Bury it with the stone that will be tied to it.â€ martyrdom of Saint Asclas occurred around the year 287, not far from the city of Antinoe. On the third day, Christians found the body of the martyr and buried it with the stone. Antinoe or Antinopolis; St David of Hermopolis in Egypt, Commemorated September 6 ; St Barses the Confessor, Commemorated August 25 ; Martyr Apollonius of Alexandria, Commemorated December 14 ; Martyr Julian at Antinoe in Egypt, Commemorated January 8 ; Martyr Asclas of Egypt, Commemorated on May 20;

Egypt, 290-350, Syncletica oAlexandria, beautiful, virginity, giving, left city tCrypt, girls came, death revealed bVision
Egypt, 290-350, Syncletica oAlexandria, Goshen, Egypt, wealthy parents, beautiful, loved purity&virginity, fasting&prayer, distributed wealth tPoor, left city tCrypt, girls came, instructed bWord&Deed, illness a80, Christian endurance, time oDeath revealed bVision, died 350; Alexandria; Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 5 ; Syncletica was a native of Alexandria, daughter of wealthy parents. was very beautiful, from a young age she thought only about the things which are pleasing to God. the purity of virginity, she refused to marry anyone, spent all her time in fasting and prayer. the death of her parents, Syncletica distributed her inheritance to the poor. left the city with her younger sister, and lived in a crypt for the rest of her life. of her ascetic deeds quickly spread throughout the region, many devout women and girls came to live under her guidance. the course of her ascetical life the Saint zealously instructed the sisters by word and by deed. her eightieth year Saint Syncletica was stricken with an intense and grievous illness. bore her ordeal with true Christian endurance, the day of her death was revealed to her in a vision. giving final instructions to her nuns, she surrendered her soul to God around the year 350.

Egypt, 300, 4th Century Folder, Hermits of Egyptian Desert

Egypt, 301-311, Peter of Alexandria, Archbishop, A School, lenient to fallen c, but excommunicated Arius, unusual martyrdom
Egypt, 300-311, Peter of Alexandria, Archbishop, School of Alexandria, lenient to fallen c, but excommunicated Arius, unusual martyrdom, avoided the crowd, voice from heaven, vision of Jesus as a child, Arius warning from J, profound theologian; Peter I of Alexandria (Coptic: Ⲡⲁⲡⲁ Ⲁⲃⲃⲁ ⲡⲉⲧⲣⲟⲥ ⲁ̅, ⲡⲓⲁⲅⲓⲟⲥ ⲡⲉⲧⲣⲟⲥ ⲓⲉⲣⲟⲙⲁⲣⲧⲩⲣⲟⲥ ⲡⲓⲁⲣⲭⲏⲉⲣⲉⲩⲥ[1]) was the 17th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria. He is revered as a saint by the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Catholic Church.[2] was born and raised in Alexandria. Coptic Orthodox Church believes that Peter was given by his parents to Theonas to be brought up as a priest, similarly to the story of Samuel in the Old Testament. rose through the ranks of holy orders, first becoming a reader, then a deacon, then a priest. Highly educated, Peter became head of the school of Alexandria.[3] early 300, while on his death bed, Theonas advised the church leaders to choose Peter as his successor, which they did. time as bishop included the Diocletianic Persecution, which began in 303, and continued intermittently over the next ten years. into exile from the city during the anti-Christian persecutions, Peter traveled through many lands, encouraging his flock by letter, before returning to his city to guide the Alexandrian Church personally during this period. He secretly visited those imprisoned, assisted widows and orphans, and conducted clandestine services.[3] of Peter's position during the persecution vary,[4] but one states that he was imprisoned for a time with bishop Meletius of Lycopolis and they fell into an argument over the treatment of Christians who had either offered pagan sacrifice or surrendered scriptures to the authorities to save their lives during the persecution. urged leniency while Meletius held firmly that the lapsed had abandoned their faith and needed to be rebaptised. Their argument became heated, and was ended when Peter hung a curtain between him and Meletius. of Meletius' followers was a priest named Arius (modern scholarship differs on whether this was the same Arius as became involved with the Arian controversy a few years later).[5][6] According to Severus of Ashmumeen, Arius tried in vain to receive absolution from the Patriarch before Peter was executed, and before dying Peter anathematized Arius as a heretic and excommunicated him.[3] execution of the patriarch Peter of Alexandria under the emperor Maximinus Daia, depicted in the Menologion of Basil II, an illuminated manuscript prepared for the emperor Basil II in c. 1000. tenth-century historian Severus of Ashmumeen gives us an account of how during the Diocletianic Persecution the Patriarch was seized and thrown in prison. When the emperor was informed about this, he ordered Peter to be beheaded. This was hindered by a large number of Christians who gathered at the prison willing to die for their Patriarch. The soldiers delayed the execution because they neither wanted to massacre the crowd nor create a riot. Patriarch, fearing for the life of his people, advised the soldiers with a plan to smuggle him out of jail by breaking a hole in a certain wall which he would point out. He could then be smuggled out and receive his sentence. of Ashmumeen describes the moment when the Patriarch was martyred: he took off his omophorion, and bared his neck, which was pure before the Lord, and said to them: «Do as you have been commanded». the soldiers feared that trouble would befall them because of him. So they looked one at another, and not one of them dared to cut off his head, because of the dread which had fallen upon them. they took counsel together and said: «To him that cuts off his head each one of us will give five denarii». Now they were six persons; and one of them had some money; so he took out five and twenty denarii from among the coins and said : «He that will go up to him, and cut off his head, shall receive this money from me and from the four others». So one of the men went forward, and summoned up his courage, and cut off the head of the holy martyr and patriarch Peter; that day being the 29th of Hatur.[6] is a month in the Coptic calendar, corresponding roughly to November. Saint Peter's martyrdom occurred in the year AD 311. day[edit] in Christianity, the day of a saint's death is the day on which his feast day is celebrated. 29 Hatur corresponds to 25 November in the Julian calendar (to 26 November if the following Julian year is a leap year). Thus 29 Hatur corresponds at present to the Gregorian Calendar 8 December or 9 December (see Old Style and New Style dates). Alexandria; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25 ; Holy Hieromartyr Peter, Archbishop of Alexandria, was born and raised at Alexandria. He was a highly educated man, and was head of the school of Alexandria. In the year 300 he became the archpastor of the Alexandrian Church, succeeding his teacher and spiritual guide, the holy Bishop Theonas. into exile from the city during the anti-Christian persecutions under the emperors Diocletian and Maximian, Saint Peter traveled through many lands, encouraging his flock by letter. Again returned to his city, in order to guide the Alexandrian Church personally during this dangerous period. The saint secretly visited Christians locked up in prison, encouraging them to be steadfast in faith, assisting the widows and orphans, preaching the Word of God, constantly praying and officiating at the divine services. And the Lord kept him safe from the hands of the persecutors. this time of unrest the iniquitous heretic Arius, who denied the divinity of Jesus Christ, sowed the tares of his impious teaching. When Arius refused to be corrected and submit to the truth, Saint Peter anathematized the heretic and excommunicated him from the Church. Arius then sent two of Saint Peter’s priests to beg the saint to lift the excommunication from him, pretending that he had repented and given up his false teachings. This was not true, for Arius hoped to succeed Saint Peter as Archbishop of Alexandria. Saint Peter, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, saw through the wickedness and deceit of Arius, and so he instructed his flock not to believe Arius nor to accept him into communion. the wise nurturing of Saint Peter the Church of Alexandria strengthened and grew in spite of the persecutions. But finally, on orders from the emperor Maximian (305-311), the saint was arrested and sentenced to death. A multitude of people gathered at the entrance of the prison, expressing their outrage. to avoid bloodshed and a riot by the people, the saint sent a message to the authorities, in which he suggested that they make an opening in the back wall of the prison, so that he might be taken away secretly to execution. the dark of the night Saint Peter went with the executioners, who took him beyond the city walls and beheaded him at the same spot where formerly Saint Mark had been executed. night a certain pious virgin heard a Voice from heaven saying, “Peter was first among the Apostles; Peter is the last of the Alexandrian Martyrs.” took place in the year 311. the morning, when people learned of the death of their bishop, a crowd gathered at the place of execution. They took up the body and head of the martyr and went to the church, dressing him in his bishop’s vestments, they sat him in his throne at the high place in the altar. During his life Saint Peter never sat on it, but sat on a footstool instead. saint once explained that whenever he approached his throne he beheld a heavenly light shining on it, and he sensed the presence of a divine power. Therefore, he didn’t dare to sit there. Lord Jesus Christ once appeared to Saint Peter as a twelve-year-old child wearing a robe that was torn from top to bottom. Saint Peter asked the Savior who had torn his garment, He replied, “That madman Arius has torn it by dividing the people whom I have redeemed by My blood. Do not receive him into Communion with the Church, for he has worked evil against Me and My flock.” Peter, a great champion of Orthodoxy, is known also as a profound theologian. Passages from his book, “On the Divinity (of Jesus Christ)”, were consulted at the Councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon. Of all his works, the most widely known and highly esteemed by the Church are his “Penitential Canons”.

Egypt, 301-305, Augusta, Porphyrius tGeneral, 50 philosophers &200 Soldiers martyred w Katherine
In Alexandria, Augusta, Porphyrius the General, the 50 philosophers and the 200 Soldiers martyred with the Great Martyr Katherine, 50 Philosophers and Rhetoricians dispute w her, converted, burned alive, Agusta wanted to see her, her face radiant wDivine Grace, Commander Prophyrius 200 soldeirs w her converted, K threatened wWheel but approached it herself, but angel smashed wheel, Maximian offered marriage, rejected, all beheaded; Empress Augusta, Porphyrius the General, the 50 philosophers and the 200 Soldiers martyred with the Great Martyr Katherine, Commemorated on November 24; we read in the life of Saint Katherine, the Emperor Maximian ordered 50 of the Empire's most learned philosophers and rhetoricians to dispute with Great Martyr. a result of her eloquent testimony, however, they embraced the Christian faith and were summarily burned alive by Maximian's order, after Saint Katherine made the Sign of the Cross over them. the Empress Augusta, who had heard much about Katherine, wanted to see her. prevailed upon the military commander Porphyrius to accompany her to the prison with a detachment of soldiers. Empress was deeply impressed by the tenacious faith displayed by Saint Katherine, whose face was radiant with divine grace. After she had explained the Christian teaching to them, they too embraced the Christian faith. next day, Katherine was again brought to the judgment court where, under the threat of being broken on the wheel, she was urged to renounce the Christian Faith and offer sacrifice to the gods. steadfastly confessed Christ and she herself approached the wheels, an angel smashed the instruments of execution, which shattered into pieces. beheld this wonder, the Empress Augusta, Porphyrius and the detachment of 200 soldiers publicly confessed their faith in Christ. Maximian again tried to entice Katherine to renounce her faith, proposing marriage to her, but again she refused his offer and firmly confessed her fidelity to the heavenly Bridegroom Christ. offering a prayer to Him, she herself laid her head on the block beneath the executioner’s sword and was beheaded, as was the Empress Augusta, Porphyrius and the 200 soldiers.

Egypt, 301-370, Serapion, Bishop oThmuis, Egypt, example f All Monks, salvation stories, Anthony Letter, Athanasius, Lit Texts
Egypt, 301-370, Serapion, Bishop of Thmuis, Egypt (Goshen or Lower Egypt), Sindonite for rough linen clothing (sindona), lived like birds of air, no shelter, no money, gave sindon, half naked, tSketis, saved bandit story, Manichean heretic Lakedaimon story, Greek philosopher's gold coin story, sold himself to slavery story, not pay for ship to Rome story, house to house in Rome story, Later Bishop of T, Letter on Death of St Anthony, supporter friend oAthanasius, w Liturgical Texts, deep old age, example all monks; Thmuis; Saint Serapion, Bishop of Thmuis in Lower Egypt, Commemorated on March 21; Serapion lived in Egypt during the fourth century. is known as “the Sindonite” because wore only rough linen clothing (sindona). the time of his youth he lived like the birds of the air (Matthew 6:26). He had no shelter, and for several days at a timehou he would eat no food, because he did not have money to buy bread. he saw a beggar shivering from the cold, he gave him his sindon, and was left half-naked. He proved to be a prime example of philanthropy and mercy, distributing his own wealth, and whatever his faithful visitors gave him for himself, to the poor. he became a monk and lived in the desert of Sketis. was dedicated to spreading the Word of God in many different ways. he fell into the hands of a bandit, and by his powers of persuasion he managed to turn the tables on him, and made this robber a servant of God. also managed to convert the Manichean heretic Lakedaimon to Orthodoxy. certain Greek philosopher, who wanted to test the monk’s honesty, gave him a gold coin and began to watch him. Saint went to a bread merchant, took one loaf and gave the gold coin to the merchant, walking away with no idea of the coin’s value. Serapion led many people to the path of salvation in special ways. he sold himself into slavery to a Greek actor who wanted to convert to Christ. The actor was astonished by the righteous one’s holy life, and so he believed and was baptized with his family. He implored Saint Serapion to remain with him, not as a slave, but as a mentor and friend. The monk left, however, without taking the money that was offered to him. for Rome, Saint Serapion boarded a ship, but did not pay the sailors anything for his passage. At first, they began to reproach him for this, but when they saw that the Elder did not eat anything for five days, they began to feed him for the sake of God, and thereby fulfilled the commandment of the Lord. Rome, the monk continued to travel, going from house to house, having nothing, gathering only spiritual riches for himself and for his neighbor. he was made Bishop of Thmuis in Lower Egypt. had been a disciple of Saint Anthony the Great (January 17), and later he wrote A Letter on the Death of Saint Anthony. was also a friend and supporter of Saint Athanasios of Alexandria (January 18 & May 2). the end of the nineteenth century a collection of liturgical texts, ascribed to Saint Serapion, was discovered. the end he returned to his beloved desert, where he reposed peacefully in deep old age in the year 370, an example for all the monks.

Egypt, 301-305, Catherine, beautiful smart daughter of gov, m only one who surpasses me, no, baptism, yes and ring
Egypt, 305, Saint, Catherine of Alexandria; Great Martyr Catherine of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 24; Holy Great Martyr Catherine was the daughter of Constus, the governor of Alexandrian Egypt during the reign of the emperor Maximian (305-313). in the capital, the center of Hellenistic knowledge, and possessed of a rare beauty and intellect, Catherine received an excellent education, studying the works of the greatest philosophers and teachers of antiquity. men from the most worthy families of the empire sought the hand of the beautiful Catherine, but she was not interested in any of them. She told her parents that she would enter into marriage only with someone who surpassed her in nobility, wealth, comeliness and wisdom. ™s mother, a secret Christian, sent her to her own spiritual Father, a saintly Elder living in a cave outside the city, for advice. listening to Catherine, the Elder said that he knew of a Youth who surpassed her in everything. œHis countenance is more radiant than the shining of the sun, and all of creation is governed by His wisdom. His riches are given to all the nations of the world, yet they never diminish. His compassion is unequaled. description of the Heavenly Bridegroom produced in the soul of the holy maiden an ardent desire to see Him. œIf you do as I tell you, said the monk, œyou will gaze upon the countenance of this illustrious man. parting, the Elder handed Catherine an icon of the Theotokos with the divine Child Jesus on Her arm and told her to pray with faith to the Queen of Heaven, the Mother of the Heavenly Bridegroom, and She would hear Catherine and grant her heart'™s desire. prayed all night and was permitted to see the Most Holy Virgin, Who said Her Divine Son, œBehold Thy handmaiden Catherine, how fair and virtuous she is; But the Child turned His face away from her saying, œNo, she is ugly and unbelieving. She is a foolish pauper, and I cannot bear to look at her until she forsakes her impiety. returned again to the Elder deeply saddened, and told him what she had seen in the dream. He lovingly received her, instructed her in the faith of Christ, admonished her to preserve her purity and integrity and to pray unceasingly. She then received the Mystery of holy Baptism from him. Saint Catherine had a vision of the Most Holy Theotokos with Her Child. Now the Lord looked tenderly at her and gave her a beautiful ring, a wondrous token of her betrothal to the Heavenly Bridegroom (this ring is still on her hand). that time the emperor Maximian was in Alexandria for a pagan festival. Therefore, the celebration was especially splendid and crowded. The cries of the sacrificial animals, the smoke and the smell of the sacrifices, the endless blazing of fires, and the bustling crowds at the arenas defiled the city of Alexandria. Human victims also were brought, the confessors of Christ, those who would not deny Him under torture. They were condemned to death in the fire. saint’s love for the Christian martyrs and her fervent desire to ease their sufferings compelled Catherine to speak to the pagan priest and to the emperor Maximian. herself, the saint confessed her faith in the One True God and with wisdom exposed the errors of the pagans. The beauty of the maiden captivated the emperor. order to convince her and to show the superiority of pagan wisdom, the emperor ordered fifty of the most learned philosophers and rhetoricians of the Empire to dispute with her, but the saint got the better of the wise men, so that they came to believe in Christ themselves. Catherine made the Sign of the Cross over the martyrs, and they bravely accepted death for Christ and were burned alive by order of the emperor. no longer hoping to convince the saint, tried to entice her with the promise of riches and fame. Receiving an angry refusal, the emperor gave orders to subject the saint to terrible tortures and then throw her in prison. Empress Augusta, who had heard much about the saint, wanted to see her. She prevailed upon the military commander Porphyrius to accompany her to the prison with a detachment of soldiers. The empress was impressed by the strong spirit of Saint Catherine, whose face was radiant with divine grace. The holy martyr explained the Christian teaching to them, and they were converted to Christ. the following day they again brought the martyr to the judgment court where, under the threat of being broken on the wheel, she was urged to renounce the Christian Faith and offer sacrifice to the gods. The saint steadfastly confessed Christ and she herself approached the wheels; but an angel smashed the instruments of execution, which shattered into pieces with many pagans standing nearby. beheld this wonder, the Empress Augusta and the imperial courtier Porphyrius with 200 soldiers confessed their faith in Christ in front of everyone, and they were beheaded. again tried to entice the holy martyr, proposing marriage to her, and again he was refused. Saint Catherine firmly confessed her fidelity to the heavenly Bridegroom Christ, and with a prayer to Him she herself laid her head on the block beneath the executioner’s sword. relics of Saint Catherine were taken by the angels to Mount Sinai. In the sixth century, the venerable head and left hand of the holy martyr were found through a revelation and transferred with honor to a newly-constructed church of the Sinai monastery, built by the holy Emperor Justinian (November 14). Catherine is called upon for relief and assistance during a difficult childbirth. Pilgrims to her monastery on Mt Sinai are given souvenir rings as a remembrance of their visit.

Egypt, 301-307, Varus, commander, secret christian, assistance, fiercely beaten to d, holy relics in Galilee
Egypt, 307, Egyptian Saint, Varus; Martyr Varus, and seven Monastic Martyrs with him, Commemorated on October 19; Varus lived in Egypt during the period of several persecutions against Christians (late third to early fourth century). (Ouaros) was a military commander and secretly a Christian. He gave assistance to many of the persecuted and imprisoned Christians, and he visited the prisoners at night. He also brought food to the prisoners, dressed their wounds, and gave them encouragement. Varus spent a whole night talking with seven imprisoned monks. These men were Christian teachers who had been beaten and starved. Varus marched with the teachers when they were led to their execution. judge, seeing Varus’ strong faith, had him fiercely beaten. Varus died during the beating. After his death, the monks were beheaded.

Egypt, 301-327, Cleopatra, witnessed Varus martyrdom, son died, in heaven w V, comforted, built Galilee church over r
Egypt, 307-327, Egyptian Saint, Cleopatra; Cleopatra (died 319 or 327) was a Christian saint who lived between the 3rd century and 4th century. She is venerated in the Catholic Church,[1] Oriental Orthodoxy[citation needed] and Eastern Orthodoxy[2]. originally came from a village called Edra near Mount Tabor in Lower Galilee.[3] was a contemporary of the holy martyr Saint Varus and had witnessed his suffering and execution. After Varus' death, Cleopatra had his remains taken to her home in Daraa, Syria where she had them buried with reverence. was a widow, whose only child, was a son named John. By 319, John had attained the officer rank of centurion, but to her great sorrow, had died suddenly. in grief, turned to the relics of Saint Varus, begging the saint to return her son. She dreamt that Varus and John appeared to her as radiant in bright attire with crowns upon their heads and took this to mean that the Lord had received John into the Heavenly Kingdom, and was comforted.[3] moved to live by the church that she had built was over the relics of Saint Varus and her son. Miracles were reported by people who had come to pray at the church. Cleopatra spent her remaining years in the service of God. She gave her property to the poor and spent her time praying and fasting.[3] She died in 327. from Cleopatra, her son John is also recognised as a saint in Orthodox Christianity. The feast day of Saints Cleopatra and John is 19 October. Egypt, 307, Egyptian Saint, Varus; Blessed Cleopatra with her son John, in Egypt, Commemorated on October 19; Cleopatra and her son John came from the village of Edra near Mount Tabor in Palestine. She was a contemporary of the holy Martyr Varus and witnessed his voluntary suffering. the execution, Saint Cleopatra brought the body of the holy martyr to her own country and buried him with reverence. had one beloved son, John, who had attained the honorable rank of officer. To the great sorrow of his mother, John suddenly died. Cleopatra with tears of grief turned to the relics of the holy Martyr Varus, begging him for the return of her son. and her son appeared to Cleopatra in a dream, radiant in bright attire with crowns upon their heads. She realized that the Lord had received her son into the heavenly Kingdom, and was comforted. this vision blessed Cleopatra started to live by a church she built over the relics of the holy martyr Varus and her son John, and performed many good deeds. She distributed her property to the poor and spent her time in prayer and fasting. After seven years she fell asleep in the Lord. Martyr Varus, and seven Monastic Martyrs with him, Commemorated on October 19;

Egypt, 301-350, Akepsimas &Aithalas, Arbel, Galilee, Pagan Priest and Arbel Church Deacon, martyred together for confession
Galilee, 301-350, Arbel (Arbela), Galilee, Pagan Priest and Arbel Church Deacon, martyred together for confession; Arbel; Roman and Byzantine "Arbel" or "Arbela"[edit] In 161 BCE "Arbela" in the Arbel Valley was the site of a battle between the supporters of the Maccabees and Seleucid general Bacchides, who defeated and killed his opponents (1 Macc. 9:2).[3][4][5] the second half of the second century BCE, the village of Arbel was the home of the sage Nittai of Arbela.[citation needed] 38 BCE, Jewish partisans of Antigonus who were opposing Herod in his conquest of the land with the help of Roman, sought refuge from his troops in the caves dotting the steep northern cliffs of Mount Arbel, but couldn't escape death.[6][4][5] Their story is told by Josephus, who himself fortified the cave-village as a storage base at the beginning of the First Jewish–Roman War against Rome in 66 CE.[4][5] ancient town of Arbel is thought by some to have been located at the site of Khirbet Wadi Hamam ("Ruins [in the] Valley of the Doves"; Hurvat Vradim being the modern Hebrew name), on the other side of Arbel Valley, on the eastern slopes of Mount Nitay and close to the stream bed; if that was the case, the village only moved to the site of Khirbet Irbid, close to where the modern moshav stands now, during the Middle Ages.[5] The Jewish scholar Ishtori Haparchi, writing in 1322, thought to identify ancient Arbel with the Arab village itself, in its location on Mount Arbel, 4.5 kilometres (2.8 mi) northwest of Tiberias.[7] from the late Roman and Byzantine periods have been found.[8][dubious – discuss] Martyr Akepsimas of Egypt, Commemorated on December 11 ; Holy Martyrs Akepsimas and Aithalas were from Persia. Akepsimas was a pagan priest in the city of Arbel. Having received healing through the prayers of a Christian bishop, he was converted to the faith in Christ and boldly confessed it. For this they threw Saint Akepsimas into prison. after, Saint Aithalas, a deacon of the Arbel Church, was imprisoned with him. They brought the martyrs before the ruler, where they again confessed their faith and were beheaded.

Egypt, 303-305, Martyr Paphnutius & 546 companions, appeared not brought to torture, preserved, strengthened christian confess
Egypt, 303-305, Martyr Paphnutius and 546 companions, Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, appeared not brought to torture, preserved, converted prisoners, set free, strengthened christians to confess, 546 in all, into river w stone, but floated, crucifiec on date tree; Alexandria; Martyr Paphnutius and 546 companions in Egypt, Commemorated on September 25; Holy Martyr Paphnutius hailed from Egypt and struggled in the desert. the persecution against Christians under Diocletian (284-305), the governor Hadrian commanded that Saint Paphnutius be brought to him. ascetic, not waiting for those sent to bring him, appeared before the governor, confessed his faith in Christ, and was subjected to torture. soldiers involved in his torture, Dionysius and Callimachus, seeing how the power of God preserved the martyr, believed in Christ the Savior themselves, for which they were then beheaded. into prison after the tortures, Saint Paphnutius converted forty prisoners to the Faith. They were all burned alive. a while Saint Paphnutius was set free, and a Christian named Nestorius gladly took him in. He and all his family, after spiritual guidance, became steadfast in the Faith, and ultimately endured martyrdom. saint strengthened many other Christians to confess our Lord Jesus Christ, and they all died as martyrs. Some were cut with swords, others were burned. There were 546 men in all. Paphnutius himself was thrown by the torturers into a river with a stone about his neck, but he miraculously floated to shore with the stone. they sent the holy martyr to the emperor Diocletian himself, who commanded him to be crucified on a date tree.

Egypt, 303-313, Catherine of Alexandria, educated beauty, a only one who surpassed, icon, rejected by J, baptism, accepted
Egypt, 303-313, Greatmartyr Catherine of Alexandria, educated, beautiful, accept only someone who surpassed her, Theotokos icon, prayer, rejected by Jesus, baptism, accepted by Jesus ; of Alexandria, or Katherine of Alexandria, also known as Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Catherine of the Wheel and The Great Martyr Saint Catherine, is, according to tradition, a Christian saint and virgin, who was martyred in the early 4th century at the hands of the emperor Maxentius. to her hagiography, she was both a princess and a noted scholar who became a Christian around the age of 14, converted hundreds of people to Christianity and was martyred around the age of 18. than 1,100 years after Catherine's martyrdom, Joan of Arc identified her as one of the saints who appeared to and counselled her.[3] Eastern Orthodox Church venerates her as a Great Martyr and celebrates her feast day on 24 or 25 November, depending on the regional tradition. In Catholicism, Catherine is traditionally revered as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and she is commemorated in the Roman Martyrology on 25 November.[4] feast was removed from the General Roman Calendar[5] in 1969, but restored in 2002 as an optional memorial. modern scholars consider that the legend of Catherine was probably based on the life and murder of the virgin Saint Dorothea of Alexandria and the Greek philosopher Hypatia, with reversed role of a Christian and Neo-Platonist in the case of the latter.[6][7][8] Alexandria; Greatmartyr Catherine of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 24 ; Holy Great Martyr Katherine was the daughter of Konstos, the governor of Alexandria, Egypt during the reign of Emperor Maximian (305-313). Living in the capital, the center of Hellenistic knowledge, and possessed of a rare beauty and intellect, Katherine received an excellent education, studying the works of the greatest philosophers and teachers of antiquity. Young men from the most worthy families of the empire sought the hand of the beautiful Katherine, but she was not interested in any of them. She told her parents that she would enter into marriage only with someone who surpassed her in nobility, wealth, comeliness and wisdom. ’s mother, a secret Christian, sent her to her own Spiritual Father, a saintly Elder living in a cave outside the city, for advice. listening to Katherine, the Elder said that he knew of someone who surpassed her in everything. “His countenance is more radiant than the shining of the sun, and all of creation is governed by His wisdom. His riches are given to all the nations of the world, yet they never diminish. His compassion is unequaled.” description of the Heavenly Bridegroom produced an ardent desire in the soul of the holy maiden to see Him. "If you do as I tell you,” said the monk, “you will gaze upon the countenance of this illustrious man.” In parting, the Elder gave Katherine an icon of the Theotokos with the Divine Child on Her arm and told her to pray with faith to the Queen of Heaven, the Mother of the Heavenly Bridegroom, and she would hear Katherine and grant her heart’s desire. prayed all night and was permitted to see the Most Holy Virgin, Who said her Divine Son, “Behold Thy handmaiden Katherine, how fair and virtuous she is.” But the Child turned His face away from her saying, “No, she is ugly and unbelieving. She is a foolish pauper, and I cannot bear to look at her until she forsakes her impiety.” returned again to the Elder deeply saddened, and told him what she had seen in the dream. He received her, instructed her in the faith of Christ, admonished her to preserve her purity and integrity and to pray unceasingly. She then received the Mystery of Holy Baptism from him. Again Saint Katherine had a vision of the Most Holy Theotokos with her Child. Now the Lord looked at her tenderly and gave her a beautiful ring, a wondrous token of her betrothal to the Heavenly Bridegroom (this ring is still on her hand). that time Emperor Maximian was in Alexandria for a pagan festival. Therefore, the celebration was especially splendid and crowded. The cries of the sacrificial animals, the smoke and the smell of the sacrifices, the endless blaze of fires, and the bustling crowds at the arenas defiled the city of Alexandria. Human victims also were brought, the confessors of Christ, who would not deny Him under torture. They were condemned to death in the fire. Katherine's love for the Christian martyrs, and her fervent desire to ease their sufferings, compelled her to speak to the pagan priest and to Emperor Maximian. herself, the Saint confessed her faith in the One True God, and exposed the errors of the pagans. The beauty of the maiden captivated the Emperor. In order to convince her of the superiority of pagan wisdom, the Emperor ordered fifty of the most learned philosophers and rhetoricians of the Empire to dispute with her, but the Saint got the better of the wise men, so that they came to believe in Christ themselves. Saint Katherine made the Sign of the Cross over the martyrs, and they bravely accepted death for Christ and were burnt alive by order of the Emperor. to persuade the Saint, Maximian tried to entice her with the promise of riches and fame. Hearing her angry refusal, the Emperor ordered his men to subject the Saint to terrible tortures, and then throw her in prison. The Empress Augusta, who had heard much about the Saint, wanted to see her. She prevailed upon the military commander Porphyrios to accompany her to the prison with a detachment of soldiers. The Empress was impressed by Katherine's strong spirit, and her face was radiant with divine grace. The holy martyr explained the Christian Faith to them, and they were converted to Christ. the following day, they again brought the martyr to the judgment court where, under the threat of being broken on the wheel, she was urged to renounce the Christian Faith and to offer sacrifice to the "gods." The Saint steadfastly confessed Christ and she was taken to be tortured on four wheels with sharp iron spikes, but an Angel smashed the instruments of execution, which shattered into pieces with many pagans standing nearby. seeing this miracle, the Empress Augusta and the imperial courtier Porphyrios and 200 soldiers confessed their faith in Christ before everyone, and they were beheaded. Maximian tried again to entice the holy martyr, offering to marry her, and again he was refused. Saint Katherine remained faithful to her heavenly Bridegroom Christ, and after praying to Him, she laid her head on the block beneath the executioner’s sword. relics of Saint Katherine were taken by the Angels to Mount Sinai. In the VI century, the venerable head and left hand of the holy martyr were found through a revelation and transferred with honor to the newly-constructed church of the Monastery on Mount Sinai, built by the holy Emperor Justinian (November 14). Katherine is called upon for relief and assistance during a difficult childbirth. Pilgrims to her monastery on Mount Sinai are given souvenir rings as a remembrance of their visit. Saint Katherine is commemorated on November 25 in Slavic usage.

Egypt, 303-362, Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, ruler of Egypt, advanced C in E, torture, prophecy, Julian recompensed,
Egypt, 303-362, Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch ; (died 362[1]), known as Challita in the Maronite tradition, was a general of the Roman Empire, dux Aegypti (imperial prefect of Roman Egypt). He is considered a saint by the Catholic and the Orthodox Churches, with the name of Artemius of Antioch. details are known of the life and death of Artemius, and many of those details are contradictory, or at least inconsistent, between Christian and pagan early sources. place or year of birth are not indicated in any historical sources, although at least one tradition quoted in a contemporary source indicates that Artemius was an Egyptian by birth.[2] to the 8th century compilation, Artemii Passio,[3] he was a Senator and “a notable participant in the highest affairs of [Constantine]”.[4] the author of the Passio attributes this information to Eusebius, who does not in fact mention Artemius in any of his writings, and this information cannot be confirmed by any other known historical records. stories that place Artemius with Constantine at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge[5] would make Artemius at least eighty years old when martyred by Julian, which would seem doubtful given his activity at the time.[6][7] assertion that Artemius was a friend and companion of Constantius II seems reliable.[8][9] Given the fact that Artemius held the position of dux Aegypti in the final years of Constantinus’ reign, as is asserted by a number of early sources, both pagan and Christian, it is clear that it is Constantius who must have awarded Artemius this position.[10][11][12][13] 360 CE, he was listed in a minute of the Oxyrhyncian Senate, under the name of Flavius Artemius, as holding the rank of dux Aegypti.[14] Artemii Passio attributes Artemius’ ascension to this high position to his successful completion of Constantius’ orders to recover the relics of the Apostles Andrew, Luke and Timothy.[15] to this narrative, Constantius sent Artemius to Achaea to claim the body of Andrew from Patras and the body of Luke from Boeotia.[16] is also credited there with translating the relics of Timothy from Ionian Ephesus to Constantinople.[17] Apparently in return for these tasks, Constantius awarded Artemius with the administration of Roman Egypt.[18] However, this attribution is not certain, given that other Christian sources that refer to the translation of St. Andrew's remains, including the Chronicon Paschale, written a century earlier, do not refer to Artemius in this regard.[19] serving as the military governor of Egypt, Artemius supported the Arian bishop of Alexandria, George the Cappadocian, and took part in the latter's campaign against both the pagan and Orthodox Christian populations. Documented examples of this support include the sacking of the Temple of Serapis in Alexandria,[20][21] as well as the pursuit of the former, Orthodox, bishop of Alexandria, Athanasius.[22][23] 361 CE, Constantius was succeeded by his cousin Julian, who, on becoming Emperor, broke with his Christian upbringing and took up traditional Roman pagan pantheism. thereafter, Artemius met his death, in circumstances that are not entirely clear. The Artemii Passio places his death at the hands of Julian, in Antioch, because upon being summoned by Julian from Alexandria, he supported Eugenius and Macarius, two Christian priests from Antioch, against the tortures to which they were subjected by Julian. Artemius is further accused by Julian of murdering Julian's half-brother, Gallus.[24] Despite Artemius' denials, Julian proceeds to have Artemius tortured in various fashions while exhorting Artemius to renounce his Christianity. Artemius repeatedly confirms his faith, and ultimately has his head cut off.[25] According to the Chronicon Paschale, Artemius dies in Alexandria.[26] Ammianus describes Artemius’ death as occurring after Artemius is no longer dux Aegypti, when he is executed for the crimes he was accused of committing against the people of Alexandria.[27] Julian himself provides a similar reason.[28] While Ammianus does not provide the location of Artemius’ death, his language indicates that it was not at Alexandria,[29] thus perhaps strengthening the contention that it was indeed at Antioch.[30] is considered a martyr and Saint in both the Catholic and Orthodox churches, despite his apparent adherence to Arianism during his life. His acceptance as a martyr is based on the tradition found in Christian sources that he was tortured and executed by Julian for speaking on behalf of Christianity in the face of the apostate Emperor Julian, and his unwillingness to renounce his Christianity despite Julian's promises to allow him to live and restore him to his offices.[31] canonization as St. Artemios is based on the anonymous late 7th century compilation of 45 miracles with which he is attributed.[32] As described in the 45 miracles attributed to him, St. Artemios specializes in miracles dealing with medicine and healing, and in particular with hernias, and testicular and genital maladies in men. One miracle dealing with the healing of a woman is attributed to St. Artemios through his sending St. Febronia, who occupies a parallel construct for women.[33] feast day was set as 20 October.[34] His cult site was the Church of Saint John the Forerunning (St John the Baptist) in Constantinople.[35] St. Artemius is invoked by those suffering from hernias.[36] Antioch (Orontes River 7); Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated on October 20 ; Great Martyr Artemius of Antioch was a prominent military leader during the reigns of the emperor Constantine the Great (May 21), and his son and successor Constantius (337-361). received many awards for distinguished service and courage. was appointed viceroy of Egypt. In this official position he did much for the spreading and strengthening Christianity in Egypt. Artemius was sent by the emperor Constantius to bring the relics of the holy Apostle Andrew from Patras, and the relics of the holy Apostle Luke from Thebes of Boeotia, to Constantinople. The holy relics were placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles beneath the table of oblation. The emperor rewarded him by making him ruler of Egypt. emperor Constantius was succeeded on the throne by Julian the Apostate (361-363). Julian in his desire to restore paganism was extremely antagonistic towards Christians, sending hundreds to their death. At Antioch he ordered the torture of two bishops unwilling to forsake the Christian Faith. this time, Saint Artemius arrived in Antioch and publicly denounced Julian for his impiety. The enraged Julian subjected the saint to terrible tortures and threw the Great Martyr Artemius into prison. Artemius was praying, Christ, surrounded by angels, appeared to him and said, “Take courage, Artemius! I am with you and will preserve you from every hurt which is inflicted upon you, and I already have prepared your crown of glory. Since you have confessed Me before the people on earth, so shall I confess you before My Heavenly Father. Therefore, take courage and rejoice, you shall be with Me in My Kingdom.” Hearing this, Artemius rejoiced and offered up glory and thanksgiving to Him. the following day, Julian demanded that Saint Artemius honor the pagan gods. Meeting with steadfast refusal, the emperor resorted to further tortures. The saint endured all without a single moan. The saint told Julian that he would be justly recompensed for his persecution of Christians. Julian became furious and resorted to even more savage tortures, but they did not break the will of the saint. Finally the Great Martyr Artemius was beheaded. relics were buried by Christians. After the death of Saint Artemius, his prophecy about Julian the Apostate’s impending death came true. left Antioch for a war with the Persians. Near the Persian city of Ctesiphon, Julian came upon an elderly Persian, who agreed to betray his countrymen and guide Julian’s army. The old man deceived Julian and led his army into the Karmanite wilderness, where there was neither food nor water. Tired from hunger and thirst, Julian’s army battled against fresh Persian forces. retribution caught up with Julian the Apostate. During the battle he was mortally wounded by an unseen hand and an unseen weapon. Julian groaned deeply said, “You have conquered, Galilean!” After the death of the apostate emperor, the relics of the Great Martyr Artemius were transferred with honor from Antioch to Constantinople. Artemius is invoked by those suffering from hernias.

Egypt, 304, Neaniskos oAlexandria, Egypt, hansom athlete, on way to execution, gave ring tSlave girl, who turned him in
Egypt, 304, Neaniskos oAlexandria, Egypt, Diocletian Persecution, hansom athlete, on way to execution he gave slave his ring to girl who turned him in; Alexandria; Saint Neaniskos the Martyr, Commemorated on June 10; Neaniskos lived in the time of Maximius, the ruler of Alexandria. During the persecution of the Church by Emperor Diocletian (284-304), female slave denounced the most wise and handsome athlete of Christ. ruler tortured him for seven days in various ways, trying to make him deny Christ. When the tyrant saw that he was unable to do so, he ordered him to be put to death. he was led to the place of execution, he noticed the slave girl who betrayed him in the crowd that had followed him. Saint Neaniskos made signs for her to approach him, when she came near he gave her his gold ring as a token of his gratitude; by her complaint he would now draw near to Christ, Whom he had desired for so long, and he would inherit everlasting life. they arrived at the place of execution, he prayed for a time, and then they beheaded him.

Egypt, 304-309, Menas of Egypt, very famous wonderworker, angels, marytr crowns, angel, relics, camels not moving
Rome, 304-309, Menas of Egypt, very famous wonderworker, angels, marytr crowns, angel, relics, camels not moving, egyptian military officer, serving in Kotyaeion region, Phrygia, removed belt, withdrew tMountain, ascetic life, city pagan festival, preached, confessed faith, to denounce impious, arrested, offered restoration if, cruel tortures, beheaded, relics, miracles, healing, deliverance, protector, finding lost objects; Egypt, 304-309, Menas of Egypt, very famous wonderworker; of Egypt (also Mina, Minas, Mena, Meena; 285 - c. 309), a martyr and wonder-worker, is one of the most well-known Coptic saints in the East and the West, due to the many miracles that are attributed to his intercession and prayers. Menas was a Coptic soldier in the Roman army martyred because he refused to recant his Christian faith. The common date of his commemoration is November 11, which occurs 13 days later (November 24) on the Julian calendar. feast day is celebrated every year on 15 Hathor in the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, which corresponds to November 24 on the Gregorian Calendar. In Eastern Orthodox churches that follow the old style or Julian calendar, it is likewise celebrated on November 24. In the Eastern Orthodox churches that follow the new style or Revised Julian calendar, as well as in the Catholic Church, it is celebrated on November 11. of his name was his original name, according to the story his mother called him Mena because she heard a voice saying Amen. Minas is how he is known in Greek and Armenian, while in Coptic he is known as Mīna). Life and martyrdom St. Menas and boatman on a Makurian manuscript from c. 1000 There are many sources written in different languages (Koine Greek, Coptic, Old Nubian, Ge'ez, Latin, Syriac, Armenian) relating to Menas.[3] was born in Egypt in 285 in the city of Nikiou,[4] which lay in the vicinity of Memphis. parents were ascetic Christians but did not have any children for a long time. father's name was Eudoxios and his mother's name was Euphemia. On the feast of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, Euphemia was praying with tears before an icon of the Virgin for God to give her a son. sound came from the icon saying "Amen". A few months later, Euphemia gave birth to a boy and named him Menas.[5] a ruler of one of the administrative divisions of Egypt, died when Menas was fourteen years old. the age of fifteen Menas joined the Roman army and was given a high rank due to his father's reputation. sources state that he served in Cotyaeus in Phrygia,[6] although some say his appointment was in Algeria.[5] years later he left the army, longing to devote his whole life to Christ, and headed towards the desert to live a different kind of life. spending five years as a hermit, Menas saw in a revelation the angels crowning the martyrs with glorious crowns, and longed to join those martyrs. he was thinking about it, he heard a voice saying: "Blessed are you Menas because you have been called to the pious life from your childhood. You shall be granted three immortal crowns: one for your celibacy, another for your asceticism, and a third for your martyrdom." Menas subsequently hurried to the ruler, declaring his Christian faith.[7] soldiers who executed Menas set his body on fire for three days but the body remained unharmed. Menas' sister then bribed the soldiers and managed to carry the body away. She embarked on a ship heading to Alexandria, where she placed his body in a church. the time of persecution ended, during the papacy of Athanasius of Alexandria the pope had a vision of an angel appearing to him and ordering him to load Menas' body on a camel and head towards the Libyan Desert. a certain spot near a water well at the end of Lake Mariout, not far from Alexandria, the camel stopped and wouldn't move. The Christians took this a sign from God and buried Menas' body there. Berbers of Pentapolis rose against the cities around Alexandria. the people were getting ready to face them, the Roman governor decided to secretly take the body of Menas with him to be his deliverer and his strong protector. Menas' blessings, the governor overcame the Berbers and returned victorious. he decided not to return the body to its original place and wanted to take it to Alexandria. On the way back, as they passed by Lake Mariout at the same spot where the body was originally buried, the camel carrying the body knelt down and would not move. moved the body to another camel, but the second camel would not move either.[8] The governor finally realized that this was God's command. He made a coffin from decay-resistant wood and placed the silver coffin in it. Terracotta pilgrim's Menas flask impressed with Saint Mina between two camels, Byzantine, probably made at Abu Mina, Egypt, c. 6th–7th century. (Louvre Museum) versions of the story state that the location of the tomb was then forgotten until its miraculous rediscovery by a local shepherd. A shepherd was feeding his sheep in that location, and a sick lamb fell on the ground. As it struggled to get on its feet again, its scab was cured. The story spread quickly and the sick who came to this spot recovered from whatever illnesses they had just by lying on the ground. Ethiopian Synaxarium describes Constantine I sending his sick daughter to the shepherd to be cured, and credits her with finding Menas' body, after which Constantine ordered the construction of a church at the site. versions of the story replace Constantine with the late-5th century emperor Zeno, but archaeologists have dated the original foundation to the late 4th century.[9] to the Zeno version, his daughter was leprous and his advisors suggested that she should try that place, and she did. At night Menas appeared to the girl and informed her that his body was buried in that place. The following morning, Zeno's daughter was cured and she related her vision about the saint to her servants. Zeno immediately ordered Mina's body to be dug out and a cathedral to be built there. his martyrdom in the early fourth century, Menas acquired a reputation for miraculous healing powers. The cult of Saint Menas was centered on Abu Mena near Alexandria.[10] Sick people from all over the Christian world used to visit that city and were healed through the intercessions of Menas, who became known as the Wonders' Maker. numerous little clay Menas flasks, or bottles for holy water or oil on which the saint's name and picture are stamped, are found by archeologists in diverse countries around the Mediterranean world, such as Heidelberg in Germany, Milan in Italy, Dalmatia in Croatia, Marseille in France, Dongola in Sudan, Meols (Cheshire) in England, and the holy city of Jerusalem, as well as modern Turkey and Eritrea. Pilgrims would buy these bottles and take them back to their relatives.[5] St Menas Church southwest of Alexandria, Oktodekadian monastery ; Martyr Menas of Egypt, Commemorated November 11 ; Holy Great Martyr Menas of Egypt, an Egyptian by birth, was a military officer and served in the Kotyaeion region of Phrygia under the centurion Firmilian during the reign of the emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305-311). When the emperors began the fiercest persecution against Christians in history, the saint refused to serve these persecutors. He removed his soldier’s belt (a sign of military rank) and withdrew to a mountain, where he lived an ascetic life of fasting and prayer. he happened to arrive in the city during a pagan festival. At the climax of the games the saint’s accusing voice rang out, preaching faith in Christ, the Savior of the world. At his trial before the prefect Pyrrhus, the saint bravely confessed his faith, saying that he had come to denounce the impious. The prefect was angered, and had Menas arrested. offered to restore the saint’s former rank if he would offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. When he refused, he was put to cruel tortures, then he was beheaded. occurred in the year 304. gathered up the martyr’s relics by night and hid them until the end of the persecution. they were brought to Egypt and placed in a church dedicated to Saint Menas southwest of Alexandria. saint received grace from God to work miracles, and to help those in need. Saint Menas is noted for healing various illnesses, delivering people from possession by demons, and as a protector, especially during times of war. We also ask his help in finding lost objects.

Egypt, 305-313, Menas, sent to supress riots in 313, but preached, relics revealed in 867 in dream
Egypt, 305-309, Egyptian Saint, Menas; Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus, of Alexandria, Commemorated on December 10; Holy Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus suffered for their faith in Christ under the emperor Maximian (305-313). Menas was sent by the emperor from Athens to Alexandria to suppress the riots that had arisen between the Christians and the pagans. Distinguished for his gift of eloquence, Menas instead openly began to preach the Christian Faith and he converted many pagans to Christ. Learning of this, Maximian sent Hermogenes to Alexandria to place the saints on trial. Moreover, he gave orders to purge the city of Christians. Martyr Hermogenes although he was a pagan, was distinguished by his reverent bearing. And struck by the endurance of Saint Menas under torture and by his miraculous healing after the cruel torments, he also came to believe in Christ. Maximian himself then arrived in Alexandria. Neither the astonishing stoic endurance of Saints Menas and Hermogenes under torture, nor even the miracles manifested by God in this city, mollified the emperor. Instead, they vexed him all the more. The emperor personally stabbed Saint Eugraphus, the secretary of Saint Menas, who had declared himself a Christian upon witnessing the endurance of Saints Menas and Hermogenes; and then gave orders to behead the holy Martyrs Menas and Hermogenes. Martyr Eugraphus relics of the holy martyrs, cast into the sea in an iron chest, were afterwards found (see February 17) and transferred to Constantinople in the ninth century. The emperor Justinian built a church in the name of the holy Martyr Menas of Alexandria. Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (April 4) composed a Canon in honor of these holy martyrs. Uncovering of the relics of the Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 17; Holy Martyr Menas Kallikelados (Well Speaking), an Athenian, died as a martyr with Saints Hermogenes and Eugraphus in about the year 313 (December 10). During the reign of Emperor Basil the Macedonian (867-886), the military commander Marcian discovered the saint’s relics after Saint Menas appeared to a certain pious man in a dream to reveal where they were.

Egypt, 305-313, Menas oAlexandria, sent tAlexandria by Emperor against Christians, but converts pagans, complete healings cH&E
Egypt, 305-313, Menas, Hermogenes&Eugraphus oAlexandria, Egypt, Emperor Maximian sent Menas fAthens tAlexandria tSupress riots between Christians&Pagans, instead he used eloquence gift to preach&convert pagans, then M sent Hermogenes to place saints on trial&purge Alexandria oChristians, Menas' endurance&Miraculous healing aTorture converted H, Emperor came, not mullified by miracles, personall stabbed Eugraphus, Menas's secretary, beheaded M&H, cast into sea in Iron Chest later found by Christians; Alexandria; Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus, of Alexandria Commemorated on December 10; Holy Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus suffered for their faith in Christ under the emperor Maximian (305-313). Menas was sent by the emperor from Athens to Alexandria to suppress the riots that had arisen between the Christians and the pagans. for his gift of eloquence, Menas instead openly began to preach the Christian Faith and he converted many pagans to Christ. of this, Maximian sent Hermogenes to Alexandria to place the saints on trial. Moreover, he gave orders to purge the city of Christians. hermogenes Martyr Hermogenes although he was a pagan, was distinguished by his reverent bearing. And struck by the endurance of Saint Menas under torture and by his miraculous healing after the cruel torments, he also came to believe in Christ. himself then arrived in Alexandria. Neither the astonishing stoic endurance of Saints Menas and Hermogenes under torture, nor even the miracles manifested by God in this city, mollified the emperor. Instead, they vexed him all the more. emperor personally stabbed Saint Eugraphus, the secretary of Saint Menas, who had declared himself a Christian upon witnessing the endurance of Saints Menas and Hermogenes; and then gave orders to behead the holy Martyrs Menas and Hermogenes. eugraphos Martyr Eugraphus relics of the holy martyrs, cast into the sea in an iron chest, were afterwards found (see February 17) and transferred to Constantinople in the ninth century. emperor Justinian built a church in the name of the holy Martyr Menas of Alexandria. Joseph the Hymnographer (April 4) composed a Canon in honor of these holy martyrs.

Egypt, 310-370, Virgin Abbess Sarah, Scetis, Libya, Egyptian Desert, contrition to repenters, clairvoyant anchorite warning
Africa, North Africa, 310-370, Virgin Abbess Sarah, Scetis, Libya, Egyptian Desert, built up through me, but contrition to repenters, clairvoyantly said careful your words humble you, anchorites have come to a woman by nature, but not by worth, lived above river but never looked out to see it, by giving alms for whatever reason will do it eventually for God, died peacefully at 80; Scetis ; Virgin Abbess Sarah of Sketis in Libya, Commemorated on July 13; is written in The Paradise of the Fathers that Mother Sarah spoke these words: “If I were to ask God that all people might be built up through me, I would be found expressing contrition at the door of each one who repents. But I pray to God especially that my heart may be pure with Him and with everyone.” two great Elders and anchorites left Mount Pelusium (in the northeastern Nile Delta) and went to see Amma Sarah. among themselves they said, “Let us humble this old woman.” they came to her she said, “Be careful, you may be humbled by the words you have spoken. Behold, anchorites have come to one who is a woman. According to nature, I am a woman, but not according to my worth.” she went to Sketis, and she was offered some food. She did not eat any of the best food however, she ate only the plain food. This was because she did not want to use her journey and her visit as an excuse to relax her fasting. Then they said to her, “Truly, you are like those who dwell at Sketis.” was said of Amma Sarah, the ascetic of Sketis, that the blessed one lived above a river for sixty years, but she never looked out from her abode to see it. Sarah said, “It is a good thing for a person to give alms, even if he does so in order to win the approval of others, because by doing this, he will come to do it for God’s sake.” Sarah brought many women to monasticism by the example of her holy and God-pleasing life. She reposed in peace in the year 370 at the age of eighty.

Egypt, 311-371, Hilarion the Great with St Anthony the Great only 2 months, founder of Palestinian monasticism
Egypt, 311-371, Saint Hilarion ; the Great (291–371) was an anchorite who spent most of his life in the desert according to the example of Anthony the Great (c. 251–356). St Anthony is considered to have established Christian monasticism in the Egyptian desert, St Hilarion is considered by some to be the founder of Palestinian monasticism[1] and venerated as a saint by the Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Church. St. Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12;

Egypt, 312-348, Pachomius the Great, Patriarch, Thebaid, christian Cenobitic monasticism rule founder
Egyptian Patriarch, 312-348, Pachomius the Great; ( c. 292 - 9 May 348 AD), also known as Saint Pachomius the Great, is generally recognized as the founder of Christian cenobitic monasticism.[1] Coptic churches celebrate his feast day on 9 May, and Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches mark his feast on 15 May[2] or 28 May.[3] In the Lutheran Church, he is remembered as a renewer of the church, along with his contemporary (and fellow desert saint), Anthony of Egypt on January 17. Venerable Pachomius the Great, Founder of Coenobitic Monasticism, Commemorated on May 15; Pachomius the Great was both a model of desert dwelling, and with Saints Anthony the Great (January 17), Macarius the Great (January 19), and Euthymius the Great (January 20), a founder of the cenobitic monastic life in Egypt. Pachomius was born in the third century in the Thebaid (Upper Egypt). His parents were pagans who gave him an excellent secular education. From his youth he had a good character, and he was prudent and sensible. Pachomius reached the age of twenty, he was called up to serve in the army of the emperor Constantine (apparently, in the year 315). They put the new conscripts in a city prison guarded by soldiers. The local Christians fed the soldiers and took care of them. the young man learned that these people acted this way because of their love for God, fulfilling His commandment to love their neighbor, this made a deep impression upon his pure soul. Pachomius vowed to become a Christian. returned from the army after the victory, received holy Baptism, moved to the lonely settlement of Shenesit, and began to lead a strict ascetic life. Realizing the need for spiritual guidance, he turned to the desert-dweller Palamon. He was accepted by the Elder, and he began to follow the example of his instructor in monastic struggles. after ten years of asceticism, Saint Pachomius made his way through the desert, and halted at the ruins of the former village of Tabennisi. Here he heard a Voice ordering him to start a monastery at this place. Pachomius told the Elder Palamon of this, and they both regarded the words as a command from God. went to Tabennisi and built a small monastic cell. The holy Elder Palamon blessed the foundations of the monastery and predicted its future glory. But soon Palamon departed to the Lord. An angel of God then appeared to Saint Pachomius in the form of a schemamonk and gave him a Rule of monastic life. Soon his older brother John came and settled there with him. Pachomius endured many temptations and assaults from the Enemy of the race of man, but he resisted all temptations by his prayer and endurance. followers began to gather around Saint Pachomius. Their teacher impressed everyone by his love for work, which enabled him to accomplish all kinds of monastic tasks. He cultivated a garden, he conversed with those seeking guidance, and he tended to the sick. Pachomius introduced a monastic Rule of cenobitic life, giving everyone the same food and attire. The monks of the monastery fulfilled the obediences assigned them for the common good of the monastery. Among the various obediences was copying books. The monks were not allowed to possess their own money nor to accept anything from their relatives. Saint Pachomius considered that an obedience fulfilled with zeal was greater than fasting or prayer. He also demanded from the monks an exact observance of the monastic Rule, and he chastized slackers. sister Maria came to see Saint Pachomius, but the strict ascetic refused to see her. Through the gate keeper, he blessed her to enter upon the path of monastic life, promising his help with this. Maria wept, but did as her brother had ordered. The Tabennisi monks built her a hut on the opposite side of the River Nile. Nuns also began to gather around Maria. Soon a women’s monastery was formed with a strict monastic Rule provided by Saint Pachomius. number of monks at the monastery grew quickly, and it became necessary to build seven more monasteries in the vicinity. The number of monks reached 7,000, all under the guidance of Saint Pachomius, who visited all the monasteries and administered them. At the same time Saint Pachomius remained a deeply humble monk, who was always ready to comply with and accept the words of each brother. and strict towards himself, Saint Pachomius had great kindness and condescension toward the deficiencies of spiritually immature monks. One of the monks was eager for martyrdom, but Saint Pachomius turned him from this desire and instructed him to fulfill his monastic obedience, taming his pride, and training him in humility. a monk did not heed his advice and left the monastery. He was set upon by brigands, who threatened him with death and forced him to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Filled with despair, the monk returned to the monastery. Saint Pachomius ordered him to pray intensely night and day, keep a strict fast and live in complete solitude. The monk followed his advice, and this saved his soul from despair. saint taught his spiritual children to avoid judging others, and he himself feared to judge anyone even in thought. Pachomius cared for the sick monks with special love. He visited them, he cheered the disheartened, he urged them to be thankful to God, and put their hope in His holy will. He relaxed the fasting rule for the sick, if this would help them recover their health. Once, in the saint’s absence, the cook did not prepare any cooked food for the monks, assuming that the brethren loved to fast. Instead of fulfilling his obedience, the cook plaited 500 mats, something which Saint Pachomius had not told him to do. In punishment for his disobedience, all the mats prepared by the cook were burned. Pachomius always taught the monks to rely only upon God’s help and mercy. It happened that there was a shortage of grain at the monastery. The saint spent the whole night in prayer, and in the morning a large quantity of bread was sent to the monastery from the city, at no charge. The Lord granted Saint Pachomius the gift of wonderworking and healing the sick. Lord revealed to him the future of monasticism. The saint learned that future monks would not have such zeal in their struggles as the first generation had, and they would not have experienced guides. Prostrating himself upon the ground, Saint Pachomius wept bitterly, calling out to the Lord and imploring mercy for them. He heard a Voice answer, “Pachomius, be mindful of the mercy of God. The monks of the future shall receive a reward, since they too shall have occasion to suffer the life burdensome for the monk.” the end of his life Saint Pachomius fell ill from a pestilence that afflicted the region. His closest disciple, Saint Theodore (May 17), tended to him with filial love. Saint Pachomius died around the year 348 at the age of fifty-three, and was buried on a hill near the monastery. Venerable Theodore the Sanctified, Disciple of the Venerable Pachomius the Great, Commemorated on May 16;

Egypt, 313, Julian&wife Basilissa aAntinoe, virginal aMarriage, wealthy, 2Monasteries, converted torturer's son&wife, &dead man
Egypt, 313, Julian&wife Basilissa aAntinoe, Thebaid, Egypt (Nile River 15), Balissa wRich, remained virginal aMarriage, built 2Monastereis, led by them, Diocletian Persecution, converted son oHis torturer and his mother, resurrected&converted dead pagan, also 20 soldiers&7youths, all beheaded; Antinoe or Antinopolis; Martyr Julian at Antinoe in Egypt, Commemorated January 8 ; Holy Martyr Julian was born in the Egyptian city of Antinoe, to satisfy his parents he entered into marriage with the noble and rich maiden, Basilissa. married, the spouses remained virginal. the death of their parents they built two monasteries: one for men, and one for women. themselves became monastics and headed these monasteries. the year 313, during the reign of Diocletian, Saint Julian suffered cruelly for his faith in Christ. his bravery he converted Celsius, the son of his torturer the hegemon Marcian, and his wife, Marionilla. resurrected a dead pagan, the saint also converted him. converts received Baptism from the priest Anthony. Baptism the pagan was named Anastasius (i.e. “Resurrected”). being locked in prison, they all received the crown of martyrdom, won through beheading by the sword. with them were twenty soldiers and seven youths.

Egypt, 313-328, Alexander, Patriarch of Alexandria, led anti arianism, Athanasius' mentor
Egyptian Patriarch, 313-328, Alexander, Patriarch of Alexandria; I of Alexandria, 19th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria. During his patriarchate, he dealt with a number of issues facing the Church in that day. These included the dating of Easter, the actions of Meletius of Lycopolis, and the issue of greatest substance, Arianism. was the leader of the opposition to Arianism at the First Council of Nicaea. He also is remembered for being the mentor of the man who would be his successor, Athanasius of Alexandria, who would become one of the leading Church fathers.[2] St Athanasius the Great the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on May 2 ; ATHANASIUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, THEOLOGIAN, DOCTOR (2 MAY 373);

Egypt, 317-373, ATHANASIUS the Great, Pillar of Orthodoxy, refuted Arius, persecuted by Arians, Suceeded Alexander, 47 years
Egypt, 317-373, ATHANASIUS the Great, Bishop of Alexandria, Pillar of Orthodoxy, baptized children correctly as a child, then educated by Alexander, as deacon to first EC in 325, refuted Arius, persecuted by Arians, Suceeded Alexander, 47 years, only O bishop in area, expelled, hid, 20 yrs in exile, Julian to kill him but killed himself, lived to old age; Alexandria; ATHANASIUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, THEOLOGIAN, DOCTOR (2 MAY 373); the pages of the New Testament itself, Athanasius is probably the man to whom we chiefly owe the preservation of the Christian faith. He was born around AD 298, and lived in Alexandria, Egypt, the chief center of learning of the Roman Empire. AthanasiusIn 313 the Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which changed Christianity from a persecuted to an officially favored religion. About six years later, a presbyter (elder, priest) Arius of Alexandria began to teach concerning the Word of God (John 1:1) that "God begat him, and before he was begotten, he did not exist." was at that time a newly ordained deacon, secretary to Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, and a member of his household. reply to Arius was that the begetting, or uttering, of the Word by the Father is an eternal relation between Them, and not a temporal event. Arius was condemned by the bishops of Egypt (with the exceptions of Secundus of Ptolemais and Theonas of Marmorica), and went to Nicomedia, from which he wrote letters to bishops throughout the world, stating his position. Emperor Constantine undertook to resolve the dispute by calling a council of bishops from all over the Christian world. council met in Nicea, just across the straits from what is now Istanbul, in the year 325, and consisted of 317 bishops. accompanied his bishop to the council, and became recognized as a chief spokesman for the view that the Son was fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father. party of Athanasius was overwhelmingly in the majority. western, or Latin, half of the Empire was very sparsely represented, but it was solidly Athanasian, so that if its bishops had attended in force, the vote would have been still more lopsided.) remained to formulate a creedal statement to express the consensus. The initial effort was to find a formula from Holy Scripture that would express the full deity of the Son, equally with the Father. However, the Arians cheerfully agreed to all such formulations, having interpreted them already to fit their own views. of you who have conversed with members of the Watchtower Society, who consider themselves the spiritual heirs of Arius, will know how this works.) the Greek word "homo-ousios" (meaning "of the same substance, or nature, or essence") was introduced, chiefly because it was one word that could not be understood to mean what the Arians meant. Some of the bishops present, although in complete disagreement with Arius, were reluctant to use a term not found in the Scriptures, but eventually saw that the alternative was a creed that both sides would sign, each understanding it in its own way, and that the Church could not afford to leave the question of whether the Son is truly God (the Arians said "a god") undecided. So the result was that the Council adopted a creed which is a shorter version of what we now call the Nicene Creed, declaring the Son to be "of one substance with the Father." At the end, there were only two holdouts, the aforesaid Secundus and Theonas. a dramatic but historically accurate account of the Council of Nicea, see the play, The Emperor Constantine, by Dorothy L Sayers, available in book form.) sooner was the council over than its consensus began to fall apart. Constantine had expected that the result would be unity, but found that the Arians would not accept the decision, and that many of the orthodox bishops were prepared to look for a wording a little softer than that of Nicea, something that sounded orthodox, but that the Arians would accept. All sorts of compromise formulas were worked out, with all shades of variation from the formula of Nicea. 328, Alexander died, and Athanasius succeeded him as bishop of Alexandria. He refused to participate in these negotiations, suspecting (correctly as it turned out) that once the orthodox party showed a willingness to make reaching an agreement their highest priority, they would end up giving away the store. He defended the full deity of Christ against emperors, magistrates, bishops, and theologians. For this, he was regarded as a trouble-maker by Constantine and his successors, and was banished from Alexandria a total of five times by various emperors. (Hence the expression "Athanasius contra mundum," or, "Athanasius against the world.") Eventually, Christians who believed in the Deity of Christ came to see that once they were prepared to abandon the Nicene formulation, they were on a slippery slope that led to regarding the Logos as simply a high-ranking angel. The more they experimented with other formulations, the clearer it became that only the Nicene formulation would preserve the Christian faith in any meaningful sense, and so they re-affirmed the Nicene Creed at the Council of Constantinople in 381, a final triumph that Athanasius did not live to see. was a final triumph as far as councils of bishops were concerned, but the situation was complicated by the fact that after Constantine there were several Arian emperors (not counting the Emperor Julian, who was a pagan, but correctly saw that the most effective way to fight Christianity was to throw all his weight on the side of the Arians). Under one of them Arian missionaries were sent to convert the Goths, who became the backbone of the Roman Army (then composed chiefly of foreign mercenaries) with the result that for many years Arianism was considered the mark of a good Army man. The conversion of Clovis, King of the Franks, in 496, to orthodox Christianity either gave the Athanasian party the military power to crush Arianism or denied the Arian Goths the military supremacy that would have enabled them to crush Athanasian Christianity, depending on your point of view. Alexandria had the best astronomers, it was the duty of the Bishop of Alexandria to write to the other bishops every year and tell them the correct date for Easter. Naturally, his annual letter on this topic contained other material as well. One Easter Letter (or Paschal Letter) of Athanasius is well known for giving a list of the books that ought to be considered part of the canonical Scriptures, with a supplementary list of books suitable for devotional reading. For the New Testament, he lists the 27 books that are recognized today. you will look at your list of New Testament books, you may note that Matthew through 2 Thessalonians were never in dispute, that the next four were subject to relatively little dispute, and that the remaining books had more trouble being accepted. There were also a few books that looked as if they might make the list, but eventually did not, the most conspicuous being the Epistle of Barnabas, the Epistle of Clement, and the Shepherd of Hermas.) For the Old Testament, his list is like that used by most Protestants, except that he omits Esther, and includes Baruch, with the letter of Jeremiah. His supplementary list is Wisdom, Sirach, Tobias, Judith, and Esther. He does not mention Maccabees. quotations from the writings of Athanasius follow: We were made "in the likeness of God." But in course of time that image has become obscured, like a face on a very old portrait, dimmed with dust and dirt. When a portrait is spoiled, the only way to renew it is for the subject to come back to the studio and sit for the artist all over again. That is why Christ came--to make it possible for the divine image in man to be recreated. We were made in God's likeness; we are remade in the likeness of his Son. bring about this re-creation, Christ still comes to men and lives among them. In a special way he comes to his Church, his "body", to show us what the "image of God" is really like. a responsibility the Church has, to be Christ's "body," showing him to those who are unwilling or unable to see him in providence, or in creation! Through the Word of God lived out in the Body of Christ they can come to the Father, and themselves be made again "in the likeness of God." If... it is by the sign of the cross and by faith in Christ that death is trampled underfoot, it is clear that it is Christ Himself and none other Who is the Archvictor over death and has robbed it of its power. Death used to be strong and terrible, but now, since the sojourn of the Savior and the death and resurrection of His body, it is despised; and obviously it is by the very Christ Who mounted on the cross that it has been destroyed and vanquished finally. the sun rises after the night and the whole world is lit up by it, nobody doubts that it is the sun which has thus shed its light everywhere and driven away the dark. Equally clear is it, since this utter scorning and trampling down of death has ensued upon the Savior's manifestation in the body and His death on the cross, that it is He Himself Who brought death to nought and daily raises monuments to His victory in His own disciples. How can you think otherwise, when you see men naturally weak hastening to death, unafraid at the prospect of corruption, fearless of the descent into Hades, even indeed with eager soul provoking it, not shrinking from tortures, but preferring thus to rush on death for Christ's sake, rather than to remain in this present life? you see with your own eyes men and women and children, even, thus welcoming death for the sake of Christ's religion, how can you be so utterly silly and incredulous and maimed in your mind as not to realize that Christ, to Whom these all bear witness, Himself gives the victory to each, making death completely powerless for those who hold His faith and bear the sign of the cross? No one in his senses doubts that a snake is dead when he sees it trampled underfoot, especially when he knows how savage it used to be; nor, if he sees boys making fun of a lion, does he doubt that the brute is either dead or completely bereft of strength. These things can be seen with our own eyes, and it is the same with the conquest of death. Doubt no longer, then, when you see death mocked and scorned by those who believe in Christ, that by Christ death was destroyed, and the corruption that goes with it resolved and brought to end. by James Kiefer Note: Further information on Athanasius may also be found at the Christian Classics Ethereal Library. St Athanasius the Great the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on May 2 ; Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria, was a great Father of the Church and a pillar of Orthodoxy. was born around the year 297 in the city of Alexandria into a family of pious Christians. He received a fine secular education, but he acquired more knowledge by diligent study of the Holy Scripture. his childhood, the future hierarch Athanasius became known to Saint Alexander the Patriarch of Alexandria (May 29). A group of children, which included Athanasius, were playing at the seashore. The Christian children decided to baptize their pagan playmates. young Athanasius, whom the children designated as “bishop”, performed the Baptism, precisely repeating the words he heard in church during this sacrament. Alexander observed all this from a window. He then commanded that the children and their parents be brought to him. He conversed with them for a long while, and determined that the Baptism performed by the children was done according to the Church order. acknowledged the Baptism as real and sealed it with the sacrament of Chrismation. this moment, the Patriarch looked after the spiritual upbringing of Athanasius and in time brought him into the clergy, at first as a reader, and then he ordained him as a deacon. was as a deacon that Saint Athanasius accompanied Patriarch Alexander to the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea in the year 325. the Council, Saint Athanasius refuted of the heresy of Arius. His speech met with the approval of the Orthodox Fathers of the Council, but the Arians, those openly and those secretly so, came to hate Athanasius and persecuted him for the rest of his life. the death of holy Patriarch Alexander, Saint Athanasius was unanimously chosen as his successor in the See of Alexandria. He refused, accounting himself unworthy, but at the insistence of all the Orthodox populace that it was in agreement, he was consecrated bishop when he was twenty-eight, and installed as the archpastor of the Alexandrian Church. Athanasius guided the Church for forty-seven years, and during this time he endured persecution and grief from his antagonists. Several times he was expelled from Alexandria and hid himself from the Arians in desolate places, since they repeatedly tried to kill him. Saint Athanasius spent more than twenty years in exile, returned to his flock, and then was banished again. was a time when he remained as the only Orthodox bishop in the area, a moment when all the other bishops had fallen into heresy. At the false councils of Arian bishops he was deposed as bishop. Despite being persecuted for many years, the saint continued to defend the purity of the Orthodox Faith, and he wrote countless letters and tracts against the Arian heresy. Julian the Apostate (361-363) began a persecution against Christians, his wrath first fell upon Saint Athanasius, whom he considered a great pillar of Orthodoxy. Julian intended to kill the saint in order to strike Christianity a grievous blow, but he soon perished himself. Mortally wounded by an arrow during a battle, he cried out with despair: “You have conquered, O Galilean.” After Julian’s death, Saint Athanasius guided the Alexandrian Church for seven years and died in 373, at the age of seventy-six. works of Saint Athanasius have been preserved; four Orations against the Arian heresy; also an Epistle to Epictetus, bishop of the Church of Corinth, on the divine and human natures in Jesus Christ; four Epistles to Serapion, Bishop of Thmuis, about the Holy Spirit and His equality with the Father and the Son, directed against the heresy of Macedonius. apologetic works of the Saint in defense of Orthodoxy have been preserved, among which is the Letter to the Emperor Constantius. Saint Athanasius wrote commentaries on Holy Scripture, and books of a moral and didactic character, as well as a biography of Saint Anthony the Great (January 17), with whom Saint Athanasius was very close. Saint John Chrysostom advised every Orthodox Christian to read this Life. memory of Saint Athanasius is celebrated also on January 18 with Saint Cyril of Alexandria.

Egypt, 318-373, Athanasius the Great, led first E Council as a deacon, exiled, came back to defend the faith
Egypt, 318-373, Athanasius the Great, led first E Council as a deacon, exiled, came back to defend the faith; Alexandria; Saint Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Athanasius and Cyril were Archbishops of Alexandria. These wise teachers of truth and defenders of Christ’s Church share a joint Feast in recognition of their dogmatic writings which affirm the truth of the Orthodox Faith, correctly interpret the Holy Scripture, and censure the delusions of the heretics. Athanasius took part in the First Ecumenical Council when he was still a deacon. He surpassed everyone there in his zeal to uphold the teaching that Christ is consubstantial (homoousios) with the Father, and not merely a creature, as the Arians proclaimed. radiant beacon of Orthodoxy spent most of his life in exile from his See, because of the plotting of his enemies. He returned to his flock as he was approaching the end of his life. Like an evening star, he illumined the Orthodox faithful with his words for a little while, then reposed in 373. He is also commemorated on May 2 (the transfer of his holy relics).

Egypt, 318-373, Athanasias of Alexandria, The Great, Patriarch, Trinity defender, 5 exiles
Egyptian Patriarch, 318-373, Athanasias of Alexandria; Venerable Hellius of Egypt, Commemorated on July 14; St Frumentius the Archbishop of Abyssinia, Ethiopia, Commemorated on November 30; St. Athanasius the Great the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; St Athanasius the Great the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on May 2 ; ATHANASIUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, THEOLOGIAN, DOCTOR (2 MAY 373); Venerable Theodore the Sanctified, Disciple of the Venerable Pachomius the Great, Commemorated on May 16;

Egypt, 320-390, John-Barsanuphius, Bishop oDamascus, Syria , withdrew t Nitria&Thebaid, Egypt
Syria, 320-390, John-Barsanuphius, Bishop oDamascus, Syria (Barada River foothills, Way of the Sea 17, Kings Highway 17), fPalestine, baptized at 18, became Monk, c Archbishop of Damascus, withdrew tAlexandria, Nitria, Theodore oNitria, withdrew (Thebaid); Damascus (Barada River foothills); Venerable John-Barsanuphius the Bishop of Damascus, Commemorated on February 28; John, called Barsanuphius, was a native of Palestine. was baptized when he was eighteen years old, and later became a monk. of his ascetic life, Saint John was consecrated Archbishop of Damascus. of his love for the solitary life, Saint John gave up his position as hierarch and secretly withdrew to Alexandria, calling himself Barsanuphius. he went into the Nitrian desert, arrived at a monastery, and begged the igumen to accept him into the monastery to serve the Elders. conscientiously fulfilled this obedience by day, and spent his nights in prayer. of Nitria saw the monk, and knew that he was a bishop. Saint John concealed himself again and withdrew into Egypt, where he lived in asceticism until the end of his days.

Egypt, 320-391, Saint, Marcarius the Great, Scetis, Lamp of the Desert, spiritual writings
Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great, Sketis Desert; Egyptian Saint, 320-391, Marcarius the Great; of Egypt ( 300–391) was a Coptic Christian monk and hermit. He is also known as Macarius the Elder, Macarius the Great and The Lamp of the Desert. Macarius was born in Lower Egypt. A late tradition places his birthplace in the village of Shabsheer (Shanshour), in Al Minufiyah Governorate, Egypt around 300 A.D. At some point before his pursuit of asceticism, Macarius made his living smuggling saltpeter in the vicinity of Nitria, a vocation which taught him how to survive in and travel across the wastes in that area.[1] Macarius is known for his wisdom. His friends and close kin used to call him Paidarion Geron which meant the “old young manâ€, i.e. “the young man with the elders’ wisdom."[3] the wish of his parents Macarius entered into marriage, but was soon widowed.[4] Shortly after, his parents died as well. Macarius subsequently distributed all his money among the poor and needy. He found a teacher in an experienced Elder, who lived in the desert not far from the village. The Elder accepted the youth, guided him in the spiritual science of watchfulness, fasting and prayer, and taught him the handicraft of weaving baskets.[4] while later, a pregnant woman accused him of having defiled her. Macarius did not attempt to defend himself, and accepted the accusation in silence. However, when the woman's delivery drew near, her labor became exceedingly difficult. She did not manage to give birth until she confessed Macarius's innocence. A multitude of people then came asking for his forgiveness, but he fled to the Nitrian Desert to escape all mundane glory. a hermit, Macarius spent seven years living on only pulse and raw herbs.[5] He spent the following three years consuming four or five ounces of bread a day and only one vessel of oil a year.[5] While at the desert, he visited Anthony the Great and learned from him the laws and rules of monasticism. he returned to the Scetic Desert at the age of forty, he became a priest.[6] The fame of his sanctity drew many followers. The community, which took up its residence in the desert, was of the semi-eremitical type. The monks were not bound by any fixed rule; their cells were close together, and they met for Divine worship only on Saturdays or Sundays. He presided over this monastic community for the rest of his life. a brief period of time, Macarius was banished to an island in the Nile by the Emperor Valens, along with Saint Macarius of Alexandria, during a dispute over the doctrine of the Nicene Creed. Both men were victims of religious persecution by the followers of then Bishop Lucius of Alexandria. During their time on the island, the daughter of a pagan priest had become ill. The people of the island believed that she was possessed by an evil spirit. Both saints prayed over the daughter, which in turn had saved her. The pagan people of the island were so impressed and grateful that they stopped their worship of the pagan gods and built a church. When word of this got back to the Emperor Valens and Bishop Lucius of Alexandria, they quickly allowed both men to return home. At their return on 13 Paremhat, they were met by a multitude of monks of the Nitrian Desert, numbered fifty thousand, among whom were Saint Pishoy and Saint John the Dwarf. and relics[edit] died in the year 391. After his death, the natives of his village of Shabsheer stole the body and built a great church for him in their village. Pope Michael V of Alexandria brought the relics of Saint Macarius back to the Nitrian Desert on 19 Mesori. Today, the body of Saint Macarius is found in his monastery, the Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great in Scetes, Egypt. writings: the 50 Spiritual Homilies and Letters[edit] Macarius the Great standing next to a Cherub. Spiritual Homilies were ascribed to Macarius a few generations after his death, and these texts had a widespread and considerable influence on Eastern monasticism and Protestant pietism.[7] was particularly in the context of the debate concerning the 'extraordinary giftings' of the Holy Spirit in the post-apostolic age, since the Macarian Homilies could serve as evidence in favour of a post-apostolic attestation of 'miraculous' Pneumatic giftings to include healings, visions, exorcisms, etc. Macarian Homilies have thus influenced Pietist groups ranging from the Spiritual Franciscans (West) to Eastern Orthodox monastic practice to John Wesley to modern charismatic Christianity. modern patristic scholars have established that it is not likely that Macarius the Egyptian was their author.[8] The identity of the author of these fifty Spiritual Homilies has not been definitively established, although it is evident from statements in them that the author was from Upper Mesopotamia, where the Roman Empire bordered the Persian Empire, and that they were not written later than 534.[9] addition to the homilies, a number of letters have been ascribed to Macarius. Gennadius (De viris illustribus 10) recognizes only one genuine letter of Macarius, which is addressed to younger monks. The first letter, called "Ad filios Dei," may indeed be the genuine letter by Macarius the Egyptian that is mentioned by Gennadius (Vir. Ill.10), but the other letters are probably not by Macarius. The second letter, the so-called "Great Letter" used the De instituto christiana of Gregory of Nyssa, which was written c. 390; the style and content of the "Great Letter" suggest that its author is the same anonymous Mesopotamian who wrote the fifty Spiritual Homilies.[10] seven so-called Opuscula ascetica edited under his name by Petrus Possinus (Paris, 1683) are merely later compilations from the homilies, made by Simeon the Logothete, who is probably identical with Simeon Metaphrastes (d. 950). The teachings of Macarius are characterized by a strong Pneumatic emphasis that closely intertwines the salvific work of Jesus Christ (as the 'Spirit of Christ') with the supernatural workings of the Holy Spirit. This 'Pneumatic' thrust in the Spiritual Homilies is often termed 'mystical' and as such is a spiritual mode of thought which has endeared him to Christian mystics of all ages, although, on the other hand, in his anthropology and soteriology he frequently approximates the standpoint of St. Augustine. Certain passages of his homilies assert the entire depravity of man, while others postulate free will, even after the fall of Adam, and presuppose a tendency toward virtue, or, in semi-Pelagian fashion, ascribe to man the power to attain a degree of readiness to receive salvation. and monastery[edit] is a saint in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. the Methodist Churches, Macarius is regarded highly for writing on the topic of entire sanctification.[11] of Egypt founded a monastery that bears his name, the Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great,[3] which has been continuously inhabited by monks since its foundation in the fourth century. St. Macarius’ face used to be enlightened with grace in an amazing way to the extent that many fathers testified that his face used to glow in the dark; and thus appeared his name as “the glowing lantern.â€ This description was transferred to his monastery, and thus it was called “the glowing lantern of the wildernessâ€ or “the glowing monastery,â€ which meant the place of high wisdom and constant prayer.[3] Today it belongs to the Coptic Orthodox Church. entirety of the Nitrian Desert is sometimes called the Desert of Macarius, for he was the pioneer monk in the region. The ruins of numerous monasteries in this region almost confirm the local tradition that the cloisters of Macarius were equal in number to the days of the year. Macarius Depicted on the Camposanto Fresco in Pisa[edit] Macarius The Great, Camposanto, Trionfo Della Morte Macarius the Great, one of the Egyptian desert recluses and a disciple of Saint Anthony the Great, is depicted on the right edge of the Triumph of Death fresco in Pisa. A group of leisurely aristocrats and their animals occupy the central part of the fresco. These rich young men and women riding horses, surrounded by their decorative hunting dogs have gone on a pleasant journey. Suddenly, their path, somewhere deep in the woods, is barred by three open sarcophagi with bodies in different degrees of decomposition. Everybody in the scene, including the men, women and even the animals are horrified by this terrible and palpable presence of death. The unsupportable stench hits their noses. The abhorrent scene dismays them. Only Saint Macarius the Great, made wise and powerful by his faith, stands above them all. The mystic Saint teaches the youngsters a lesson about life and death by reading from the scroll. The Florentine sculptor Benvenuto Cellini was inspired by this depiction of Saint Macarius in his painted portrait. Virginmartyr Apollinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5;

Egypt, 320-395, Onuphrius, longed to imitate, led by angel to old man, enlightened, struggle & care
Egyptian Saint, 320-395, Onuphrius; Egyptian Patriarch, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic; St John of Egypt,Commemorated on December 2; Venerable Onuphrius the Great, Commemorated on June 12; Paphnutius, who led an ascetical life in the Thebaid desert in Egypt, has left us an account of Saint Onuphrius the Great and the Lives of other fourth century hermits: Timothy the Desert Dweller, the abbas Andrew, Charalampus, Theophilus, and others. occurred to Saint Paphnutius to go to the inner desert in order to see if there were a monk who labored for the Lord more than he did. took a little bread and water and went into the most remote part of the desert. After four days he reached a cave and found in it the body of an Elder who had been dead for several years. Having buried the hermit, Saint Paphnutius went on farther. After several more days he found another cave, and from the marks in the sand he realized that the cave was inhabited. At sundown he saw a herd of buffalo and walking among them a man. This man was naked, but was covered with long hair as if with clothing. This was Abba Timothy the Desert-Dweller. a fellow man, Abba Timothy thought that he was seeing an apparition, and he began to pray. Saint Paphnutius finally convinced the hermit that he was actually a living man and a fellow Christian. Abba Timothy prepared food and water for him. He related that he had been living in the desert for thirty years, and that Saint Paphnutius was the first man he had seen. In his youth, Timothy had lived in a cenobitic monastery, but he wanted to live alone. Abba Timothy left his monastery and went to live near a city, sustaining himself by the work of his own hands (he was a weaver). Once a woman came to him with an order and he fell into sin with her. Having come to his senses, the fallen monk went far into the desert, where he patiently endured tribulation and sickness. When he was at the point of dying from hunger, he received healing in a miraculous manner. that time Abba Timothy had lived peacefully in complete solitude, eating dates from the trees, and quenching his thirst with water from a spring. Saint Paphnutius besought the Elder that he might remain with him in the wilderness. But he was told that he would be unable to bear the demonic temptations which beset desert-dwellers. Instead, the Elder supplied him with dates and water, and blessed him to go on his way. rested at a desert monastery, Saint Paphnutius undertook a second journey into the innermost desert, hoping to find another holy ascetic who would profit his soul. He went on for seventeen days, until his supply of bread and water was exhausted. Saint Paphnutius collapsed twice from weakness, and an angel strengthened him. the seventeenth day Saint Paphnutius reached a hilly place and sat down to rest. Here he caught sight of a man approaching him, who was covered from head to foot with white hair and girded his loins with leaves of desert plants. The sight of the Elder frightened Abba Paphnutius, and he jumped up and fled up the hill. The Elder sat down at the foot of the hill. Lifting his head, he saw Saint Paphnutius, and called him to come down. This was the great desert-dweller, Abba Onuphrius. At the request of Saint Paphnutius, he told him about himself. Onuphrius had lived in complete isolation in the wilds of the wilderness for sixty years. In his youth he had been raised at the Eratus monastery near the city of Hermopolis. Having learned from the holy Fathers about the hardships and lofty life of the desert-dwellers, to whom the Lord sent help through His angels, Saint Onuphrius longed to imitate their exploits. He secretly left the monastery one night and saw a brilliant ray of light before him. Saint Onuphrius became frightened and decided to go back, but the voice of his Guardian Angel told him to go into the desert to serve the Lord. walking six or seven miles, he saw a cave. At that moment the ray of light vanished. In the cave was an old man. Saint Onuphrius stayed with him to learn of his manner of life and his struggle with demonic temptations. When the Elder was convinced that Saint Onuphrius had been enlightened somewhat, he then led him to another cave and left him there alone to struggle for the Lord. The Elder visited him once a year, until he fell asleep in the Lord. the request of Saint Paphnutius, Abba Onuphrius told him of his labors and ascetic feats, and of how the Lord had cared for him. Near the cave where he lived was a date-palm tree and a spring of pure water issued forth. Twelve different branches of the palm tree bore fruit each month in succession, and so the monk endured neither hunger nor thirst. The shade of the palm tree sheltered him from the noonday heat. An angel brought Holy Communion to the saint each Saturday and Sunday, and to the other desert-dwellers as well. monks conversed until evening, when Abba Paphnutius noticed a loaf of white bread lying between them, and also a vessel of water. After eating, the Elders spent the night in prayer. After the singing of the morning hymns, Saint Paphnutius saw that the face of the venerable Onuphrius had become transformed, and that frightened him. Saint Onuphrius said, “God, Who is Merciful to all, has sent you to me so that you might bury my body. Today I shall finish my earthly course and depart to my Christ, to live forever in eternal rest.” Saint Onuphrius then asked Abba Paphnutius to remember him to all the brethren, and to all Christians. Paphnutius wanted to remain there after the death of Abba Onuphrius. However, the holy ascetic told him that it was not God’s will for him to stay there; he was to return to his own monastery instead and tell everyone about the virtuous lives of the desert-dwellers. Having then blessed Abba Paphnutius and bid him farewell, Saint Onuphrius prayed with tears and sighs, and then he lay down upon the earth, uttering his final words, “Into Thy hands, my God, I commend my spirit,” and died. Paphnutius wept and tore off a portion of his garment, and with it covered the body of the great ascetic. He placed it in the crevice of a large rock, which was hollow like a grave, and covered it over with a multitude of small stones. Then he began to pray that the Lord would permit him to remain in that place until the end of his life. Suddenly, the cave fell in, the palm tree withered, and the spring of water dried up. Realising that he had not been given a blessing to remain, Saint Paphnutius set out on his return journey. four days Abba Paphnutius reached a cave, where he met an ascetic who had lived in the desert for more than 60 years. Except for the two other Elders, with whom he labored, this monk had seen no one in all that time. Each week these three had gone on their solitary paths into the wilderness, and on Saturday and Sunday they gathered for psalmody, and ate the bread which an angel brought them. Since it was Saturday, they had gathered together. After eating the bread provided by the angel, they spent the whole night at prayer. As he was leaving, Saint Paphnutius asked the names of the Elders, but they said, “God, Who knows everything, also knows our names. Remember us, that we may see one another in God’s heavenly habitations.” on his way, Saint Paphnutius came upon an oasis which impressed him with its beauty and abundance of fruit-bearing trees. Four youths inhabiting this place came to him from out of the wilderness. The youths told Abba Paphnutius that in their childhood they had lived in the city of Oxyrhynchus (Upper Thebaid) and they had studied together. They had burned with the desire to devote their lives to God. Making their plans to go off into the desert, the young men left the city and after several days’ journey, they reached this place. man radiant with heavenly glory met them and led them to a desert Elder. “We have lived here six years already,” said the youths. “Our Elder dwelt here one year and then he died. Now we live here alone, we eat the fruit of the trees, and we have water from a spring.” The youths gave him their names, they were Saints John, Andrew, Heraklemon and Theophilus (Dec. 2). youths struggled separately the whole week long, but on Saturday and Sunday they gathered at the oasis and offered up common prayer. On these days an angel would appear and commune them with the Holy Mysteries. This time however, for Abba Paphnutius’ sake, they did not go off into the desert, but spent the whole week together at prayer. On the following Saturday and Sunday Saint Paphnutius together with the youths was granted to receive the Holy Mysteries from the hands of the angel and to hear these words, “Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God.” Paphnutius made bold to ask the angel for permission to remain in the desert to the end of his days. The angel replied that God had decreed another path for him. He was to return to Egypt and tell the Christians of the life of the desert-dwellers. bid farewell to the youths, Saint Paphnutius reached the edge of the wilderness after a three day journey. Here he found a small skete, and the brethren received him with love. Abba Paphnutius related everything that he had learned about the holy Fathers whom he had encountered in the desert. The brethren wrote a detailed account of what Saint Paphnutius said, and deposited it in the church, where all who wished to do so could read it. Saint Paphnutius gave thanks to God, Who had granted him to learn about the exalted lives of the hermits of the Thebaid, and he returned to his own monastery.

Egypt, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic, accounts lives hermits like Onuprius, Macarius' disciple
Egyptian Saint, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic; Paphnutius the Ascetic, also known as Paphnutius the Hermit, was an Egyptian anchorite of the fourth century. He is most famous for his accounts of the lives of many hermits of the Egyptian desert, such as Saint Onuphrius. Paphnutius was the disciple of Saint Macarius the Great who was an anchorite in the Egyptian desert.[1] feast is celebrated on 15 February and 25 September in the Orthodox Church in America.[2] In Coptic Christianity, his feast is observed on 15 Meshir.[3] was visited by Cassian in 395, when he was ninety.[4] is also the subject of the play Paphnutius by Hrosvit (ca. 935-ca. 1001), a Benedictine nun from Saxony, in which he converts the courtesan Thais to Christianity. This play in turn has become the subject of study, most notably by Sandro Sticca. Venerable Thais of Egypt, Commemorated on October 8; St John of Egypt,Commemorated on December 2; Venerable Paphnutius of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; Holy Martyr Paphnutius hailed from Egypt and struggled in the desert. During the persecution against Christians under Diocletian (284-305), the governor Hadrian commanded that Saint Paphnutius be brought to him. The ascetic, not waiting for those sent to bring him, appeared before the governor, confessed his faith in Christ, and was subjected to torture. soldiers involved in his torture, Dionysius and Callimachus, seeing how the power of God preserved the martyr, believed in Christ the Savior themselves, for which they were then beheaded. Cast into prison after the tortures, Saint Paphnutius converted forty prisoners to the Faith. They were all burned alive. a while Saint Paphnutius was set free, and a Christian named Nestorius gladly took him in. He and all his family, after spiritual guidance, became steadfast in the Faith, and ultimately endured martyrdom. The saint strengthened many other Christians to confess our Lord Jesus Christ, and they all died as martyrs. Some were cut with swords, others were burned. There were 546 men in all. Paphnutius himself was thrown by the torturers into a river with a stone about his neck, but he miraculously floated to shore with the stone. Finally, they sent the holy martyr to the emperor Diocletian himself, who commanded him to be crucified on a date tree. Paphnutius is also commemorated on September 25. Venerable Onuphrius the Great, Commemorated on June 12; Paphnutius, who led an ascetical life in the Thebaid desert in Egypt, has left us an account of Saint Onuphrius the Great and the Lives of other fourth century hermits: Timothy the Desert Dweller, the abbas Andrew, Charalampus, Theophilus, and others. occurred to Saint Paphnutius to go to the inner desert in order to see if there were a monk who labored for the Lord more than he did. took a little bread and water and went into the most remote part of the desert. After four days he reached a cave and found in it the body of an Elder who had been dead for several years. Having buried the hermit, Saint Paphnutius went on farther. After several more days he found another cave, and from the marks in the sand he realized that the cave was inhabited. At sundown he saw a herd of buffalo and walking among them a man. This man was naked, but was covered with long hair as if with clothing. This was Abba Timothy the Desert-Dweller. a fellow man, Abba Timothy thought that he was seeing an apparition, and he began to pray. Saint Paphnutius finally convinced the hermit that he was actually a living man and a fellow Christian. Abba Timothy prepared food and water for him. He related that he had been living in the desert for thirty years, and that Saint Paphnutius was the first man he had seen. In his youth, Timothy had lived in a cenobitic monastery, but he wanted to live alone. Abba Timothy left his monastery and went to live near a city, sustaining himself by the work of his own hands (he was a weaver). Once a woman came to him with an order and he fell into sin with her. Having come to his senses, the fallen monk went far into the desert, where he patiently endured tribulation and sickness. When he was at the point of dying from hunger, he received healing in a miraculous manner. that time Abba Timothy had lived peacefully in complete solitude, eating dates from the trees, and quenching his thirst with water from a spring. Saint Paphnutius besought the Elder that he might remain with him in the wilderness. But he was told that he would be unable to bear the demonic temptations which beset desert-dwellers. Instead, the Elder supplied him with dates and water, and blessed him to go on his way. rested at a desert monastery, Saint Paphnutius undertook a second journey into the innermost desert, hoping to find another holy ascetic who would profit his soul. He went on for seventeen days, until his supply of bread and water was exhausted. Saint Paphnutius collapsed twice from weakness, and an angel strengthened him. the seventeenth day Saint Paphnutius reached a hilly place and sat down to rest. Here he caught sight of a man approaching him, who was covered from head to foot with white hair and girded his loins with leaves of desert plants. The sight of the Elder frightened Abba Paphnutius, and he jumped up and fled up the hill. The Elder sat down at the foot of the hill. Lifting his head, he saw Saint Paphnutius, and called him to come down. This was the great desert-dweller, Abba Onuphrius. At the request of Saint Paphnutius, he told him about himself. Onuphrius had lived in complete isolation in the wilds of the wilderness for sixty years. In his youth he had been raised at the Eratus monastery near the city of Hermopolis. Having learned from the holy Fathers about the hardships and lofty life of the desert-dwellers, to whom the Lord sent help through His angels, Saint Onuphrius longed to imitate their exploits. He secretly left the monastery one night and saw a brilliant ray of light before him. Saint Onuphrius became frightened and decided to go back, but the voice of his Guardian Angel told him to go into the desert to serve the Lord. walking six or seven miles, he saw a cave. At that moment the ray of light vanished. In the cave was an old man. Saint Onuphrius stayed with him to learn of his manner of life and his struggle with demonic temptations. When the Elder was convinced that Saint Onuphrius had been enlightened somewhat, he then led him to another cave and left him there alone to struggle for the Lord. The Elder visited him once a year, until he fell asleep in the Lord. the request of Saint Paphnutius, Abba Onuphrius told him of his labors and ascetic feats, and of how the Lord had cared for him. Near the cave where he lived was a date-palm tree and a spring of pure water issued forth. Twelve different branches of the palm tree bore fruit each month in succession, and so the monk endured neither hunger nor thirst. The shade of the palm tree sheltered him from the noonday heat. An angel brought Holy Communion to the saint each Saturday and Sunday, and to the other desert-dwellers as well. monks conversed until evening, when Abba Paphnutius noticed a loaf of white bread lying between them, and also a vessel of water. After eating, the Elders spent the night in prayer. After the singing of the morning hymns, Saint Paphnutius saw that the face of the venerable Onuphrius had become transformed, and that frightened him. Saint Onuphrius said, “God, Who is Merciful to all, has sent you to me so that you might bury my body. Today I shall finish my earthly course and depart to my Christ, to live forever in eternal rest.” Saint Onuphrius then asked Abba Paphnutius to remember him to all the brethren, and to all Christians. Paphnutius wanted to remain there after the death of Abba Onuphrius. However, the holy ascetic told him that it was not God’s will for him to stay there; he was to return to his own monastery instead and tell everyone about the virtuous lives of the desert-dwellers. Having then blessed Abba Paphnutius and bid him farewell, Saint Onuphrius prayed with tears and sighs, and then he lay down upon the earth, uttering his final words, “Into Thy hands, my God, I commend my spirit,” and died. Paphnutius wept and tore off a portion of his garment, and with it covered the body of the great ascetic. He placed it in the crevice of a large rock, which was hollow like a grave, and covered it over with a multitude of small stones. Then he began to pray that the Lord would permit him to remain in that place until the end of his life. Suddenly, the cave fell in, the palm tree withered, and the spring of water dried up. Realising that he had not been given a blessing to remain, Saint Paphnutius set out on his return journey. four days Abba Paphnutius reached a cave, where he met an ascetic who had lived in the desert for more than 60 years. Except for the two other Elders, with whom he labored, this monk had seen no one in all that time. Each week these three had gone on their solitary paths into the wilderness, and on Saturday and Sunday they gathered for psalmody, and ate the bread which an angel brought them. Since it was Saturday, they had gathered together. After eating the bread provided by the angel, they spent the whole night at prayer. As he was leaving, Saint Paphnutius asked the names of the Elders, but they said, “God, Who knows everything, also knows our names. Remember us, that we may see one another in God’s heavenly habitations.” on his way, Saint Paphnutius came upon an oasis which impressed him with its beauty and abundance of fruit-bearing trees. Four youths inhabiting this place came to him from out of the wilderness. The youths told Abba Paphnutius that in their childhood they had lived in the city of Oxyrhynchus (Upper Thebaid) and they had studied together. They had burned with the desire to devote their lives to God. Making their plans to go off into the desert, the young men left the city and after several days’ journey, they reached this place. man radiant with heavenly glory met them and led them to a desert Elder. “We have lived here six years already,” said the youths. “Our Elder dwelt here one year and then he died. Now we live here alone, we eat the fruit of the trees, and we have water from a spring.” The youths gave him their names, they were Saints John, Andrew, Heraklemon and Theophilus (Dec. 2). youths struggled separately the whole week long, but on Saturday and Sunday they gathered at the oasis and offered up common prayer. On these days an angel would appear and commune them with the Holy Mysteries. This time however, for Abba Paphnutius’ sake, they did not go off into the desert, but spent the whole week together at prayer. On the following Saturday and Sunday Saint Paphnutius together with the youths was granted to receive the Holy Mysteries from the hands of the angel and to hear these words, “Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God.” Paphnutius made bold to ask the angel for permission to remain in the desert to the end of his days. The angel replied that God had decreed another path for him. He was to return to Egypt and tell the Christians of the life of the desert-dwellers. bid farewell to the youths, Saint Paphnutius reached the edge of the wilderness after a three day journey. Here he found a small skete, and the brethren received him with love. Abba Paphnutius related everything that he had learned about the holy Fathers whom he had encountered in the desert. The brethren wrote a detailed account of what Saint Paphnutius said, and deposited it in the church, where all who wished to do so could read it. Saint Paphnutius gave thanks to God, Who had granted him to learn about the exalted lives of the hermits of the Thebaid, and he returned to his own monastery.

Egypt, 325-395, Pharmutius, John the Hermit's mentor
Egypt, 3325-395, Egyptian Saint, Pharmutius; Pharmutius, according to the Prologue from Ohrid, was the spiritual mentor of Venerable John the Hermit of Armenia circa the fourth century. Pharmutius' holiness was such that angels brought him his daily bread, which in Christian love he shared with his hermit brother John who lived in strict seclusion. Pharmutius is remembered along with John the Hermit by the Eastern Orthodox Church on 29 March. Egypt, 330?-394, Egyptian Saint, John the Anchorite, John the Hermit; Venerable John the Anchorite of Egypt, Commemorated on March 29; John the Anchorite: During a persecution against Christians, the devout widow Juliania of Armenia hid from pursuers together with her two young children John and Themistea. She taught her children to pray and to read the Holy Scriptures. time to time John secretly visited a nearby monastery, thereby placing himself in danger. Once, a pious old man advised him to find a more secluded place for prayer. Returning home, the saint told his mother that he was going to visit the Elder. Thinking that her son would soon return, she let him go. went to the desert-dweller Pharmutios and received his blessing to live alone in the wilderness. The young ascetic found an abandoned well, which was filled with snakes, scorpions and other vile creatures. He lowered himself into the well and lived there for ten years in fasting, vigil, and prayer. angel who brought food to the hermit Pharmutios also brought bread for Saint John. The angel did not bring the bread directly to John, however, lest the young ascetic become filled with pride. Food was sent to him through his spiritual Father, Pharmutios. John had many temptations from the devil to test him. Demons assumed the appearance of his mother, his sister, his relatives and acquaintances in order to sadden the ascetic and compel him to give up his ascetic struggles. With tears they approached the well one after the other, begging Saint John to leave with them. All this time the saint did not cease to pray. Finally he said, “Be gone from me,” and the demons vanished. John lived in the well until the time of his blessed repose. Through God’s providence Saint Chrysikhios, who had struggled in the desert for thirty years, came to bury him. On the eve of his repose, Saint John told Chrysikhios of his life and struggles for salvation. After his death, numerous miracles occurred at the place of his ascetic deeds.

Egypt, 325-395, John oEgypt +3, fOxyrh, led bAngel tDesert Elder, fruit trees spring water, struggle separately, gather tAngel
Egypt, 325-395, John, Andrew, Heraclemon, and Theophilus, Hermits, of Egypt, fOxyrhynchos, tGet us tStory Paphnutius sent by Angels to Thebaid to Timothy, Andrew, Charalampus, Theophilus, &Others, then to Onuphrius tGreat, then to these four, beautiful oasis w spring&fruit bearing trees, several days fOxyrhynchus, radiant man wHeavenly glory (Angel) led them to desert Elder, struggled separately till common prayer Saturday Sunday, Angel appeared then wHoly Mysteries, Angel's words Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God, P wanted to stay but Angel led another path to tell about tHermits; Oxyrhynchos (Upper Thebaid); St John of Egypt, Commemorated December 2 ; John, Heraclemon, Andrew, and Theophilus lived in Egypt in the fourth century, and are mentioned in the life of Saint Onuphrius. he had buried Saint Onuphrius, Saint Paphnutius came upon an oasis which impressed him with its beauty and abundance of fruit-bearing trees. youths inhabiting this place came to him from out of the wilderness. youths told Abba Paphnutius that in their childhood they had lived in the city of Oxyrhynchus (Upper Thebaid) and they had studied together. had burned with the desire to devote their lives to God. Making their plans to go off into the desert, the young men left the city and after several days’ journey, they reached this place. man radiant with heavenly glory had met them and led them to a desert Elder. “We have lived here six years already,” said the youths. “Our Elder dwelt here one year and then he died. we live here alone, we eat the fruit of the trees, and we have water from a spring.” youths gave him their names, they were Saints John, Andrew, Heraclemon and Theophilus (Dec. 2). youths struggled separately the whole week long, but on Saturday and Sunday they gathered at the oasis and offered up common prayer. these days an angel would appear and commune them with the Holy Mysteries. time however, for Abba Paphnutius’ sake, they did not go off into the desert, but spent the whole week together at prayer. the following Saturday and Sunday Saint Paphnutius together with the youths was granted to receive the Holy Mysteries from the hands of the angel and to hear these words, “Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God.” Paphnutius made bold to ask the angel for permission to remain in the desert to the end of his days. angel replied that God had decreed another path for him. was to return to Egypt and tell the Christians of the life of the desert-dwellers. bid farewell to the youths, Saint Paphnutius reached the edge of the wilderness after a three day journey. he found a small skete, and the brethren received him with love. Paphnutius related everything that he had learned about the holy Fathers whom he had encountered in the desert. brethren wrote a detailed account of what Saint Paphnutius said, and deposited it in the church, where all who wished to do so could read it. Paphnutius gave thanks to God, Who had granted him to learn about the exalted lives of the hermits of the Thebaid, and he returned to his own monastery. John, Heraclemon, Andrew, and Theophilus are also commemorated on June 12 with Saint Onuphrius.

Egypt, 325-395, Hermits, of Egypt, fOxyrhynchos, tGet us tStory Paphnutius sent by Angels to Thebaid Hermits, Great Story
Egypt, 325-395, John, Andrew, Heraclemon, and Theophilus, Hermits, of Egypt, fOxyrhynchos, tGet us tStory Paphnutius sent by Angels to Thebaid to Timothy, Andrew, Charalampus, Theophilus, &Others, then to Onuphrius tGreat, then to these four, beautiful oasis w spring&fruit bearing trees, several days fOxyrhynchus, radiant man wHeavenly glory (Angel) led them to desert Elder, struggled separately till common prayer Saturday Sunday, Angel appeared then wHoly Mysteries, Angel's words Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God, P wanted to stay but Angel led another path to tell about tHermits; Oxyrhynchos (Upper Thebaid); St John of Egypt, Commemorated December 2 ; John, Heraclemon, Andrew, and Theophilus lived in Egypt in the fourth century, and are mentioned in the life of Saint Onuphrius. he had buried Saint Onuphrius, Saint Paphnutius came upon an oasis which impressed him with its beauty and abundance of fruit-bearing trees. youths inhabiting this place came to him from out of the wilderness. youths told Abba Paphnutius that in their childhood they had lived in the city of Oxyrhynchus (Upper Thebaid) and they had studied together. had burned with the desire to devote their lives to God. their plans to go off into the desert, the young men left the city and after several days’ journey, they reached this place. man radiant with heavenly glory had met them and led them to a desert Elder. “We have lived here six years already,” said the youths. “Our Elder dwelt here one year and then he died. we live here alone, we eat the fruit of the trees, and we have water from a spring.” youths gave him their names, they were Saints John, Andrew, Heraclemon and Theophilus (Dec. 2). youths struggled separately the whole week long, but on Saturday and Sunday they gathered at the oasis and offered up common prayer. On these days an angel would appear and commune them with the Holy Mysteries. time however, for Abba Paphnutius’ sake, they did not go off into the desert, but spent the whole week together at prayer. the following Saturday and Sunday Saint Paphnutius together with the youths was granted to receive the Holy Mysteries from the hands of the angel to hear these words, “Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God.” Paphnutius made bold to ask the angel for permission to remain in the desert to the end of his days. angel replied that God had decreed another path for him. He was to return to Egypt and tell the Christians of the life of the desert-dwellers. bid farewell to the youths, Saint Paphnutius reached the edge of the wilderness after a three day journey. he found a small skete, and the brethren received him with love. Paphnutius related everything that he had learned about the holy Fathers whom he had encountered in the desert. The brethren wrote a detailed account of what Saint Paphnutius said, and deposited it in the church, where all who wished to do so could read it. Paphnutius gave thanks to God, Who had granted him to learn about the exalted lives of the hermits of the Thebaid, and he returned to his own monastery. John, Heraclemon, Andrew, and Theophilus are also commemorated on June 12 with Saint Onuphrius. Venerable Onuphrius the Great, Commemorated on June 12; Paphnutius, who led an ascetical life in the Thebaid desert in Egypt, has left us an account of Saint Onuphrius the Great and the Lives of other fourth century hermits: Timothy the Desert Dweller, the abbas Andrew, Charalampus, Theophilus, and others. occurred to Saint Paphnutius to go to the inner desert in order to see if there were a monk who labored for the Lord more than he did. took a little bread and water and went into the most remote part of the desert. four days he reached a cave and found in it the body of an Elder who had been dead for several years. Having buried the hermit, Saint Paphnutius went on farther. several more days he found another cave, and from the marks in the sand he realized that the cave was inhabited. sundown he saw a herd of buffalo and walking among them a man. This man was naked, but was covered with long hair as if with clothing. was Abba Timothy the Desert-Dweller. a fellow man, Abba Timothy thought that he was seeing an apparition, and he began to pray. Paphnutius finally convinced the hermit that he was actually a living man and a fellow Christian. Timothy prepared food and water for him. related that he had been living in the desert for thirty years, and that Saint Paphnutius was the first man he had seen. his youth, Timothy had lived in a cenobitic monastery, but he wanted to live alone. Timothy left his monastery and went to live near a city, sustaining himself by the work of his own hands (he was a weaver). a woman came to him with an order and he fell into sin with her. come to his senses, the fallen monk went far into the desert, where he patiently endured tribulation and sickness. he was at the point of dying from hunger, he received healing in a miraculous manner. that time Abba Timothy had lived peacefully in complete solitude, eating dates from the trees, and quenching his thirst with water from a spring. Paphnutius besought the Elder that he might remain with him in the wilderness. he was told that he would be unable to bear the demonic temptations which beset desert-dwellers. the Elder supplied him with dates and water, and blessed him to go on his way. rested at a desert monastery, Saint Paphnutius undertook a second journey into the innermost desert, hoping to find another holy ascetic who would profit his soul. went on for seventeen days, until his supply of bread and water was exhausted. Paphnutius collapsed twice from weakness, and an angel strengthened him. the seventeenth day Saint Paphnutius reached a hilly place and sat down to rest. Here he caught sight of a man approaching him, who was covered from head to foot with white hair and girded his loins with leaves of desert plants. sight of the Elder frightened Abba Paphnutius, and he jumped up and fled up the hill. Elder sat down at the foot of the hill. Lifting his head, he saw Saint Paphnutius, and called him to come down. was the great desert-dweller, Abba Onuphrius. At the request of Saint Paphnutius, he told him about himself. Onuphrius had lived in complete isolation in the wilds of the wilderness for sixty years. his youth he had been raised at the Eratus monastery near the city of Hermopolis. learned from the holy Fathers about the hardships and lofty life of the desert-dwellers, to whom the Lord sent help through His angels, Saint Onuphrius longed to imitate their exploits. secretly left the monastery one night and saw a brilliant ray of light before him. Saint Onuphrius became frightened and decided to go back, but the voice of his Guardian Angel told him to go into the desert to serve the Lord. walking six or seven miles, he saw a cave. At that moment the ray of light vanished. the cave was an old man. Saint Onuphrius stayed with him to learn of his manner of life and his struggle with demonic temptations. the Elder was convinced that Saint Onuphrius had been enlightened somewhat, he then led him to another cave and left him there alone to struggle for the Lord. Elder visited him once a year, until he fell asleep in the Lord. the request of Saint Paphnutius, Abba Onuphrius told him of his labors and ascetic feats, and of how the Lord had cared for him. the cave where he lived was a date-palm tree and a spring of pure water issued forth. different branches of the palm tree bore fruit each month in succession, and so the monk endured neither hunger nor thirst. shade of the palm tree sheltered him from the noonday heat. angel brought Holy Communion to the saint each Saturday and Sunday, and to the other desert-dwellers as well. monks conversed until evening, when Abba Paphnutius noticed a loaf of white bread lying between them, and also a vessel of water. eating, the Elders spent the night in prayer. the singing of the morning hymns, Saint Paphnutius saw that the face of the venerable Onuphrius had become transformed, and that frightened him. Onuphrius said, “God, Who is Merciful to all, has sent you to me so that you might bury my body. Today I shall finish my earthly course and depart to my Christ, to live forever in eternal rest.” Onuphrius then asked Abba Paphnutius to remember him to all the brethren, and to all Christians. Paphnutius wanted to remain there after the death of Abba Onuphrius. However, the holy ascetic told him that it was not God’s will for him to stay there; he was to return to his own monastery instead and tell everyone about the virtuous lives of the desert-dwellers. Having then blessed Abba Paphnutius and bid him farewell, Saint Onuphrius prayed with tears and sighs, and then he lay down upon the earth, uttering his final words, “Into Thy hands, my God, I commend my spirit,” and died. Paphnutius wept and tore off a portion of his garment, and with it covered the body of the great ascetic. He placed it in the crevice of a large rock, which was hollow like a grave, and covered it over with a multitude of small stones. he began to pray that the Lord would permit him to remain in that place until the end of his life. the cave fell in, the palm tree withered, and the spring of water dried up. Realising that he had not been given a blessing to remain, Saint Paphnutius set out on his return journey. four days Abba Paphnutius reached a cave, where he met an ascetic who had lived in the desert for more than 60 years. for the two other Elders, with whom he labored, this monk had seen no one in all that time. week these three had gone on their solitary paths into the wilderness, and on Saturday and Sunday they gathered for psalmody, and ate the bread which an angel brought them. it was Saturday, they had gathered together. eating the bread provided by the angel, they spent the whole night at prayer. he was leaving, Saint Paphnutius asked the names of the Elders, they said, “God, Who knows everything, also knows our names. Remember us, that we may see one another in God’s heavenly habitations.” on his way, Saint Paphnutius came upon an oasis which impressed him with its beauty and abundance of fruit-bearing trees. youths inhabiting this place came to him from out of the wilderness. youths told Abba Paphnutius that in their childhood they had lived in the city of Oxyrhynchus (Upper Thebaid) and they had studied together. had burned with the desire to devote their lives to God. Making their plans to go off into the desert, the young men left the city and after several days’ journey, they reached this place. man radiant with heavenly glory met them and led them to a desert Elder. “We have lived here six years already,” said the youths. “Our Elder dwelt here one year and then he died. Now we live here alone, we eat the fruit of the trees, and we have water from a spring.” The youths gave him their names, they were Saints John, Andrew, Heraklemon and Theophilus (Dec. 2). youths struggled separately the whole week long, but on Saturday and Sunday they gathered at the oasis and offered up common prayer. these days an angel would appear and commune them with the Holy Mysteries. time however, for Abba Paphnutius’ sake, they did not go off into the desert, but spent the whole week together at prayer. the following Saturday and Sunday Saint Paphnutius together with the youths was granted to receive the Holy Mysteries from the hands of the angel to hear these words, “Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God.” Paphnutius made bold to ask the angel for permission to remain in the desert to the end of his days. angel replied that God had decreed another path for him. He was to return to Egypt and tell the Christians of the life of the desert-dwellers. bid farewell to the youths, Saint Paphnutius reached the edge of the wilderness after a three day journey. Here he found a small skete, and the brethren received him with love. Paphnutius related everything that he had learned about the holy Fathers whom he had encountered in the desert. brethren wrote a detailed account of what Saint Paphnutius said, and deposited it in the church, where all who wished to do so could read it. Paphnutius gave thanks to God, Who had granted him to learn about the exalted lives of the hermits of the Thebaid, and he returned to his own monastery. Venerable John, Andrew, Heraclemon, and Theophilus, Hermits, of Egypt, Commemorated on June 12; story as Dec 2 St John of Egypt. See it above Andrew, John, Heraclemon, and Theophilus lived in Egypt in the fourth century, and is mentioned in the Life of Saint Onuphrius. After he had buried Saint Onuphrius, Saint Paphnutius came upon an oasis which impressed him with its beauty and abundance of fruit-bearing trees. Four youths inhabiting this place came to him from out of the wilderness. The youths told Abba Paphnutius that in their childhood they had lived in the city of Oxyrhynchus (Upper Thebaid) and they had studied together. They had burned with the desire to devote their lives to God. Making their plans to go off into the desert, the young men left the city and after several days’ journey, they reached this place. A man radiant with heavenly glory met them and led them to a desert Elder. “We have lived here six years already,” said the youths. “Our Elder dwelt here one year and then he died. Now we live here alone, we eat the fruit of the trees, and we have water from a spring.” The youths gave him their names, they were Saints John, Andrew, Heraclemon and Theophilus (Dec. 2). The youths struggled separately the whole week long, but on Saturday and Sunday they gathered at the oasis and offered up common prayer. On these days an angel would appear and commune them with the Holy Mysteries. This time however, for Abba Paphnutius’ sake, they did not go off into the desert, but spent the whole week together at prayer. On the following Saturday and Sunday Saint Paphnutius together with the youths was granted to receive the Holy Mysteries from the hands of the angel and to hear these words, “Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God.” Saint Paphnutius made bold to ask the angel for permission to remain in the desert to the end of his days. The angel replied that God had decreed another path for him. He was to return to Egypt and tell the Christians of the life of the desert-dwellers. Having bid farewell to the youths, Saint Paphnutius reached the edge of the wilderness after a three day journey. Here he found a small skete, and the brethren received him with love. Abba Paphnutius related everything that he had learned about the holy Fathers whom he had encountered in the desert. The brethren wrote a detailed account of what Saint Paphnutius said, and deposited it in the church, where all who wished to do so could read it. Saint Paphnutius gave thanks to God, Who had granted him to learn about the exalted lives of the hermits of the Thebaid, and he returned to his own monastery. Saint John is also commemorated on December 2

Egypt, 325-375, Pambo, hunger every day, silence and handcrafts, great ascetic and mentor
Egypt, 325-375, Saint, Pambo; Egypt, 271-356, Saint Anthony the Great; Venerable Pambo the Hermit of Egypt, Commemorated on July 18; Pambo lived the ascetic life in the Nitrian desert in Egypt. Saint Anthony the Great (January 17) said, that the Monk Pambo by the fear of God inspired within himself the Holy Spirit. And the Monk Pimen the Great (August 27) said: “We beheld three things in Father Pambo: hunger every day, silence and handcrafts”. The Monk Theodore the Studite termed Saint Pambo “exalted in deed and in word.” the beginning of his monasticism, Saint Pambo heard the verses from the 38th [39th] Psalm of David: “preserve mine path, that I sin not by my tongue”. These words sank deep into his soul, and he attempted to follow them always. Thus, when they asked him about something, he answered only after long pondering and prayer. He would say, “I must think first, and perhaps I can, in time, give an answer, with God’s help.” Saint Pambo was a model of a lover of work for his disciples. Each day he worked until exhausted, and lived by the bread acquired by his own toil. disciples of Saint Pambo became great ascetics: Dioscorus, afterwards Bishop of Hermopolis (this Dioscorus, bishop of Hermopolis, is distinguished from another Dioscorus, an arch-heretic and Patriarch of Constantinople who lived rather later and was condemned by the Fourth Ecumenical Council), and also Ammonius, Eusebius and Euthymius, mentioned in the life of Saint John Chrysostom. One time Saint Melania the Younger (December 31) brought Saint Pambo a large amount of silver for the needs of the monastery, but he did not leave off from his work nor even glance at the money that was brought. Only after the incessant requests of Saint Melania did he permit her to give the alms to a certain monastic brother for distribution to the needs of the monastery. Saint Pambo was distinguished by his humility, but together with this he highly esteemed the vocation of monk and he taught the laypeople to be respectful of monastics, who often converse with God. was said that sometimes Saint Pambo’s face shone like lightning, as did the face of Moses. Yet, speaking to the brethren who stood about his deathbed, Saint Pambo said: “I go to the Lord as one who has not yet begun to serve Him.” He died at the age of 70.

Egypt, 325-395, Thais, repentant courtesan, famous beauty, prostitute, Paphnutius paid and warned her
Egyptian Saint, 325-395, Thais; Thais of fourth-century Roman Alexandria and of the Egyptian desert was a repentant courtesan. Thais reportedly lived during the fourth century in Roman Egypt. Her story is included in hagiographic literature on the lives of the saints in the Greek church. such biographical sketches exist. first, in Greek, perhaps originated during the fifth century. It was translated into Latin as the Vita Thaisis [Life of Thais] by Dionysius Exiguus (Dennis the Little) during the sixth or seventh century. The other sketch comes to us in medieval Latin from Marbod of Rennes (d. 1123). Thais also appears in Greek martyrologies by Maurolychus and Greven, however, not in Latin martyrologies.[1] The lives of the desert saints and hermits of Egypt, including St. Thais, were collected in the Vitae Patrum (Lives of the Desert Fathers).[2][3] Egyptian Saint, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic; Venerable Thais of Egypt, Commemorated on October 8; Thais of Egypt, raised by her mother in a spirit far removed from Christian piety, led a depraved and dissolute life. She was famed for her beauty, leading many on the path to perdition. account about the prodigal Thais spread throughout all Egypt and reached even Saint Paphnutius, a strict ascetic who had converted many to salvation. Paphnutius dressed himself in worldly attire and went to Thais, giving her money as though he wished to pay for her favors. He pretended to be afraid that someone would see them, so he asked her if there were a place they would not be discovered. Thais said that they could lock the door and enjoy complete privacy. “But if you fear God,” she said, “there is no place where you can hide from Him.” Seeing that she knew about God and the punishment of the wicked, the Elder asked why she led a sinful life and enticed others to ruin their souls. He told her about the eternal punishment she would have to face for her own sins, and for the people who had been corrupted and destroyed by her. words of Saint Paphnutius so affected the sinner that she gathered up all her riches acquired through her shameful life, then set them afire in the city square. Then Saint Paphnutius shut her up in a small cell, where for three years she dwelt in seclusion. Turning toward the East, Thais constantly repeated the short prayer, “My Creator, have mercy on me!” “From the moment I entered into the cell,” said Thais to the Elder before her death, “all my sins constantly were before my eyes, and I wept when I remembered them.” Paphnutius replied “It is for your tears, and not for the austerity of your seclusion, that the Lord has granted you mercy.” Thais was ill for three days, then fell asleep in the Lord. So this woman, who had been a harlot and a sinner, has entered the Kingdom of God before us (Mt. 21:31). Saint Paul the Simple (October 4) saw in a vision the place prepared for the penitant Thais in Paradise. St John of Egypt,Commemorated on December 2; Venerable Paphnutius of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15;

Egypt, 325-395, John the Anchorite, the Hermit, Juliana's son, abandoned well w snakes for 10 years, angel b food t Parmutios
Egypt, 325-395, Egyptian Saint, John the Anchorite, John the Hermit; Venerable John the Anchorite of Egypt, Commemorated on March 29; John the Anchorite: During a persecution against Christians, the devout widow Juliania of Armenia hid from pursuers together with her two young children John and Themistea. She taught her children to pray and to read the Holy Scriptures. time to time John secretly visited a nearby monastery, thereby placing himself in danger. Once, a pious old man advised him to find a more secluded place for prayer. Returning home, the saint told his mother that he was going to visit the Elder. Thinking that her son would soon return, she let him go. went to the desert-dweller Pharmutios and received his blessing to live alone in the wilderness. The young ascetic found an abandoned well, which was filled with snakes, scorpions and other vile creatures. He lowered himself into the well and lived there for ten years in fasting, vigil, and prayer. angel who brought food to the hermit Pharmutios also brought bread for Saint John. The angel did not bring the bread directly to John, however, lest the young ascetic become filled with pride. Food was sent to him through his spiritual Father, Pharmutios. John had many temptations from the devil to test him. Demons assumed the appearance of his mother, his sister, his relatives and acquaintances in order to sadden the ascetic and compel him to give up his ascetic struggles. With tears they approached the well one after the other, begging Saint John to leave with them. All this time the saint did not cease to pray. Finally he said, “Be gone from me,” and the demons vanished. John lived in the well until the time of his blessed repose. Through God’s providence Saint Chrysikhios, who had struggled in the desert for thirty years, came to bury him. On the eve of his repose, Saint John told Chrysikhios of his life and struggles for salvation. After his death, numerous miracles occurred at the place of his ascetic deeds.

Egypt, 334-368, Theodorus of Tabennese, Patriarch, mentored by Pachomius, great ascetic, wonderworker
Egyptian Patriarch, 334-368, Theodorus of Tabennese ; Egyptian Patriarch, 312-348, Pachomius the Great; Venerable Pachomius the Great, Founder of Coenobitic Monasticism, Commemorated on May 15; Venerable Theodore the Sanctified, Disciple of the Venerable Pachomius the Great, Commemorated on May 16; Theodore was called “Sanctified” because he was the first in his monastery ordained to the priesthood. Theodore came from Egypt and was the son of rich and illustrious Christian parents. The yearning for monastic life appeared early in him. Once there was a large party at the house of his parents during the feast of Theophany. The boy did not want to take part in the festivities, grieving that because of earthly joys he might be deprived of joys in the life to come. He secretly left home when he was fourteen and entered one of the monasteries. about Pachomius the Great, he burned with the desire to see the ascetic. Saint Pachomius received the young man with love, having been informed by God beforehand about his coming. Remaining at the monastery, Saint Theodore quickly succeeded in all his monastic tasks, particularly in the full obedience to his guide, and in his compassion towards the other brethren. Theodore’s mother, learning that he was at the Tabennisi monastery, came to Saint Pachomius with a letter from the bishop, asking to see her son. Saint Theodore did not wish to break his vow to renounce the world, so he refused to meet with his mother. Saint Theodore’s strength of mind and ability, Saint Pachomius once told him to instruct the brethren on Holy Scripture. Saint Theodore was then only twenty years old. He obeyed and began to speak, but some of the older brethren took offense that a new monk should teach them, and they departed. Saint Pachomius said to them, “You have given in to the devil and because of your conceit, your efforts will come to naught. You have not rejected Theodore, but rather the Word of God, and have deprived yourselves of the Holy Spirit.” Pachomius appointed Saint Theodore as overseer of the Tabennisi monastery, and withdrew to a more solitary monastery. Saint Theodore with filial love continued to concern himself over his instructor, and he looked after Saint Pachomius in his final illness, and when the great abba reposed in the Lord, he closed his eyes. After the death of Saint Pachomius, Saint Theodore directed the Tabennisi monastery, and later on he was at the head of all the Thebaid monasteries. Saint Theodore the Sanctified was famed for his holiness of life and a great gift of wonderworking, and he was well known to Saint Athanasius, Patriarch of Alexandria. Saint Theodore reposed in his old age in the year 368.

Egypt, 335-395, Apollo otThebaid, divine revelation tDestroy Babel Wise Men's wisdom&false knowledge, Heliopolis M, great story
Egypt, 335-395, Apollonios (Apollo) otEgyptian Thebaid (Upper Egypt, Nile River 13), desert a15 f14yrs, divine revelation tDestroy wisdom oEgyptian Wise Men, remove their not true knowledge, plus Wise Men of Egyptian Babel, and remove service to devils, go quickly tNear Desert close to Hermopolis, soon multitude oMiracles&Monastery, ate little once a day, vanity o-Chains, Rags, Long hair, prison frefusing Military Service, Angel otLord freed them, as witness pagan ritual froze idolaters, became christians, soon no pagans left near monastery, prevented bloodshead between C's & pagan village by converting instagator, on another similar occasion by terrible death tLeader, A's History- Jerome had visited A, Abba Paul's journey ffAntinoe tEMonasteries, Jacobite Synaxarion; Thebaid; Saint Apollonios (Apollo) of the Egyptian Thebaid, Commemorated on May 31; Venerable Apollonios was the son of the pious parents, Aisi and Amani. According to one version, he had an elder brother, a monk, who died before his birth, who appeared to him in a dream. According to other sources, his parents were childless before the birth of Apollonios. the age of fifteen, the Saint retired to the inner desert of the Thebaïd (in Lower Egypt), along with his kinsman Abib. fourteen years of the solitary life, Saint Apollonios was granted a Divine Revelation. Voice said: “Apollonios, by your hands I will destroy the wisdom of the wise men of Egypt, I will remove their knowledge, which is not true knowledge. will also overthrow those who are reputed to be the wise men of Babel (the Babylon of Egypt), and all their service to devils (idolatry). go quickly to the desert, to the region which is near the habitations of men. There you shall beget for me a holy people, who will be exalted by their good works.” he became known for the multitude of miracles which he performed. He was the head of many monks; and he directed them profitably by his spiritual instructions. the reign of Julian the Apostate, God commanded the Saint to go to the near desert. a spot close to Hermopolis he founded a monastery in which about five hundred monks would gather in the future. brethren of the Monastery partook of the Holy Mysteries in the morning, and then in the afternoon they studied the Holy Scriptures. after sunset did they eat a little food, and then they went off into the desert alone, “in the darkness of the night, devoting themselves to the contemplation of God and His Holy Word,” while some of the monks remained in the monastery. monks would eat food just once a day. condemned those who adhered to the harsher forms of austerity - these did not cut their hair and wore chains - regarding such things as a sign of vanity. the same time, Apollonios himself was a strict faster, he ate boiled food on Sundays, and on other days he ate only wild plants. one of the monks was forcibly recruited for military service and was locked up in a prison for refusing to serve. and some other monks visited him in the prison. They comforted him and advised him to remain steadfast. the centurion heard about this, he became very angry and locked Apollonios and his companions in prison, posting many guards. an angel of the Lord appeared at midnight, to open the doors of the prison, and the monks left unhindered. the monastery were ten pagan settlements. Apollonios was once a witness to a pagan ritual: priests of the idols, accompanied by a crowd, carried an idol around to the villages, “raging like bacchants.” the Saint’s prayers, the idolaters were halted and could not continue the procession. learning of the cause of the incident, many of them followed Apollonios, and the idol was destroyed. After this miracle, many pagans became Christians, and some of them even remained in the monastery. Soon there were almost no pagans left in the vicinity of the monastery. there was strife between two villages near the monastery, Apollonios managed to convert a robber (who may have been the instigator of the quarrel) to Christ, and so peace was restored. another occasion, Apollonios was able to prevent bloodshed between the Christian and pagan villages, punishing the leader of the pagans with a terrible death. famine occurred at the Thebaid, Apollonios supplied the inhabitants with food. Apollonios reposed in peace around the year 395, at very advanced age. of the information about Saint Apollonios was recorded in chapter 9 of Saint Jerome’s History of the Monks of Egypt. The author had visited Apollonios shortly before the latter’s repose, along with his companions. They lived in his monastery for about a week. also provides some details about Apollonios in Book VI, chapter 29 of his Church History, citing Timothy, the primate of the Church of Alexandria, as the source for what we know about Saint Apollonios’s personal discipline as well as his “divine and marvelous deeds.” Coptic Church has also preserved an ancient testimony of Saint Apollonios in a description of Abba Paul’s journey from Antinoe through the monasteries of Egypt, another account from a Jacobite Synaxarion (in Arabic). This Synaxarion under 5 Amshire (January 30) calls Apollonios “an Equal of the angels.” The Coptic Church commemorates Saint Apollonios on 25 Papo (October 22).

Egypt, 337-362, Greatmartyr Artemius, viceroy of Egypt, then Julian tortured, Jesus encouraged, he prophesied J death
Egypt, 337-362, Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, viceroy of Egypt, spread C in E, b relics to Constantinople, then Julian tortured him, Jesus appeared w angels, encouraged him, he prophesied Julians death; Egypt; Rahab; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated on October 20; Great Martyr Artemius of Antioch was a prominent military leader during the reigns of the emperor Constantine the Great (May 21), and his son and successor Constantius (337-361). received many awards for distinguished service and courage. was appointed viceroy of Egypt. this official position he did much for the spreading and strengthening Christianity in Egypt. Artemius was sent by the emperor Constantius to bring the relics of the holy Apostle Andrew from Patras, the relics of the holy Apostle Luke from Thebes of Boeotia, Constantinople. holy relics were placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles beneath the table of oblation. The emperor rewarded him by making him ruler of Egypt. emperor Constantius was succeeded on the throne by Julian the Apostate (361-363). in his desire to restore paganism was extremely antagonistic towards Christians, sending hundreds to their death. Antioch he ordered the torture of two bishops unwilling to forsake the Christian Faith. this time, Saint Artemius arrived in Antioch and publicly denounced Julian for his impiety. enraged Julian subjected the saint to terrible tortures and threw the Great Martyr Artemius into prison. Artemius was praying, Christ, surrounded by angels, appeared to him and said, “Take courage, Artemius! I am with you and will preserve you from every hurt which is inflicted upon you, and I already have prepared your crown of glory. Since you have confessed Me before the people on earth, so shall I confess you before My Heavenly Father. Therefore, take courage and rejoice, you shall be with Me in My Kingdom.” this, Artemius rejoiced and offered up glory and thanksgiving to Him. the following day, Julian demanded that Saint Artemius honor the pagan gods. Meeting with steadfast refusal, the emperor resorted to further tortures. The saint endured all without a single moan. saint told Julian that he would be justly recompensed for his persecution of Christians. became furious and resorted to even more savage tortures, but they did not break the will of the saint. Finally the Great Martyr Artemius was beheaded. relics were buried by Christians. After the death of Saint Artemius, his prophecy about Julian the Apostate’s impending death came true. left Antioch for a war with the Persians. Near the Persian city of Ctesiphon, Julian came upon an elderly Persian, who agreed to betray his countrymen and guide Julian’s army. The old man deceived Julian and led his army into the Karmanite wilderness, where there was neither food nor water. Tired from hunger and thirst, Julian’s army battled against fresh Persian forces. retribution caught up with Julian the Apostate. During the battle he was mortally wounded by an unseen hand and an unseen weapon. groaned deeply said, “You have conquered, Galilean!” the death of the apostate emperor, the relics of the Great Martyr Artemius were transferred with honor from Antioch to Constantinople. Artemius is invoked by those suffering from hernias.

Egypt, 340-417, Paisius tG, Pishoy, saw Jesus, incorrpt tday, no food 70 days, vision nitrian wilds, he would provide
Egypt, 340-417, Saint, Paisius the Great, Pishoy; Pishoy (320 - 417 AD), known in the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria as the Star of the Desert and the Beloved of our Good Savior, is a Coptic Desert Father. He is said to have seen Jesus and that his body is preserved to the present day in incorruptibility at the Monastery of Saint Pishoy at the Natroon Desert, Egypt. He is venerated by the Oriental Orthodox Churches and the Eastern Orthodox Churches, and is known in the latter under the Greek version of his name, Paisios.[1] Venerable Paisius the Great, Commemorated on June 19; Paisius the Great lived in Egypt. His parents, Christians, distributed generous alms to all the needy. the death of her husband his mother, on the suggestion of an angel, gave her young son Paisius to the clergy of the church. youth Paisius loved monastic life and spent his time in one of the Egyptian sketes. Renouncing his own will, he lived under the spiritual guidance of Saint Pambo (July 18), finishing all the tasks assigned him. The Elder said that a new monk in particular needs to preserve his sight, in order to guard his senses from temptation. Paisius, heeding the instruction, went for three years with his eyes cast downwards. The saintly ascetic read spiritual books, and he was known for his ascetic fasting and prayer. At first he did not eat any food for a week, then two weeks. Sometimes, after partaking of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, he survived without food for seventy days. Paisius went into the Nitrian desert in search of solitude. There he lived in a cave carved out by his own hands. The saint was granted a wondrous vision: the Lord Jesus Christ revealed to him that through his labors the Nitrian wilderness would become inhabited by ascetics. He asked the Lord where the monks would obtain the necessities of life in the desert. The Lord said that if they would fulfill all His commandments, He Himself would provide all their necessities, and would deliver them from demonic temptations and cunning. time, a number of monks and laymen gathered around Saint Paisius, and a monastery was established. The most important rule of Saint Paisius was that no one would do anything by his own will, but in all things would fulfill the will of his elders. his tranquility was being disturbed by so many people, the saint withdrew to another cave farther away. Once, he was transported to a paradisical monastery and partook of the immaterial divine food. After his ascetic labors for salvation, the Lord granted His saint the gift of prescience and healing the souls of men. of his disciples, with the saint’s blessing, went to sell his handicrafts in Egypt. On the way he encountered a Jew, who told the simple-minded monk that Christ the Savior is not the Messiah, and that another Messiah will come. Confused, the monk said, “Maybe what you say is true,” but he did not attribute any particular significance to his words. When he returned, he saw that Saint Paisius would not acknowledge his arrival, and he asked the reason for his anger. The saint said, “My disciple was a Christian. You are not a Christian, for the grace of Baptism has departed from you.” The monk repented with tears, and begged to have his sin forgiven. Only then did the holy Elder pray and ask the Lord to forgive the monk. certain monk on his own initiative left the desert and moved near a city. There he had encounters with a woman, who hated and blasphemed Christ the Savior. Under her influence, he not only left the monastery, but also scorned faith in Christ, and finally he reached a state of total disbelief. through the blessed Providence of God, Nitrian monks came by his home. Seeing them, the sinner remembered his own former life and he asked the monks to ask Saint Paisius to pray for him to the Lord. On hearing the request, the saint prayed fervently, and his prayer was heard. The Lord, appearing to His saint, promised to forgive the sinner. Soon the seduced monk’s woman companion died, and he returned to the desert where, weeping and distressed for his sins, he began to labor at deeds of repentance. Paisius distinguished himself by his great humility, and performed ascetic deeds of fasting and prayer, but he concealed them from others as far as possible. When the monks asked which virtue is the highest of all, the saint replied, “Those which are done in secret, and about which no one knows.” Paisius died in the fifth century at a great old age, and he was buried by the monks. After some time his relics were transferred by Saint Isidore of Pelusium (February 4) to his own monastery and placed beside the relics of his friend Saint Paul, with whom Saint Paisius was particularly close during his life.

Egypt, 340-429, Sisoes the Great, mentored by sts anthony& Hor, 60 yrs in d, wonderworker, self as iinferior to everyone
Egypt, 340-429, Saint, Sisoes the Great; Sisoes the Great (+429 AD) was an early Christian desert father, a solitary monk pursuing asceticism in the Egyptian desert in a cave of his predecessor, St Anthony the Great. St Sisoes is revered as a saint by Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, who consider him a wonderworker. His feast day is observed on July 19 [O.S. July 6].[note 2][note 3] was a Copt by birth. Having withdrawn the world from his youth, he retired to the desert of Scete, and lived some time under the direction of abbot Hor. The desire of finding a retreat yet more unfrequented induced him to cross the Nile and hide himself in the mountain where St. Anthony the Great died some time before. Egypt, 271-356, Saint Anthony the Great; Venerable Sisoes the Great, Commemorated on July 6; Sisoes the Great (+ 429) was a solitary monk, pursuing asceticism in the Egyptian desert in a cave sanctified by the prayerful labors of his predecessor, Saint Anthony the Great (January 17). For his sixty years of labor in the desert, Saint Sisoes attained to sublime spiritual purity and he was granted the gift of wonderworking, so that by his prayers he once restored a dead child back to life. strict with himself, Abba Sisoes was very merciful and compassionate to others, and he received everyone with love. To those who visited him, the saint first of all always taught humility. When one of the monks asked how he might attain to a constant remembrance of God, Saint Sisoes remarked, “That is no great thing, my son, but it is a great thing to regard yourself as inferior to everyone else. This leads to the acquisition of humility.” Asked by the monks whether one year is sufficient for repentance if a brother sins, Abba Sisoes said, “I trust in the mercy of God that if such a man repents with all his heart, then God will accept his repentance in three days.” Saint Sisoes lay upon his deathbed, the disciples surrounding the Elder saw that his face shone like the sun. They asked the dying man what he saw. Abba Sisoes replied that he saw Saint Anthony, the prophets, and the apostles. His face increased in brightness, and he spoke with someone. The monks asked, “With whom are you speaking, Father?” He said that angels had come for his soul, and he was entreating them to give him a little more time for repentance. The monks said, “You have no need for repentance, Father.” Saint Sisoes said with great humility, “I do not think that I have even begun to repent.” these words the face of the holy abba shone so brightly that the brethren were not able to look upon him. Saint Sisoes told them that he saw the Lord Himself. Then there was a flash like lightning, and a fragrant odor, and Abba Sisoes departed to the Heavenly Kingdom.

Egypt, 350, 4th Century, Virginmartyr Mastridia, unceasing prayer, fasts, silence, impure youth, what do you like, gouged out eyes
Egypt, 999, Virginmartyr Mastridia of Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, unceasing prayer, fasts, silence, persued by impure youth, grieving tempting, what do you like, gouged out eyes, he repented became monk, she works for t Lord; Alexandria; Virginmartyr Mastridia of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 24 ; Nun Mastridia lived in Alexandria. She made a vow of virginity and she dwelt in unceasing prayer, keeping the fasts and keeping silence. pure life of the holy virgin was beset by trials. A certain young man, attracted to her with impure desire, began to pursue her so that she could not even leave her home to go to church. because she had unwillingly led the youth into temptation, and being zealous for his salvation, the saint invited him into her home. asked what it was about her that made him bother her so much. replied, “Your beautiful eyes!” this, she gouged them out with a needle she used for sewing. she saved herself and the youth from temptation. then repented and became a monk, living as a strict ascetic. Saint Mastridia finished her life in works for the Lord.

Egypt, 350, 4th Century, Brothers Cantidius and Cantidian stoned, Sibelius (Soleb) shot with arrows, all refused to deny Christ
Egypt, 350, 4th Century, Brothers Cantidius and Cantidian stoned, Sibelius (Soleb) was shot with arrows, all refused to deny Christ; Egypt; Rahab; Martyrs Cantidius, Cantidian, and Sibelius (Sobel) of Egypt, Commemorated on August 5; Cantidius and Cantidian were brothers who lived in Egypt during the fourth century. were put to death by stoning. Sibelius (Soleb) was shot with arrows. three suffered martyrdom because they were Christians who refused to deny Christ.

Egypt, 350, 4th Century, Elias the Hermit, of Egypt, monk, mountain cave dweller, ascetic 75 yrs till age 110
Egypt, 350, 4th Century, Elias the Hermit, of Egypt, monk, mountain cave dweller, ascetic 75 yrs till age 110; Venerable Elias the Hermit, of Egypt, Commemorated on January 8; Elias the Egyptian became a monk and pursued asceticism for seventy-five years on a desolate mountain in a cave. died in the fourth century at the age of 110.

Egypt, 350-399, Karion &Son Zachariia, Scetis, K leaves family, raises Z aSkete, grumbling, Z's welts like angel, much more
Egypt, 350-399, Karion (Cyrion) &Son Zachariia, Scetis, Egyptian Desert, K became monk left wife children behind iWorld, Famine, w&c tMonasatery complain, K took son Zacharia in Monastery, dauther wMother, Z raised aSkete, brethern grumble, tThebaid, complaints there, Z tNitria, immersed foul water 1hr, face&body welts, like leper, Holy Communion fIsadore, last sunday as man, today as angel, K dies, Z struggles wMoses tBlack, Moses asks Z what to be saved, Z supprised why ask me, M because saw HS come down on you, Z tramples head cowl, man must be willing trampled this way tbMonk, Moses asks Z at Z's death, what do you see, Isn't better tKeep silent, Yes, Z dies, when soul leaving body Isadore said Rejoice heaven gates are open tYou, Z buried Skete 399 or so; Scetis ; Venerable Karion (Cyrion) and his son in Egypt, Commemorated December 5 ; Karion lived in Scetis in Egypt during the fourth century. became a monk and left his wife and two children behind in the world. a famine struck Egypt, Saint Karion’s wife brought the children to the monastery and complained of their poverty and difficulties. saint took his son, Zachariah, and the daughter remained with the mother. raised his son at the skete, and everyone knew that Zachariah was his son. the lad grew up, the brethren began to grumble. father and his son then went into the Thebaid, but complaints about them arose there, too. Saint Zachariah went to Lake Nitria, immersing himself in the foul-smelling water up to his nostrils and he stayed there for an hour. His face and his body were covered with welts, and he looked like a leper. Even his own father hardly recognized him. next time Saint Zachariah came for Holy Communion, it was revealed to the Saint Isidore the Presbyter what Zachariah had done. holy priest said to him, “Child, last Sunday you communed as a man, but now you receive as an angel.” the death of his father, Saint Zachariah began to struggle together with Saint Moses the Black (August 28). “What must I do, to be saved?” asked Saint Moses. this, Saint Zachariah fell to his knees and said: “Why do you ask this of me, Father?” “Believe me, my child, Zachariah,” Saint Moses continued, “I saw the Holy Spirit come down upon you, and that is why I ask you.” Zachariah then took the koukoulion (cowl) from his head, trampling it under his feet. putting it on again he said, “If a man is not willing to be treated this way, he cannot be a monk.” Moses asked Zachariah just before his death, “What do you see, brother?” “Isn’t it better if I keep silent, Father?” Saint Zachariah replied. “Yes, child, remain silent”, agreed Saint Moses. the soul of Saint Zachariah was leaving his body, Abba Isidore lifted his gaze toward the heavens and said, “Rejoice, Zachariah my child, for the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven are opened to you.” Zachariah died towards the end of the fourth century and was buried in Skete with the Fathers. Venerable Zachariah of Egypt, Commemorated on December 5 ; Story - Venerable Zachariah of Egypt, Commemorated on December 5: Zachariah was the son of Saint Karion. Saint Karion lived in Scetis in Egypt during the fourth century. became a monk and left his wife and two children behind in the world. When a famine struck Egypt, Saint Karion’s wife brought the children to the monastery and complained of their poverty and difficulties. The saint took his son, and the daughter remained with the mother. raised his son at the skete, and everyone knew that Zachariah was his son. When the lad grew up, the brethren began to grumble. The father and his son then went into the Thebaid, but complaints about them arose there, too. Then Saint Zachariah went to Lake Nitria, immersing himself in the foul-smelling water up to his nostrils and he stayed there for an hour. His face and his body were covered with welts, and he looked like a leper. Even his own father hardly recognized him. next time Saint Zachariah came for Holy Communion, it was revealed to the Saint Isidore the Presbyter what Zachariah had done. The holy priest said to him, “Child, last Sunday you communed as a man, but now you receive as an angel.” the death of his father, Saint Zachariah began to struggle together with Saint Moses the Black (August 28). “What must I do, to be saved?” asked Saint Moses. Hearing this, Saint Zachariah fell to his knees and said: “Why do you ask this of me, Father?” “Believe me, my child, Zachariah,” Saint Moses continued, “I saw the Holy Spirit come down upon you, and that is why I ask you.” Zachariah then took the koukoulion (cowl) from his head, trampling it under his feet. After putting it on again he said, “If a man is not willing to be treated this way, he cannot be a monk.” Moses asked Zachariah just before his death, “What do you see, brother?” “Isn’t it better if I keep silent, Father?” Saint Zachariah replied. “Yes, child, remain silent”, agreed Saint Moses. the soul of Saint Zachariah was leaving his body, Abba Isidore lifted his gaze toward the heavens and said, “Rejoice, Zachariah my child, for the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven are opened to you.” Zachariah died towards the end of the fourth century and was buried in Skete with the Fathers.

Egypt, 350-405, Moses the Black, leader of gang of robbers, discoverd monks, became one, struggled, power over deamons
Egyptian Saint, 350-405, Moses the Black; the Black (330–405), also known as Abba Moses the Robber, the Ethiopian , and the Strong, was an ascetic monk and priest in Egypt in the fourth century AD, and a notable Desert Father. According to stories about him, he converted from a life of crime to one of asceticism. He is mentioned in Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History, written about 70 years after Moses's death. MOSES THE BLACK, DESERT FATHER & MARTYR, 28 August 405; Moses the Black (330 – 405), known as the Ethiopian or the strong, was a slave of a government official in Egypt who dismissed him for theft and suspected murder. He became the leader of a gang of bandits who roamed the Nile Valley spreading terror and violence. Attempting to hide from local authorities, he took shelter with some monks in a colony in the desert of Scetes, near Alexandria. The dedication of their lives, as well as their peace and contentment, influenced Moses deeply. He soon gave up his old way of life, became a Christian, was baptized and joined the monastic community at Scetes. (more at Wikipedia) Venerable Moses the Ethiopian of Scete, Commemorated on August 28; Moses lived in Egypt during the fourth century. He was an Ethiopian, and since he was black of skin he was called “Murin” (meaning “like an Ethiopian”). In his youth he was the slave of an important man, but after he committed a murder, his master banished him, and he joined a band of robbers. of his bad character and great physical strength, they chose him as their leader. Moses and his band of brigands were feared because of their many evil exploits, including murders and robberies. People trembled at the mere mention of his name. the brigand spent several years leading a sinful life, but through the great mercy of God he repented, left his band of robbers and went to one of the desert monasteries. Here he wept for a long time, begging to be admitted as one of the brethren. The monks were not convinced of the sincerity of his repentance, but the former robber would neither be driven away nor silenced. He continued to implore that they accept him. Moses was completely obedient to the hegoumen and the brethren, and he poured forth many tears of sorrow for his sinful life. After a certain while Saint Moses withdrew to a solitary cell, where he spent his time in prayer and the strictest fasting. four of the robbers of his former band descended upon the cell of Saint Moses. He had lost none of his great physical strength, so he tied them all up. Throwing them over his shoulder, he brought them to the monastery, where he asked the Elders what to do with them. The Elders ordered that they be set free. The robbers, learning that they had chanced upon their former ringleader, and that he had dealt kindly with them, followed his example: they repented and became monks. Later, when the rest of the band of robbers heard about Saint Moses’ repentance, then they also gave up their thievery and became fervent monks. Moses was not quickly freed from the passions. He went often to the hegoumen, Abba Isidore, seeking advice on how to be delivered from the passions of profligacy. Being experienced in the spiritual struggle, the Elder taught him never to eat too much food, to remain partly hungry while observing the strictest restraint. But the passions did not cease to trouble Saint Moses in his dreams. Abba Isidore taught him the all-night vigil. The monk stood the whole night at prayer, so he would not fall asleep. As a result of his prolonged struggles, Saint Moses fell into despondency, and when he began to have thoughts about leaving his solitary cell, Abba Isidore instead strengthened the resolve of his disciple. a vision he showed him many demons in the west, prepared for battle, and in the east a still greater quantity of holy angels, also ready for fighting. Abba Isidore explained to Saint Moses that the power of the angels would prevail over the power of the demons, and in the long struggle with the passions it was necessary for him to become completely cleansed of his former sins. Moses drove himself to additional labors. Making the rounds of the wilderness cells at night, he carried water from the well to each brother. He did this especially for the Elders, who lived far from the well and who were not easily able to carry their own water. Once, kneeling over the well, Saint Moses felt a powerful blow upon his back and he fell down at the well like one dead, laying there in that position until dawn. Thus did the devils take revenge upon the monk for his victory over them. In the morning the brethren carried him to his cell, and he lay there crippled for a whole year. After he recovered, the monk with firm resolve confessed to the hegoumen, that he would continue with his ascetic struggles. But the Lord Himself put limits to this toil which lasted for many years: Abba Isidore blessed his disciple and told him that the passions had already left him. The Elder commanded him to receive the Holy Mysteries, and to go to his own cell in peace. From that time, Saint Moses received from the Lord power over demons. about his exploits spread among the monks and even beyond the bounds of the wilderness. The governor of the land wanted to see the saint. When he heard of this, Saint Moses decided to hide from any visitors, and he departed his own cell. Along the way he met servants of the governor, who asked him how to get to the cell of the desert-dweller Moses. The monk answered them: “Go no farther to see this false and unworthy monk.” The servants returned to the monastery where the governor was waiting, and they told him the words of the Elder they had chanced to meet. The brethren, hearing a description of the Elder’s appearance, told them that they had encountered Saint Moses himself. many years of monastic exploits, Saint Moses was ordained deacon. The bishop clothed him in white vestments and said, “Now Abba Moses is entirely white!” The saint replied, “Only outwardly, for God knows that I am still dark within.” humility, the saint believed himself unworthy of the office of deacon. Once, the bishop decided to test him and he bade the clergy to drive him out of the altar, reviling him as an unworthy Ethiopian. In all humility, the monk accepted the abuse. Having put him to the test, the bishop then ordained Saint Moses to the priesthood. Saint Moses labored for fifteen years in this rank, and gathered 75 disciples around himself. the saint reached the age of 75, he warned his monks that soon brigands would descend upon the skete and murder all those who remained there. The saint blessed his monks to leave, in order to avoid violent death. His disciples begged the saint to leave with them, but he replied: “For many years now, I have awaited the time when the words spoken by my Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, should be fulfilled: ‘All who take up the sword, shall perish by the sword’” (Matt. 26: 52). After this, seven of the brethren remained with Saint Moses, and one of them hid nearby during the attack of the robbers. The robbers killed Saint Moses and the six monks who remained with him. Their death occurred about the year 400.

Egypt, 350&450, Fathers slain at Sinai and Raithu, same day 100yrs later, God intervened w fire at top of mt, eyewitness
Egypt, 350&450, Fathers slain at Sinai and Raithu, Sinai Penninsula, Egypt, same day, 40 and 39, God intervened w fire at top of mt, 100 yrs later eyewitness, description of ascetics lives; Raithu; Fathers slain at Sinai and Raithu, Commemorated January 14 ; were two occasions when the monks and hermits at Sinai and Raithu were murdered by the barbarians. The first took place in the fourth century when forty Fathers were killed at Mt. Sinai, and thirty-nine were slain at Raithu on the same day. Sinai, where the Ten Commandments had been given to Moses, was also the site of another miracle. Ammonios, an Egyptian monk, witnessed the murder of the forty holy Fathers at Sinai. He tells of how the Saracens attacked the monastery and would have killed them all, if God had not intervened. A fire appeared on the summit of the peak, and the whole mountain smoked. The barbarians were terrified, and fled, while the surviving monks thanked God for sparing them. day, the Blemmyes (an Arab tribe) killed thirty-nine Fathers at Raithu (on the shores of the Red Sea). Igumen Paul of Raithu exhorted his monks to endure their suffering with courage and a pure heart. second massacres occurred nearly a hundred years later, and was also recorded by an eyewitness who miraculously escaped: Saint Nilus the Faster (November 12). Arabs permitted some of the monks to run for their lives. They crossed the valley and climbed up a mountain. From this vantage point, they saw the bedouin kill the monks and ransack their cells. Sinai and Raithu ascetics lived a particularly strict life: they spent the whole week at prayer in their cells. On Saturday they gathered for the all-night Vigil, and on Sunday they received the Holy Mysteries. Their only food was dates and water. Many of the ascetics of the desert were glorified by the gift of wonderworking: the Elders Moses, Joseph and others. Mentioned in the service to these monastic Fathers are: Isaiah, Savva, Moses and his disciple Moses, Jeremiah, Paul, Adam, Sergius, Domnus, Proclus, Hypatius, Isaac, Macarius, Mark, Benjamin, Eusebius and Elias. St Joseph Analytinus of Raithu, Commemorated January 14 ; Joseph Analytinus of Raithu was a strict ascetic. attained such a high degree of perfection in the spiritual life that a light shone upon him while he prayed. foretold the time of his death to his disciple Gelasius, and died in peace, before the slaughter of the Sinai Fathers. Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; Theodulus was the son of Saint Nilus the Faster (November 12), and he recorded the slaughter of the holy Fathers at Raithu in the fifth century. While still a child, Saint Theodulus left the world and went to Mount Sinai with his father. a barbarian assault on the desert dwellers, the saint fell into the hands of brigands, who decided to offer the youth as a sacrifice to the morning dawn, which they worshipped in place of God. But the Lord saved the boy through the prayers of his father, Saint Nilus. The barbarians slept past sunrise, and giving up on the idea of making him a sacrificial offering, they took the youth with them. by the brigands to the city of Eluza, Saint Theodulus was ransomed by the local bishop, in whose house he was later found by his grateful father. Blessed by the bishop and presbyters, Saints Theodulus and Nilus returned to Mount Sinai, where they served the Lord until the end of their days. Their incorrupt relics were transferred to Constantinople under Emperor Justin the Younger (565-578) and placed in the church of the holy Apostles at Orphanotrophia.

Egypt, 350&450, Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, they recorded slaughter, Arabs slept past sacrifice
Egypt, 350&450, Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, recorded the slaughter, slept past sunrise so not sacrificed, back to Sinai; Raithu; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; Theodulus was the son of Saint Nilus the Faster (November 12), and he recorded the slaughter of the holy Fathers at Raithu in the fifth century. While still a child, Saint Theodulus left the world and went to Mount Sinai with his father. a barbarian assault on the desert dwellers, the saint fell into the hands of brigands, who decided to offer the youth as a sacrifice to the morning dawn, which they worshipped in place of God. But the Lord saved the boy through the prayers of his father, Saint Nilus. The barbarians slept past sunrise, and giving up on the idea of making him a sacrificial offering, they took the youth with them. by the brigands to the city of Eluza, Saint Theodulus was ransomed by the local bishop, in whose house he was later found by his grateful father. Blessed by the bishop and presbyters, Saints Theodulus and Nilus returned to Mount Sinai, where they served the Lord until the end of their days. Their incorrupt relics were transferred to Constantinople under Emperor Justin the Younger (565-578) and placed in the church of the holy Apostles at Orphanotrophia.

Egypt, 350&450, St Joseph Analytinus of Raithu, strict ascetic, light shone on him as he prayed, fortold time of death
Egypt, 350&450, St Joseph Analytinus of Raithu, strict ascetic, light shone on him as he prayed, fortold time of death; Raithu; St Joseph Analytinus of Raithu, Commemorated January 14 ; Joseph Analytinus of Raithu was a strict ascetic. attained such a high degree of perfection in the spiritual life that a light shone upon him while he prayed. foretold the time of his death to his disciple Gelasius, and died in peace, before the slaughter of the Sinai Fathers. Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; Theodulus was the son of Saint Nilus the Faster (November 12), and he recorded the slaughter of the holy Fathers at Raithu in the fifth century. While still a child, Saint Theodulus left the world and went to Mount Sinai with his father. a barbarian assault on the desert dwellers, the saint fell into the hands of brigands, who decided to offer the youth as a sacrifice to the morning dawn, which they worshipped in place of God. But the Lord saved the boy through the prayers of his father, Saint Nilus. The barbarians slept past sunrise, and giving up on the idea of making him a sacrificial offering, they took the youth with them. by the brigands to the city of Eluza, Saint Theodulus was ransomed by the local bishop, in whose house he was later found by his grateful father. Blessed by the bishop and presbyters, Saints Theodulus and Nilus returned to Mount Sinai, where they served the Lord until the end of their days. Their incorrupt relics were transferred to Constantinople under Emperor Justin the Younger (565-578) and placed in the church of the holy Apostles at Orphanotrophia.

Egypt, 359-405, John the Short, or the Dwarf, Sketes, Pimen's monastery, obedience, water on dry stick, author Paisius' life
Egypt, 359-405, Egyptian Saint, John the Short, or the Dwarf, Sketes; John the Dwarf (c. 339 - c. 405), also called Saint John Colobus, Saint John Kolobos or Abba John the Dwarf,[2] was a Coptic Desert Father of the early Christian church. Venerable John the Short, of Egypt, Commemorated on November 9; John the Dwarf of Egypt struggled in the Egyptian desert in the fifth century in the monastery of Saint Pimen the Great (August 27). It was to this monastery that the young John came with his brother Daniel. Saint John told his elder brother that he did not want to be concerned about clothing and food, and that he wished to live like the angels in Paradise. Daniel allowed him to go to a deserted place, so that he would be afflicted. John went out from the cell and removed his clothing. It was very cold at night, and after a week John became hungry. night John went back to the monastery and began to knock on the door of the cell. “Who is it?” Daniel asked. “It is I, your brother John.” Daniel replied, “John has become an angel, and is no longer among men.” continued to knock, but Daniel would not let him in until morning. Then he said, “You are a man and must work again if you want to eat.” Saint John wept bitterly, asking for forgiveness. being brought to his senses Saint John went to Saint Pimen, known for his firm and steadfast will, and having asked guidance, he promised to be obedient in all things. Testing the patience of the young monk, Saint Pimen gave him an unusual obedience. For three years Saint John carried water and poured it on a dry stick, until it became covered with leaves and bore abundant fruit. His Elder took the fruit to the brethren saying, “Take and eat the fruit of obedience.” Abba John himself became a guide of many people on the way of salvation, among whom were Saint Arsenius the Great (May 8) and Saint Thais (May 10). John was the author of the Life of Saint Paisius the Great (June 19).

Egypt, 359-405, Egyptian Saint, John the Short, or the Dwarf, Sketes, Tree oObedience story, friend, teacher, writer
Egypt, 359-405, Egyptian Saint, John the Short, or the Dwarf, Sketes, fThebes, Tree oObedience story, igumen there, Pambo's disciple, Pishoy's friend, taught Arsenius, Wrote Paisius' story; Egypt, 359-405, Egyptian Saint, John the Short, or the Dwarf, Sketes; the Dwarf ( c. 339 – c. 405), also called John Colobus, John Kolobos or Abba John the Dwarf,[2] was a Coptic Desert Father of the early Christian church. the Dwarf was born in the town of Thebes in Egypt[3] to poor Christian parents. At the age of eighteen, he and an elder brother, moved to the desert of Scetes[4] where he became a disciple of Pambo and a good friend of Pishoy. He lived a life of austerity and taught several other monks his way of life, among them was Arsenius the Great. the departure of Pambo, John was ordained a priest by Pope Theophilus and became abbot of the monastery he founded around the Tree of Obedience. When the Mazices invaded Scetes in 395, John fled the Nitrian Desert and went to live on Mount Colzim, near the present city of Suez, where he died. 515, the relics of John the Dwarf were moved to the Nitrian Desert. His feast is celebrated on October 17 in the Roman Catholic Church, on 20 Paopi at the Coptic Orthodox Church and on November 9 in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Monastery of Saint John the Dwarf in Scetes is now recognized by the Coptic orthodox church. lived on only flatbread and vegetables his entire life and could eat one meal a day.[5] the Dwarf is best known for his obedience. The most famous story about his obedience is that one day Pambo gave John a piece of dry wood and ordered him to plant and water it. John obeyed and went on watering it twice a day even though the water was about 12 miles from where they lived. After three years, the piece of wood sprouted and grew into a fruitful tree. Pambo took some of this tree's fruits and went around to all the elder monks, saying "take, eat from the fruit of obedience". Postumian, who was in Egypt in 402, assured that he was shown this tree which grew in the yard of the monastery and which he saw covered with shoots and green leaves. a monk of Scetes and a saint of the Coptic Church, is the subject of a long biography attributed in manuscript form to John the Dwarf. The manuscript has yet to be translated into English. Venerable John the Short, of Egypt, Commemorated on November 9; John the Dwarf of Egypt struggled in the Egyptian desert in the fifth century the monastery of Saint Pimen the Great (August 27). It was to this monastery that the young John came with his brother Daniel. Saint John told his elder brother that he did not want to be concerned about clothing and food, and that he wished to live like the angels in Paradise. allowed him to go to a deserted place, so that he would be afflicted. went out from the cell and removed his clothing. It was very cold at night, and after a week John became hungry. night John went back to the monastery and began to knock on the door of the cell. “Who is it?” Daniel asked. “It is I, your brother John.” replied, “John has become an angel, and is no longer among men.” continued to knock, but Daniel would not let him in until morning. he said, “You are a man and must work again if you want to eat.” Saint John wept bitterly, asking for forgiveness. being brought to his senses Saint John went to Saint Pimen, known for his firm and steadfast will, having asked guidance, he promised to be obedient in all things. the patience of the young monk, Saint Pimen gave him an unusual obedience. three years Saint John carried water and poured it on a dry stick, until it became covered with leaves and bore abundant fruit. Elder took the fruit to the brethren saying, “Take and eat the fruit of obedience.” Abba John himself became a guide of many people on the way of salvation, among whom were Saint Arsenius the Great (May 8) and Saint Thais (May 10). John was the author of the Life of Saint Paisius the Great (June 19).

Egypt, 360-450, Pimen the G, Sketes, most quoted, spiritual guide, fire (sin) and water (prayer)
Egyptian Saint, 360-450, Pimen the Great; Poemen The Great (c. 340-450) was a Christian monk and early Desert Father who is the most quoted Abba (Father) in the Apophthegmata Patrum (Sayings of the Desert Fathers). Abba Poemen was quoted most often for his gift as a spiritual guide, reflected in the name "Poemen" ("Shepherd"), rather than for asceticism.[1] He is considered a saint in Eastern Christianity. His feast day is August 27 in Julian calendar (September 9 in Gregorian calendar) Egypt, 359-405, Egyptian Saint, John the Short, or the Dwarf, Sketes; Venerable Pimen the Great, Commemorated on August 27; Pimen the Great was born about the year 340 in Egypt. He went to one of the Egyptian monasteries with his two brothers, Anoub and Paisius, and all three received monastic tonsure. brothers were such strict ascetics that when their mother came to the monastery to see her children, they did not come out to her from their cells. The mother stood there for a long time and wept. Then Saint Pimen said to her through the closed door of the cell, “Do you wish to see us now, or in the future life?” Saint Pimen promised that if she would endure the sorrow of not seeing her children in this life, then surely she would see them in the next. The mother was humbled and returned home. of Saint Pimen’s deeds and virtues spread throughout the land. Once, the governor of the district wanted to see him. Saint Pimen, shunning fame, thought to himself, “If dignitaries start coming to me and show me respect, then many other people will also start coming to me and disturb my quiet, and I shall be deprived of the grace of humility, which I have acquired only with the help of God.” So he refused to see the governor, asking him not to come. many of the monks, Saint Pimen was a spiritual guide and instructor. They wrote down his answers to serve for the edification of others besides themselves. A certain monk asked, “If I see my brother sinning, should I conceal his fault?” The Elder answered, “If we reproach the sins of brothers, then God will reproach our sins. If you see a brother sinning, do not believe your eyes. Know that your own sin is like a beam of wood, but the sin of your brother is like a splinter (Mt. 7:3-5), and then you will not enter into distress or temptation.” monk said to the saint, “I have sinned grievously and I want to spend three years at repentance. Is that enough time?” The Elder replied, “That is a long time.” The monk continued to ask how long the saint wished him to repent. Perhaps only a year? Saint Pimen said, “That is a long time.” The other brethren asked, “Should he repent for forty days?” The Elder answered, “I think that if a man repents from the depths of his heart and has a firm intention not to return to the sin, then God will accept three days of repentance.” asked how to get rid of persistent evil thoughts, the saint replied, “This is like a man who has fire on his left side, and a vessel full of water on his right side. If he starts burning from the fire, he takes water from the vessel and extinguishes the fire. The fire represents the evil thoughts placed in the heart of man by the Enemy of our salvation, which can enkindle sinful desires within man like a spark in a hut. The water is the force of prayer which impels a man toward God.” Pimen was strict in his fasting and sometimes would not partake of food for a week or more. He advised others to eat every day, but without eating their fill. Abba Pimen heard of a certain monk who went for a week without eating, but had lost his temper. The saint lamented that the monk was able to fast for an entire week, but was unable to abstain from anger for even a single day. the question of whether it is better to speak or be silent, the Elder said, “Whoever speaks on account of God, does well, and whoever is silent on account of God, that one also does well.” also said, “If man seems to be silent, but his heart condemns others, then he is always speaking. There may be a man who talks all day long, but he is actually silent, because he says nothing unprofitable.” saint said, “It is useful to observe three things: to fear God, to pray often, and to do good for one’s neighbor.” “Wickedness never eradicates wickedness. If someone does evil to you, do good to them, and your goodness will conquer their wickedness.” after Saint Pimen and his disciples arrived at the monastery of Scetis, he learned that the Elder living there was annoyed at his arrival and was also jealous of him, because monks were leaving the Elder to see Abba Pimen. order to console the hermit, the saint went to him with his brethren, taking food with them as a present. The Elder refused to receive them, however. Then Saint Pimen said, “We shall not depart from here until we are permitted to see the holy Elder.” He remained standing at the door of the cell in the heat. Seeing Saint Pimen’s humility and patience, the Elder received him graciously and said, “Not only is what I have heard about you true, but I see that your works are a hundred times greater.” possessed such great humility that he often sighed and said, “I shall be cast down to that place where Satan was cast down!” a monk from another country came to the saint to receive his guidance. He began to speak about sublime matters difficult to grasp. The saint turned away from him and was silent. They explained to the bewildered monk that the saint did not like to speak of lofty matters. Then the monk began to ask him about the struggle with passions of soul. The saint turned to him with a joyful face, “Now you have spoken well, and I will answer.” For a long while he provided instruction on how one ought to struggle with the passions and conquer them. Pimen died at age 110, about the year 450. Soon after his death, he was acknowledged as a saint pleasing to God. He was called “the Great” as a sign of his great humility, uprightness, ascetic struggles, and self-denying service to God.

Egypt, 374-450, Arsenius the G, Roman Saint, tutor then desert father, asceticism, hide f people and d in silence
Egypt, 370-445, Egyptian, Roman, Byzantine Saint, Arsenius the Great; Arsenius the Deacon, sometimes known as Arsenius of Scetis and Turah, Arsenius the Roman or Arsenius the Great, was a Roman imperial tutor who became an anchorite in Egypt, one of the most highly regarded of the Desert Fathers, whose teachings were greatly influential on the development of asceticism and the contemplative life. contemporaries so admired him as to surname him "the Great". His feast day is celebrated on May 8 in the Roman Catholic Church[1] and in the Eastern Orthodox church,[2] and on 13 Pashons in the Coptic Orthodox Church. Venerable Arsenius the Great, Commemorated on May 8 ; Arsenius the Great was born in the year 354 at Rome into a pious Christian family, which provided him a fine education and upbringing. studied rhetoric and philosophy, and mastered the Latin and Greek languages. Saint Arsenius gave up philosophy and the vanity of worldly life, seeking instead the true wisdom praised by Saint James “pure, peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits” (Jas. 3:17). He entered the ranks of the clergy as a deacon in one of the Roman churches, dedicating himself to the service of God. emperor Theodosius (379-395), who ruled the eastern half of the Roman Empire, heard about his erudition and piety, and he wished to entrust Arsenius with the education of his sons Arcadius and Honorius. Arsenius, however, protested that he had given up secular studies in order to serve God. Against his will, but in obedience to the will of Pope Damasus (December 11), Saint Arsenius agreed to teach the imperial children, hoping to teach them Christian piety as well. he arrived at Constantinople, Arsenius was received with great honor by the emperor Theodosius, who charged him to educate his sons not only in wisdom, but also in piety, guarding them from the temptations of youth. “Forget that they are the emperor’s sons,” said Theodosius, “for I want them to submit to you in all things, as to their father and teacher.” fervor the saint devoted himself to the education of the youths, but the high esteem in which he was held troubled his spirit, which yearned for the quietude of monastic life. Saint Arsenius entreated the Lord to show him the way to salvation. The Lord heard his prayer and one time he heard a voice telling him, “Arsenius, flee from men, and you shall be saved.” And then, removing his rich clothing and replacing it with old and tattered garments, he secretly left the palace, boarded a ship for Alexandria, and he made his way to Sketis, a monastery in the midst of the desert. at the church, he asked the priests to accept him into the monastic brotherhood, calling himself a wretched wanderer, though his very manner betrayed him as a cultivated man. The brethren led him to Abba John the Dwarf (November 9), famed for his holiness of life. He, wishing to test the newcomer’s humility, did not seat Arsenius with the monks for the trapeza meal. He threw him a piece of dry bread saying, “Eat if you wish.” Saint Arsenius got down on his hands and knees, and picked up the bread with his mouth. Then he crawled off into a corner and ate it. Seeing this, Elder John said, “He will be a great ascetic!” Then accepting Arsenius with love, he tonsured him into monasticism. Arsenius zealously passed through his obediences and soon he surpassed many of the desert Fathers in asceticism. The saint again heard the Voice while he was praying, “Arsenius, hide from people and dwell in silence, this is the root of virtue.” From that moment Saint Arsenius settled in a solitary cell deep in the desert. taken on the struggle of silence he seldom left his seclusion. He came to church only on Sundays and Feast days, observing complete silence and conversing with no one. When Abba Moses asked him why he hid himself from people, Saint Arsenius replied, “God knows that I love you, but I cannot remain with God and with men at the same time. The Heavenly Powers all have one will and praise God together. On earth, however, there are many human wills, and each man has his own thoughts. I cannot leave God in order to live with people.” absorbed in constant prayer, the saint did not refuse visiting monks with his counsel and guidance, giving short, but perceptive answers to their questions. Once, a monk from Sketis saw the great Elder through a window standing at prayer, surrounded by a flame. handicraft of Saint Arsenius was to weave baskets, for which he used the fronds of date palms soaked in water. For a whole year Saint Arsenius did not change the water in the container, but merely added a little water to it from time to time. This caused his cell to be permeated with a foul stench. When asked why he did this, the saint replied that it was fitting for him to humble himself in this way, because in the world he had used incense and fragrant oils. He prayed that after death he would not experience the stench of hell. fame of the great ascetic spread far, and many wanted to see him, and they disturbed his tranquility. As a result, the saint was forced to move around from place to place. But those thirsting to receive his guidance and blessing still found him. Arsenius taught that many take upon themselves great deeds of repentance, fasting, and vigil, but it is rare for someone to guard his soul from pride, greed, jealousy, hatred of one’s brother, remembrance of wrongs, and judgment. In this they resemble graves which are decorated outwardly, but filled with stinking bones. certain monk once asked Saint Arsenius what he should do when he read the Holy Scriptures and did not comprehend their meaning. The Elder answered, “My child, you must study and learn the Holy Scriptures constantly, even if you do not understand their power... For when we have the words of the Holy Scriptures on our lips, the demons hear them and are terrified. Then they flee from us, unable to bear the words of the Holy Spirit Who speaks through His apostles and prophets.” monks heard how the saint often urged himself on in his efforts with the words, “Rouse yourself, Arsenius, work! Do not remain idle! You have not come here to rest, but to labor.” He also said, “I have often regretted the words I have spoken, but I have never regretted my silence.” great ascetic and keeper of silence was given the gift of tears with which his eyes were constantly filled. He spent fifty-five years at monastic labors and struggles. He spent forty years at Sketis, and ten years on the mountain of Troe near Memphis. Then he spent three years at Canopus, and two more years at Troe, where he fell asleep in the Lord. holy, God-bearing Father Arsenius reposed when he was nearly one hundred years old, in the year 449 or 450. only disciples seem to have been Alexander, Zoilos, and Daniel (June 7).

Egypt, 379-395, Eupraxia tElder oTabenna, Eupraxia oTabennisi's mom, Senator Antigonus's wife, Theodosius tG's kin, charity
Egypt, 379-395, Eupraxia tElder oTabenna, Upper Egypt (Nile River 12), Eupraxia oTabennisi's mom, Senator Antigonus's wife, Theodosius tG's relative, decided live bro&sis from daughter's birth, gave all to poor, tTabennisi m aWiddowed, Theodula's strict rule, brought 8yrOld E tYounger, who desired tDedicate tGod, tMom's joy, Theodula kept daughter, tonsured, Elder continued charity fasting prayer, clairvoyant Theodula told her impending end, she rejoiced gave thanks, bid farewell tConvent&daughter, parting words, 1. Love Lord & Respect Sisters 2. Never think they serve you 3. Be poor iThoughts to profit by spiritual treasurers 4. Remember Father&Me &pray fSalvation our souls; Tabenna, in Upper Egypt; Venerable Eupraxia of Tabenna, in Egypt, Commemorated January 12 ; Eupraxia the Elder was the mother of Saint Eupraxia, maiden of Tabennisi (July 25). was the wife of the pious senator Antigonus, was related to the emperor Theodosius the Great (379-395). the birth of their daughter, the couple decided to live from that time forward as brother and sister. distributed alms to the poor, hoping to inherit the heavenly Kingdom. she was widowed, Saint Eupraxia devoted herself completely to the service of the Lord. visiting several monastic establishments and bestowing liberal alms, came to the Tabennisi monastery in Egypt, where the abbess was the nun Theodula, known for her strict rule. moved by the pure way of monastic life, Eupraxia came often to this monastery and always brought her eight-year-old daughter with her. virtues and prayers of her parents bestowed a particular grace of God upon the child, desired to dedicate herself to God. her mother’s great joy, the abbess Theodula kept the younger Eupraxia at the convent and blessed her to receive monastic tonsure. Eupraxia the elder continued her works of charity, and increased her fasting and prayer. Theodula, possessing the gift of clairvoyance, told her of her impending end. of her imminent death, Eupraxia gave thanks to the Lord for His great mercy towards her. bid farewell to the sisters of the convent and to her daughter. left her with these parting words: “Love the Lord Jesus Christ, and respect the sisters. dare to think that they are below you and should serve you. poor in your thoughts in order to profit by spiritual treasures. remember your father and me, and pray for the salvation of our souls.” three days the saint surrendered her soul to the Lord (+ 393) and was buried at the monastery, where her daughter continued her ascetic struggles.

Egypt, 384, 10,000 Martyred Fathers of the Deserts and Caves of Scete by the Impious Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria
Egypt, 384, 10,000 Martyred Fathers of the Deserts and Caves of Scete by the Impious Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, Scetes monasteries, Egyptian Desert, 330, 360 of them, falsely accused of Origenism, for giving Isidore shelter; Scetes monestary; 10,000 Martyred Fathers of the Deserts and Caves of Scete by the Impious Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, Commemorated on July 10; holy martyrs of Christ, who lived in the deserts and caves of the Nitrian desert, were delivered up by Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria to face a bitter death. falsely accused them of Origenism, but in fact they incurred the patriarch’s anger by giving shelter to the priest Isidore.

Egypt, 384-412, Impious Pope Theophilus of Alexandria
Egyptian Patriarch, 384-412, Pope Theophilus of Alexandria; 10,000 Martyred Fathers of the Deserts and Caves of Scete by the Impious Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, Commemorated on July 10; holy martyrs of Christ, who lived in the deserts and caves of the Nitrian desert, were delivered up by Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria to face a bitter death. He falsely accused them of Origenism, but in fact they incurred the patriarch’s anger by giving shelter to the priest Isidore. Venerable Hellius of Egypt, Commemorated on July 14; Holy Woman Olympias (Olympiada) the Deaconess of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 25; Theophilus of Alexandria (385-412), had repeatedly benefited from the generosity of Saint Olympias, but turned against her for her devotion to Saint John Chrysostom. She had also taken in and fed monks, arriving in Constantinople, whom Patriarch Theophilus had banished from the Egyptian desert. He levelled unrighteous accusations against her and attempted to cast doubt on her holy life. St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on June 9;

Egypt, 384-450, Egyptian Saint, Isadore of Pelusium, known for his letters, preacher like John C
Egyptian Saint, d. 450, Isadore of Pelusium; of Pelusium (d. c.450) was born in Egypt to a prominent Alexandrian family. He became an ascetic, and moved to a mountain near the city of Pelusium, in the tradition of the Desert Fathers. is known to us for his letters, written to Cyril of Alexandria, Theodosius II, and a host of others. A collection of 2,000 letters was made in antiquity at the "Sleepless" monastery in Constantinople, and this has come down to us through a number of manuscripts, with each letter numbered and in order. The letters are mostly very short extracts, a sentence or two in length. Further unpublished letters exist in Syriac translation.[1] of the letters are of considerable interest for the exegesis of the Greek bible.[2] He is revered as a saint, whose feast day is February 4. Venerable Isidore of Pelusium, Commemorated on February 4; Isidore of Pelusium lived during the fourth-fifth centuries. He was a native of Alexandria, and was raised among pious Christians. He was a relative of Theophilus, Archbishop of Alexandria, and of his successor, Saint Cyril (January 18). While still a youth he quit the world and withdrew to Egypt to Mount Pelusium, which became the site of his monastic efforts. Isidore’s spiritual wisdom and strict asceticism, combined with his broad learning and innate knowledge of the human soul, enabled him to win the respect and love of his fellow monks in a short time. They chose him as their head and had him ordained a priest (the earliest sources for his life, however, say nothing of him being an igumen). the example of Saint John Chrysostom, whom he had managed to see and hear during a trip to Constantinople, Saint Isidore devoted himself primarily to Christian preaching, that “practical wisdom” which, in his own words, is both “the foundation of the edifice and the edifice itself”, while logic is “its embellishment, and contemplation its crown”. was a teacher and a willingly provided counsel for anyone who turned to him for spiritual encouragement, whether it was a simple man, a dignitary, a bishop, the Patriarch of Alexandria, or even the emperor. He left behind about 10,000 letters, of which 2,090 have survived. A large portion of these letters reveal profound theological thought and contain morally edifying interpretations of Holy Scripture. Saint Photius (February 6) calls Isidore a model of priestly and ascetical life, and also a master of style. Isidore’s love for Saint John Chrysostom resulted in his support of Saint John when he was persecuted by the empress Eudoxia and Archbishop Theophilus. After the death of Saint John, Saint Isidore persuaded Theophilus’ successor Saint Cyril to inscribe the name of Saint John Chrysostom into the Church diptychs as a confessor. Through the initiative of Saint Isidore the Third Ecumenical Council was convened at Ephesus (431), at which the false teaching of Nestorius concerning the person of Jesus Christ was condemned. Isidore lived into old age and died around the year 436. The Church historian Evagrius (sixth century) writes of Saint Isidore, “his life seemed to everyone the life of an angel upon the earth.” Another historian, Nikēphóros Callistus (ninth century), praises Saint Isidore thus: “He was a vital and inspired pillar of monastic rules and divine vision, and as such he presented a very lofty image of most fervent example and spiritual teaching.” Venerable Bessarion the New, Commemorated on June 6;

Egypt, 390-430, Nilus, Ascetic&Faster of Sinai, Chrysostom's disciple, Constantinople perfect, t cave monastic in 390-430
Egypt, 390-430, Venerable Nilus Ascetic & Faster of Sinai, Chrysostom's disciple, perfect of Constantinople, then cave monastic in 390, fasting virgil prayer to spiritual perfection, counciled farmers&emperor, wrote soul-profiting works, saracens captured son, prayer freed him through Emessa bishop's ransom, who ordained them bishops; Mount Sinai - Horeb in Egypt, Saint Helena, Constantine's Mother made a mistake as to the location of the Desert of Sin and therefor Sinai and Mount Horeb. She put Horeb in Egypt and not in Midian. Many miracles still happened in this mistaken location; Venerable Nilus the Faster of Sinai, Commemorated on November 12 ; Neilos the Ascetic of Sinai, a native of Constantinople, during the V century was a disciple of Saint John Chrysostom, exerted a tremendous influence upon their lives and their spiritual struggles.1 receiving a fine education, the Saint was appointed to the important post of prefect of the capital while still a young man. this period, Neilos was married and had children, but the couple found courtly life distasteful. the year 390, by mutual consent, they decided to abandon the world and entered monasteries. Neilos's wife and daughter went to one of the women’s monasteries in Egypt, while he and his son Theódoulos went to Mount Sinai, where they settled in a cave, which they dug out with their own hands. forty years this cave served as the abode of Saint Neilos. fasting, vigil, and prayer, he attained a high degree of spiritual perfection. began coming to him from every occupation and social rank, from the Emperor down to the farmer, and all of them received counsel and comfort from the Saint. Sinai, Saint Neilos wrote many soul-profiting works to guide Christians on the path of salvation. In one of his letters there is an angry denunciation of the Emperor Arkadios, who had unjustly exiled Saint John Chrysostom. ascetical writings of Saint Neilos are widely known: they are perfectly executed in form, profoundly Orthodox in content, and are clear and lucid in expression. His Ascetic Discourse is found in Volume I of the English Philokalia. Neilos suffered many misfortunes in the wilderness. Saracens captured his son Theódoulos, whom they intended to offer as a sacrifice to their pagan gods. By the Saint's prayers the Lord rescued Theódoulos, his father found him with the Bishop of Emessa, who had ransomed the young man from the barbarians. bishop ordained both of them as presbyters. ordination they returned to Sinai, where they lived as ascetics together until Saint Neilos reposed. holy relics were transferred to Constantinople in the reign of Justin II (565-578), and were placed in the church of the Holy Apostles. Greek Philokalia has a quote from Saint Neilos beneath his icon: "The state of prayer is a passionless, settled disposition of the soul which, by supreme love, transports the wisdom-loving mind to spiritual heights." (See the English Philokalia, 153 Sections. Concerning Prayer, # 53). In earlier editions of the Synaxaristes and the Menaion, it was erroneously stated that Saint Neilos lived during the reign of Emperor Maurikios (582-602). This was corrected in later editions, since he was a disciple of Saint John Chrysostom, and was esteemed by Emperor Arkadios because of his virtues.

Egypt, 390-450, Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, they recorded slaughter, Arabs slept past sacrifice
Egypt, 390-450, Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, recorded the slaughter, slept past sunrise so not sacrificed, back to Sinai; Raithu; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; Theodulus was the son of Saint Nilus the Faster (November 12), and he recorded the slaughter of the holy Fathers at Raithu in the fifth century. While still a child, Saint Theodulus left the world and went to Mount Sinai with his father. a barbarian assault on the desert dwellers, the saint fell into the hands of brigands, who decided to offer the youth as a sacrifice to the morning dawn, which they worshipped in place of God. But the Lord saved the boy through the prayers of his father, Saint Nilus. The barbarians slept past sunrise, and giving up on the idea of making him a sacrificial offering, they took the youth with them. by the brigands to the city of Eluza, Saint Theodulus was ransomed by the local bishop, in whose house he was later found by his grateful father. Blessed by the bishop and presbyters, Saints Theodulus and Nilus returned to Mount Sinai, where they served the Lord until the end of their days. Their incorrupt relics were transferred to Constantinople under Emperor Justin the Younger (565-578) and placed in the church of the holy Apostles at Orphanotrophia.

Egypt, 390's, 1st of 2 Origenist Crises, condemnation, incorporeal (no material), non-anthropomorphic (non human) concept of G
Egypt, 390's, First of Two Origenist Crises; Origenist Crises or Origenist Controversies are two major theological controversies in early Christianity involving the teachings of followers of the third-century Alexandrian theologian Origen (c. 184 – c. 253). The First Origenist Crisis began in the late fourth century AD in Palestine and later spread to Egypt. It dealt with ideas discussed in some of Origen's writings that some members of the church hierarchy deemed heretical. Objections against Origen's writings and demands for his condemnation were first raised by Epiphanius of Salamis and later taken up by Jerome and Pope Theophilus of Alexandria, who were both initially supporters of Origen's teachings. Origen's defenders included Tyrannius Rufinus and John II, Bishop of Jerusalem. the crisis, Theophilus issued a condemnation of Origen's incorporeal, non-anthropomorphic conception of God, a view which Theophilus himself had previously vocally supported. The crisis concluded with John Chrysostom, the Patriarch of Constantinople, being removed from his position at the Synod of the Oak in 403 AD for harboring Origenist monks who had been banished from Alexandria. Second Origenist Crisis occurred in the sixth century AD during the reign of Justinian I. It is less well-documented than the first crisis and dealt more with the ideas of groups that had been influenced by Origen rather than with Origen's actual writings. It concluded with the Second Council of Constantinople in 553 AD possibly issuing an anathema against Origen, although scholars dispute whether the anathema condemning Origen was actually issued by the Council or if it was added later. Origenist Crisis[edit] Palestinian phase[edit] Jerome in His Study (1480), by Domenico Ghirlandaio. Although initially a student of Origen's teachings, Jerome turned against him during the First Origenist Crisis.[1][2] He nonetheless remained influenced by Origen's teachings for his entire life.[1][3] first Origenist crisis began in the late fourth century AD, coinciding with the beginning of monasticism in Palestine.[4] The first stirring of the controversy came from the Cyprian bishop Epiphanius of Salamis, who was determined to root out all heresies and refute them.[4] Epiphanius attacked Origen in his anti-heretical treatises Ancoratus (375) and Panarion (376), compiling a list of teachings Origen had espoused that Epiphanius regarded as heretical.[5][6][7][8] Epiphanius's treatises portray Origen as an originally orthodox Christian who had been corrupted and turned into a heretic by the evils of "Greek education".[6] Epiphanius particularly objected to Origen's Subordinationism, his "excessive" use of allegorical hermeneutic, and his habit of proposing ideas about the Bible "speculatively, as exercises" rather than "dogmatically".[5] asked John, the bishop of Jerusalem to condemn Origen as a heretic. John refused on the grounds that a person could not be retroactively condemned as a heretic after the person had already died.[1] In 393, a monk named Atarbius advanced a petition to have Origen and his writings to be censured.[1] Tyrannius Rufinus, a priest at the monastery on the Mount of Olives who had been ordained by John of Jerusalem and was a longtime admirer of Origen, rejected the petition outright.[1][9] Rufinus's close friend and associate Jerome, who had also studied Origen, however, came to agree with the petition.[1][9] Around the same time, John Cassian introduced Origen's teachings to the West.[10][8] 394, Epiphanius wrote to John of Jerusalem, again asking for Origen to be condemned, insisting that Origen's writings denigrated human sexual reproduction and accusing him of having been an Encratite.[1] John once again denied this request.[1] By 395, Jerome had allied himself with the anti-Origenists and begged John of Jerusalem to condemn Origen, a plea which John once again refused.[1] Epiphanius launched a campaign against John, openly preaching that John was an Origenist deviant.[1] He successfully persuaded Jerome to break communion with John and ordained Jerome's brother Paulinianus as a priest in defiance of John's authority.[1] in 397, Rufinus published a Latin translation of Origen's On First Principles.[1][11][2][12] Rufinus was convinced that Origen's original treatise had been interpolated by heretics and that these interpolations were the source of the heterodox teachings found in it.[11] He therefore heavily modified Origen's text, omitting and altering any parts which disagreed with contemporary Christian orthodoxy.[12][11] the introduction to this translation, Rufinus mentioned that Jerome had studied under Origen's disciple Didymus the Blind, implying that Jerome was a follower of Origen.[1][9] Jerome was so incensed by this that he resolved to produce his own Latin translation of On the First Principles, in which he promised to translate every word exactly as it was written and lay bare Origen's heresies to the whole world.[12][1][2] Jerome's translation has been lost in its entirety.[12] phase[edit] 399, the Origenist crisis reached Egypt.[1] Pope Theophilus of Alexandria was sympathetic to the supporters of Origen[1] and the church historian, Sozomen, records that he had openly preached the Origenist teaching that God was incorporeal.[13] In his Festal Letter of 399, he denounced those who believed that God had a literal, human-like body, calling them illiterate "simple ones".[13][14][3] A large mob of Alexandrian monks who regarded God as anthropomorphic rioted in the streets.[15] According to the church historian Socrates Scholasticus, in order to prevent a riot, Theophilus made a sudden about-face and began denouncing Origen.[15][3] In the year 400, Theophilus summoned a council in Alexandria, which condemned Origen and all his followers as heretics for having taught that God was incorporeal, which they decreed contradicted the only true and orthodox position, which was that God had a literal, physical body resembling that of a human.[15][16][17][a] labelled Origen himself as the "hydra of all heresies"[16] and persuaded Pope Anastasius I to sign the letter of the council, which primarily denounced the teachings of the Nitrian monks associated with Evagrius Ponticus.[15] In 402, Theophilus expelled Origenist monks from Egyptian monasteries and banished the four monks known as the "Tall Brothers", who were leaders of the Nitrian community.[15][3] John Chrysostom, the Patriarch of Constantinople, granted the Tall Brothers asylum, a fact which Theophilus used to orchestrate John's condemnation and removal from his position at the Synod of the Oak in July of 403.[15][3] Once John Chrysostom had been deposed, Theophilus restored normal relations with the Origenist monks in Egypt and the first Origenist crisis came to an end.[15] Origenist Crisis[edit] Beginning of the crisis[edit] Emperor Justinian I, shown here in a contemporary mosaic portrait from Ravenna, denounced Origen as a heretic[18][8] and ordered all of his writings to be burned.[18][8] Second Origenist Crisis occurred in the sixth century, during the height of Byzantine monasticism.[15] Although the Second Origenist Crisis is not nearly as well documented as the first,[15] it seems to have primarily concerned the teachings of Origen's later followers, rather than anything Origen himself had actually written.[15] Origen's disciple Evagrius Ponticus had advocated contemplative, noetic prayer,[15] but other monastic communities prioritized asceticism in prayer, emphasizing fasting, labors, and vigils.[15] Some Origenist monks in Palestine, referred to by their enemies as "Isochristoi" (meaning "those who would assume equality with Christ"), emphasized Origen's teaching of the pre-existence of souls and held that all souls were originally equal to Christ's and would become equal again at the end of time.[15] Another faction of Origenists in the same region instead insisted that Christ was the "leader of many brethren", as the first-created being.[19] This faction was more moderate and they were referred to by their opponents as "Protoktistoi" ("First Createds").[19] Both factions accused the other of heresy and other Christians accused both of them of heresy.[20] Protoktistoi appealed to the Emperor Justinian I to condemn the Isochristoi of heresy through Pelagius, the papal apocrisarius.[20] In 543 AD, Pelagius presented Justinian with documents, including a letter denouncing Origen written by Patriarch Mennas of Constantinople,[21][22][23][20] along with excerpts from Origen's On First Principles and several anathemata against Origen.[20] A domestic synod convened to address the issue concluded that the Isochristoi's teachings were heretical and, seeing Origen as the ultimate culprit behind the heresy, denounced Origen himself as a heretic as well.[20][18][8] Emperor Justinian ordered for all of Origen's writings to be burned.[18][8] In the west, the Decretum Gelasianum, which was written sometime between 519 and 553, listed Origen as an author whose writings were to be categorically banned.[24] Council of Constantinople[edit] 553, during the early days of the Second Council of Constantinople (the Fifth Ecumenical Council), when Pope Vigilius was still refusing to take part in it, despite Justinian holding him hostage, the bishops at the council ratified an open letter which condemned Origen as the leader of the Isochristoi.[20] The letter was not part of the official acts of the council and it more or less repeated the edict issued by the Synod of Constantinople in 543.[20] It cites objectionable writings attributed to Origen, but all the writings referred to in it were actually written by Evagrius Ponticus.[20] After the council officially opened, but while Pope Vigillius was still refusing to take part, Justinian presented the bishops with the problem of a text known as The Three Chapters, which attacked the Antiochene Christology.[20] bishops drew up a list of anathemata against the heretical teachings contained within The Three Chapters and those associated with them.[20] In the official text of the eleventh anathema, Origen is condemned as a Christological heretic,[20][24] but Origen's name does not appear at all in the Homonoia, the first draft of the anathemata issued by the imperial chancery,[20] nor does it appear in the version of the conciliar proceedings that was eventually signed by Pope Vigillius, a long time afterwards.[20] These discrepancies may indicate that Origen's name may have been retrospectively inserted into the text after the Council.[20] Some authorities believe these anathemata belong to an earlier local synod.[25] Even if Origen's name did appear in the original text of the anathema, the teachings attributed to Origen that are condemned in the anathema were actually the ideas of later Origenists, which had very little grounding in anything Origen himself had actually written.[20][21][16] In fact, Popes Vigilius (537–555), Pelagius I (556–61), Pelagius II (579–90), and Gregory the Great (590–604) were only aware that the Fifth Council specifically dealt with The Three Chapters and make no mention of Origenism or Universalism, nor spoke as if they knew of its condemnation—even though Gregory the Great was opposed to Universalism.[21] Egypt, 204-254, Church Father Origen, but not saint;

Egypt, 396-444, Cyril of Alexandria, presided in the 3rd E Council 431, winning the day for orthodoxy
Egypt, 396-444, Cyril of Alexandria, presided in the 3rd E Council 431, winning the day for orthodoxy; Alexandria; Saint Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandriam Commemorated on January 18; Athanasius and Cyril were Archbishops of Alexandria. These wise teachers of truth and defenders of Christ’s Church share a joint Feast in recognition of their dogmatic writings which affirm the truth of the Orthodox Faith, correctly interpret the Holy Scripture, and censure the delusions of the heretics. Cyril was the nephew of Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, who educated him from his youth. He succeeded to his uncle’s position in 412, but was deposed through the intrigues of the Nestorian heretics. He later resumed his See, however. Cyril presided at the Third Ecumenical Council in 431, which censured the Nestorian blasphemy against the Most Holy Theotokos. His wise words demonstrated the error of their false doctrine. Cyril departed to the Lord in the year 444, and is also commemorated on June 9 (the day of his repose). Saint Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Athanasius and Cyril were Archbishops of Alexandria. These wise teachers of truth and defenders of Christ’s Church share a joint Feast in recognition of their dogmatic writings which affirm the truth of the Orthodox Faith, correctly interpret the Holy Scripture, and censure the delusions of the heretics. Athanasius took part in the First Ecumenical Council when he was still a deacon. He surpassed everyone there in his zeal to uphold the teaching that Christ is consubstantial (homoousios) with the Father, and not merely a creature, as the Arians proclaimed. radiant beacon of Orthodoxy spent most of his life in exile from his See, because of the plotting of his enemies. He returned to his flock as he was approaching the end of his life. Like an evening star, he illumined the Orthodox faithful with his words for a little while, then reposed in 373. He is also commemorated on May 2 (the transfer of his holy relics).

Egypt, 400, 5th Century Folder, Nestorius, Mary of Egypt, Cyril of Alexandria

Egypt, 406-450, Nestorius, Egyptian Heratic
Egypt, 406-450, Egyptian Heratic, Nestorius; Egyptian Patriarch, 412-444, Cyril of Alexandria; St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on June 9; 10,000 Martyred Fathers of the Deserts and Caves of Scete by the Impious Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, Commemorated on July 10; Venerable Hellius of Egypt, Commemorated on July 14;

Egypt, 410, Lot oEgyptian desert, strove to be like flame in prayer, his sayings found in Paradise ot Fathers
Constantinople, 410, Lot oEgyptian desert, strove to be like flame in prayer, his sayings found in Paradise ot Fathers; Egyptian Desert (Nitrian Desert) ; There were three deserts in northern Egypt: the first was the Cells (the inner desert), so designated because of the many cells carved into the rocks. The second was called Skete (utter desert). The third was the Nitrian desert which reached the western bank of the Nile. Venerable Lot of Egypt, Commemorated on October 22; Lot was a wise ascetic of the desert who reposed in peace in the early fifth century. of his sayings are to be found in the "Paradise of the Fathers," which describes the life of the anchorites, recluses, monks, coenobites and ascetic Fathers of the deserts of Egypt compiled by Saint Athanasios of Alexandria, Saint Palladius, Bishop of Helenopolis, Saint Jerome and others. Nikodemos (Νikόdēmos) of the Holy Mountain writes: the Paradise of the Fathers, it is said that Saint Lot asked Abba Joseph of Panephysis the following question: 'Abba, as much as I am able, I pray a little, fast a little, study, and keep silent. According to my strength, I keep my mind free of evil thoughts. else should I do?' " Abba Joseph stood up and lifted his hands to heaven. And - O the miracle - the ten fingers of his hands became like ten lit candles, then he said to Abba Lot. "Strive, if you will, so that in prayer you may become entirely like a flame." Greek usage Abba Lot is commemorated on October 22. He is also commemorated with the Holy God-bearing Fathers who shone forth in the ascetic life, on Cheesefare Saturday at Matins (Ode 4 of the Canon).

Egypt, 412-444, Cyril of Alexandria, Egyptian Patriarch, C of Ephesus 431, anti Nestor, Novat and Jew
Egyptian Patriarch, 412-444, Cyril of Alexandria; of Alexandria (c. 376 – 444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. was enthroned when the city was at the height of its influence and power within the Roman Empire. wrote extensively and was a leading protagonist in the Christological controversies of the late-4th and 5th centuries. was a central figure in the Council of Ephesus in 431, which led to the deposition of Nestorius as Patriarch of Constantinople. is counted among the Church Fathers and also as a Doctor of the Church, and his reputation within the Christian world has resulted in his titles Pillar of Faith and Seal of all the Fathers. Roman Emperor Theodosius II, however, condemned him for behaving like a "proud pharaoh", and the Nestorian bishops at their synod at the Council of Ephesus declared him a heretic, labelling him as a "monster, born and educated for the destruction of the church."[1] is well known for his dispute with Nestorius and his supporter Patriarch John of Antioch whom Cyril excluded from the Council of Ephesus for arriving late. is also known for his expulsion of Novatians and Jews from Alexandria and for inflaming tensions that led to the murder of the Hellenistic philosopher Hypatia by a Christian mob. Historians disagree over the extent of his responsibility in this. tried to oblige the pious Christian emperor Theodosius II (AD 408-450) to himself by dedicating his Paschal table to him.[2] It is also important to note that Cyril's Paschal table was provided with a Metonic basic structure in the form of a Metonic 19-year lunar cycle adopted by him around AD 425, which was very different from the first Metonic 19-year lunar cycle invented around AD 260 by Anatolius, but exactly equal to the similar lunar cycle which had been introduced around AD 412 by Annianus; the julian equivalent of this Alexandrian lunar cycle adopted by Cyril and nowadays referred to as the 'classical (Alexandrian) 19-year lunar cycle' would only much later emerge again: a century later in Rome as the basic structure of Dionysius Exiguus’ Paschal table (AD 525) and two more centuries later in England as the one of Beda's Easter table (AD 725).[3] Catholic Church did not commemorate Saint Cyril in the Tridentine Calendar: it added his feast only in 1882, assigning to it the date of 9 February. This date is used by the Western Rite Orthodox Church. Yet the 1969 Catholic Calendar revision moved it to 27 June, considered to be the day of the saint's death, as celebrated by the Coptic Orthodox Church.[4] The same date has been chosen for the Lutheran calendar. The Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic Churches celebrate his feast day on 9 June and also, together with Pope Athanasius I of Alexandria, on 18 January. St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on June 9; Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria, a distinguished champion of Orthodoxy and a great teacher of the Church, came from an illustrious and pious Christian family. He studied the secular sciences, including philosophy, but most of all he strove to acquire knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and the truths of the Christian Faith. In his youth Cyril entered the monastery of Macarius in the Nitreia hills, where he stayed for six years. Theophilus (385-412), the Patriarch of Alexandria, ordained him as a deacon, numbered him among the clergy and entrusted him to preach. the death of Patriarch Theophilus, Cyril was unanimously chosen to the patriarchal throne of the Alexandrian Church. He led the struggle against the spread of the Novatian heresy in Alexandria, which taught that any Christian who had fallen away from the Church during a time of persecution, could not be received back into it. seeing the futility of admonishing the heretics, sought their expulsion from Alexandria. The Jews appeared a greater danger for the Church, repeatedly causing riots, accompanied by the brutal killing of Christians. The saint long contended with them. In order to wipe out the remnants of paganism, the saint cast out devils from an ancient pagan temple and built a church on the spot, and the relics of the Holy Unmercenaries Cyrus and John were transferred into it. A more difficult struggle awaited the saint with the emergence of the Nestorian heresy. a presbyter of the Antiochian Church, was chosen in 428 to the see of Constantinople and there he was able to spread his heretical teaching against the dogma about the uncommingled union of two natures in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nestorius called the Mother of God not the Theotokos, but rather Christotokos or “Birth-giver of Christ,â€ implying that she gave birth not to God, but only to the man Christ. The holy Patriarch Cyril repeatedly wrote to Nestorius and pointed out his error, but Nestorius continued to persevere in it. Then the saint sent out epistles against Nestorianism to the clergy of Constantinople and to the holy emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450), denouncing the heresy. Cyril wrote also to other Churches, to Pope Celestine and to the other Patriarchs, and even to monks of several monasteries, warning of the emergence of a dangerous heresy. started an open persecution against the Orthodox. In his presence one of his partisans, Bishop Dorotheus, pronounced an anathema against anyone who would call the Most Holy Virgin Mary the Theotokos. hated Cyril and brought out against him every kind of slander and fabrication, calling him a heretic. The saint continued to defend Orthodoxy with all his powers. The situation became so aggravated, that it became necessary to call an Ecumenical Council, which convened in the city of Ephesus in the year 431. At the Council 200 bishops arrived from all the Christian Churches. Nestorius, awaiting the arrival of Bishop John of Antioch and other Syrian bishops, did not agree to the opening of the Council. But the Fathers of the Council began the sessions with Cyril presiding. Having examined the teaching of Nestorius, the Council condemned him as a heretic. Nestorius did not submit to the Council, and Bishop John opened a “robber councilâ€, which decreed Cyril a heretic. The unrest increased. By order of the emperor, Patriarch Cyril of Alexandria and Archbishop Memnon of Ephesus were locked in prison, and Nestorius was deposed. Saints Cyril and Memnon were freed, and the sessions of the Council continued. Nestorius, not submitting himself to the determinations of the Council, was deprived of priestly rank. By order of the emperor he was sent to the faraway place Sasim in the Libyan wilderness, where he died in grievous torments. His tongue, having blasphemed the Mother of God, was overtaken by punishment -- in it there developed worms. Even Bishop John of Antioch and the remaining Syrian bishops signed the decrees of the Council of Ephesus. guided the Alexandrian Church for 32 years, and towards the end of his life the flock was cleansed of heretics. Gently and cautiously Cyril approached anyone, who by their own simpleness and lack of knowledge, fell into false wisdom. There was a certain Elder, an ascetic of profound life, who incorrectly considered the Old Testament Priest Melchizedek to be the Son of God. Cyril prayed for the Lord to reveal to the Elder the correct way to view the righteous one. After three days the Elder came to Cyril and said that the Lord had revealed to him that Melchizedek was a mere man. learned to overcome his prejudice against the memory of the great John Chrysostom (November 13). Theophilus, the Patriarch of Alexandria, and uncle of Cyril, was an antagonist of John, and presided in a council in judgment of him. Cyril thus found himself in a circle antagonistic to John Chrysostom, and involuntarily acquired a prejudice against him. Isidore of Pelusium (February 4) repeatedly wrote to Cyril and urged him to include the name of the great Father of the Church into the diptychs of the saints, but Cyril would not agree. in a dream he saw a wondrous temple, in which the Mother of God was surrounded by a host of angels and saints, in whose number was John Chrysostom. When Cyril wanted to approach the All-Holy Lady and venerate her, John Chrysostom would not let him. The Theotokos asked John to forgive Cyril for having sinned against him through ignorance. Seeing that John hesitated, the Mother of God said, “Forgive him for my sake, since he has labored much for my honor, and has glorified me among the people calling me Theotokos.â€ John answered, “By your intercession, Lady, I do forgive him,â€ and then he embraced Cyril with love. repented that he had maintained anger against the great saint of God. Having convened all the Egyptian bishops, he celebrated a solemn feast in honor of John Chrysostom. died in the year 444, leaving behind many works. In particular, the following ought to be mentioned: commentaries On the Gospel of Luke, On the Gospel of John, On the Epistles of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians and to the Hebrews; also an Apologia in Defense of Christianity against the Emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363). Of vast significance are his Five Books against Nestorius; a work on the Most Holy Trinity under the title Thesaurus, written against Arius and Eunomios. Also two dogmatic compositions on the Most Holy Trinity, distinguished by a precise exposition of the Orthodox teaching on the Procession of the Holy Spirit. Cyril wrote Against Anthropomorphism for several Egyptians, who through ignorance depicted God in human form. Among Cyril’s works are also the Discussions, among which is the moving and edifying Discourse on the Exodus of the Soul, inserted in the Slavonic “Following Psalterâ€. we commemorate the repose of this great Father of the Church. He is also remembered on January 18, the date of his flight from Alexandria. 10,000 Martyred Fathers of the Deserts and Caves of Scete by the Impious Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, Commemorated on July 10; Venerable Hellius of Egypt, Commemorated on July 14;

Egypt, 420-458, Euphrosyne of Alexandria, Egyptian Saint, was eunuch Smaragdos in men's monastery
Egypt, 420-458, Egyptian Saint, Euphrosyne of Alexandria; Venerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; Euphrosyne of Alexandria was born at the beginning of the fifth century in the city of Alexandria. She was the only child in her family of illustrious and rich parents. Since her mother died early, she was raised by her father, Paphnutius, a deeply believing and pious Christian. He frequented a monastery, the igumen of which was his spiritual guide. Euphrosynē turned eighteen, her father wanted her to marry. He went to the monastery to his spiritual guide to receive his blessing for the planned wedding of his daughter. The igumen conversed with the daughter and gave her his blessing, but Saint Euphrosyneyearned for the monastic life. secretly accepted tonsure from a wandering monk, left her father’s house and decided to enter a monastery in order to lead her life in solitude and prayer. She feared, however, that in a women’s monastery her father would find her. Calling herself the eunuch Smaragdos, she went to the very same men’s monastery which she had visited with her father since childhood. monks did not recognize Euphrosyne dressed in men’s garb, and so they accepted her into the monastery. Here in a solitary cell, Saint Euphrosynē spent 38 years in works, fasting and prayer, and attained a high level of spiritual accomplishment. father grieved over the loss of his beloved daughter and more than once, on the advice of the igumen, he conversed with the monk Smaragdos, revealing his grief and receiving spiritual comfort. Before her death, the nun Euphrosyne revealed her secret to her grieving father and asked that no one but he should prepare her body for burial. Having buried his daughter, Paphnutius distributed all his wealth to both the poor and to the monastery, and then he accepted monasticism. For ten years right up to his own death, he labored in the cell of his daughter. Saint Euphrosyne is also commemorated on September 25.

Egypt, 444-451, Pope Dioscorus I of Alexandria, Egyptian Patriarch, Coptic, Monophysite, 451 Council Heretic
Egyptian Patriarch, 444-451, Pope Dioscorus I of Alexandria, Monophysite; I was the pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St. Mark who was deposed by the Council of Chalcedon in 451. He was recognized as patriarch by the Coptic Church until his death. He died on the island of Gangra, Paphlagonia, in September 454. He is venerated as a saint by the Coptic and other Oriental Orthodox Churches. life[edit] served as the dean of the Catechetical School of Alexandria, and was the personal secretary of Cyril of Alexandria, whom he accompanied to the Council of Ephesus in 431. He eventually rose to the position of archdeacon.[2] to Nestorius[edit] his struggle against Nestorius, Cyril explained the union between the divine and human natures of Christ as "inward and real without any division, change, or confusion." He rejected the Antiochene theory of "indwelling,", or "conjunction" or "close participation," as insufficient. Thus the Alexandrian formula adopted by Cyril and Dioscorus was "one nature of God the Word Incarnate," which translates into Greek as mia physis tou theou logou sesarkomene, by which Cyril meant "one nature"—that Christ is at once God and man. On the other hand, the Antiochene formula was "two natures after the union," or "in two natures," which translates to dyo physis. This formula explained Christ as existing in two natures, God and man. was condemned and deposed by the First Council of Ephesus, which approved of the Second Epistle of Cyril to Nestorius. of Alexandria[edit] succeeded Cyril as Patriarch of Alexandria in the summer of 444.[3] According to the deacon Ischyrion, Dioscorus had laid waste property, inflicted fines and exile, and bought up and sold at a high price the wheat sent by the government to Libya. According to Cyril's nephew, a priest named Athanasius, from the outset of his episcopate, Dioscorus harassed him and his brother by using influence with the court, so that the brother died of distress, and Athanasius, with his aunts, sister-in-law, and nephews, were bereft of their homes by the patriarch's malignity. Such accusations were readily made, and some allowance made for wrongs done by his agents that may have been in some cases unfairly called his acts. Still, it is but too likely that there was sufficient truth in them to demonstrate the effect on his character of elevation to a post of almost absolute power.[4] of Eutyches[edit] was an archmandrite in Constantinople. in his opposition to Nestorianism, he seemed to take an equally extreme, although opposite view. Eutyches claimed to be a faithful follower of Cyril. In November 448, Flavian, Bishop of Constantinople held a synod regarding a point of discipline connected with the province of Sardis. Eutyches had been accusing various personages of covert Nestorianism, and at the end of the session of this synod one of those inculpated, Eusebius, Bishop of Dorylaeum, brought the question forward, and proffered a counter charge of heresy against the archimandrite.[3] Eutyches was summoned to clarify his position regarding the nature of Christ. Finding his response unsatisfactory, the synod condemned and exiled Eutyches. appealed against this decision, labeling Flavian a Nestorian, and received the support of Dioscorus. In his famous Tome, Pope Leo I confirmed Flavian's theological position but as he concluded that Eutyches had erred through ignorance, he also requested that Eutyches should be readmitted if he repented.[5] synod"[edit] the influence of the court official Chrysaphius, the godson of Eutyches, in 449, Emperor Theodosius II convened the Second Council of Ephesus. In remembrance of Cyril's role during the council of 431, the emperor asked Dioscorus to preside over the meetings. The council subsequently decided to reinstate Eutyches and to depose Flavian, as well as Eusebius of Dorylaeum, Theoderet of Cyrrus, Ibas of Edessa, and Domnus II of Antioch. Leo's legates protested but were ignored.[2] Flavian was brutally treated, kicked, beaten, imprisoned, and soon exiled, and died from the effect of his injuries, three days after his deposition. He was regarded as a martyr for the doctrine of "the two natures in the one person" of Christ. Anatolius, who had been the agent (apocrisiarius) of Dioscorus at Constantinople, was appointed his successor.[1] and his council proceeded to depose Theodoret and several other bishops. Pope Leo called the council a "robber synod" and declared its decisions void. In the spring of 450 at Nicaea, Dioscorus, while on his way to the court, he caused ten bishops whom he had brought from Egypt to sign a document excommunicating Pope Leo.[4] supported the council's decisions until he died on 28 July 450. His sister Pulcheria returned to power and made the officer Marcian her consort and emperor. She consulted with Pope Leo on convoking a new council, gathering signatures for his Tome to be introduced as the basic paper for the new council, but also insisted, against Leo's wishes, that the council should be held not in Italy but in the East. Meanwhile, the new imperial couple brought Flavian's remains back to Constantinople and exiled Eutyches to Syria. of Chalcedon[edit] Main article: Council of Chalcedon Council of Chalcedon in October 451 dealt with the Christological views of Eutyches but also with Dioscorus' views and earlier behaviour; specifically, his condemnation of the bishop Flavian in Ephesus II was questioned. When, at the Council of Chalcedon, he was asked why he had deposed Flavian, he, according to the minutes of Chalcedon, responded, "Flavian was deposed for this reason, that he spoke of two natures after the union. But I have quotations from the holy fathers Athanasius, Gregory and Cyril saying in numerous places that one should not speak of two natures after the union".[6] the Council, Dioscorus expressed a willingness to condemn Eutyches. According to the minutes of the council of Chalcedon, Dioscorus stated: "If Eutyches holds opinions contrary to the doctrines of the church, he deserves not only punishment but hell fire. For my concern is for the catholic and apostolic faith and not for any human being."[4] Council deposed Dioscorus and other bishops that had been responsible for the decisions of 449 for violations of canon law rather than of heresy; Dioscorus had not attended the council of Chalcedon from the third session onward despite an imperial call to do so, which was a deposable offence. According to the minutes of the council of Chalcedon, Dioscorus had given the reason of ill health for his nonattendance from the third session. However, Oriental sources indicate otherwise that it was subterfuge. Whatever the real reason, the result of Dioscorus not being there saw him exiled to Gangra Island.[2][5] Dioscorus's deposition and exile, an Alexandrian priest named Proterius was appointed Patriarch in his stead, with the approval of the emperor. There was no public opposition to Proterius. Nonetheless, some Christians continued to support Dioscorus in secret, considering him the legitimate Patriarch. died in exile in 454. When the news reached Egypt, his supporters assembled and elected Timothy, a disciple of his, to be the new Patriarch. Timothy immediately went into hiding, but was recognized among the Coptic inhabitants of the countryside, creating the split between the Coptic and the Melchite (i.e. Imperial) Church. Orthodox Churches remain in disagreement with Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches regarding Dioscorus's character and positions. He is considered a saint by the Coptic, Syriac, and other Oriental Orthodox Churches, while Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches have frequently deemed him a heretic. modern theologians suggest that both Leo and Dioscorus were orthodox in their agreement with Saint Cyril's Twelve Chapters, even though both have been (and still are) considered heretical by some.[7] Some commentators like Anatolius and John S. Romanides argue that Dioscorus was not deposed for heresy but for "grave administrative errors" at Ephesus II, among which they mention his restoration of Eutyches, his attack on Flavian, and afterwards, his excommunication of Pope Leo I. Defenders of Dioscorus argue that Eutyches was orthodox at the time of his restoration and only later lapsed into heresy, that Flavian was a Nestorian, and that Pope Leo had supported Nestorianism.[7][8] controversial aspect of Dioscorus's legacy is the accusation, frequently levelled by Chalcedonian churches, that the Oriental Orthodox Churches accept Eutychianism. They deny this charge, arguing that they reject both the Monophysitism of Eutyches, whom they consider a heretic, as well as Dyophysitism espoused by the Council of Chalcedon, which they equate with Nestorianism, for a doctrine they term miaphysitism, or that in Jesus Christ, divinity and humanity exist as "one incarnate nature" (physis), as opposed to the orthodox Chalcedonian teaching of a divine and a human nature united in the one person (hypostasis) of Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, a doctrine called the "hypostatic union".[9] recent times, Oriental Orthodox churches have engaged in ecumenical dialogue with Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches on the issues of Dioscorus's day. In May 1973 Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria visited Pope Paul VI in Rome and declared a common faith in the nature of Christ, the issue which caused the schism of the church in the Council of Chalcedon.[10] A similar declaration was reached between the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox churches in 1990 in Geneva, in which both agreed in condemnation of the Nestorian and Eutychian "heresies" and in rejection of interpretations of ecumenical councils which do not fully agree with the Horos of the Third Ecumenical Council and the letter (433) of Cyril of Alexandria to John of Antioch.[11] They also agreed to lift the anathemas and condemnations of the past.[12] In the summer of 2001, the Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Patriarchates of Alexandria agreed to mutually recognize baptisms performed in each other's churches.[13] Hieromartyr Proterius the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 28;

Egypt, 450, 5th Century, Achilles, monk of Scetis, Egyptian Desert, wish eat sauce, Go Egypt, Peace Blood
Egypt, 450, 5th Century, Achilles, monk of Scetis, Egyptian Desert, A said: Tell Me What You are Eating, water and salt with Palm Leaves, Later A said: Come Brothers, see Isaiah eating, If you wish to eat sauce in Sketis, go to Egypt!, later Elder seeing A spitting Blood, asked what was wrong, A said: Word of Brother grieved me. I struggled not to tell him, I prayed God would remove rememberance of that Word. Then it became as blood in my mouth, and I spat it out. Now I am at peace, and I have forgotten my sorrow; Scetis ; Venerable Achilles, Commemorated on January 17; Akhillás (or Achilles) was an anchorite of the desert during the V century. Νikόdēmos of the Holy Mountain writes: "It is said of Saint Akhillás in the Evergetinós that he once went to Abba Isaiah, and found him eating something which he had mixed with salt and water on a plate. When the Elder saw that he was hiding it behind some plaited reeds, he said, "Tell me, what are you eating?" Isaiah replied, "Forgive me, Father. I was cutting palm leaves and I went out in the heat. I put some into my mouth, with some salt, but the heat burned my throat and I was unable to swallow. So I had to add some water to the salt in order to swallow. Forgive me, Father." Akhillás called the other monks and said, "Come here, Brothers, and behold Abba Isaiah eating sauce in Skḗtis. If you wish to eat sauce, go to Egypt!" Elder who came to see Abba Akhillás found him spitting out blood from his mouth. He asked him what was wrong, but he did not respond. he said, "The word of a brother grieved me. I struggled not to tell him so, thus I prayed that God would remove from me the remembrance of that word. the word became as blood in my mouth, and I spat it out. Now I am at peace, and I have forgotten my sorrow." Akhillás reposed in peace. the third Troparion of Ode One of the Canon for Saturday of Cheesefare Week, Saint Akhillás Is mentioned along with Saint Ammoun: "Achilles and Ammoun, the flowers of the desert."

Egypt, 450&350, Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, they recorded slaughter, Arabs slept past sacrifice
Egypt, 350&450, Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, recorded the slaughter, slept past sunrise so not sacrificed, back to Sinai; Raithu; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; Theodulus was the son of Saint Nilus the Faster (November 12), and he recorded the slaughter of the holy Fathers at Raithu in the fifth century. While still a child, Saint Theodulus left the world and went to Mount Sinai with his father. a barbarian assault on the desert dwellers, the saint fell into the hands of brigands, who decided to offer the youth as a sacrifice to the morning dawn, which they worshipped in place of God. But the Lord saved the boy through the prayers of his father, Saint Nilus. The barbarians slept past sunrise, and giving up on the idea of making him a sacrificial offering, they took the youth with them. by the brigands to the city of Eluza, Saint Theodulus was ransomed by the local bishop, in whose house he was later found by his grateful father. Blessed by the bishop and presbyters, Saints Theodulus and Nilus returned to Mount Sinai, where they served the Lord until the end of their days. Their incorrupt relics were transferred to Constantinople under Emperor Justin the Younger (565-578) and placed in the church of the holy Apostles at Orphanotrophia.

Egypt, 451-457, Proterius of Alexandria, Egyptian Patriarch, replaced Monophysite heretic Dioscorus
Egypt, 451-457, Egyptian Patriarch, Proterius of Alexandria; Hieromartyr Proterius the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 28; Hieromartyr Proterius, Patriarch of Alexandria, and those with him. The priest Proterius lived in Alexandria during the patriarchal tenure of Dioscorus (444-451), an adherent of the Monophysite heresy of Eutyches. Proterius fearlessly denounced the heretics and confessed the Orthodox Faith. 451 at the Fourth Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon, the heresy of Eutyches was condemned and the teaching of Christ as Perfect God and Perfect Man, existing in these two natures “unconfusedly” and “indivisibly” [and “immutably” and “inseparably”] was set forth. The heretic Dioscorus was deposed and exiled, and Proterius, distinguished for his strict and virtuous life, was placed upon the patriarchal throne of Alexandria. many supporters of Dioscorus remained in Alexandria. Rebelling against the election of Proterius, they rioted and burned the soldiers who were sent out to pacify them. The pious emperor Marcian (450-457) deprived the Alexandrians of all the privileges they were accustomed to, and sent new and reinforced detachments of soldiers. The inhabitants of the city then quieted down and begged Patriarch Proterius to intercede with the emperor to restore their former privileges to them. The kindly saint consented and readily obtained their request. the death of Marcian the heretics again raised their heads. Presbyter Menignus (“the Cat”), himself striving for the patriarchal dignity, and taking advantage of the absence of the prefect of the city, was at the head of the rioters. Saint Proterius decided to leave Alexandria, but that night he saw in a dream the holy Prophet Isaiah, who said to him, “Return to the city, I am waiting to take you.” The saint realized that this was a prediction of his martyric end. He returned to Alexandria and concealed himself in a baptistry. insolent heretics broke into this refuge and killed the Patriarch and six men who were with him. The fact that it was Holy Saturday and the Canon of Pascha was being sung did not stop them. In their insane hatred they tied a rope to the body of the murdered Patriarch, and dragged it through the streets. They beat and lacerated it, and finally they burned it, scattering the ashes to the wind. Orthodox reported this to the holy Emperor Leo (457-474) and Saint Anatolius, Patriarch of Constantinople (July 3). An army arrived at Alexandria, the rebellion was crushed, and Menignus was brought to trial and exiled. the death of the Hieromartyr Proterius, four Thracian bishops of his time wrote: “We consider His Holiness Proterius to be in the ranks and choir of the saints, and we beseech God to be compassionate and merciful to us through his prayers.”

Egypt, 457-470, Apollinaria, Sketis Desert, prayed fVirginity, entered mens m, her demonic sister accused her oRape, secret rvld
Egypt, 457-470, Saint Apollinaria, Marcarius Monastery, Sketis Desert, daughter oRoman Empire procounsul fThedosis tYounger during his minority, renouned beauty wiscom, fervent faith, inclined virginity till death, prayed for that, asked parents go Jerusalem, took servants &gold, distributed tPoor, venerated, freed servants, kept 1 plus old eunuch, tAlexandria, slipped away, monk garb, hid marsh, asceticism there, Angel appeared iDream, go Marcarius' Sketis monastery, call yourself Dorotheus, distinguished ascetical life, parents sent her sister possessed by spirit tMacarius, M brought sister tBro Dorotheus, sister healed, D returened to her cell, violent deamon made sister look pregnant, deamon through sisters lips said D responsible, D or A took blame & went home tRome, She reveals secret tParents, healed sister again, returned to Sketis, reposed 470, then monks discovered secret; Egypt, 380-457, Saint Apollinaria; Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great, Sketis Desert; Saint Apollinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5; renowned Apollinaria lived during the reign of Leo the Great (‎457–474), was the daughter of Anthemius, a former proconsul of Rome during the minority of Theodosius the Younger (408-450). Apollinaria was renowned for her beauty and wisdom, well as for her fervent faith and whole-hearted devotion to Christ. a young age she was inclined to live a life of virginity, she prayed to God night and day that she might achieve her desire, which was to remain a virgin until death. this reason she entreated her parents to let her go to Jerusalem. they granted her permission, the blessed one took some male and female servants with her, as well as gold, silver and expensive clothes, and left for Jerusalem. she distributed everything to the poor. she venerated the Holy Places, she freed her servants, keeping just one old servant and a eunuch with her. them, she went to Alexandria. Arriving there at a level and even place, she decided to rest a little from her weary journey. away from her servants, she changed into monastic garb and hid in a marsh, she lived a life of asceticism for several years in strict fasting and prayer. day, an angel appeared to her in a dream and instructed her to go to the monastery of Sketis, was under the spiritual direction of Saint Macarius of Egypt (January 19), to call herself Dorotheus. Macarius accepted her as one of the brethren, and she quickly distinguished herself by her ascetical life. Apollinaria’s parents had another daughter who was possessed by an unclean spirit. sent her to Saint Macarius at Sketis, brought the afflicted girl to "Father Dorotheus." her prayers, and by divine grace, her sister was healed. wanted her to remain with them, but she bade all of them farewell and returned to her monastic cell. her sister was attacked by a violent demon, made her appear to be pregnant. demon spoke through the girl’s lips, saying that Dorotheus had forced himself on her. outraged parents sent soldiers to the monastery to find the monk who had defiled their daughter. Apollinaria took the blame and accompanied the envoys to the home of her parents in Rome. she revealed her secret to them, healed her sister, and returned to Sketis. reposed in the year 470, and was found worthy to dwell in the heavenly abodes (John 14:2). after her death, as the monks were preparing her body for burial, was it discovered that “he” was actually a woman. Saint was buried in a cave in the monastery church of Saint Macarius of Egypt. Apollinaria is commemorated on January 4 in Greek usage, while the Slavic churches honor her on January 5.

Egypt, 457-470, Saint Apollinaria, Marcarius Monastery, Sketis Desert
Egypt, 457-470, Saint Apollinaria, Marcarius Monastery, Sketis Desert, daughter oRoman Empire procounsul fThedosis tYounger during his minority, renouned beauty wiscom, fervent faith, inclined virginity till death, prayed for that, asked parents go Jerusalem, took servants &gold, distributed tPoor, venerated, freed servants, kept 1 plus old eunuch, tAlexandria, slipped away, monk garb, hid marsh, asceticism there, Angel appeared iDream, go Marcarius' Sketis monastery, call yourself Dorotheus, distinguished ascetical life, parents sent her sister possessed by spirit tMacarius, M brought sister tBro Dorotheus, sister healed, D returened to her cell, violent deamon made sister look pregnant, deamon through sisters lips said D responsible, D or A took blame & went home tRome, She reveals secret tParents, healed sister again, returned to Sketis, reposed 470, then monks discovered secret; Egypt, 380-457, Saint Apollinaria; Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great, Sketis Desert; Saint Apollinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5;

Egypt, 457-470, Apollinaria, rich beauty, virginity, l in marsh yrs, angel, Sketis, bro Dorotheus, sister, deamon
Egypt, 457-470, Saint Apollinaria, Marcarius Monastery, Sketis Desert, daughter oRoman Empire procounsul fThedosis tYounger during his minority, renouned beauty wiscom, fervent faith, inclined virginity till death, prayed for that, asked parents go Jerusalem, took servants &gold, distributed tPoor, venerated, freed servants, kept 1 plus old eunuch, tAlexandria, slipped away, monk garb, hid marsh, asceticism there, Angel appeared iDream, go Marcarius' Sketis monastery, call yourself Dorotheus, distinguished ascetical life, parents sent her sister possessed by spirit tMacarius, M brought sister tBro Dorotheus, sister healed, D returened to her cell, violent deamon made sister look pregnant, deamon through sisters lips said D responsible, D or A took blame & went home tRome, She reveals secret tParents, healed sister again, returned to Sketis, reposed 470, then monks discovered secret; Egypt, 380-457, Saint Apollinaria; Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great, Sketis Desert; Saint Apollinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5; renowned Apollinaria lived during the reign of Leo the Great (‎457–474), and was the daughter of Anthemius, a former proconsul of Rome during the minority of Theodosius the Younger (408-450). Apollinaria was renowned for her beauty and wisdom, as well as for her fervent faith and whole-hearted devotion to Christ. From a young age she was inclined to live a life of virginity, and she prayed to God night and day that she might achieve her desire, which was to remain a virgin until death. For this reason she entreated her parents to let her go to Jerusalem. When they granted her permission, the blessed one took some male and female servants with her, as well as gold, silver and expensive clothes, and left for Jerusalem. There she distributed everything to the poor. After she venerated the Holy Places, she freed her servants, keeping just one old servant and a eunuch with her. With them, she went to Alexandria. Arriving there at a level and even place, she decided to rest a little from her weary journey. Slipping away from her servants, she changed into monastic garb and hid in a marsh, where she lived a life of asceticism for several years in strict fasting and prayer. One day, an angel appeared to her in a dream and instructed her to go to the monastery of Sketis, which was under the spiritual direction of Saint Macarius of Egypt (January 19), and to call herself Dorotheus. Saint Macarius accepted her as one of the brethren, and she quickly distinguished herself by her ascetical life. Apollinaria’s parents had another daughter who was possessed by an unclean spirit. They sent her to Saint Macarius at Sketis, who brought the afflicted girl to "Father Dorotheus." Through her prayers, and by divine grace, her sister was healed. Everyone wanted her to remain with them, but she bade all of them farewell and returned to her monastic cell. Soon, her sister was attacked by a violent demon, who made her appear to be pregnant. The demon spoke through the girl’s lips, saying that Dorotheus had forced himself on her. Her outraged parents sent soldiers to the monastery to find the monk who had defiled their daughter. Saint Apollinaria took the blame and accompanied the envoys to the home of her parents in Rome. There she revealed her secret to them, healed her sister, and returned to Sketis. She reposed in the year 470, and was found worthy to dwell in the heavenly abodes (John 14:2). Only after her death, as the monks were preparing her body for burial, was it discovered that “he” was actually a woman. The Saint was buried in a cave in the monastery church of Saint Macarius of Egypt. Apollinaria is commemorated on January 4 in Greek usage, while the Slavic churches honor her on January 5.

Egypt, 480-560, Saint, St Mary of Egypt with St Zosimas of Palestine
Egypt, 480-560, Saint, St Mary of Egypt with St Zosimas of Palestine; Palestine, 480-560, Saint, Zosimas of Palestine, with St Mary of Egypt; Venerable Mary of Egypt, Commemorated on April 1;

Egypt, 495-552, Gregory, Archbishop oHomer (Omrits), called tHomer bMiracles, Converted Jews bDebate&Jesus appearing
Arabs, 495-552, Gregory Archbishop oOmirits (Wadi Nejran), Bishop oHomer (Omrits), as a youth filled wGrace oGod Gifts Healing Wonderworking, Deacon aMilan, hermit gives him prophecy, confirmed bElder schemamonk oMountain, fiery column, was him, standing iAir, Go Rome Boniface Aglaida church, then Alexandria tbBishop, Then tNegran in Homer tPreach, felt unworthy, wished remain wElder, but Elder knew his secret, G had seen vision Peter Paul placing Bishop's robe on him, tCarchage, tRome, Boniface Aglaida church, Tomb St Peter, his vision told him walk virtue live God's will, Paul dream cup oOil, receive priesthood&Episcopacy, during this time Emperor Elesbaan' armies oEthiopia vanquished Himyarite Dunaan a Jew, Negran liberated, christianity restored, but no christians, E asked Alexandria fBishop&Clergy, while praying Apostle Mark appeared tPatriarch told him find Deacon named Gregory who tBe Priest&Bishop, send him to Elesbaan, miracle during the service, face shone wGrace Holy Spirit, vestments fragrance oMyrrh filling whole church, iHomer G preaching tPagans&Jews, after 3yrs E returned Ethiopia, leftAbramus as king, G crowned A, A ordered all baptized, Jews say better believe willingly, requested debate, Jews given 40 days prepare, debate lasted several days, G refuted all Jew arbuments using OT, Rabbi Ervan vision Moses worshiping Jesus, M saying E would be defeated being in oposition tTruth, Christian Truth prevaied iDebate but E needed to see Jesus, G said request impertinent but Lord can do to convince you, G prays aloud, recalling incarnation, miracles, 3day resurrection, ascention and invoked power oLife-creating Cross, Show thyself to these people, Glorify thy Holy Name, Earthquaked, heavens opened in East, iRadiant cloud oLight Jesus came down, Lords Voice, through G's prayer, He whom your fathers put to death will heal you, Jews struck blind, healed receiving baptism, Gregory guided Homer 30 more years til 552; Nejran or Negran; Wadi Najran; St Gregory the Archbishop of Omirits, Commemorated December 19 ; Gregory, Bishop of Homer (Omirits), the son of Agapius and Theodota, filled with the grace of God and possessed gifts of healing and wonderworking even in his youth. Providence of God led him to hierarchical service. still a deacon at Mediolanum (Milan) he heard the foretelling of his destiny from a hermit, then he received confirmation of these words from another spirit-bearing Elder who lived an ascetic life in the mountains. Gregory went to this holy schemamonk for guidance, a miracle occurred. he approached the mountain, he saw a fiery column in the air. He soon realized that the fiery column was actually the man of God coming toward him. That night he saw the Elder standing in the air above the ground. Elder revealed to Saint Gregory that he must go to Rome to pray in the church of Saints Boniface and Aglaida. he would go to Alexandria and to become a bishop. he would arrive in the city of Negran in the land of Homer (in southern Arabia) to proclaim the Gospel. Gregory felt himself unworthy of this, and wished to remain with the ascetic as his disciple. that Gregory should have no doubts of the veracity of his words, the Elder revealed that he knew a secret about him. In a vision, Gregory had seen the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul, and they had placed a bishop’s omophorion upon him. Gregory stayed a short time in Carthage (North Africa) serving as a deacon, then arrived in Rome. went to the church of Saints Boniface and Aglaida, then to the tomb of Saint Peter. he was granted a vision of the holy Apostle, who told him to walk the path of virtue and to live according to God’s will. night he saw the Apostle Paul in a dream bringing to him a cup filled with oil, foretelling that he should receive the grace of the priesthood and the episcopacy. this time the armies of the Ethiopian emperor Elesbaan (October 24) vanquished the Himyarite king Dunaan, who was of Jewish background. city of Negran was liberated, and Christianity restored in the land of Homer. all the clergy had been cruelly exterminated by Dunaan, and therefore Elesbaan sent emissaries to the Patriarch of Alexandria asking him to send a bishop to Negran, and clergy for the churches. he was praying, the holy Apostle Mark appeared to the patriarch, bidding him to find a deacon named Gregory, who was to be ordained to the priesthood, consecrated as a bishop, and then to be sent to Elesbaan. patriarch did this. During the service a miracle took place. Saint Gregory’s face shone with the grace of the Holy Spirit, and from his vestments came a sweet fragrance like myrrh or incense, filling the whole church with the scent. in Homer, Saint Gregory began to set the Church in order, preaching to both pagans and Jews. three years Elesbaan returned to Ethiopia, leaving the noble Abramius behind as King of Homer. Gregory crowned and anointed Abramius as king. he issued a decree that all his subjects be baptized. certain prominent Jews turned to the emperor saying that it was better for people to believe willingly rather than under compulsion. requested that he should permit a debate on faith to be held between them and the Christians, vowing that if the Christians proved victorious in this debate, the Jews would then accept Baptism. Jews were given forty days to prepare for the debate, which lasted for several days. Gregory refuted all the arguments of the head Hebrew elder, Rabbi Ervan, using only texts from the Old Testament. a vision Ervan beheld the holy Prophet Moses, who worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophet told Ervan that Ervan was in opposition to the truth and would be defeated. the grace of God Christian truth prevailed in the debate, Ervan would not acknowledge his defeat. He made a last desperate attempt. He said, “If you want me to believe in your Christ, and to acknowledge that yours is the true God, then show Him to me, bishop!” saint replied: “Your request is impertinent. It is not with man that you contend now, but with God. However, the Lord can do what you have asked in order to convince you. waited to see what would happen. Saint Gregory, having steadfast faith in God and trusting in Him, began to pray aloud. recalled the mystery of the Incarnation of God the Word, the miracles of His earthly life, the Three-day Resurrection and the Ascension into Heaven, and he invoked the power of the Life-Creating Cross. “Show Thyself to these people, O Lord,” he prayed, “and glorify Thy holy Name!” he finished the prayer, the earth quaked, and in the east the heavens were opened, and in a radiant cloud of light the Lord Jesus Christ came down on earth, the Voice of the Lord was heard: “Through the prayers of Bishop Gregory, He Whom your fathers put to death will heal you.” Saul, who was struck blind by the Heavenly light on the road to Damascus, the Jews were struck blind. they believed in Christ and they implored the holy bishop to heal them. receiving holy Baptism, all of them were healed. Ervan received the Christian name Leo (meaning “lion”). this most extraordinary miracle, Saint Gregory guided the flock of Homer for another thirty years. reposed in the year 552 and was buried in a crypt in the cathedral of Afar.

Egypt, 500, 6th Century Folder, Pope Theodosius of Alexandria

Egypt, 520-571, Menas of Sinai monastery, est 565, ascetic 50yrs+, wonderful, Myrrh flowed from relics, mentioned itLadder
Egypt, 520-571, Menas of Sinai monastery, Egypt, est 565, ascetic more than 50yrs, wonderful, Myrrh flowed from his relics, mentioned itLadder; Sinai monastery; Venerable Menas of Sinai, Commemorated January 5 ; Menas lived in asceticism for more than fifty years in the monastery of Sinai, he died peacefully in the second half of the sixth century. flowed from his holy relics. John Climacus speaks of this wonderful man in The Ladder of Divine Ascent (Step 4:34).

Egypt, 536-567, Patriarch, Pope Theodosius I of Alexandria
Egyptian Patriarch, 536-567, Pope Theodosius I of Alexandria; Venerable Acacius of Sinai, who is mentioned in the Ladder, Commemorated on July 7;

Egypt, 550, Acacius of Mount Sinai - Horeb in Egypt, Acacius, are you dead, no f, how possible obedient to die
Egypt, 550, Acacius of Mount Sinai - Horeb in Egypt, Acacius, are you dead? No, Father, how is it possible for an obedient man to die?; Mount Sinai - Horeb in Egypt, Saint Helena, Constantine's Mother made a mistake as to the location of the Desert of Sin and therefor Sinai and Mount Horeb. She put Horeb in Egypt and not in Midian. Many miracles still happened in this mistaken location; Venerable Acacius of Sinai, who is mentioned in the Ladder, Commemorated on November 29 ; Acacius of Sinai lived during the sixth century and was a novice at a certain monastery in Asia. humble monk distinguished himself by his patient and unquestioning obedience to his Elder, a harsh and dissolute man. He forced his disciple to toil excessively, starved him with hunger, and beat him without mercy. such treatment, Saint Acacius meekly endured the affliction and thanked God for everything. Saint Acacius died after suffering these torments for nine years. days after Acacius was buried, his Elder told another Elder about the death of his disciple. second Elder did not believe that the young monk was dead. They went to the grave of Acacius and the second Elder called out: “Brother Acacius, are you dead?” From the grave a voice replied, “No, Father, how is it possible for an obedient man to die?” The startled Elder of Saint Acacius fell down with tears before the grave, asking forgiveness of his disciple. this he repented, constantly saying to the Fathers, “I have committed murder.” He lived in a cell near the grave of Saint Acacius, and he ended his life in prayer and in meekness. Saint John Climacus (March 30) mentions Saint Acacius in The Ladder (Step 4:110) as an example of endurance and obedience, and of the rewards for these virtues. Saint Acacius is also commemorated on July 7.

Egypt, 550's, Second of Two Origenist Crises
Egypt, 550's, Second of Two Origenist Crises; Egypt, 204-254, Church Father Origen, but not saint;

Egypt, 565, Acacius of Mount Sinai - Horeb in Egypt, Acacius, are you dead, no f, how possible obedient to die
Egypt, 565, Acacius of Mount Sinai - Horeb in Egypt, Acacius, are you dead? No, Father, how is it possible for an obedient man to die?; Mount Sinai - Horeb in Egypt, Saint Helena, Constantine's Mother made a mistake as to the location of the Desert of Sin and therefor Sinai and Mount Horeb. She put Horeb in Egypt and not in Midian. Many miracles still happened in this mistaken location; Venerable Acacius of Sinai, who is mentioned in the Ladder, Commemorated on November 29 ; Acacius of Sinai lived during the sixth century and was a novice at a certain monastery in Asia. humble monk distinguished himself by his patient and unquestioning obedience to his Elder, a harsh and dissolute man. He forced his disciple to toil excessively, starved him with hunger, and beat him without mercy. such treatment, Saint Acacius meekly endured the affliction and thanked God for everything. Saint Acacius died after suffering these torments for nine years. days after Acacius was buried, his Elder told another Elder about the death of his disciple. second Elder did not believe that the young monk was dead. They went to the grave of Acacius and the second Elder called out: “Brother Acacius, are you dead?” From the grave a voice replied, “No, Father, how is it possible for an obedient man to die?” The startled Elder of Saint Acacius fell down with tears before the grave, asking forgiveness of his disciple. this he repented, constantly saying to the Fathers, “I have committed murder.” He lived in a cell near the grave of Saint Acacius, and he ended his life in prayer and in meekness. Saint John Climacus (March 30) mentions Saint Acacius in The Ladder (Step 4:110) as an example of endurance and obedience, and of the rewards for these virtues. Saint Acacius is also commemorated on July 7.

Egypt, 565, Zosima Bishop oBabylon Fortress, Egypt, Babylon prophecy, Alexandria errand, Bishop oB into old age, returned tSinai
Egypt, 565, Zosima Bishop oBabylon Fortress, Egypt (Nile River & Pharonic Canal to Red Sea), fCilicia, Lebanon&Sinai Monastery 565, Babylon prophecy, Alexandria errand, Bishop oB into old age, returned tSinai; Babylon Fortress, Egypt; Venerable Father Zosima, Bishop of Babylon, Commemorated on June 4; Zosima, Bishop of Babylon, was born in Cilicia (Asia Minor). still a youth he left the world and settled on Mount Sinai, later he withdrew to a more solitary place in Lebanon. time he encountered an elderly ascetic, who foretold that he would be bishop in Babylon. Zosima returned to Sinai, he was sent on an errand to Alexandria. Patriarch of Alexandria made him Bishop of Babylon, and into old age he wisely guided his flock. the approach of death, he returned to Sinai and peacefully fell asleep in the Lord (5th century). St Zosimus of Cilicia the Bishop of Babylon in Egypt, Commemorated on June 4; Zosimus as above

Egypt, 567, Saint, Anastasia the Patrician
Egypt, 567, Saint, Anastasia the Patrician; Saint Anastasia the Patrician of Alexandria, Commemorated on March 10;

Egypt, 567-608, Daniel oScetis, Egypt, killed wEscaping, conscience nResolved bConfession, begged execution, acquitted, Leper c
Egypt, 550 6th Century, Daniel oScetis, Egyptian Desert, monk as young boy, barbarian prisoner, bought by Christian, recapturedd, killed captor wEscaping, rtSketis, conscience burden, confessed to Alexandria Patriarch Roman Pope other patriarchs Constantinople Antioch Jerusalem but all no peace or penance, so he surrendered as murderer begged to be executed, into prison, trial gpvernor said go your way, Daniel resolved care for Lepers, renouned and mentioned in many saints stories, Anastasia, Mark the Fool, despised Ermopoleos Monastery nun, Thomais killed by her father-in-Law, Eulogios the Hospitable, Andronikos, Athanasia, and Douda; Scetis ; Venerable Daniel of Sketis, Commemorated on June 7; Daniel lived in the sixth century, becoming a monk at Sketis when he was a young boy. was taken prisoner when Sketis was attacked by barbarians, who held him captive for two years. Daniel was was bought by a devout Christian, but then he was recaptured. six months, while attempting to escape, he struck one of his captors with a stone and killed him, and then he made his escape and returned to Sketis. sin of murder was a heavy burden on his conscience. about what he ought to do, he went to Patriarch Timothy of Alexandria, and asked for his advice. Patriarch heard his Confession, but did not give him a penance. his conscience continued to trouble him, and he went to Rome to see the Pope. Pope gave him the same reply as the Patriarch had done. Abba Daniel visited the other Patriarchs in turn, going to Constantinople, Antioch and Jerusalem, confessing to each of them and asking for advice. found no peace, however. So he returned home to Alexandria and surrendered himself to the civil authorities as a murderer, was thrown into prison. his trial before the governor, Daniel told him all that had happened, and begged to be executed, so that his soul might be saved from the eternal fire. The governor was astonished by his story, and said to him, "Go your way, Father, and pray to God for me, and I wish you had killed seven more!" dissatisfied with this, Daniel resolved to take a leper into his cell and care for him until he died, and then he would find another. He did as he had resolved, and in this way brought peace to his conscience. as Abba Daniel and Abba Ammon were walking together, Abba Ammon said, "When will we sit in our own cell, Father?" Abba Daniel replied, "Who can separate us from God? God is in the cell, and God is also outside of it." became so renowned for his virtues that he was named Igoumen of Sketis and he was revered throughout Egypt as "a new Abraham, and the host of Christ." visited Saint Anastasia the Patrician (March 10) on the day of her death. She had disguised herself as a eunuch and lived in a men's monastery eighteen miles from Sketis. Daniel discovered that she was a woman when he prepared her body for burial. Daniel encountered saints who wished to remain hidden, such as the Mark the Fool of Alexandria, the nun at the Ermopoleos Monastery of Abba Jeremiah. She feigned drunkenness, earning the contempt of the other nuns. Daniel and his disciple sought shelter in the monastery, at night they saw that nun lifting her arms to Heaven, weeping copiously, and making prostrations. following night they had the Igoumeness watch with them so she could see how that despised nun spent her nights. her holy life became known, she left the monastery so that she would not be praised by the other nuns. Daniel is also mentioned in the Life of Saint Thomais, who was killed by her father-in-law because she wished to preserve her chastity (April 13 in Slavic usage, April 14 in Greek usage), in the Life of Saint Eulogios the Hospitable (April 27), the Life of Saints Andronikos and Athanasia (October 9), well as in the Life of Abba Doula.

Egypt, 579-608, Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria and Antioch
Egypt, 580-608, Eulogius of Alexandria and Antioch; Saint Eulogius, Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 13;

Egypt, 579-608, St Eulogius of Alexandria, Egypt, anti - Monophysitism Novatian Nestorian Eutyches, voice of truth
Egypt, 579-608, St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, enlightened, first at Antioch, 579 at A, Orthodox two natures theology, anti Monophysitism, friend of Pope Gregory the Great, anti Novatian, vindicated hypostatic union, anti Nestorian and Eutyches, voice of truth; of Alexandria was Greek Patriarch of that see from about 580 to 608. He is regarded as a saint, with a feast day of September 13. was first igumen of the monastery of the Mother of God in Antioch.[1] He was a successful combatant of various phases of Monophysitism.[2] He was a warm friend of Pope Gregory the Great, who corresponded with him, and received from that pope many flattering expressions of esteem and admiration.[3][4] refuted the Novatians, some communities of which ancient sect still existed in his diocese, and vindicated the hypostatic union of the two natures in Christ, against both Nestorius and Eutyches. Cardinal Baronius says that Gregory wished Eulogius to survive him, recognizing in him the voice of truth.[2] has been said that he restored for a brief period to the Church of Alexandria life and youthful vigour.[3] the above works and a commentary against various sects of Monophysites (Severans, Theodosians, Cainites and Acephali) he left eleven discourses in defence of Pope Leo I and the Council of Chalcedon, also a work against the Agnoetae, submitted by him before publication to Pope Gregory I, who after some observations authorized it unchanged. With exception of one sermon and a few fragments, all the writings of Eulogius have perished.[3] Alexandria; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated February 13 ; Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria, was one of the enlightened hierarchs of the sixth century. At first he was igumen of the monastery of the Mother of God in Antioch, and then in 579 he was chosen as Patriarch of Alexandria, where he served for twenty-seven years. his life, the saint struggled vigorously against heresies. He was also a friend of Saint Gregory Dialogus (March 12), and some of their correspondence has been preserved. Eulogius died in 607 or 608. Saint Photius quotes from his writings, which reveal an Orthodox theology of the two natures of our Lord Jesus Christ. Only one of his sermons, for Palm Sunday, has survived in complete form.

Egypt, 590-620approx, Palladius of Thessalonica&Alexandria, not Palladius oGalatia, limited info
Venerable Palladius of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 27; in Thessaloniki, he contended in asceticism in Alexandria at the end of the VI and the beginning of the VII century. His Service is sung at Compline. Saint should not be confused with the fourth century Saint Palladius of Galatia (January 28), the author of the Lausiac History, which contains the Lives of the Egyptian ascetics.

Egypt, 600-640, 7th Century Folder, St John of the Ladder

Egypt, 601-649, John of the Ladder (Climacus) Sinai, great ascetic, solitary, silence 40 yrs, tears, clairvoyant, wonderworker
Egypt, 600-649, Saint John of the Ladder, John Climacus; Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of œthe LadderÂ; Commemorated on March 30; John of the Ladder is honored by Holy Church as a great ascetic and author of the renowned spiritual book called THE LADDER, from which he is also called “of the Ladder” (Climacus). is almost no information about Saint John’s origins. One tradition suggests that he was born in Constantinople around the year 570, and was the son of Saints Xenophon and Maria (January 26). went to Sinai when he was sixteen, submitting to Abba Martyrius as his instructor and guide. After four years, Saint John was tonsured as a monk. Abba Strategios, who was present at Saint John’s tonsure, predicted that he would become a great luminary in the Church of Christ. nineteen years Saint John progressed in monasticism in obedience to his spiritual Father. After the death of Abba Martyrius, Saint John embarked on a solitary life, settling in a wild place called Thola, where he spent forty years laboring in silence, fasting, prayer, and tears of penitence. is not by chance that in THE LADDER Saint John speaks about tears of repentance: “Just as fire burns and destroys the wood, so pure tears wash away every impurity, both external and internal.” His holy prayer was strong and efficacious, as may be seen from an example from the life of the God-pleasing saint. John had a disciple named Moses. Once, the saint ordered his disciple to bring dung to fertilize the vegetable garden. When he had fulfilled the obedience, Moses lay down to rest under the shade of a large rock, because of the scorching heat of summer. Saint John was in his cell in a light sleep. Suddenly, a man of remarkable appearance appeared to him and awakened the holy ascetic, reproaching him, “John, why do you sleep so heedlessly, when Moses is in danger?” John immediately woke up and began to pray for his disciple. When Moses returned in the evening, Saint John asked whether any sort of misfortune had befallen him. monk replied, “A large rock would have fallen on me as I slept beneath it at noon, but I left that place because I thought I heard you calling me.” Saint John did not tell his disciple of his vision, but gave thanks to God. John ate the food which is permitted by the monastic rule, but only in moderation. He did not sleep very much, only enough to keep up his strength, so that he would not ruin his mind by unceasing vigil. “I do not fast excessively,” he said of himself, “nor do I give myself over to intense all-night vigil, nor lay upon the ground, but I restrain myself..., and the Lord soon saved me.” following example of Saint John’s humility is noteworthy. Gifted with discernment, and attaining wisdom through spiritual experience, he lovingly received all who came to him and guided them to salvation. day some envious monks reproached him for being too talkative, and so Saint John kept silence for a whole year. The monks realized their error, and they went to the ascetic and begged him not to deprive them of the spiritual profit of his conversation. his ascetic deeds from others, Saint John sometimes withdrew into a cave, but reports of his holiness spread far beyond the vicinity. Visitors from all walks of life came to him, desiring to hear his words of edification and salvation. After forty years of solitary asceticism, he was chosen as igumen of Sinai when he was seventy-five. Saint John governed the holy monastery for four years. Toward the end of his life, the Lord granted him the gifts of clairvoyance and wonderworking. the request of Saint John, igumen of the Raithu monastery (Commemorated on Cheesefare Saturday), he wrote the incomparable LADDER, a book of instruction for monks who wished to attain spiritual perfection. of the wisdom and spiritual gifts of Saint John of Sinai, the igumen of Raithu requested him to write down whatever was necessary for the salvation of those in the monastic life. Such a book would be “a ladder fixed on the earth” (Gen. 28:12), leading people to the gates of Heaven. John felt that such a task was beyond his ability, yet out of obedience he fulfilled the request. The saint called his work THE LADDER, for the book is “a fixed ladder leading from earthly things to the Holy of Holies....” The thirty steps of spiritual perfection correspond to the thirty years of the Lord’s age. When we have completed these thirty steps, we will find ourselves with the righteous and will not stumble. THE LADDER begins with renunciation of the world, and ends with God, Who is love (1 John 4:8). the book was written for monks, any Christian living in the world will find it an unerring guide for ascending to God, and a support in the spiritual life. Saints Theodore the Studite (November 11 and January 26), Sergius of Radonezh (September 25 and July 5), Joseph of Volokolamsk (September 9 and October 18), and others relied on THE LADDER as an important guide to salvation. twenty-second step of THE LADDER deals with various forms of vainglory. Saint John writes: “When I fast, I am vainglorious; and when I permit myself food in order to conceal my fasting from others I am again vainglorious about my prudence. When I dress in fine clothing, I am vanquished by vanity, and if I put on drab clothing, again I am overcome by vanity. If I speak, vainglory defeats me. If I wish to keep silence, I am again given over to it. Wherever this thorn comes up, it stands with its points upright. vain person seems to honor God, but strives to please men rather than God. of lofty spirit bear insult placidly and willingly, but only the holy and righteous may hear praise without harm. you hear that your neighbor or friend has slandered you behind your back, or even to your face, praise and love him. is not the one who reproaches himself who shows humility, for who will not put up with himself? It is the one who is slandered by another, yet continues to show love for him. is proud of his natural gifts, intelligence, learning, skill in reading, clear enunciation, and other similar qualities, which are acquired without much labor, will never obtain supernatural gifts. Whoever is not faithful in small things (Luke 16:10), is also unfaithful in large things, and is vainglorous. often happens that God humbles the vainglorious, sending a sudden misfortune. If prayer does not destroy a proud thought, we bring to mind the departure of the soul from this life. And if this does not help, let us fear the shame which follows dishonor. “For whoever humbles himself shall be exalted, and whoever exalts himself shall be humbled” (Luke 14:11). When those who praise us, or rather seduce us, start to praise us, let us recall our many sins, then we shall find that we are not worthy of what they say or do to honor us.” THE LADDER Saint John describes the ascent toward spiritual perfection, which is essential for anyone who wishes to save his soul. It is a written account of his thoughts, based on the collected wisdom of many wise ascetics, and on his own spiritual experience. The book is a great help on the path to truth and virtue. steps of THE LADDER proceed gradually from strength to strength on the path of perfection. The summit is not reached suddenly, but gradually, as the Savior says: “The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Mt.11:12). John is also commemorated on the fourth Sunday of Great Lent.

Egypt, 606-616, John tMerciful oAlexandria, Patriarch, many examples of mercy, great story, against Monophysite h
Egyptian Patriarch, 606-616, John the Merciful of Alexandria ; Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 12; John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, was born on Cyprus in the seventh century into the family of the illustrious dignitary Epiphanius. the wish of his parents he entered into marriage and had children. the wife and the children of the saint died, he became a monk. He was zealous in fasting and prayer, and had great love for those around him. spiritual exploits won him honor among men, and even the emperor revered him. the Patriarchal throne of Alexandria fell vacant, the emperor Heraclius and all the clergy begged Saint John to occupy the Patriarchal throne. saint worthily assumed his archpastoral service, concerning himself with the moral and dogmatic welfare of his flock. As patriarch he denounced every soul-destroying heresy, and drove out from Alexandria the Monophysite Phyllonos of Antioch. considered his chief task to be charitable and to give help all those in need. the beginning of his patriarchal service he ordered his stewards to compile a list of all the poor and downtrodden in Alexandria, which turned out to be over seven thousand men. The saint ordered that all of these unfortunates be provided for each day out of the church’s treasury. during the week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, he emerged from the doors of the patriarchal cathedral, and sitting on the church portico, he received everyone in need. settled quarrels, helped the wronged, and distributed alms. times a week he visited the sick-houses, and rendered assistance to the suffering. was during this period that the emperor Heraclius led a tremendous army against the Persian emperor Chosroes II. The Persians ravaged and burned Jerusalem, taking a multitude of captives. The holy Patriarch John gave a large portion of the church treasury for their ransom. saint never refused suppliants. One day, when the saint was visiting the sick, he met a beggar and commanded that he be given six silver coins. The beggar changed his clothes, ran on ahead of the Patriarch, and again asked for alms. Saint John gave him six more silver coins. however, the beggar sought charity a third time, and the servants began to chase the fellow away, the Patriarch ordered that he be given twelve pieces of silver, saying, he is Christ putting me to the test. the saint gave money to a merchant that had suffered shipwreck, and a third time gave him a ship belonging to the Patriarchate and filled with grain, with which the merchant had a successful journey and repaid his obligations. John the Merciful was known for his gentle attitude towards people. the saint was compelled to excommunicate two clergymen for a certain time because of some offense. of them repented, but the other fellow became angry with the Patriarch and fell into greater sins. saint wanted to summon him and calm him with kind words, but it slipped his mind. he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy, the saint was suddenly reminded by the words of the Gospel: “If you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift before the altar ... first, be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Mt. 5:23-24). saint came out of the altar, called the offending clergyman to him, and falling down on his knees before him in front of all the people he asked forgiveness. cleric, filled with remorse, repented of his sin, corrected himself, and afterwards was found worthy to be ordained to the priesthood. was a time when a certain citizen insulted George, the Patriarch’s nephew. George asked the saint to avenge the wrong. The saint promised to deal with the offender so that all of Alexandria would marvel at what he had done. This calmed George, and Saint John began to instruct him, speaking of the necessity for meekness and humility. Then he summoned the man who insulted George. When Saint John learned that the man lived in a house owned by the church, he declared that he would excuse him from paying rent for an entire year. Alexandria indeed was amazed by such a “revenge,” and George learned from his uncle how to forgive offenses and to bear insults for God’s sake. John, a strict ascetic and man of prayer, was always mindful of his soul, and of death. He ordered a coffin for himself, but told the craftsmen not to finish it. Instead, he would have them come each feastday and ask if it was time to finish the work. John was persuaded to accompany the governor Nicetas on a visit to the emperor in Constantinople. While on his way to visit the earthly king, he dreamed of a resplendent man who said to him, “The King of Kings summons you.” He sailed to his native island of Cyprus, and at Amanthos the saint peacefully fell asleep in the Lord (616-620). Venerable Vitalius of Gaza, Commemorated on April 22;

Egypt, 610-685, Anastasius, Sinai, Great ascetic, discernment, guardian angels, d away like smoke
Egyptian Saint, 610-685, Anastasius Sinaita; Venerable Anastasius the Abbot of Sinai, Commemorated on April 20; Anastasius of Sinai lived in the seventh century, and was one of the great ascetics who flourished on Mt. Sinai. his youth, he was raised in great piety and love for God. When he reached manhood, Saint Anastasius left the world and entered a monastery to take upon himself the yoke of Christ (Mt.11:29). Wishing to perfect himself in virtue, he went to Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mt. Sinai, where Saint John of the Ladder (March 30) was abbot. There he profited from the example of many holy men who were proficient in monasticism. of his humility, Saint Anastasius received wisdom and spiritual discernment from God. He wrote the Lives of several holy Fathers, as well as other spiritually instructive books. In time, he was found worthy of ordination to the holy priesthood. Saint John and his brother George, Saint Anastasius became abbot of Sinai. He was most zealous in his opposition to heresy, exposing it, refuting it, and covering its adherents with shame. He even traveled to Syria, Egypt, and Arabia to uproot heresy and strengthen the Church of Christ. Anastasius taught that God gives each Christian an angel to care for him throughout his life. However, we can drive our Guardian Angel away by our sins, just as bees are driven away by smoke. While the demons work to deprive us of the heavenly Kingdom, the holy angels guide us to do good. Therefore, only the most foolish individuals would drive away their Guardian Angel from themselves. a long life of faithfully serving God, Saint Anastasius fell asleep in the Lord in the year 685. He and the other ascetics of Mt. Sinai are also commemorated on Bright Wednesday, the Synaxis of the Monastic Fathers of Sinai.