Theoctistus of Palestine

Venerable Theoctistus/Theoktistos of Palestine, also Abba Theoktistus/Theoktistos (died 451), was an associate of Euthymius the Great. He was an ascetic who lived in a cell at the Pharan lavra, not far from the main monastery established by Euthymius,[1] and later became hegumen (abbot) of another monastery of the Judaean Desert, which became named after him.

Ascetic life

Remains of Faran/Pharan monastery

Euthymius and Theoctistus sought challenge and solitude in the desert each year after the Leave-taking of Theophany (the last day of the feast associated with the Baptism of Jesus), only returning to their hermitages on Palm Sunday.[2] Five years into their association, they went into the desert for Great Lent, and found in a wadi (see Wadi Mukallik/Nahal Og) a large cave where they remained praying for some time. Eventually shepherds from Bethany[which?] discovered them, and people from the area began to visit seeking spiritual guidance and bringing food. The monks then built a church. When other monks came seeking instruction, Euthymius and Theoctistus built a lavra over the cave church. Theoctistus became hegumen of the monastery.[2]

Euthymius is credited with establishing several monasteries, including that of Theoctistus.[3]

Death and commemoration

Theoctistus died at an advanced age in 451 and is commemorated on 3 September.[4]

References

  1. ^ Theoctistus & Euthymius, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
  2. ^ a b Venerable Theoctistus, Orthodox Church in America.
  3. ^ Binns, John (2011). "Euthymius the Great". In Betz, Hans D; Browning, Don S; Janowski, Bernd; Jüngel, Eberhard (eds.). Religion in Geschichte und Gegenwart [Religion in History and Present]. BRILL. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  4. ^ "Orthodox Calendar", Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, East Baltimore

Further reading