From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

January 11th =E2=80=93 St. Theodosius the Cenobiarch, hermit, abbot

(423-529)
=C2 Roughly translated, cenobitical means =E2=80=9Cpeople who have a life=
in
common,=E2=80=9D and refers to the monks who joined Saint Theodosius=E2=80=
=99
community. These monks, of many nationalities, devoted themselves to
the Lord, but did not remain in seclusion. Rather, they socialized and interacted with the outside world, which was a new approach to
monasticism at that time!

Theodosius was born to pious parents in Mogarissos, Cappadocia (modern
Turkey). Attracted to the academic life, he began his studies at an
early age, impressing all with his intellect and mind, and became a
lector while still young. Even as a child, he felt a desire to imitate
Abraham by leaving his parents, friends, relatives and everything else
for the love of God. Acting upon his calling, Theodosius left home and
set out for Jerusalem at the time of the Holy Fourth Ecumenical
Council of Chalcedon held in 451.

On his way to Jerusalem, Theodosius stopped in Antioch, where he was
greeted by Saint Simeon the Stylite. Simeon, greeting him by name,
invited Theodosius to climb his pillar. Together, the two spent time
in prayer and blessing, and Saint Simeon prophesied great spiritual
work for Theodosius. Following this momentous meeting, Theodosius
continued on to Jerusalem, visiting the Holy Places, and eventually
entering a monastery under the direction of abbot Longinus. Theodosius
began to live the life of a hermit in the desert, settling near the
Tower of David, but eventually became well known and respected, and
was sought out by pilgrims and disciples.

To escape the steady stream of pilgrims, Theodosius withdrew further
into the wilderness, settling on a mountaintop, residing in a cave
that tradition tells us is the same cave that the three Magi spent the
night in following their paying homage to Jesus (and later received
the angel's message, warning them to return to their home countries
without returning to Herod).

Theodosius lived for many years in his cave, practicing extreme forms
of austerity and asceticism. He generally refused to sleep and eat,
standing and praying throughout each day and night. To prevent falling
asleep, he tied a rope from the roof of the cage to hold him up, lest
he be overcome. Theodosius ate only enough to live--surviving on
dates, carob, wild vegetables, legumes, and hearts of palm. Again, his dedication to the Lord and his pious practices attracted many
followers from the neighboring countries, and Theodosius eventually
founded a small community of monks near Bethlehem.

This cenobitical community, which later became the Monastery of Saint Theodosius, attracted many followers of varied cultures and languages,
and grew rapidly. The monk's service to the sick, elderly, and mentally impaired is legendary. Theodosius used his influence as the abbot of
the many cenobitical communities that developed to oppose the spread
of heresies and fight for the true teachings of the Church. Due to his
zealous preaching and many followers, he was at one time exiled, but
later recalled. He spent the last years of his life in poor health,
but never stopped working for his communities and praying constantly.
Saint Theodosius died at the age of 105, and was buried in his
hermit's cave. This site has become a noted place of pilgrimage and
miracles.

The life of Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch was one of sacrifice and
suffering for the Lord and for his people. He willingly gave up his
home, his friends, and his family, traveling great distances to follow
the call of the Lord. He suffered poor health, exile, and hunger--all
the while, shining as an example of Christian love, devotion to
prayer, and concern for one's fellow human beings. The charity of
Saint Theodosius came at a great cost to him, and inspires us today to
be charitable to our neighbors, remembering that charity is sometimes
not easy=E2=80=A6 that there is cost to us as well.


Saint Quote:
I pray You to destroy in me all that is not of You. Grant that I may
live but in You, by You and for You, so that I may truly say, with
Saint Paul, "I live--now not I--But Christ lives in me.
-- Saint John Gabriel Perboyre

Bible Quote
From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, who was slain
between the altar and the temple: Yea I say to you, It shall be
required of this generation.=C2 (Luke 11:51)


<><><><>
O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through his poverty might
be rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of this world, that we,
inspired, by the devotion of your servant St. Theodosius the
Cenobiarch, may serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the
riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)