Venerable Theodosius of Antioch (+c. 412)

Saint Theodosius of Antioch left his rich family while still young and settled in a small cell on the shore of the Gulf of Issus, near the city of Rhosus. The saint slept on the bare ground, wore a garment of sackcloth, and also bore heavy iron chains. His hair grew so long that it reached his ankles. By the unending labour of fasting and prayer the Venerable Theodosius subdued the passions of the flesh, calmed anger, and cleansed his mind of impure thoughts. In his homeland he founded a monastery and kindled in its brothers a love of physical work and spiritual labour; the venerable father showed special care for wanderers and the destitute. The saint became famous far and wide; both Christians and pagans knew him. In times of danger seafarers called on “the God of Theodosius” for help. Sometimes even the mere mention of his name calmed the raging waves. Even robbers feared and respected the saint and asked for his prayers. Theodosius decided to escape human glory. Near the village of Marathon he began the life of a hermit, and there he reposed in peace (+c. 412).