Venerable Paul (IV)

The Venerable Paul (IV) was distinguished by simplicity and humility. When he learned of his wife’s unfaithfulness, he left his home and went into the desert to Saint Antony the Great (commemorated 17 January). By then Paul was already sixty years old, and Saint Antony would not receive him, considering him too weak for the hard life of solitude. After three days of entreaty Saint Antony laid an obedience on Paul. For a long time he tested him with hard labour, fasting, vigils, unceasing chanting of the psalms and prostrations. After such a trial he allowed him to settle in a solitary cell.

For his labours over many years Paul received from the Lord the gift of foresight and the power to cast out evil spirits.