Venerable Malchus the Syrian (IV)

The Venerable Malchus the Syrian (IV) was the only son of a farmer of Antioch. His parents wanted him to marry, but Malchus left home and was tonsured a monk in a certain monastery. After his father’s death Malchus decided to visit his mother. The abbot of the monastery did not give the novice his blessing, but Malchus would not listen and joined a group of travellers going to Antioch. On the way Saracens attacked the travellers, seized them and carried them off as slaves. His master forced the monk Malchus to marry a slave woman. By agreement with his wife Saint Malchus kept his virginity, and with her he escaped from captivity. Pursued by their master, the fugitives hid in a lion’s den. The lion tore the pursuer to pieces, but did not touch Malchus and his wife. Saint Malchus left his wife in a convent, and himself returned to his own monastery. Meanwhile the abbot had died. After this Malchus did not leave the monastery again, and there he reposed in peace.