Venerable Thalassius (VII)

The Venerable Thalassius was superior of a monastery in Libya in the seventh century. He was a friend of Maximus the Confessor (commemorated 21 January). As the correspondence of the holy ascetics shows, for many years they wrote to each other to resolve difficulties arising in the spiritual life. Deeply learned in Holy Scripture, the blessed Thalassius also cared for the enlightenment of his flock. His is the work “On Love, Self-control and the Spiritual Life”, which consists of four hundred chapters written in the form of acrostics. In this work the author gives moral instruction and also touches on dogmatic questions. John of Damascus (commemorated 4 December) relies in his theological works on the writings of the Venerable Thalassius. The holy father focuses mainly on inner spiritual labour and the struggle with the passions.

The Venerable Thalassius died in deep old age, around 660. Fragrant myrrh flowed from his relics.