Joasaph of India

Venerable Joasaph, son of King Abenner of India.

According to the celebrated tale of Barlaam and Joasaph, Joasaph was a prince of India whose father sought to shield him from all knowledge of suffering and faith. Instructed by the hermit Barlaam, he embraced Christ, later converted his father and finally left his throne for the desert.

He is honoured with Barlaam and Abenner as a model of renunciation.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Joasaph of India is commemorated on August 26. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on September 8 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on August 26

• 

  Adrian and Natalia

  Martyr, Αδριανός και Ναταλία

  Holy Martyrs Adrian and Natalia.

  Name days: Adrianos, Adrian, Natalia, Natalja, Natasha

• Tithoes the Ascetic

  Venerable, Τιθόης

  Venerable Tithoes, ascetic of Egypt.

• Attikos and Sisinios

  Martyr, Αττικός και Σισίνιος

  Holy Martyrs Attikos and Sisinios.

• Maria of Diveyevo

  Holy Woman, Μαρία του Ντιβέεβο

  Blessed Maria Ivanovna of Diveyevo, Fool-for-Christ.