Neophytos the Recluse

Venerable Neophytos the Recluse of Cyprus.

January 24

St. Neophytos was born in Cyprus in 1134 and, after failing to reach the hermits of Mount Latros, carved a cell for himself in a cliff near Paphos, where he lived as a recluse for nearly fifty years. A community gathered around him, and he wrote many spiritual works.

His cave and monastery, the Enkleistra, remain a place of pilgrimage. He is commemorated on January 24.

April 12

Neophytos was born in Cyprus in the twelfth century and, after years of monastic life, carved a cell for himself in a cliff near Paphos, the Enkleistra, where he lived in seclusion. Disciples gathered around him and a monastery grew up at the site.

He wrote many works of instruction and commentary and reposed in peace in the early thirteenth century. His relics are venerated at his monastery.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Neophytos the Recluse is commemorated on January 24. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on February 6 of the civil calendar.

On the New Calendar, Neophytos the Recluse is commemorated on April 12. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on April 25 of the civil calendar.

Who celebrates a name day

People with these names keep their name day on this feast:

Neophytos, Neofytos

Also commemorated on January 24

• 

  Xenia of Petersburg

  Holy Woman, Ξένη

  Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg, fool-for-Christ.

  Name days: Xenia, Ksenia, Xenya

• Xenia of Rome

  Holy Woman, Ξένη η Ρωμαία

  Venerable Xenia of Rome and her two maidservants.

  Name days: Xenia, Xeni, Ksenia, Xene

• Babylas of Sicily

  Martyr, Βαβύλας ο εν Σικελία

  Hieromartyr Babylas of Sicily and his disciples Timothy and Agapios.

• Philon of Karpasia

  Hierarch, Φίλων Καρπασίας

  St. Philon the Wonderworker, Bishop of Karpasia in Cyprus.

• Makedonios the Hermit

  Venerable, Μακεδόνιος

  Venerable Makedonios the Hermit of Syria.