The first Christian hermit saint in Egypt.
St. Paul of Thebes is honored as the first Christian hermit. Fleeing the persecution of Decius in the third century, he withdrew into the inner desert of Egypt, where he lived unknown to the world for many decades in fasting, solitude, and unceasing prayer.
Near the end of his long life he was found by St. Anthony the Great, who was sent to him by God and later buried him, and through Anthony his hidden life was made known to the Church. He is commemorated on January 15.
Feast day
On the New Calendar, Paul of Thebes is commemorated on January 15. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on January 28 of the civil calendar.
Who celebrates a name day
People with these names keep their name day on this feast:
Also commemorated on January 15
John the Kalyvites
Venerable, Ιωάννης ο Καλυβίτης
Venerable John the Hut-Dweller, who lived unknown at his parents' gate.
Alexander the Akoimetos
Venerable, Αλέξανδρος ο Ακοίμητος
Venerable Alexander, founder of the monastery of the Sleepless Ones.
Icon: public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.
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