Saint Euthymius The Great

Biography

Saint Euthymius The Great, also known as Euthymius of Melitine, was born in 378 in Melitine, Armenia (now modern Malatya, Turkey). While little is known about his early life and parents, it is believed that he may have been an orphan as he was educated at the home of Bishop Orteus of Melitine. During his education, Saint Polyeuctus of Melitine, a close friend of Euthymius' family, became one of his spiritual directors. It was under his guidance that Euthymius developed a deep commitment to the Christian faith and a calling to a life of prayer and asceticism. In 396, Euthymius was ordained a monk and served as the deputy of the bishop for monasteries in the Melitine diocese. However, in 406, he decided to pursue a life of solitude and became a hermit near the monastery of Pharan, located about six miles from Jerusalem. During this time, he supported himself by making baskets, but most of his earnings were generously given to those who were even poorer than himself. After spending five years as a hermit, Euthymius moved to Jericho and lived in a cave with another hermit named Theoctistus. He only left his cell on Saturdays and Sundays to provide spiritual guidance to those who sought his counsel. The reputation of holiness surrounding Euthymius drew so many people that together with Theoctistus, they decided to build a monastery. Theoctistus became the abbot, and Euthymius withdrew to a small cell near the Dead Sea. During his time in solitude, Euthymius performed various miracles, including the cure of a young Arab boy, the son of Sheikh Asbepetus, by making the sign of the cross over him. This miraculous healing led to the conversion of many Arab adults, significant for spreading Christianity in the region. Around 426, Euthymius established a hermitage with 15 cells at Khan-el-Ahmar. Later, in 431, he was ordained a bishop by Juvenal, the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Euthymius attended the Council of Ephesus that same year, where he actively participated in the discussions and decisions made by the Church. However, following the council, he chose to return to his life of solitude and prayer. Euthymius played an influential role in guiding Empress Eudoxia and her followers away from the Monophysite heresy and back to orthodox thinking. He also became a renowned teacher, mentoring prominent figures such as Saint Sabas the Great, who later became a pivotal figure in monasticism himself. Following his years of public service and spiritual leadership, Euthymius once again withdrew into a life of solitary prayer. His steadfast commitment to his faith and his wise counsel led many to conversion and a deeper devotion to God. In a remarkable testament to his sainthood, Euthymius even foretold the date of his own death. He passed away on January 20, 473, of natural causes. Saint Euthymius The Great holds a special place in the history of the Catholic Church as a model of holiness, selflessness, and devotion to prayer. His life and teachings continue to inspire countless individuals to pursue a deeper relationship with God. Though his specific patronages are unknown, his exemplary life and spiritual achievements make him a patron of all those seeking enlightenment and guidance on their spiritual journey. Saint Euthymius The Great was canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church in the Pre-Congregation era, and his feast day is celebrated on January 20th.