Our Venerable Father Onuphrius the Great (c. 337). Our Venerable Father Peter of Athos (892). Krystynopil Icon of the Mother of God.
Apostles’ Fast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
Romans 11:2-12. Matthew 11:20-26.
Read Romans 11:2-12
Today we commemorate St. Onuphrius who is one of the great Desert Fathers and historically loved by the Ukrainian people. We know about this great saint because St. Paphnutius, an ascetic from the Thebaid desert in Egypt, documented the lives of several 4th-century hermits, including St. Onuphrius the Great, and hermits Timothy, Andrew, Charalampus, and Theophilus. Driven by a desire to find a monk who surpassed his own ascetic efforts, Paphnutius ventured deep into the desert with minimal supplies. His journey led him to the dead body of an elder, whom he buried, and then to Abba Timothy, a hermit who had lived in solitude for 30 years after fleeing the monastery to atone for a sin. Timothy sustained himself on dates and spring water and warned Paphnutius about the harsh temptations of the desert.
Continuing his quest, Paphnutius met Abba Onuphrius, who had lived in isolation for 60 years. He was covered from head to foot with white hair and his loins were girded with leaves of desert plants. Onuphrius shared his life story, including his guidance from an angel and sustenance from a miraculous date-palm and spring. Knowing his end was near, Onuphrius instructed Paphnutius to bury him and return to his monastery to share the stories of the desert hermits. After Onuphrius’ passing into eternal life, Paphnutius buried him and witnessed the cave’s collapse, signalling that he should leave.
Paphnutius then encountered other ascetics, including a hermit who lived with two others, and four youths from Oxyrhynchus, who were guided into the desert and received weekly Holy Communion from an angel. They lived off the land and engaged in solitary prayer, coming together on weekends for communal worship.
Paphnutius’ travels culminated in an oasis where the angel granted him and the youths Holy Communion, but the angel instructed him to return to Egypt and recount the lives of the desert hermits. Upon his return, Paphnutius shared his experiences, which were documented by the monastery brethren, highlighting the devout lives of the Thebaid hermits.
Seeking others of like mind and those who are spiritually ahead of us can bring great edification and blessing on our own spiritual journey. St. Onuphrius’ life and his spiritual teaching would not have become such a blessing to others if St. Paphnutius would not have sought him out. Let us take a moment today to give thanks to the Lord for our bishops, priests and all those who inspire us to run the good race. Let us surround ourselves with good Christian example for our edification and unto our salvation.