Agabbas of Syria

Saint Agabbas of Syria, the Ishmaelite, was a monk of the fifth century. He is commemorated on 5 December.

He was an Ishmaelite by birth. Leaving his homeland, his parents and his riches, he followed a monk, from whom he received the monastic habit. Agabbas's teacher went with him to the great ascetic Eusebius, from whom the saint learned to remain for a long time in prayerful vigil. After the death of blessed Eusebius, Agabbas stayed in his cell and lived there thirty-⁠eight years. He never wore shoes, he wore heavy chains on his loins, and his food was lentils soaked in water. During the day and the night he spent most of his time standing and on his knees, raising prayers to the Most High. He gave up sitting altogether: no one ever saw him sitting. As an ascetic he was an example of love of wisdom and obedience. Ending his life in such labours, he reposed in peace in the Lord.