Babylas of Tarsus

Holy Venerable Babylas of Tarsus was at first a jester in Tarsus of Cilicia. From a man of loose life he became a monk and a recluse known for compassion and humility.

Babylas lived without order and had two wives, Comito and Nicosia. One day, entering a church, he heard at the reading of the Gospel the words "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand". He felt then how ruinous his life was and wished to leave the passions of the world and become a monk. He told his wives and wanted to divide his wealth equally between them. They, however, chose the way of virtue: they gave their property to the poor and put on the monastic habit. Babylas made a cell for himself in one of the city walls, and his wives settled in cells not far from the fortifications.

The ascetic became known as a man "compassionate, merciful and humble-⁠minded". Blessed John Moschus related that he had known him personally and had gained much spiritual profit from conversations with him. The saint reposed in peace.

The account of Babylas and his wives was placed in the "Spiritual Meadow" of John Moschus and then entered the Great Menaion of Macarius, under 22 February. The calendar shows him on 13 March (a movable date, new style), in the Synaxis of All the Venerable Fathers who shone in ascetic labor.