James the Hermit

Venerable James the Hermit struggled in Syria in the 5th century. While still young he fled the world and learned the rules of asceticism under the guidance of Venerable Zebinas (commemorated 7 March) and then of Saint Miron (commemorated 14 February). With his teacher's blessing he shut himself in a small hut, where he lived alone for some years, then settled on a barren, desolate mountain and lived under the open sky, enduring the summer heat and the winter frost. He prayed unceasingly and ate only barley soaked in water. On the mountain he wore fetters made in such a way that they kept him bent at the waist all the time.

Evil spirits attacked him fiercely, but he withstood them firmly. The Lord gave him the gift of healing the sick, casting out unclean spirits and raising the dead. His name spread through the whole East, and crowds with pains of soul and body came to him for help. He reposed in the year 457. The Church of Georgia commemorates him on 26 November (old style; 9 December new style).