Romanos of Cilicia

Venerable Romanos of Cilicia was from the city of Rhosos in Cilicia, but he spent his hermit life, in strict fasting, in a cave near Antioch in the fifth century. At the foot of a mountain he built a small cell in which he struggled. He wore heavy chains under his hair shirt, and for many years he lit no fire in his cell.

Because of his holy life God granted him the grace of working miracles. Crowds of the faithful came to ask his blessing. He healed several people of grave illnesses, and through his prayers many infertile women gave birth to healthy children. The gift of miracles did not make him proud. He often quoted the words of the Apostle Paul, "Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall," and said that the great thing is not to work miracles but to do righteous works and keep God's commandments. After a God-⁠pleasing life he reposed in peace. He is commemorated on 9 February (new style; 22 February on the old calendar) and on 27 November. His help is sought for deliverance from childlessness.