Romanos of Cilicia

Venerable Romanos of Cilicia was a hermit from the city of Rhosos in Cilicia who struggled in the fifth century in a cave near Antioch, in strict fasting.

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 did not light a fire in his cell. Because of his holy life, God gave him the grace of working miracles. Reports of his holiness drew great crowds of the faithful who asked for his blessing. He healed several people of grave illnesses, and through his prayers many barren women gave birth to healthy children. The gift of miracles did not make him proud. On the contrary, he often quoted the words of Saint Paul: "Let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12), and said that it is no great thing to work miracles, but to do works of righteousness and keep the commandments of God. So, after a life pleasing to God, Saint Romanos reposed in peace.

He is commemorated on 27 November and on 9 February. The Church calls on his help, with Saints Stylianos (26 November), Hypatios, and Theodore and John, for deliverance from childlessness.