Sawin

Saint Sawin (Sabinus), hierarch, was bishop of Cyprus at the end of the fourth century and the beginning of the fifth. He was born in the Phoenician city of Lycia. Learning of the renowned monk and ascetic Epiphanius of Cyprus, he went to him and was tonsured a monk. For five years he struggled in the desert together with Saint Epiphanius. Sawin also wrote the life and deeds of the holy bishop Epiphanius. When Epiphanius ascended the episcopal throne of Cyprus, he ordained Sawin a priest. After the death of his spiritual guide and teacher, Sawin succeeded him on the see of Cyprus. A wise pastor, he carried out his ministry zealously, defending the Church against heretics. He died at a great age, around the middle of the fifth century. The Orthodox Church commemorates him on 12 May, the Menaion date (in Churches that keep the old style, the day corresponds to 25 May civil).