Theophanes of Antioch

Venerable Theophanes of Antioch was a hermit who, after the death of his wife, came to Christ and, by the wisdom of his love, rescued a sinful woman known as Pansemne. Both departed to the Lord on the same day, in the year 369.

Theophanes was the son of pagans. In his youth he married, but after three years his wife died. Then he believed in Christ, received baptism, left everything and lived in a small cell outside the city, in evangelical poverty. He zealously taught those who came to him to keep the commandments of God, above all to lead a pure and chaste life, and he rebuked the licentiousness of the people of Antioch.

Learning of a woman of loose life, Pansemne, who had drawn many into the snares of the devil, Theophanes ardently wished to save her. Knowing how hard such a deed was and feeling his own weakness, he prayed long that the Lord would send him help. Then he put on fine clothes, took a great deal of gold from his father and went to her. He gave her the gold and persuaded her to leave her sinful life and marry him. She gladly agreed and gave him her word that she would be his wife. His one condition was that she should receive baptism.

Pansemne agreed, hoping for an advantageous marriage. While he prepared her for the sacrament, Theophanes taught her the Christian faith and showed that the justice of God does not tolerate sin and debauchery, while His love is generous to the repentant. After baptism Pansemne was entirely changed by the grace of God. She gave away to works pleasing to God all that she had gained by sin, settled in a hut near the cell of the venerable one and lived as an ascetic. After twenty-⁠two months she departed this life, on the same day as her teacher (369).

Venerable Theophanes is commemorated on 23 June.