Theophanes the Merciful of Gaza

Holy Venerable Theophanes the Merciful of Gaza lived in Gaza of Syria and is honoured for his uncommon almsgiving. He was gentle and generous: he received strangers, helped the poor and the sick, and spent all his property in the service of his neighbour, remaining in want himself. He did not grieve at the loss of his goods, but a greater trial awaited him.

He lost his health, and the illness brought him great pain. His body swelled and decayed and gave off a heavy odour. The venerable one bore this too with serenity, giving thanks to God for everything.

As he lay close to death a terrible storm broke out, and his wife grieved that she would not even be able to bury him as was fitting. The saint comforted her, telling her not to weep, for the trial had lasted until now, but now came the mercy of the compassionate God, and the storm would stop at the hour of his departure. So it happened: as soon as he gave his soul to the Lord, calm fell. After his death the body of Theophanes was wholly cleansed of wounds and pus, began to give a sweet fragrance and flowed with a healing myrrh.

The venerable one is commemorated on 12 October.