Thomas Maleinos

Venerable Thomas Maleinos (Thomas of Malea) was a venerable of the ninth and tenth centuries, a former military commander turned monk and hermit. He is commemorated on 7 July by the old calendar; the Ukrainian source places him on 20 July, together with Acacius of the Ladder.

According to the sources, Thomas was born in the ninth century (according to the Ukrainian source, at Malea in Laconia) and was at first a military commander who repeatedly brought his people victory in battles and wars. He was of very great stature, which frightened his enemies. For this he enjoyed standing and respect among his own people. But Thomas chose the service of God over glory and honours and received the monastic tonsure. He visited elder monks, seeking guidance from them with great humility on the spiritual way.

A few years after his tonsure, Thomas, receiving blessing for the life of a hermit and strengthened spiritually by a special revelation received through the prophet Elijah, left the world and withdrew to Mount Malea (according to the Russian source, in the eastern part of Athos; according to the Serbian source, Elijah led him to the mountain called Malea, near the Holy Mountain; according to the Ukrainian source, by another version, Mount Malea in Laconia). There he led a life of ascetic labour, shining with virtues and miracles, fighting many temptations and subduing, by the grace of God, the body to the spirit. It is believed that God gave him the gift of healing those who suffered from every illness, and so Christians came to him constantly, and Thomas never refused to give them help, even though he hid from the world.

He died in the tenth century, in great old age, and at his tomb many miracles took place. The faithful pray to Saint Thomas for help in their struggle with illness.