Saint Agabbas of Syria

Commemorated on November 22.

Saint Agabbas was by birth an Ishmaelite (Arab) and pursued asceticism in Syria. He was a novice under the Monk Eusebius, from whom he learned inner prayer and silence, and he lived thirty-eight years as a hermit. The saint always went barefoot, wore chains on his loins and never sat nor lay down. Saint Agabbas spent both day and night standing or kneeling, constantly at prayer. He finished his ascetic life in peace.

Troparion

In you the image was preserved with exactness, O Father,
for taking up your cross, you followed after Christ.
By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away,
but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal.
Therefore, most venerable Father Agabbas your spirit rejoices with the Angels.

Kontakion

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)
Having divinely armed yourself with the purity of your soul,
and firmly grasping unceasing prayer as a spear, you pierced the armies of demons.
O our Father Agabbas, pray unceasingly for us all.