Our Righteous Fathers Paul of Thebes and John the Hut-Dweller.
Saint Paul, first among hermits, was born about 227 in the Thebaïd of Egypt. In 250 he fled into the wilderness because of the persecution raging at that time under Decius. Having lived a solitary life in a certain cave for ninety-one years, he reposed in 341, at the age of 114, and was buried by Anthony the Great, who had been directed thither by God several days before the Saint’s repose.
Saint John, who was from Constantinople, was the son of illustrious parents, Eutropius the Senator, and Theodora. At twelve years of age he departed secretly from his home and went to the Monastery of the Unsleeping (see Dec. 29). Aflame with longing for his parents, he returned after six years to his father’s house in the guise of a pauper and beggar. Living in a small hut at the gates of his parents’ house – wherefrom he is called “hut-dweller” – he remained unknown therein for many years, and suffered mockery at the hands of those who had been his own servants. Foreknowing his death, he revealed himself to his parents, and within a few moments reposed, about the year 450.
The above account is taken from the Great Horologion,
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