The Venerable Patapius was born in the city of Thebes (now Luxor) on the right bank of the Nile River in Upper (Southern) Egypt in the 5th century.

From an early age, he had "a spirit of power, love and prudence", as recommended to Christians by Saint Paul the Apostle.

Patapius faithfully lived according to Christ's commandments, setting an example to his neighbors with his life.

When he came of age, he gave away his possessions to the poor and retired to the desert.

There he spent the days in prayer, studying the Holy Scriptures and charity.

To every weary traveler who passed his cell he offered rest and hospitality.

At the same time, he took advantage of the opportunity with insight and kindness to give each person spiritual instructions and advice useful for the salvation of his soul.

Thus the fame of Patapius spread rapidly, and every day many people, hermits and pilgrims, came to his cell to hear from his mouth a beneficent teaching.

After some time, Patapius went to the capital of the empire - Constantinople.

He wanted to remain unknown and therefore lived as an ascetic near the temple of the Holy Virgin in Vlacherna, near the walls of the capital.

There, in the midst of the bustle of the big city, Patapius, with his modest and pure life thanks to the accumulated spiritual experience, was useful to many people whom he led on the path of salvation through faith and good works.

We celebrate the memory of Saint Ambrose of Milan and Reverend Philoteia of Tarnovska

God assisted him by performing miracles through the prayers of the holy old man.

Many people found healing from physical and mental illnesses, and even more were those who followed the spiritual instructions of the reverend.

Thus Patapius again became famous and attracted many weary and burdened people.

The Venerable Patapius died at the beginning of the 6th century. In the 15th century, his relics were transferred to the mountain above the present-day city of Loutraki in Greece, where there is now a monastery in honor of Saint Patapius.

The Orthodox Church observes