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Born to a pious family, Theodosius began his studies at an early age, and became a lector while still a youth. The example of Abraham led him to leave home in order to properly follow God. He met Saint Simeon Stylites in Antioch; Simeon recognized him as a holy man and leader, and invited Theodosius onto his pillar for prayer, blessing, and advice. He travelled to Jerusalem where legend says he worked with Saint Longinus the Centurian, who would have been nearly 500 years old at the time. He was also a head of a church near Bethlehem.
Theodosius was a hermit in the desert of Judah, living in a cave. Word of his holiness began to attract disciples, and Theodosius built a monastery at Cathismus to house them. They were so many there had to be a section for Greeks, for Armenians, for Persians, etc., but they all happily worked and prayed together. Next to the monastery he built a hospital for the sick, a hospice for the aged, and a mental hospital. He was a friend of and co-worker with Saint Sabbas. Appointed visitor to all cenobitical communities of Palestine the patriarch of Jerusalem.
Opposed heresies, including Eutychianism and Monophysitism. Emperor Anastatius, a supporter of Eutychianism, sent Theodosius a large bribe, hoping to sway the influential monk to his thinking; Theodosius distributed the money to the poor, and continued to preach against heresy. Because of his orthodox views, Anastatius removed him from his position in 513, but he soon resumed his duties under emperor Justinian.
In poor health in his old age, he was stricken with a condition that made his skin dry as stone. He continued to work until his health gave out, and then he spent his time praying for his community. He died at age 105.
Born
- 423 at Garissus, Cappadocia (modern Turkey)
Died
- 529 at Cathismus of natural causes
- buried in the cave where he live as a hermit
- it became a noted site for pilgrimages and miracles
Canonized
- Pre-Congregation
Name Meaning
- Cenobriach = head of people living a life in common
Representation
- abbot hermit with iron bands on his neck and arms, chains and a money bag near him
Patronage
- file maker
Source: https://catholicsaints.info/saint-theodosius-the-cenobiarch/
