The (UNABBRIDGED) Life and Struggles of Our Holy Father Amongst The SaintsSAVVAS the Sanctified 1

Whose Memory the Holy Church Celebrates on the 5th / 18th (Old Calendar) of DecemberAnd on October 13th on the occasion of the return of Saint Savvas relics to Palestine after being stolen by

Latins

(: , , , , , , , / Feast: Savvas, Sabbas, Savas, Sabas, Savvoula, Voula, Savvouli, Savvitsa, Savitsa)

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Troparion of St Sabbas the Sanctified- tone 1

Sanctified from youth, O righteous Sabbas,/ thou wast a summit of righteousness equal to the Angels./ Thou didst lead a heavenly life, andguide thy flock to godliness by word and deed./ And they cry to thee with faith:/ Glory to Him Who has strengthened thee; Glory to Him Who

has crowned thee;/ Glory to Him Who through thee works healings for all.

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

O blessed Sabbas, thou wast offered from thine infancy through thy great virtue as a pure and spotless sacrifice unto God, Who ere thy birth,verily foreknew thee; wherefore thou wast an adornment of the righteous Saints, an all-praised founder of cities in the wilderness. Hence, I

cry to thee: Rejoice, O Father of great renown.

BRIEF READING OF VENERABLE SAINT SAVVAS'S LIFE

Our Venerable, Godbearing Father Sabbas the Sanctified (533) "This Saint was born in 439 in Moutalaska, a small village of Cappadocia. He entered the arena of the monastic life from childhood and was under that mastertrainer of monastics, Euthymius the Great, the teacher of the desert. He became the spiritual father of many monks and an instructor for the monasteries inPalestine, and was appointed leader (archimandrite) of the desert-dwellers of Palestine by the Patriarch of Jerusalem. In his old age he went to Constantinople,to the Emperors Anastasius and Saint Justinian the Great, in behalf of the Orthodox Faith and the dogmas of the Council of Chalcedon. Having lived ninety-four years, he reposed in 533. The Typicon for the ecclesiastical services had its beginning in the monastery established by this righteous one."

THE CHILDHOOD OF ST. SAVVAS

Our wondrous father Savvas, great in virtue, was from the village of Mutalascas in Cappadocia where, in the year 439, he was born to devout and eminentparents, John and Sophia. When the child was five years of age, his parents went to Alexandria on business of military importance, for his father served in thearmy. They left Savvas and his entire estate with one of his fathers brothers, named Hermias, who was to undertake his education in the event of his parentsdeath. Therefore, the child was reared in his uncles house. However, his aunt was bad tempered and ill-disposed and apt to take offence for the slightestreason. Thus, Savvas departed and went to another brother of his father, named Gregory. He spent only a little while there, yet all observed and admired hisupright conduct for by no means did he play as other children, or engage in other mischievous pastimes, but was known even then as a prudent Old Man.

Approximately twenty stadia from Mutalascas was the Monastery of Flavian. The excellent Christian youth desired to strive for his salvation, and he disdainedwealth, money, worldly fame and everything else that captivates the spirit of youth. Therefore despising every bodily delight for the sake of divine love, hebetook himself to the aforementioned monastery, begging the superior to number him amongst his flock and to tonsure and make him a monastic, The Abbotreceived him with joy, observing his willingness and Godly inclinations. However, the uncles of Savvas went to the monastery, and, plying him with variousreasons and exhortations, they strove to dissuade him from remaining in the monastery, saying that it was better to be married, to have children and to enjoy alife similar to their own, instead of enduring hardships and ascetical labors. But Savvas, being wise and sensible, did not heed their spiritually harmful butunsuccessful words, preferring to remain in the house of God, rather than live with his relatives.

He called to mind the parable of the rich man and Lazarus [Lk. 16: 19-31}: the rich man had great wealth on earth and every comfort, yet when he needed a dropof water, no one gave him any, and he was grievously tormented by his burning tongue. Again, the poor man was in straits and afflictions on earth, yet went tothe Bosom of Abraham and enjoyed ineffable and everlasting delight.

THE MONASTERY OF FLAVIAN

Thus, the goodly youth showed himself from childhood to be wiser than his elders, judging it foolish to choose eternal damnation for temporary pleasures.Accordingly, he continued in the monastery, in subjection to all its ordinances, and hardships required by the monastic way of life, which he indefatigably kept.His continence and extreme abstinence attained to a level such as the following story will portray. One day, while working in the garden, he espied a tree ladenwith fragrant and ripened apples, and as a man, he was overcome and took one to eat. Afterwards, he recognized that it had been an allurement of the devil

designed to bring him to violate the appointed hour (that is, to eat before the assigned time). He called to mind the extreme evil that befell our first parentswhen they did not keep the divine command. Therefore Savvas cast the apple to the ground and did not eat it. In fact, not only on this one occasion, butthereafter, he imposed upon himself a rule never to partake of apples for the remainder of his life, and utterly vanquished and trampled bravely upon thedemon of gluttony and the rest of the passions, so much so that he surpassed all the other monastics of the monastery in vigilance, prayerfulness, humility andall other spiritual accomplishments, so that from his youth he was vouchsafed to perform miracles, one of which is the following.

One particular day it rained, and the baker was soaked and was at a loss how to dry his garments; inasmuch as there was no sun, he placed them in the oven.The following day, he forgot to remove them and lit the oven to bake bread. Then he remembered his clothing and grieved, for the fire was lit and it wasimpossible to extinguish it immediately. The divine Savvas, who disdained his body, straightway went into the oven and retrieved the garments undamaged,without so much as singing a single hair of his head. They that saw this marveled, and from that hour they respected him not as a child, but as a revered elder(which presaged his future virtues and the boldness before God of which he is deemed worthy).

After he passed a sufficient time a Flavians, he earnestly desired to go up to Jerusalem, on the one hand to become familiar with the Holy Land (Palestine), andalso to search out righteous and holy men from whom to profit spiritually. Therefore, he besought the abbot to permit his departure. The abbot, however,would not relent, for he desired Savvas to remain in his monastery, to be of benefit to the brethren. Wherefore, he advised Savvas to abide in the coenobium;for it was better to submit to others, than do ones own will. But God, who foreknew the future, sent an angel to the abbot to proclaim the following message:Do not attempt to hinder Savvas any further, but permit his departure to pursue his desire. Consequently, the abbot released him.

Savvas took leave of all the brethren and departed. At that time he was eighteen years old, ten of which he had spent in the monastery, for he had been onlyeight years old when he was garbed in the Schema and had forsaken everything that is of this world.

SAINT SAVVAS IN JERUSALEM

He arrived in Jerusalem during wintertime and lodged in the monastery of the holy Passarion, who was an elder from Cappadocia. Archimandrite Passarion(commemorated on the 11th of August) had taken part in the consecration of St. Efthimios church. He was looked back to as a primary figure in the monasticlife of Jerusalem, where he founded a famous almshouse outside the east gate of the city and a great and beautiful coenobium within the walls of Holy Sion forthe devotees of that shrine, for the service and psalmody of those who without ceasing glorify the Lord. 2 Savvas tarried there until winter passed.

News of his arrival spread everywhere, and, learning of his divinely-inspired mode of life, many vied among themselves, desiring to acquire him for theirmonastery. However, the blessed one did not wish to join any of them, for he loved solitude. He also had heard of the illustrious Efthimios virtues that heillumined the Desert of the East and shone more brightly than the sun in his teachings and miracles. His heart was consumed with the desire to become adisciple of the great Efthimios-for verily, they loved the same things. Savvas desired to nourish his soul spiritually with Efthimioss virtues and to grow.

SAINT SAVVAS MEETS SAINT EFTHIMIOS

Savvas repaired thither and fell at the feet of the holy Efthimios, entreating him with tears to receive him into his flock and to shepherd him with the rest of thesheep. Now Efthimios, being experienced and eminent in spiritual struggles, took into account the youths tender years and did not wish to accept himimmediately into his Lavra, but sent him to the monastery which he had apart from the Lavra, where Theoktistos (commemorated the 3 rd of September) was incharge. He explained to Savvas that he should remain steadfast there until he grew a beard and became well instructed in the precepts of his monastic calling.The blessed Savvas, who was already trained in all the virtues, was not opposed to this, but said to Efthimios with respect and humility: Holy Father, I camehere on account of thy sanctity, that thou mightest guide me to salvation, and I am ready to obey all they soul-saving commands.

Nevertheless, Efthimios sent Savvas to Theoktistos, with a written message to the affect that Savvas was replete with the Holy Spirit, and that Theoktistosshould govern him carefully, for, in the future, Savvas would fill the whole world with his glory. Theoktistos acknowledged Efthimios foresight, and verily, allthis occurred. (Efthimios built the huge Palestinian Lavra and countless monastics flocked there. Afterwards, Savvas became a standard and model of theloftiest level of sanctity, for he provided the monks with laws and ordinances, just as he had learned from the great Efthimios. 3This also included the provisionthat they were never to accept a beardless one, which to this day is preserved irrevocably). Therefore, the divine Savvas stayed with the blessed Theoktistos andministered diligently in all manual labors - that is, carrying wood and water, tilling the garden and doing other heavy work, which he executed assiduously, forhe was not only humble and good-natured, but was powerful physically and tall in stature. Wherefore he assisted everyone happily, and all were thankful andloved him.

However, despite his bodily labors, the blessed one was never absent or missing from nocturnal prayers and services, and he performed his daily tasks tirelessly.Futhermore, in the night offices, he was first present, and all marveled to behold such blameless conduct and perfect propriety in one so young. But the devilalso took notice of his eager readiness and attempted to lead him away from divine love in the following manner.

SAINT SAVVAS IN ALEXANDRIA

There was a brother in the monastery named John, from Alexandria, who oft-times besought the blessed Theoktistos to give him leave to go to Alexandria,where his parents had reposed, that he might put their estate in order. Furthermore, he requested that Savvas be given him as a traveling companion, for hewas strong, skilled and eager in every service he performed. With reluctance, Theoktistos consented and sent Savvas to Alexandria to investigate Johns affairsand to execute all the required particulars. However, in Alexandria there were also the parents of Savvas, who recognized their son and were determined tohold him and to coerce him by various means. They endeavored to have him replace his father in the army and, with it, to receive honor and glory from theEmperor. The Blessed Savvas perceived this to be an invention of the evil one, that, by the love and favor displayed by his parents, he might impede and evendrive Savvas away from his spiritual exercises and make him turn back. He answered them with wisdom and prudence: It is not proper to love you more thanmy master, for He said: He that loves their Father and Mother more than ME is not worthy of ME [Mt. 10:37], nor to prefer the temporal army before that ofthe Gospel, for whosoever deserts the army of the earthly emperor is severely punished and censured; how much more will I, wretched that I am, heap dishonorupon myself by holding contempt the heavenly King and violating the Angelic Schema? Therefore, if you want me to have you as my parents, do not raise thissubject anymore!

Therefore, they withdrew from him, not being able restrain him. But they insisted that he take at least a certain amount of gold (twenty gold pieces) for hissupport, maintenance and minor expenses. However he took only three coins, and this only so as not to offend them, yet, in so doing, he did not condescend tothem, for when he returned to the preparatory monastery, he gave them over to Theoktistos, in order not to possess anything himself.

SAINT THEOKTISTOS REPOSES

When Savvas had sojourned there for ten years, the holy Theoktistos reposed, and the great Efthimios appointed another abbot named Longinus. At the time ofthe elevation of Longinus, Savvas was thirty years of age, being skilled and perfect in every form of ascetism. He had a great yearning to retire to a solitary and

desolate area and requested permission to depart from Longinus, who in turn wrote to the great Efthimios to apprise him of the matter, for, without hiscounsel, Longinus would do nothing. Now the illustrious Efthimios knew the extraordinary fervor of Savvas with regard to spiritual matters and his divine love,so he replied that by no means should Savvas be detained, but should be left to his own, to fulfill his desire . When Savvas received his sanction, he went to acave which was located to the south of the monastery and there remained from Monday to Friday, without sustenance, occupying himself with prayer andapplying himself to his handiwork.

Every Saturday, he brought to the monastery fifty straw baskets. Afterwards, he would gather up palms, that is date-palm leaves, for his weekly work, and wouldenter into the cavern. There he lived for five years.

LENTEN RETREAT

The divine Efthimios took note of Savvas' manner of life and, at thirty-five, called him "the young elder." Efthimios had a yearly custom, after the "Feast of theTheophany", to enter the inner desert and struggle ascetically the entire Great Fast. He took Savvas into his company, together with another disciple, Domitionof Melitene, one of the deacons of the Lavra (where he continued to serve until his death.). 4 Accordingly, they would return again to the Lavra for the HolyResurrection (Pascha). Therefore, the three made ready and repaired into the utter wilderness adjacent to the Dead Sea. Inasmuch, as they had walked long andfar, and the land was barren, and the days were scorching and excessively hot, Savvas became dehydrated and exhausted. Unable to walk any further, hefainted, falling to the ground like one dead. Now when Efthimios saw him thus, he was quite distressed and went a little distance apart and made entreatybefore God, saying: "O God our Master, Have Compassion on thy servant, this young man, and bestow water, that he not die of thirst and the burning heat!"

Following Efthimios' prayer, he struck the earth three times with his hoe, and the earth aroused by divine power, hearkened--O The Wonder!-- and from awaterless and barren desert sprang forth delicious and sweet water. Moreover , at the moment Savvas refreshed himself, he invisibly obtained divine vigor andno longer weary or faint on the arduous road ahead.

After they arrived at an appropriate spot, the holy Savvas exerted himself in every way to emulate Efthimios the Great; him alone did he have as an archetype ofgodliness, a living icon and encouragement, so as not to deviate ever from his rules and customs.

But, within a short span, Efthimios, the superior one in virtue, departed to the Lord. After the repose of their teacher, his disciples gradually became carelessand did not pursue righteousness or their ascetic exercises eagerly. Wherefore, the divine Savvas prolonged his exile in the wilderness near the Jordan River,during the same time and in the same place where the great Gerasimos struggled. Savvas was thirty-five years when the devil commenced his most severewarfare against him. Not only invisibly did he subject Savvas to troubles, but tempted him secretly, as he acts against all the virtuous. Both this kind andobvious temptations the treacherous one perpetrated in order to intimidate him so that he would not continue to dwell in the wilderness.

THE STRUGGLES OF SAINT SAVVAS

One particular night, upon reclining to rest a little from the great exertion he had put forth to perform his ascetic endeavors, he saw nearby a serpent, scorpionsand other species of reptiles, which advanced and threatened to sting or bite him. At first, Savvas was frightened, but then he reasoned within himself that thiswas a snare of the demons, and so he valiantly arose and prayed thusly: Thou shalt not be afraid be afraid for the terror by nightand upon the asp andbasilisk shalt thou tread[Ps. 90:5, 13]. When the blessed man pronounced these words, all those venomous creatures vanished like smoke. Within a few days,once more the devil assumed the appearance of a fierce and huge lion moving as though to lunge at him. However, the saint did not behave in the least like acoward, but declared, completely unruffled: If thou hast received authority from God to assail me, be not negligent about it, for I am prepared to be devouredby thee according to the divine behest, but, if not, why dost thou vainly trouble thyself? I am able to tread upon thee by my Masters power. After Savvasuttered these words, the saint subdued not only intangible creatures, but, bodily ones as well, the latter of which he shared his cave with and in no way washarmed by them.

THE FOUR HAGARENES

On one occasion, he encountered four Hagarenes on the road, who were suffering from extreme hunger, to their great imperilment. Therefore, when they sawSavvas, they asked him if he had anything to eat. With compassion, he took them to his cave, spread his mantle (monastic cloak of sheepskin, also calledmelote and might be used as a blanket for the monk to sleep on; it could be used for carrying a monks few possessions.) 5 over the ground and treated themhospitably with whatever he had, that is, the hearts of reed and canes and wild roots of plants. The Hagarenes respected his goodness and marveled at his lovetowards strangers. Now, they ate whatever they could find and, thanking him, departed. Within a few short days, they brought him cheeses, breads and dates.The blessed one, as an industrious honeybee, collected in every place what was useful, thus profited spiritually in this instance also and said unto himself: Woeto thee my miserable soul, ungrateful before the Benefactor! Behold, for one small and mean favor that the barbarians obtained, many gifts from the Creator,what recompense do we offer? Which of His Commandments do we keep? What excuse will we give to the Lord in the Hour of Judgement?

ANTHOS

Savvas had a monastic friend named Anthos, who accompanied him into the desert, that they might labor in ascetic practices together. (It was through thisAnthos that Savvas became friends with blessed Theodosios the Coenobiarch.) However, in a few days, certain perverse and wayward barbarian men camethither, intending to slay them. In order to find some small excuse, the barbarians dispatched to the cave one of their group, who would pick a quarrel with theascetics and feign having suffered an injury at their hands. They wished to slander the saint falsely in order to provoke him to take offence and utter one wordof rebuke and, on that pretext, they would slay him. Meanwhile, the others stood without, but as they began to move forward, the saint perceived theapproaching peril. He then raised up as a weapon the following holy prayer, saying before the Lord: Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will callupon the name of the Lord our God! [Ps. 19;7] (And the remainder of the psalm), where upon - O The Wonder!!-the ground was riven apart and swallowed theone that entered the cave. The others, witnessing such a dreadful sight, were aghast and quaked with fear and fled in terror. Henceforward, neither they, norany other malefactors, dared to attempt anything against them; furthermore, not even the demons undertook to trouble them. Wherefore, Savvas dweltwithout apprehension in the desert.

THE VISION

It was after this period of time that Savvas founded the Great Lavra, famed for its excellence and spaciousness, in the following wondrousmanner.:

After Savvas spent four years in the wilderness, on one occasion he went up a high mountain, where it is said that the blessed Empress Evdokia(commemorated on the 13th of August) was instructed by the great Efthimios. Once there, Savvas passed the night in prayer and beheld a wondrous vision. Amost beautiful woman appeared to him, garbed in a robe of light, and revealed to him a wadi which ran southward to Siloam and said the following: If thoudesirest with all thine heart to convert this place into a city, stop and look to the east of this wadi that you see. Opposite the wadi, there is a cave, which isuninhabited. Go and dwell therein, and I will send thee assistance from on high, for God, Who gives to the beasts their food, and to the younglings of the

ravens that call upon Him, [Ps. 146:9-10], He will provide for thee. At that point, the vision ended. Afterwards, the saint was filled with joy and gladness, and,as if wisely guided aright by divine providence, he entered into the cave.

The area was quite impassable, and he made his way aloft with extreme difficulty. Consequently, whenever he required water from the spring called Eptastoma,He had to travel fifteen stadia (nearly two miles) from his cavern. As a result, he had a rope made to hang down from his lodging to the foot of the hill in orderto facilitate matters. Apart from this, he employed no other convenience or comfort for bodily need. Moreover, he sustained himself with only the herbs thatsprang up spontaneously near the cave. But God, Who prompted him to inhabit this place, sent him aid according to His divine promise in this manner: Heenlightened the Ishmaelites that had revered Savvas (and sent cheeses, breads, dates and other various edibles -see Four Hagarenes) to furnish him provisionsthere too, not only on that one occasion, or twice or thrice, but many times, as if they were offering him tribute.

At that time, he was forty years old. It was then that Anastasios was Archbishop of Hierosolyma (Jerusalem)who, after completing nineteen years as Patriarch,died at the beginning of July, leaving Martyrios as his successor; it was during the reign of the Emperor Zeno.

After Martyrios reigned for eight years, reposing on April 13th, he was succeeded by Salust (Sallustios).6

THE LAVRA

The saint dwelt in this cave for five years with great silence, and would spend his time in prayer to God. Now from that time, the attempts of the demons werefutile, and they fled, not being to look upon him. Therefore, he had a respite from the demons. Moreover, he was also at peace with men. He received othersinto his most excellent synodia who kept the commandments of the Lord precisely; they were attracted to Savvas as a magnet to iron through hisirreproachable life and good repute, notwithstanding his superlative virtues.

Therefore, slowly Savvas began to receive all them that came to remain with him. Many anchorites, who were scattered like sheep, came and resided withSavvas. Among them was Saint John, who later became the abbot of the New Lavra; Blessed James, who later established the Lavra of the Towers at Jordan;Severian, who was revered amongst the monastics for his spiritual accomplishments and his building of the Monastery of Carparvaricha; the great Firminus,who established a Lavra in the area of Michmash; similarly, Julian, who was called Kyrtos and reestablished the Lavra of Kelkerava, which is located near theJordan; likewise, many others whose names are in the book of life.7

Inasmuch as they that flocked to him increased, he was compelled to build cells in the manner of a lavra, to work the land and to perform other servicesnecessary for their bodily needs. First, they constructed a fountain towards the northern side of the mountain, where there is a spring by the wadi. Later, theyerected a church (katholikon) and expanded the lavra. Since the holy temple was without a priest, whomever visited and happened to be a priest, Savvasobliged to serve the Divine Liturgy. Savvas was very temperate and humble-minded , and he revered the magnitude and dignity of the order of the priest. Forthis reason, he, declined, to be ordained himself, nor were his monks ordained, for he thought that no religious man could aspire to that dignity withoutpresumption.

Savvas was both sensible and acclaimed in the monastic profession. He strengthened the brotherhood every day and hour in whatever they asked; he advisedsome and others he reproved. To put it simply, he exhorted and incited all to remain steadfast and brave before the temptations of the demons and to bearmagnanimously the hardships of the eremitical life without any sadness, but rather, to rejoice cheerfully in the hope of the future rewards, whereby, with alittle effort here, they might enjoy paradise hereafter. He said these things in addition to many other instructions, for Savvas was ever ready to clear away everystumbling block and hindrance and to have his disciples soar to virtue above the snares of the evil one, and this he accomplished. He took special care for alltheir bodily necessities, that they might not be overburdened by deprivations and turn back into the world.

THE WATER SUPPLY

As we mentioned earlier, the water supply was quite a long distance from his cavern, he felt sympathy for the monks because they were distressed by theextreme inconvenience of fetching it. Wherefore, one night, the saint fervently besought the Lord with this prayer: O Master, God Almighty, if according to thyhidden wisdom and economy and the good pleasure of thy Grace that Thy blameless servants inhabit this place and praise Thee unceasingly, look down in Thyloving-kindness upon us and command Thine earth to put forth a spring of water nearby for our refreshment and enjoyment.

Thus, he prayed, and immediately he heard a raping noise down in the wadi. When he leaned over to look, he saw a wild ass (for there was a full moon), whichstruck the ground with its hoof, and as he made a small pit, water oozed forth, and the beast drank of it. On beholding this sight, Savvas exalted greatly,recognizing it as a visitation of divine providence. He descended with a hoe to dig a little more in that spot and, straightway-O Thine Inexpressible Grace, OMaster!!-sweet water sprang forth, which he carried back to the lavra, with this water, all the fathers were and are served to this day; in the winter it does notoverflow, nor at harvest time does it diminish, but is ever abundant and sufficient.

THE GOD-BUILT CHURCH

On another occasion, when the saint happened to be in another part of the wadi, reciting the Psalms of David, he saw near the precipice a pillar of fire the topof which reached to the very heights of Heaven. Beholding this phenomenon, he was struck with both great joy and fear, realizing it was a mysterious wonder.Even when it had been there six days, the vision of the fiery column still persisted.

Nearby, the saint saw an extraordinary cave, literally resembling a church. It had, toward the eastern part, a recess (a natural apse), not made by man, butconstructed by the divine right hand of God. To the south, it possessed a broad entranceway, which allowed the sun to fill the interior of the cave with light,and down in the lower levels, a mild and refreshing breeze would descend. The northern side had an adjacent cave that contained a chamber which would serveas a sacristy. Therefore, when Savvas discovered this God-Built structure, he converted it into a splendid temple employing human craftsmanship wherevernature was lacking.

He ordered all the brethren to meet with him every Saturday and Sunday to chant the divine services in public worship. They soon grew to 150 fathers. Heobserved on top of the high cliff above the cave church a certain rock formation. He built for himself, a Tower from which a secret tunnel led down to thesacristy. He did this so that he might rest quietly when he desired; and from this he would enter the church from the interior.8 ***The God-Build Church - Theoctistos-must at once have reminded Savvas of the Cave Church of St. Theoctistos, where he served his novitiate, which is in plan remarkably similar, though, on a smaller scale, Fearof ordination made Savvas put off its consecration. The secret tunnel which he made was blocked, after his death, by the construction of the cisterns. Gifts began to come in, which he spent mostly on building. ThePatriarch Martyrios knew him of Old, and no one dared oppose him. Chitty, pp. 106-107

TARES AMONG THE WHEAT

Since his fame spread throughout the world, many devout people gathered there and brought him alms to be applied to buildings and other necessities which

daily life demands, for the number of monastics under his direction increased greatly. Whatever donations came in, the blessed man did not keep but spent inbuilding cells and on a variety of other projects,

However, oft-times tares sprout among the wheat [Mt. 13:25], as do briers in the vineyard, just as it happened when a disciple became a betrayer (Judas), orwhen Cain committed fratricide [Gen 4:8], and in many other similar instances, all these came to pass through envy, as is recounted in a vast number of books.In like manner, this occurred in the synodia of the holy Savvas to certain dissatisfied ones, who were not really disciples, but rather rebels with perverse ways.They hated the blessed man and sought some pretext, if they could, to injure him.

Therefore, they went to see the then Patriarch of Jerusalem. Since they could not accuse him of being a transgressor, they slandered him. They claimed he wasunworthy to shepherd such a great flock of monastic and requested that the Patriarch appoint another abbot. And, in order to prevent him from attaining thepriesthood, they said many other things, even referring to Savvas as ignorant and boorish.

The Patriarch at that time was Sallustios (Salust) (486-494), who esteemed the saint for his merit and did not give any credence to their lies and wily words.However, in order to pacify them somewhat, he said to them: Remain here until Savvas comes, and then I will carefully examine the matter.

A certain presbyter named Kyrikos, who was abbot of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Holy Resurrection) and Stavrophylax (Cross-Warden), was present andheard everything they said, and addressed them: Did Savvas receive you into that place, or did you receive him? They answered: He, of course, accepted us.But, since he is very uneducated, and we are great in number, he is incapable of governing us! The Thrice-Blessed Kyrikos responded: If he, as you confess,assembled you all in that place, and converted the wilderness into a true habitation, much more will he govern the land and yourselves, who gathered you andcalled you into his synod; for God, who collaborated to establish a Lavra, will help Savvas much more with governing it! Then Patriarch Sallust dismissed them,saying : Go now, consider the matter well, and come again another day.9

Consequently, they tarried there, believing that the patriarch would divest Savvas of being the monasterys superior and guardian and appoint another abbot inhis stead. However, when the blessed man went up to Jerusalem, the patriarch, being a discerning judge, did not question Savvas. Instead of bringing forth theaccusations of those present, he ordained him to the priesthood in 492 A.D.. afterwards, in the presence of Savvas accusers, he affirmed: BEHOLD, now comesyour abbot, who has been appointed by the Lord and not by Man; we have ordained him, not for his own interest, but for thine own!

Immediately, after this announcement, the patriarch, Savvas, and his former calumniators returned to the lavra. Indeed, their first act was to consecrate theholy church. Therefore, they constructed a Holy Table (altar table), in which they deposited many holy relics, and thus it was consecrated on the 12 th ofDecember. At that time, Savvas was fifty-three years old, and Emperor Anastasios was reigning (491-518).

THE SAINT INJURES HIMSELF

The saint was accustomed to maintaining and imitating the precepts of St. Efthimios (Eftimios) the Great. As we formerly mentioned (see: Lenten Retreat), St.Efthimios had the custom of withdrawing from the Lavra from the 20 th of January until the Holy Resurrection (Pascha). Following his example, Savvas alsoobserved this rule and departed after the celebration of the Feast of Saint Anthony on the 17 th of January in his own lavra, going to his old Masters Monasteryfor his memorial (mnimosino/panikhida) on the 20th, after which he would go off into the wilderness, to return to his lavra on the eve of Palm Sunday.

On one occasion, he crossed over the Dead Sea and noticed a remote islet, bereft of every comfort and consolation. 10 Hence, he desired to dwell on it during thedays of the Great and Holy Fast. However, on his way there, due to the demons envy, he fell into a pool of bituminous deposit and burned his beard, face andother parts of his body. Afterwards, in the lavra, he lay for many days. Only by the sound of his voice was he recognized, his appearance was so altered.Furthermore, it was impossible for him to converse until the divine power of God from on high revealed itself and visited him to cure him completely andrestore his health.

However, from the time that he burned his beard near Zoaram it would not grow anymore, but, remained sparse. He regarded the loss of his beard as Godseconomy, and thanked Him for humbling him, so that he would not be pleased with the size of it.11

THE DISCIPLE AGAPIOS

With the passage of time, the saint once again went into solitude, taking as a companion one of his disciples named Agapios. On one of the ensuing days,Agapios was lying supine from hunger and exhaustion, and he fell asleep. Savvas, however, was awake and praying, when he realized a lion was standing overhis disciple and was sniffing about him. The saint feared that perhaps the beast would devour Agapios; forthwith, he made an entreaty on his behalf to theLord. As a result, the lion was put to flight by the power of his holy prayer, without any harm befalling Agapios. Only with its tail the lion brushed Agapios face;whereupon, he awoke. At first, the saint encouraged him, but afterwards admonished him to be more careful and no longer to be overcome by sleep, lest he bevanquished and injured by both visible and invisible creatures.

THE ANCHORITE

On another similar occasion, the saint again went with Agapios into the desert. Savvas gave him his skin bag to carry, which held dry bread enough to sustainhis disciple during the time they would spend in the desert. As for Savvas himself, he ate nothing anyway for the entire Great and Holy Lent, except onSaturdays and Sundays, when he would partake of the Holy and Divine Mysteries.

They proceeded along the Jordan River, passing by the brink of a steep defile. At the summit, they observed a cave further off that was located on extremelyimpassable terrain. Therefore, utilizing every way possible, they ascended with difficulty and with much suffering or, rather, by the help of the Lord, whoenlightened Savvas and guided him to the discovery of a hidden treasure to their great profit. They entered into the cave and beheld a most saintly ascetic, whohad neither pots nor any type of vessel, but abided free of care and without provision for his survival. This thrice-blessed soul possessed the grace ofclairvoyance. Therefore, the anchorite made a prayer, according to his custom, and said to the saint: O Wondrous Savvas, what has motivated thee to discoverthis spot and come to us? For this, I marvel and am amazed, since for thirty-eight years, I have dwelt in this cave with the help of the Lord and have seen noone, nor have I ever spoken to any man! And Savvas answered: God, who has revealed my name to thee, has enlightened me and conducted me hither, that Imay rejoice in thy presence!

Thereafter, they conversed for a considerable length of time, receiving great delight in their souls. Then Savvas and Agapios took his blessing and departed.They tarried a great while in the wilderness and once more prepared to return to the monastery. As they passed by the region in which the anchorite dwelt,they decided to climb up to his cavern again. Whereupon, they beheld the solitary on his knees, facing east. They believed he was in the midst of prayer-and,therefore, still among the living. Patiently they persevered for many hours, waiting until nightfall. However, he never arose from that position off the ground.Savvas approached and said Bless, Father! but the anchorite did not respond. Wherefore, Savvas tapped him and understood that his blessed soul had been

translated to the Lord. He turned and said to Agapios: Child (pedia), let us bury him, for this is why God has sent us.

Thus with dignity and gravity of spirit, they bound up his holy relics and laid them to rest in a certain spot within the cave. They chanted the appropriatetroparia for burial and, on completion of the service, blocked the entranceway of the cave with large rocks. Savvas and Agapios then passed on towards thelavra, returning on the Saturday of Saint Lazarus, and ultimately, for the holy celebration of the Saviors Resurrection.

THE SAINTS MOTHER

At the same time, the saints father, John Conon, reposed in Alexandria. 12Now Savvas great renown had come to the ears of his mother. Sophia sold all herpossessions and, taking the silver received therefrom, traveled to the lavra.

Upon perceiving her sons great advancement in virtue, she exulted with holy joy. Savvas counseled her to renounce the world and all temporary good things, ifshe desired, to enjoy life-eternal. Therefore, the wise child influenced his good-intentioned mother, and she became a nun. She remained a short while withhim and then reposed, surrendering her soul into the hands of God after living a God-pleasing life. The saint interred her and spent all her money on diverseconstruction sites at the Lavra, including the hostelry, the surrounding inner wall and various other needful projects.

A DISCIPLE ON OBEDIENCE

The saint dispatched a certain brother with a pack animal to carry wood from Jericho in order to build an inn. On the return trip, since the beast was heavilyladen, it began to thirst before reaching the lavra, for the sun was strong and burning. As a result, it was no longer able to convey the wood across the parchedland, and it dropped to the earth and lay as if dead. The disciple recalled his teacher, who had great authority before the Lord, and exclaimed: O Lord God,help me by the intercessions of Savvas, Thy servant! Straightway, as he said these word, God who set a pillar of cloud above Israel as a Guide [Ex. 13:21] set oneover the monk, which overshadowed and refreshed him. Furthermore, -- O The Wonder!-it rained down and strengthened him. The cloud continued to followand protect him from the sun until they arrived safe and sound at the monastery.

KASTELLION

There was a mountain called Kastellion about twenty stadia from the lavra. No one dared set foot in that rugged and remote territory, for it was the haunt ofcountless demons. Nevertheless, the saint placed his hope in the Lord and sprinkled the entire area with oil from the Lampada of the Holy Cross, and there hedwelt for the Great and Holy Fast. Now from the outset, he encountered fierce warfare from the demons, to the point that he wished to leave, not being able tobear the fearful disturbances that they caused. But the all-good Lord, Who of Old strengthened the Great Abba Anthony of Egypt, also encouraged Savvas to bepatient and to persevere to the end. In fact, Savvas did pursue his struggles there, greatly strengthened by the aid of the Lord, Wherein he became so terrifyingto the demons that he overcame, that they fled at the very sight of him. Wherefore, the righteous one was glad and continued his sojourn there in prayer untilthe end of the Fast

But again the demons marshaled their forces to test Savvas for a final assault, to see if it were possible to frighten him away. They transformed themselves intoreptiles, beasts and ravens that thrashed about and producing a tremendous commotion. The saint was in no way disturbed by all this, but dauntless and firm,he prayed. Wherefore, they were unable to endure even the mere sight of him, and, of their own volition, conceded they were conquered.

Moaning in an almost human voice, they wailed: Savvas, was It not enough for thee - the cave, the rocks, and, the wadi and wherever else thou dwellest in thewilderness? Didst thou have to cross our borders, to dispute with us and cast us out of our habitation? We are departing and leaving thee as Master, since wesee thou hast God as an ally! This and other things they lamented, as if weeping over their calamity, and making a thrashing sound, they departed in the midstof the night, taking on the guise of ravens, which were seen by several shepherds who were watching their sheep in the neighboring parts.

On account of this, they came together the following morning, terror-stricken, and went to the saint, declaring to him what they had seen and heard. Theblessed one, on beholding their extreme agitation and fear, made a prayer in their behalf, and further counseled, encouraged and blessed them; whereupon,they departed in peace.

Since the end of Lent was drawing nigh, the saint returned to the lavra and sublimely concluded the celebration of the Holy Resurrection. Afterwards, he tookcertain of the brethren with him and set off for Kastellion, where they meticulously cleared the area to erect cells and a hostel. At the site, the monksdiscovered a building, that was sufficiently large, well-lit, and symmetrical. 13It was high and decorated with handsome stones, and they were glad for this.Savvas reasoned that it was Gods will for a monastery to be built in this place. Therefore, immediately he began to build. First, they converted the spaciousstructure into a holy church consecrated to the Lord. They proceeded with whatever was required in accordance with their funds. When they exhausted theirresources, the work was halted for a short period. But the merciful God has commanded us not to be anxious for what we will eat and drink, because heprovides and is solicitous for us, inasmuch as His guardianship towards us with far more exceeding love than our own father and mother can show. Thus, hekept watch over the concerns of His servant Savvas, since it was His will and economy that this place, become a habitation of virtuous men.

SAINT MARKIANOS

Markianos (commemorated the 24th of November), superior of the Bethlehem coenobium, was a man imbued with spirituality and sanctity. He possessedmaterial means and, therefore, transported all the necessities for the Kastellion monastery. This came about in the following marvelous manner. :

Markianos beheld in a dream a handsome and illustrious person, who addressed him thus: Markianos, thou sittest comfortable and free from pain, becausethou requirest nought for thy bodily needs, but the servant of God Savvas, who has great love towards the Master, is suffering with his brethren at Kastellionand barely has provisions, nor is there anyone to send them aid. Therefore, be not negligent in the least, but dispatch to them whatever they need!

Hence, when the well-disposed Markianos saw this, he immediately sent to Kastellion all his beasts of burden heavily laden with wheat, wine, oil, and othervarious provisions. Now, when Savvas received all these goods and learned of the vision, he was further assured that this was Gods will for a monastery to be inthat place. Therefore, he offered thanksgiving to the Lord and, with fervor and haste completed the Kastellion coenobium, wherein he installed the monasticswho appeared suitable to him, that is, those that were wholly disengaged from worldly cares and affections.

Savvas installed as abbot and spiritual father (director), Paul, who was an ancient anchorite, along with his disciple Theodore. When Paul reposed, Theodorecontinued as spiritual leader, with his brother Sergios and the divine Paul of Melitene. Since they became notable elders of Kastellion at various times, each onewas in succession a hierarch of Amanthounton and Aila.14

EXPERIENCED AND INEXPERIENCED MONKS

The saint had a number of concerns at Kastellion. One was to establish a colony of elderly monks possessing both experience and practice in the monasticconduct of life. On the other hand, he placed the laymen and youths in another monastery, which they built north of the Lavra. Here they remained until theylearned the Psalter and every other practice and prerequisite needful for monastics. He assigned a chief amongst them, who was dispassionate and worthy totrain and exercise them for the Schema, for Savvas said that a Monk should be serious, discerning, sober, prudent and modest, and simply be able to bridleevery part of himself and to preserve his mind in safety. Whenever he saw one who was rightly knowledgeable in the monastic profession and was capable ofcombating converse thoughts, that individual gained admission into the Lavra and was numbered among the brethren.

By no means and under no circumstances were the beardless admitted into the lavra, simply because it could become the cause of scandal. Savvas confirmedthis saying: This rule is the tradition of the fathers, and whosoever violates this ordinance gravely sins against God. Moreover, I have a precept from the greatEfthimios who would not receive me into the Monastery, for I lacked a beard. Hence, he sent me on to the blessed Theoktistos, for great is the injury suffered inthe monks soul when he has association with beardless children!

Consequently. All who came there, and were as yet still beardless, Savvas handed over to the holy Theodosios, who was in charge of the preparatory monasteryapproximately 35 stadia (4 miles) from the lavra. Whereupon, Theodosios would accept the youths and would diligently strive to satisfy in every way Savvaswishes, for the one had sincere love towards the other, so that Theodosios carried out whatever Savvas desired, inasmuch as they were of one mind and will,being divinely inspired. These two were the leaders of all the monastics, that is Savvas was in charge of the anchorites and hermits, and Theodosios was setover the coenobites. This guardianship was not self-sought by either, for Patriarch Salust had entrusted the responsibility to them, since they were botheminent in virtue and competent in governing the souls of men, as the following bears witness. :

When St. Markianos of Bethlehem reposed in November, 492 A.D., the monks of the wilderness went up to the patriarch, already a sick man, and asked for andobtained Savvas and Theodosios. Patriarch Salust appointed Savvas and Theodosios the Coenobiarch as Archimandrites of the cell-dwellers and coenobia,respectively. Each of them was given a Second - for Theodosios, the head of the Coenobium of Martyrios; for Savvas, the hegoumeos of the Lavra of St.Gerasimos. Savvas sometimes said to Theodosios, in a playful way, thou art an abbot of children, but I am an abbot of abbots, for each of the monks under meis independent and thus the abbot of his own cell.14

SAINT SAVVAS CONTINUES TO BUILD

Patriarch Salust, who died on the 23rd of July, was succeeded by Elias I (494-516), whose harmony with the two monastic leaders, Savvas and Theodosios, overthe next twenty years, helped to build up a sober Chalcedonianism against which a monophysite emperor had little power.16

In 494, Savvas earnestly desired to gather together serious monastics and house them in cells surrounding the Tower of David in Jerusalem (Hierosolyma).Therefore, he constructed a monastery near the patriarchate, which received the monastics and gave them food, clothing, and everything they needed.Wherefore, in a short while many congregated in the cells, and the cells that they formerly inhabited around the tower were purchased by the Blessed Savvas toprovide an inn to accommodate travelers. He obtained a portion of them, as much as his means could afford, But, he wished to acquire more, which would beuseful and advantageous to the lavra. However, he lacked the funds and was unable to find more money, except for half a florin.

In any event, Savvas placed all his trust in the Lord and went ahead and advanced this tiny amount as an earnest for the cells. He agreed with the owners that ifon the following day he did not meet the remaining balance for the cost of these cells, he would also lose the deposit, for he considered only the inexhaustibleblessings in the right hand of the almighty Master, who strengthened his confidence insofar as He effectively wrought assistance. Indeed, His hope in this didnot fail.

At dawn, an unknown foreigner, never before seen by the saint, came to Savvas and donated 170 gold florins. The stranger did not tarry, nor did he speak aword, but simply departed. The blessed one knew exactly whence this help had come and gave thanks to the Lord. Wherefore, he paid the price for the cellsand erected other large buildings, including two at Kastellion, one inside the Holy City by the Tower of David and also a hostelry at Jericho, for visitors whocame on pilgrimage.

The saint had great zeal. Therefore, the Lord sent him two brothers according to the flesh of the Isaurian race, who were master builders and architects, namedwere Theodoulos and Gelasios. In addition, they were very obedient and skilled craftsmen and build whatever the lavra was lacking; this included an additionalmonastery, a water cistern, wells, ovens, rooms for kneading, infirmaries and a diversity of other structures. They erected a huge and magnificent church,because the existing one was not spacious enough to hold all the brethren. It was consecrated by Patriarch Elias on the 1 st of July and dedicated to the name ofour Most Glorious Lady and Ever-Virgin Mary the Theotokos, when Savvas was sixty-three years old.17

MALCONTENTS IN THE MONASTERY

The malcontents and slandering brethren (whom we spoke earlier, see: Tares among the Wheat), observed the brotherhood multiplying and filling withfervor, and the lavra expanding and thriving for the good of all. But, being troublemakers and intractable, they were consumed with envy, which does not knowits own advantage. These grumblers sought to conspire against the saint and, in each and everything, guilefully complicated matters and stirred up intriguesbecause they were determined to hurt Savvas in any way they could.

Nevertheless, the saint, being a genuine disciple of peace, gave place to wrath and departed the lavra, so that they would not have to look upon him, since it isalways preferable to battle with demons, rather than men. He decided upon this strategy for two reasons: Firstly, to vanquish evil by employing meeknessand clemency. Thereafter, he retired to a desolate place in the area by Scythopolis, near the Gadar River. In this place, he found shelter in a large cave, althoughit was the den of an enormous and fierce lion.

THE CAVE AND THE LION

The saint spent a considerable time in prayer, and then fell asleep in the cave. At the hour of the midnight service (mesonyktikon), the dreadful beast returnedto find Savvas resting. He humbly took hold of Savvas garment by biting into the edge and tugged him, (performing all this in a very tame manner), so as tobring the saint outside of his den. Being thus roused, Savvas awoke to behold what one would presume was a terrifying sight. However, he did not act in acowardly manner; on the contrary, he began to recite the office of matins.

When the lion observed Savvas worshipping and praying, it withdrew to the side and waited -- O The Wonder!-- until the saint completed the service. WhenSavvas finished, he reclined to sleep once more, but in the spot where the lion had made his spread. When it saw that Savvas was again lying down, it laid holdof his clothing with its teeth and with great force dragged him out of the den.

Consequently, Savvas said to the Lion: Why dost thou trouble thyself, O Beast, and attempt to cast me out? The cave is large and can hold us both. Therefore,

if thou agreest to live together, keep silent. But if thou dost not like it, go and find another habitation and let me be, because I am fashioned by the Hand ofGod and was honored to be in His Image and Likeness. Now Savvas said these words with extreme gentleness, and the beast obeyed - O The magnitude of thyWonders, Almighty Lord! - by refraining from bothering the saint further and relinquishing its dwelling-place.THE THIEVES

When the saint had dwelt there many days, his renown spread to the surrounding area. Wherefore, many gathered there, including an eminent young mannamed Vasilios, the son of wealthy parents. He resolved to remain in obedience to Savvas and to struggle with him. Certain thieves, however, imagined thatVasilios had a great deal of money with him and came one night to steal, but, they found nothing. The robbers were amazed at their utter poverty, for they hadno possessions. Whereupon, admiring and esteeming the two ascetics, they departed.

A short while after the would-be thieves had left the cave, on the road they encountered frightening lions of great size. They were seized with extreme terror,and, seeing no other help, exclaimed: We adjure thee by the prayers of the Monk Savvas not to harm us! And the lions, on hearing the revered name, instantlyfled, as if they had received a serious wound, the thieves were astonished at this strange phenomenon. So they returned to the cave and related to the saint thisdreadful event and promised not to commit injustices ever again, but to earn their food with toil; and they kept their promise throughout the rest of their lives.

The report of wild beasts showing respect filled the countryside, and he was esteemed by all. Wherefore, many came with devotion just to see him. However,once again, he fled from praise. So he left a certain virtuous monk named Tarasios as superior, and Savvas departed thence.

THE SAINT RETURNS TO THE LAVRA

The saint thought that, after such an extended period of absence, the envy and resentment of those monks at his lavra would have subsided. Therefore, hereturned to the lavra, only to find that their passion had reached a greater pitch and was more acrimonious than before, for the faction that we spoke of, incitedothers to their evil ways of thinking, and they that had treachery on their lips now totaled sixty.

Emptily and vainly did they rail against the saint and create(d) every possible disturbance, to foment sedition in the lavra. When Savvas perceived theirperdition, he was grieved and wounded within, but, strove, as far as possible to overcome envy with love and long-suffering, and wickedness with goodness andkindness. Yet, he was unable to correct and bring them to repentance. For just at the proverb says: It is not possible for the crab to crawl straight or the Moorto become fair of skin.

Wherefore, he retired once again from his flock and went into the area bordering on Nikopolis (Emmaus), where he found shelter under a Carob Tree, beingovershadowed by its branches and nourished by carobs. But the all-good Good, for Whom, he underwent all these tribulations, provided for him in that placeand spread his fame and the word of his sanctity to all. For the owners of the field, learning of the excellent virtues of the Man Savvas, went and build a cell forhim and brought him everything he required.

THE MALCONTENTS PROTEST TO THE PATRIARCH

In the meanwhile, the insidious backbiters used the occasion of the teachers absence to further malign him. They circulated a rumor throughout all themonasteries that Savvas had been devoured by wild beasts. The rebels made their way into the Holy City and lodged the following protest with the Patriarch:Holy Master, our teacher ventured into the wilderness, nigh unto the Dead Sea, and was devoured by a Lion. We now implore thee, if thou so desired, to giveus another abbot. But the Patriarch answered discreetly: I do not wish to believe that God has abandoned my friend, and such a sanctified man, to be eatenby wild animals. Therefore, GO ye and search for him diligently and locate him, or I will forebear until the Lord divulges his whereabouts. The fraudulent onestherefore returned to the Lavra unsuccessful.

SAINT SAVVAS IN JERUSALEM

Not long after, Savvas attended the Commemoration of the Dedication (Enk*c*aenia) of the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Holy Sepulcher) 13 th ofSeptember, with certain brothers in the Holy City, as was his custom every 13 th of September. Indeed when the patriarch saw him so unexpectedly, he greatlyrejoiced and begged him not to leaved his flock untended, but to have concern for it and to govern at as well as possible. But the saint used the excuse that hewas not worthy to shepherd the reason-endowed sheep. In reply, the Patriarch said unto him: If thou disobeyest this command of mine, then I do not wish tosee thy countenance again, for I cannot endure to see others gather in the fruit of thy labors.

As a result, the blessed Savvas was compelled to go to the Lavra, so as not to be openly disobedient to the patriarchs words, which enjoined him to leave.Forthwith, the patriarch addressed in writing all the monastics, as follows: Brethren and children in Christ: Be informed that your father and teacher did notbecome the food of beasts, as ye have stated. Behold, he comes again to his flock, forasmuch as I besought him, because it is wrong for him to be absent fromthe Monastery that he founded so many labors. Therefore, receive him with all proper and due honor. If any amongst ye are un-persuaded, being insolent andproud, having no desire to be in subjection to your rightful shepherd, I order you to remove yourselves immediately, in order not to create scandals!

SAINT SAVVAS RETURNS AGAIN TO THE LAVRA

Hence, Savvas took the epistle and went back to the Lavra, where it was read before everyone. The usurpers, upon hearing these words, immediately seizedhammers and chisels and, with wrath and rage, demolished to the foundations a tower which they erected, storming it like savage demons and throwing bothstones and wood into the wadi.

After they committed this notorious deed, they carried off all the rasa (cassocks and outer cassocks) of the Monks, and whatever else they could find, and fledto the Monastery at Souka (The Old Lavra of St. Chariton Hariton), But, they were refused entry there by the virtuous Abbot Aquilinos, who was well aware oftheir perversity. Hence, they left and went towards the wadi of Tekoa, where there existed ancient cells. They repaired them and built others form existingfoundations and thus dwelt there. This was Romanos old Monastery by Tekoa. It was Named New Lavra.

SAINT SAVVAS VISITS NEW LAVRA

Now that the tares were removed, the brethren that remained behind with Savvas were as wheat dedicated to God, good and useful. When Savvas, who wasmeek and forbearing, learned the location of the dissenters, he loaded up all the pack animals of the Lavra and Kastellion with food and whatever essentialsthey might need, and he went himself in person to offer them this charity. When they espied him from afar off, they muttered amongst themselves, saying:look, not even here will that imposter leave us in peace, but he comes again to offend us!

As the saint drew nigh, he greeted them with extreme humility and gave them gifts. He observed their dire need of a Church and their being bereft of a superiorto lead them, for they were disorderly and all was in utter confusion among them. Afterwards, Savvas reported all this to the Patriarch and begged him to assist

them, by giving them an abbot. The Patriarch donated seventy florins to the saint and the authority to govern them as he wished.

Therefore, the saint gave diligent attention to procure everything they needed; he did not wish to overlook a single detail. Savvas built them a richly adornedChurch, a bakery and other buildings as they required. He stayed there almost four months, and the Church was consecrated in 507.

By the departure of the rebellious brethren and the creation of New Lavra, the devil desired to ensnare the disciples of Savvas, but he tricked himself. Thus didSavvas set up a new trophy of victory against the devil, for the blessed one effected, a reconciliation with this faction at New Lavra and governed this Monasteryas well as he could. When he returned from New Lavra, he rested a short while at his Own Lavra to do a few things until the 20 th of January, when according tohis annual rule, again he resorted to the desert.

So began New Lavra - a source of trouble for the next forty years. He appointed an abbot, the Monk John from Greece (Hellas), who was conspicuous for hisvirtues and clairvoyance. Truly he possessed the Gift of foreseeing the future and prophesied accurately whenever scandals and heresies would occur in thisLavra. Everything he disclosed; it came about as he said. :

TROUBLES AT NEW LAVRA

Johns successor was Paul, who was from Rome, distinguished for his great simplicity and poverty, and glowing with divine virtues. Having remained abbotagainst his will for six months, he departed and went to Arabia. Afterwards, he went to Carparvaricha, where he established a coenobium.

The fathers of New Lavra reported his departure to the divine elder Savvas. He assigned them his disciple, Agapetos, as abbot. When Agapetos assumed theabbacy, he found four monks in the synodia (accepted unsuspectingly by the very same simple Paul without thoroughly knowing them) who were secretadmirers of the heterodox and heresiarch Origen. The chief amongst them was a Palestinian named Nonnos, who feigned Christianity. In reality, he believed inthe teachings of the godless Greeks, Hebrews, and Manicheans, and whatever myths came from Origen, Evagrius, and Didymus.

The blessed Agapetos was fearful lest his corrupt heresy spread to the others. Therefore, with the concurring opinion and urging of Archbishop Elias, heexpelled them from New Lavra. They went to the flatlands, where they sowed the tares of Heresy. With the passage of a few years and the exile of thearchbishop, a few of Nonnos faction came into the Holy City and besought the new patriarch to permit them to abide at New Lavra. However, he, beingpossessed of divine wisdom, summoned Saint Savvas and the blessed Agapetos and asked them if it were possible to receive them. Agapetos answered: Theirintention is to corrupt and to harass the synodia and to stir up discussions of the Heterodox Origen. I would prefer to leave this land, rather than put theminside the synodia which trusts in and is committed to God. The archbishop answered: Thy thinking is straight and God-pleasing. When the heretics realizedthat they could not attain the favor of the archbishop, they returned to the flatlands.

Agapetos governed New Lavra very well for five years. When he reposed, the New Lavrites chose Mamas. When certain of Nonnos group learned of this, theywere secretly admitted into the lavra by Mamas, having wicked dogma in their souls. However, they revealed their beliefs to none of the monks, out of fear ofthe saintly Savvas, because, whenever Savvas was present and made his tour, one confession of faith existed everywhere amongst all the monastics of thedesert.18

COENOBIUM OF THE CAVE

For the period of the Great Fast, he took with him the monk Paul, who was aged and distinguished for his many spiritual accomplishments. They came to awadi west of Kastellion, about fifteen stadia from Great Lavra. They found, on the northern precipice, a huge cave unaffected by atmospheric changes. Theyremained there together during the entire Lenten period until Palm Sunday. After Pascha, he took Theodoulos, Gelasios and the aforementioned Paul back tothis spot, and simply, by the cooperation of God, he converted the cave into a Church. Before the caves entrance, the famed Coenobium of the Cave waserected. Paul was installed as abbot. Three other brethren, George, Kyriakos and Efsthatios, were also sent to abide with him. And, by the help of God, the placeincreased and multiplied exceedingly. When the blessed Paul reposed, Kyriakos, Efsthatios and George became abbots in succession.19

However, we must leave these points, concerning New Lavra and the Coenobium of the Cave, for brevitys sake, for it is not opportune at this particular time tocontinue. Our main theme is to write of Saint Savvas accomplishments.

ARMENIANS AT THE LAVRA

At that time, Jeremias, a God-bearing man and adorned with divine gifts, was received into the lavra. He came from Armenia. His company consisted of twodisciples, Peter and Paul, who adhered to their elders manner of life and were co-strugglers in spiritual contendings. Our Father Savvas was very glad, for theywere extremely devout. He gave them a cave and a small cell, north of his own, which was formerly his own when he dwelt as a solitary in the wadi. He allowedthem to perform their services, in the Armenian tongue, in the small Church every Saturday and Sunday. Thus, little by little the Armenian populationincreased at the Lavra.20

THE ARMENIANS AND THE TRISAGION

Then the saint transferred the Armenians from the small church to The God-Built Church in order to do their canon of chant in the Armenian tongue.Afterwards, he arranged for them to enter into the Large Church for the Divine Liturgy and the Holy Communion of the Immaculate Mysteries.

However, a few of them undertook to recite the Trisagion Hymn with the Antiochene addition: Who wast crucified for us, which Peter the Fuller had devised.The divine leader became indignant, as was only natural. For this, he ordered them to chant this particular Hymn with them in Greek, without the insertion, inaccordance with the tradition of the ancient Orthodox Catholic Church, and not according to the innovation of Peter.21

He further decreed that the Divine Liturgy be served every Saturday in the God-Built Church and every Sunday in the Church of the Theotokos, withoutinterruption. From night until morning, vigil took place in the two churches every weekend and on the Feasts of the Lord. ++Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, crucified for us, have mercy on us++

NESTORIANS AT THE TOWER OF EVDOKIA

The tower erected by the blessed Evdokia atop the highest mountain in the Eastern Desert was governed by certain monks who espoused the heresies ofDioskoros and Eftyches. Afterwards, two other monks inhabited the Tower, adherents of the impious Nestorius. The blessed one was grieved and worried aboutthem. At that time, he beheld the following vision:

He found himself in the Church of the Holy Resurrection during Divine Liturgy. These Monks were being chased away by the staff-bearers. Then the saint

asked the lictors (lectors) to permit those monks to remain for Divine Liturgy and receive Holy Communion. However, they answered him sternly: They arenot allowed to receive Holy Communion, because they are Jews (Evreoi) in their views, since they do not accept or confess that Christ is True God and that theEver-Virgin Mary is the Theotokos (Instead they believed that she was just the Christotokos).

From that point, the elder greatly pitied them and supplicated God fervently that they receive enlightenment and knowledge of the Truth, and recover sobrietyand renounce Nestorianism. For a long time, he labored in prayer, and entreated God in their behalf. For a long while and at length, he exhorted and discussedwith them pious dogmas. He exhausted himself with continual prayer and many admonitions, and God jointly collaborated by preparing them to disavow thedogmas of Nestorius and to embrace in their bosom the Orthodox Catholic Church.22

JOHN SCHOLARIOS

Thereafter, he took them in and gave them to the blessed Abbot Theodosios. One of them was the admirable John, from Constantinople (Byzantion), who wasfrom the first school of Scholarion. He had abandoned everything and followed the Monastic Life. At Great Lavra, he advanced to perfection in the Monasticconduct. He was placed as abbot of his tower, since he was adorned with divine prudence and was capable of serving this place. Brethren were sent there, asmany as were needed. John tired himself out in laboring for every provision until the Tower became a Coenobium with the help of God. The Scholarios formeda great synodia from which arose the honorable Avramios, Bishop of Kratea.34

Avramios had been a priest and abbot of a Monastery of His founding at Kratea in the province of Honorias (between Paphlagonia and Bithynia) for ten years.He fled popularity, but his Bishop, Platon, having sought for him, at last heard that he retreated to Palestine and wrote to him, begging him to come back. Outof despair, he excommunicated him when he had been four years with John Scholarios. John in turn, brought him to Savvas, and Savvas to the Patriarch,seeking a way out for Avramios. But Elias was firm that the excommunication had to be lifted by Platon, who had imposed it. Avramios was forced to return toKratea where he was quickly restored to his former position. Not long afterwards, Platon reposed, and Avramios was made Bishop. However, fifteen years later,he took advantage of a visit on diocesan business to Constantinople to escape his Bishopric and return to John.25

John Scholarios remained abbot for thirty-five years and was outstanding in Monastic achievements and in upholding Orthodox Doctrines. Our Holy FatherSavvas, not only employed great labor in the building and founding of this coenobium, but until his end, he often visited and never ceased to benefit in variousand diverse ways.25

IAKOVOS

Once when the venerable Savvas was absent, Iakovos, a Jerusalemite, being, of haughty disposition, instigated and enticed others towards his prideful ways ofthinking; they all went to a place called the Pit of Eptastoma in an attempt to form their own Monastery. They laid the foundations for a church, cells andother important buildings. The other brethren at the lavra were indignant over this and would not allow them to fulfill their intentions. Those with Iakovosretorted that they were building with Savvas consent. As a result, the brethren did not hinder them, because they were misled into believing that the otherswere telling the truth.

The divine Savvas then returned to the lavra and, summoning Iakovos, advised him, in a fatherly manner, to desist from the undertaking. Iakovos mind wasnot in accordance with Gods, because before Savvas had trained him, Iakovos was attempting to become a superior and abbot. However, Iakovos beingquarrelsome and a disputer, was adverse to the edifying admonitions of the saint and showed no remorse or readiness to heed the elders instructions.

The saint warned him, saying: My child, according to God, I advise thee, yet thou art still unconvinced? Be careful, lest perchance thou sufferest some loss.Then thou shalt realize what is in thine own interest. Thus said the saint, and he returned to the tower, Straightway, Iakovos entire body began to tremble andshake. Later on, he was seized by a burning fever, and for seven months he was bedridden, and pitifully afflicted.

Indeed, Iakovos completely despaired of his life, and remembered his lack of submissiveness towards the saints order. He besought the brethren to carry himand place him at the saints feet, and that they beg him to loose him from the bond of disobedience, that he not die, un-forgiven. Thus, it happened.Immediately, when the mild-mannered and guileless Savvas beheld him, he was sympathetic and said gently: Brother, know what it the fruit of impertinenceand disobedience. And with great exertion and effort, Iakovos spoke out of the depth of his illness: Honorable father, forgive me, I will no longer separatemyself from thy flock, and I will remain in subjection until my final departure! The saint replied; God will forgive, brother.

Thus, Savvas took Iakovos right hand and -- O The Wonder! - When, the right hand of the saint touched him, the grave illness fled, and he became completelyhealthy. Afterwards, he partook of Holy Communion (The Holy Immaculate Mysteries of Christ) and was given food to eat. All were utterly astonished to seehim eating and walking, because formerly he had been incapable of speaking or moving at all.

Thereafter, the venerable Savvas gave Iakovos a rule (canon) not to go to the monastery that he built. The patriarch learned of this and sent men to level theBuilding of Disobedience to the ground. Following this, the saint erected other cells and a church five stadia from there. He commanded Iakovos to ministerto the visitors that came there for worship. So as to exercise him in obedience, he assigned him in the capacity of a cook. However, in this occupation Iakovoswas not experienced.

In fact, one day he cooked more lima beans than was needed and the leftovers were plentiful. Yet, he did not save the excess for the following day, beingunpracticed; so he threw them out with the refuse. It so happened that Savvas observed all this. Secretly, Savvas gathered up the beans and laid them out in thesun to dry. Then, he carefully seasoned them. Afterwards, he invited Iakovos to sup with him. As they were eating, Savvas turned to Iakovos and said: Forgiveme if the cooking is not so good, but I did not know how to make them any better. Iakovos exclaimed: As God as my witness, it is a long time since I have hadsuch good cooking. Then the saint said: Child, know that the lima beans which thou didst cast out as useless into the brook are these. Therefore, if thou artnot capable of preparing a kettle of beans, how wilt thou become chief amongst the brethren and govern the souls of men? Hast thou not heard the words ofblessed Paul, who says: For if a man know not how to rule his own home, how shall he take care of the Church of God? [1Tim. 3:5]. Thus said the great Savvasand advised him appropriately and adequately and then dismissed him.

Shortly afterwards, as Iakovos rested in his cell, he was set upon by thoughts of Fornication. In the meantime, the devil tempted him to such a degree anddisturbed him so that, in the end, he castrated himself. Then he moaned, unable to bear the pain, and the monks attempted to soothe his wound withremedies. When saint Savvas learned of this, he expelled Iakovos, as he was a threat to his own life. Later, Iakovos repented from the heart and appealed toSaint Theodosios, falling at his feet. With fervent tears, relating to his misfortune, he besought him to intercede with Savvas to forgive his transgression.Theodosios did so, and Savvas forgave Iakovos, for the love of his friend, and admitted him back into the Lavra.

He gave Iakovos a stern canon, never to leave his cell, nor to speak to anyone, but to pray to the Lord in tears, without ceasing to have mercy upon him. Iakovosaccepted the canon gladly and displayed such repentance that the Lord forgave him. God also sent a vision to the saint, that he might lift the strict canon. In

this vision, Savvas beheld a bright and radiant man. Iakovos then said a prayer for him and resurrected him. The radiant man then said to Savvas: behold, thedead is risen; forgive now the one that resurrected him. After Savvas had witnessed all this, he ordered Iakovos to come out of his cell. When he came out, hekissed all the brethren, and received the divine Mysteries, and on the seventh day, he was translated to the Lord.ANTHIMOS

There was an elder from Bethany named Anthimos. He dwelt across the wadi in an anchorites cell for thirty years, practicing every virtue in his monasticstruggles. In his old age, however, he fell gravely ill and lay abed, unable to stir due to his illness. The saint saw that he was sorely afflicted and pleaded withhim to condescend to be taken to a cell within the Lavra that the brethren might minister to him, but the blessed Anthimos would not accept, saying : I havehopes that I will end my life in the Lord here, where I have dwelt from the very beginning.

Before the end of the assembly one night, Saint Savvas arose and walked outdoors, where he heard a melodious hymn. He assumed that it was the brethrenchanting matins but was perplexed why they did this without receiving a blessing (permission) according to custom. He walked to the Church, but found thedoors closed, so he returned to his cell. But again, he heard a sweet melody; they that were singing chanted thusly: I shall come with a voice of exultation andglory, with the sound of one that is jubilant.

The saint then perceived that the voices were emanating from the cell of Anthimos. He then roused the entire brotherhood, and they went there with candlesand incense, finding that he had reposed in his cell. They took up his holy remains with piety and performed all the things that the law ordained and buriedhim with honor.

COENOBIUM OF ZANNOS

At the Great Lavra there were two brothers according to the flesh from Hebron, who also shared the same beliefs in God. Their names were Zannos andBenjamin, and they were adorned with all godly virtues. They agreed to beseech the sanctified Savvas to give them an anchoritic cell that he had built forhimself, fifteen stadia south of the Lavra. The great elder, perceiving that they were laborers of God, yielded to their request and gave them the cell.

The brothers inhabited both his cell and one other which they maintained inside the Lavra. When they tired themselves and labored sufficiently, the twobrothers changed the anchoritic cell into a coenobium. Saint Savvas helped them very much and provided them with funds for their expenses and every otherassistance. Since many other brethren gathered there, he erected and furnished a church, which was also consecrated. Thus, this coenobium, by the grace ofGod, thrives to this day and has taken the name of the blessed Zannos.26

APRHODISIOS

A certain brother named Aphrodisios was of the Monastery of Theodosios. He was an Asian by birth and gigantic in stature. He was so robust and brave, that hecould lift unassisted, on his own, twelve baskets of wheat with ease. They placed him in charge of all, the mules, and on a certain day, he struck one on the face,and it died. Then he took its saddle and the load and returned to the lavra. Saint Savvas meanwhile saw that he had repented sincerely with all his heart andwas willing to fulfill the required penance, so he ordered him to stay in his cell without speaking to anyone and not to leave the lavra and to restrain both hisappetite and tongue. The courageous one accepted this command and proved to be more valiant in soul than in body, as he stayed in the cell some thirty years!

He never kept a basin, nor a container of any sort, nor did he ever light a fire. He never tasted oil, wine or any other beverage. He kept only a single garmentand slept on a mat, weeping by day and working on his handicraft. He wove ninety baskets a month, which he gave to a certain brother in the lavra who, inreturn, brought him the necessities of life. These consisted of leftover food by the brethren, that no one else would eat, either vegetables or legumes. Theywould put them in a basin and sent them to him. If, perchance, they gave off an unpleasant odor, he would not return them, but ate them as if they were sentby God.

As we said, he conducted himself thus for thirty years, proving that he was more sound and valuable than a diamond, without fretting in the least and withoutfalling ill; neither did his stomach trouble him., by his many labors for Christ, he was granted the gift of foresight. He knew the day of his release from this lifeand revealed it to the saint seven days earlier, asking permission to go and bid farewell to Theodosios and then return to his cell. The saint knew of his reposeby divine revelation and sent him with another brother, named Theodoulos, and Savvas wrote a letter to Theodosios, in which he said the following: Behold,my beloved brother in Christ, my lord Theodosios: I send thee our common brother Aphrodisios, a man who once wore the flesh, but now, by the grace of God,has become an angel. The great Theodosios greeted him and offered him hospitality. Then they gave each other the last farewell, and Aphrodisios returned tohis cell. He fell ill and was translated to the Lord, relinquishing the earthly for the heavenly. With great honor, with candles and incense, the fathers of all themonasteries buried Aphrodisios precious and sacred remains (relics) in a selected place.

Such an instructor of virtue was the venerable Savvas, and thus he gathered the fruit of his labors. So very great and marvelous were his godlyaccomplishments, that is, the many monasteries and other edifices that he built, and the repeated victories against demons; and the reinstatement of the fallenbrethren, whom he transformed from men to angels, and his ability to foresee the future. But let us relate all the rest.

YERONTIOS

There is a city on the east bank of the Jordan called Medaba. The citizens held Savvas in the utmost respect for the great spiritual benefit that they receivedfrom him, and in return, they brought him many valuable gifts for the monasteries. One of them, Yerontios, was ill for a long time, so he traveled to the HolyCity, in order to worship, and also went to the Mount of Olives.

He mounted an ass and ambled along, but on the way, either by demonic complicity or for another reason, the beast shook him and, he fell. The man sufferedmultiple fractures, and no doctor attempted to treat him. It was of the opinion of all that he would die. The young brother of Yerontios, seeing that he wascrippled, was sorely grieved and knew that only the prayer of the blessed Savvas was a quick and certain remedy against every infirmity, for the physicians wereprolonging his misery and consuming his property, without any benefit to the patient. He, therefore, hastened to the lavra and fell at the feet of the saint,telling him of the calamity that had befallen his brother and pleading with him to come and visit Yerontios.

As the all-merciful Savvas heard this, he was sad, even though Yerontios was not present and departed for his house. At first, he made a supplication before theLord and anointed him with salutary oil from the Holy Cross, and at once - Behold the Therapy! - The former cripple, whose members were crushed, was madewhole. This event astounded everyone there, as they saw the great authority that Saint Savvas has with the Lord.

Later, again, the son of Yerontios, named Thomas, traveled to Jericho and there met the saint at the hostelry which they maintained. The latter received himgladly and wished to extend hospitality to him. When he asked his servant if there was any wine to serve, he replied that there was no wine, but only a littlevinegar in a gourd. The blessed one said to him: Blessed, be the Lord! We shall drink of that vinegar. He who turned the water into wine will transform the

bitterness of the vinegar! [Jn: 2: 1-11] Thus he said with his godly mouth and, straightway, the vinegar became sweet wine, truly refreshing the heart of man. Thesaint forthwith ordered that they bring fire and incense, saying: Truly the Lord hath visited us this Hour!

However, the miracle did not cease there. The wine was increased, so that it sufficed for all. Thomas, meanwhile, was beside himself, because of this miracle.He asked the saint to give him the gourd, as it still had some wine. Upon receiving it, he departed with his followers. In the interim, the wine lasted for theentire trip, and, after the gourd was empty, Thomas kept it as a precious treasure. Every time someone was ill, he filled it with water and poured it over the sickone, who was then cured.

A YOUNG DISCIPLE Not long after, the saint repaired to the Jordan River, accompanied by one of his youthful disciples. On the way, they met a group of lay folk that had in theircompany a most beautiful damsel. The saint attempted to test his student, so he looked at the maiden and said to him: It appears to me that the young maidenis blind, is that so? And he answered: Nay (No), Father, both her eyes are sound. The saint again said to him; Thou art mistaken, my lad, for I see that one ofher eyes is missing! The youth, not realizing that the saint was testing him, insisted: I looked at her very carefully and saw that she has two bright andbeautiful eyes! Then the all-wise one, after ensnaring him, said: See that thou dost not remember the command of the Scriptures which says: Let not thedesire of beauty overcome thee, neither be thou caught by thine eyes, neither be captured by her eyelids [Prov. 6:25], henceforth, thou shalt not come to mycell until thou learnest to bridle thy senses, and especially thine eyesight! After he said this, he sent the youth to Kastellion where he remained until he wascorrected, and then Savvas happily received him again into the synodia.

THE COOK

On another occasion, the cook was preparing squash for the workmen, who at that time were building, but as he was about to serve the food, he tasted it andperceived that it was as bitter as gall. He was dismayed at this, for they had nothing lese to offer. They spoke of the matter to the saint, who went to the kitchenand made the sign of the Cross over the mouth of the kettle and ordered him to serve it. The cook did so, and the squash seemed sweeter than honey.

THE LION

On yet another occasion, as the blessed man walked on the road that connected Rouba with the Jordan River, he encountered a mighty Lion with a woodensplinter embedded in its paw. The beast was unable to walk and lay on the ground. When the lion caught sight of Savvas, it raised its paw, so that he might seethe splinter and pluck it out. The saint, being compassionate, removed the spike skillfully. Then the lion put away its natural ferocity, owing to the benefit itreceived and, not wishing to appear ungrateful, followed the saint eagerly and obeyed him as a faithful servant.

This story reminds one of Saint Yerasimos the Jordanite who also plucked out a splinter from another injured lion and who also followed that saint. :

St. Yerasimos and the Lion. (A.D. 475). One day, being on the banks of the Jordan, he saw a lion (named Jordan) coming to him, limping on three feet. When it reached the saint, it held up to him theright paw, from which Gerasimus extracted a large thorn. The grateful beast attached itself to the saint, and followed him about as a dog.

PHLAIOS AND THE DONKEY

The saint had a servant in his employ, a layman by the name of Phlaios, and a small donkey which they loaded and used for the errands of the monastery.Whenever, Phlaios went on an errand where the donkey was not needed, he entrusted it to the supervision of the lion, who grasped the reins with its teeth andled it to graze from the morning until evening and, after having watered it, escorted it back to the monastery. Thus Phlaios did at all times, even on Holidays,when he did not require its service.

Many days later, Phlaios went on a certain errand, and, either from his own carelessness or from the envy of the devil, he fell into fornicat