The Monk Baradates the Syrian

Commemorated on February 22

      The Monk Baradates the Syrian began the exploit of wilderness-dweller in an hut, in the surroundings of Antioch. He then built himself a stone cell upon an hill, very cramped and low, such that the ascetic was able to situate himself in it only in a stooped position. In it was neither window nor door, and in the cracks left intentionally there penetrated the wind, rain and cold, and in summer he was not protected from the heat. After many years the Alexandrian Patriarch Theodorit in visiting urged the monk to leave the cramped hut. Then the saint withdrew into a new seclusion: covered from head to foot by a leather tunic with a small opening for breathing, he prayed standing with hands upraised to heaven. The grace of God strengthened him in his works and purified his heart from passions. People began to flock to him for spiritual counsel, and Saint Baradates with deep humility guided them. Having acquired many graced gifts, the monk in peace expired to the Lord.

© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.