Saint Onuphrios the Egyptian
Date of celebration: 12/06
One of the greatest ascetic personalities of the Egyptian deserts, Onufrios, came from Persia. Even as a child he showed a burning desire for total dedication to God. At a young age, he joined a synovial brotherhood, where for several years he practiced spiritual and physical temperance and obedience. His great humility made his brothers love him very much.
When Onufrios grew older, he wanted to go deeper into the desert, to get to know and imitate the life of the ascetics there. It is with great regret that the fraternity has released this elite member. After walking a long way through the desert, he came across the hut of the hermit Hermias, who by divine revelation was waiting for him. Hermias led him to a hut, under a huge palm tree, next to which the waters of a clear spring flowed.
There Onuphrios indulged in greater spiritual exercise, and his fame spread to all the hermits, who often went to consult him and receive his wish. Finally, when Abba Paphnutius once visited him, he breathed his last, and Paphnutius buried him under the huge palm tree. Thus, he reminded everyone of the words of the Apostle Paul: “train yourself for godliness” (1 Timothy, 4:7). That is, exercise and accustom yourself to the constant practice of the holy life.