Theoctistus of Palestine

Venerable Theoctistus/Theoktistos of Palestine, also Abba Theoktistus/Theoktistos (died 451), was an associate of Euthymius the Great. He was an ascetic who lived in a cell at the Pharan lavra, not far from the main monastery established by Euthymius,^[1] and later became hegumen (abbot) of another monastery of the Judaean Desert, which became named after him.

Ascetic life

Remains of Faran/Pharan monastery

Euthymius and Theoctistus sought challenge and solitude in the desert each year after the Leave-taking of Theophany (the last day of the feast associated with the Baptism of Jesus), only returning to their hermitages on Palm Sunday.^[2] Five years into their association, they went into the desert for Great Lent, and found in a wadi (see Wadi Mukallik/Nahal Og) a large cave where they remained praying for some time. Eventually shepherds from Bethany^[which?] discovered them, and people from the area began to visit seeking spiritual guidance and bringing food. The monks then built a church. When other monks came seeking instruction, Euthymius and Theoctistus built a lavra over the cave church. Theoctistus became hegumen of the monastery.^[2]

Euthymius is credited with establishing several monasteries, including that of Theoctistus.^[3]

Death and commemoration

Theoctistus died at an advanced age in 451 and is commemorated on 3 September.^[4]