The hieromartyr Hierotheus, the first bishop of Athens, was a member of the Athenian Areopagus and was converted to Christ by the Apostle Paul together with St Dionysius the Areopagite. The saint was consecrated by the Apostle Paul to the rank of bishop. According to tradition, bishop Hierotheus was present with St Dionysius at the funeral of the Most Holy Theotokos. St Hierotheus died a martyr's death in the first century.
Преподобный Аммон Египетский был воспитан в христианском благочестии. Вступив в брак по воле родных, Аммон по согласию с супругой сохранил девство и стал жить с ней как брат с сестрой. 20 лет духовные супруги подвизались в посте, молитве и совместных трудах. Возмужав в благочестии, супруги порознь продолжили свои подвиги. Жена Аммона осталась дома и учредила в нем женский монастырь. Аммон ушел в Нитрийскую пустыню, где пребывал 22 года и достиг высоких духовных совершенств, дара чудотворения и прозорливости.
Преподобный Аммон часто приходил за благословением к преподобному Антонию Великому. В час кончины преподобного Аммона святой Антоний увидел, как Ангелы с веселием возносили на небо душу этого праведника. Преподобный Аммон скончался в середине IV века.
Saint Paul the Simple of Egypt also lived in the fourth century and was called the Simple for his simplicity of heart and gentleness. He had been married, but when he discovered his wife's infidelity, he left her and went into the desert to St Anthony the Great. Paul was already 60 years old, and at first St Anthony would not accept Paul, saying that he was unfit for the harshness of the hermit's life. Paul stood outside the cell of the ascetic for three days, saying that he would sooner die than go from there. Then St Anthony took Paul into his cell, and tested his endurance and humility by hard work, severe fasting, with nightly vigils, constant singing of Psalms and prostrations. Finally, St Anthony decided to settle Paul into a separate cell. During the many years of ascetic exploits the Lord granted St Paul both discernment, and the power to cast out demons. When they brought a possessed youth to St Anthony, he guided the afflicted one to St Paul saying, "I cannot help the boy, for I have not received power over the Prince of the demons. Paul the Simple, however, does have this gift." St Paul expelled the demon by his simplicity and humility.
After living for many years, performing numerous miracles, he departed to the Lord. He is mentioned by St John, the Abbot of Sinai (Ladder 24:30): "The thrice-blessed Paul the Simple was a clear example for us, for he was the rule and type of blessed simplicity...."
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