Venerable Bessarion

Life

Born and raised in Egypt. He gave himself early to the spiritual life and "did not defile the spiritual garment in which he was clothed by holy baptism." He visited Saint Gerasimus on the Jordan and listened to Saint Isidore of Pelusium. He conquered his body by great fasting and vigil, but concealed his ascetical struggle as much as possible from men. Once he stood at prayer for forty days without eating or sleeping. He wore one garment in both summer and winter. He had a great gift of wonderworking. He had no fixed place of dwelling, but until deep old age he lived in mountains and groves. He healed the sick and performed many other miracles for the benefit of men and to the glory of God. He reposed peacefully in the year 466.

From the Hymn of Praise

Holy Bessarion, without roof or bread,From childhood to the grave preserved his virginity:Bodily purity and purity of mind,Therefore he was full of power and understanding,