Venerable Isaac, Dalmatus, and Faustus

Life

Isaac is celebrated once more separately (see May 30). Saint Dalmatus was at first an officer under Emperor Theodosius the Great, and the emperor held him in great honor. But when the spirit was awakened in him, he disdained all worldly things, left his rank, took his only son Faustus, and with him went to a monastery in the outskirts of Constantinople, the monastery of Saint Isaac, where both were tonsured as monks. Dalmatus was wholly devoted to the God-pleasing life, at which the elder Isaac rejoiced. And when Isaac drew near to the hour of death, he appointed Dalmatus as abbot in his place. Later that monastery was called Dalmatian after Dalmatus. Dalmatus devoted himself to fasting, sometimes for up to forty days. And by fasting he conquered the invisible power of the demons. He participated in the Third Ecumenical Council and fought against the heresy of Nestorius. Having been well-pleasing to God, he reposed peacefully in the fifth century. His son Faustus imitated his father in all things, and after a God-pleasing life ended his days peacefully in that same Dalmatian monastery.

From the Hymn of Praise

A dead rock and a man upon the rock,The stormy sea foaming all around —Anthony, absorbed in God,Constantly raised his mind to God