St. Sabas

St. Sabas was a monk and priest who was born in 439 AD and is known for his contributions to the early Christian monastic movement. He is also known by his Greek name, Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, and is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. In this article, we will explore the life of St. Sabas and his impact on the development of monasticism.

Early Life

Little is known about the early life of St. Sabas. He was born in Cappadocia, which is a region in modern-day Turkey, and was raised in a Christian family. At a young age, he became a monk and dedicated his life to God.

Founding of the Mar Saba Monastery

In 483 AD, St. Sabas founded the Mar Saba Monastery, which was located in the Kidron Valley near Jerusalem. The monastery was built on a site that had been used for hermitages for centuries, and it quickly became an important center of monastic life. St. Sabas is credited with establishing a strict set of rules for the monastery, which were based on the principles of prayer, hard work, and self-denial.

Contributions to Monasticism

St. Sabas is known for his contributions to the development of monasticism, which is the practice of living a solitary life devoted to religious practices, such as prayer and contemplation. He is considered one of the “fathers” of Eastern monasticism, along with St. Anthony the Great and St. Pachomius.

St. Sabas is also known for his efforts to reform and revitalize monasticism in Palestine, which had become lax and corrupt. He was a strong advocate for the solitary life of the hermit, and he encouraged monks to live in small, isolated communities rather than in large, urban monasteries. He believed that this type of monasticism was more conducive to a life of prayer and contemplation.

Later Life and Legacy

St. Sabas spent the latter part of his life traveling throughout Palestine and the surrounding region, preaching and establishing monasteries. He is said to have visited many of the holy places in Palestine, including Bethlehem, the Jordan River, and the Mount of Olives.

St. Sabas died in 532 AD at the age of 93. He was canonized as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church, and his feast day is celebrated on December 5th.

Today, the Mar Saba Monastery still stands and is considered one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the world. It is a popular site for pilgrims and tourists, and it continues to be a center of monastic life.

Conclusion

St. Sabas was a monk and priest who is known for his contributions to the early Christian monastic movement. He is considered one of the “fathers” of Eastern monasticism, and he is credited with founding the Mar Saba Monastery, which is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the world. His legacy continues to be celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox Church and his teachings continue to inspire monastic communities today.