On this day, June 28 according to the Julian Calendar (July 11 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Venerable Paul the Physician, a monk renowned for his humility and the holiness of his life.
Venerable Paul the Physician was born in the city of Corinth. From his youth he embraced the monastic life, and through unceasing spiritual labor he attained great experience in the ways of God.
Once, through the instigation of a demon consumed with envy, a woman falsely accused the venerable father. She came to the monastery with a newborn infant and declared publicly that the child was Paul’s. The holy elder received this slander with meekness and patience. He did not defend himself, but accepted the accusation with humility as if it were true, and took the child as his own. He cared for the child faithfully for many years, providing for all its needs through his labor and almsgiving.
When the time came and God saw fit to vindicate His servant, the truth was revealed, and Paul’s holy life was made known to all. The episode demonstrated that his trust in God was complete: he had placed his honor entirely in the Lord’s hands and had not sought earthly vindication.
Venerable Paul lived a long and holy life and reposed in peace. The Church venerates him for his extraordinary humility and his example of bearing false accusation without complaint, after the pattern of the suffering Savior.
May the intercessions of Venerable Paul the Physician be with us all.