Venerable Eutychius and Florentius of Nursia — August 23 / September 5 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, August 23 according to the Julian Calendar (September 5 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Venerable Eutychius and Florentius. The Venerable Eutychius and Florentius were monks who struggled in the ascetic life in Italy, in the region of Nursia, in the sixth century. By his preaching Saint Eutychius converted many to Christianity. When the abbot of a nearby monastery reposed, the monks asked him to take up the cross of leadership. The saint agreed, but even afterwards he continued to care for his former place of ascetic labour, where his fellow struggler Florentius remained.

The Venerable Florentius worked countless miracles: he tamed a bear, which served him, pastured his sheep, carried water, and fulfilled the other blessings of its master. Saint Eutychius was not known for working miracles during his lifetime, but after his death healings took place at his garment. In times of drought the people would carry this garment through the fields, and the Lord would send down rain. The Venerable Eutychius reposed on May 23 of the year 540, and the Venerable Florentius on June 1 of the year 547.