Blessed Hesychius of Chorebe (4th c.) — October 3 / October 16 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 3 according to the Julian Calendar (October 16 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Blessed Hesychius of Chorebe.

Blessed Hesychius of Chorebe labored in one of the monasteries of Mount Athos in the sixth century, and at first was not distinguished by zeal. Struck down by a grave illness, he died, but by the wondrous providence of God he returned to life within an hour. Afterward the blessed one shut himself in his cell and lived twelve years in complete solitude; he ate only bread and water, prayed unceasingly, and shed tears of repentance. Before his repose the saint said to the gathered monks: “Forgive me, brothers. One who keeps the remembrance of death will never sin.” The wondrous silence of the blessed father gave rise to an entire skete of silent hesychasts on the Holy Mountain of Athos.