Venerable Andronicus and His Wife Athanasia (5th Century) — October 9 / October 22 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 9 according to the Julian Calendar (October 22 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Venerable Andronicus and His Wife Athanasia.

Venerable Andronicus and his wife Athanasia lived in Antioch in the fifth century. Saint Andronicus was a craftsman, and he divided his earnings into three parts: one he offered to the church, the second he distributed to the poor, and the third he set aside for the support of his family. When the pious couple lost their son and daughter, they resolved to dedicate themselves entirely to the service of the Lord, and they tirelessly helped the poor and the sick.

Afterwards both took up the monastic struggle: Andronicus became a disciple of Abba Daniel in one of the skites of Egypt, while Athanasia settled in the women’s monastery of Tabennisi. After twelve years of ascetic life, Andronicus set out to venerate the holy places in Jerusalem. On the way he was joined by “Elder Athanasius” — in truth Saint Athanasia, who had put on men’s clothing to avoid the dangers of the journey. Andronicus did not recognize his wife, her appearance having been changed by long ascetic labour.

Returning from Jerusalem, the saints settled in one cell and devoted themselves to the labour of silence. Only after the repose of Athanasia did Venerable Andronicus learn the identity of his fellow struggler, from a letter left behind by the holy mother. Soon he too gave up his soul peacefully to the Lord.