Saint Théodose le
Cénobiarque
Moine près de
Bethléem (+ 529)
Né en Cappadoce, Théodose décide d'aller en Terre Sainte mener la vie de perfection. Sur son chemin, il fait un détour par Antioche pour consulter saint Syméon le Stylite. Celui-ci prophétise la vie du futur moine. Il lui déconseille de rejoindre les ermites du Désert dont beaucoup sont alors adeptes de l'hérésie monophysite. Il entre dans une petite communauté de la Ville Sainte où il s'initie à la vie monastique. Refusant d'être élu higoumène, il se réfugie dans une grotte et là découvre peu à peu la bonté et la miséricorde quand de nombreux disciples viennent vers lui. Ils seront près de 400 au moment de sa mort. Le patriarche de Jérusalem lui demande de devenir archimandrite (responsable) des communautés monastiques cénobitiques (d'où son nom) tandis que son ami saint Sabas devient responsable de l'ensemble des ermites. Jusqu'à la fin de sa vie, il défendra avec fougue la foi au Christ vrai Dieu et vrai homme, définie par le Concile de Chalcédoine.
Dans le désert de Judée, en 529, saint Théodose le Cénobiarque. Ami de saint Sabas,
après de longues années de vie solitaire, il groupa autour de lui de nombreux
disciples et leur fit mener la vie commune dans des monastères qu'il avait
bâtis. Après avoir beaucoup souffert pour la foi catholique et devenu
centenaire, il s'endormit en paix dans le Christ.
Martyrologe romain
SOURCE : https://nominis.cef.fr/contenus/saint/411/Saint-Th%C3%A9odose-le-C%C3%A9nobiarque.html
Saint Théodose
Abbé
(423-529)
Théodose naquit, l'an
423, dans une petite ville de la Cappadoce. Jeune encore, il se sentit inspiré
de visiter les Lieux Saints. En route, il voulut voir saint Siméon Stylite et
le consulter sur le genre de vie qu'il devait choisir. Siméon le distingua dans
la foule des pèlerins, et, l'appelant par son nom: "Théodose, homme de
Dieu, lui dit-il, soyez le bienvenu." Il le fit monter sur la haute
colonne qui lui servait de demeure, le bénit et lui annonça qu'il serait le
père d'un grand peuple de moines.
Théodose, après son
pèlerinage, se fixa dans la Terre Sainte et chercha la solitude sur une haute
montagne, où il vécut dans les jeûnes et la prière. L'éclat de sa vertu lui
attira des disciples; il en reçut d'abord un tout petit nombre, mais bientôt sa
charité lui fit accepter tous les sujets de bonne volonté. Il les exerçait à la
vertu par la parole et par l'exemple. Pour leur rendre toujours présente la
pensée de la mort, il leur fit creuser une tombe; puis, se tenant au milieu
d'eux, il leur dit en souriant: "Voici tout prêt le lieu du repos, qui de
nous en fera la dédicace?" Un prêtre, nommé Basile, fléchit le genou:
"Veuillez me bénir, mon Père, ce sera moi!" On lut pendant quarante
jours l'office des funérailles, et au quarantième jour, sans fièvre, sans
douleur, sans agonie, Basile s'endormit du dernier sommeil.
Théodose, sur un avis
céleste, fit bâtir un monastère si vaste, qu'il avait l'aspect d'une cité.
Outre les bâtiments réservés aux moines, il y avait de grands établissements
pour tous les métiers, et plusieurs hôpitaux pour les foules d'infirmes et de
malades; l'enceinte de ce monastère ne renfermait pas moins de quatre églises.
Dieu récompensa l'immense
charité de son serviteur. Certain jour, il y eut cent tables dressées dans le
monastère pour les étrangers; la Providence pourvoyait à tous les besoins. Une
fois, les provisions étant épuisées, les frères se mirent à murmurer, Théodose
leur dit: "Confiance, Dieu ne nous oubliera pas." Bientôt arrivèrent
des mulets chargés de vivres. Le Saint vit venir avec joie la mort, dans la
pensée de laquelle il avait puisé le principe d'une vie si parfaite; il était
arrivé à l'âge de cent six ans.
Abbé L. Jaud, Vie
des Saints pour tous les jours de l'année, Tours, Mame, 1950
SOURCE : http://magnificat.ca/cal/fr/saints/saint_theodose.html
THÉODOSE le CÉNOBIARQUE
Saint Théodose, chef et
pilote de ceux qui menaient la vie communautaire en Palestine (cénobiarque =
«chef des cénobites») et astre brillant pour l'éternité dans le firmament
spirituel, naquit vers 423 dans le village de Garissos, en Cappadoce, de
parents pieux et craignant Dieu, qui lui inspirèrent l'amour des saintes vertus
et de l'application aux Saintes Ecritures. Devenu lecteur dès son jeune âge, il
aimait à méditer sur l'histoire d'Abraham, le modèle de tous ceux qui s'exilent
par amour du Seigneur (Gen. 12), et sur les paroles de l'Evangile qui
recommandent de quitter parents, biens et amis pour hériter la vie éternelle
(Mat. 19:29). L'âme brûlante d'une divine ardeur il décida un jour d'appliquer
ces préceptes et prit la route de Jérusalem. Passant dans la région d'Antioche,
il alla prendre la bénédiction de l'illustre Saint Syméon le Stylite (mémoire
le 1er septembre). Le vieillard le salua de loin, en disant: «Théodose, homme
de Dieu, sois le bienvenu! » Il le fit monter en haut de sa colonne, l'embrassa
tendrement et lui prédit qu'il deviendrait le pasteur d'un immense troupeau de
brebis spirituelles.
Parvenu à Jérusalem,
après avoir vénéré les Lieux Saints, Théodose se demanda comment il pouvait
commencer dans la vie ascétique. Certes, il désirait mener la vie solitaire;
mais, averti des dangers d'entrer dans la lutte contre les ennemis invisibles
sans avoir été préalablement exercé au combat par un maître expérimenté, il se
mit à la recherche d'un tel guide et le trouva en la personne d'un vieillard
originaire de Cappadoce, nommé Longin, qui brillait de toutes sortes de vertus
parmi les moines consacrés au service de la basilique de la Résurrection (les
spoudaioi). Une fois instruit, par l'obéissance, à ne faire, comme le Christ,
que la volonté de Dieu le Père et à discerner avec science le bien et le mal,
il s'installa seul dans une église située sur le chemin de Bethléem. Lorsque la
riche et pieuse fondatrice de cette église voulut le mettre à la tête d'une
communauté de moines, il se retira dans une grotte située sur une montagne
déserte, où, disait-on, les Mages avaient logé après avoir vénéré
l'Enfant-Dieu. Tendu avec ardeur vers le ciel et oubliant tout ce qui est de la
terre, Théodose y purifiait son âme par la mortification sans relâche des
plaisirs de la chair, par la station debout durant toute la nuit, soutenu par
des cordes qu'il avait suspendues au plafond, par la psalmodie et la prière
incessantes. Il demeura trente ans sans manger un morceau de pain, en ne se
nourrissant que de dattes, de fèves et de quelques herbes qui poussaient dans
la grotte. La renommée de ses combats et de la vie divine qui brillait en lui
attirèrent bientôt vers la grotte de nombreux disciples. Il n'en reçut d'abord
que six, puis douze, et enfin accepta tous ceux que Dieu lui envoyait.
En premier lieu, il leur
enseignait à tenir toujours devant leurs yeux la pensée de la mort, comme
fondement de la vie en Christ. Un jour, il leur fit creuser un vaste sépulcre
et leur dit: «Voici votre tombeau, qui de vous veut l'inaugurer?» Un prêtre,
nommé Basile, tomba à genoux et demanda au Saint sa bénédiction pour partir le
premier vers le Seigneur. Théodose ordonna alors de célébrer les offices de
commémoration du 3e, du 9e et du 40e jour, comme il est coutume jusqu'à nos
jours pour les défunts. Sitôt venu le 40e jour, Basile expira, et pendant les
40 jours suivants Théodose le vit se tenir spirituellement au milieu des frères
pendant la psalmodie.
Une veille de Pâques, les
frères, manquant de toute nourriture et même de pain pour célébrer la Sainte
Liturgie, s'agitaient inquiets. Théodose, recueilli en lui-même dans un endroit
isolé, leur recommanda de ne mettre leur espérance qu'en Dieu. De fait, la nuit
venue, deux mulets arrivèrent à la porte du Monastère chargés de provisions qui
durèrent jusqu'à la Pentecôte.
La grotte devint vite
trop étroite pour le nombre grandissant de disciples, et de riches amis, prêts
à contribuer à toutes les dépenses, pressaient le Saint de choisir un
emplacement convenable pour édifier un grand monastère, conformément à la
prophétie de Saint Syméon. Dabord hésitant, de peur de perdre les fruits de la
vie solitaire, Théodose parvint à la conclusion, qu'avec l'aide de Dieu, il
pourrait garder son âme dans une paix imperturbable, tout en menant un grand
nombre d'hommes sur la voie du Salut. Il prit donc un encensoir, l'emplit de
charbon, et s'avança droit devant lui, en priant Dieu d'allumer» Lui-même
l'encens lorsqu'il parviendrait à l'endroit convenable. Le Seigneur accorda ce
signe à son serviteur dans un lieu situé à environ 7 km de Bethléem. On y
construisit bientôt de vastes bâtiments pour les moines, avec des ateliers et
tout ce qui est nécessaire pour les libérer des distractions causées par les
relations avec le monde extérieur. A cette cité évangélique étaient jointes
plusieurs annexes: une hôtellerie pour les moines étrangers, une autre pour
recevoir les pauvres et les indigents, un hôpital pour les malades, un hospice
pour les moines âgés et un asile pour les aliénés. Oeil pour les aveugles, pied
pour les boiteux, toit pour les sans-toit, vêtement pour ceux qui étaient nus,
le Saint se faisait tout pour tous, il soignait lui-même les plaies les plus
répugnantes et embrassait tendrement les lépreux. Les indigents accourraient en
si grand nombre au monastère, en ces temps de disette, qu'on allait jusqu'à
dresser la table cent fois par jour. Pour subvenir à de tels besoins, Dieu
intervenait fréquemment par des miracles et multipliait le pain et les vivres.
La communauté était
composée de plus de 400 moines de nationalités différentes. C'est pourquoi le
Saint avait fait construire quatre églises dans l'enceinte du monastère: une où
l'on célébrait la louange de Dieu en grec, l'autre en syriaque, une autre en
arménien, et la quatrième était réservée aux aliénés et aux possédés. Sept fois
le jour les hymnes s'élevaient vers le ciel en un accord harmonieux de diverses
langues, et tous se réunissaient dans l'église des Grecs, après la lecture de
l'Evangile, pour célébrer en commun la Sainte Eucharistie. Père unique,
Théodose prenait soin de chacun et montrait à tous, par sa conduite et ses enseignements,
une vivante image du Christ. A la mort de Gérontios, le supérieur du monastère
fondé par Sainte Mélanie (31 décembre), il fut élu comme supérieur
(archimandrite) et chef de tous les moines vivant en communautés, alors que
Saint Sabas (5 décembre) était placé à la tête des ermites et de ceux qui
vivaient dans les laures. Les deux Saints étaient unis par une grande charité,
ils se rencontraient souvent pour s'entretenir de sujets spirituels et
luttèrent de concert contre les hérétiques.
En ce temps-là (513),
l'Eglise était en effet troublée par l'empereur Anastase, qui avait pris la
défense des monophysites, ennemis du Concile de Chalcédoine. Il déposa le
Patriarche de Jérusalem Elie, lui substitua un hérétique, et tenta d'attirer à
lui tous les moines éminents de Palestine, en particulier Saint Sabas et Saint
Théodose. Si, par humilité, saint Théodose se laissait vaincre et contrarier en
toute chose, il se montrait toutefois intraitable en ce qui concernait Dieu et
les Saints Dogmes de l'Eglise. Il rassembla tous les habitants des déserts,
leur déclara que le temps était venu pour le «doux de se changer en guerrier»
(Joël 3:11), et écrivit au souverain une lettre, où il annonçait la ferme
décision des moines de rester fidèles jusqu'au sang à la doctrine des Saints
Conciles OEcuméniques. Impressionné par ce courage, Anastase relâcha pour un
peu de temps ses persécutions, mais les reprit bientôt de plus belle. Théodose
se rendit alors à la basilique de la Résurrection et, du haut de l'ambon, s'écria:
«Si quelqu'un refuse d'accepter les quatre Saints Conciles au même titre que
les quatre Saints Evangiles, qu'il soit anathème!» Puis, à la tête d'une armée
de moines, il parcourut la ville en confirmant le peuple dans la foi par sa
parole et ses miracles. Envoyé en exil sur ordre de l'empereur, il put regagner
son monastère, deux ans plus tard, lors de l'avènement de Justin 1er, favorable
à l'Orthodoxie (518).
Une fois la paix
rétablie, le bienheureux continua de répandre la bénédiction de Dieu sur les
hommes: il guérit des maladies incurables, d'un seul grain de blé il remplit un
grenier entier, il rendit fécondes des femmes stériles, chassa des nuées de
sauterelles, fit venir la pluie, délivra des voyageurs en danger, annonça sept
ans à l'avance le séisme qui détruisit la ville d'Antioche (526). Mais ne
comptant pour rien tant de grâces, il montait sans cesse vers Dieu, en
s'enfonçant dans l'abîme de l'humilité. Voyant un jour deux de ses disciples
qui se disputaient, il se jeta à leurs pieds et refusa de se relever tant
qu'ils ne se furent pas réconciliés. Une autre fois, comme il avait interdit la
communion à un moine responsable d'une faute grave, celui-ci répliqua en
faisant la même défense au Père. Théodose obéit, et ne se présenta à la communion
que lorsque le moine se fût rétracté.
Affligé, vers la fin de
ses jours, d'une longue et douloureuse maladie, il supportait tout, comme Job,
avec action de grâces, refusait de prier Dieu d'en être délivré et ne relâchait
en rien sa règle d'ascèse et de prière. Un peu avant son trépas, il exhorta ses
moines à la persévérance dans les épreuves, leur promit de toujours intercéder
au ciel pour son monastère; puis, après avoir rassemblé tous les Higoumènes de
Palestine, il les bénit et remit son âme à Dieu. Il était âgé de 105 ans (529).
Ses funérailles furent célébrées avec tous les honneurs possibles par le
Patriarche, en présence d'une foule immense de moines et de laïcs. On ensevelit
son corps dans la première grotte où il avait demeuré, et peu de temps après
les miracles commencèrent à abonder.
De toutes les vertus de
Saint Théodose, trois restèrent à ses disciples comme un vivant héritage: une
sévère ascèse jusqu'à la mort, accompagnée d'une foi inébranlable; la
miséricorde envers les pauvres et les malades, et l'assiduité continuelle à la
prière et à la louange de Dieu.
SOURCE : http://calendrier.egliseorthodoxe.com/sts/stsjanvier/janv11.html
Saint Theodosius the
Cenobiarch
Also
known as
Theodosius of Cappadocia
Theodosius the
Coenobriarch
Theodosius the Great
Theodosios….
Theodossios…
Teodosio il Cenobiarca
Profile
Born to a pious family,
he began his studies at
an early age, and became a lector while
still a youth. The example of Abraham led him to leave home in order to
properly follow God.
He met Saint Simeon
Stylites in Antioch;
Simeon recognized him as a holy man and leader, and invited Theodosius onto his
pillar for prayer, blessing,
and advice. Travelled to Jerusalem where
legend says worked with Saint Longinus
the Centurian, who would have been nearly 500 years old at the time. Head
of a church near Bethlehem.
Hermit in
the desert of Judah, living in a cave. Word of his holiness began to attract
disciples, and Theodosius built a monastery at
Cathismus to house them. There were so many there had to be a section for Greeks,
for Armenians,
for Persions,
etc., but they all happily worked and prayed together.
Next to the monastery he
built a hospital for
the sick,
a hospice for the aged,
and a mental
hospital. Friend of and co-worker with Saint Sabbas.
Appointed visitor to all cenobitical communities of Palestine the
patriarch of Jerusalem.
Opposed heresies,
including Eutychianism and Monophysitism.
Emperor Anastatius, a supporter of Eutychianism, sent Theodosius a large bribe,
hoping to sway the influential monk to
his thinking; Theodosius distributed the money to the poor,
and continued to preach against heresy.
Because of his orthodox views, Anastatius removed him from his position
in 513,
but he soon resumed his duties under emperor Justinian.
In poor
health in his old
age, he was stricken with a condition that made his skin dry as stone. He
continued to work until his health gave
out, and then he spent his time praying for
his community. He died at
age 105.
Born
423 at
Garissus, Cappadocia (modern
Turkey)
529 at
Cathismus of natural causes
buried in
the cave where he live as a hermit
it became a noted site
for pilgrimages and miracles
Name
Meaning
Cenobriach = head of
people living a life in common
abbot hermit with
iron bands on his neck and arms, chains and
a money bag near him
Additional
Information
Book
of Saints, by the Monks of
Ramsgate
Character
Calendar, by Sister Mary Fidelis and Sister Mary Charitas, S.S.N.D
Lives
of the Saints, by Father Alban
Butler
Pictorial
Half Hours with the Saints
Roman
Martyrology, 1914 edition
Saints
of the Day, by Katherine Rabenstein
Short
Lives of the Saints, by Eleanor Cecilia Donnelly
books
Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints
Saints
and Their Attributes, by Helen Roeder
other
sites in english
images
video
sitios
en español
Martirologio Romano, 2001 edición
fonti
in italiano
websites
in nederlandse
spletne
strani v slovenšcini
MLA
Citation
“Saint Theodosius the
Cenobiarch“. CatholicSaints.Info. 20 November 2023. Web. 20 January 2026.
<https://catholicsaints.info/saint-theodosius-the-cenobiarch/>
SOURCE : https://catholicsaints.info/saint-theodosius-the-cenobiarch/
Article
(Saint)
(January
11) (6th
century) A Cappadocian Christian who
embraced the life of a Solitary in Palestine,
and there founded a famous monastery near
the Laura of Saint Sabbas.
On account of this he acquired the title of the “Cenobiarch.” He died A.D. 529.
MLA
Citation
Monks of Ramsgate.
“Theodosius”. Book of Saints, 1921. CatholicSaints.Info.
26 December 2016. Web. 20 January 2026.
<https://catholicsaints.info/book-of-saints-theodosius-11-january/>
SOURCE : https://catholicsaints.info/book-of-saints-theodosius-11-january/
St. Theodosius the
Cenobiarch
Feastday: January 11
Death: 529
Abbot and founder. Born
at Garissus, Cappadocia (modern Turkey), in 423, he undertook a pilgrimage to
Jerusalem, and after meeting with the famed St. Simeon Stylites,
he entered a monastery. Later, he was named the head of a church between Jerusalem and
Bethlehem, but departed to live as a hermit near the Dead Sea. As he attracted
a large number of followers, Theodosius established a monastery which was
divided among the various nationalities of the monks (Greek, Armenian, etc.),
each with their own church. Appointed by the patriarch of Jerusalem to
the post of visitor to all the cenobitical communities of Palestine, he used his
influence as cenobiarch to oppose the spread of the heretical doctrines of
Eutychianism, displaying such zeal in
his preaching that Emperor Anastasius I (r.
491-518), who was sympathetic to the Eutychians, exiled him. Recalled by
Emperor Justin soon after Anastasius' death, Theodosius spent his last years in
poor health.
SOURCE : https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=2240
Theodosius the
Cenobiarch, Abbot (RM)
Born in Garissus,
Cappadocia, c. 423; died near Bethlehem 529. Theodosius was born and raised in
a devout Christian family. While still young, he decided to consecrate himself
to God and to become a student of the Scripture. Eventually, he was ordained a
reader. In the course of his studies, he was moved by the example of Abraham
who "obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive
as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he
sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country . . . for he was looking
forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God"
(Hebrews 11:8-10). And so it happened that when Theodosius was about 30, he
left home to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to the places of the Savior's
Passion.
When he reached Antioch,
he visited Simeon Stylites, a living statue of prayer and renunciation, to
receive his blessing. Theodosius did not visit Simeon like the curious who came
in great numbers to disturb his prayer, or the mockers who came to make fun of
the saint; and Simeon, foretelling the future glory of his youthful visitor,
called to him, saying: "Theodosius, man of God, you are welcome
here." Theodosius climbed upon the pillar of Simeon to receive his advice
and blessing.
Untrustworthy tradition
says that after visiting the holy places of Jerusalem, Theodosius placed
himself in the care of Saint Longinus, the centurion who pierced the Savior's
side, was converted, and became a monk at Caesarea in Cappadocia. Longinus soon
saw that his charge was unusually committed to the ways of Jesus. This story
line continues that a rich woman had built a monastery near Jerusalem and
needed someone to lead it. Longinus persuaded Theodosius to take the job.
Another tradition says
that Theodosius tried eremitical life and decided that it was not his calling.
With some companions he went to a mountain, where they lived in extreme
privation, constant prayer, and charitable works. With or without Longinus,
their fame reached the ears of many young people who came to their monastery
asking permission to remain with them. It grew rapidly, its monks being of
several peoples and languages.
Eventually, Theodosius
had to undertake the construction of an immense monastery at Catismus, near Bethlehem,
that could provide quarters for the throng of pilgrims, religious, and sick.
Thereby, he became the founder of monasticism in Palestine, and built a
monastery on the shores of the Dead Sea 'like a city of saints in the midst of
the desert.' There were four churches--one for each of three different
languages and a fourth for penitents--and three hospitals. One hospital cared
for the aged, another for the physically ill, and the third for the mentally
ill. Greeks, Armenians, and Persians worked and prayed happily together. And no
one was ever turned away without a meal and good hospitality--no matter how
little the monks themselves had to eat.
Sallus, patriarch of
Jerusalem appointed Theodosius's friend and fellow-countryman, Saint Sabas,
head of all hermit-monks in Palestine and set Saint Theodosius over those
living in communities: This explains his surname 'Cenobiarch,' i.e., chief of
those leading a life in common. Theodosius was a staunch opponent of
Monophysitism, which led to his being removed from office for a short time by
the Emperor Anastasius.
Emperor Anastasius
patronized the Eutychian heresy, and tried to win Theodosius over to his own
views. In 513, he deposed Elias, patriarch of Jerusalem, just as he had
previously banished Flavian II of Antioch, and intruded Severus into that see.
Theodosius and Sabas maintained the rights of Elias, and of his successor John;
whereupon the imperial officers thought it advisable to connive at their
proceedings, considering the great authority they had merited by their
sanctity. Soon after, the emperor sent Theodosius a considerable amount of
money, for charitable uses in appearance, but in reality as a bribe. The saint
accepted it, and distributed it all among the poor.
Of course, the emperor
thought that he had finally persuaded Theodosius. Anastasius sent the saint a
heretical profession of faith, in which the divine and human natures of Christ
were confounded into one, and wanted Theodosius to sign it. Our saint responded
to Anastasius with apostolic zeal, and for some time the emperor was more
peaceable. But soon he renewed his persecuting edicts against the orthodox,
despatching troops to execute them. When Theodosius heard about this, he
travelled throughout Palestine urging everyone to stand fast in the faith of
the four general councils. Thereupon the emperor banished Theodosius. He was
recalled by Anastasius's successor within a short time.
One of the biographers of
Theodosius writes: "He did not punish the brethren with severity, but with
a sweet, agreeable, and loving flow of words which penetrated to the depth of
the heart. He was at once severe and kind; he consoled and astonished the
religious with his kindness; he governed them with such calmness and
tranquility that he seemed to be alone in a desert. He was always the same,
whether alone or in company, because he learned to keep himself always in the
presence of God."
In his old age,
Theodosius was stricken with a long illness that made his skin and body dry
like a stone. He suffered a great deal from this, but bore his pains with
perfect patience, praying continually, so much so that even at night his lips
continued to move while he slept, as if they were saying some prayer.
Theodosius died about the age of 105. Patriarch Peter of Jerusalem and the
whole country were present at his funeral, which was honored by miracles. He
was buried in his first cell, called the cave of the Magi, because the wise men
who searched for Christ soon after his birth were said to have lodged in it.
Theodosius's reputation for holiness multiplied in the many miracles that
followed his death for the benefit of those who begged his intercession
(Attwater, Benedictines, Bentley, Encyclopedia, Gill, Walsh).
In art, Saint Theodosius
is an abbot hermit with iron bands on his neck and arms, chains and a money bag
near him (Roeder). He is the patron of file makers (Roeder).
SOURCE : http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/0111.shtml
St. Theodosius the
Cenobiarch, Abbot
From his life by
Theodoras, bishop of Petra, some time his disciple, in Surius and Bollandus,
and commended by Fleury, Baillet, &c.
A.D. 529.
ST. THEODOSIUS was born
at Mogariassus, called in latter ages Marissa, in Cappadocia, in 423. He imbibed
the first tincture of virtue from the fervent example and pious instructions of
his virtuous parents. He was ordained reader, but some time after being moved
by Abraham’s example to quit his country and friends, he resolved to put this
motion in execution. He accordingly set out for Jerusalem, but went purposely
out of his road, to visit the famous St. Simeon Stylites on his pillar, who
foretold him several circumstances of his life, and gave him proper
instructions for his behaviour in each. Having satisfied his devotion in
visiting the holy places in Jerusalem, he began to consider in what manner he
should dedicate himself to God in a religious state. The dangers of living
without a guide, made him prefer a monastery to a hermitage; and he therefore put
himself under the direction of a holy man named Longinus, to whom his virtue
soon endeared him in a very particular manner. A pious lady having built a
church under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin, on the high road to
Bethlehem, Longinus could not well refuse her request, that his pupil should
undertake the charge of it; but Theodosius, who loved only to obey, could not
be induced by any entreaties to consent to this proposal: absolute commands
were necessary to force him to compliance. Nor did he govern long; for dreading
the poison of vanity from the esteem of men, he retired into a cave at the top
of a neighbouring desert mountain, and employed his time in fasting, watching,
prayers, and tears, which almost continually flowed from his eyes. His food was
coarse pulse and wild herbs: for thirty years he never tasted so much as a
morsel of bread. Many desired to serve God under his direction: he at first
determined only to admit six or seven, but was soon obliged to receive a
greater number, and at length came to a resolution, which charity extorted from
him, never to reject any that presented themselves with dispositions that
seemed sincere. The first lesson which he taught his monks was, that the
continual remembrance of death is the foundation of religious perfection; to
imprint this more deeply in their minds, he caused a great grave or pit to be
dug, which might serve for the common burial-place of the whole community, that
by the presence of this memorial of death, and by continually meditating on that
object, they might more perfectly learn to die daily. The burial-place being
made, the abbot one day, when he had led his monks to it, said, “The grave is
made, who will first perform the dedication?” Basil, a priest, who was one of
the number, falling on his knees, said to St. Theodosius, “I am the person, be
pleased to give me your blessing.” The abbot ordered the prayers of the church
for the dead to be offered up for him, and on the fortieth day, Basil
wonderfully departed to our Lord in peace, without any apparent sickness. When
the holy company of disciples were twelve in number, it happened that at the
great feast of Easter they had nothing to eat; they had not even bread for the
sacrifice: some murmured; the saint bid them trust in God and he would provide;
which was soon remarkably verified, by the arrival of certain mules loaded with
provisions. The lustre of the sanctity and miracles of St. Theodosius, drawing
great numbers to him who desired to serve God under his direction, his cave was
too little for their reception, therefore, having consulted heaven by prayer,
he, by its particular direction, built a spacious monastery at a place called
Cathismus, not far from Bethlehem, at a small distance from his cave, and it
was soon filled with holy monks. To this monastery were annexed three
infirmaries; one for the sick, the gift of a pious lady in that neighbourhood;
the two others St. Theodosius built himself, one for the aged and feeble, the
other for such as had been punished with the loss of their senses, or by
falling under the power of the devil, for rashly engaging in a religious state
through pride, and without a due dependence on the grace of God to carry them
through it. All succours, spiritual and temporal, were afforded in these
infirmaries, with admirable order, care, and affection. He erected also several
buildings for the reception of strangers, in which he exercised an unbounded
hospitality, entertaining all that came, for whose use there were one day above
a hundred tables served with provisions: these, when insufficient for the
number of guests, were more than once miraculously multiplied by his prayers.
The monastery itself was like a city of saints in the midst of a desert, and in
it reigned regularity, silence, charity, and peace. There were four churches
belonging to it, one for each of the three several nations of which his
community was chiefly composed, each speaking a different language; the fourth
was for the use of such as were in a state of penance, which those that recovered
from their lunatic or possessed condition, before mentioned, were put into, and
detained till they had expiated their fault. The nations into which his
community was divided, were the Greeks, which were far the most numerous, and
consisted of all those that came from any provinces of the empire; the
Armenians, with whom were joined the Arabians and Persians; and thirdly, the
Bessi, who comprehended all the northern nations below Thrace, or all who used
the Runic or Sclavonian tongue. Each nation sung the first part of the mass to
the end of the gospel, in their own church; but after the gospel, all met in
the church of the Greeks, where they celebrated the essential part of the
sacrifice in Greek, and communicated all together. 1
The monks passed a considerable part of the day and night at their devotions in
the church, and at the times not set apart for public prayer and necessary
rest, every one was obliged to apply himself to some trade, or manual labour,
not incompatible with recollection, that the house might be supplied with
conveniencies. Sallust, bishop of Jerusalem, appointed St. Sabas superior
general of the hermits, and our saint of the Cenobites, or religious men living
in community throughout all Palestine, whence he was styled the Cenobiarch.
These two great servants of God lived in strict friendship, and had frequent
spiritual conferences together; they were also united in their zeal and
sufferings for the church.
The emperor Anastasius patronised the Eutychian heresy, and used all possible
means to engage our saint in his party. In 513 he deposed Elias, patriarch of
Jerusalem, as he had banished Flavian II. patriarch of Antioch, and intruded
Severus, an impious heretic, into that see, commanding the Syrians to obey and
hold communion with him. SS. Theodosius and Sabas maintained boldly the rights
of Elias, and of John his successor; whereupon the imperial officers thought it
most advisable to connive at their proceedings, considering the great authority
they had acquired by their sanctity. Soon after, the emperor sent Theodosius a
considerable sum of money, for charitable uses in appearance; but in reality to
engage him in his interest. The saint accepted of it, and distributed it all
among the poor. Anastasius now persuading himself that he was as good as gained
over to his cause, sent him an heretical profession of faith, in which the
divine and human natures in Christ were confounded into one, and desired him to
sign it. The saint wrote him an answer full of apostolic spirit; in which,
besides solidly confuting the Eutychian error, he added, that he was ready to
lay down his life for the faith of the church. The emperor admired his courage
and the strength of his reasoning, and returning him a respectful answer,
highly commended his generous zeal, made some apology for his own
inconsiderateness, and protested that he only desired the peace of the church.
But it was not long ere he relapsed into his former impiety, and renewed his
bloody edicts against the orthodox, despatching troops every where to have them
put in execution. On the first intelligence of this, Theodosius went over all
the deserts and country of Palestine, exhorting every one to be firm in the
faith of the four general councils. At Jerusalem, having assembled the people
together, he from the pulpit cried out with a loud voice: “If any one receives
not the four general councils as the four gospels, let him be anathema.” So
bold an action in a man of his years, inspired with courage those whom the
edicts had terrified. His discourses had a wonderful effect on the people, and
God gave a sanction to his zeal by miracles; one of these was, that on his
going out of the church at Jerusalem, a woman was healed of a cancer on the
spot, by only touching his garments. The emperor sent an order for his
banishment, which was executed; but dying soon after, Theodosius was recalled
by his catholic successor, Justin; who, from a common soldier, had gradually
ascended the imperial throne.
Our saint survived his return eleven years, never admitting the least
relaxation in his former austerities. Such was his humility, that seeing two
monks at variance with each other, he threw himself at their feet, and would
not rise till they were perfectly reconciled; and once having excommunicated
one of his subjects for a crime, who contumaciously pretended to excommunicate him
in his turn, the saint behaved as if he had been really excommunicated, to gain
the sinner’s soul by this unprecedented example of submission, which had the
desired effect. During the last year of his life he was afflicted with a
painful distemper, in which he gave proof of an heroic patience, and an entire
submission to the will of God; for being advised by one that was an eye-witness
of his great sufferings, to pray that God would be pleased to grant him some
ease, he would give no ear to it, alleging that such thoughts were impatience,
and would rob him of his crown. Perceiving the hour of his dissolution at hand,
he gave his last exhortation to his disciples, and foretold many things, which
accordingly came to pass after his death; this happened in the one hundred and
fifth year of his age, and of our Lord 529. Peter, patriarch of Jerusalem, and
the whole country, assisted with the deepest sentiments of respect at the
solemnity of his interment, which was honoured by miracles. He was buried in
his first cell, called the cave of the magi, because the wise men, who came to
adore Christ soon after his birth, were said to have lodged in it. A certain
count being on his march against the Persians, begged the hair-shirt which the
saint used to wear next his skin, and believed that he owed the victory which
he obtained over them, to the saint’s protection through the pledge of that
relic. Both the Roman and Greek calendars mention his festival on the 11th of
January.
The examples of the Nazarites and Essenes among the Jews, and of many excellent
and holy persons among the Christians through every age demonstrate, that many
are called by God to serve him in a retired contemplative life; nay, it is the
opinion of St. Gregory the Great, that the world is to some persons so full of
ambushes and snares, or dangerous occasions of sin, that they cannot be saved
but by choosing a safe retreat. Those who, from experience, are conscious of
their own weakness, and find themselves to be no match for the world, unable to
countermine its policies, and oppose its power, ought to retire as from the
face of too potent an enemy; and prefer a contemplative state to a busy and
active life: not to indulge sloth, or to decline the service of God and their
neighbour; but to consult their own security, and to fly from dangers of sin
and vanity. Yet there are some who find the greatest dangers in solitude
itself; so that it is necessary for every one to sound his own heart, take a
survey of his own forces and abilities, and consult God, that he may best be
able to learn the designs of his providence with regard to his soul; in doing
which, a great purity of intention is the first requisite. Ease and enjoyment
must not be the end of Christian retirement, but penance, labour, and assiduous
contemplation; without great fervour and constancy in which, close solitude is
the road to perdition. If greater safety, or an unfitness for a public station,
or a life of much business (in which several are only public nuisances) may be
just motives to some for embracing a life of retirement, the means of more
easily attaining to perfect virtue may be such to many. Nor do true
contemplatives bury their talents, or cease either to be members of the
republic of mankind, or to throw in their mite towards its welfare. From the
prayers and thanksgivings, which they daily offer to God for the peace of the
world, the preservation of the church, the conversion of sinners, and the
salvation of all men, doubtless more valuable benefits often accrue to mankind,
than from the alms of the rich, or the labours of the learned. Nor is it to be
imagined, how far and how powerful their spirit, and the example of their
innocence and perfect virtue, often spread their influence; and how serviceable
persons who lead a holy and sequestered life, may be to the good of the world;
nor how great glory redounds to God, by the perfect purity of heart and charity
to which many souls are thus raised.
Note 1. See Le Brun, Explic. des Cérémonies de la Messe, T. 4. p. 234,
235. dissert. 14. art. 2. [back]
Rev. Alban Butler (1711–73). Volume I: January. The Lives
of the Saints. 1866.
SOURCE : http://www.bartleby.com/210/1/111.html
A Character
Calendar – Saint Theodosius
Article
The long life of this
holy man was filled with self-sacrificing Charity for others. The poor, the
sick, the unfortunate, found in him a constant friend. Those who were
associated with him felt that he walked in the presence of God.
This the people saw and
understood it not, neither laid they this up in their minds, that the grace of
God and His mercy are with His saints, and that He hath respect unto His
chosen. – Matins: Second Lesson
By day they labored, and
much of the night they spent in prayer; though while they labored, they were
far from leaving off mental prayer. – Imitation: Book I
Ideal: You know Saint
Paul’s lovely epistle on charity, do you not? That has reference particularly
to love of God, but we are told too “He that saith he loves God and loveth not
his fellow men is a liar.”
Today: Do your friends
readily turn to you for kindness? Do you readily “sponge” on others, or are you
considerate of the feelings of others even if you yourself are often imposed
upon?
Slogan: Whatever you do
unto the least of these, My brethren, you do unto Me.
MLA
Citation
Sister Mary Fidelis and
Sister Mary Charitas, S.S.N.D. “Saint Theodosius”. Character
Calendar, 1931. CatholicSaints.Info.
25 May 2022. Web. 20 January 2026.
<https://catholicsaints.info/a-character-calendar-saint-theodosius/>
SOURCE : https://catholicsaints.info/a-character-calendar-saint-theodosius/
Pictorial
Lives of the Saints – Saint Theodosius, The Cenobiarch
Theodosius
was born in Cappadocia in 423. The example of Abraham urged him to leave his
country, and his desire to follow Jesus Christ attracted him to the religious
life. He placed himself under Longinus, a very holy hermit, who sent him to
govern a monastery near Bethlehem. Unable to bring himself to command others,
he fled to a cavern, where he lived in penance and prayer. His great charity,
however, forbade him to refuse the charge of some disciples, who, few at first,
became in time a vast number, and Theodosius built a large monastery and three
churches for them. He became eventually Superior of the religious communities
of Palestine. Theodosius accommodated himself so carefully to the characters of
his subjects, that his reproofs were loved rather than dreaded. But once he was
obliged to separate from the communion of the others a religious guilty of a
grave fault. Instead of humbly accepting his sentence, the monk was arrogant
enough to pretend to excommunicate Theodosius in revenge Theodosius thought not
of indignation, nor of his own position, but meekly submitted to this false and
unjust excommunication. This so touched the heart of his disciple that he
submitted at once, and acknowledged his fault. Theodosius never refused
assistance to any in poverty or affliction; on some days the monks laid more
than a hundred tables for those in want. In times of famine, Theodosius forbade
the alms to be diminished, and often miraculously multiplied the provisions. He
also built five hospitals, in which he lovingly served the sick, while by
assiduous spiritual reading he maintained himself in perfect recollection. He
successfully opposed the Eutychian heresy in Jerusalem, and for this was
banished by the emperor. He suffered a long and painful malady, and refused to
pray to be cured, calling it a salutary penance for his former successes. He
died at the age of a hundred and six.
Reflection – Saint
Theodosius, for the sake of charity, sacrificed all he most prized – his home
for the love of God, and his solitude for the love of his neighbor. Can ours be
true charity if it costs us little or nothing?
SOURCE : https://catholicsaints.info/pictorial-lives-of-the-saints-saint-theodosius-the-cenobiarch/
.jpg)
San Teodosio il
Cenobiarca
Festa: 11 gennaio
423 – 529
Nato in Cappadocia nel
423, visse una vita dedicata alla fede cristiana e alla carità. Dopo aver
visitato i luoghi santi di Gerusalemme, si pose sotto la guida di un sant’uomo
di nome Longino, che lo invitò a prendersi cura di una comunità sulla strada per
Betlemme. In seguito, fondò un grande monastero, il Cathismus, che divenne un
modello per altri monasteri in tutta la Palestina. Teodosio fu nominato
archimandrita di tutti i cenobi palestinesi e, insieme a San Saba, svolse un
ruolo importante nella lotta contro l’eresia monofisita. Fu esiliato per la sua
fede, ma alla morte dell’imperatore Anastasio, che lo perseguitava, fu
riammesso in patria. Morì nel 539, all’età di 95 anni, e fu sepolto nella prima
grotta in cui aveva abitato.
Martirologio
Romano: In un eremo della Giudea, san Teodosio, cenobiarca: amico di san
Saba, dopo lunga vita solitaria associò a sé molti discepoli e praticò la vita
comunitaria in monasteri da lui stesso costruiti, finché, dopo aver molto
patito per la fede cattolica, riposò centenario nella pace di Cristo.
Teodosio nacque in Cappadocia, in Asia Minore, nel 423. Entrò al servizio della Chiesa come lettore o salmista e sin da giovane, secondo la tradizione, ispirò la sua vita all’esempio di Abramo: anch’egli infatti lasciò la sua terra per partire pellegrino verso Gerusalemme. Durante il viaggio visitò San Simeone lo Stilita, che dall’alto della sua colonna non mancò di dargli consigli sul suo futuro.
Avvertendo la necessità di affidarsi alla preziosa guida di un padre spirituale, terminata la visita ai luoghi santi a Gerusalemme si pose sotto la direzione di un sant’uomo di nome Longino, che lo invitò a prendersi cura di una comunità sulla strada per Betlemme. Non resistette però a lungo e passò poi in una grotta di una montagna nei paraggi, ove fu seguitò da alcuni suoi discepoli. Invano tentò di limitarne il numero, ma in definitiva non se la sentiva mai di cacciare nessuno, finchè la grotta divenne sovrappopolata e dovettero necessariamente trasferirsi.
Essendo originario della Cappadocia ed avendo dunque una certa familiarità con gli insegnamenti di San Basilio, Teodosio parve essere maggiormente incline alla vita comunitaria che a quella solitaria, seppur in contrasto con la tendenza dell’epoca. Si fece allora promotore dell’edificazione di un nuovo grande monastero Cathismus, che in breve tempo si riempì di monaci. Nel monastero si rese necessaria l’opera di tre infermiere: una per la cura dei malati comuni, una per gli anziani ed infina una per gli affetti da malattie mentali, infermità alla quale taluni monaci potevano giungere per l’eccessivo ascetismo.
Delle quattro chiese costituenti la città monastica, tre erano riservate alla celebrazione della Liturgia della Parola da parte dei tre gruppi etnici presenti (greci, armeni e slavi), mentre l’ultima era riservata agli ammalati. Poi tutti si riunivano per la celebrazione eucaristica in lingua greca. La giornata dei monaci, esclusi i momenti di preghiera e di riposo, era dedicata al lavoro manuale, proprio secondo uno schema assai simile a quello che si ritroverà poi nella Regola benedettina.
Questo monastero divenne ben presto famoso e fu imitato in tutta la Palestina.
Il patriarca Sallusto nominò Teodosio archimandrita di tutti i cenobi
palestinesi, mentre San Saba divenne superiore generale di tutti gli eremiti.
Nonostante i due santi rapresentassero tradizioni alquanto differenti tra loro,
vissero sempre in grande armonia ed entrambi caddero vittime di manipolazioni
politiche connesse all’emergente eresia monofisita, il cui artefice era proprio
l’imperatore monofisita Anastasio. Ciò può apparire oggi cosa strana, ma non lo
era in un tempo in cui politica e religione erano strettametne legate.
Teodosio e Saba seppero condizionare verso l’ortodossia il nuovo patriarca di
Gerusalemme, nominato dal sovrano, ma questi conoscendo la fama che circondava
Teodosio gli inviò delle sovvenzioni per le opere di carità da lui gestite,
nella speranza di corromperlo e di ottenere la sua firma ad un documento che
sosteneva tesi monofisite. Il santo distribuì la somma ricevuta ai poveri, ma
poi rispose all’imperatore con un netto rifiuto. Ciò calmò il clima per qualche
tempo, ma alla ripresa delle persecuzioni verso gli ortodossi Teodosio iniziò a
percorrere in lungo e in largo la Palestina per convincere tutti ad abbracciare
fedelmente le dottrine espresse dai quattro concili ecumenici sino a
Calcedonia.
Il timore impresso nel popolo da un editto imperiale fece però sì che Teodosio venne esiliato e solo nel 518, alla morte di Anastasio, il nuovo imperatore Giustino revocò la condanna all’esilio. Ormai Teodosio aveva raggiunto la veneranda età di 95 anni, ma non era ancora giunta la sua ora. Morì undici anni dopo a causa di una dolorosa malattia, affrontata con una sopportazione che raggiunse livelli eroici. Il patriarca di Gerusalemme ed un’immensa folla parteciparono alle esequie. San Teodosio ricevette sepoltura nella prima grotta in cui aveva abitato, intitolata ai Santi Magi, che secondo la tradizione vi avevano alloggiato mentre erano diretti ad adorare Gesù Bambino. La sua fama si diffuse molto e parecchi miracoli furono attribuiti alla sua potente intercessione, addirittura una vittoria militare sui persiani.
Autore: Fabio Arduino
SOURCE : https://www.santiebeati.it/dettaglio/37040
Theodosius (ook Theodosios of Theodossios) de
Cenobiarch (ook van Cappadocië, de Coenobiarch of de
Grote), Palestina; stichter van de kloostergemeenschap; † 529.
Feest 11 januari.
Hij werd rond 423 geboren
in het dorpje Mogariassos in Cappadocië (tegenwoordig Midden-Turkije). Van
jongs af aan schijnt hij geboeid geweest te zijn door het ideaal van de
kluizenaars, die hun leven in de eenzaamheid aan God toewijden. Toen hij
verantwoordelijk was voor de Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk tussen Jeruzalem en
Bethlehem (gebouwd op de plaats waar volgens de overlevering Maria moest rusten
vanwege haar weeën), begon hij ernst te maken met zijn ideaal en ging op reis
om met kluizenaars te spreken. Zo bezocht hij op zijn oriëntatietochten Sint
Simon de Styliet (= pilaarheilige: † 459; feest 5 januari). Deze gaf hem zijn
zegen en voorspelde hem een grote toekomst. Nu nam hij van daar een potje met
wat houtskool mee. Op de plaats waar de houtskool uit zichzelf begon op te
gloeien, besloot hij zich als kluizenaar te vestigen. Hij begon er een leven
van boete en gebed.
Al gauw verzamelden zich
volgelingen rond hem, van overal vandaan. Zo stichtte hij rond het jaar 455 het
later naar hem genoemde Theodosiusklooster (nu: Deir-Dosi) in het gebergte van
Juda. Hij liet dan ook voor elke taalgroep een aparte kapel bouwen, zodat God
op hetzelfde moment lof gezongen werd in het Grieks, Armeens, Georgisch enz.
Voor het overige hadden ze alles gemeenschappelijk: hun bezittingen, hun
werktijden, hun maaltijden en zelfs hun vasten en onthouding.
De patriarch van
Jeruzalem belastte hem vervolgens met de zorg voor alle monniken in Palestina,
die in een gemeenschap bij elkaar leefden. Theodosius bleek niet alleen een
voortreffelijk organisator, maar ook een aanstekelijk voorbeeld van
kloosterlijke geest. Hij was vriendelijk en vol begrip en mededogen voor ieder
die hem om raad vroeg. Hij ging voor in vasten, in nacht- en avondwakes en in
gebed. De oude boeken zeggen dat er dag en nacht een gebed op zijn lippen was.
Hij verrichtte wonderen, hield wilde dieren op afstand: kortom, hij was de muur
om de gemeenschap, hij was het vuur in hun midden.
Tevergeefs stelde de
keizer van Byzantium, Anastasius I, pogingen in het werk om hem voor goed geld
in het kamp van de monofysieten te
krijgen.
Maar Theodosius bestreed
deze dwaalleer tezamen met zijn vriend Sint Sabas van Mar-Saba († 532; feest 5
december).
Tenslotte stierf hij in
vrede, omringd door zijn monniken, 105 jaar oud. Zijn monniken begroeven hem in
de kloosterkerk.
Verering & Cultuur
Hij wordt in de oosterse kerk beschouwd als grondlegger van het kloosterlijke
gemeenschapsleven. Vandaar dat hij de eretitel draagt 'cenobi-arch' (= de
eerste onder de cenobieten = monniken die in gemeenschap leven; dit in
tegenstelling tot de kluizenaars die de eenzaamheid opzoeken).
Hij is patroon van vijlenmakers.
Afgebeeld
Hij wordt afgebeeld als kluizenaar met ketenen of een ijzeren ring om hals en
armen; met een geldbuidel (omkoping door Anastasius I); doodshoofd (vasten en
onthouding); met een neergeknielde dankbare moeder; aalmoezen schenkend; met
een doodskist in zijn nabijheid; met een wateruurwerk.
[000»Arsenius; 109p:31(vign.); 127»Théodose; 111; 122; 143»T.-Grote; 149/1p:54;
165p:171; 200/1»01.11; 293p:14;500; Dries van den Akker s.j./ 2010.02.24]
© A. van den Akker
s.j. / A.W. Gerritsen
SOURCE : https://heiligen-3s.nl/heiligen/01/11/01-11-0529-theodosius.php
