Venerable Theoctistus of Palestine

Theoctistus of Palestine was a fifth-century ascetic of the Judean wilderness and the close companion of Saint Euthymius the Great, with whom he co-founded a lavra in the desert south-east of Jerusalem. The two are remembered for the singular unity of their friendship; the synaxarion relates that their oneness of mind was such that they seemed to live as one soul in two bodies. He is commemorated on September 3.

According to the tradition recorded by Cyril of Scythopolis, the principal historical source, Theoctistus and Euthymius were both ascetics at the lavra of Pharan near Jerusalem. Each year, after the Leave-taking of Theophany, the two would withdraw together into the desert to pray in solitude, returning to their cells on Palm Sunday. About five years into their shared life, while in the desert for Great Lent, they discovered in a wadi a large cave in which they decided to remain.

As word of the two ascetics spread, monks and others seeking spiritual instruction gathered around them. The cave became a church, and so many disciples assembled that a lavra was built over it. Euthymius appointed Theoctistus as igumen (abbot) of the community while he himself withdrew into seclusion. The monastery in the Judean Desert that grew from this settlement came to be known as the Monastery of Theoctistus.