Saint Euphemios the Great was from the city of Melitene in Armenia. His parents, Paul and Dionysia, were devout Christians. After long prayers, they had a son, about whom a great future was foretold.
After the death of his father, his mother dedicated her son to God and entrusted him to the care of his uncle, presbyter Eudoxius. Euphemios was appointed as a reader, then took monastic vows and became a presbyter, managing monasteries. In search of solitude, he went to Jerusalem and settled in the Lavra of Faran, and then in the desert.
There he founded a monastery, which became a place of spiritual guidance for many. Saint Euphemios converted and baptized Arabs, healed the sick, and performed miracles. The fame of his deeds attracted many people, and he, wishing for solitude, went into the desert of Ruva.
Later, he returned to his monastery, where he continued his spiritual leadership. In 429, when he was 52 years old, the Patriarch of Jerusalem consecrated the church of the Lavra. Saint Euphemios showed care for the needy and performed miracles, strengthening faith.
In 431, he supported the Third Ecumenical Council, and in 451, he accepted the confession of the Fourth Ecumenical Council. For his life and firm confession of the Orthodox faith, he received the title of the Great.
In 473, at the age of 97, he predicted his death and gathered the brethren for instruction. He died on January 20, and his relics were buried in the monastery. After his death, many monks and the patriarch came to the burial, and his disciple Dometius soon followed him into eternity.
