Saint Theodosius of Antioch, from a young age, left the wealthy home of his noble parents and embarked on the narrow and sorrowful path of asceticism, settling in a small cell on the shores of the Iskander Bay, near the city of Ross. He wore his body out with prostrations and lying on the bare ground, donned a hair shirt, and heavy iron chains. Through continuous struggles of fasting and prayer, he overcame bodily and spiritual passions, subdued anger, and cast away unclean thoughts; he labored much, cultivating a garden and weaving ropes. In his homeland, he founded a monastery (Skupel) and instilled in the monks a love for bodily labor and spiritual endeavors. He showed particular care for travelers. The high life of the saint was known far beyond the monastery; both Christians and pagans knew him. Sailors in times of danger called upon God 'Theodosius.' It happened that by the mere name of Saint Theodosius, the raging sea was calmed. Even robbers feared and honored him, asking for his prayers. Fleeing from human glory, the saint settled near the village of Marathon, founding here the Marathon Monastery. In it, the great ascetic peacefully completed the days of his God-pleasing life († c. 412).
