Saint Kosmas, a eunuch from the Faransky Lavra, was a strict faster and a zealous believer, well-versed in the Holy Scriptures. He came to Antioch, where he soon passed away. His body was buried in the monastery of Patriarch Gregory. A poor man, healed through the prayers of the elder, testified about his help and that he speaks to the bishop every night, warning him against heresy.
Kosmas also contemplated the words of the Lord about swords and, not finding an answer, went to Abba Theophilus for clarification. On the way, he encountered a huge serpent, but, armed with prayer, he passed by it unharmed. Abba Theophilus explained that the two swords symbolize two types of God-pleasing life: labor and prayer.
Saint Kosmas instructed Presbyter Basil, who spent ten years with him, emphasizing the importance of the teachings of the holy fathers, such as Saint Athanasius the Great.
