Saint Cosmas, the eunuch and hermit of the Lavra of Pharan in Palestine, was a strict ascetic and a zealous defender of the faith. He possessed profound spiritual gifts and had an excellent knowledge of the Holy Scriptures.
He later went to Antioch, where he soon fell asleep in the Lord. His body was buried in the monastery by the patriarch. There, above his grave, a beggar would stand and pray. When Abba Basil visited the tomb, he encountered the poor man, who told him that he had been paralyzed for twelve years until he was healed through the prayers of Saint Cosmas. He also said that the man buried there had been a great ascetic figure.
The saint had deep love and admiration for Saint Athanasius the Great. He regarded his teachings so important that he used to say:
“If words of Saint Athanasius reach your ears and you have no paper to write them down, write them on your clothes.”
He lived a holy life, praying day and night, keeping vigil, and continually partaking of the Holy Mysteries of the Church.
His feast day is celebrated on August 3.
