Saint Patermuthius, originally a pagan and the leader of a band of robbers, repented, embraced Christianity, and withdrew into the desert. There, he devoted himself to the service of those in need. He cared for people and buried the dead with diligence, for which he was granted the gift of working miracles.
Venerable Coprius, having witnessed the deeds of Patermuthius, spoke about his life and miracles.
Once, he entered into a dispute with a manichaean heretic and, being unable to argue further, proposed that they light a fire and enter it, allowing the Lord to reveal which faith was true. The manichaean refused to enter first. Coprius, however, did not hesitate and stood into the flames without being burned. The people recognized the power of the true God and glorified His Grace. His opponent, who had initially refused to enter the fire, was then thrown into the flames. He quickly walked out and attempted to flee. However, he was caught and cast back into the fire.
Venerable Coprius calmed the crowd, who had been enraged by the manichaean’s heretical teachings and ultimately saved him from the flames.
