St. Publius the Ascetic of Syria

Saint Poplius, who came from the city of Zeugma on the Euphrates, was a senator. He built a hut on a high mountain and distributed all his possessions to the poor, choosing a life of virtue and fasting. The fame of his deeds attracted many disciples, whom he instructed in strict living, watching over their needs and reproaching them for laziness. Saint Poplius often visited the cells of his disciples, encouraging prayer and strictness. After his repose, two of his disciples, Theoteknos and Aphonius, continued to care for the brotherhood and the leadership of the monastery he founded. The blessed one peacefully departed to the Lord around the year 380.