Saint Stephen of Hinoakos shone with a holy life in Palestine, striving for an ascetic way of life. He visited the monasteries of the saints: Euphemios the Great, Savvas the Sanctified, and Theodosius the Great, where he labored and studied the rules. Later, in Constantinople, he was received by Saint Patriarch Germanus, with whom he lived and served as an advisor. He founded the Hinoakos Monastery, where he raised many monks. Saint Stephen, living virtuously and in prayer, received a revelation about the nearness of his departure. Upon his death, the Lord received his soul with angels, and some of the brethren witnessed this glorious departure.
When Saint Anthony lived in the Egyptian desert, it was revealed to him that there was another monk more perfect than he. He set out in search of Saint Paul of Thebes, who lived in seclusion. After passing through the harsh desert, Anthony found Paul's cave, but he did not open the door. After long prayers and persistent requests, Paul let Anthony in, and they embraced, rejoicing at their meeting. Paul told about his life, the persecutions of Christians, and how he went into the desert to avoid persecution. Living in seclusion, Saint Paul received sustenance from a raven that brought him bread.
Foreseeing his end, Paul asked Anthony to bring a mantle for his burial. Anthony, fulfilling the request, saw Paul's soul ascending to heaven and mourned him with bitterness. He buried the saint, receiving help from two lions that dug a grave for the burial. Anthony returned to the monastery, keeping the garment of Paul, which he honored and wore only on feast days.
