Saint Thalassius of Syria lived during the fifth
century. At a young age he withdrew to a hill near the village of Targala and passed 38 years there in monastic deeds, having
neither a roof over his head, nor any cell nor shelter.
For his simple disposition, gentleness and humility he was granted by the Lord the gift of wonderworking and healing
the sick. Many wanted to live under his guidance, and the saint did not refuse those coming to him. He himself built cells
for them. He died peacefully, granted rest from his labors.
Saint Limnaeus began his efforts under the guidance of Saint Thalassius and dwelt
with him for a sufficient time to acquire the virtues of his teacher: simplicity of manner, gentleness and humility. Then
Saint Limnaeus joined Saint Maron (February 14).
On a hill he built a small stone enclosure without a roof, and through a small aperture, he conversed with those
who came to see him. His heart was full of compassion for people. Wanting to help all the destitute, he built a wanderers’
home on the hillside with the help of his admirers, a dwelling for the poor and the crippled, and he fed them with what pious
people brought him.
The holy ascetic even
sacrificed his own quiet and solitude for these poor brethren, and took upon himself the responsibility for for their spiritual
nourishment, inducing them to pray and glorify the Lord. For his holy life he was granted the gift of wonderworking. He once
cured himself of a snakebite through prayer.
