Saint Theoctistus, a monk at the Palestinian lavra of Pharan, embraced a more severe life in the wilderness with his friend Saint Euthymius the Great. They founded a monastery, of which Theoctistus was the abbot. He reposed in deep old age in 451.
In holiness consecrated unto God from thy youth, O wise Theoctistus, thou didst hate attachment to all things vain and corruptible. Hence, while shining brightly in divine prayer and stillness, thou wast a strict trainer of God-bearing monastics. And now, O blessed Father, do thou guide us who come to thee.
Thou didst preserve the dignity of thy soul free of every stain, which as God's creature, thou wholly didst dedicate unto the Lord, O righteous one; and divinely enlightened, thou didst rise to the pinnacle of true godliness, O godly Theoctistus, confirming thy name in very deed.
Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Kontakion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery