Patriarchate of Jerusalem commemorated Fathers Onuphrius the Egyptian and Peter of Mount Athos

On Thursday, 25 June 2026, the Patriarchate celebrated the commemoration of our Venerable Ascetic Fathers Onuphrius the Egyptian and Peter of Mount Athos.

Saint Onuphrius first lived in a coenobitic monastery in Hermopolis, in the Thebaid of Egypt. Emulating Saint John the Baptist and the Prophet Elijah, he withdrew into the depths of the desert, where he lived for sixty years, sustaining himself on herbs and dwelling in complete nakedness.

By divine providence, Saint Paphnutius discovered him a few days before his repose and heard from him the account of his life. After the Saint’s death, Paphnutius covered his body with a portion of his own garment and buried him, his body being clothed only by his long beard.

The memory of this holy ascetic was celebrated at the monastery dedicated to his name, situated in the biblical Potter’s Field (Hebrew: Akeldama), the “Field of Blood,” which the Pharisees purchased “to bury strangers in”, and which lies opposite the Pool of Siloam.

At this monastery, Patriarch of Jerusalem, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, presided at the Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with him were their Eminences the Archbishops Aristarchos of Constantina…