Venerable Dula of Egypt

Venerable Dula, called the Passion-bearer of Egypt, was a monk of an Egyptian monastery; the time of his life is unknown. His story belongs to the Greek texts about St Daniel, abbot of Scetis (6th century).

For about twenty years Dula meekly endured mockery and slander from some of the brethren and learned to pray for those who wronged him. When church vessels were stolen, his enemies accused him because he had missed the midnight office, though he had been ill. Seeing that he was not believed, he did not argue but asked forgiveness. He was stripped of his monastic habit, beaten and handed over to the civil authorities; under torture he refused to lie against himself and was sentenced to have his hands cut off. As he was being led to execution, the real thief repented and the sentence was stopped.

Back in the monastery Dula bore no grudge and prayed for his offenders. Three days later he was found dead, kneeling in prayer; when the brethren came to bury him, only his clothes and sandals remained in the locked church. He is commemorated on 15 June (28 June new style) and should not be confused with the Martyr Dula of Cilicia, remembered on the same day.