Venerable Theoctistus of Palestine

Venerable Theoctistus was a 5th-century Palestinian ascetic, the closest friend and fellow struggler of St Euthymius the Great; the main source for his life is Cyril of Scythopolis's Life of Euthymius. Theoctistus lived at the Pharan Lavra near Jerusalem, where Euthymius settled in a neighbouring cell. Their friendship lasted all their lives — they were said to be "one soul in two bodies". Every year after Theophany they went together into the desert of Koutila and stayed there in fasting and prayer until Palm Sunday.

After five years they found a large cave in a deep ravine and stayed there. Shepherds and monks discovered them and visitors began to come; Euthymius, seeking stillness, sent them to Theoctistus, who agreed to lead the community. Thus arose the coenobitic "Lower Monastery" (today Deir Mukallik), with the cave as its church and Theoctistus as its abbot. Even after founding his own lavra, Euthymius came to serve with him on Sundays. In extreme old age Theoctistus fell gravely ill and was nursed by the ninety-year-old Euthymius. He died in 467, and Patriarch Anastasius of Jerusalem presided at his burial. His feast is September 3 (September 16 New Style).