Saint Hesychios the Presbyter of Jerusalem

Saint Hesychios lived a life of asceticism in Palestine in the IV century, and distinguished himself by writing spiritual treatises. He was born and raised in Jerusalem. After studying the depths of the Holy Scriptures, he enriched himself with the knowledge of God. Then, after he left, he became a monk, and lived in the desert, thinking of the Holy Fathers who were there, gathering flowers of virtue from each one, like a busy bee. It was impossible for him to escape being noticed, such was his virtue, and so he was compelled to be ordained as a priest by the then Archbishop of Jerusalem. He remained near the Lord's Tomb, and other places where our Lord Jesus Christ suffered His Holy Passion for our sake, and from those sources he drew knowledge and wisdom. Therefore, he interpreted and clarified every Scripture, for the benefit of many.

In addition to what is in the Synaxarion, Theophanēs in his Chronography informs us that the ordination of Saint Hesychios to the priesthood was performed immediately as soon as Saint Cyril (+ 412) ascended the Archiepiscopal throne of Alexandria. Saint Cyril of Scythopolis, who knew things from the local tradition, in addition to the characterizations of Saint Hesychios, calls him "presbyter and teacher of the Church," "enlightened," "theologian," and "far-famed luminary." He also states that at the dedication of the monastery church of Saint Euthymios by Patriarch Juvenal (422 – 458), in 428 or 429, Saint Hesychios was also present in his entourage, to the great joy of Saint Euthymios.

The Saint became active in the doctrinal debates of that time near the side of Saint Cyril of Alexandria, whose anti-Nestorian policy he followed, as may be inferred from the section of his Ecclesiastical History, quoted in the Acts of the Fifth Ecumenical Synod which met at Constantinople in 553.

Saint Hesychios was well known by all, and was found worthy of the gift of working miracles. He served God in every way. He reposed in peace, and joyously went to the Lord. His grave at the eastern gate of Jerusalem was still being shown around the year 570, and there was a chapel dedicated to him. At his Synaxis, gifts were also distributed to the poor.

Works considered to be written by this Holy Father include: "Commentary on Leviticus," "Commentary on Job," "Interpretation of the Psalms," "Interpretation of Isaiah," "Ecclesiastical History," "Homilies," etc.

Saint Hesychios is mentioned on the Saturday before Cheesefare Sunday (Ode 8 at Matins): "Let us give glory to John Chrysostom, and to the two Cyrils, the pillars of divine wisdom, and also to Hesychios another Theologian, along with the divine Meletios who discoursed concerning God."