Saints

St. Sabas’s life was greatly influenced by the events of his childhood. Sabas came from a rich, Catholic family. His father’s job as a military officer sent Sabas’ parents to another country when Sabas was quite young. Sabas was left behind in the care of his Uncle Hermias. Hermias’ family also cared for, and enjoyed, the property of Sabas’ parents.  Sabas was not treated well by Hermias’ family, and eventually, he ran away to live with another uncle named Gregory. Gregory was jealous that Hermias was still in charge of the property, and they began to fight. Sabas did not like all of this fighting.  He was a faithful boy and saw that his uncles were putting love of money over love of God. At the age of eight, he ran away again, this time to a monastery.

At the monastery, his faith grew. He enjoyed living a life completely dedicated to God, and sought to continually find ways to grow deeper in his faith. Even after his uncles had stopped fighting and wanted Sabas to marry, Sabas chose to continue in the religious life he loved. He knew that in living apart from society, he was escaping much temptation. Sabas was willing to take on the hardest jobs without complaint. The other monks also noticed Sabas’ example of faith and humility.

Sabas’ deep faith was made visible in various miracles throughout his life. Once, the baker at the monastery had put wet clothes into the oven to dry, but forgot they were there when he lit the fire. Sabas went into the oven, through the flames, and got the baker’s clothing, without being harmed.

When he was 18, Sabas left the monastery in search of a life in solitude. He desired to join a laura, but was told he was too young. Instead, he lived in a monastery nearby the laura.

At the age of 30, Sabas was allowed to enter the laura. He spent five days a week living completely alone and came together with the other men on Saturdays and Sundays to pray. During these five days, it is said that he did not eat and only worked and prayed, even sleeping only as much as his body required.

Even this did not satisfy him, and he moved further into the desert. By this time, Sabas’ holiness was well known and soon many men came to him to learn from his ways. Eventually, Sabas founded a laura for these men, although he would often go off alone for long periods of time, especially during Lent.

The laura did not have a priest and could only celebrate Holy Mass when a priest would come to visit.  Sabas’ followers insisted on having a priest in the laura and, despite his protests, Sabas was ordained as a priest.

After his father died, Sabas used his family’s money to found several hospitals and monasteries.

At two different times in his later life, Sabas was sent to the emperor to ask for protection for the religious against those trying to hurt and kill them.

Eventually, at the end of his life, Sabas was able to enjoy the complete solitude he had so desired for his entire life. He spent four days completely silent and alone before he died.

The laura St. Sabas founded in the desert, called the Great Laura or Mar Saba is still the home to holy monks living the life taught by St. Sabas.