JULY 5

Day 5: Saint Makarius of the Cross.

He was born in Upper Egypt around the year 301, in a poor Christian family. His is surnamed the Great, to be distinguished from his contemporaneous Makarius of Alexandria. He was very much inspired by the life of Saint Anthony the Great, whom he strived to closely follow in the monastic life. Thus, he became his disciple, and stayed close to him until Saint Anthony’s death, when Saint Makarius succeeded him in managing the monks and hermits. Makarius spent his whole life in fasting, practicing austere monastic sacrifices and practices, constantly praying and especially contemplating the passion of Christ, having nothing to eat but wild herbs and a little of bread and water.

His holiness was famous, and young men were increasingly coming to follow his monastic life style, until they numbered 1000 monk. Several were the false accusations and hardships that Makarius patiently endured, and they could not but confirm and deepen in virtues, especially his profound humility. He was accuse of adultery, he was beaten and bitterly humiliated, and in all this, he never defended himself, but trusted himself to God, who justified him and made known his holiness before people, who came to respect and honor him. His humbleness then, led him to flee the people and go deep into the desert, where he continued his austere monastic practices, praying constantly, and staying up late, and not sleeping but briefly by laying his back against a wall... Makarius was ordained a priest in the year 340, so he could celebrate the Divine Liturgy for his monks. God granted him the gift miracles, especially of expelling demons.

It was during Saint Makarius time that the Arian heresy had greatly disturbed the Church, gaining many of its people on its side, and dividing the flock of Christ. He then, along with his friend Saint Makarius of Alexandria, who had lived with him for three years, fought Arianism back with great courage, and confirmed their monks and the faithful in the true faith, motivating them to resist it. This brought down against them the angry Arian Patriarch of Alexandria, Lucius, who made King Valens, the godfather of Arianism, to exile them to an island nearby Egypt. There, they persevered in their faith, practicing monastic prayers and sacrifices, and evangelizing the people of that island, until they won them to faith in Christ.

Then, the people of Alexandria rose up, forcing its Patriarch to allow them back into their communities, where they continued with an restless zeal, good examples, and prudent guidance to up build them, until they died in the Lord at the age of 90. Makarius of Alexandria died around 390, while Makarius of the Cross died in the year 391. He was surnamed “of the Cross” because he used to pray opening his arms in a cross shape. He died and was also buried with open arms. They both, left behind some valuable writings in the area of monastic rules, which are filled with wisdom and numerous substantial advices; which has inspired many monastic and religious rules. They were both loved and well respected by Saint Anthony the Great, and are honored by the Holy Church, west and east. May their prayers be with us. Amen.