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Saint Saint Paphnutius of Thebes | |
|---|---|
| Bishop; Confessor of the Faith | |
| Born | possibly late 3rd century Upper Thebaid, Egypt |
| Died | 4th century (approx. 356) Egypt |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodox Church; Roman Catholic Church; Oriental Orthodox Churches |
| Feast | 11 September (Western churches); 11 Pashons (Coptic Orthodox) |
| Attributes | Enforced celibacy decree reversed; lost right eye and had left knee mutilated |
| Patronage | Clergy; married clergy |
Saint Paphnutius the Bishop is an Egyptian saint from the tenth century AD.
He was initially a monk in the Nitrian Desert. He exerted harsh asceticism and worship, ate dry beans, and fasted for many days in a row. He was later ordained a priest, and remained in the wilderness for 35 years. He was ordained bishop by Pope Philotheos of Alexandria, but remained in his rough asceticism even after his ordination. He remained bishop for 32 years, and departed on 11 Pashons.
