Cyriacus the Anchorite

Who was Cyriacus the Anchorite?

Saint Cyriacus the Anchorite was born in Corinth in the year 448. His father was a priest named John and his mother's name was Eudoxia. Further Cyriacus had Bishop Peter of Corinth for a relative, who made Cyriacus a reader in church.

Cyriacus's studies of the Scriptures encouraged him to want what the culture deemed a pure and saintly life. Cyriacus, before turning 18, attended a church service on that so deeply moved him he immediately he went to the harbour, got onto a ship, and set off to Jerusalem instead of going home.

After visiting holy places of Christianity, Cyriacus dwelt for several months at a monastery not far from Sion. This placed him in obedience to Hegumenos Abba Eustorgius. With his support he made his way to the wilderness Lavra of St. Euthymius the Great. St. Euthymius was impressed by him and tonsured him into the monastic schema and placed him under the guidance of St. Gerasimus. He then pursued asceticism at the Jordan in the monastery of St. Theoctistus.

Gerasimus, seeing that Cyriacus was still quite young, ordered him to live in the community with the brethren. Gerasimus became something of a mentor to the young man and each Sunday imparted the Holy Mysteries of his faith to his disciple. The young monk took to monastic obediences: he prayed fervently, he slept little, he ate food only every other day, and nourished himself with bread and water.