Saint Chariton the Confessor

Life story

Chariton was born in Iconium in Asia Minor. According to his Greek life, he was imprisoned and tortured during the persecution under Emperor Aurelian for refusing to worship pagan gods. After the emperor's death in 275 he was released, though he regretted not having been martyred. The main source on him is an anonymous 6th-century Life, so many details are traditional.

Tradition says that on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem he was seized by robbers and left in a cave in the Pharan valley. The robbers died after drinking wine poisoned by a snake, and he gave the gold they left to the poor, to churches and to monasteries. He stayed on as a hermit and attracted many disciples.

He founded three communities of the lavra type: Pharan, then Douka (also called the monastery of Chariton) near Jericho, and Souka, the 'Old Lavra', in the Tekoa valley. In a lavra each monk lived alone in a cave or cell but joined the others on shared occasions. For this reason he is often regarded as the founder of monasticism in the Judaean desert.

In his last years he lived in a cave on a hill near Souka and still guided the three communities. Tradition says he died peacefully at an advanced age on 28 September 350 and was buried at Pharan as he wished. His feast is 28 September.

Works and witness

• Imprisoned and tortured for his faith under Aurelian, according to his life
• Founded the lavra of Pharan near Jerusalem
• Founded Douka near Jericho and Souka, the Old Lavra
• Often regarded as the founder of desert monasticism in Judaea
• Died around 350

Saints from the same country

Saint Paul, Saint Luke, Saint George, Saint Nicholas

References

• Orthodox Church in America: 'Venerable Chariton the Confessor, Abbot of Palestine' (oca.org, 28 September)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.