Venerable Thomas of Mt Maleon

Thomas lived in the tenth century. He was first a soldier, known for his wealth, his bodily strength and his courage in battle, and his fellow-countrymen owed several victories to him. Then he left the world, became a monk and sought the advice of experienced ascetics in various monasteries before choosing the desert. According to his Life, a pillar of fire appeared to him by night and the prophet Elijah showed him the way to Mount Maleon, where he settled alone.

People soon heard of him and came for help. His Life tells of healings of the blind and the lame in his lifetime, and of a spring that opened for him in a waterless place; further healings are reported at his relics.