Barsanuphius of Palestine was a 6th-century hermit who spent fifty years in absolute seclusion. Approximately 800 of his extensive letters have survived, many of which were addressed to John the Prophet, abbot of the monastery in Merosala. In his old age, he was instrumental in restoring church concord in Jerusalem. His legacy endures through tales of his interventions that repelled enemy invasions and protected the city of Oria, demonstrating his lasting impact on spiritual and historical memory.
Two monastic elders - the Great Old Man Barsanuphius, and the Other Old Man John - flourished in the southern region around Gaza in the early part of the sixth century. Maintaining strict seclusion, they spoke to others only through letters by way of Abba Seridos, the abbot of their monastic, desert community. schovat popis