SAINT ZENO, MONK - 10 FEBRUARY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN FEBRUARY

 Saints celebrated on the 10th of February

SAINT ZENO, MONK

Saint Zeno, a monk near Antioch in Syria, probably a native of New Caesarea in Pontus, left fatherland and wealth to become a disciple of Saint Basil. The church historian Theodoret praised him, and the Greek Church numbered him among the saints soon after his death.

He was an imperial postman and had formerly served in the war. But the great danger of this position, which brought in earthly goods and at the same time jeopardized those of heaven, caused him to leave the world altogether (some time after the year 378) and to withdraw to a tomb on a mountain near Antioch, where he lived in extreme poverty, performing great penances. From there he attended holy Mass and the sermon and nourished himself with holy communion.

For forty years he lived on a piece of bread, which an acquaintance brought him every other day, and on water, which he fetched from a distant spring. He wore threadbare clothes and shoes, the torn soles of which he had to tie together; he had no bed, no light, no book, no other household utensils.

Zeno had postponed the distribution of his fortune for a long time because his younger brothers were still minors. Finally he sold his estate and goods, gave away a part, but he handed the larger share to Bishop Alexander of Antioch, as God's representative, so that he could dispose of it. Zeno died soon after, probably in 419 or 420. (II. 390 and 391)

Saint Zeno is also commemorated on March 3.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 5, Augsburg, 1882, pp. 853-54)

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Zeno may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.