Byzantine Saints: Venerable Chariton the Confessor, Abbot of Palestine (28 September)

About this sermon

On September 28th, the Church commemorates Saint Chariton the Confessor, Abbot of Palestine, who lived during the 3rd–4th centuries. Born in Iconium, he suffered under Emperor Aurelian’s persecution of Christians (270–275 AD). Inspired by the courage of the Protomartyr Thekla, he boldly confessed Christ, endured fierce tortures, and was miraculously preserved. After his release from prison, Saint Chariton dedicated his life to God. On pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he was captured by thieves but delivered by divine providence when they drank poisoned wine and perished. With their stolen gold, he helped the poor, built churches, and established monasteries, including the renowned Pharan Lavra in Palestine. He became a spiritual father to many monks, founded additional monasteries at Jericho and the Suka (Old Lavra), and brought countless Jews and pagans to the Christian faith. In his final years, he sought solitude in a cave near the Suka Monastery, continuing to guide the brethren of his communities. Saint Chariton reposed in peace at an advanced age on September 28, 350 AD. Tradition credits him with compiling the office of monastic tonsure. His relics were enshrined at the Pharan Monastery, a lasting testimony to his faith and holiness. 🙏 May the prayers of Saint Chariton guide us in our struggles for faith and devotion to Christ. 00:00 St. Chariton the Confessor — September 28 00:26 Born in Iconium & persecution under Aurelian 00:33 Inspired to confess Christ 00:41 Chariton denounces the pagan gods 00:50 Fierce torture for the Christian Faith 00:57 He survives the persecution 01:04 Released from prison & dedicates his life to God 01:13 Kidnapped by robbers near Jerusalem 01:22 Bound and abandoned inside a cave 01:29 He does NOT ask God to rescue him 01:36 A snake enters the cave 01:44 The robbers drink the poisoned wine 01:53 Chariton gives away the robbers’ treasure 02:00 The robbers’ cave becomes a holy place 02:07 The Pharan Lavra is established 02:15 St. Chariton attracts disciples 02:24 He flees human praise for the desert 02:31 Two more monasteries are founded 02:41 Jews and pagans brought to Christ 02:48 His final years in solitude 02:57 Peaceful death of St. Chariton 03:05 His monastic legacy 03:14 Relics enshrined at the robbers’ cave https://www.oca.org/saints/lives 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴