St. Macarius of Egypt

Today the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Macarius of Eygpt

I first learned of St. Macarius by accident, as a Free Methodist Youth Pastor, studying Wesleyan theology on a J-Term class. I was writing a paper on the Wesleyan understanding and doctrine of Entire Sanctification. I was looking for a “link” with Wesley from which he drew his understanding of Entire Sanctification. After searching the archives of the FM World Headquarters and driving all over Indianapolis to libraries in search of finding the sources of some documents, I discovered Wesley’s link with St. Macarius. He was an avid student of Macarius’s 50 spiritual Homilies, and much of his understanding of Sanctification came from Macarius teaching on Theosis.

John Wesley says of Macarius, “Whatever he insists upon is essential, is durable, is necessary. What he continually labors to cultivate in himself…is the real life of God in the heart and soul.”

I probably particularly resonate with Macarius partially because of this link that ties the heritage of my years as a Wesleyan to my journey into Orthodoxy, and largely because he was such a “champion” of the faith. What a spiritual giant, not because he never had any troubles to overcome, but because he fought all his life and always remained steadfast in his faith and love of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Over lunch yesterday I finished reading a book on the life and virtues of St. Macarius. I read about his final years of his life on earth, and then an exhortation from his “spiritual children” exhorting the reader to emulate Macarius as he “emulated” Christ.

It was said that the brethren when they came to Macarius would always go away encouraged. I re-call one story of Macarius in which a fellow monk had fallen into some sin, of which Macarius was aware. Macarius went to visit this man, and the man did not want to let him know about it. Macarius, rather than condemning, talked to the man of his own struggles with the same sin. The man finally felt comfortable to share his struggle, and Macarius helped restore this man. What a man of compassion, humility, and love. I guess I feel the same encouragement and strength that this man felt, and hopefully the ability to open myself more to God’s healing and forgiveness.

Holy Father Macarius, Pray for us Sinners!

Troparion - Tone 1

Dweller of the desert and angel in the body
you were shown to be a wonder-worker, our God-bearing Father Macarius.
You received heavenly gifts through fasting, vigil, and prayer:
healing the sick and the souls of those drawn to you by faith.
Glory to Him who gave you strength!
Glory to Him who granted you a crown!
Glory to Him who through you grants healing to all!

Kontakion - Tone 4

The Lord truly placed you in the house of abstinence,
as a star enlightening the ends of the earth,
Venerable Macarius, Father of Fathers.