Cyril of Scythopolis, Life of Sabas (CPG 7536, BHG 1608) Summary: (References to other saints, and their cults, are highlighted in bold.) Prologue Like the Life of Euthymios, this book is also addressed to abbot Georgios of Beella. Cyril’s sources are monks who lived with Sabas. Origins and youth 1. Sabas is born in 439 at the village of Moutalaske near Caesarea of Cappadocia to pious parents called Ioannes and Sophia. When he is five, his parents move to Alexandria and leave him with two uncles in Cappadocia. 2-5. As the uncles feud over the family property, Sabas joins the monastery of Flavianae near Moutalaske. He quickly progresses in virtue and grace. Early asceticism in Jerusalem (age 18-39) 5-10. At the age of 18, he moves to Jerusalem. After spending a year at the monastery of *Passarion ( S01502 ), he visits *Euthymios ( S01352 ) who commends him to the monastery of *Theoktistos ( S01622 ). He lives there till the age of 30. 10-11. At the age of 30, he is allowed to spend some days every week in seclusion in a cave. He joins Euthymios and Dometianos in their solitary retreats in the desert during Lent. Afflicted by thirst, Sabas is saved by a miracle of Euthymios. The latter dies soon after. 12-14. At the age of 35, Sabas joins *Gerasimos ( S01507 ) as an anchorite in the desert of the Jordan, and the deserts of Koutila and Rouba. There he experiences strong temptations, meets important ascetics, including *Theodosios ( S01325 ), and is granted the grace of not fearing barbarians. 15-16. Four years later (478), he settles in a cave next to a stream, where he spends five years in solitude. He attracts many disciples and a laura is formed (in 483). Establishment and early years of the Great Laura (Megiste Laura) 17-18. Sabas miraculously discovers a water spring and the cave which becomes the church of the laura. Sabas also builds a tower there. 19. In 486, certain monks in the community cause unrest, because Sabas is not an ordained priest. They complain to Patriarch Sallustius who ordains Sabas to the ...