E00094: Coptic Homily on Saint *Onnophrios, the Anchorite (Egyptian anchorite, 4th c., S00055), attributed to Pisenthios, Bishop of Koptos (569–632), delivered on the saint’s feast day, encourages the congregation to imitate his life according to personal ability.

Pisenthios of Coptos, Homily on Saint Onnophrios

Summary:

The homily on the occasion of the feast day of Apa Onnophrios, the anchorite, is delivered at the site of the saint’s holy topos, apparently at the monastery of Tsenti, as the colophon states.

The bishop claims that Onnophrios’ life is instructive for all generations, regardless of a person’s age or gender and entreats the congregation to try and imitate the saint’s life to the best of their abilities. Going through examples of everyday life situations he gives advice on how to handle them with a constant view of how the saint would like them to act.

If they are not able to hunger and thirst in the same way as Apa Onnophrios did, they should at least fast during Lent and twice a week, and generally be satisfied with modest portions of food and wine, as well as of material goods.

In addition to advice for women on how to act, dress, and adorn themselves, all with the greatest measure of modesty, he offers advice to the congregation on how to bring up their children. He emphasises the importance of keeping children from distractions such as idle chanting and music making, for constantly distracted children are in great danger of harming themselves.

The bishop also lays out the rules for how to behave on a pilgrimage to a saint’s feast day, starting with the prayers for a safe journey when leaving one’s home, and remembering and uttering the saint’s life and contests while one is on the way to his shrine.

It is important to stay away from the ignorant, who sing, clap hands, and chant false laments. Instead, upon arrival at the topos of the saint, one should go straight to the church and beseech Apa Onnophrios to intercede for oneself before the Lord to be made worthy to inherit heaven with the saint. An eager vigil, fighting drowsiness by uttering psalms and responding to those who are singing psalms is vital. But full attention to the words read out in church is needed, without exchanging idle words and distracting gossip with one’s neighbours during service.

After the night vigil, neither food nor drink should be tasted until one has received communion and heard the deacon say 'Go in peace'. And the walk to the altar should be accomplished without haste and in an orderly fashion.

Upon returning home, one should eat with moderation only, give some to the poor, and continue to meditate on the word of Christ day and night in the hope of becoming worthy to join in the inheritance with the saints.

Summary: Gesa Schenke.