E06771: In 555/557, Cyril of Scythopolis composes the Life of *Abraamios (ascetic in Palestine and bishop of Krateia in northern Asia Minor, S01673), recounting his life as a miracle working ascetic. Written in Greek in Palestine.

Cyril of Scythopolis, Life of Abraamios (CPG 7541 = BHG 12)

Summary:

Abraamios was born in Emesa in the early years of the reign of Zeno (474-491). He joined a monastery in his city, but fled with his abbot to Constantinople after a Saracen invasion. He was soon appointed abbot at a newly established monastery at the city of Krateia in Honorias (northwest Asia Minor). After some time, he fled to the Holy Land and joined the Monastery of Scholarios, one of the monastic communities of *Sabas (the Sanctified, S00910). Yet, several years later, he was compelled to return to Krateia, after the local bishop threatened him with excommunication. At his arrival, the bishop died and Abraamios was elected bishop of the city. Cyril refrains from giving details about his life and miracles, but, states that towards the end of his life, Abraamios had too many dealings with the secular authorities because of the affairs of his see, which made him desire to return to the monastic life. The Greek text breaks here. The rest of the story, known in Arabic translation only, recounts how Abraamios failed to meet Sabas at Constantinople, during the latter’s visit there in 531, but was instructed by Sabas in a vision to return to his monastery. Abraamios returned to the monastery of Scholarios, where he died one year later.

Text: Schwartz 1939.
Summary: Efthymios Rizos.