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DorofeiChristian saint
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Dive |
Content:
Life and Monasticism
Christian Saint Dorotheus was born in Ascalon and spent his early youth in Gaza with his family. He studied secular sciences, possibly under the guidance of Procopius of Gaza. Dorotheus' family was wealthy, as indicated by the mention of his brother's funding of a hospital at Abba Serid's monastery in the life of Dosipheus, Dorotheus' disciple.
The reasons and age at which Dorotheus left the world to become a monk are unknown. He initially lived near a monastery, using his inheritance to support himself. Later, he entered the monastery of Abba Serid, becoming the cell attendant of Saint John the Prophet, whom he served for ten years. His primary obedience was receiving strangers, a task he carried out with great patience and zeal. He was also a teacher to Dosipheus.
Establishing His Own Monastery
After the deaths of Abbot Serid and Saint John the Prophet, Dorotheus left their community. This may have been due to his refusal to become abbot, due to his humility. Soon, other monks gathered around Dorotheus, and he established his own monastery, which he led until his death in 620.
Literary Legacy
Dorotheus is renowned for his literary contributions, consisting of 21 teachings, 10 letters, and 87 recorded answers to his questions from the elders Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet. These works are considered classics of ascetic literature and are studied by monastics and laypeople as valuable tools for self-analysis. Dorotheus' writings are included in volume 88 of Patrologia Graeca.
