(4TH CENT.)
[From the authentic life of S. Pachomius, of whom S. Palaemon was
the master.]
S. Palaemon was an aged hermit in the deserts of Upper Egypt, when
Pachomius, released from military service, and desiring to flee the
world, came to him and desired to become his pupil. The old anchorite
refused to receive him, because his manner of life was too severe for a
youth. "I eat nothing but bread and salt," said he; "I never taste wine,
and I watch half the night." Then, answered Pachomius, "I believe in
Jesus Christ my Lord, who will give me strength and patience to assist
thee in thy prayers to follow thy holy conversation."
Then Palaemon, beholding him with his spiritual eye, saw that he was a
chosen vessel, and admitted him to be his disciple. So they lived
together, serving the Lord in fasting and tears and prayer.
When the feast of Easter came, Pachomius, to honour the day of the
Resurrection, prepared a dinner of herbs and oil, and set it before the
master. But Palaemon, pressing his brow with his hands, exclaimed, "My
Lord suffered on the Cross, and shall I taste oil?" So he refused it,
and contented himself with bread and salt.
One evening, a solitary came into their cell, and asked to join them in
prayer; then, filled with a spirit of presumption, he said, "If we are
the true servants of God, let us say our prayers standing on live
coals."
But Palaemon was wroth, and rebuked him for his pride.
However, the monk persisted, and by Satan's craft, he stood unhurt on
the red-hot cinders. Then he retired to his own cell, puffed up with
self-confidence. But pride goes before a fall, and shortly after he fell
into fleshly lust; then, filled with shame, he crept back to the cave of
Palaemon, and falling at his feet, with bitter tears, confessed his sin.
When S. Pachomius was inspired to found a monastery at Tabenna, he
announced his intention to S. Palaemon. The old man accompanied his
pupil, and took up his abode at Tabenna, for he loved Pachomius as his
own son, and he could not bear to be separated from him. Therefore he
said, "Let us make a compact together, that we part not the one from the
other, till God break our union." And to this Pachomius gladly agreed.
So they lived much together, till the old man died, and then his
disciple buried him at Tabenna.