HE was a monk from his youth, and became superior of a monastery in the
neighborhood of that city, in the fifth age. Facundus and Suidas assure
us that he was promoted to the dignity of priest. He was looked upon as
a living rule of religious perfection, and treated by his patriarch, St.
Cyril, and the other prelates of his time, as their father. He chose St.
Chrysostom for his model. We have still extant two thousand and twelve
of his letters, abounding with excellent instructions of piety, and with
theological {355} and critical learning. They are concise, and the style
natural, very elegant, agreeable, full of fire and penetration. Possevin
laments that they are not in use as a classic author for the Greek
language. His prudence, undaunted zeal, profound humility, ardent love
of God, and other virtues, shine admirably in them. He died about the
year 449. See Photius, Bibl. Cod. 232 and 228. Tillem. t. 15, p. 97.
Bolland. 4 Feb, p. 468.