The Life of Saint Sabas: After several years, disciples began to gather around Saint Sabas, seeking the Monastic life. As the number of Monks increased, a Lavra sprang up…
Prayers
Apolytikion: Sanctified from youth, O Venerable Sabas, thou wast a summit of righteousness equal to the Angels. Thou didst lead a Heavenly life, and guide thy flock to godliness by word and deed. And they cry to thee with faith: Glory to Him Who has strengthened thee; Glory to Him Who has Crowned thee; Glory to Him Who through thee works healings for all.
Kontakion: Thou wast offered to God from childhood as a blameless sacrifice, as one dedicated to Him before birth, O blessed Sabas, thou adornment of the venerables and blessed dweller in the desert. Wherefore I cry to thee: Rejoice.
Hymn of Praise: Venerable Saba, chief of Monks, Spiritual commander of Christ’s heroes, was glorified by fasting, vigils and meekness, by Prayer and faith and blessed mercy. You taught the Monks to not be concerned with bread; You entrusted yourself to Heaven, with labour and Prayer. You sought neither precedence nor rank of any kind. Most rarely did you taste of oil and wine. You kept all the Services at the appointed time. “Let the service be a joy and not a heavy burden,” Saint Saba told the monks, and he showed this to all by his example. Like a wise gardener, he enclosed the garden, and carefully planted many young men. The young men grew and brought forth fruit: A regiment of Monks, to the glory of Saba. Fifteen hundred years have passed, yet Saba’s Spiritual garden still blooms: One thousand monks, a hundred thousand, have been raised up by Saba’s community up to now. Saint Saba, glorious recluse, O God-pleaser, Pray for us also.