The hermitage of Saints Galakteon and Episteme in the morning sunlight. In the summer, the sun rises farther to the north, and the hermitage only enters into sun later in the morning. During the winter, the sun rises farther to the south, and the sunlight reaches the hermitage hours earlier.
The Elder Paisios spent time at the hermitage of Saints Galakteon and Episteme during the two years he lived at Sinai, from 1962-1964. There, he slept on a mat woven from palm fronds, with a sheepskin for a cover. To keep warm in the cold winter, he would make a small fire of brushwood and brew some tea. He once said, ‘One hot tea with three little spoons of sugar can warm you up as much as three sweaters.’
This is deeply beautiful. Sunlight and a cup of tea: it’s amazing how much warmth and sweetness one cup of tea can give. ♥️
Dear Father Justin,
That is a very interesting photo. What is the age of Hermitage of Saints Galakteon and Episteme in comparison to St. Catherine’s? Was it built by Justinian too?
How many monks would have lived there when it was most active?
I appreciate your photographs.
Richard
One architectural historian felt that the chapel at Saints Galakteon and Episteme might date from the fifth century. It would thus predate the basilica and fortress of Justinian. A path behind the hermitage leads a short distance to a cliff face. From a small ledge, water trickles out and forms a tiny pool. I suspect that the hermitage was for one monk living in solitude, though there were other hermits in the area, and they might have gathered for common services on Sundays.
Dear Father Justin ,
That is an amazing photograph!
Thank you very much
Blessed is the elder Paissios ! Thank you for sharing this with us !!!