Malchus of Syria

[4] Malchus left his family home at this time and began his monastic life in the desert of Chalcis.

[5] After several years as a monk Malchus heard of his father's death and went home to obtain with his inheritance, leaving the monastery against the direction of his abbot.

He joined a group of pilgrims headed to his home district, but during their journey they were overtaken by Saracens and sold into slavery.

[8] They received protection from God when a lioness using the cave for a den attacked and killed their pursuers, then left with her cub.

Then they were able to ride their deceased pursuers' camels back to a Roman fort under the command of Sabinianus who allowed them to go free.