His zealous devotion and asceticism provoked jealousy on the part of other monks, so he left the monastery to live as a hermit in a cave in the wilderness, where he spent his time in prayer and fasting.

[1] There, in the peace of the desert, Stylianos had time to observe creation and meditate upon it, and he saw the Creator in all things.

His holiness was evident to the people of the surrounding area, and they came to listen to his teaching, or to be cured through his prayers.

Sometimes parents would leave their children with him for a period of time in order for them to receive some spiritual guidance.

Parents would travel great distances seeking a cure for their offspring, which Stylian attributed to the holy name of God.