Theoctistus of Palestine

Venerable Theoctistus/Theoktistos of Palestine, also Abba Theoktistus/Theoktistos (died 451), was an associate of Euthymius the Great.

He was an ascetic who lived in a cell at the Pharan lavra, not far from the main monastery established by Euthymius,[1] and later became hegumen (abbot) of another monastery of the Judaean Desert, which became named after him.

Euthymius and Theoctistus seeked challenge and solitude in the desert each year after the Leave-taking of Theophany (the last day of the feast associated with the Baptism of Jesus), only returning to their hermitages on Palm Sunday.

discovered them, and people from the area began to visit seeking spiritual guidance and bringing food.

When other monks came seeking instruction, Euthymius and Theoctistus built a lavra over the cave church.