๐ธ June 26 - Saint David the Dendrite ๐ณ๐ธ
Today, we commemorate Saint David of Thessalonica also known as David the Dendrite (โTree-dwellerโ). A blessed fool for Christ, he is renowned for having lived an ascetic life atop an almond tree for 3 years. St David was born in 450 AD somewhere in the east (likely Mesopotamia). He travelled to Thessalonica where he lived as a monk at the Koukouliaton monastery from 465-470. Inspired by the stylite saints and the holy prophets - in particular his namesake King David - the Venerable David desired to devoted himself to God by living an ascetic life secluded from the world.
He therefore climbed an almond tree near the monastery, and dwelt in deep prayer and contemplation. Perched up in this tree, David endured bitter cold winters and burning summers. After 3 years, an angel appeared to St David assuring him that his prayers had been heard, and instructed him to descend from the tree and continue his ascetic life in a cell. A large crowd including Archbishop Dorotheos of Thessalonica gathered to see the renowned ascetic finally come down from his tree. Gifted by God with the ability to heal the demon possessed and sick by his prayers, many people visited his cell.
St Davidโs life as a recluse was interrupted sometime after 520, when Archbishop Aristeides came to his cell, pleading for him to travel to Constantinople and dissuade the emperor Justinian from his consideration to move the capital of the Byzantine administrative region of Illyricum from Thessalonica to a new city. Seeing daylight for the first time in years, David travelled to Constantinople where he was greeted with reverence, especially by the Empress Theodora.
David then astonished the emperor Justinian by taking a live piece of hot coal with incense in his bare hands, and censing the emperor without burning his hands. After David pleaded his case on behalf of the people of Thessalonica, Justinian submitted to his wishes so that the status of the city as the capital remained unchanged. St David reposed in 540 on his return journey to Thessalonica. On his scroll is written: โThe true monk is one who in this life has nothing but Christโ.
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