Saint Copra of Egypt

Biography

Saint Paphnutius of Skete, also known as Paphnutius of Alexandria, Paphnutius of Scete, Paphnutius of Wadi Natrun, Paphnutius the Ascetic, Paphnutius the Buffalo, Paphnutius the Hermit, Pafnutios, or Paphnutios, was a desert hermit in Egypt in the late 3rd and early 4th century. He was a spiritual student of Saint Macarius the Great and known for his extreme asceticism and devotion to the Christian faith. Born in Egypt, Paphnutius lived a solitary life in the desert of Skete. He rarely left his hermit's cell except to attend Mass at a church located five miles away on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings. On these trips, he would carry back a bucket of water which would serve as his only sustenance until the next Mass. During the persecutions of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the governor Hadrian dispatched soldiers to capture Paphnutius. However, hearing of their arrival, Paphnutius voluntarily approached the governor, openly professing his Christian faith. As a result, he was imprisoned and subjected to torture in an attempt to force him to renounce his beliefs. Despite the torment, Paphnutius remained steadfast and unwavering in his faith. His courage and devotion to Christ were so compelling that he managed to convert forty fellow prisoners, who were subsequently burned to death for their Christian convictions. Additionally, he was able to convert two of his own torturers, Dionysius and Callimachus, who were ultimately beheaded for their newfound faith. Eventually, Paphnutius was released from prison and taken in by a local Christian named Nestorius. He spent his days preaching and teaching not only to Nestorius and his family but to anyone willing to listen. Through his inspirational words, at least 546 individuals were brought to the Christian faith, all of whom later met martyrdom for their beliefs. Despite his remarkable influence and numerous conversions, Paphnutius continued to face opposition from the authorities. He was eventually handed over to Diocletian's forces, resulting in his execution. Interestingly, it is said that authorities attempted to drown Paphnutius by tying a stone around his neck and throwing him into a river. Miraculously, he floated to shore on the stone. Finally, he was crucified on a date tree in the early 4th century, sealing his status as a martyr for the Christian faith. Saint Paphnutius of Skete was recognized for his exceptional accounts of the lives of holy hermits in the Egyptian desert, including that of Saint Onuphrius. He is particularly revered in the Orthodox and Coptic traditions, with feast days celebrated on 20 July, 15 February (according to the Orthodox calendar), and 25 September (according to the Coptic calendar). Although there is no specific patronage associated with Saint Paphnutius of Skete, his life serves as an inspiration for all who seek to live a life of profound faith, devotion, and self-sacrifice. His unwavering commitment to Christ and his courageous evangelization efforts continue to inspire believers around the world. Saint Paphnutius of Skete was canonized as a saint before the establishment of the formal canonization process, hence his status as a pre-congregation saint.