The Monastics Andronikos and his wife Athanasia

Commemorated on October 9

The Monastics Andronikos and his wife Athanasia lived in Antioch during the V Century. Saint Andronikos was a craftsman. His earnings he divided into three portions. One part he gave to the church, the second – for the poor, and the third he used for his family. When the Lord took the son and daughter of Andronikos and Athanasia, the pious spouses decided to fully devote themselves to the service of God, helping the poor and the sick. And soon the saintly spouses set out for Alexandria, where Andronikos entered a skete monastery, and Athanasia – the women's Tabennisiota monastery.
After 12 years of ascetic life the Monk Andronikos went to Jerusalem for prayer at the holy places. He met a co-pilgrim – the monk Athanasias. This was Athanasia who, foreseeing the difficulties of the journey, had donned men's attire. They did not recognise each other, since long ascetic effort had altered their appearance. Having returned from Jerusalem, both monks settled into a single cell and for many years asceticised in silence. After the death of the Monastic Athanasia there remained a note, revealing her secret. And soon the Monk Andronikos likewise died.