Born in Adrianople, in Paphlagonia. From an early age he was devoted to God's service. As a deacon he served under Bishop Theodore. Then he withdrew to a Hellenic cemetery outside the city, from which people fled because of frequent demonic visions. There he erected a cross and built a temple dedicated to Saint Euphemia, who had appeared to him in a dream. Next to the temple he erected a high pillar and spent 53 years on it, fasting and praying. Neither the mockery of people nor the attacks of demons shook him. Finally the demons left him, and people began to come with great respect. Soon two monasteries, one for men and one for women, arose near his pillar, in which his mother and sister also lived. He was often illuminated by heavenly light. He lived for 100 years and died in 640.

Venerable Jacob the Hermit. Venerable Stylian. Venerable Nikon "Repentance". Saint Innocent of Irkutsk. Christmas Fast.