Venerable Salamanes the Silent of the Euphrates
Commemorated January 23
Saint Salamanes the Silent was a native of the city of Kapersana, near the River Euphrates. Having found a cave near the banks of the river, he lived there as a hermit in silence and asceticism.
Learning of his exalted life, the Bishop of Kapersana wanted to ordain him to the holy priesthood, but the hesychast would not answer him with even a single word. The holy ascetic did not break his silence, conversing with the Lord alone. The Orthodox Church venerates him as the first saint to have taken upon himself the exploit of silence, which he continued to his very end (+ ca. 400).
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
