4th–5th century
Saint Onuphrius the Egyptian
Hermit of the Upper Egyptian desert who, according to tradition, lived for decades in complete solitude and was found by Abba Paphnutius shortly before his death.
Biography
Onuphrius came from Persia. While still young he joined a coenobitic community, where he trained for years in self-discipline and obedience, and later decided to withdraw deeper into the Egyptian desert.
There, tradition says, the hermit Hermias guided him to a cell beneath a palm tree, next to a spring, where he lived as an ascetic for decades, visited by other hermits who came seeking his advice.
Shortly before his death he was found by Abba Paphnutius, with whom he spent the night in prayer. Paphnutius buried him beneath the palm tree where he had lived.