Malchus of Syria
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Saint Malchus of Syria (or Malchus of Chalcis, Malchus of Maronia) (died c. 390) was a monk who was sold into slavery and was forced to marry another slave. While never consummating the marriage, he escaped with his wife and returned to his monastery. Jerome interviewed Malchus at his home in Maronia, Syria, while Malchus and his wife were still alive; years later, in 391, Jerome wrote the biography, "Vita Malchi monachi captivi." He is commemorated 26 March by the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches.
Life
According to Jerome's account, Malchus was the only child of a farming family that resided near Nisibis during the fourth century. When he reached mature age Malchus' parents desired that he should marry. Malchus secretly left his family home at this time and began his monastic life in the desert of Chalcis.[1]
After several years as a monk Malchus heard of his father's death and went home to deal with his inheritance, leaving the monastery against the direction of his abbot. He joined a group of pilgrims headed to his home district, but during their journey they were overtaken by Saracens and sold into slavery.
Malchus' slave master insisted that he marry another of the slaves who had been captured in the same raid, and whose husband had been sold to another master. But Malchus, faithful to his monastic vocation refused to consummate the union and threatened to kill himself. The woman told him that she also wanted to live a celibate life, and proposed that she become the partner of his chastity, but not tell their master that they were living as brother and sister.
Malchus and his wife eventually escaped their master by fleeing downriver on inflated goatskins. When their master caught up, they hid in a cave but were tracked down. They received protection from God when a lioness using the cave for a den attacked and killed their pursuers, then left with her cub. Then they were able to ride their deceased pursuers' camels back to civilization.[2]
Malchus was a vegetarian who ate only dates, cheese, and milk.[3]
According to records, Malchus sent his wife to a women's monastery as she requested, while he tried to return to his own monastery. By then the igumen was no longer alive. Malchus ended up going to Maronia, to a men's monastery under the direction of Bishop Evagrius. For the edification of monks he often recounted his trials, which were the result of his disobedience. Malchus labored in asceticism in the monastery until the end of his life. [4] His wife also transferred to a woman's monastery in Maronia. In their old age, they became close companions again.[5]
See also
References
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