The Monk Markell, abbot of the monastery of the "Sleepless", was from the town of Apamea in Syria. He lost his Christian parents at an early age. He received his education first in Antioch, then in Ephesus. He distributed the entire estate he inherited from his parents to the poor, severing his connection with the world. In Ephesus, under the guidance of an experienced elder, Markell embarked on the path of asceticism, but then went to Byzantium to St. Alexander, abbot of the monastery of the "Sleepless." The monastery got its name from the fact that psalmody was performed in it continuously – day and night.
The monk received Markellus and tonsured him into monasticism. Zealously striving in vigil, fasting and prayer, the saint was early awarded great spiritual gifts and the gift of perspicacity. He foresaw the day of Abba Alexander's death and his election as abbot, but being still young himself, he did not want to have subordinates and temporarily retired from the monastery, visiting monasteries, receiving edification from the elders.
After the death of Saint Alexander, when Abba John was appointed abbot, Markell returned, to the great joy of the brethren. Abba John made Markell his closest assistant. After John's death, Saint Markellus, against his will, was elected abbot of the monastery and remained in this position for 60 years. The fame of his holy life spread far. The noble and the simple, the rich and the poor, came to Markell from afar. Those around the saint saw Angels many times, accompanying the saint and guarding him. With God's help, the monastery of the "Sleepless" was improved.
Saint Markellus, receiving funds from believers for its expansion and decoration, built a beautiful large church, a hospital, and a hospice. With his prayer, the monk cured diseases, cast out demons, and performed miracles. So, one of the monks was sent to Ankara and fell ill there. Being near death, he mentally called out to his abba. At the same hour, the Monk Markell heard the cry of the disciple with spiritual hearing, stood up for prayer, and the patient immediately recovered. When the ship on which his monks were stationed was in danger, the monk calmed the sea storm with prayer. When the saint was told that a fire was raging in Byzantium, he tearfully prayed for the city that was dying in flames, and the fire subsided, as if extinguished by the tears of the monk.
One day, a servant of a certain nobleman Ardavuri, unjustly accused, took refuge in the monastery from the anger of his master. Ardaburius twice demanded from Saint Markellus that he hand over John to him, but he refused each time. Then Ardavuri sent a detachment of soldiers, and the monastery was surrounded. The brethren, discouraged, came to the abba, asking for deliverance from trouble. Saint Markellus alone fearlessly went out of the monastery gate to the soldiers, holding a cross. The monk was surrounded by radiance, lightning emanated from the cross; thunder was heard. Then the squad took flight. Ardavurius, having learned from the soldiers about what had happened, was horrified and, for the sake of Saint Markel, forgave the servant.
The monk peacefully reposed to God in the year 485. His faithful disciple Lucian grieved for him, but on the fifth day after his death, the Monk Markell appeared to him and comforted him, predicting his imminent demise.

The Church remembers St. Markell of Apamea, Abbot
11.01.2025, 06:00