St. Marcellus of the Akoimetoi

Marcellus came from Apamea in Syria and turned from an inherited fortune toward religious study and prayer. Butler records his generosity to poor people and the copying of books through which he supported himself and continued to give alms. He later entered the community of the Akoimetoi near Constantinople.

The name of these monks referred to their unceasing common prayer. They served in successive choirs so that the divine office continued through day and night; it did not mean that each individual monk never slept. Marcellus became an assistant to the abbot and eventually succeeded him in governing the house.

The community flourished under his care. Butler also remembers his defence of Catholic teaching at the council held by Flavian against Eutyches. His long monastic service joined prayer, learning, sound doctrine and responsibility for others, and his commemoration was preserved in both Eastern and Western calendars.