E06966: The Homily (memrā) on *Dometios (monk of Syria, S00414) is written in Syriac during the late 5th/early 6th c. by Jacob of Serugh (c. 451-521). It extols the saint's ascetic virtues and his efficacy as healer, even after his death.

Jacob of Serugh, Homily on Dometios

Brief summary:

After a brief rhetorical introduction (p. 321), the main body of the homily (pp. 322-327) recounts the story of the holy man Dometios, who lived in the time of the emperor Valens, described negatively as a pagan-minded supporter of Arianism. A pagan himself, Dometios joined the army of Valens and promised to help the emperor in his military campaign against 'the land of the East'. At that point, God sends to Dometios an angel who punishes him with a bodily affliction. In search of healing, Dometios leaves Valens and goes to the city of Cyrrhus. On his way to the city he meets a Christian holy man who instructs him to go to a mountain and to make repentance there. Dometios follows the advice and stays in a small cave on the mountain. After some time, the holy man visits him and baptises him. After baptism, Dometios decides to stay in the cave, wearing sackcloth and leading an ascetic way of life. After some time, the angel visits him a second time and heals him from his affliction. Dometios stays on the mountain for thirty years until the time of his death, fighting Satan and accepting visitors seeking healing. The homily concludes with a litany in the holy man's honour (p. 327), in which the author puts a special emphasis on the fact that even after the saint's death his bones bring healing, since the Holy Spirit abides in them permanently.