Paul the Simple commemorated on October 17 — prayer and steps for inner peace

On October 17 the Orthodox calendar remembers Paul the Simple, a fourth‑century Egyptian ascetic traditionally invoked for help with inner turmoil, anxiety and spiritual afflictions.

Born in Egypt and living a secular life as a farmer until his sixtieth year, Paul earned the nickname "the Simple" because of his gentle, sincere and unassuming character. After learning of his wife's unfaithfulness he left his home without anger or desire for revenge and went into the desert to become a disciple of Saint Anthony the Great.

Anthony tested the older novice’s patience and obedience with hard duties, fasting and continual prayer. Paul fulfilled every task with complete humility and without complaint. According to the tradition, God rewarded his meekness with extraordinary grace, spiritual insight and a gift for healing deep psychological suffering and expelling evil spirits.

How the tradition recommends observing October 17

Writings about Paul say that Saint Anthony sent to him sick and possessed people whom Anthony himself had been unable to cure; Paul healed them through his simple, heartfelt prayer. For that reason believers have come to regard him as a protector of those who struggle with mental distress, inner temptations, unrest and anxiety.

On his feast day the faithful are encouraged to remember those who have wronged them and to forgive, following Paul’s example. They are also advised to pray for peace of soul and to do at least one act of kindness. A short prayer often recommended for the day reads:

"Lord, as You glorified Your servant Paul, so cleanse me also from anger, pride and unrest, and fill me with Your peace."

Paul’s life is also held up as a model for people who seek spiritual renewal after family pain, for marriages under strain, and for older people who turn to God in later life. Writings of Saint Anthony that are traditionally read alongside Paul’s story include the following sayings attributed to Anthony:

• "There will come a time when people will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad they will say to him: you are insane, because you are not like us."
• "A man should fear his own sins more than the devil, for the devil has no power over one who has repented."
• "Whoever wants to be saved should fear pride and love stillness."
• "Say nothing about yourself, good or bad. Keep silent and let your deeds speak."
• "When the heart is purified, then a man sees God in everything: in people, in light, in the air, in the silence."

Photo: press material from the event