Born in Athens, Giles was the son of Greek nobility. As an adult, he swore off his comforts and dedicated himself to a life of poverty and prayer. He left his family and his culture and journeyed far away to Visgothic lands (modern-day southern France). There, he lived as a solitary hermit deep in the forest, eating a vegetarian diet and counting a red deer as his only companion. One day, a stray arrow from a royal hunting party wounded Giles. The king had intended to shoot Giles' friend, the deer, and was horrified to discovered that he had shot a holy man instead. In remorse, the king offered Giles riches and honors but Giles had no use for these. The king insisted that he must do something for Giles and built the hermit a monastery. Giles established his monastic community around the Rule of St. Benedict and became known for his powerful prayers of healing and his gentle life of holiness.
O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through his poverty might be rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Giles, may serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Art & bio by Ben Lansing (c) 2024
PREORDER the book, support the artist on Patreon, get prints / downloads, listen to the podcast - www.ourchurchspeaks.com
#ourchurchspeaks #saintgiles #hermit #christianhistory #churchhistory #catholic #anglican #orthodox #saint #vegetarian #reddeer #deer