Thalelæus

Saint Thalelæus (or Thalilaeus Epiklautos, ; died ) was a 5th-century Syrian hermit known for continuous weeping. His feast day is 27 February.

Life Saint Thalelæus was born in Cilicia in Asia Minor. He was ordained as a presbyter in the monastery of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified. He later moved to a graveyard beside a run-down pagan temple in Syria near Gabala, where he lived in a tent. Travellers passing by were afraid of the unclean spirits that haunted the place. The monk lived alone, praying day and night, and eventually drove away the demons. He built himself a tiny cramped hut where he lived for another ten years. Through his example and miracles he made many converts, who built a church in place of the pagan temple. He died about 460.