(13) It is said about Abba Mark the hermit - he resided near the monastery of Penthucla - that for 69 Years he retained the practice of fasting for weeks at end, so that people believed that he did not have a body of flesh. He worked night and day according to the teaching of Christ, and gave his earnings to the poor, nor did he ever accept anything from anybody. Some lovers of Christ who heard about him came to give him a food-offering, but he replied: “I do not accept it, for my handwork feeds me and also those who come to me for the sake of God”.
(14) Abba Polychronius repeated this story in our hearing: In the coenobium of Penthucla there was a very wathchful and ascetic brother; but he struggled with the vice of fornication. Once, unable to resist, he went out of the monastery and ascended to Jericho in order to fulfil his desire. But as soon as he entered the harlot’s home, his whole body was covered with leprosy. And seeing himself in such a state, he immediately turned back to his monastery, thanking God with these words: “God has brought this disease upon me so that my soul will be saved”, and he greatly praised the Lord.
(15) This story is about Abba Conon, the hegumen of Penthucla. Once he was going to the estate of Bitonagion, when he met some Jew who wanted to kill him. They unsheathed their swords and ran towards the old many and when they reached him they raised their hands to strike, and their hands remained up, motionless. But the old man recited a prayer on their behalf and they went free, rejoicing and praising God.
(transl. Leah Di Segni)