(3) <Abraham, a Syrian from Emesa, became an abbot in Krateia [Bithinia], but, urged by a desire to lead solitary life, he left for Jerusalem and the Judean desert, arriving on September 511.> While he adored the holy place of the Resurrection, Abraham happened to meet John, now with the saints, the former Imperial guard who had become a disciple of our holy father Sabas, and in those very days had received from him (the charge) of the tower, once built by the blessed Eudocia - as I have already related in the lives of Euthymius and Sabas. The blessed John, observing Abraham’s quiet behaviour, modest look and timely speech, perceived that he was a servant of God, and, taking him to the hostel of the Great Laura - for he had not yet provided himself with a hostel (for his own monastery) - he presented Abraham to the blessed Sabas and, having received his permission, brought him down to the above-mentioned tower. Abraham found there two elders devoted to God and adorned with divine wisdom, whom blessed Sabas had settled there with the Scholarios: their names were John and Gregory and they came from Pontus. Abraham became spiritually attached to them and showed them the greatest obedience for he found them capable of guiding souls to salvation.
(4) <A man called Olympius arrived at the tower, looking for Abraham, in order to bring him back to Krateia; but Abraham persuaded him to remain there as a monk.> … Olympius accepted Abraham’s advice and, as he became acquainted with the virtuous life led by the elders, John and Gregory, and by John the Scholarios, and imprinted it in his soul, he felt disposed to renounce the transient world, especially after having been enlightened by the shining grace of our holy father Sabas, who at the time was transforming the tower into a coenobium and took great care of its residents. Therefore Olympius gave himself up wholeheartedly to the Lord, and in a short time he speedily attained such a high grade of virtue, that he was ordained deacon and (later) priest, against his will, and obtained the position of the second in command of the monastery.
(5) <After four years in the monastery of the Scholarios, Abraham is forced to return to Krateia.>
(transl. Leah Di Segni)