For, while (Theodosius) stayed hidden away in his cave in extreme voluntary poverty, content with herbs and devoting himself only to prayer, a Christ-loving man arrived from Byzantium: he enjoyed the rank of illustris <a senatorial rank> and was called Acacius. Having heard of (Theodosius’) virtue, and longing to acquire the ‘fine pearls’, as the Gospel says <Matth. 13:45>, he went to see Theodosius in his cave, made obeisance to him and sat at his feet to hear him preaching and teaching. And, being aware that (Theodosius) would not accept any present from him. (Acacius) without asking permission buried in the cave a purse of 100 gold coins; and so, after having embraced (the holy man), went away. Also after his return to Byzantium he continued for a long time to send to blessed Theodosius a fixed offering of gold each year. And this was Acacius’ doing: great Theodosius for his part, having found hidden in his cave the above-mentioned purse of gold, on the morrow of the senator’s departure, (used the money) to build first of all a hostel above his cave, and began to welcome every visitor who came to him. Then he purchased two little asses, and would go out by himself to bring the necessary provisions. Hence he started to found his own coenobium, and from that moment many began to rush to him, begging to live with (the holy man); and he received them and guided them to fulfil the will of God. And God assisted him in everything, and (Theodosius) ‘became a successful man’, as is said of Joseph <Gen. 39:2>.
(transl. Leah di Segni)