Saint Pachomius the Great, the founder of the coenobitic life and a bright star in the Orthodox firmament, laid the foundation of his God-pleasing life by embracing asceticism out of an all-consuming love for the Lord. Under the direction of a particularly severe spiritual father, his manner of life consisted of long hours of prayer, alone and especially during the night, and with intense fasting, all for the purpose of keeping the remembrance of God first and foremost in his mind and heart. During his night vigil he was often attacked by the demons, but he was able to put them to flight by rebuking them and lifting up praise to God. When their attacks became more severe, he resolved not to sleep until God had routed the invisible enemy, offering his suffering the the Lord as a sweet smelling sacrifice. Seeing such a firm foundation built upon the rock of Christ, the Lord sent an angel with a rule for living the monastic life in a community as well as people who would be governed by that rule. The rule was marked by a heavenly adaptability which made it appropriate for the novice as well as the most advanced while also allowing both to live the common life together. As the leader of the community, the man of God was given the gift of insight which allowed him to be a true physician of the soul, the healing of which he regarded as far superior to the healing of the body. In response to his prayer, the Lord healed the sick and delivered those who had been possessed by demons. In all of this, Saint Pachomius cultivated humility by submitting everything to the will of God, refusing to resort to coercion of God or man. If the Lord heard his prayer and acted, then thanks be to God; if not, he never let his countenance fall or his heart be troubled. In either circumstance he saw only one true remedy, the Name of Christ and the cultivation of life in His presence. This closeness to the Lord allowed him faithfully uncover illnesses of soul and body and their sources — whether the demons or the passions — and to apply the correct course of treatment.
Hymnography
When thou hadst been raised above all things of sense and perception, thou most purely didst converse with the Master, having passed far beyond the flesh; for with they valiant mind, thou didst conquer passions and cats down and trample underfoot demons’ audacity, O all-honored Father Pachomius. And now as thou dost dwell on high in the tabernacles of Heaven’s courts, keep all in remembrance who honor thy memorial with joy, as thou, O blest one, dost boldly stand in the holy presence of Christ.
(Third Troparion of the Saint; Lord, I have cried)
We, the multitudes of monastics, honor thee, our teacher, O Pachomius, our Father; for through thee have we learned to walk the path that is truly straight. Blessed are thou, who hast labored for Christ, and hast triumphed over the might of the enemy, O companion of the angels, and co-dweller of the righteous and the just. Together with them, do thou intercede with the Lord that He have mercy on our souls.
(Doxastikon of the Saint; Lord, I have cried)
Not enduring to behold the earnestness of thine asceticism, O righteous and God-bearing Father, the hordes of the adversaries devised diverse temptations for thee.
(Ode Three, Second Troparion; Orthros Canon)
Thou didst trample upon the devices of the spirits of destruction, O Father, since thou wast clad in the power of thy Master and fenced about with the precious cross.
(Ode Six, First Troparion; Orthros Canon)