St. Alexis (Alexius)
The son of a wealthy couple in Rome. He was married to a woman, but did
not spend even a day with her. Instead, he fled to Edessa and lived there
for 18 years wanting to serve God. One day, he had a vision where an image
of the Virgin Mary told him he was a man of
God.
He returned to Rome after that, and disguised as a beggar lived in his parents
home until the day he died. Not even his servants recognised him, and it
was only after his death his true identiuty was revealed by a note he had
written before he died. According to one version a strange voice proclaimed
him as a man of God after his death.
He was given a splendid burial. I art he is often pictured holding a ladder
or standing under a staircase.
Orthodox nameday: 17/3.
