St. Nopher the Hermit

PART 1

Learning from other monks

Nopher first lived in a monastery. Hearing about hermits made him long for a life devoted to God in the wilderness. He prayed for guidance and found an experienced holy man who taught him. He began as a learner, receiving help from someone wiser.

PART 2

A palm tree and a well

The Synaxarium describes Nopher living beside a well and a date palm. For many years he remained in that quiet place, relying on God's care. His desert life was a special monastic calling, centred on prayer.

PART 3

Welcoming an unexpected visitor

Paphnutius travelled into the desert to meet holy hermits. At first, Nopher's unusual appearance frightened him. Nopher reassured him, made the sign of the cross and prayed the Lord's Prayer. Then they sat together and spoke about God's goodness.

PART 4

A story carried back to others

Nopher told Paphnutius about his life. After Nopher departed to the Lord, his visitor buried him. Paphnutius wished to stay there, but the tree and well no longer sustained the place. He returned to share what he had learned.

PART 5

Remembering him in church

The Church also remembers the dedication of a church named for St. Abu-Nofer in Cairo. His name is another form of Nopher.

Our own way of learning from him can be simple: make room for prayer and thank God for His care. Children can do this at home with their family.