"A Man Holy and Perfect": The Holy Man as Didaskalos (Teacher and Pupil) in the Life of Paisios/Bishoi Attributed to John Kolobos

The article presents an examination into the hagiographic depictions of the life of the 4th-century Christian desert father Paisios, also known as Bishoy. Discussion is given focusing on the saint's typological role and description as a didaskalos and mathetes, translated as "teacher" and "disciple." Primary sources are taken from the account of the saint in the "Life of Paisios/Bishoy" attributed to St. John the Short, a contemporary of Paisios. Extensive analysis is offered relating the theological implications, responsibilities and limitations of each title as applied in the monk's life.