Dorotheus of Gaza

Who was Dorotheus of Gaza?

Dorotheus of Gaza or Abba Dorotheus, was a Christian monk and abbot. He joined the monastery Abba Serid near Gaza through the influence of elders Barsanuphius and John. Around 540 he founded his own monastery nearby and became abbot there. He wrote instructions for monks of which a considerable number have survived and have been compiled into Directions on Spiritual Training. Abba Dorotheus is recognized as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church with his Feast Day on June 5 in the Roman Catholic Church and June 18 in Churches of Eastern Orthodox tradition.