One day, three monks—Sergius, Hyginos, and Theophilos—from the Monastery of Saint Asclepius in Mesopotamia discovered the cave of the holy ascetic Makarios while wandering in search of a divine sign. As they neared the cave, a wondrous fragrance surrounded them, and they saw an old man clothed only in his long hair and beard. After ensuring the visitors were not demons, Makarios welcomed them and shared his story. He told them he had been born in Rome, the son of a wealthy senator named John, and had fled an unwanted marriage to devote himself to God. Guided for three years by an old man who later revealed himself in a dream to be the Archangel Raphael, Makarios was led to the cave where he would live in solitude and prayer.

In the cave, Makarios was once deceived by the devil, who appeared as a young woman fleeing her own unwanted marriage. Overcome by temptation, he sinned but immediately repented, leaving the cave in grief. The Archangel Raphael appeared again, instructing him to return and atone through prayer, fasting, and self-denial. Makarios obeyed, enduring years of ascetic struggle until his soul was purified. After recounting his story to the three monks, he blessed them and sent them away in peace. Having triumphed through repentance, Saint Makarios reposed in the Lord, likely near the end of the fourth or the beginning of the fifth century.

Troparion — Tone 8

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile, / and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance. / By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe! / O our holy father Macarius, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!