The Holy Monastery of Abba Theodosios the Cenobiarch is located east of Bethlehem, at the entrance to the desert on the ancient central road, which leads from the desert of Jordan to the Dead Sea, on a high plateau. One could see Bethlehem from the Holy Monastery, as well as Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea and Sarantario Mountain.
This Holy Monastery is built over the Cave of the Magi, which is of great interest, because according to tradition, the Three Magi spent the night there on their return from Bethlehem. It is a natural cave, with some points carved, and centuries ago was used first as a church and later as a cemetery.
Within the marble tombs along the walls of the cave are buried the founder of the Monastery St. Theodosios, the Patriarch of Jerusalem St. Sophronios who was a monk there, St. Eulogia the mother of St. Theodosios, St. Kopres, St. Sophia the mother of St. Savvas the Sanctified, St. Theodoti the mother of the Holy Unmercenaries, St. Euboula the mother of St. Panteleimon, St. Maria the mother of Sts. Arcadius and John and husband of St. Xenophontos, St. John Moschos who was a monk there and was the renowned author of the Leimanarion, together with other important figures of monasticism in Palestine. All in all the cave contains 35 tombs of Saints.
On the 12th of January we commemorate St. Eulogia, the mother of Saint Theodosios the Cenobiarch, which is the day after the feast of St. Theodosios. She was a pious woman who raised St. Theodosios in the faith of Christ, and upon the death of her husband became a nun and submitted herself to her son in obedience until she reposed in the Lord.
Apolytikion in Plagal of the First Tone
Having steered your child towards theosis, and for his protection wisely guided him towards salvation, let us praise Eulogia, the revered mother and rearer of Theodosios, having shown yourself to be impressive in asceticism, to you we cry: show us the most excellent path.
Kontakion in Plagal of the Fourth Tone
The affectionate mother of Theodosios, and model of mothers let us praise, shining with the ray of the virtues, and illuminating all people with your goodness, Venerable Eulogia, we sing to you crying out: Rejoice, mother the lover of virtue.
Megalynarion
Rejoice, for by your wise admonitions you truly steered Theodosios the Cenobiarch towards salvation, inspired mother Eulogia, who is laden with treasures.
