ST. JOASAPH THE KING OF INDIA (AUGUST 26TH)

Saints Barlaam and Joasaph in a Contemporary Greek Icon

Collected and Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

In the early days of Constantine the Great’s reign, there lived a pagan king in India named Abenner, renowned for his wisdom in governance and prowess in battle. However, Abenner was firmly committed to the polytheistic customs of his homeland and harbored a deep contempt for Christians. When his son, Prince Joasaph, was born, astrologers were summoned to predict his future, and one prophesied that Joasaph would abandon his throne and embrace Christianity. In a fury, Abenner ordered the expulsion and execution of all Christians from his kingdom, determined to prevent any Christian influence from reaching his son.

Abenner kept Joasaph isolated in a castle, carefully shielded from the outside world and raised solely on the principles of his pagan faith. For years, Joasaph knew nothing but luxury and pagan philosophy, immersed in a world of material wealth and worldly ambition. Eventually, believing the prophecy to be false, Abenner allowed Joasaph to explore the kingdom.

At this pivotal moment, God called upon a holy monk named Barlaam, who dwelt far from the palace. Disguising himself as a merchant, Barlaam journeyed over 1,000 miles to fulfill his divine mission: to bring the message of Christ to Joasaph. Upon meeting the Prince, St. Barlaam revealed the profound truth of the Christian faith, exposing the emptiness of worldly pleasures and the fleeting nature of power. Joasaph, deeply moved by St. Barlaam’s teaching, embraced the Christian faith and received Holy Baptism in secret.

After his conversion, Joasaph’s transformation began to ripple through the royal household. Despite the pressures and threats from his father, the Prince’s newfound faith inspired others, leading to the conversion of many, including Abenner himself, who repented and eventually embraced the monastic life. As foretold, Joasaph too would later leave the throne, choosing to pursue a life of asceticism and solitude in the desert.

After King Abenner's repose, Joasaph sought out his spiritual father St. Barlaam, finding him in the desert. Together, they lived in prayer and asceticism until St. Barlaam’s death. For 35 more years, Joasaph continued his solitary life in the wilderness, drawing closer to God. At his death, his successor, King Barachias, discovered his incorrupt relics alongside Barlaam’s, and they were reverently buried in a church built by the saintly king, who protected and propagated Orthodox Christianity as the official religion of his kingdom. 

CONNECTION WITH THE STORY OF SIDDHARTHA GAUTAMA 

In Buddhist history, the tale of Joasaph bears an intriguing resemblance to the story of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha. Like Joasaph, Siddhartha was born into wealth and royalty, shielded from the harsh realities of life until he encountered the suffering of the world—old age, sickness, and death. Both Joasaph and Siddhartha abandoned their earthly thrones in search of spiritual enlightenment, renouncing the pleasures of the world for the path of inner transformation.

However, while Siddhartha’s journey led him to the discovery of the Middle Way and the attainment of Nirvana through self-realization, Joasaph’s quest was guided by divine revelation and the grace of Christ, coming to realize God’s existence and divine love, rather than his own innate goodness or the true nature of his own perception. Whereas the Buddha’s enlightenment is achieved through deep meditation and the cultivation of wisdom, Joasaph’s spiritual fulfillment came through hearing and accepting the Gospel of Christ, the mysteries of the Church, and the ascetic struggle of Christian monasticism in the wilderness.

The life of Saint Joasaph reflects the universal human search for truth and meaning, shared by both Eastern and Western traditions, and allowing for dialogue between the Buddhist Tradition and the Christian Faith. His story speaks to the transformative power of faith, humility, and the renunciation of worldly power—a theme common to both Christian and Buddhist traditions, though best realized in Christ's redemptive power and love, which is only accessible through hearing and receiving the Words of His Glorious Gospel.

SUMMARY 

Saint Joasaph’s life is a constant testament to the power of divine grace, the spiritual longing for communion with God, and the profound influence of holy mentorship in the mission of discipleship. His journey—from the prince of a pagan kingdom to a holy ascetic in the desert—reminds us of the call to forsake earthly ambitions for the sake of eternal life in Christ, which is truly the only important thing! 

COLLECT 

O Almighty and Everlasting God, who didst call thy servant Joasaph from the riches of an earthly kingdom to the treasure of thy heavenly grace: Grant us, we beseech thee, to renounce the vanities of this world, that we, following the example of his holy life, may with pure hearts seek after thee alone, and attain unto the everlasting joys of thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Saint Joasaph, pray for us!

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