The life of St Michael of St Sabbas' Monastery
He remained and became a monk at the Lavra of Saint Sabbas, weaving baskets with his own hands and carrying them to sell in the city to support his life of prayer.
In Jerusalem he was brought before the ruling authority and pressed to renounce Christ for Islam, with the promise of honor if he did. Michael refused, and said he wished only to return to his monastery, to be received into the Christian faith if his questioner would have it, or else to die for Christ. He was made to drink a cup of poison and, remaining unharmed, was beheaded soon after outside the city. His body was carried back to the Lavra of Saint Sabbas by his brother monks and buried among the other fathers who had died for the faith there, his memory kept as one who chose martyrdom rather than the world's favor.
