Saint John of Lycopolis was a carpenter and a hermit on a mountain near Lycopolis from ages 25 to 65. He lived most of his life in a small, walled-up cell. He spent his life devoted himself to prayer and meditation five days a week, spiritual direction of male students the other two days; there were so many, he had to build a hospice for them. His reputation for wisdom and holiness caused him to be chosen as an advisor to Emperor Theodosius. Had the gifts of prophecy, healing, and knowledge of the hidden sins of his visitors. He was known and admired by Saint Jerome, Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Cassia, and Saint Palladius.