(CE:1304a)
ISAAC, SAINT, or Isaac of al-Qalali, fourth-to-fifth-century monk of Kellia (feast day: 19 Bashans). He had been a disciple of Cronius, then of Theodorus. After having fled to escape the priesthood, he had nonetheless allowed himself to be ordained. In his Dialogue on the Life of St. John Chrysostom, PALLADIUS praises him as "a man exceptionally versed in the Scriptures and very hospitable" (PG 47, pp. 59-60). Himself very strict in his asceticism, he bitterly deplored the laxity that was being introduced among the monks. Isaac, priest of the Kellia, is mentioned in both recensions of the Copto-Arabic SYNAXARION. He is not to be confused with Saint Isaac of Scetis, another monk. Both are often named in the APOPHTHEGMATA PATRUM.
LUCIEN REGNAULT
Claremont Coptic Encyclopedia
