Saint Gerasimus (also Gerasimos) of the Jordan was a fifth century Christian monk who lived in the desert East of Jericho near the river Jordan. He founded a monastery there and as abbot, presided over about 70 monks. They led a strict life of abstinence known as asceticism, which meant they rejected many worldly pleasures in pursuance of their spiritual goals.
The Saint is famous for his encounter with a Lion while walking along the river Jordan and its subsequent conversion from a wild carnivore to a tame pet. He came across the beast roaring in pain from a large thorn embedded in its paw; showing compassion he removed the thorn from the suffering creature. Much to Gerasimus’s amazement, the lion followed him back to the monastery and was to become his loyal pet; the animal showed obedience and converted to vegetarianism.
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