James the Solitary was a hermit saint of the fifth century and a student of St. Maron, patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church. James lived his ascetic life as a man without bodily shelter, and was known for his wisdom and powerful gift of intercession. He was even called upon to counsel Byzantine Emperor Leo regarding matters relating to the Council of Chalcedon. Saint James the Solitary is commemorated 26 November in the Eastern Orthodox Church,Western Rite Orthodox communities, and in Eastern Catholic Churches of Byzantine Rite.[1]