Editing Barlaam and Josaphat (section)

== Legend ==
[[File:Leprosorium.jpg|thumb|Prince Josaphat greets the leper and the crippled. Illustration from a 14th-century copy of Vincent de Beauvais' Speculum Historiale.]]

According to the legend, King Abenner in India persecuted the [[St. Thomas Christians|Christian Church in his realm]], founded by the [[Apostle Thomas]]. When astrologers predicted that his own son would some day become a Christian, Abenner had the young prince Josaphat isolated from external contact. Despite the imprisonment, Josaphat met the hermit Saint Barlaam and converted to Christianity. Josaphat kept his faith even in the face of his father's anger and persuasion. Eventually Abenner converted, turned over his throne to Josaphat, and retired to the desert to become a hermit. Josaphat himself later abdicated and went into seclusion with his old teacher Barlaam.<ref name="catholic-forum.com"/>