[Readingsandsaints] Readings and Saints

[Daily Orthodox Readings and Saints]

Scripture Readings and Saints for Tue Aug 14 2007

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------ READINGS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
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2 Corinthians 5:10-15  (Monday)
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that
each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he
has done, whether good or bad.
11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we
are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your
consciences.
12 For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you
opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for
those who boast in appearance and not in heart.
13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of
sound mind, it is for you.
14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if
One died for all, then all died;
15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for
themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
Scripture Reading 1 of 4


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2 Corinthians 5:15-21
15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for
themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh.
Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we
know Him thus no longer.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things
have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through
Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself,
not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the
word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were
pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled
to God.
21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might
become the righteousness of God in Him.
Scripture Reading 2 of 4


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Mark 1:9-15  (Monday)
9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of
Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens
parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.
11 Then a voice came from heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in whom I
am well pleased."
12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.
13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan,
and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.
14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching
the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at
hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."
Scripture Reading 3 of 4


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Mark 1:16-22
16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his
brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
17 Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become
fishers of men."
18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son
of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending
their nets.
20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee
in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.
21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He
entered the synagogue and taught.
22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one
having authority, and not as the scribes.
Scripture Reading 4 of 4



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------ SAINTS/FEASTS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
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Forefeast of the Dormition of the Mother of God
The Troparion of the Forefeast invites us to gather on this day in
gladness, for the Theotokos is about to depart from earth to heaven.
_________________________________________________________________
Prophet Micah
The Prophet Micah, the sixth of the Twelve Minor Prophets, was
descended from the Tribe of Judah and was a native of the city of
Moresheth, to the south of Jerusalem. His prophetic service began
around the year 778 before Christ and continued for almost 50 years
under the kings of Judah: Jotham, Ahaz, and Righteous Hezekiah
(721-691 B.C., August 28).
He was a contemporary of the Prophet Isaiah. His denunciations and
predictions were in regard to the separate kingdoms of Judah and
Israel. He foresaw the misfortunes threatening the kingdom of Israel
before its destruction, and the sufferings of Judah during the
incursions under the Assyrian emperor Sennacherib.
To him belongs a prophecy about the birth of the Savior of the world:
"And thou, Bethlehem, house of Ephratha, art too few in number to be
reckoned with the thousands of Judah; yet out of thee shall come forth
to Me, one who is to be a ruler in Israel, and His goings forth were
from the beginning, even from eternity" (Mic. 5: 2). From the words of
the Prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 26: 18-19), the Jews evidently were afraid
to kill the Prophet Micah. His relics were discovered in the fourth
century after the Birth of Christ at Baraphsatia, through a revelation
to the Bishop of Eleutheropolis, Zeuinos.
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Translation of the relics of the Venerable Theodosius of the
Kiev Far Caves
Saint Theodosius of the Caves, was the Father of monasticism in
Russia. He was born at Vasilevo, not far from Kiev. From his youth he
felt an irresistible attraction for the ascetic life, and led an
ascetic lifestyle while still in his parental home. He disdained
childish games and attractions, and constantly went to church. He
asked his parents to let him study the holy books, and through his
evident abilities and rare zeal, he quickly learned to read the books,
so that everyone was amazed at his intellect.
When he was fourteen, he lost his father and remained under the
supervision of his mother, a strict and domineering woman who loved
her son very much. Many times she chastised her son for his yearning
for asceticism, but he remained firmly committed to his path.
At the age of twenty-four, he secretly left his parental home and St
Anthony at the Kiev Caves monastery blessed him to receive monastic
tonsure with the name Theodosius. After four years his mother found
him and with tearfully begged him to return home, but the saint
persuaded her to remain in Kiev and to become a nun in the monastery
of St Nicholas at the Askold cemetery.
St Theodosius toiled at the monastery more than others, and he often
took upon himself some of the work of the other brethren. He carried
water, chopped wood, ground up the grain, and carried the flour to
each monk. On cold nights he uncovered his body and let it be food for
gnats and mosquitoes. His blood flowed, but the saint occupied himself
with handicrafts, and sang Psalms. In church he appeared before others
and, standing in one place, he did not leave it until the end of
services. He also listened to the readings with particular attention.
In 1054 St Theodosius was ordained a hieromonk, and in 1057 he was
chosen igumen. The fame of his deeds attracted a number of monks to
the monastery, at which he built a new church and cells, and he
introduced cenobitic rule of the Studion monastery, a copy of which he
commissioned at Constantinople. As igumen, St Theodosius continued his
arduous duties at the monastery. He usually ate only dry bread and
cooked greens without oil. He spent his nights in prayer without
sleep, and the brethren often took notice of this, although the chosen
one of God tried to conceal his efforts from others.
No one saw when St Theodosius dozed lightly, and usually he rested
while sitting. During Great Lent the saint withdrew into a cave near
the monastery, where he struggled unseen by anyone. His attire was a
coarse hairshirt worn next to his body. He looked so much like a
beggar that it was impossible to recognize in this old man the
renowned igumen, deeply respected by all who knew him.
Once, St Theodosius was returning from Great Prince Izyaslav. The
coachman, not recognizing him, said gruffly, "You, monk, are always on
holiday, but I am constantly at work. Take my place, and let me ride
in the carriage." The holy Elder meekly complied and drove the
servant. Seeing how nobles along the way bowed to the monk driving the
horses, the servant took fright, but the holy ascetic calmed him, and
gave him a meal at the monastery. Trusting in God's help, the saint
did not keep a large supply of food at the monastery, and therefore
the brethren were in want of their daily bread. Through his prayers,
however, unknown benefactors appeared at the monastery and furnished
the necessities for the brethren.
The Great Princes, and especially Izyaslav, loved to listen to the
spiritual discourses of St Theodosius. The saint was not afraid to
denounce the mighty of this world. Those unjustly condemned always
found a defender in him, and judges would review matters at the
request of the igumen. He was particularly concerned for the
destitute. He built a special courtyard for them at the monastery
where anyone in need could receive food and drink. Sensing the
approach of death, St Theodosius peacefully fell asleep in the Lord in
the year 1074. He was buried in a cave which he dug, where he secluded
himself during fasting periods.
The relics of the ascetic were found incorrupt in the year 1091. St
Theodosius was numbered among the saints in 1108. Of the written works
of St Theodosius six discourses, two letters to Great Prince Izyaslav,
and a prayer for all Christians have survived to our time.
The Life of St Theodosius was written by St Nestor the Chronicler
(October 27), a disciple of the great Abba, only thirty years after
his repose, and it was always one of the favorite readings of the
Russian nation. The Life of St Theodosius is found under September 28.
_________________________________________________________________
Venerable Arcadius of Novotorsk
Saint Arcadius of Vyazma and Novy Torg was from the city of Vyazma of
pious parents, who from childhood taught him prayer and obedience. The
gentle, perceptive, prudent and good youth chose for his ascetic feat
of being a fool-for-Christ. He lived by alms, and slept wherever he
found himself, whether in the forest, or on the church portico.
His blessed serenity and closeness to nature imparted to the figure of
young Arcadius a peculiar spiritual aspect and aloofness from worldly
vanity. In church, when absorbed in prayer, St Arcadius often wept
tears of tenderness and spiritual joy. Though he seldom spoke, his
advice was always good, and his predictions were fulfilled.
An experienced guide, St Ephraim the Wonderworker of Novy Torg
(January 28), helped the young ascetic to avoid spiritual dangers
while passing through the difficult and unusual exploit of
foolishness. After this the people of Vyazma witnessed several
miracles, worked through the prayers of Blessed Arcadius, but the
saint fled human fame and traveled along the upper Tvertsa River. Here
St Arcadius shared the work with his spiritual guide St Ephraim, and
with him founded a church and monastery in honor of the holy
Passion-Bearers Boris and Gleb (May 2).
Entering into the newly-built monastery, St Arcadius became a monk and
took upon himself the exploit of full obedience to his spiritual
Father, St Ephraim. St Arcadius never missed Liturgy and he was always
the first to appear for Matins together with his spiritual guide.
After St Ephraim's repose (January 28, 1053), St Arcadius continued to
pursue asceticism in accord with the last wishes of his Elder,
dwelling in prayer, fasting and silence. After several years, he also
fell asleep in the Lord (December 13, 1077).
In 1594, a chapel dedicated to St Arcadius was built in one of the
churches of Vyazma. A combined celebration of Sts Arcadius and Ephraim
was established by Metropolitan Dionysius in the years 1584-1587. The
relics of St Arcadius, glorified by miracles of healing, were
uncovered on June 11, 1572, and on July 11, 1677, they were placed in
a stone crypt of Sts Boris and Gleb cathedral in the city of Novy Torg
(New Market). In 1841, the left side chapel of Sts Boris and Gleb
cathedral church was dedicated in honor of St Arcadius. The solemn
celebration of the 300th anniversary of the uncovering of the holy
relics of St Arcadius took place in the city of Novy Torg in July of
1977. He is also commemorated on August 14 and June 11 (Transfer of
his relics).
_________________________________________________________________
Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Apamea
The Hieromartyr Marcellus, Bishop of Apamea, was born of illustrious
parents on the island of Cyprus. Having received a fine education, he
occupied a high civil office. Everyone marveled at his purity of life,
mildness, kindness and eloquence. In the year 375, the saint left his
wife and children, and devoted himself to a monastic life in Syria.
The people of Apamea, having him come to the city on some practical
matter, elected him as bishop.
>From the account of Theodoret of Cyrrhus we learn that St Marcellus
received permission from the emperor St Theodosius the Great (379-395)
to destroy a strongly built temple of Jupiter at Apamea, but the saint
didn't know how to accomplish this. A certain worker promised to help
him. He undermined three of the huge columns, propping them up
temporarily with olive wood. Then he tried to set them afire, but the
wood would not burn. When St Marcellus learned of this, he performed
the Lesser Blessing of Water, and he commanded that this water be
faithfully sprinkled around the wood. After this, the wood burned
quickly, the columns fell down and the whole pagan temple collapsed in
upon itself.
When soldiers near Aulona in the Apamea district demolished another
pagan temple, the saint, watching from a distance, was seized by
pagans and thrown into a fire. The killers were found, and the saint's
sons wanted to take revenge. A local Council forbade them to do this,
decreeing that it would be wrong to avenge such a death as the saint
had received. Instead, they ought to give thanks to God.
_________________________________________________________________
Icon of the Mother of God "the Converser"
The "Converser" Icon of the Mother of God is so named since it depicts
the Mother of God and St Nicholas of Myra conversing with the
sacristan George. This event occurred soon after the appearance of the
Tikhvin Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in 1383, when the Most Holy
Theotokos Herself commanded sacristan George to say that they should
replace the metal cross on the newly-constructed temple in Her honor
at Tikhvin with a wooden one. At the place of this vision a chapel was
built in honor of St Nicholas the Wonderworker. The chapel burned
several times (the first time was in 1390 at the same time as the
church of the Tikhvin Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos). In 1515, a
wooden church was built and a monastery founded in honor of this holy
icon.
_________________________________________________________________
Icon of the Mother of God of Narva
The Narva Icon of the Mother of God became famous in the year 1558,
when the Russian army attacked the city of Narva. In one of the houses
where Russian merchants had once lived, drunken Germans grabbed an
icon of the Mother of God that had been left behind. Mocking the holy
thing, they threw it into a fire under a kettle, in which they were
brewing beer. Flames shot out from the kettle and engulfed the roof of
the house.
At that very moment a storm blew up, and spread the fire throughout
all the city. Taking advantage of the confusion, the Russian army
advanced and took the city. The Wonderworking Icon of the Most Holy
Theotokos, and an icon of St Nicholas, were found in the ashes
unharmed.
_________________________________________________________________
New Martyr Nazarius, Metropolitan of Kutaisi-Gaenati, and his
companions of Georgia
Metropolitan Nazarius of Kutaisi-Gaenati was born in 1872 in the
village of Didi Jikhaishi in Imereti. His forefathers belonged to a
long lineage of clergy, and the future metropolitan was nurtured in
the Church from the earliest years of his youth.
Nazarius (known in the world as Joseph) received his education at
Kutaisi Theological School. In 1892 he graduated with honors from
Tbilisi Seminary and began to serve in the Church, first as a deacon
and later (from February 9, 1893) as a priest. In 1904, after a series
of personal tragedies (first his wife died, then his two daughters),
Nazarius was tonsured a monk. On November 4, 1918, he was enthroned as
Metropolitan of Kutaisi.
The years 1922 to 1923 marked a difficult period in the history of the
Georgian Church. The Bolsheviks razed twelve hundred churches,
destroyed much of the Churchs wealth, burnt many rare manuscripts, and
persecuted spiritual leadersparticularly Georgian nationalists.
On February 10, 1921, following the Red Armys invasion of Georgia, the
treasures of the Sioni and Svetitskhoveli Cathedrals were carried away
to Kutaisi for safekeeping. Patriarch Leonid gave his blessing for
four boxes of holy objects to be buried under the porch at
Metropolitan Nazariuss residence, which was located on the grounds of
the Bagrati Cathedral.
After the Bolsheviks secured their occupation of Georgia, they
discovered where the treasures had been buried and arrested
Metropolitan Nazarius. They accused him of agitating against the
government and concealing the possessions of the Church. During the
court proceedings the metropolitan was asked for whom he had hidden
the treasure, and he answered, For the Church and the Georgian people!
The court sentenced Nazarius to the most severe punishmentexecution by
a firing squadbut the sentence was subsequently rescinded. In the end,
the Bolsheviks imprisoned the hierarch and confiscated his personal
belongings.
In April of 1924 Metropolitan Nazarius received amnesty and was
released after two years in prison. He returned to his diocese, which
was undergoing many trials. He was not permitted to return to his own
residence, but was obliged to live with his brother, while his former
home was transformed into a storage facility.
On August 14, 1924, a delegation from the village of Simoneti came to
the metropolitan to request that he consecrate their local church. At
the appointed time, the metropolitan arrived in Simoneti with his
retinue and consecrated the church. That night, a group of Chekists
(Soviet security agents) broke into the house where Metropolitan
Nazarius and his entourage were staying, bound and beat them, and then
dragged them to the village council. Without an investigation, the
Troika (a Soviet extraordinary council of three judges) sentenced to
death Metropolitan Nazarius and four other clergymenPriest Herman
Jajanidze, Priest Hierotheos Nikoladze, Priest Simon Mchedlidze, and
Archdeacon Besarion Kukhianidze. They were shot to death in the
Sapichkhia Forest.
In 1994, with the blessing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, the full
Ecclesiastical Council of the Georgian Church resolved with one accord
to canonize Metropolitan Nazarius and the clergymen who were martyred
with him. At the same time, the council canonized all the Orthodox
Christians who, for their Faith and the independence of their
homeland, became victims of the totalitarian regime. They were
proclaimed the New Martyrs of the Georgian Church.
_________________________________________________________________
New Martyr Herman the Priest, and his companions of Georgia
Metropolitan Nazarius of Kutaisi-Gaenati was born in 1872 in the
village of Didi Jikhaishi in Imereti. His forefathers belonged to a
long lineage of clergy, and the future metropolitan was nurtured in
the Church from the earliest years of his youth.
Nazarius (known in the world as Joseph) received his education at
Kutaisi Theological School. In 1892 he graduated with honors from
Tbilisi Seminary and began to serve in the Church, first as a deacon
and later (from February 9, 1893) as a priest. In 1904, after a series
of personal tragedies (first his wife died, then his two daughters),
Nazarius was tonsured a monk. On November 4, 1918, he was enthroned as
Metropolitan of Kutaisi.
The years 1922 to 1923 marked a difficult period in the history of the
Georgian Church. The Bolsheviks razed twelve hundred churches,
destroyed much of the Churchs wealth, burnt many rare manuscripts, and
persecuted spiritual leadersparticularly Georgian nationalists.
On February 10, 1921, following the Red Armys invasion of Georgia, the
treasures of the Sioni and Svetitskhoveli Cathedrals were carried away
to Kutaisi for safekeeping. Patriarch Leonid gave his blessing for
four boxes of holy objects to be buried under the porch at
Metropolitan Nazariuss residence, which was located on the grounds of
the Bagrati Cathedral.
After the Bolsheviks secured their occupation of Georgia, they
discovered where the treasures had been buried and arrested
Metropolitan Nazarius. They accused him of agitating against the
government and concealing the possessions of the Church. During the
court proceedings the metropolitan was asked for whom he had hidden
the treasure, and he answered, For the Church and the Georgian people!
The court sentenced Nazarius to the most severe punishmentexecution by
a firing squadbut the sentence was subsequently rescinded. In the end,
the Bolsheviks imprisoned the hierarch and confiscated his personal
belongings.
In April of 1924 Metropolitan Nazarius received amnesty and was
released after two years in prison. He returned to his diocese, which
was undergoing many trials. He was not permitted to return to his own
residence, but was obliged to live with his brother, while his former
home was transformed into a storage facility.
On August 14, 1924, a delegation from the village of Simoneti came to
the metropolitan to request that he consecrate their local church. At
the appointed time, the metropolitan arrived in Simoneti with his
retinue and consecrated the church. That night, a group of Chekists
(Soviet security agents) broke into the house where Metropolitan
Nazarius and his entourage were staying, bound and beat them, and then
dragged them to the village council. Without an investigation, the
Troika (a Soviet extraordinary council of three judges) sentenced to
death Metropolitan Nazarius and four other clergymenPriest Herman
Jajanidze, Priest Hierotheos Nikoladze, Priest Simon Mchedlidze, and
Archdeacon Besarion Kukhianidze. They were shot to death in the
Sapichkhia Forest.
In 1994, with the blessing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, the full
Ecclesiastical Council of the Georgian Church resolved with one accord
to canonize Metropolitan Nazarius and the clergymen who were martyred
with him. At the same time, the council canonized all the Orthodox
Christians who, for their Faith and the independence of their
homeland, became victims of the totalitarian regime. They were
proclaimed the New Martyrs of the Georgian Church.
_________________________________________________________________
New Martyr Hierotheus the Priest, and his companions of
Georgia
Metropolitan Nazarius of Kutaisi-Gaenati was born in 1872 in the
village of Didi Jikhaishi in Imereti. His forefathers belonged to a
long lineage of clergy, and the future metropolitan was nurtured in
the Church from the earliest years of his youth.
Nazarius (known in the world as Joseph) received his education at
Kutaisi Theological School. In 1892 he graduated with honors from
Tbilisi Seminary and began to serve in the Church, first as a deacon
and later (from February 9, 1893) as a priest. In 1904, after a series
of personal tragedies (first his wife died, then his two daughters),
Nazarius was tonsured a monk. On November 4, 1918, he was enthroned as
Metropolitan of Kutaisi.
The years 1922 to 1923 marked a difficult period in the history of the
Georgian Church. The Bolsheviks razed twelve hundred churches,
destroyed much of the Churchs wealth, burnt many rare manuscripts, and
persecuted spiritual leadersparticularly Georgian nationalists.
On February 10, 1921, following the Red Armys invasion of Georgia, the
treasures of the Sioni and Svetitskhoveli Cathedrals were carried away
to Kutaisi for safekeeping. Patriarch Leonid gave his blessing for
four boxes of holy objects to be buried under the porch at
Metropolitan Nazariuss residence, which was located on the grounds of
the Bagrati Cathedral.
After the Bolsheviks secured their occupation of Georgia, they
discovered where the treasures had been buried and arrested
Metropolitan Nazarius. They accused him of agitating against the
government and concealing the possessions of the Church. During the
court proceedings the metropolitan was asked for whom he had hidden
the treasure, and he answered, For the Church and the Georgian people!
The court sentenced Nazarius to the most severe punishmentexecution by
a firing squadbut the sentence was subsequently rescinded. In the end,
the Bolsheviks imprisoned the hierarch and confiscated his personal
belongings.
In April of 1924 Metropolitan Nazarius received amnesty and was
released after two years in prison. He returned to his diocese, which
was undergoing many trials. He was not permitted to return to his own
residence, but was obliged to live with his brother, while his former
home was transformed into a storage facility.
On August 14, 1924, a delegation from the village of Simoneti came to
the metropolitan to request that he consecrate their local church. At
the appointed time, the metropolitan arrived in Simoneti with his
retinue and consecrated the church. That night, a group of Chekists
(Soviet security agents) broke into the house where Metropolitan
Nazarius and his entourage were staying, bound and beat them, and then
dragged them to the village council. Without an investigation, the
Troika (a Soviet extraordinary council of three judges) sentenced to
death Metropolitan Nazarius and four other clergymenPriest Herman
Jajanidze, Priest Hierotheos Nikoladze, Priest Simon Mchedlidze, and
Archdeacon Besarion Kukhianidze. They were shot to death in the
Sapichkhia Forest.
In 1994, with the blessing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, the full
Ecclesiastical Council of the Georgian Church resolved with one accord
to canonize Metropolitan Nazarius and the clergymen who were martyred
with him. At the same time, the council canonized all the Orthodox
Christians who, for their Faith and the independence of their
homeland, became victims of the totalitarian regime. They were
proclaimed the New Martyrs of the Georgian Church.
_________________________________________________________________
New Martyr Simeon the Priest, and his companions of Georgia
Metropolitan Nazarius of Kutaisi-Gaenati was born in 1872 in the
village of Didi Jikhaishi in Imereti. His forefathers belonged to a
long lineage of clergy, and the future metropolitan was nurtured in
the Church from the earliest years of his youth.
Nazarius (known in the world as Joseph) received his education at
Kutaisi Theological School. In 1892 he graduated with honors from
Tbilisi Seminary and began to serve in the Church, first as a deacon
and later (from February 9, 1893) as a priest. In 1904, after a series
of personal tragedies (first his wife died, then his two daughters),
Nazarius was tonsured a monk. On November 4, 1918, he was enthroned as
Metropolitan of Kutaisi.
The years 1922 to 1923 marked a difficult period in the history of the
Georgian Church. The Bolsheviks razed twelve hundred churches,
destroyed much of the Churchs wealth, burnt many rare manuscripts, and
persecuted spiritual leadersparticularly Georgian nationalists.
On February 10, 1921, following the Red Armys invasion of Georgia, the
treasures of the Sioni and Svetitskhoveli Cathedrals were carried away
to Kutaisi for safekeeping. Patriarch Leonid gave his blessing for
four boxes of holy objects to be buried under the porch at
Metropolitan Nazariuss residence, which was located on the grounds of
the Bagrati Cathedral.
After the Bolsheviks secured their occupation of Georgia, they
discovered where the treasures had been buried and arrested
Metropolitan Nazarius. They accused him of agitating against the
government and concealing the possessions of the Church. During the
court proceedings the metropolitan was asked for whom he had hidden
the treasure, and he answered, For the Church and the Georgian people!
The court sentenced Nazarius to the most severe punishmentexecution by
a firing squadbut the sentence was subsequently rescinded. In the end,
the Bolsheviks imprisoned the hierarch and confiscated his personal
belongings.
In April of 1924 Metropolitan Nazarius received amnesty and was
released after two years in prison. He returned to his diocese, which
was undergoing many trials. He was not permitted to return to his own
residence, but was obliged to live with his brother, while his former
home was transformed into a storage facility.
On August 14, 1924, a delegation from the village of Simoneti came to
the metropolitan to request that he consecrate their local church. At
the appointed time, the metropolitan arrived in Simoneti with his
retinue and consecrated the church. That night, a group of Chekists
(Soviet security agents) broke into the house where Metropolitan
Nazarius and his entourage were staying, bound and beat them, and then
dragged them to the village council. Without an investigation, the
Troika (a Soviet extraordinary council of three judges) sentenced to
death Metropolitan Nazarius and four other clergymenPriest Herman
Jajanidze, Priest Hierotheos Nikoladze, Priest Simon Mchedlidze, and
Archdeacon Besarion Kukhianidze. They were shot to death in the
Sapichkhia Forest.
In 1994, with the blessing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, the full
Ecclesiastical Council of the Georgian Church resolved with one accord
to canonize Metropolitan Nazarius and the clergymen who were martyred
with him. At the same time, the council canonized all the Orthodox
Christians who, for their Faith and the independence of their
homeland, became victims of the totalitarian regime. They were
proclaimed the New Martyrs of the Georgian Church.
_________________________________________________________________
New Martyr Bessarion the Archdeacon, and his companions of
Georgia
Metropolitan Nazarius of Kutaisi-Gaenati was born in 1872 in the
village of Didi Jikhaishi in Imereti. His forefathers belonged to a
long lineage of clergy, and the future metropolitan was nurtured in
the Church from the earliest years of his youth.
Nazarius (known in the world as Joseph) received his education at
Kutaisi Theological School. In 1892 he graduated with honors from
Tbilisi Seminary and began to serve in the Church, first as a deacon
and later (from February 9, 1893) as a priest. In 1904, after a series
of personal tragedies (first his wife died, then his two daughters),
Nazarius was tonsured a monk. On November 4, 1918, he was enthroned as
Metropolitan of Kutaisi.
The years 1922 to 1923 marked a difficult period in the history of the
Georgian Church. The Bolsheviks razed twelve hundred churches,
destroyed much of the Churchs wealth, burnt many rare manuscripts, and
persecuted spiritual leadersparticularly Georgian nationalists.
On February 10, 1921, following the Red Armys invasion of Georgia, the
treasures of the Sioni and Svetitskhoveli Cathedrals were carried away
to Kutaisi for safekeeping. Patriarch Leonid gave his blessing for
four boxes of holy objects to be buried under the porch at
Metropolitan Nazariuss residence, which was located on the grounds of
the Bagrati Cathedral.
After the Bolsheviks secured their occupation of Georgia, they
discovered where the treasures had been buried and arrested
Metropolitan Nazarius. They accused him of agitating against the
government and concealing the possessions of the Church. During the
court proceedings the metropolitan was asked for whom he had hidden
the treasure, and he answered, For the Church and the Georgian people!
The court sentenced Nazarius to the most severe punishmentexecution by
a firing squadbut the sentence was subsequently rescinded. In the end,
the Bolsheviks imprisoned the hierarch and confiscated his personal
belongings.
In April of 1924 Metropolitan Nazarius received amnesty and was
released after two years in prison. He returned to his diocese, which
was undergoing many trials. He was not permitted to return to his own
residence, but was obliged to live with his brother, while his former
home was transformed into a storage facility.
On August 14, 1924, a delegation from the village of Simoneti came to
the metropolitan to request that he consecrate their local church. At
the appointed time, the metropolitan arrived in Simoneti with his
retinue and consecrated the church. That night, a group of Chekists
(Soviet security agents) broke into the house where Metropolitan
Nazarius and his entourage were staying, bound and beat them, and then
dragged them to the village council. Without an investigation, the
Troika (a Soviet extraordinary council of three judges) sentenced to
death Metropolitan Nazarius and four other clergymenPriest Herman
Jajanidze, Priest Hierotheos Nikoladze, Priest Simon Mchedlidze, and
Archdeacon Bessarion Kukhianidze. They were shot to death in the
Sapichkhia Forest.
In 1994, with the blessing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, the full
Ecclesiastical Council of the Georgian Church resolved with one accord
to canonize Metropolitan Nazarius and the clergymen who were martyred
with him. At the same time, the council canonized all the Orthodox
Christians who, for their Faith and the independence of their
homeland, became victims of the totalitarian regime. They were
proclaimed the New Martyrs of the Georgian Church.
_________________________________________________________________
New Martyr Axalmotsameni and his companions of Georgia
Metropolitan Nazarius of Kutaisi-Gaenati was born in 1872 in the
village of Didi Jikhaishi in Imereti. His forefathers belonged to a
long lineage of clergy, and the future metropolitan was nurtured in
the Church from the earliest years of his youth.
Nazarius (known in the world as Joseph) received his education at
Kutaisi Theological School. In 1892 he graduated with honors from
Tbilisi Seminary and began to serve in the Church, first as a deacon
and later (from February 9, 1893) as a priest. In 1904, after a series
of personal tragedies (first his wife died, then his two daughters),
Nazarius was tonsured a monk. On November 4, 1918, he was enthroned as
Metropolitan of Kutaisi.
The years 1922 to 1923 marked a difficult period in the history of the
Georgian Church. The Bolsheviks razed twelve hundred churches,
destroyed much of the Churchs wealth, burnt many rare manuscripts, and
persecuted spiritual leadersparticularly Georgian nationalists.
On February 10, 1921, following the Red Armys invasion of Georgia, the
treasures of the Sioni and Svetitskhoveli Cathedrals were carried away
to Kutaisi for safekeeping. Patriarch Leonid gave his blessing for
four boxes of holy objects to be buried under the porch at
Metropolitan Nazariuss residence, which was located on the grounds of
the Bagrati Cathedral.
After the Bolsheviks secured their occupation of Georgia, they
discovered where the treasures had been buried and arrested
Metropolitan Nazarius. They accused him of agitating against the
government and concealing the possessions of the Church. During the
court proceedings the metropolitan was asked for whom he had hidden
the treasure, and he answered, For the Church and the Georgian people!
The court sentenced Nazarius to the most severe punishmentexecution by
a firing squadbut the sentence was subsequently rescinded. In the end,
the Bolsheviks imprisoned the hierarch and confiscated his personal
belongings.
In April of 1924 Metropolitan Nazarius received amnesty and was
released after two years in prison. He returned to his diocese, which
was undergoing many trials. He was not permitted to return to his own
residence, but was obliged to live with his brother, while his former
home was transformed into a storage facility.
On August 14, 1924, a delegation from the village of Simoneti came to
the metropolitan to request that he consecrate their local church. At
the appointed time, the metropolitan arrived in Simoneti with his
retinue and consecrated the church. That night, a group of Chekists
(Soviet security agents) broke into the house where Metropolitan
Nazarius and his entourage were staying, bound and beat them, and then
dragged them to the village council. Without an investigation, the
Troika (a Soviet extraordinary council of three judges) sentenced to
death Metropolitan Nazarius and four other clergymenPriest Herman
Jajanidze, Priest Hierotheos Nikoladze, Priest Simon Mchedlidze, and
Archdeacon Besarion Kukhianidze. They were shot to death in the
Sapichkhia Forest.
In 1994, with the blessing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, the full
Ecclesiastical Council of the Georgian Church resolved with one accord
to canonize Metropolitan Nazarius and the clergymen who were martyred
with him. At the same time, the council canonized all the Orthodox
Christians who, for their Faith and the independence of their
homeland, became victims of the totalitarian regime. They were
proclaimed the New Martyrs of the Georgian Church.
_________________________________________________________________
New Martyrs Nazary, Herman, Hierotheos, Simeon, Besarion,
Axalmotsameni and their companions of Georgia
Metropolitan Nazarius of Kutaisi-Gaenati was born in 1872 in the
village of Didi Jikhaishi in Imereti. His forefathers belonged to a
long lineage of clergy, and the future metropolitan was nurtured in
the Church from the earliest years of his youth.
Nazarius (known in the world as Joseph) received his education at
Kutaisi Theological School. In 1892 he graduated with honors from
Tbilisi Seminary and began to serve in the Church, first as a deacon
and later (from February 9, 1893) as a priest. In 1904, after a series
of personal tragedies (first his wife died, then his two daughters),
Nazarius was tonsured a monk. On November 4, 1918, he was enthroned as
Metropolitan of Kutaisi.
The years 1922 to 1923 marked a difficult period in the history of the
Georgian Church. The Bolsheviks razed twelve hundred churches,
destroyed much of the Churchs wealth, burnt many rare manuscripts, and
persecuted spiritual leadersparticularly Georgian nationalists.
On February 10, 1921, following the Red Armys invasion of Georgia, the
treasures of the Sioni and Svetitskhoveli Cathedrals were carried away
to Kutaisi for safekeeping. Patriarch Leonid gave his blessing for
four boxes of holy objects to be buried under the porch at
Metropolitan Nazariuss residence, which was located on the grounds of
the Bagrati Cathedral.
After the Bolsheviks secured their occupation of Georgia, they
discovered where the treasures had been buried and arrested
Metropolitan Nazarius. They accused him of agitating against the
government and concealing the possessions of the Church. During the
court proceedings the metropolitan was asked for whom he had hidden
the treasure, and he answered, For the Church and the Georgian people!
The court sentenced Nazarius to the most severe punishmentexecution by
a firing squadbut the sentence was subsequently rescinded. In the end,
the Bolsheviks imprisoned the hierarch and confiscated his personal
belongings.
In April of 1924 Metropolitan Nazarius received amnesty and was
released after two years in prison. He returned to his diocese, which
was undergoing many trials. He was not permitted to return to his own
residence, but was obliged to live with his brother, while his former
home was transformed into a storage facility.
On August 14, 1924, a delegation from the village of Simoneti came to
the metropolitan to request that he consecrate their local church. At
the appointed time, the metropolitan arrived in Simoneti with his
retinue and consecrated the church. That night, a group of Chekists
(Soviet security agents) broke into the house where Metropolitan
Nazarius and his entourage were staying, bound and beat them, and then
dragged them to the village council. Without an investigation, the
Troika (a Soviet extraordinary council of three judges) sentenced to
death Metropolitan Nazarius and four other clergymenPriest Herman
Jajanidze, Priest Hierotheos Nikoladze, Priest Simon Mchedlidze, and
Archdeacon Besarion Kukhianidze. They were shot to death in the
Sapichkhia Forest.
In 1994, with the blessing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, the full
Ecclesiastical Council of the Georgian Church resolved with one accord
to canonize Metropolitan Nazarius and the clergymen who were martyred
with him. At the same time, the council canonized all the Orthodox
Christians who, for their Faith and the independence of their
homeland, became victims of the totalitarian regime. They were
proclaimed the New Martyrs of the Georgian Church.
_________________________________________________________________