[Readingsandsaints] Readings and saints

Tue Feb 6 05:00:33 CST 2007

Scripture Readings and Saints for Tue Feb 6 2007

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------ READINGS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
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1 John 2:18-3:10  (Monday)
18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that
the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by
which we know that it is the last hour.
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had
been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that
they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all
things.
21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but
because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is
antichrist who denies the Father and the Son.
23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who
acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning.
If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will
abide in the Son and in the Father.
25 And this is the promise that He has promised us-eternal life.
26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to
deceive you.
27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you,
and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing
teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and
just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we
may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who
practices righteousness is born of Him.
1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we
should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know
us, because it did not know Him.
2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been
revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we
shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He
is pure.
4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is
lawlessness.
5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in
Him there is no sin.
6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen
Him nor known Him.
7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices
righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.
8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the
beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He
might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in
him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are
manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor
is he who does not love his brother.
Scripture Reading 1 of 4

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1 John 3:11-20
11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we
should love one another,
12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And
why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother's
righteous.
13 Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.
14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the
brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no
murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we
also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need,
and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in
him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in
deed and in truth.
19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our
hearts before Him.
20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and
knows all things.
Scripture Reading 2 of 4

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Mark 11:1-11  (Monday)
1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the
Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples;
2 and He said to them, "Go into the village opposite you; and as soon
as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has
sat. Loose it and bring it.
3 And if anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord
has need of it,' and immediately he will send it here.
4 So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside
on the street, and they loosed it.
5 But some of those who stood there said to them, "What are you doing,
loosing the colt?"
6 And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them
go.
7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it,
and He sat on it.
8 And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy
branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:
"Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'
10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David That comes in the name
of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
11 And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had
looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out
to Bethany with the twelve.
Scripture Reading 3 of 4

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Mark 14:10-42
10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests
to betray Him to them.
11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him
money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.
12 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the
Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, "Where do You want us to go
and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?"
13 And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, "Go into the
city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him.
14 Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher
says, Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My
disciples?" '
15 Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared;
there make ready for us.
16 So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it
just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover.
17 In the evening He came with the twelve.
18 Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one
of you who eats with Me will betray Me."
19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, "Is
it I?" And another said, "Is it I?"
20 He answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, who dips
with Me in the dish.
21 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to
that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good
for that man if he had never been born.
22 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it,
and gave it to them and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."
23 Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to
them, and they all drank from it.
24 And He said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which
is shed for many.
25 Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the
vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of
Olives.
27 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble
because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the
Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered.'
28 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.
29 Peter said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not
be."
30 Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this
night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times."
31 But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will
not deny You!" And they all said likewise.
32 Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said
to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray."
33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be
troubled and deeply distressed.
34 Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to
death. Stay here and watch."
35 He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that
if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.
36 And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take
this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You
will."
37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon,
are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour?
38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed
is willing, but the flesh is weak.
39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words.
40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes
were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.
41 Then He came the third time and said to them, "Are you still
sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son
of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.
42 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.
Scripture Reading 4 of 4

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------ SAINTS/FEASTS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
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Afterfeast of the Meeting of our Lord in the Temple
The fourth day of the Afterfeast of the Meeting of the Lord falls on
February 6.
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St Bucolus the Bishop of Smyrna
Saint Bucolus, Bishop of Smyrna, was a disciple of the holy Apostle
and Evangelist John the Theologian, and became the first Bishop of
Smyrna (Asia Minor).
By the grace of God, St Bucolus converted many of the pagans to Christ
and baptized them. As a wise and experienced guide, he defended his
flock from the darkness of heresy.
He died in peace between the years 100-105. He entrusted his flock to
St Polycarp (February 23), one of the Apostolic Fathers, who was also
a disciple of the holy Apostle John the Theologian. At the grave of St
Bucolus grew a myrtle tree, which healed the sick.
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St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople
Saint Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople, "the Church's far-gleaming
beacon," lived during the ninth century, and came from a family of
zealous Christians. His father Sergius died as a martyr in defense of
holy icons. St Photius received an excellent education and, since his
family was related to the imperial house, he occupied the position of
first state secretary in the Senate. His contemporaries said of him:
"He so distinguished himself with knowledge in almost all the secular
sciences, that it rightfully might be possible to take into account
the glory of his age and compare it with the ancients."
Michael, the young successor to the throne, and St Cyril, the future
Enlightener of the Slavs, were taught by him. His deep Christian piety
protected St Photius from being seduced by the charms of court life.
With all his soul, he yearned for monasticism.
In 857 Bardas, who ruled with Emperor Michael, deposed Patriarch
Ignatius (October 23) from the See of Constantinople. The bishops,
knowing the piety and extensive knowledge of Photius, informed the
emperor that he was a man worthy to occupy the archpastoral throne. St
Photius accepted the proposal with humility. He passed through all the
clerical ranks in six days. On the day of the Nativity of Christ, he
was consecrated bishop and elevated to the patriarchal throne.
Soon, however, discord arose within the Church, stirred up by the
removal of Patriarch Ignatius from office. The Synod of 861 was called
to end the unrest, at which the deposition of Ignatius and the
installation of Photius as patriarch were confirmed.
Pope Nicholas I, whose envoys were present at this council, hoped that
by recognizing Photius as patriarch he could subordinate him to his
power. When the new patriarch proved unsubmissive, Nicholas
anathematized Photius at a Roman council.
Until the end of his life St Photius was a firm opponent of papal
intrigues and designs upon the Orthodox Church of the East. In 864,
Bulgaria voluntarily converted to Christianity. The Bulgarian prince
Boris was baptized by Patriarch Photius himself. Later, St Photius
sent an archbishop and priests to baptize the Bulgarian people. In
865, Sts Cyril and Methodius were sent to preach Christ in the
Slavonic language. However, the partisans of the Pope incited the
Bulgarians against the Orthodox missionaries.
The calamitous situation in Bulgaria developed because an invasion by
the Germans forced them to seek help in the West, and the Bulgarian
prince requested the Pope to send his bishops. When they arrived in
Bulgaria, the papal legates began to substitute Latin teachings and
customs in place of Orthodox belief and practice. St Photius, as a
firm defender of truth and denouncer of falsehood, wrote an encyclical
informing the Eastern bishops of the Pope's actions, indicating that
the departure of the Roman Church from Orthodoxy was not only in
ritual, but also in its confession of faith. A council was convened,
censuring the arrogance of the West.
In 867, Basil the Macedonian seized the imperial throne, after
murdering the emperor Michael. St Photius denounced the murderer and
would not permit him to partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ.
Therefore, he was removed from the patriarchal throne and locked in a
monastery under guard, and Patriarch Ignatius was restored to his
position.
The Synod of 869 met to investigate the conduct of St Photius. This
council took place with the participation of papal legates, who
demanded that the participants sign a document (Libellus) condemning
Photius and recognizing the primacy of the Pope. The Eastern bishops
would not agree to this, and argued with the legates. Summoned to the
council, St Photius met all the accusations of the legates with a
dignified silence. Only when the judges asked him whether he wished to
repent did he reply, "Why do you consider yourselves judges?" After
long disputes, the opponents of Photius were victorious. Although
their judgment was baseless, they anathematized Patriarch Photius and
the bishops defending him. The saint was sent to prison for seven
years, and by his own testimony, he thanked the Lord for patiently
enduring His judges.
During this time the Latin clergy were expelled from Bulgaria, and
Patriarch Ignatius sent his bishops there. In 879, two years after the
death of Patriarch Ignatius, another council was summoned (many
consider it the Eighth Ecumenical Council), and again St Photius was
acknowledged as the lawful archpastor of the Church of Constantinople.
Pope John VIII, who knew Photius personally, declared through his
envoys that the former papal decisions about Photius were annulled.
The council acknowledged the unalterable character of the
Nicean-Constantinople Creed, rejecting the Latin distortion
("filioque"), and acknowledging the independence and equality of both
thrones and both churches (Western and Eastern). The council decided
to abolish Latin usages and rituals in the Bulgarian church introduced
by the Roman clergy, who ended their activities there.
Under Emperor Basil's successor, Leo, St Photius again endured false
denunciations, and was accused of speaking against the emperor. Again
deposed from his See in 886, the saint completed the course of his
life in 891. He was buried at the monastery of Eremia.
The Orthodox Church venerates St Photius as a "pillar and foundation
of the Church," an "inspired guide of the Orthodox," and a wise
theologian. He left behind several works, exposing the errors of the
Latins, refuting soul-destroying heresies, explicating Holy Scripture,
and exploring many aspects of the Faith.
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Venerable Barsanuphius the Great
Saints Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet lived during the
sixth century during the reign of the emperor Justinian I (483-565).
They lived in asceticism at the monastery of Abba Seridus in
Palestine, near the city of Gaza.
St Barsanuphius was born in Egypt (the year of his birth is unknown).
>From his youth, he began to lead an ascetic life. Arriving at the
cenobitic monastery of Abba Seridus, he built a small cell outside the
monastery. Here he lived in solitude.
Later, St John, disciple of St Barsanuphius, lived in this cell for
eighteen years until his death. St John imitated his teacher in
silence, ascetic deeds and in virtue. Because of his gift of
clairvoyance, he was known as "the Prophet."
After a certain time, St Barsanuphius built another cell near the
monastery. At the beginning of his solitude, the monastery sent him
only three loaves of bread per week. He dwelt for fifty years in work
and ascetic deeds.
When Patriarch Eustochios of Jerusalem heard about the ascetical life
of St Barsanuphius, it seemed unbelievable to him. He wanted to see
Barsanuphius for himself, so he and his companions tried to dig under
the wall, and to enter the monk's cell from beneath. Those attempting
to enter were almost burned by flames suddenly bursting forth from the
cell.
In his hermitage St Barsanuphius devoted himeself entirely to prayer,
and he attained a high degree of spiritual perfection. We have
manuscript accounts about the life, the deeds and talents of Sts
Barsanuphius and John. During the lifetime of St Paisius Velichkovsky
(November 15), they were translated into the Moldavian and Slavonic
languages. The publication of these manuscripts, and also their
translation into the Russian language, was done in the nineteenth
century by the Elders of Optina's Entry of the Theotokos Monastery.
The precepts of Sts Barsanuphius and John clearly show the degree of
their moral perfection, and their love for people, but contain scant
facts about their lives. We do not know exactly when St Barsanuphius
died. Some sources say the year of his death was 563, others say more
cautiously before the year 600.
After spending a long time in seclusion, St Barsanuphius thereafter
and until the death of St John the Prophet began to serve others by
instructing them on the path to salvation, as Abba Dorotheus (June 5)
testifies. St Barsanuphius replied to questioners through St John,
sometimes instructing him to give the answers, or even through Abba
Seridus (August 13), who wrote down the saint's answers.
In the answers of Sts Barsanuphius and John the Prophet, who were
guides in the spiritual life not only for their contemporaries, but
also for succeeding generations, it is clearly possible to see the
monks' gradual spiritual ascent "from strength to strength."
By deeds of fasting, silence, guarding the heart, and unceasing
prayer, St Barsanuphius attained the heights of humility, reasoning
and fiery love. The Lord gave him the gifts of discernment,
clairvoyance, and wonderworking. By the power of his prayers, he was
able to free the souls of people from sins. Sometimes, he took the
sins of others upon himself.
The venerable one knew the dispositions of hearts, therefore he gave
advice according to the spiritual state of each person. In the Name of
the Lord he raised the dead, he cast out demons, and healed incurable
illnesses. Things that he blessed received divine power and grace (for
example, kukol or furrow-weed took away a monk's headache). Even the
name of Abba Barsanuphius, when invoked mentally, gave help to those
who called upon it.
Through the prayers of St Barsanuphius, God sent rain upon the earth,
withdrawing His wrath from the multitudes of the people. The saint's
predictions always came true. Thus, he predicted that a certain monk,
the Elder Euthymius the Silent, would be placed with him in a single
grave, which indeed came to pass.St Barsanuphius acquired these gifts
after many years of patiently enduring great temptations and illness.
Besides the Orthodox ascetic Barsanuphius the Great, there was another
Barsanuphius, a Monophysite heretic. Sophronius, Patriarch of
Jerusalem, anathematized him in his "Confession of Faith," sent to the
Sixth Ecumenical Council).
We do not know when St Barsanuphius arrived at the monastery of Abba
Seridus, nor anything about the home and family of St John the
Prophet. Following the instructions of St Barsanuphius, John attained
the heights of perfection, and became like his teacher in all things.
Out of humility, he sent those who came to him with questions to Abba
Barsanuphius.
St John foresaw and predicted many things, even his own death a week
after the death of Abba Seridus. Abba Elian, the young igumen of this
monastery, begged John to remain with him for two more weeks, in order
to teach him the Rule and how to govern the monastery. St John
fulfilled his request and died after two weeks.
St Barsanuphius the Great survived his disciple and friend, but
embraced complete silence and refused to give answers to anyone. These
two ascetics have left the soul-profiting book, GUIDANCE TOWARD
SPIRITUAL LIFE: ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS OF DISCIPLES by the Holy
Monastic Fathers Barsanuphius and John as their spiritual legacy. This
book was known to many saints who lived at a later time, as evidenced
by the wrings of St Theodore the Studite (November 11 and January 26),
the hieromonk Nikon Chernogorets (+ 1060), St Simeon the New
Theologian (March 12), and other Orthodox ascetics and writers.
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Venerable John the Prophet
Saints Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet lived during the
sixth century during the reign of the emperor Justinian I (483-565).
They lived in asceticism at the monastery of Abba Seridus in
Palestine, near the city of Gaza.
St John, a disciple of St Barsanuphius, lived in a cell outside the
monastery of Abba Seridus for eighteen years until his death. St John
imitated his teacher in silence, ascetic deeds and in virtue. Because
of his gift of clairvoyance, he was known as "the Prophet."
There are manuscript accounts about the life, the deeds and talents of
Sts Barsanuphius and John. During the lifetime of St Paisius
Velichkovsky (November 15), they were translated into the Moldavian
and Slavonic languages. The publication of these manuscripts, and also
their translation into the Russian language, was done in the
nineteenth century by the Elders of Optina's Entry of the Theotokos
Monastery.
The precepts of Sts Barsanuphius and John clearly show the degree of
their moral perfection, and their love for people, but contain scant
facts about their lives.
After spending a long time in seclusion, St Barsanuphius thereafter
and until the death of St John the Prophet began to serve others by
instructing them on the path to salvation, as Abba Dorotheus (June 5)
testifies. St Barsanuphius replied to questioners through St John,
sometimes instructing him to give the answers, or even through Abba
Seridus (August 13), who wrote down the saint's answers.
In the answers of Sts Barsanuphius and John the Prophet, who were
guides in the spiritual life not only for their contemporaries, but
also for succeeding generations, it is clearly possible to see the
monks' gradual spiritual ascent "from strength to strength."
We do not know when St Barsanuphius arrived at the monastery of Abba
Seridus, nor anything about the home and family of St John the
Prophet. Following the instructions of St Barsanuphius, John attained
the heights of perfection, and became like his teacher in all things.
Out of humility, he sent those who came to him with questions to Abba
Barsanuphius.
St John foresaw and predicted many things, even his own death a week
after the death of Abba Seridus. Abba Elian, the young igumen of this
monastery, begged John to remain with him for two more weeks, in order
to teach him the Rule and how to govern the monastery. St John
fulfilled his request and died after two weeks.
St Barsanuphius the Great survived his disciple and friend, but
embraced complete silence and refused to give answers to anyone. These
two ascetics have left the soul-profiting book, GUIDANCE TOWARD
SPIRITUAL LIFE: ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS OF DISCIPLES by the Holy
Monastic Fathers Barsanuphius and John as their spiritual legacy. This
book was known to many saints who lived at a later time, as evidenced
by the wrings of St Theodore the Studite (November 11 and January 26),
the hieromonk Nikon Chernogorets (+ 1060), St Simeon the New
Theologian (March 12), and other Orthodox ascetics and writers.
_________________________________________________________________
Virginmartyr Dorothy at Caesarea, in Cappadocia
The Holy Martyr Dorothy, the Martyrs Christina, Callista and the
Martyr Theophilus lived in Caesarea of Cappadocia and suffered under
the emperor Diocletian in either the year 288 or 300.
St Dorothy was a pious Christian maiden, distinguished by her great
beauty, humility, prudence, and God-given wisdom, which astonished
many. Arrested upon orders of the governor Sapricius, she steadfastly
confessed her faith in Christ and was subjected to tortures.
Failing to break the will of the saint, the governor sent to her two
women, the sisters Christina and Callista, who once were Christians,
but fearing torture, they renounced Christ and began to lead impious
lives. He ordered them to get St Dorothy to offer sacrifice to the
pagan gods, but just the reverse happened. St Dorothy convinced them
that the mercy of God is granted to all who repent, so they corrected
themselves and returned to Christ. The tormentors tied them back to
back and burned them in a vat of tar. Through martyrdom, Christina and
Callista atoned for their sin of apostasy, receiving from God not only
forgiveness, but crowns of victory.
St Dorothy was again subjected to tortures, but she gladly endured
them and accepted the death sentence. She cried out with joy, thanking
Christ for calling her to Paradise and to the heavenly bridal chamber.
As they led the saint to execution Theophilus, one of the governor's
counselors, laughed and said to her, "Bride of Christ, send me an
apple and some roses from the Paradise of your Bridegroom." The martyr
nodded and said, "I shall do that."
At the place of execution, the saint requested a little time to pray.
When she finished the prayer, an angel appeared before her in the form
of a handsome child presenting her three apples and three roses on a
pure linen cloth. The saint requested that these be given to
Theophilus, after which she was beheaded by the sword.
Having received the gracious gift, the recent mocker of Christians was
shaken, and he confessed Christ as the true God. His friends were
astonished, and wondered whether he were joking, or perhaps mad. He
assured them he was not joking. Then they asked the reason for this
sudden change. He asked what month it was. "February," they replied.
"In the winter, Cappadocia is covered with ice and frost, and the
trees are bare of leaves. What do you think? From where do these
apples and flowers come?" After being subjected to cruel tortures, St
Theophilus was beheaded with a sword.
The relics of St Dorothy are in Rome in the church dedicated to her,
and her head is also at Rome, in a church of the Mother of God at
Trastevero.
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Virginmartyr Christina with her sister, at Caesarea, in
Cappadocia
Saints Christina and Callista were sisters who once were Christians,
but fearing torture, they renounced Christ and began to lead impious
lives. The governor ordered them to persuade St Dorothy to offer
sacrifice to the pagan gods, but just the reverse happened. St Dorothy
convinced them that the mercy of God is granted to all who repent, so
they corrected themselves and returned to Christ. The tormentors tied
them back to back and burned them in a vat of tar. Sts Christina and
Callista atoned for their sin of apostasy through martyrdom, receiving
not only forgiveness, but crowns of victory from God.
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Virginmartyr Callista with her sister, at Caesarea, in
Cappadocia
Saints Callista and Christina were sisters who once were Christians,
but fearing torture, they renounced Christ and began to lead impious
lives. The prefect ordered them to persuade St Dorothy to offer
sacrifice to the pagan gods, but just the reverse happened. St Dorothy
convinced them that the mercy of God is granted to all who repent, so
they corrected themselves and returned to Christ. The tormentors tied
them back to back and burned them in a vat of tar. Sts Christina and
Callista atoned for their sin of apostasy through martyrdom, receiving
not only forgiveness, but crowns of victory from God.
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Martyr Theophilus at Caesarea, in Cappadocia
The Holy Martyr Dorothy, the Martyrs Christina, Callista and the
Martyr Theophilus lived in Caesarea of Cappadocia and suffered under
the emperor Diocletian in either the year 288 or 300.
As St Dorothy was being led to execution, Theophilus, one of the
governor's counselors, laughed and said to her, "Bride of Christ, send
me an apple and some roses from the Paradise of your Bridegroom." The
martyr nodded and said, "I shall do that."
At the place of execution, the saint requested a little time to pray.
When she finished the prayer, an angel appeared before her in the form
of a handsome child presenting her three apples and three roses on a
pure linen cloth. The saint requested that these be given to
Theophilus, after which she was beheaded by the sword.
Having received the gracious gift, the recent mocker of Christians was
shaken, and he confessed Christ as the true God. His friends were
astonished, and wondered whether he were joking, or perhaps mad. He
assured them he was not joking. Then they asked the reason for this
sudden change. He asked what month it was. "February," they replied.
"In the winter, Cappadocia is covered with ice and frost, and the
trees are bare of leaves. What do you think? From where do these
apples and flowers come?" After being subjected to cruel tortures, St
Theophilus was beheaded with a sword.
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Martyr Julian of Emesa
The Holy Martyr Julian was a native of the Phoenician city of Emesa,
and he suffered in the year 312 under the emperor Maximian. He was a
skilled physician, and healed illnesses not only of the body but also
of the soul, and he converted many people to faith in Christ the
Savior. When they led away the holy Martyrs Bishop Silvanus, Deacon
Luke and the Reader Mocius (February 29) to be eaten by wild beasts,
Julian encouraged them and urged them not to fear death for the Lord.
He was also arrested and put to death. His head, hands and feet were
pierced with long nails.
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Virginmarty Fausta at Cyzicus
The Holy Martyrs Fausta, Evilasius and Maximus, suffered during the
persecution against Christians by the emperor Diocletian in the city
of Cyzicus [Mezium], between 305-311.
St Fausta was raised by Christian parents. Orphaned at a young age,
she led a strict and virtuous life. Word that she was a Christian
reached the governor, and the saint was sent to the eighty-year-old
pagan priest Evilasius, who was ordered to turn the saint away from
Christ.
The girl bravely confessed her faith and was subjected to many cruel
tortures. Strengthened by the Lord, she did not feel the pain. They
locked her up in a wooden trunk, but the torturers got tired of trying
to saw it and burn it in the fire. The holy martyr, and even the
trunk, remained unharmed, guarded by divine power. The pagan priest
Evilasius was shaken by the evident and manifest power of God, he
believed in the Savior and confessed himself a Christian.
The eparch Maximus was sent to investigate the matter for the emperor,
and he began to torture the old man who had come to believe in Christ.
Evilasius turned to St Fausta and asked her to pray for him, after
which he bravely endured the tortures. They threw St Fausta to be
eaten by vultures, but the creatures would not touch her. The
thirteen-year-old girl was pierced with nails driven into her head and
other parts of her body. Finally, they threw her into a boiling
cauldron with St Evilasius. During this time the martyrs prayed for
their torturers.
Seeing the faith and endurance of the saints, the eparch Maximus also
was converted to Christ, and prayed to God for the forgiveness of his
sins. Thrown into the same cauldron in which Sts Fausta and Evilasius
suffered, he shared with them the crown of martyrdom.
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Martyr Evilasius at Cyzicus
The Holy Martyrs Evilasius, Fausta and Maximus suffered during the
persecution against Christians by the emperor Diocletian in the city
of Cyzicus [Mezium], between 305-311.
St Evilasius was an eighty-year-old pagan priest who was ordered to
turn St Fausta away from Christ. The girl bravely confessed her faith
and was subjected to many cruel tortures. Strengthened by the Lord,
she did not feel the pain. They locked her up in a wooden trunk, but
the torturers got tired of trying to saw it and burn it in the fire.
The holy martyr, and even the trunk, remained unharmed, guarded by
divine power.
Evilasius was shaken by the manifest power of God, and he believed in
the Savior, delaring that he was also a Christian.
The eparch Maximus was sent to investigate the matter for the emperor,
and he began to torture the old man who had come to believe in Christ.
Evilasius turned to St Fausta and asked her to pray for him, after
which he bravely endured the tortures. They threw St Fausta to be
eaten by vultures, but the creatures would not touch her. The
thirteen-year-old girl was pierced with nails driven into her head and
other parts of her body. Finally, they threw her into a boiling
cauldron with St Evilasius. During this time the martyrs prayed for
their torturers.
Seeing the faith and endurance of the saints, the eparch Maximus also
was converted to Christ, and prayed to God for the forgiveness of his
sins. Thrown into the same cauldron in which Sts Fausta and Evilasius
suffered, he shared with them the crown of martyrdom.
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Martyr Maximus at Cyzicus
The Holy Martyrs Maximus, Fausta and Evilasius suffered during the
persecution against Christians by the emperor Diocletian in the city
of Cyzicus [Mezium], between 305-311.
The eparch Maximus was sent to investigate the case of Sts Fausta and
Evilasius for the emperor, and he began to torture the old man who had
come to believe in Christ. Evilasius turned to St Fausta and asked her
to pray for him, after which he bravely endured the tortures. They
threw St Fausta to be eaten by vultures, but the creatures would not
touch her. The thirteen-year-old girl was pierced with nails driven
into her head and other parts of her body. Finally, they threw her
into a boiling cauldron with St Evilasius. During this time the
martyrs prayed for their torturers.
Seeing the faith and endurance of the saints, the eparch Maximus also
was converted to Christ, and prayed to God for the forgiveness of his
sins. Thrown into the same cauldron in which Sts Fausta and Evilasius
suffered, he shared with them the crown of martyrdom.
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Virginmartyr Martha in Egypt
The Holy Virgin Martyrs Martha and Mary were sisters who lived in Asia
Minor, and fervently desired to suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Once, a pagan military commander marched past their house. The sisters
went out to him and loudly declared that they were Christians. At
first the commander paid no attention to them, but they persistently
shouted after him, repeating their confession.
They were arrested together with their brother Lykarion. All three
were crucified, and during the execution their mother came to them,
encouraging them in their sufferings for Christ. The sisters were
pierced with spears, and Lykarion was beheaded by the sword.
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Virginmartyr Mary in Egypt
The Holy Virgin Martyrs Mary and Martha were sisters who lived in Asia
Minor, and fervently desired to suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ. One
day, a pagan military commander marched past their house. The sisters
went out to him and loudly declared that they were Christians. At
first the commander paid no attention to them, but they persistently
shouted after him, repeating their confession.
They were arrested together with their brother Lykarion. All three
were crucified, and during the execution their mother came to them,
encouraging them in their sufferings for Christ. The sisters were
pierced with spears, and Lykarion was beheaded by the sword.
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Martyr Lycarion in Egypt
The Holy Virgin Martyrs Martha and Mary were sisters who lived in Asia
Minor, and fervently desired to suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Once, a pagan military commander marched past their house. The sisters
went out to him and loudly declared that they were Christians. At
first the commander paid no attention to them, but they persistently
shouted after him, repeating their confession.
They were arrested together with their brother Lykarion. All three
were crucified, and during the execution their mother came to them,
encouraging them in their sufferings for Christ. The sisters were
pierced with spears, and Lykarion was beheaded by the sword.
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St Arsenius of Ikaltoi of Georgia
Saint Arsenius of Ikaltoi was descended from the Georgian princely
line of the Vachnadze. According to certain sources, he was born in
Kakhetia (Eastern Georgia) in the village of Ikaltoi. Raised by devout
parents, St Arsenius distinguished himself from childhood by his love
for church services and prayer. He received religious education at the
Constantinople academy, where he studied not only theology, but also
the natural sciences.
At the completion of academy he entered the monastic state and lived
in one of the Georgian monasteries of the Black Hill (near Antioch)
under the guidance of St Ephraim Mtsira (January 18). Here St Arsenius
zealously occupied himself with theological and translating activity,
investigating the causes of the separation of the non-Chalcedonian
churches from Orthodoxy.
St Arsenius translated into the Georgian language the "Great
Nomocanon" of St Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople (857-867,
887-886), the "Golden Nectar" of St John of Damascus, and also a
collection of translated works in the "Dogmatikon" with commentaries,
directed against various heretical teachings. After the death of his
teacher, St Arsenius returned to Constantinople and continued his
teaching activities.
St Arsenius gained fame for his instructive encyclopedia (theology,
philosophy, philology, logic, physics, anatomy, poetics). Upon the
invitation of the Georgian emperor David III the Restorer (1089-1125),
he returned to Georgia in the year 1114, and for a while he taught at
the Gerat academy (Western Georgia). Then St Arsenius participated in
the founding of the Ikaltoi academy (where he was born in Kakhetia, in
the village of Ikaltoi, at the monastery of the Icon of the Savior
not-Made-by-Hands, during the years 1114-1120). At this academy,
according to Tradition, he taught the great Georgian poet Shota
Rustaveli.
St Arsenius was one of the initiators and an active participant of a
church council in the Armenian city of Ano. Under his influence, some
of the Armenian Monophysite bishops inclined towards an acceptance of
Orthodoxy.
For many years St Arsenius was priest for the holy emperor David III
the Restorer, and by his wise counsel contributed immensely to the
enlightenment of the Georgian Church. His astute intelligence and
spiritual wisdom, the purity and righteousness of his life, are
esteemed holy by the Georgian Orthodox Church. The memory of St
Arsenius of Ikaltoi is celebrated on February 6, the day of his
blessed repose.
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St. Amand, Abbot of Maastricht
No information available at this time.
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