[Readingsandsaints] Readings and Saints

Fri Mar 7 05:00:12 CST 2008

Scripture Readings and Saints for Fri Mar 7 2008

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Zechariah 8:7-17  (6th Hour)
7 Thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the
east country and from the west country;
8 and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and they
shall be my people and I will be their God, in faithfulness
9 Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Let your hands be strong, you who in
these days have been hearing these words from the mouth of prophets,
since the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts
was laid, that the temple might be built.
10 For before those days there was no wage for man or any wage for
beast, neither was there any safety from the foe for him who went out
or came in; for I set every man against his fellow.
11 But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the
former days, says the Lord of hosts.
12 For there shall be a sowing of peace; the vine shall yield its
fruit, and the ground shall give its increase, and the heavens shall
give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess
all these things.
13 And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house
of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you and you shall be a
blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong."
14 For thus says the Lord of hosts: "As I purposed to do evil to you,
when your fathers provoked me to wrath, and I did not relent, says the
Lord of hosts,
15 so again have I purposed in these days to do good to Jerusalem and
to the house of Judah; fear not.
16 These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one
another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for
peace,
17 do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no
false oath, for all these things I hate, says the Lord."
Scripture Reading 1 of 2

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Zechariah 8:19-23  (Vespers)
19 Thus says the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month, and the
fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the
tenth, shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness, and
cheerful feasts; therefore love truth and peace.
20 Thus says the Lord of Hosts: 'Peoples shall yet come, Inhabitants
of many cities;
21 The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, "Let us
continue to go and pray before the Lord, And seek the Lord of hosts. I
myself will go also."
22 Yes, many peoples and strong nations Shall come to seek the Lord of
hosts in Jerusalem, And to pray before the Lord.'
23 Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'In those days ten men from every
language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man,
saying, Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. '
Scripture Reading 2 of 2

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Hieromartyr Basil of Cherson
The Hieromartyrs Basil, Ephraim, Eugene, Elpidius, Agathodorus,
Aetherius, and Capiton carried the Gospel of Christ into the North
Black Sea region from the Danube to the Dniepr, including the Crimea.
They were bishops of Cherson at different times during the fourth
century, and they sealed their apostolic activity with martyrdom. Only
Aetherius died in peace.
Long before the Baptism of Rus under St Vladimir, the Christian Faith
had already spread into the Crimea, which in antiquity was called
Tauridia and was ruled by the Roman Emperor. The beginning of the
enlightenment of Tauridia is attributed to the holy Apostle Andrew the
First-Called (November 30).
The Church's enemies unwillingly contributed to the further spread of
Christianity. The Roman emperors often banished traitors to this area.
During the first three centuries, Christians were regarded as traitors
because they would not follow the state religion. In the reign of
Trajan (98-117), St Clement, Bishop of Rome (November 25), was sent to
work in a stone quarry near Cherson. There he continued his preaching,
and suffered martyrdom.
The pagans inhabiting the Crimea stubbornly resisted the spread of
Christianity. But the faith of Christ, through its self-sacrificing
preachers, grew strong and was affirmed. Many missionaries gave their
lives in this struggle.
At the beginning of the fourth century a bishop's See was established
at Cherson. This was a critical period when Cherson served as a base
for the Roman armies which constantly passed through the area. During
the reign of Diocletian (284-305), the Patriarch of Jerusalem sent
many bishops to preach the Gospel in various lands. Two of them,
Ephraim and Basil, arrived in Cherson and planted the Word of God
there.
Later on, St Ephraim went to the peoples living along the Danube,
where he underwent many tribulations and sorrows. He was beheaded at
the start of the persecution. The preaching at Cherson was continued
by St Basil, St Ephraim's companion. He set many idol-worshippers on
the path of truth. Other wayward inhabitants of the city, enraged at
his activity, rose up against him. The saint was arrested, mercilessly
beaten and expelled from the city.
He went to a mountain and settled in a cave, where he unceasingly
prayed to God for those who had driven him out, asking that He might
illumine them with the light of true knowledge. And the Lord provided
the unbelievers with a miracle. The only son of an important citizen
of Cherson died. The dead child appeared to his parents in a dream and
said that a certain man named Basil could resurrect him from the dead
by his prayers.
When the parents had found the saint and entreated him to work the
miracle, St Basil replied that he himself was a sinful man and had not
the power to raise the dead, but the Lord Almighty could fulfill their
request if they were to believe in Him. For a long time the saint
prayed, invoking the Name of the Holy Trinity. Then he blessed water,
and sprinkled it on the dead one, who was restored to life. The saint
returned to the city with honor, and many believed and were baptized.
Soon, by order of the emperor Maximian Galerius (305-311), the
persecution against Christians spread with renewed force. The
Christ-haters rose up also against St Basil. On March 7, 309 he was
dragged from his house during the night. They tied him up, dragged him
along the streets and beat him to death with stones and rods. The body
of the saint was thrown out of the city to be eaten by dogs and birds,
and for many days it was left unburied, but remained untouched. Then
Christians secretly buried the body of the holy martyr in a cave.
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Hieromartyr Ephraim of Cherson
The Hieromartyrs Ephraim, Basil, Eugene, Elpidius, Agathodorus,
Aetherius, and Capiton carried the Gospel of Christ into the North
Black Sea region from the Danube to the Dniepr, including the Crimea.
They were bishops of Cherson at different times during the fourth
century, and they sealed their apostolic activity with martyrdom.Only
Aetherius died in peace.
At the beginning of the fourth century a bishop's See was established
at Cherson. This was a critical period when Cherson served as a base
for the Roman armies which constantly passed through the area. During
the reign of Diocletian (284-305), the Patriarch of Jerusalem sent
many bishops to preach the Gospel in various lands. Two of them,
Ephraim and Basil, arrived in Cherson and planted the Word of God
there.
Later on, St Ephraim went to the peoples living along the Danube,
where he underwent many tribulations and sorrows. He was beheaded at
the start of the persecution.
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Hieromartyr Capiton of Cherson
The Hieromartyrs Capiton, Eugene, Basil, Ephraim, Elpidius,
Agathodorus and Aetherius carried the Gospel of Christ into the North
Black Sea region from the Danube to the Dniepr, including the Crimea.
They were bishops of Cherson at different times during the fourth
century, and they sealed their apostolic activity with martyrdom. Only
Aetherius died in peace.
The holy emperor Constantine sent Bishop Capiton to Cherson to replace
St Aetherius. The Christians met him with joy, but the pagans demanded
a sign from the new bishop, so they might believe in the God Whom he
preached. Placing all his hope on the Lord, St Capiton put on his
omophorion and went into a burning furnace. He prayed in the fire for
about an hour, and emerged from it unharmed. "Shall anyone bind fire
in his bosom, and not burn his garments?" Solomon asks (Prov. 6:27).
St Capiton carried red-hot coals in his phelonion, yet neither his
body nor his garments were scorched. Many of the unbelievers were then
persuaded in the power of the Christian God.
This miracle and the great faith of St Capiton were reported to St
Constantine and the holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council
(325), and they all glorified God.
After several years St Capiton journeyed to Constantinople on
business, but the ship encountered a storm at the mouth of the Dniepr
River. The local people (pagans) seized the ship and drowned all those
on board, including St Capiton. Although this occurred on December 21,
St Capiton is commemorated with the other hieromartyrs of Cherson on
March 7.
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Hieromartyr Eugene of Cherson
The Hieromartyrs Eugene, Basil, Ephraim, Elpidius, Agathodorus,
Aetherius, and Capiton carried the Gospel of Christ into the North
Black Sea region from the Danube to the Dniepr, including the Crimea.
They were bishops of Cherson at different times during the fourth
century, and they sealed their apostolic activity with martyrdom. Only
Aetherius died in peace.
A year after the martyrdom of St Basil, three of his companions,
Bishops Eugene, Elpidius and Agathodorus, ceased their preaching in
the Hellespont, and arrived at Cherson to continue his holy work. They
endured many hardships for the salvation of human souls. All three
bishops shared the fate of their predecessor: they were stoned to
death by the pagans on March 7, 311.
The memory of the holy hieromartyrs of Cherson is celebrated on March
7.
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Hieromartyr Aetherius of Cherson
The Hieromartyrs Aetherius, Basil, Ephraim, Eugene, Elpidius,
Agathodorus, and Capiton carried the Gospel of Christ into the North
Black Sea region from the Danube to the Dniepr, including the Crimea.
They were bishops of Cherson at different times during the fourth
century, and they sealed their apostolic activity with martyrdom. Only
Aetherius died in peace.
Bishop Aetherius arrived in Cherson from Jerusalem during the reign of
St Constantine the Great (May 21). At first he also encountered
hostility on the part of the pagans, but the holy emperor would not
tolerate acts of violence against the preacher. He issued a decree
permitting the Christians of Cherson to have church services without
hindrance. Through the efforts of St Aetherius a church was built in
the city, where the saint peacefully governed his flock.
St Aetherius journeyed to Constantinople to thank the emperor for
protecting the Christians. He fell ill and died on the return trip.
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Hieromartyr Elpidius of Cherson
The Hieromartyrs Elpidius, Basil, Ephraim, Eugene, Agathodorus,
Aetherius, and Capiton carried the Gospel of Christ into the North
Black Sea region from the Danube to the Dniepr, including the Crimea.
They were bishops of Cherson at different times during the fourth
century, and they sealed their apostolic activity with martyrdom. Only
Aetherius died in peace.
A year after the martyrdom of St Basil, three of his companions,
Bishops Eugene, Elpidius and Agathodorus, ceased their preaching in
the Hellespont, and arrived at Cherson to continue his holy work. They
endured many hardships for the salvation of human souls. All three
bishops shared the fate of their predecessor: they were stoned to
death by the pagans on March 7, 311.
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Hieromartyr Agathodorus of Cherson
The Hieromartyrs Agathodorus, Basil, Ephraim, Eugene, Elpidius,
Aetherius, and Capiton carried the Gospel of Christ into the North
Black Sea region from the Danube to the Dniepr, including the Crimea.
They were bishops of Cherson at different times during the fourth
century, and they sealed their apostolic activity with martyrdom (only
Aetherius died peacefully).
The Church's enemies unwillingly contributed to the further spread of
Christianity. The Roman emperors often banished traitors to this area.
During the first three centuries, Christians were regarded as traitors
because they would not follow the state religion.
The pagans inhabiting the Crimea stubbornly resisted the spread of
Christianity. But the faith of Christ, through its self-denying
preachers, grew strong and was affirmed. Many missionaries gave their
lives in this struggle.
At the beginning of the fourth century a bishop's See was established
at Cherson. This was a critical period when Cherson served as a base
for the Roman armies which constantly passed through the area. During
the reign of Diocletian (284-305), the Patriarch of Jerusalem sent
many bishops to preach the Gospel in various lands. Sts Ephraim and
Basil preached the Gospel of Christ in Cherson.
A year after the martyrdom of St Basil, three of his companions,
Bishops Eugene, Elpidius and Agathodorus, ceased their preaching in
the Hellespont, and arrived at Cherson to continue his holy work. They
endured many hardships for the salvation of human souls. All three
bishops shared the fate of their predecessor: they were stoned to
death by the pagans on March 7, 311.
The memory of the holy hieromartyrs of Cherson is celebrated on March
7.
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Venerable Paul the Simple and Disciple of the Venerable
Anthony the Great
Saint Paul the Simple of Egypt also lived in the fourth century and
was called the Simple for his simplicity of heart and gentleness. He
had been married, but when he discovered his wife's infidelity, he
left her and went into the desert to St Anthony the Great (January
17). Paul was already 60 years old, and at first St Anthony would not
accept Paul, saying that he was unfit for the harshness of the
hermit's life. Paul stood outside the cell of the ascetic for three
days, saying that he would sooner die than go from there. Then St
Anthony took Paul into his cell, and tested his endurance and humility
by hard work, severe fasting, with nightly vigils, constant singing of
Psalms and prostrations. Finally, St Anthony decided to settle Paul
into a separate cell.
During the many years of ascetic exploits the Lord granted St Paul
both discernment, and the power to cast out demons. When they brought
a possessed youth to St Anthony, he guided the afflicted one to St
Paul saying, "I cannot help the boy, for I have not received power
over the Prince of the demons. Paul the Simple, however, does have
this gift." St Paul expelled the demon by his simplicity and humility.
After living for many years, performing numerous miracles, he departed
to the Lord. He is mentioned by St John, the Abbot of Sinai (Ladder
24:30): "The thrice-blessed Paul the Simple was a clear example for
us, for he was the rule and type of blessed simplicity...."
St Paul is also commemorated on October 4.
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St Paul the Confessor the Bishop of Plusias in Bithynia
Saint Paul the Confessor was bishop of the city of Prusa (in the
province of Bithynia in Asia Minor) at a time when the iconoclasts
raged against the Church of Christ. His zealous defense of the holy
icons was based on Holy Scripture, St Paul was subjected to harassment
and persecution together with St Theophylactus (March 8). The holy
confessor was sent into exile, and reposed around the year 850.
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St Emilian of Rome
Saint Emilian of Italy (in the world Victorinus) was a Roman by birth,
and until he was an old man, he led a sinful life. He finally
repented, withdrew to a monastery, and became a monk with the name of
Emilian. For the remainder of his days he humbly served God,
astounding the brethren by his uncomplaining obedience and strict
fasting. The monks noticed that at night Emilian secretly visited a
cave near the monastery. Once, the igumen followed him and found St
Emilian in the cave, praying with tears of contrition, and illumined
by an unearthly light. He heard a Voice saying, "Emilian, your sins
are forgiven."
Deeply moved by all that had happened, the igumen after morning
services asked the Elder to tell the brethren his secret, and the
saint told everyone of God's great mercy toward him. Then the igumen
said to the brethren, "The Lord could have forgiven him his sin in
secret, but for our sake He revealed His mercy with light and a voice,
so that we might behold His grace and mercy toward sinners who
repent."
St Emilian spent the remainder of his days in spiritual joy, and
peacefully departed to the Lord.
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Icon of the Mother of God "the Surety of sinners" of Odrino,
Orlov
The Icon of the Mother of God "Surety of Sinners" is known by this
name because of the inscription on the icon: "I am the Surety of
sinners for My Son Who has entrusted Me to hear them, and those who
bring Me the joy of hearing them will receive eternal joy through Me."
The Mother of God embraces Her Child, Who holds Her right hand with
both His hands so that Her thumb is in His right hand, and Her small
finger in His left hand. This is the gesture of one who gives surety
for another.
Although we do not know when or by whom the icon was originally
painted, it is believed that the basis of the icon is to be found in
the Akathist to the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos: "Rejoice,
You Who offer Your hands in surety for us to God."
This icon was first glorified by miracles at the St Nicholas Odrino
men's monastery of the former Orlov gubernia in the mid-nineteenth
century (The "Assuage My Sorrows Icon" commemorated on October 9 is
also from this monastery). The "Surety of Sinners" icon of the Mother
of God was in an old chapel beyond the monastery gates, and stood
between two other ancient icons. Because it was so faded and covered
with dust, it was impossible to read the inscription.
In 1843 it was revealed to many of the people in dreams that the icon
was endowed with miraculous power. They solemnly brought the icon into
the church. Believers began to flock to it to pray for the healing of
their sorrows and sicknesses. The first to receive healing was a
crippled child, whose mother prayed fervently before the icon in 1844.
The icon was glorified during a cholera epidemic, when many people
fell deathly ill, and were restored to health after praying before the
icon.
A large stone church with three altars was built at the monastery in
honor of the wonderworking icon.
The "Surety of Sinners" Icon is also commemorated on May 29 and on
Thursday of the week of All Saints.
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Icon of the Mother of God "the Surety of sinners" in Moscow
The Icon of the Mother of God "Surety of Sinners" is known by this
name because of the inscription on the icon: "I am the Surety of
sinners for My Son Who has entrusted Me to hear them, and those who
bring Me the joy of hearing them will receive eternal joy through Me."
The Mother of God embraces Her Child, Who holds Her right hand with
both His hands so that Her thumb is in His right hand, and Her small
finger in His left hand. This is the gesture of one who gives surety
for another.
Although we do not know when or by whom the icon was originally
painted, it is believed that the basis of the icon is to be found in
the Akathist to the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos: "Rejoice,
You Who offer Your hands in surety for us to God."
In 1848, through the zeal of Lt. Col. Demetrius Boncheskul, a copy of
the wonderworking "Surety of Sinners" Icon was made and placed in his
home. Soon it began to exude a healing myrrh, which was given to many
so they might recover their health after grievous illnesses.
Boncheskul donated this wonderworking copy to the church of St
Nicholas at Khamovniki in Moscow, where a chapel was built in honor of
the icon.
The "Surety of Sinners" Icon is also commemorated on May 29 and on
Thursday of the week of All Saints.
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Icon of the Mother of God "the Surety of sinners" of Robensk
This is one of the many copies of the famous "Surety of Sinners" Icon
which are to be found in churches and in homes throughout Russia.
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