[Readingsandsaints] Readings and Saints

[Daily Orthodox Readings and Saints]

Scripture Readings and Saints for Sun May 18 2008

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------ READINGS FOR TODAY ----------------------------
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Luke 24:1-12  (4th Matins Gospel)
1 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they,
and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the
spices which they had prepared.
2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.
3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that
behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.
5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they
said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He
was still in Galilee,
7 saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful
men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.'
8 And they remembered His words.
9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the
eleven and to all the rest.
10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the
other women with them, who told these things to the apostles.
11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not
believe them.
12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the
linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to
himself at what had happened.
Scripture Reading 1 of 3


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Acts 9:32-42  (Epistle)
32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the
country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.
33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden
eight years and was paralyzed.
34 And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise
and make your bed." Then he arose immediately.
35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the
Lord.
36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is
translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable
deeds which she did.
37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When
they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that
Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay
in coming to them.
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought
him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping,
showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was
with them.
40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning
to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and
when she saw Peter she sat up.
41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called
the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the
Lord.
Scripture Reading 2 of 3


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John 5:1-15  (Gospel)
1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to
Jerusalem.
2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called
in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches.
3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame,
paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water.
4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred
up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the
water, was made well of whatever disease he had.
5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in
that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made
well?"
7 The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the
pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another
steps down before me."
8 Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk."
9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
And that day was the Sabbath.
10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath;
it is not lawful for you to carry your bed."
11 He answered them, "He who made me well said to me, 'Take up your
bed and walk.' "
12 Then they asked him, "Who is the Man who said to you, 'Take up your
bed and walk'?"
13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had
withdrawn, a multitude being in that place.
14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you
have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you."
15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made
him well.
Scripture Reading 3 of 3



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Sunday of the Paralytic
On this day the Church remembers the man who lay by the Sheep's Pool
in Jerusalem for thirty-eight years, waiting for someone to put him
into the pool. The first one to enter the pool after an angel troubled
the water would be healed of his infirmities, but someone always
entered the pool before him. Seeing the man, the Lord felt compassion
for him and healed him.
The Kontakion for this Fourth Sunday of Pascha asks Christ to raise up
our souls, "paralyzed by sins and thoughtless acts."
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Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius
The Holy Martyr Theodotus and the Holy Seven Virgins, Tecusa, Phaine,
Claudia, Matrona, Julia, Alexandra and Euphrasia lived during the
second half of the third century in the city of Ancyra, Galatia, and
died as martyrs for Christ at the beginning of the fourth century. St
Theodotus was an innkeeper and was married.
Theoteknos, prefect of Ancyra, issued a proclamation informing
Christians that they were obliged to offer sacrifice to idols, and if
they refused, they would be tortured and killed. Pagans would delivere
Christians over to torture, and then divide up their property.
Theodotus was not afraid to bury the remains of holy martyrs, either
carrying them off secretly or ransoming them from the soldiers. When
the Christian churches at Ancyra were destroyed and closed, the Divine
Liturgy was celebrated in his inn. Knowing that martyrdom awaited him,
St Theodotus predicted to the priest Phrontonos that soon they would
bring him the relics of martyrs, at a place chosen by both of them. In
surety of his words, St Theodotus gave the priest his ring.
At this time, seven holy virgins died for Christ. The eldest, St
Tecusa, was the aunt of St Theodotus. The holy virgins Tecusa, Phaine,
Claudia, Matrona, Julia, Alexandra and Euphrasia had dedicated
themselves to God from their youth, living in constant prayer,
fasting, temperance and good deeds. All of them had attained to an
advanced age.
Brought to trial as Christians, the holy virgins bravely confessed
their faith in Christ before Theoteknos and were given over to
torture, yet remained steadfast. The prefect then gave them to
shameless youths for defilement. The holy virgins prayed intensely,
asking help from God. St Tecusa fell down at the feet of a youth, and
pushing back her veil she showed him her grey hair. The young men were
startled, and ran off weeping. The prefect then ordered that the
saints take part in offering sacrifice to the idols, but again the
holy virgins refused. For this they were sentenced to death. A heavy
stone was tied to the legs of each, and all seven of the holy virgins
were drowned in a lake.
On the following night St Tecusa appeared in a dream to St Theodotus,
asking him to take her body and give it Christian burial. St
Theodotus, taking with him his friend Polychronius and several other
Christians, went to the lake. It was dark, and a torch illumined their
way. The holy martyr Sosander appeared in front of the guard who was
posted by the pagans at the shore of the lake. The frightened guard
ran off in terror.
The Christians found the bodies of the holy martyrs and carried them
to church, where they were buried. Learning that the bodies of the
holy martyrs had been stolen, the prefect flew into a rage and gave
orders to arrest all Christians and torture them. Polychronius also
was seized. Unable to endure the torture, he accused St Theodotus of
stealing the bodies. St Theodotus was prepared to die for Christ.
Speaking with other Christians, he bequeathed his body to the priest
Phrontonos, to whom he had given his ring.
The account of the life and martyrdom of St Theodotus and the
suffering of the holy virgins was compiled by Nilus, a contemporary
and companion of St Theodotus. Nilus lived in the city of Ancyra
during the persecution of Christians under the emperor Diocletian, and
witnessed the saint's death.
St Theodotus is also commemorated on June 7.
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Martyr Peter of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius
The Holy Martyrs Peter, Dionysius, Andrew, Paul, Christina suffered
under emperor Decius (249-251). Peter suffered in the city of
Lampsaka. Brought to trial before the prefect Optimines, he bravely
confessed his faith in Christ. They tried to force the youth to deny
the Lord and worship the goddess Venus. The martyr refused to do this,
declaring for everyone to hear, that a Christian would not bow to the
idol of a lecherous woman.
St Peter was subjected to fierce tortures, but he endured them with
courage, giving thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ for giving him His
all-powerful help. Then he was beheaded.
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Martyr Dionysius of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius
The Holy Martyrs Dionysius, Andrew, Peter, Paul, and Christina
suffered under emperor Decius (249-251).
Dionysius, Nikomachus, and two soldiers, Andrew and Paul, who had been
transferred from Mesopotamia, were put on trial. They all confessed
their faith in Christ and refused to offer sacrifice to idols, so they
were tortured. To the great sorrow of all the Christians, Nikomachus
did not persevere. He denied the Lord Jesus Christ, and entered a
pagan temple to offer sacrifice. He fell down in a terrible frenzy and
died foaming at the mouth, tearing the skin from his body with his
teeth.
On the following morning, Saints Dionysius, Andrew and Paul were again
brought before the prefect. For confessing faith in Christ they were
given to the pagans to be put to death. They bound the saints by the
feet, dragged them to the place of execution, and stoned them to
death.
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Martyr Andrew of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius
The Holy Martyrs Andrew, Peter, Dionysius, Paul, and Christina
suffered under emperor Decius (249-251).
Dionysius, Nikomachus, and two soldiers, Andrew and Paul, who had been
transferred from Mesopotamia, were put on trial. They all confessed
their faith in Christ and refused to offer sacrifice to idols, so they
were tortured. To the great sorrow of all the Christians, Nikomachus
did not persevere. He denied the Lord Jesus Christ, and entered a
pagan temple to offer sacrifice. He fell down in a terrible frenzy and
died foaming at the mouth, tearing the skin from his body with his
teeth.
On the following morning, Saints Dionysius, Andrew and Paul were again
brought before the prefect. For confessing faith in Christ they were
given to the pagans to be put to death. They bound the saints by the
feet, dragged them to the place of execution, and stoned them to
death.
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Martyr Paul of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius
The Holy Martyrs Paul, Peter, Dionysius, Andrew, and Christina
suffered under emperor Decius (249-251).
Dionysius, Nikomachus, and two soldiers, Andrew and Paul, who had been
transferred from Mesopotamia, were put on trial. They all confessed
their faith in Christ and refused to offer sacrifice to idols, so they
were tortured. To the great sorrow of all the Christians, Nikomachus
did not persevere. He denied the Lord Jesus Christ, and entered a
pagan temple to offer sacrifice. He fell down in a terrible frenzy and
died foaming at the mouth, tearing the skin from his body with his
teeth.
On the following morning, Saints Dionysius, Andrew and Paul were again
brought before the prefect. For confessing faith in Christ they were
given to the pagans to be put to death. They bound the saints by the
feet, dragged them to the place of execution, and stoned them to
death.
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Virginmartyr Christina of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius
Saint Christina suffered under emperor Decius (249-251). She watched
the trial of Dionysius, Nikomachus, and two soldiers, Andrew and Paul,
who had been transferred from Mesopotamia. They all confessed their
faith in Christ and refused to offer sacrifice to idols, so they were
tortured. To the great sorrow of all the Christians, Nikomachus did
not persevere. He denied the Lord Jesus Christ, and entered a pagan
temple to offer sacrifice. He fell down in a terrible frenzy and died
foaming at the mouth, tearing the skin from his body with his teeth.
The sixteen-year-old Christina shouted, "You cursed and lost man!
Instead of enduring pain for a single hour, you have made yourself
worthy of eternal torment!" The prefect gave orders to seize the holy
virgin. Learning that she was a Christian, he gave her to dissolute
men for their pleasure.
An angel appeared at the house where they had taken the holy virgin.
Frightened by his terrible visage, the men tearfully begged the holy
virgin's forgiveness and asked her to pray that the Lord's
chastisement might not befall them.
On the following morning, Sts Dionysius, Andrew and Paul were again
brought before the prefect. For confessing faith in Christ they were
given to the pagans to be put to death. They bound the saints by the
feet, dragged them to the place of execution, and stoned them to
death. Seeing their courage, St Christina also ran up to die with the
martyrs. She was beheaded by order of the prefect.
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Virginmartyr Alexandra of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius
Saint Alexandra was one of seven holy virgins who had dedicated
themselves to Christ at an early age, living in constant prayer,
fasting, temperance and good deeds. They were drowned in a lake at an
advanced age. St Theodotus of Ancyra took their bodies and buried them
in a church.
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Virginmartyr Tecusa of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius
Saint Tecusa was the aunt of St Theodotus of Ancyra. She was the
eldest of seven holy virgins who had dedicated themselves to Christ at
an early age, living in constant prayer, fasting, temperance and good
deeds. They were drowned in a lake at an advanced age.
The following night St Tecusa appeared to St Theodotus in a dream,
asking him to take her body and give it Christian burial. St Theodotus
went to the lake, taking his friend Polychronius and several other
Christians with him. It was dark, and a torch illumined their way. The
holy martyr Sosander appeared in front of the guard who was posted by
the pagans at the shore of the lake. The frightened guard ran off in
terror.
The Christians found the bodies of the holy martyrs and carried them
to church, where they were buried. St Theodotus was martyred for
Christ on June 7, 303 or 304, but he is also commemorated on May 18,
when the holy virgins were executed.
The account of the life and martyrdom of St Theodotus and the
suffering of the holy virgins was compiled by Nilus, a contemporary
and companion of St Theodotus. Nilus lived in the city of Ancyra
during the persecution of Christians under the emperor Diocletian, and
witnessed the saint's death.
drowned in a lake.
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Virginmartyr Claudia of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius
Saint Claudia was one of seven holy virgins who had dedicated
themselves to Christ at an early age, living in constant prayer,
fasting, temperance and good deeds. They were drowned in a lake at an
advanced age. St Theodotus of Ancyra took their bodies and buried them
in a church.
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Virginmartyr Phaine of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius
Saint Phaine was one of seven holy virgins who had dedicated
themselves to Christ at an early age, living in constant prayer,
fasting, temperance and good deeds. They were drowned in a lake at an
advanced age. St Theodotus of Ancyra took their bodies and buried them
in a church.
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Virginmartyr Euphrasia of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius
Saint Euphrasia was one of seven holy virgins who had dedicated
themselves to Christ at an early age, living in constant prayer,
fasting, temperance and good deeds. They were drowned in a lake at an
advanced age. St Theodotus of Ancyra took their bodies and buried them
in a church.
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Virginmartyr Matrona of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius
Saint Matrona was one of seven holy virgins who had dedicated
themselves to Christ at an early age, living in constant prayer,
fasting, temperance and good deeds. They were drowned in a lake at an
advanced age. St Theodotus of Ancyra took their bodies and buried them
in a church.
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Virginmartyr Julia of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius
Saint Julia was one of seven holy virgins who had dedicated themselves
to Christ at an early age, living in constant prayer, fasting,
temperance and good deeds. They were drowned in a lake at an advanced
age. St Theodotus of Ancyra took their bodies and buried them in a
church.
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Martyr Simeon of Persia
The Holy Martyrs Simeon, Isaac and Bachtisius were Christians and
lived during the third century in Persia under the emperor Sapor, a
fierce persecutor of Christians. They tried to force the saints to
deny Christ and be converted to fire-worship. They refused and said,
"We will not turn away from the Creator of all, and we will not
worship fire or the sun."
They cruelly tortured the holy martyrs, then threw them into prison,
where they were not given food for seven days. Finally, the martyrs
were beheaded.
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Martyr Isaac of Persia
The Holy Martyrs Isaac, Simeon, and Bachtisius were Christians and
lived during the third century in Persia under the emperor Sapor, a
fierce persecutor of Christians. They tried to force the saints to
deny Christ and be converted to fire-worship. They refused and said,
"We will not turn away from the Creator of all, and we will not
worship fire or the sun."
They cruelly tortured the holy martyrs, then threw them into prison,
where they were not given food for seven days. Finally, the martyrs
were beheaded.
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Martyr Bachtisius of Persia
The Holy Martyrs Bachtisius, Simeon, and Isaac were Christians and
lived during the third century in Persia under the emperor Sapor, a
fierce persecutor of Christians. They tried to force the saints to
deny Christ and be converted to fire-worship. They refused and said,
"We will not turn away from the Creator of all, and we will not
worship fire or the sun."
They cruelly tortured the holy martyrs, then threw them into prison,
where they were not given food for seven days. Finally, the martyrs
were beheaded.
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Martyr Heraclius
The Holy Martyrs Heraclius, Paulinus and Benedimus suffered for Christ
in the city of Athens. They taught the pagans about Christ and urged
them to abandon the worship of senseless idols. These chosen vessels
of God were brought to trial with their followers who had discerned
the true path. After many torments they were thrown into a fiery oven,
in which they surrendered their souls to God.
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Martyr Paulinus
The Holy Martyrs Paulinus, Heraclius, and Benedimus suffered for
Christ in the city of Athens. They taught the pagans about Christ and
urged them to abandon the worship of senseless idols. These chosen
vessels of God were brought to trial with their followers who had
discerned the true path. After many torments they were thrown into a
fiery oven, in which they surrendered their souls to God.
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Martyr Benedimus
The Holy Martyrs Benedimus, Heraclius, and Paulinus suffered for
Christ in the city of Athens. They taught the pagans about Christ and
urged them to abandon the worship of senseless idols. These chosen
vessels of God were brought to trial with their followers who had
discerned the true path. After many torments they were thrown into a
fiery oven, in which they surrendered their souls to God.
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Martyr David of Georgia
The holy martyrs Davit and Tarichan were born to Vardan and Tagine,
pious Christians and relatives of the king. Vardan died while his sons
were still young, and Tagines pagan brother Theodosius seized all the
familys possessions.
Concerned that the brothers would eventually claim their legal
inheritance, Theodosius resolved to convert his sister and nephews to
his own creed. Leave behind the Faith of the crucified Christ and
receive mine and I will adopt your children, he told Tagine. But
Tagine firmly guarded the family against her brothers evil intent. It
is enough that you have seized my sons estate, she said. But you
cannot seize the inheritance they will receive from their Father in
heaven!
Theodosius was thwarted by his sisters resoluteness. So instead, he
tried to convert his nephews directly. He called them, embraced them
warmly, and tempted them with sweets. Now you are my sons, and
everything I have belongs to you, he told them. Trust me like obedient
sons of a beloved father. Turn from the Faith of your father, and I
will show you a better way!
After a brief silence, the holy youths answered, We are perfectly
content with our fathers Faith and will remain loyal to this Faith
until the day our souls depart from our flesh. We are prepared to
suffer everything for the love of our Lord and Heavenly Father!
Theodosius dared not try to sway his nephews since he feared the
revenge of the Christian community, so he left them in peace and
plotted to murder them in secret. But Tagine sensed that danger was
near and escaped with her sons to the region of Tao in the south.
>From his spies Theodosius learned that the brothers were now herding
sheep at the top of a mountain, and he ordered an ambush. But the
brothers heard the noise and saw the armed soldiers before they
attacked. Davit rejoiced upon seeing his uncle and ran toward him, but
Theodosius stabbed him before he could embrace him. The holy martyr
released his staff from his hand, and when it fell to the ground it
was miraculously transformed into a large tree. Two hundred years
later a group of Christians chopped the tree down and divided the holy
wood among themselves.
Having just witnessed his own brothers murder, Tarichan raced toward
the village of Divri for help. But his pursuers overtook him, stabbed
him to death, and ran off. When they returned to Theodosius, they saw
that God had punished him by taking away his sight. The soldiers were
stunned, and they could neither utter a word nor move from the place
of this miracle. After some time Theodosius eyes filled with bitter
tears, and he was finally moved to repentance.
At first Tagine denounced her brother in a rage, and those who heard
the cries of the inconsolable mother wept along with her. But while
she was stroking the lifeless bodies of her sons, Theodosius turned to
her, saying, On you has shone the Inextinguishable Light from the
Unapproachable and True Light, the Eternal Light. Pray to the holy
martyrs that the Lord have mercy on me and make me, the unworthy,
worthy of the seal of Christ, the All-merciful God, Who came into the
world. Indeed, He is the One True God! When Tagine heard these words,
she recognized that God had received her sons as a holy sacrifice.
Filled with new joy, she told her brother, May God forgive you the
murder of my sons!
Then she took a piece of the earth that had been stained by her son
Davits blood and anointed her brothers eyes. Immediately his sight was
restored.
This happened in the year 693. As a witness to the sanctity of His
martyrs, our God, Who loves mankind, illumined their bodies with a
radiant light each evening when night fell.
Theodosius repented before the catholicos himself. He was baptized
into the Christian Faith and erected a church in honor of his nephew
St. Davit. The mayor of Divri took St. Tarichans holy relics and built
a church over them in his name. Blessed Tagine began a new life in the
village of Tadzarani and later reposed there.
_________________________________________________________________
Martyr Tarechan of Georgia
The holy martyrs Davit and Tarichan were born to Vardan and Tagine,
pious Christians and relatives of the king. Vardan died while his sons
were still young, and Tagines pagan brother Theodosius seized all the
familys possessions.
Concerned that the brothers would eventually claim their legal
inheritance, Theodosius resolved to convert his sister and nephews to
his own creed. Leave behind the Faith of the crucified Christ and
receive mine and I will adopt your children, he told Tagine. But
Tagine firmly guarded the family against her brothers evil intent. It
is enough that you have seized my sons estate, she said. But you
cannot seize the inheritance they will receive from their Father in
heaven!
Theodosius was thwarted by his sisters resoluteness. So instead, he
tried to convert his nephews directly. He called them, embraced them
warmly, and tempted them with sweets. Now you are my sons, and
everything I have belongs to you, he told them. Trust me like obedient
sons of a beloved father. Turn from the Faith of your father, and I
will show you a better way!
After a brief silence, the holy youths answered, We are perfectly
content with our fathers Faith and will remain loyal to this Faith
until the day our souls depart from our flesh. We are prepared to
suffer everything for the love of our Lord and Heavenly Father!
Theodosius dared not try to sway his nephews since he feared the
revenge of the Christian community, so he left them in peace and
plotted to murder them in secret. But Tagine sensed that danger was
near and escaped with her sons to the region of Tao in the south.
>From his spies Theodosius learned that the brothers were now herding
sheep at the top of a mountain, and he ordered an ambush. But the
brothers heard the noise and saw the armed soldiers before they
attacked. Davit rejoiced upon seeing his uncle and ran toward him, but
Theodosius stabbed him before he could embrace him. The holy martyr
released his staff from his hand, and when it fell to the ground it
was miraculously transformed into a large tree. Two hundred years
later a group of Christians chopped the tree down and divided the holy
wood among themselves.
Having just witnessed his own brothers murder, Tarichan raced toward
the village of Divri for help. But his pursuers overtook him, stabbed
him to death, and ran off. When they returned to Theodosius, they saw
that God had punished him by taking away his sight. The soldiers were
stunned, and they could neither utter a word nor move from the place
of this miracle. After some time Theodosius eyes filled with bitter
tears, and he was finally moved to repentance.
At first Tagine denounced her brother in a rage, and those who heard
the cries of the inconsolable mother wept along with her. But while
she was stroking the lifeless bodies of her sons, Theodosius turned to
her, saying, On you has shone the Inextinguishable Light from the
Unapproachable and True Light, the Eternal Light. Pray to the holy
martyrs that the Lord have mercy on me and make me, the unworthy,
worthy of the seal of Christ, the All-merciful God, Who came into the
world. Indeed, He is the One True God! When Tagine heard these words,
she recognized that God had received her sons as a holy sacrifice.
Filled with new joy, she told her brother, May God forgive you the
murder of my sons!
Then she took a piece of the earth that had been stained by her son
Davits blood and anointed her brothers eyes. Immediately his sight was
restored.
This happened in the year 693. As a witness to the sanctity of His
martyrs, our God, Who loves mankind, illumined their bodies with a
radiant light each evening when night fell.
Theodosius repented before the catholicos himself. He was baptized
into the Christian Faith and erected a church in honor of his nephew
St. Davit. The mayor of Divri took St. Tarichans holy relics and built
a church over them in his name. Blessed Tagine began a new life in the
village of Tadzarani and later reposed there.
_________________________________________________________________
Venerable David of the Gareji Monastery, Georgia
Saint David of Gareji was one of the twelve disciples of St John
Zedazeni They were ascetics of Syria (Cappadocia), and were the
founders of Georgian monasticism, arriving in Georgia from Cappadocia
in the mid-sixth century. The holy Thirteen Cappadocian Fathers were
actually Georgians, who received their spiritual schooling at the
renowned Lavra of St Simeon the Stylite and at other monasteries of
Syria and Mesopotamia, intending to return to their native land and
assist in its Christian enlightenment.
St David is also commemorated on May 7 along with St John Zedazeni and
his Twelve Disciples.
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