Lives of the Saints
Lives of the Saints
Teen SOYO Members share the lives of the saints
Saint Nicholas
St. Nicholas of Myra
Troparion of Saint Nicholas (Tone 4)
"The verity of your actions revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith, an icon of mildness, and a teacher of continence, O Father Bishop Nicholas; wherefore by humility you have achieved exaltation, and by poverty richness. Intercede with Christ to save our souls."
Holy Myrrh Streaming Icon of St. Nicholas |
Celebrated on December 6th |
Coming to the city of Myra when the clergy and people of the province were in session to elect a new bishop, St. Nicholas was indicated by God as the man they should choose. This was at the time of the persecutions at the beginning of the fourth century. "As he was the chief priest of the Christians of this town and preached the truths of the faith with a holy liberty, the divine Nicholas was seized by the magistrates. He was tortured, then chained and thrown into prison with many other Christians. But when the great and religious Constantine, chosen by God, assumed the imperial diadem of the Romans, the prisoners were released from their bonds and with them the illustrious Nicholas, who when he was set at liberty returned to Myra."
St. Nicholas was zealous in his duties as bishop and took strong measures against paganism: and one of the temples that he destroyed was that of Artemis, and the evil spirits fled howling before him. He was the guardian of his people in temporal affairs as well. The governor Eustathius had taken a bribe to condemn to death three innocent men. At the time fixed for their execution Nicholas came to the place, stayed the hand of the executioner, and released the prisoners. Then he turned to Eustathius and did not cease to reproach him until he admitted his crime and expressed his penitence. There were present on this occasion three imperial officers who were on their way to duty in Phrygia. Later, when they were back again on Constantinople, the jealousy of the prefect Ablavius caused them to be imprisoned on false charges and an order for their death was procured from Emperor Constantine. That night St. Nicholas appeared in a dream to Constantine, and told him with threats to release the three innocent men, and Ablavius experienced the same thing. In the morning the emperor and the prefect compared notes, and the three condemned men were sent for and questioned. When he heard that they had called upon the name of the Nicholas of Myra who had appeared to him, Constantine set them free, and sent them to the bishop with a letter asking him not to threaten him anymore, but to pray for the peace of the world.
St. Nicholas died and was buried in his episcopal city of Myra, and by the time of Justinian there was a basilica built in his honor at Constantinople. When Myra and its great shrine finally passed into the hands of the Saracens, there was a great competition for his relics between two cities of Italy, Bari and Venice. Bari won and the relics were carried off under the noses of the lawful Greek custodians and their Mohammedan masters, and on May 9, 1087, were safely landed at Bari. At Myra, "the venerable body of the bishop, embalmed as it was in the good ointments of virtue, exuded a sweet-smelling 'myrrh,' which kept it from corruption and proved a health-giving remedy against sickness, to the glory of him who had glorified Jesus Christ, our true God." The transfer of the relics did not interrupt this phenomenon, and the "manna of St. Nicholas" is said to flow to this day.
He is venerated as the patron saint of several classes of people, especially, in the east, of sailors and, in the west, of children. The first of these patronages is due to the legend that, during his lifetime, he appeared to storm-tossed mariners who had invoked his aid off the coast of Lycia, and brought them safely to port. Sailors in the Aegean and Ionian seas, following a common eastern custom, had their "star of St. Nicholas" and wished one another a good voyage in the phrase "May St. Nicholas hold the tiller." The legend of the "three children" gave rise to his patronage of children and various observance, secular and ecclesiastical, especially the giving of presents in his name at Christmas time. The deliverance of the three imperial officers naturally cause St. Nicholas to be invoked by and on behalf of prisoners and captives, and many miracles of his intervention are recorded in the middle ages.
" St. Nicholas, when discussed in his true form, truly gives the meaning of Christmas. This great wonder-worker humbled himself before his God and before mankind, by spreading joy to those less fortunate than him. He is a great example of how we, as Christians, should treat one another. Remember St. Nicholas during this Nativity season as a giver of Christ to all people. May his spirit and story show you all the true meaning of Christ’s birth: to save mankind!"
Paul Fuller
NAC Vice President
St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church
Louisville, Kentucky
Saint Paraskeva
Martyr Paraskeva
Troparion of St Paraskeva Tone 1 Ready for godliness, O namesake of preparedness, thou didst inherit as a dwelling a faith worthy of thy name. O prize-winning Paraskeva, thou dost pour forth healings and art interceding for our souls. Martyr Paraskeva of Rome Commemorated July 26
Living in Rome, the devout Christian couple, Politea and Agathon, prayed fervently for a child and God finally blessed them with a child. They gave great honour to Friday, the day of our Lord Jesus Christ’s suffering. When their daughter was born on that day, therefore, they named her Paraskeva, which translated from the Greek means “Friday.” In addition to a good education, she received a thorough religious training. When her parents died, she gave away her goods to the poor and, following the example of the holy apostles, began walking about the countryside preaching the Gospel and converting many people to Christ. This took considerable courage, because at that time both Jews and Romans were persecuting Christians.
With her learning and strong faith, Paraskeva spoke persuasively and brought many people to forsake their pagan idols and commit themselves to the true God. Her success as a missionary eventually brought her to the attention of the Emperor, Antoninus Pius. He summoned Paraskeva to the palace, and when, in spite of various threats and coaxing, she refused to denounce her faith in Jesus Christ, she was put to the cruelest tortures. Finally she was thrown into a vat of boiling oil and pitch. Seeing her standing in the vat as though it were a bath of fresh water, the Emperor asked if she had employed some magic to cool the oil. In response, Paraskeva scooped up some of the boiling oil and tossed it towards the Emperor, telling him to test it himself. Some of the burning liquid splashed into his eyes and blinded them. Screaming out in pain, the Emperor begged the servant of God to heal him. Paraskeva called aloud upon the name of the Lord, and instantly the Emperor regained his sight. This miracle moved Antoninus to put a stop to the persecution of Christians throughout the empire, and Paraskeva resumed her preaching unhindered. Antoninus died in 161. Under his successor, Marcus Aurelius, a plague broke out. The Romans took it as a sign that their gods were angered by the soft treatment of the Christians, and another wave of persecution was unleashed against them.
Paraskeva was heedless of any danger and continued her missionary labours, everywhere spreading the holy Gospel. In one city, the governor Asclepius threw her into a pit with a poisonous serpent, convinced the beast would kill her. Instead, Paraskeva made the sign of the Cross over the serpent and he stiffened and split in two, as if slain by a sword. As a result, Asclepius and those with him came to believe in the true God.
Again at liberty, the Saint resumed her preaching. In one city, she was brought to trial before the ruler, Tarasios, and began telling him about Jesus Christ. Tarasios subjected her to various tortures, but when he saw that nothing would persuade her to deny Christ, he ordered that the saint's head be cut off with a sword. She received her martyr's wreath in about the year 180. The martyr's holy remains were later taken to Constantinople, where they were venerated by the faithful. Saint Paraskeva is venerated as a healer of the blind.
"Never knowing the story of St. Paraskeva, before today and reading it left me in awe. Blessed with her strong faith and love for the Lord, she spoke his words to believers and non-believers alike. When she was tested of her faith though many sick and cruel tortures, she stood by our lord Jesus Christ without hesitation. With the Lord by her side she over came the persecutions and inspired those to believe. To me this amazing story is a reminder of how our faith in Christ will guide and protect us though out our lives and how denying Christ, will never be the right answer. St. Paraskeva’s story will always be in my heart."
Teena Khoury
St. Antonios, Halifax
Can-Am Region
Saint Philothei
St. Philothei
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Troparia to Saint Philothei (Tone 5) The Faithful of Athens and all the world honors Philothei the martyred nun and rejoices in her holy relics. For she has exchanged this passing life for the life that knows no end through her struggle and martyrdom; and she begs the Savior to have mercy on us all.
Philothei’s feast is celebrated on February 19th. Translated, her name means "friend of God." |
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Philothei was born in 1550 Athens into a very affluent family. Her family was loving and caring as well as patient, and she was married to a young man and widowed before she was even sixteen. After returning to live with her parents, she took on an active position in the family as well as the church and city. She was only content when she was helping others, and this peace of mind drew her closer to God and the Church. Her family’s wealth assisted in her charitable work, and before she had reached adulthood she had earned the love and respect of the community.
After her family had passed away, Philothei became the sole owner of extensive wealth, but desiring to become a nun, she assigned control of her belongings to the care of others in order to move to an Orthodox convent. In the meantime her money continued helping the poor and also funded the building of several churches and nunneries in and around Athens. At her own convent, Philothei transferred the nuns’ interests from passive to active. She taught them to supplement their worship and devotions with crafts that could benefit the Church community. Her work set the example for the handiwork that has been the trademark of nunneries for years.
During this time in history, Turkish Moslems were holding Greece hostage, challenging Christianity. However, they became frustrated because their attempts at conversion were unsuccessful. They had hoped the mere pressure of their presence would lead to the gradual replacement of Christianity by their own Moslem faith. Eventually the Turks endeavored to discredit the many faithful Christian leaders in Athens, but this was also unsuccessful. Philothei and other spiritual leaders only gained stronger resolve and greater devotion to God.
When it became apparent that Islam could not reach the hearts of the Christian Athenians, the Turks deliberately chose Philothei as a target, not only because of her open defiance but because they considered her sex to be a weakness and hoped she would succumb to surrender more easily. However, she remained a faithful and strong guide for the Athenians. Enraged, the Turks began a brutal course of terrorism.
During a service in Saint Andrew church, one of the beautiful chapels erected by her magnanimity, Philothei and some of her friends were attacked. The women were brutally beaten with clubs and stones, then dragged into the street to be murdered in front of the devastated townspeople. Philothei was carried out alive from this barbaric scene, but yielded to her wounds and gave up the spirit on February 19th, 1589.
Several miracles have been attributed to the Holy Martyr Philothei, mostly at the Cathedral in Athens and the Saint Andrew Church, still standing today and where her relics are enshrined. The many churches and nunneries she funded are still evident, and many organizations of women are named to honor this Athenian Saint.
"Saint Philothei’s story is an inspiration, especially in our world today. So often we get caught in the clutches of material things, but Philothei’s generosity and willingness to give everything up for God sets an example up for us all to follow. She truly was a "friend of God."
~Philothei Maria Papas-
Saint Sophia
SAINT SOPHIA
AND HER THREE DAUGHTERS
FAITH, HOPE AND AGAPE
Commemorated September 17th
These holy Martyrs dwelt in Italy in the reign of Hadrian (117-138). They came of a rich and devout family and their mother Sophia brought them up in the Faith, Hope and Love of the names she had given them. Word of their admirable manner of life reached the Emperor who, hearing they were in Rome, sent soldiers to bring them before him. Considering their tender years, he was amazed at how steadfast in the faith Sophia’s daughters were, and thinking it was only by supporting one another that they were able to hold their own against him, he put them to the question separately.
Pistis (Faith), who was twelve years old, was brought in first. She boldly dismissed the tyrant’s flatteries and deprecated his shameless deeds and vain plots against the Christians. The infuriated Emperor had her stripped, mercilessly beaten and her breasts torn off, whence milk not blood flowed forth. The other tortures she endured were to no avail, for she was protected by the power of God. When, at last, they came to strike off her head, Sophia encouraged her to accept with joy the death that would unite her to Christ.
Elpis (Hope), who was ten years old, was brought in next. Confessing Christ as steadfastly as her sister, she was beaten and cast into a raging furnace, but its fire went out on touching her, in whom love of God burnt with a fiercer flame than material fire. After many other tortures, she too died by the sword, giving thanks to God.
Agape (Love), the third of the sisters, was then summoned before the Emperor whom anger had maddened. She was only nine years old but of the same steadfast mind as her sisters. She was hung on a gallows and chained so tightly that her limbs were broken by the bonds. She was then thrown into a furnace, from which she was delivered by an angel, and finally, beheaded. Sophia rejoiced in spirit to see her daughters so gloriously making their way to the abodes of the righteous but, overwhelmed by earthly sorrow, she gave back her soul to God a few days later at their tomb. Their memories are celebrated on September 17.
This is by far one of my favourite stories of the Lives of the Saints. We’ve all heard of thousands of saints and martyrs giving their lives to Christ and suffering in this world so that they could rejoice in the next. But how many of them have been about children? It’s so beautiful and inspiring to realize that kids our age (and younger!) have been just as zealous for God as the older great saints like St. Paul, St. Thekla and all the others! Remembering this story helps me to try and carry the little ‘crosses’ in my life without complaining, whether it be the flu, a lot of homework, or even just being very tired. “If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny Himself first and take up his cross and follow me.” (XC)
Alexa Younes
St. Raphael of Brooklyn
St. Raphael of Brooklyn New York
Troparion for St. Raphael, Bishop of Brooklyn (Tone 3) Rejoice, O Father Raphael, Adornment of the Holy Church! Thou art Champion of the true Faith, Seeker of the lost, Consolation of the oppressed, Father to orphans, and Friend of the poor, Peacemaker and Good Shepherd, Joy of all the Orthodox, Son of Antioch, Boast of America: Intercede with Christ God for us and for all who honor thee. |
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Burial site of St. Raphael at the Antiochian Village
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Kontakion of Saint Raphael - Tone 3 Today the memory of blessed Raphael hath shone on us; For having received Christ’s call, he faithfully took up his cross and followed Him becoming a fisher of men. Let us cry aloud to him saying: Rejoice O Father Raphael! |
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Churches Founded by Saint Raphael 1. St. Nicholas Cathedral (Brooklyn, New York) - 1895 2. St. Nicholas Church of Canada (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) - 1899 3. St. George Church (Boston, Massachusetts) - 1900 4. St. George Church (Worcester, Massachusetts) - 1902 5. St. George Church (Kearney, Nebraska) - 1903 6. St. Mary (Dormition) Church (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania) - 1904 7. St. George Church (Lawrence, Massachusetts) - 1904 8. St. Mary (Dormition) Church (Johnstown, Pennsylvania) - 1906 9. St. George Church (Glens Falls, New York) - 1906 10. St. Nicholas Church (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) - 1908 11. St. George Church (Vicksburg, Mississippi) - 1908 12. Archangel Michael Church (Beaumont, Texas) - 1908 13. St. George Church (Grand Rapids, Michigan) - 1908
14. St. George Church (Chicago, Illinois) - 1908 15. St. John of Damascus Church (Boston, Massachusetts) - 1909 |
16. St. George Church (Washington, D.C.) - 1909 17. St. George Church (Mexico City, DF, Mexico) - 1909 18. St. Simeon the Stylite Church (Ironwood, Michigan) - 1909 19. St. George Church (Michigan City, Indiana) - 1911 20. St. George Church (Charleston, West Virginia) - 1911 21. St. Nicholas Church (Cleveland, Ohio) - 1911 22. Archangel Michael Church (Geneva, New York) - 1912 23. Prophet Elias Church (La Crosse, Wisconsin) - 1912 24. St. George Church (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) - 1912 25. St. George Church (Macon, Mississippi) - 1913 26. St. George Church (Utica, New York) - 1913 27. St. George Church (New Kensington, Pennsylvania) - 1914 28. St. George Church (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) - 1914 29. St. Michael the Archangel (Monessen, Pennsylvania) - 1914
30. St. George Church (Toledo, Ohio) - 1914 |
When I think of a saint, I usually think of someone born many centuries ago and who didn’t live in the country we’re all in now. With the story of saint Raphael Hawaweeny, Bishop of Brooklyn, my views dramatically change. "The life of saint Raphael changes the way I think about saints. It makes me see that saints were alive in the same century that I was born. So it raises the bar and takes away the excuse that we can’t live and strive for the life of a saint, because of the day and age we live in. Also many of us go to churches that Saint Raphael founded, we read the magazine he started, and many of us attend the camp where his body lies. He sets an example that we should try to follow. Even though he wasn’t a wonder worker, he was a true Orthodox Christian and had a zest for Christ, and for life. May he remember all of us in his prayers." -Joey Abdallah-
St. Seraphim of Sarov
St. Seraphim of Sarov
Thou didst love Christ from thy youth, O blessed one, and longing to work for Him alone thou didst struggle in the wilderness with constant prayer and labor. With penitent heart and great love for Christ thou wast favored by the Mother of God. Wherefore we cry to thee: Save us by thy prayers, O Seraphim our righteous Father.
Having left the beauty of the world and what is corrupt in it, O saint, thou didst settle in Sarov Monastery. And having lived there an angelic life, thou wast for many the way to salvation. Wherefore Christ has glorified thee, O Father Seraphim, and has enriched thee with the gift of healing and miracles. And so we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Seraphim, our righteous Father. The days of the commemoration of St. Seraphim are August 1 and January 15 (July 19 and January 2 by the church calendar).
Troparion of St. Seraphim, Tone 4
St. Seraphim (born with the name Prohor Moshnin) was born in 1759 to a merchant family in Kursk. At the age of 10, he became seriously ill. During the course of his illness, he saw the Mother of God in his sleep, who promised to heal him. Several days later there was a religious procession in Kursk with the locally revered miracle-working icon of the Mother of God. Due to bad weather, the procession took an abbreviated route past the house of the Moshnin family. After his mother put Seraphim up to the miracle-working image, he recovered rapidly. While at a young age, he needed to help his parents with their shop, but business had little appeal for him. Young Seraphim loved to read the lives of the saints, to attend church and to withdraw into seclusion for prayer. At the age of 18, Seraphim firmly decided to become a monk. His mother blessed him with a large copper crucifix, which he wore over his clothing all his life. After this, he entered the Sarov monastery as a novice.
His taking of the monastic vows occurred in 1786, when he was 27 years old. He was given the name Seraphim, which in Hebrew means "fiery," or "burning." He was soon made a hierodeacon. He justified his name by his extraordinarily burning prayer. He spent all of his time, save for the very shortest of rests, in church. Through such prayer and the labors of religious services, Seraphim became worthy to see angels, both serving and singing in church. During the liturgy on Holy Thursday, he saw the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, in the form of the Son of man, proceeding into the Church with the Heavenly host and blessing those praying. The saint could not speak for a long time after being struck by this vision.
In 1793, St. Seraphim was ordained a hieromonk, after which he served every day and received Holy Communion for a year. St. Seraphim then began to withdraw into the forest wilderness about five kilometers from Sarov Monastery. He achieved great perfection at this time. Wild animals — bears, rabbits, wolves, foxes and others — came to the hut of the ascetic. While living in this little hermitage of his, St. Seraphim once suffered greatly at the hands of robbers. Although he was physically very strong and was holding an axe at the time, St. Seraphim did not resist them. In answer to their threats and their demands for money, he lay his axe down on the ground, crossed his arms on his chest and obediently gave himself up to them. They began to beat him on the head with the handle of his own axe. Blood began to pour out of his mouth and ears, and he fell unconscious. They stopped beating him only when they had decided that he had died. The only treasure which the robbers found in his cell was the icon of the Mother of God of Deep Emotion, before which he always prayed. When, after some time, the robbers were caught and brought to justice, the holy monk interceded on their behalf before the judge. After the beating, St. Seraphim remained hunched over for the rest of his life.
St. Seraphim took upon himself the feat of becoming an elder after a special vision of the Mother of God. He began to admit everyone who came to him for advice and direction. Many thousands of people from all walks of life and conditions began to visit the elder now, who enriched them from his spiritual treasures, which he had acquired by many years of efforts. Everyone saw St. Seraphim as meek, joyful, and pensively sincere. He greeted all with the words: "My joy!" To many he advised: "Acquire a peaceful spirit, and around you thousands will be saved." No matter who came to him, he bowed to the ground before all, and, in blessing, kissed their hands. He did not need the visitors to tell about themselves, as he could see what each had on their soul. He also said, "Cheerfulness is not a sin. It drives away weariness, for from weariness there is sometimes dejection, and there is nothing worse than that."
"St. Seraphim is one of my favourite saints, because of his love and compassion for people. Many times we grow impatient with one another and anger, hatred and envy all build up inside us, and we try to spread it around. Life is really so simple, but we all have these expectations for everyone and we expect them to realize those expectations… and that’s why we have such impatience and anger and frustration against ourselves and each other. Everyone is human; it’s inevitable that we are going to make mistakes no matter what. St. Seraphim understood this and replaced expectations with compassion and love, and became like a child in his trustful and unquestioning acceptance of everyone. Christ himself says, “Assuredly I say to you; unless you become as little children, you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matt18:3)
Alexa Younes
Can-Am President
St. George Toronto, ON
St. Stephen the First Martyr
St. Stephen the First Martyr
Troparion (Tone 4)
Because of all you have endured for Christ our God, you have been given a royal crown, O First and Holy Martyr Stephen! You have put your persecutors to shame and have seen your Saviour enthroned at the right hand of the Father. Do not cease to intercede for the salvation of our souls.
The saint whose name leads all the rest who have sacrificed their lives for Jesus Christ is Stephen, the first martyr of Christendom because he would have been the last to deny him.
Stephen was one of the seven deacons of the original Church of Christ in Jerusalem, sharing his duties with six others - Philip, Prochoros, Nikanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas.
It was the function of the deacons to assist much as they do today in such matters as communion but with the additional responsibility of spreading the new faith and at the same time being ever on alert for the imminent danger that came with being a Christian in those early days.
Before entering the service of Christ, the young Stephen had studied under the renowned rabbinical tutor Gamaliel, who had been the mentor of the great St. Paul.
Not unlike Paul he was a qualified religious scholar who once sought to discredit the Saviour, until he came to know Jesus Christ and to embrace him as Paul did in that dramatic confrontation on the road to Damascus.
The full attention he had been giving to the Law of the ancient covenant he now directed to the new faith with zeal equal to that of those who enjoyed the company of the Messiah. There was no hint that he would be the very first casualty in the cause of the Nazarene, but each and every one of the missionaries was aware of the danger involved and chose to ignore it in their anxiety to serve.
Stephen seems to have confined his missionary work and preaching to the city of Jerusalem, the city in which he had prepared himself under the Pharisee Gamaliel for quite another career.
Well versed in the Scriptures, he used the Old Testament to full advantage in promoting the Messiah, citing the passages that were ample evidence out of the mouths of the ancient prophets of God that a Saviour would be born and that the Saviour was among them even now in the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
It was with considerable anger and frustration that the men who had studied with him under Gamaliel now viewed the defector from their ranks, being particularly piqued when Stephen boldly challenged them in the synagogues.
He must have done this several times and, in all probability, been unceremoniously ushered from the premises more than once, but there came an occasion when he addressed himself to an extremely hostile Council of elders whose anger drove them to more than just having Stephen put out.
The mob that turned on Stephen worked itself into such a feverous pitch that by the time he had been seized and dragged into the street a cry went up for his blood and grew into a crescendo demanding his death. Dragged to the gates of Jerusalem and stoned him to death.
The gallant young Stephen died a brutal death at the hands of those with whom he had grown up. In the Book of Acts there is an account that Paul was among the onlookers who made no effort to save Stephen.
The early Christians buried Stephen in a small chapel in Jerusalem, which was dedicated to his memory and was known as the chapel of St. Stephen the Protomartyr (First Martyr).
The glorious story of Saint Stephen the first martyr amazed me on how a man so strong a believer proved it so well and was stoned for what he believed. St. Stephen was a strong man indeed. He did not die in vain either, he died for his beliefs and for trying to steer the Jewish religion and others towards Jesus Christ and his beliefs. It also amazed me how he felt no pain when being stoned but beheld the glory of God.
from Orthodox Saints, vol 4, by Fr George Poulos, Holy Cross Orthodox Press
Compiled by David Allen, Teen SOYO President, Sts. Peter & Paul, Charlottetown
St. Thekla
St. Thekla
Troparion to St. Thekla
by the hand of Nicholas Papas |
St. Thekla Chapel at the Antiochian Village |
Saint Thekla was born into a prosperous pagan family in the Lycaonian. When she was eighteen years old and was promised to a young man named Thamyris. This is when Saint Paul the Apostle and Saint Barnabas arrived in the city. Thekla’s mother Theokleia prohibited her from joining the crowds that gathered to hear Paul preach. But Thekla found that if she sat near her bedroom window she could hear every word.
While listening to his words, she was very touched by his call to chastity. As it became apparent that Thekla was becoming interested in the new Faith, Theokleia and Thamyris went to the governor of the city and complained about Paul and his preaching. The governor had Paul imprisoned to calm them.
When Thekla learned of Paul’s arrest, she secretly went to the prison, and using her gold bracelets to bribe the guard, she was able to see him in the cell. As soon as she entered, she knelt before him and kissed the chains that bound his hands and feet. She remained there for a long time listening to his message of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Theokleia and Thamyris were concerned of Thekla’s long absence and asked her servant if she knew where she was. The servant told them that Thekla had gone to visit an imprisoned stranger and they immediately knew she was with Paul. They went straight to the governor and demanded immediate judgment. After the governor scorned Paul for the disturbances he had caused in the city, he had him stoned and expelled from the city. The governor then cautioned Thekla for her foolishness and commanded her to return home with her mother and fiancé. When Thekla announced that she would vow to remain a virgin for the sake of Christ, her mother became very angry and asked the governor to threaten Thekla with severe punishment. The governor went along with her mother’s wishes and ruled that Thekla was to be burned at the stake unless she gave up her faith in Christ.
When Thekla refused, she was immediately punished. As she was tied to the stake, she saw a vision of Jesus Christ that gave her strength to face the flames. The fire was lit, but as the flames came near Thekla a thunderstorm suddenly hit and put the fire out. The governor was embarrassed and released Thekla by banishing her from the city.
Just outside of the city, she joined Paul and told him about her miraculous escape from punishment. Paul and Thekla left from that region and traveled to Antioch in Syria. As they entered the city, a young man tried to seduce Thekla because she was "beautiful". But Thekla fought him off and humiliated him in front of all his friends. He demanded that she is punished and the governor agreed. So he put her in an arena to face wild beasts. Thekla’s only reply was that she would be able to preserve her virginity until her death. When Thekla was taken to the arena, a lioness was set free to attack her. But in awe, the lioness approached Thekla and sat tamely at her feet. A bear was then released, but as it came closer to Thekla, the lioness killed it. A large lion was then released and the lioness protected her by giving up his own life. Much more happened, but as she departed Antioch, Tryphaena gave her gold and precious jewels. Tryphaena is the house Thekla stayed at for about a week speaking of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Thekla left to rejoin Paul and told him all that happened. She asked that she might be permitted to spend the remainder of her life as an ascetic. Paul blessed her and she left leaving the jewels with Paul to give to the poor.
Thekla traveled to Syria to live her life in solitude and prayer. A young man tried to harass her while she was in a canyon, but she prayed as always and believed in God. The mountain miraculously split open allowing her to escape through a narrow passage.
Thekla continued her life of asceticism and peacefully fell asleep in Christ at the age of 90. Shortly after her death a community of virgins went to live in her mountain cell, building a small chapel to enshrine her body. Because of her many sufferings for the Faith, the Church counts her as a
"Protomartyr". And because she converted so many people to Christianity, she is also known as an "Equal-to-the-Apostles."
" I am often reminded of Saint Thekla when I scared, which is way too often. I am very paranoid of dark forest, scary situations of any sort, and of just too many thing. I fail to find the courage and faith in God to overcome my fears and paranoia’s. These are simple and very small details compared to Saint Thekla’s life. She faced much more difficulties than mine, of course, but she is our model to look up to. Please think of Saint Thekla throughout your days and how she relates in your life!"
-Nicol Zabak-
O glorious Thekla, companion of Paul the divine, you were enflamed with the love of your Creator, by the teaching of the divine preacher. You despised the passing earthly pleasures, and offered yourself to God as an acceptable and pleasing sacrifice, disregarding all suffering. Intercede with Christ your Groom to grant us His great mercy.
Zacharias the Prophet
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Zacharias the Prophet |
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The prophet Zacharias was the son of Barachias, a priest of the Old Testament. He performed the priest’s office in Jerusalem during the reign of Herod, and was of the daily course of Aiba. His duty was to burn incense in the temple, while performing the priest’s office before God.
On one occasion, a large crowd of people was gathered to pray when an angel of the Lord appeared before him, standing on the right side of the altar. When Zacharias saw him he was afraid, but the angel spoke to him saying, “Fear, not Zacharias,” and comforted him by assuring him that his prayer was well pleasing to God and it had inclined God to a great act of mercy: He visited Zacharias’ wife Elizabeth and loosed the bonds of her barrenness. She would give birth to a son who shall be called John, whose name signifies grace. His birth would make a multitude of people rejoice. Furthermore, the angel said that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb and that he would turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
When Zacharias heard the word of the angel, he did not believe what he had been told, for Elizabeth was barren and they were both old. Zacharias said to the angel, “Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man and my wife is well stricken in years.” The angel answered, “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shall be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things be performed, because thou believes not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.” Zacharias waited in the altar as he spoke with the angel causing the people to wonder. When he came out he could not speak, and the people understood that he had seen a vision in the temple. He departed for his own house in Hebron, a city of Judah.
Then the prophecy was fulfilled and John was born from Elizabeth. After Zacharias had written John’s name on a writing tablet, his mouth was opened and his tongue was immediately loosed, and he spoke, praising God and was filled with the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem and the Magi came from the East, they told Herod of the newborn king. Herod sent soldiers to slay all the children in Bethlehem, and remembering John, for he had been informed of all that had occurred at John’s birth, since everyone who lived in the country spoke of the wonder, Herod laid up all he had in his heart concerning John, saying, “What manner of child shall this be? Will this child be the King of the Jews?” He decided to kill John and sent executioners to Zacharias’ house. The executioners did not find John there and the slaughter of children began. When Elizabeth heard these cries and the reason for them, she took John and fled into the mountains. At this time Zacharias was serving as a priest in Jerusalem. When she saw soldiers drawing near, she prayed to God and cried out to the rocky mount nearby and said, “O mountain of God, receive a mother and her child!” Immediately the mountain was split and she entered hiding herself and John from the executioners. The soldiers returned to Herod, having not found the child, and Herod sent word to Zacharias in the temple saying, “ Surrender your son John to me.” Saint Zacharias replied, “I serve the Lord God of Israel. As for my son, I do not know where he is.”
Herod was enraged and sent word to Zacharias again ordering that he be killed if he did not surrender his son. The executioners made haste and demanded of Zacharias, “Where have you hidden your son? Give him to us and obey the King’s command! If you do not give us your son, you shall be put to death immediately.” Saint Zacharias replied, “You will kill my body, but the Lord will receive my soul.” The executioners straightway fulfilled Herod’s command and fell upon Zacharias between the temple and the altar. His blood was spilt on the floor and became hardened like rock as a testimony against Herod and a witness to his eternal condemnation. He is remembered on the 5th of September.
"St. Zacharias is one of those saints that is easily overlooked. Of course everyone has heard of him, and most everyone knows about how he was unable to speak until the birth of John, because of his unbelief. However, few know how his story ends.
I like St. Zacharias because he is a saint all of us can relate to. He had his moments of doubt just like all of us do. Yet he was still canonized a saint and was still a martyr. Reading his story helps me to realize that to be a saint one doesn’t have to be perfect, you just have to be willing to obey the will of God. We all have the moments that we doubt but our sin will be forgiven and we can overcome the sin by doing God’s will, whether we are sure or not of how it will come out. St. Zacharias is a perfect example of this, and I believe that this is what led to his being chosen as one worthy to die so that God’s will would be fulfilled."
Beth Ann Baker
St. Peter’s, Jackson, Mississippi
Southeast Region
1st Ecumenical Council
Commemoration of the 1st Ecumenical Council in Nicea
325
May 29
NOTE: It is important to know that a few years before the First Ecumenical Council met, in 319, the Arians proclaimed that “There was a time when the son was not”. They were suggesting that Jesus was not God when he was a child, but rather a creature. This powerful statement split the church in two.
In 325 AD, Constantine the Great was emperor of Rome. He had recently legalized Christianity, so the religion was flourishing. Because Christianity was no longer being persecuted, the Christians began to settle and live together. Unfortunately there were still quarrels among the Christians, which upset Constantine.
Constantine liked getting involved with the Church’s matters, and after creating the first of many laws, which gave liberty to Christians, he was called to resolve a quarrel between the Africans and the complaining Donatists. One of the Donatists was a priest named Arius from Alexandria, Egypt. He had been proclaiming for years that Jesus had not always been God (see note above). He was a crafty and intelligent man who tried win over many followers and sway them from the Church’s beliefs. Bishop Alexander (of Alexandria) excommunicated Arius to rid him from the Church. Constantine tried to settle the quarrel between the two, but realized it would take a great deal of time and effort.
Constantine called together a council of all the bishops in the land to settle the dispute as to whether or not Jesus was always God. So in 325 AD, 319 bishops, many clergy, some laity, and even some heathen philosophers met in Nicea, Bithynia. (1,800 bishops had been invited to attend but due to poor traveling conditions, only 319 showed) In general, the bishops were simple men who had never had to argue about their beliefs before. Their purpose was to present the beliefs that had been passed down and to put them together. One simple bishop was approached by a philosopher who tried to argue against Christianity. The bishop, who had no arguing experience, simply stated his creed (his beliefs) which eventually converted the man. At one point during the council, Bishop Alexander of Alexandria was speaking about the Trinity. Arius found something confusing about what he said and began arguing. Arius’ argument was very logical until he stated, “If the Father begat the Son, then he who was begotten had a beginning in existence, and from this it follows there was a time when the Son was not." Alexander saw the trouble that was to arise and the arguing that was to take place over this new heresy. One of his deacons, Athanasius, immediately took charge in combating Arius over this issue to strike down the falsehoods. Athanasius could not be a judge at the council, but he was allowed to speak in front of the clergy. Alexander and Athanasius tried to get Arius to recognize his heresy by talking with him, begging with him, and even getting a petition of all the bishops against him to get him to change, though he refused. Eventually Athanasius outwitted Arius and eventually the heretic was condemned. Bishop Hosius came up with the idea to write down a creed of the beliefs they agreed on. This is what they wrote:
"We believe in one God. The Father Almighty. Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end."
The fathers of the council are always commemorated on the Sunday after the Ascension.
Archangel Michael
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Archangel Michael
September 6th, Miracle at Chonae,
Troparion (Tone 4)
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November 8th, Synaxis of the Holy Archangels Michael & Gabriel & all the Bodiless Powers,
Troparion (Tone 1)
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To the angel who had redeemed me from all evil. (Geneses 48:16)
God created the angels to serve Him, and also to serve the human beings who were created in His Image, and according to His Likeness. "He Makes his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire." (Hebrews 1:7)
The word "Michael" is a Hebrew word which means "who is like God." It seems that all angels were created holy, but after a period of probation some fell from their state of innocence, due to a deliberate self-determined rebellion against God. We do not know the time of their fall, but it is clear that it occurred before the fall of man, for Satan deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden.
"And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought. But they did not prevail, nor was a place for them in heaven any longer." (Revelation 12:7-8) Scripture also shows that good angels will continue in the service of God in the future age, while evil angels will have their part in the lake of fire. (Matt. 25:41)
Another encounter happened between the Archangel Michael, and the devil. "Yet, Michael the Archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" (Jude 1:9)
Therefore, since God gave the Archangel Michael the responsibility to defeat Satan and his evil angels, Michael ought to be present during the resurrection of the Lord, the event that crushed Satan and completed Michael's work. He had to announce the victory of the Lord over the evil powers, and his own joy to see the Devil bound by the blood of Jesus who was rising victoriously from the tomb. In other words, Michael's mission was a temporary one, until the cross of Jesus crushed Satan completely.
"And behold there was a great earthquake for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen." (Matt. 28:1-6)
Taken from St. Anthony's Website.
"Archangel Michael is the man, or the angel, I should say. He is my patron saint, which already makes him important to me. But the fact that he was given the responsibility to crush 'satan and his evil angels,' inspires me. I want to crush him the same way Michael did; Satan's goal is to push us as far away as he can from God. We all can crush satan by just following the teachings of Christ."
-Randy Bahbah-
NAC Web Designer
St. George Houston, TX
To Michael the leader among all the heavenly hosts.
To the Archangel who fought Satan and his followers until there was no place for them in heaven an longer.
To the holy Angel who rolled the stone away from the tomb, and announced the resurrection.
To the faithful intercessor who prays on our behalf day and night, remember us in front of the throne of God.
Amen
Martyr Maria
New Martyr Maria
Healer of Depression
Troparion To New Martyr Maria, Tone 4
O our blessed Mother Maria, who didst bear the cross of illness so meekly and humbly, with such sobriety and prayer that God granted thee the gift of the consolation. Pray for us sinners who know not how to repent, that God may grant us His great mercy. Commemorated on January 26 |
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The revolution of 1917 found Matushka Maria on her sickbed. After suffering encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), she entered the condition of the so-called Parkinson’s Disease: her whole body became, as it were, chained and immovable, her face anemic and like a mask. She could speak, but she began to talk with a half-closed mouth, through her teeth, pronouncing slowly and in a monotone voice. She was in constant need of help and careful looking after. Usually this disease proceeds with sharp psychological changes (irritability, a tiresome stubbornness in repeating stereotyped questions, an exaggerated egoism, manifestations of senility, and the like), as a result of which such patients often would end up in psychiatric hospitals. But Mother Maria, being bedridden, not only did not degenerate physically, but revealed completely extraordinary features of personality and character, not characteristic of such patients; she became extremely meek, humble, submissive, undemanding, concentrated in herself; she became engrossed in constant prayer, bearing her difficult condition without the least murmuring.
As if as a reward for this humility and patience, the Lord sent her a gift: consolation of the sorrowing. Completely strange and unknown people, finding themselves in sorrows, grief, depression, and despondency, began to visit her and converse with her. And everyone who came to her left consoled, feeling an illumination of their grief, a pacifying sorrow, a calming of fears, a taking away of depression and despondency. The news of this extraordinary nun gradually spread far beyond the boundaries of the city of Gatchina.
"Depression is a spiritual cross," she stated. "It is sent to help the penitent who does not know how to repent, that is, who after repentance falls again into the earlier sins….And therefore, only two medicines can treat this sometimes extremely difficult suffering of the soul. One must either learn to repent and offer the fruits of repentance; or else bear this spiritual cross, one’s depression, with humility, meekness, patience, and great multitude to the Lord, remembering that the bearing of this cross is accounted by the Lord as the fruit of repentance….And after all, what a great consolation it is to realize that your discouragement is the unacknowledged fruit of repentance, an unconscious self-chastisement for the absence of the fruits that are demanded….From this thought one should come to contrition, and then the depression gradually melts and the true fruits of repentance will be conceived…"
About 1930 Maria was arrested. She was accused of counter-revolutionary propaganda and of participating in a counter-revolutionary organization, according to paragraphs 10 and 11 of Article 58 (of the Soviet criminal code). The "politico-religious crime" of Maria was deepened by her refusal to recognize Metropolitan Sergius after his famous Declaration of 1927, which led to a schism in the Russian Church. She was dragged by her arms, which were twisted behind her back, along the floor and ground from her bed to the truck by two Chekists…Swinging her much-suffering, paralyzed body, the Chekists threw it into the truck and took her away. She died in the hospital and her body was not given over. God give rest to her meek soul! Holy New Martyr Maria, pray to God for us!
"New Martyr Maria especially struck me when I first read about her because not many people know about her; yet, everyday we get down about things and start looking to the negative side of life. But in the big scheme of things, we shouldn’t worry about the little things in life and focus on God. Martyr Maria had amazing strength and we should look and pray to her when we are feeling down in any situation!!"
-Nicol Zabak-
Prophet Elias
Holy Prophet Elias (Elijah)
Troparion Tone 4
O angelic of body, pillar of the prophets and their cornerstone, the forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ, the venerable and glorious Elias, you sent grace from on high to Elisha to dispel sicknesses and purify lepers. Wherefore, he overflows with healing to those who honor him.
Comemorated July 20
A man who saw God, a wonderworker and zealot for faith in God, Elias was of the tribe of Aaron, from the city of Tishba, whence he was known as "the Tishbite." When Elias was born, his father Sabah saw angels of God around the child, swaddling it with fire and feeding it with flames. This was a foreshadowing of Elias’ fiery character and his God-given fiery powers. He spent his whole youth in prayer and meditation, withdrawing often to the desert to ponder and pray in tranquility.
The prophet Elias came into the greatest conflict with the Israelite king, Ahab, and his evil wife Jezebel, for they worshipped idols and turned the people from the service of the one, living God. On top of this, Jezebel, being a Syrian, persuaded her husband to build a temple to the Syrian god, Baal, and appointed many priests to the service of this false god. Elias performed many miracles by the power of God: he closed the heavens, that no rain should fall for three years and six months; called down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice to his God, while the priests of Baal were unable to do this; brought rain from the heavens at his prayers; miraculously multiplied corn and oil in the widow’s house at Zarephath, and restored her dead son to life; prophesied to Ahab that the dogs would lick up his blood, and to Jezebel that the dogs would devour her--which came to pass; and performed many other miracles and foretold many events.
He talked with God on Horeb, and heard His voice in the calm after the great wind. At the time of his death, he took Elisha and appointed him his heir as a prophet; he parted the Jordan with his mantle and was finally borne to heaven in a fiery chariot drawn by fiery horses. He appeared, together with Moses, to our Lord Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor at the Transfiguration. At the end of the world, Elias will appear again, to break the power of the antichrist (Rev. 11).
"I chose to write about the life of the great prophet, Elijah (Elias). His story is extremely rare among God’s chosen saints, because Elias was taken to heaven in a fiery chariot. Orthodox tradition teaches that only two people throughout history were taken to heaven soul and body, the Virgin Mary and Prophet Elias. I love hearing about his zeal for God as he fought against the rulers and their pagan gods. He is truly a great inspiration for all of us!"
Paul Fuller
Source: The Prologue from Orchid. Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic. Birmingham B30 1QE, England: Lazarica Press, 1986. Book 3, Pg. 86-87
Saint Anthony
Troparion (Tone 2)
Thou didst follow the ways of zealous Elijah, and the straight path of the Baptist, O Father Anthony. Thou didst become a desert dweller and support the world by thy prayers. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
January 17th
St. Anthony was born into a wealthy family. When his parents died, he and his sister shared their wealth. Since his sister was a minor, he made sure she was cared for and then gave away all his portion of the inheritance to the poor and went into the desert to live the life of asceticism as a monk. St. Anthony took to heart the words of the Lord: “If you desire to be perfect, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow me" (Mark 10:21). Many people imitated his example and went and lived close to him, thus "populating the desert." St. Anthony is considered the Father of Orthodox Monasticism, for his kind of monasticism, that of "living alone with God as his only companion", remained the most cherished monastic ideal for the monks of the Christian Orthodox Church throughout the ages.
While in the desert, St. Anthony preoccupied himself with prayer and study. Before teaching himself how to read and write, it is said that he memorized most of the Sacred Scriptures simply by having other monks read God's Word to him!
St. Anthony was committed to refining the rules of monasticism and to establishing a number of monasteries throughout Egypt and the surrounding region. Soon his fame spread throughout the East, and those who thirsted for spiritual fulfillment constantly sought his wise counsel. Once when a number of Greek philosophers tried to test him and impress him with their knowledge, he posed this profound question to them: "Which is older: the book, or the wisdom it contains?” St. Anthony used to say "Learn to desire humility, for that will cover your sins. All sin is hateful to God, but the most hateful of all is pride of heart. Do not consider yourself learned or wise, or all your toil will be lost and your ship will arrive empty at the shore…If you have great power, threaten no man with death; know that according to nature you also are subject to death and that each soul takes off its body as its final clothing."
Because of the great respect that the entire Church had for him, St. Anthony was invited to attend the First Ecumenical Council in Nicea in 325 A.D. Although he held neither title nor power, he was called upon to give a defense of the Orthodox faith concerning the Divinity of Christ against the Arian heresy.
St. Anthony died in 356 A.D. at the age of 105 in his beloved desert monastery.
"I never really paid attention to St. Anthony it wasn’t until a little while ago I read his story. I never knew what made him great or what was it that made him a Saint. But now I know what made him so close to god! See everyone wants to be perfect and no one knows how.
Everyone thinks that it all comes in your skills good grades and the polite manner. But now I know that perfect isn’t really the skills or the talent perfect is gods doing feeding god when he was hungry, clothing god when he had no clothes helping him when he was helpless.
In our eyes St. Anthony was just feeding the hungry giving to the poor but in gods eyes St. Anthony was feeding god clothing god and helping god when he needed help and that’s what I think made him the honorable and holy Saint that he is today."
Nicole Khoury
St. Antonios, Halifax
Can-Am Region
Saint Babylas
St. Babylas
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Comemorated on September 4th |
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The lives of the saints are truly incredible. To think that someone would literally "give up their life" for something they believed in; now that is true love. The same love saints portray through their acts of martyrdom, Christ displayed to us through His death on the cross. I am extremely touched by stories of saints who willingly died for Christ, the Lamb, who sacrificed Himself for our sakes.
The beloved Saint Babylas, the Patriarch of Antioch, is one of the many Holy Martyrs who reminds us that nothing of this world is good. The only true "good" gift comes from Christ, alone.
Holy bishop Babylas was elected Patriarch of Antioch in the year 237. He was beyond doubt a good shepherd, who continually took care of the widows and orphans who lived in his Patriarchate. During this time, the governor of Antioch was a pagan named Numerian. He was very malicious, committing many cruel acts and murdering many people. Numerian also hated all followers of Christ.
Numerian decided to go into the Christian church in Antioch and mock it. The holy patriarch, Babylas, met him at the gate, and prohibited him to enter the church. The governor then became enraged and sent soldiers to arrest Saint Babylas.
At that time, there were three young orphans living in the house of the patriarch. These young boys were arrested also with Saint Babylas. They were brought before the governor, and he demanded that Saint Babylas make a public apology for refusing to allow him into the church. The patriarch not only refused to do this, but instead, told the Numerian to give up his sinful way of life. This obviously angered Numerian and he ordered that the saint be beaten and tortured. Numerian also tried to get the three boys to renounce Christ by bribing them with "all kinds of good things." They all refused, and declared, "We are followers of Christ, and we will be happy to die for Him. You do not have any good things to give us, for all good things come only from Christ."
The governor became completely outraged. He had Patriarch Babylas and the three young boys beaten and persecuted so terribly that all four of them died from the extreme agony.
Once again, Saint Babylas and the three young boys remind us of how we should strive to live for Christ. In Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans he says, "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). "Neither DEATH nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to SEPARATE us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). I think these verses wonderfully depict that NOTHING in this world; tribulation, distress, or persecution; can separate us from the love of Christ.
It is very apparent that Saint Babylas knew this, and with that knowledge, he put his faith in Christ. We, as Orthodox Christians, need to be continually reminded to keep the steadfast faith in our Lord and to strive to be like Christ, just as the saints.
SWR Treasurer
St. Michael Beaumont, TX
Saint Barbara
St. Barbara
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Troparion (Tone 8)
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St. Barbara is Celebrated on December 4th |
Kontakion of Great Martyr Barbara Tone 4
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One such heroine, named Barbara, lived in the city of Heliopolis in the beginning of the third century. She was a lovely and intelligent girl and the daughter of Dioscorus, who was a wealthy nobleman and a pagan. To protect his young daughter, Dioscorus built a magnificent tower for her to live in to keep her safe. He didn't care how much he spent on her he gave her the best of food, clothing, servants and teachers, but forbade her to have friends and even speak to anyone without his permission. Barbara was a bright and intelligent girl and who was obedient to her father's wishes and remained in the tower, without complaint, even during his frequent business trips.
Dioscorus's intentions were simple - he wanted to surround his daughter with the greatest comforts and a lot of attendants focused on teaching her how to worship the pagan gods. He felt that by keeping her away from the world, she was sure to grow up and be a pagan worshipper.
Yet, his plan failed. Although she had no 'human' teacher to bring her to the knowledge of God's existence, Barbara's mind, heart and soul were opened by the grace of God to feel His presence. Secretly, she was able to meet with some Christians who told her about Christ and His teachings. Convinced of the Truth concerning Jesus, she became a Christian whose love for God inspired all who her of heard.
Her father, became suspicious that his daughter, despite his extreme efforts, had become a Christian. While angry, he delivered her to Marcian, the Roman prefect, to torture her until she denied Christ. Young Barbara was stripped and struck with whips and clubs until she was standing in a pool of her own blood. To increase the pain, the soldiers rubbed vinegar into her wounds. Through all this, Barbara stood firm in her faith and would not deny Christ.
She was then thrown into prison and ordered to return the following day. While in her cell Barbara knelt in prayer to ask God to continue to grant her the strength that she needed to remain faithful, and as she prayed her heart was filled with heavenly joy and her wounds were completely healed. When she was brought in front of Marcian the following day he was amazed to see that her wounds had healed and demanded her to deny Christ. Her refusal angered the prefect who ordered her body to be hung on a stake and ripped with iron claws, they burned her wounds with hot irons and beat her head with spiked clubs. Yet through it all, Barbara found consolation in prayer. Frustrated at not being able to break Barbara's faith he ordered her to be taken out of the city and killed.
Dioscorus, who watched his daughter being tortured, was so angry he offered to execute Barbara himself and led his daughter out of the city and killed her with his own sword. He was quickly punished for his actions he was hit with a bolt of lightning - killing him instantly.
"Saint Barbara is an inspiration to me. She is my patron saint and I look up to her and ask her to always have intercession for my soul. She makes me think to myself...'I should not deny Christ.' Is our everyday actions reveling Christ inside of us? One thing that I learned from her is that being a witness to other people can help lead them to Christ. Through her intercessions O Lord, Have mercy upon us and save us. Amen."
-Dolly Bahbah-
SWR President
St. George Houston, TX
Saint Christopher
Great Martyr Christopher
Troparian of St Christopher Tone 4
