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Daily Readings:
Saints/Martyrs/Feasts/Fasts to be observed/commemmorated/celebrated:
Today's commemorated feasts and saints...
Translation of the Relics of Hieromartyr Ignatius the Godbearer, Bishop of Antioch (107). St. Lavrentii (Lawrence), Recluse, of the Kiev Caves, Bishop of Turov (Near Caves—12th c.). Ss. Gerásim (1441-1467), Pitirím (1445) and Jonah (1470), Bishops of Perm. Martyrs Romanus, Jacob (James), Philotheus, Hyperechius, Abibus, Julian, and Paregonius, at Samosata (297). Martyrs Silvanus, Bishop of Emesa, Luke the Deacon, and Mocius (Mucius) the Reader (312).
Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch
The Transfer of the Relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer: (See December 20). After the holy hieromartyr Ignatius was thrown to the lions in the year 107 on the orders of the emperor Trajan, Christians gathered up his bones and preserved them at Rome.
Later, in the year 108, the saint's relics were collected and buried outside the gate of Daphne at Antioch. A second transfer, to the city of Antioch itself, took place in the year 438. After the capture of Antioch by the Persians, the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius were returned to Rome and placed into the church of the holy Hieromartyr Clement in the year 540 ( in 637, according to other sources).
St Ignatius introduced antiphonal singing into Church services. He has left us seven archpastoral epistles in which he provided instructions on faith, love and good works. He also urged his flock to preserve the unity of the faith and to beware of heretics. He encouraged people to honor and obey their bishops, "we should regard the bishop as we would the Lord Himself" (To the Ephesians 6)
In his Letter to Polycarp, St Ignatius writes: "Listen to the bishop, if you want God to listen to you... let your baptism be your shield, your faith a helmet, your charity a spear, your patience, like full armor." (Compare Eph. 6:14-17 and the Wisdom of Solomon 5:17-20. Also THE LADDER 4:2)
Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch
Kontakion - Tone 4
Today you rose from the east,
enlightening all of creation with your teachings,
and you are crowned with martyrdom, God-bearing Ignatius.
Troparion - Tone 4
By sharing in the ways of the Apostles,
you became you became a successor to their throne.
Through the practice of virtue, you found the way to divine contemplation, O inspired one of God;
by teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith,
even to the shedding of your blood.
Hieromartyr Ignatius, entreat Christ God to save our souls.
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St Laurence the Recluse of the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, and Bishop of Turov, Near Caves
Saint Laurence, Hermit of the Caves and Bishop of Turov, in the Near Caves at first lived as a hermit at the monastery of the Great Martyr Demetrius, built by Great Prince Izyaslav at Kiev near the Monastery of the Caves. Later, he transferred to the Kiev Caves monastery, and was glorified by a gift of healing.
He was elevated to the See of Turov in 1182 (Turov is a city in the Minsk region), and was a successor of St Cyril of Turov (April 28). He died in 1194, and was buried in the Near Caves. His memory is celebrated also on September 28 and on the second Sunday of Great Lent.
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St Gerasimus the Bishop of Perm
Saint Gerasimus was the third bishop of the Zyryan people, and a worthy successor of St Stephen, Enlightener of Perm. He was elevated to the See of Perm sometime after the year 1416, when only part of the Zyryani had been converted to Christianity.
He was concerned for his flock, which suffered incessant incursions from the Novgorodians and pagan Vogulians. He went into the Vogul camps, urging them to stop plundering the defenseless Christians of Perm. On one of these journeys in 1441, he was murdered by his Vogul servant (according to tradition he was strangled with his omophorion). He was buried in the Annunciation church of the village of Ust-Vym not far from the city of Yarenga, at the River Vychegda (also January 24).
Today's common commemoration of these three saints acknowledges their apostolic activity in this Eastern expanse of Russia. St Gerasimus is also commemorated on January 24.
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St Pitirim the Bishop of Perm
Archimandrite Pitirim succeeded St Gerasimus as bishop of Great Perm and Ustiug. Even during his time the Voguli had not ceased attacking the peaceful Zyryani, the settlers of Perm. Bishop Pitirim stood up for his flock just as his predecessor had done.
In 1447 he personally appealed to the Great Prince to help the Zyryani. The saint often visited his flock, which was spread out over a wide territory, instructing them in the Word of God and assisting them in their misfortunes. He undertook long journeys to enlighten the pagan Voguli, during which his life was frequently in danger, and he had to endure all sorts of privation. The saint did not slacken his efforts, he enlightened and instructed people in their homes, in churches, and in the open places.
By his preaching he converted many of the Voguli who lived along the tributaries of the River Pechora, to Christianity. Because of this he aroused the terrible wrath of the leader of the Voguli, Asyk, who murdered the saint in a field as he was serving a Molieben. This occurred not far from Ust-Vym on August 19, 1455. St Pitirim compiled the Life of St Alexis and the Canon for the uncovering of his relics.
The relics of St Pitirim rest in the Annunciation temple in Ust-Vym (in Vologda district).
The common commemoration of these three saints acknowledges their apostolic activity in this Eastern expanse of Russia. St Pitirim is also commemorated on August 19.
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St Jonah the Bishop of Perm
After St Pitirim, St Jonah ascended the throne of Perm. He converted to Christianity the remaining part of Great Perm, i.e. the pagan tribes living along the Rivers Vishera, Kama, Chusova and others. By his efforts the idols were eradicated and in their place churches were built. Experienced pastors were sent to teach the new converts at the church-run schools of Us-Vym.
St Jonah reposed on June 6, 1470. His relics rest together with the relics of Sts Gerasimus and Pitirim in the Annunciation temple in Ust-Vym (in Vologda district).
The commemoration in common of these three saints acknowledges their apostolic activity in this Eastern expanse of Russia. St Jonah is also commemorated on June 6.
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Martyr Romanus at Samosata
The Holy Martyrs Romanus, James, Philotheus, Hyperichius, Habib, Julian and Parigoreas suffered in the year 297, during the persecution by Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). They bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which they were arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. Their bodies were scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around their necks, and they were locked up in prison. Finally, nails were driven into their heads while they were suspended on crosses.
Martyr Romanus at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Romanus, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr James at Samosata
The Holy Martyr James suffered in the year 297, during the persecution of Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). He bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which he was arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. His body was scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around his neck, and he was locked up in prison. Finally, he was crucified and nails were driven into his head.
Martyr James at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr James, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Philotheus at Samosata
The Holy Martyrs Philotheus, Romanus, James, Hyperichius, Habib, Julian and Parigoreas suffered in the year 297, during the persecution by Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). They bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which they were arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. Their bodies were scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around their necks, and they were locked up in prison. Finally, nails were driven into their heads while they were suspended on crosses.
Martyr Philotheus at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Philotheus, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Hyperechius at Samosata
The Holy Martyr Hyperichius suffered in the year 297, during the persecution of Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). He bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which he was arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. His body was scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around his neck, and he was locked up in prison. Finally, he was crucified and nails were driven into his head.
Martyr Hyperechius at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Hyperechius, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Abibus at Samosata
The Holy Martyr Habib suffered in the year 297, during the persecution of Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). He bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which he was arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. His body was scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around his neck, and he was locked up in prison. Finally, he was crucified and nails were driven into his head.
Martyr Abibus at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Abibus, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Julian at Samosata
The Holy Martyr Julian suffered in the year 297, during the persecution by Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). They bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which they were arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. Their bodies were scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around their necks, and they were locked up in prison. Finally, nails were driven into their heads while they were suspended on crosses.
Martyr Julian at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Julian, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Paregonius at Samosata
The Holy Martyr Parigoreas suffered in the year 297, during the persecution by Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). They bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which they were arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. Their bodies were scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around their necks, and they were locked up in prison. Finally, nails were driven into their heads while they were suspended on crosses.
Martyr Paregonius at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Paregonius, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Silvanus Bishop of Emesa
Saint Silvanus the bishop suffered in the city of Phoenician Emesa (Homs) in 312 along with St Luke the deacon and Mocius the Reader. After tortures, imprisonment and exhaustion by hunger, they were thrown to the wild beasts. The holy martyrs died praying, untouched by the animals. Christians took up the bodies of the holy martyrs by night and buried them with reverence.
Martyr Silvanus Bishop of Emesa
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Silvanus, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Luke the Deacon
Saint Luke the deacon suffered in the city of Phoenician Emesa (Homs) in 312 along with St Silvanus the bishop and Mocius the Reader. After tortures, imprisonment and exhaustion by hunger, they were thrown to the wild beasts. The holy martyrs died praying, untouched by the animals. Christians took up the bodies of the holy martyrs by night and buried them with reverence.
Martyr Luke the Deacon
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Luke, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Mocius the Reader
Saint Mocius the Reader suffered in the city of Phoenician Emesa (Homs) in 312 along with St Silvanus the bishop and St Luke the deacon. After tortures, imprisonment and exhaustion by hunger, they were thrown to the wild beasts. The holy martyrs died praying, untouched by the animals. Christians took up the bodies of the holy martyrs by night and buried them with reverence.
Martyr Mocius the Reader
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Mocius, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Ashot Curapalati, King of of Artanuji
In the year 786, Ashot, the son of Adarnerse, ascended the throne of Kartli. From the very beginning of his reign he fought fiercely for the reunification of Georgia. His first step was to take advantage of the Arab Muslims’ weariness and banish them from Tbilisi.
Three years passed and, under the leadership of a new ruler, the reinvigorated Muslims began to hunt for Ashot. The king was forced to flee after he delayed taking action against them. The enemy had again conquered Tbilisi.
Ashot was compelled to leave Kartli, and he departed for Byzantium with his family and small army. The refugees journeyed as far as Javakheti in southern Georgia and stopped near Lake Paravani for a rest. But while they were sleeping, a Saracen army assailed their camp. The king’s army was doomed, but “God helped Ashot Kuropalates and his scant army. He bestowed power upon them, and they defeated an enemy that greatly outnumbered them.” The king was deeply moved by God’s miraculous intervention and decided that, rather than journeying on to Byzantium as he had intended, he would remain in the region of Shavshet-Klarjeti.
At that time southern Georgia was suffering great calamities. A cholera epidemic intensified the struggles of a people devastated by a ruthless enemy. Very few had survived, but that powerless and wearied remnant gladly received Ashot Kuropalates as their new leader, and the king began to restore the region at once.
Ashot Kuropalates restored Artanuji Castle, which had originally been built by King Vakhtang Gorgasali and later ravaged by the Arab general Marwan “the Deaf.” Ashot founded a city nearby and proclaimed it the residence of the Bagrationi royal family of Klarjeti. He also constructed a church in honor of Sts. Peter and Paul. As it is written, “God granted Ashot Kuropalates great strength and many victories.”
The region of Klarjeti took on a new life, and through the efforts of St. Grigol of Khandzta and his companions, the former wasteland was transformed into a borough bustling with churches, monasteries, and schools. Georgian noblemen soon began traveling to Klarjeti to forge their nation’s future with King Ashot and the other God-fearing leaders.
Ashot Kuropalates was not only a leader who campaigned vigorously for the unification of Georgia—he was truly a godly-minded man. With great honor and joy he was the host of Fr. Grigol of Khandzta, a “heavenly man and an earthly angel.” Fr. Grigol blessed Ashot’s kingdom and his inheritance.
Upon those who labored at Khandzta Monastery, Ashot Kuropalates bestowed the best lands, including Shatberdi, to serve as rural estates, which would supply food for the monastery. His children, Adarnerse, Bagrat, and Guaram, would later contribute much of their own fortune to the revival of the monasteries in the KlarjetiWilderness. (Udabno in Georgian. Translated as “wilderness,” these deserted places where hermits made their abodes often attracted monks and pious laymen as the fame of these holy men spread. Over the centuries, with the foundation of numerous monasteries, these deserts became veritable cities and only retained the name “wilderness” in a figurative sense.)
But after some time the usually virtuous King Ashot fell in love with a certain woman. He forgot his honor, his achievements, and his loyalty to God and the nation and took her to Artanuji Castle, an estate that had been built for the queen. St. Grigol, however, heard about the king’s adulterous relationship and became exceedingly sorrowful.
He confronted the king about his behavior, and the desperate Ashot promised to leave the woman, but he could not bring himself to fulfill his promise. So Fr. Grigol took her to Mere Monastery and turned her over to the abbess, Mother Pebronia, without telling Ashot. Upon hearing what had happened, King Ashot pleaded with Mother Pebronia to return the woman, but the abbess refused. At long last Ashot bowed his head to the nun and repented, saying, “Blessed is the man who is no longer alive to this world.”
The king rediscovered his love for God and his country, and he prepared to return to Kartli. But his plans were foiled when a certain Muslim warrior named Khalil invaded, conquering the lands of Kartli, Hereti, and Kvemo Kartli.
Ashot sent his men to assemble an army, but before the troops had been gathered, the Saracens attacked and forced them to flee. The king then traveled to Nigali Gorge with the intent of enlarging his army. Some of the draftees turned out to be traitors, and when the king discovered the betrayal, it was already too late. He hid in a church, but the godless men found him and stabbed him to death in the sanctuary. “They murdered him on the altar, as though slaughtering a sacrificial lamb, and his blood remains there to this day,” writes Sumbat, the son of Davit, in his book Lives of the Bagrationis.
Thus the first Bagrationi king, “a believer, upon whom the inheritance of the Georgian people was established,” was also a martyr. The Georgians took revenge on the murderers of their beloved king. When the people of Doliskana heard that Ashot had been killed, they pursued his murderers and killed them near the Chorokhi River. Venerable Grigol and the Georgian people wept bitterly over the loss of their king and hope. St. Ashot’s holy relics were buried in the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul that he himself had built.
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St Ignatius, Wonderworker and Bishop of Smolensk
Saint Ignatius, Bishop of Smolensk and Wonderworker (+ ca. 1210): By some accounts, St Ignatius was the first bishop of Smolensk. He was a friend of St Abraham (August 21), whom he ordained to the priesthood. Bishop Ignatius was a kindly and pious Elder, heading the trial instigated by St Abraham's enemies, at which the monk was acquitted.
St Ignatius founded a monastery in honor of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God. To him is ascribed the construction of the most ancient Avraamiev monastery in which he spent the remainder of his days, after resigning as bishop. At the death of St Ignatius a miracle occurred: "A great light came down from heaven upon him, and all were filled with fear." The relics of the saint rest in the Smolensk cathedral church.
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St Aphraates of Persia
Saint Aphraates, a Persian who came to believe in Christ, disavowed his illustrious lineage and left his pagan countrymen by going to Edessa, and then to Antioch He attracted many by his holy life, and preached the Word of God to them. He died in the year 370.
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St Sarbelus of Edessa
The Holy Martyr Sarbelus was a pagan priest who lived during the reign of the emperor Trajan (98-117) He and his sister Bebaia were converted by Barsimaius, the Bishop of Edessa. They both received the crown of martyrdom.
St Sarbelus is also commemorated on October 15.
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Martyr Bebaia of Edessa
The Holy Martyr Bebaia lived during the reign of the emperor Trajan (98-117) She and her brother Sarbelus were converted by Barsimaius, the Bishop of Edessa. They both received the crown of martyrdom.
St Bebaia is also commemorated on October 15.
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New Martyr Demetrius
St Akepsimas the martyr
Scriptural Readings:
Colossians 1:3-6 (Epistle)
3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;
5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,
6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
Luke 16:10-15 (Gospel)
10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.
11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?
13 No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him.
15 And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
Daily Readings:
Saints/Martyrs/Feasts/Fasts to be observed/commemmorated/celebrated:
Today's commemorated feasts and saints...
Translation of the Relics of Hieromartyr Ignatius the Godbearer, Bishop of Antioch (107). St. Lavrentii (Lawrence), Recluse, of the Kiev Caves, Bishop of Turov (Near Caves—12th c.). Ss. Gerásim (1441-1467), Pitirím (1445) and Jonah (1470), Bishops of Perm. Martyrs Romanus, Jacob (James), Philotheus, Hyperechius, Abibus, Julian, and Paregonius, at Samosata (297). Martyrs Silvanus, Bishop of Emesa, Luke the Deacon, and Mocius (Mucius) the Reader (312).
Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch
The Transfer of the Relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer: (See December 20). After the holy hieromartyr Ignatius was thrown to the lions in the year 107 on the orders of the emperor Trajan, Christians gathered up his bones and preserved them at Rome.
Later, in the year 108, the saint's relics were collected and buried outside the gate of Daphne at Antioch. A second transfer, to the city of Antioch itself, took place in the year 438. After the capture of Antioch by the Persians, the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius were returned to Rome and placed into the church of the holy Hieromartyr Clement in the year 540 ( in 637, according to other sources).
St Ignatius introduced antiphonal singing into Church services. He has left us seven archpastoral epistles in which he provided instructions on faith, love and good works. He also urged his flock to preserve the unity of the faith and to beware of heretics. He encouraged people to honor and obey their bishops, "we should regard the bishop as we would the Lord Himself" (To the Ephesians 6)
In his Letter to Polycarp, St Ignatius writes: "Listen to the bishop, if you want God to listen to you... let your baptism be your shield, your faith a helmet, your charity a spear, your patience, like full armor." (Compare Eph. 6:14-17 and the Wisdom of Solomon 5:17-20. Also THE LADDER 4:2)
Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch
Kontakion - Tone 4
Today you rose from the east,
enlightening all of creation with your teachings,
and you are crowned with martyrdom, God-bearing Ignatius.
Troparion - Tone 4
By sharing in the ways of the Apostles,
you became you became a successor to their throne.
Through the practice of virtue, you found the way to divine contemplation, O inspired one of God;
by teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith,
even to the shedding of your blood.
Hieromartyr Ignatius, entreat Christ God to save our souls.
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St Laurence the Recluse of the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, and Bishop of Turov, Near Caves
Saint Laurence, Hermit of the Caves and Bishop of Turov, in the Near Caves at first lived as a hermit at the monastery of the Great Martyr Demetrius, built by Great Prince Izyaslav at Kiev near the Monastery of the Caves. Later, he transferred to the Kiev Caves monastery, and was glorified by a gift of healing.
He was elevated to the See of Turov in 1182 (Turov is a city in the Minsk region), and was a successor of St Cyril of Turov (April 28). He died in 1194, and was buried in the Near Caves. His memory is celebrated also on September 28 and on the second Sunday of Great Lent.
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St Gerasimus the Bishop of Perm
Saint Gerasimus was the third bishop of the Zyryan people, and a worthy successor of St Stephen, Enlightener of Perm. He was elevated to the See of Perm sometime after the year 1416, when only part of the Zyryani had been converted to Christianity.
He was concerned for his flock, which suffered incessant incursions from the Novgorodians and pagan Vogulians. He went into the Vogul camps, urging them to stop plundering the defenseless Christians of Perm. On one of these journeys in 1441, he was murdered by his Vogul servant (according to tradition he was strangled with his omophorion). He was buried in the Annunciation church of the village of Ust-Vym not far from the city of Yarenga, at the River Vychegda (also January 24).
Today's common commemoration of these three saints acknowledges their apostolic activity in this Eastern expanse of Russia. St Gerasimus is also commemorated on January 24.
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St Pitirim the Bishop of Perm
Archimandrite Pitirim succeeded St Gerasimus as bishop of Great Perm and Ustiug. Even during his time the Voguli had not ceased attacking the peaceful Zyryani, the settlers of Perm. Bishop Pitirim stood up for his flock just as his predecessor had done.
In 1447 he personally appealed to the Great Prince to help the Zyryani. The saint often visited his flock, which was spread out over a wide territory, instructing them in the Word of God and assisting them in their misfortunes. He undertook long journeys to enlighten the pagan Voguli, during which his life was frequently in danger, and he had to endure all sorts of privation. The saint did not slacken his efforts, he enlightened and instructed people in their homes, in churches, and in the open places.
By his preaching he converted many of the Voguli who lived along the tributaries of the River Pechora, to Christianity. Because of this he aroused the terrible wrath of the leader of the Voguli, Asyk, who murdered the saint in a field as he was serving a Molieben. This occurred not far from Ust-Vym on August 19, 1455. St Pitirim compiled the Life of St Alexis and the Canon for the uncovering of his relics.
The relics of St Pitirim rest in the Annunciation temple in Ust-Vym (in Vologda district).
The common commemoration of these three saints acknowledges their apostolic activity in this Eastern expanse of Russia. St Pitirim is also commemorated on August 19.
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St Jonah the Bishop of Perm
After St Pitirim, St Jonah ascended the throne of Perm. He converted to Christianity the remaining part of Great Perm, i.e. the pagan tribes living along the Rivers Vishera, Kama, Chusova and others. By his efforts the idols were eradicated and in their place churches were built. Experienced pastors were sent to teach the new converts at the church-run schools of Us-Vym.
St Jonah reposed on June 6, 1470. His relics rest together with the relics of Sts Gerasimus and Pitirim in the Annunciation temple in Ust-Vym (in Vologda district).
The commemoration in common of these three saints acknowledges their apostolic activity in this Eastern expanse of Russia. St Jonah is also commemorated on June 6.
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Martyr Romanus at Samosata
The Holy Martyrs Romanus, James, Philotheus, Hyperichius, Habib, Julian and Parigoreas suffered in the year 297, during the persecution by Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). They bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which they were arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. Their bodies were scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around their necks, and they were locked up in prison. Finally, nails were driven into their heads while they were suspended on crosses.
Martyr Romanus at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Romanus, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr James at Samosata
The Holy Martyr James suffered in the year 297, during the persecution of Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). He bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which he was arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. His body was scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around his neck, and he was locked up in prison. Finally, he was crucified and nails were driven into his head.
Martyr James at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr James, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Philotheus at Samosata
The Holy Martyrs Philotheus, Romanus, James, Hyperichius, Habib, Julian and Parigoreas suffered in the year 297, during the persecution by Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). They bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which they were arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. Their bodies were scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around their necks, and they were locked up in prison. Finally, nails were driven into their heads while they were suspended on crosses.
Martyr Philotheus at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Philotheus, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Hyperechius at Samosata
The Holy Martyr Hyperichius suffered in the year 297, during the persecution of Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). He bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which he was arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. His body was scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around his neck, and he was locked up in prison. Finally, he was crucified and nails were driven into his head.
Martyr Hyperechius at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Hyperechius, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Abibus at Samosata
The Holy Martyr Habib suffered in the year 297, during the persecution of Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). He bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which he was arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. His body was scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around his neck, and he was locked up in prison. Finally, he was crucified and nails were driven into his head.
Martyr Abibus at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Abibus, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Julian at Samosata
The Holy Martyr Julian suffered in the year 297, during the persecution by Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). They bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which they were arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. Their bodies were scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around their necks, and they were locked up in prison. Finally, nails were driven into their heads while they were suspended on crosses.
Martyr Julian at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Julian, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Paregonius at Samosata
The Holy Martyr Parigoreas suffered in the year 297, during the persecution by Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). They bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which they were arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. Their bodies were scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around their necks, and they were locked up in prison. Finally, nails were driven into their heads while they were suspended on crosses.
Martyr Paregonius at Samosata
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Paregonius, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Silvanus Bishop of Emesa
Saint Silvanus the bishop suffered in the city of Phoenician Emesa (Homs) in 312 along with St Luke the deacon and Mocius the Reader. After tortures, imprisonment and exhaustion by hunger, they were thrown to the wild beasts. The holy martyrs died praying, untouched by the animals. Christians took up the bodies of the holy martyrs by night and buried them with reverence.
Martyr Silvanus Bishop of Emesa
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Silvanus, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Luke the Deacon
Saint Luke the deacon suffered in the city of Phoenician Emesa (Homs) in 312 along with St Silvanus the bishop and Mocius the Reader. After tortures, imprisonment and exhaustion by hunger, they were thrown to the wild beasts. The holy martyrs died praying, untouched by the animals. Christians took up the bodies of the holy martyrs by night and buried them with reverence.
Martyr Luke the Deacon
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Luke, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Mocius the Reader
Saint Mocius the Reader suffered in the city of Phoenician Emesa (Homs) in 312 along with St Silvanus the bishop and St Luke the deacon. After tortures, imprisonment and exhaustion by hunger, they were thrown to the wild beasts. The holy martyrs died praying, untouched by the animals. Christians took up the bodies of the holy martyrs by night and buried them with reverence.
Martyr Mocius the Reader
Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Mocius, O Lord,
Through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
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Martyr Ashot Curapalati, King of of Artanuji
In the year 786, Ashot, the son of Adarnerse, ascended the throne of Kartli. From the very beginning of his reign he fought fiercely for the reunification of Georgia. His first step was to take advantage of the Arab Muslims’ weariness and banish them from Tbilisi.
Three years passed and, under the leadership of a new ruler, the reinvigorated Muslims began to hunt for Ashot. The king was forced to flee after he delayed taking action against them. The enemy had again conquered Tbilisi.
Ashot was compelled to leave Kartli, and he departed for Byzantium with his family and small army. The refugees journeyed as far as Javakheti in southern Georgia and stopped near Lake Paravani for a rest. But while they were sleeping, a Saracen army assailed their camp. The king’s army was doomed, but “God helped Ashot Kuropalates and his scant army. He bestowed power upon them, and they defeated an enemy that greatly outnumbered them.” The king was deeply moved by God’s miraculous intervention and decided that, rather than journeying on to Byzantium as he had intended, he would remain in the region of Shavshet-Klarjeti.
At that time southern Georgia was suffering great calamities. A cholera epidemic intensified the struggles of a people devastated by a ruthless enemy. Very few had survived, but that powerless and wearied remnant gladly received Ashot Kuropalates as their new leader, and the king began to restore the region at once.
Ashot Kuropalates restored Artanuji Castle, which had originally been built by King Vakhtang Gorgasali and later ravaged by the Arab general Marwan “the Deaf.” Ashot founded a city nearby and proclaimed it the residence of the Bagrationi royal family of Klarjeti. He also constructed a church in honor of Sts. Peter and Paul. As it is written, “God granted Ashot Kuropalates great strength and many victories.”
The region of Klarjeti took on a new life, and through the efforts of St. Grigol of Khandzta and his companions, the former wasteland was transformed into a borough bustling with churches, monasteries, and schools. Georgian noblemen soon began traveling to Klarjeti to forge their nation’s future with King Ashot and the other God-fearing leaders.
Ashot Kuropalates was not only a leader who campaigned vigorously for the unification of Georgia—he was truly a godly-minded man. With great honor and joy he was the host of Fr. Grigol of Khandzta, a “heavenly man and an earthly angel.” Fr. Grigol blessed Ashot’s kingdom and his inheritance.
Upon those who labored at Khandzta Monastery, Ashot Kuropalates bestowed the best lands, including Shatberdi, to serve as rural estates, which would supply food for the monastery. His children, Adarnerse, Bagrat, and Guaram, would later contribute much of their own fortune to the revival of the monasteries in the KlarjetiWilderness. (Udabno in Georgian. Translated as “wilderness,” these deserted places where hermits made their abodes often attracted monks and pious laymen as the fame of these holy men spread. Over the centuries, with the foundation of numerous monasteries, these deserts became veritable cities and only retained the name “wilderness” in a figurative sense.)
But after some time the usually virtuous King Ashot fell in love with a certain woman. He forgot his honor, his achievements, and his loyalty to God and the nation and took her to Artanuji Castle, an estate that had been built for the queen. St. Grigol, however, heard about the king’s adulterous relationship and became exceedingly sorrowful.
He confronted the king about his behavior, and the desperate Ashot promised to leave the woman, but he could not bring himself to fulfill his promise. So Fr. Grigol took her to Mere Monastery and turned her over to the abbess, Mother Pebronia, without telling Ashot. Upon hearing what had happened, King Ashot pleaded with Mother Pebronia to return the woman, but the abbess refused. At long last Ashot bowed his head to the nun and repented, saying, “Blessed is the man who is no longer alive to this world.”
The king rediscovered his love for God and his country, and he prepared to return to Kartli. But his plans were foiled when a certain Muslim warrior named Khalil invaded, conquering the lands of Kartli, Hereti, and Kvemo Kartli.
Ashot sent his men to assemble an army, but before the troops had been gathered, the Saracens attacked and forced them to flee. The king then traveled to Nigali Gorge with the intent of enlarging his army. Some of the draftees turned out to be traitors, and when the king discovered the betrayal, it was already too late. He hid in a church, but the godless men found him and stabbed him to death in the sanctuary. “They murdered him on the altar, as though slaughtering a sacrificial lamb, and his blood remains there to this day,” writes Sumbat, the son of Davit, in his book Lives of the Bagrationis.
Thus the first Bagrationi king, “a believer, upon whom the inheritance of the Georgian people was established,” was also a martyr. The Georgians took revenge on the murderers of their beloved king. When the people of Doliskana heard that Ashot had been killed, they pursued his murderers and killed them near the Chorokhi River. Venerable Grigol and the Georgian people wept bitterly over the loss of their king and hope. St. Ashot’s holy relics were buried in the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul that he himself had built.
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St Ignatius, Wonderworker and Bishop of Smolensk
Saint Ignatius, Bishop of Smolensk and Wonderworker (+ ca. 1210): By some accounts, St Ignatius was the first bishop of Smolensk. He was a friend of St Abraham (August 21), whom he ordained to the priesthood. Bishop Ignatius was a kindly and pious Elder, heading the trial instigated by St Abraham's enemies, at which the monk was acquitted.
St Ignatius founded a monastery in honor of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God. To him is ascribed the construction of the most ancient Avraamiev monastery in which he spent the remainder of his days, after resigning as bishop. At the death of St Ignatius a miracle occurred: "A great light came down from heaven upon him, and all were filled with fear." The relics of the saint rest in the Smolensk cathedral church.
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St Aphraates of Persia
Saint Aphraates, a Persian who came to believe in Christ, disavowed his illustrious lineage and left his pagan countrymen by going to Edessa, and then to Antioch He attracted many by his holy life, and preached the Word of God to them. He died in the year 370.
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St Sarbelus of Edessa
The Holy Martyr Sarbelus was a pagan priest who lived during the reign of the emperor Trajan (98-117) He and his sister Bebaia were converted by Barsimaius, the Bishop of Edessa. They both received the crown of martyrdom.
St Sarbelus is also commemorated on October 15.
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Martyr Bebaia of Edessa
The Holy Martyr Bebaia lived during the reign of the emperor Trajan (98-117) She and her brother Sarbelus were converted by Barsimaius, the Bishop of Edessa. They both received the crown of martyrdom.
St Bebaia is also commemorated on October 15.
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New Martyr Demetrius
St Akepsimas the martyr
Scriptural Readings:
Colossians 1:3-6 (Epistle)
3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;
5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,
6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
Luke 16:10-15 (Gospel)
10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.
11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?
13 No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him.
15 And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
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