Armenia, 300-399, 4th Century Folder, St Theodore Stratelates of Pontus, St Peter of Sebaste.kmz

Armenia, 300-399, 4th Century Folder, St Theodore Stratelates of Pontus, St Peter of Sebaste

Armenia, 301-303, Irenarchus at Sebaste, Armenia, ministered in prison, confessed w 7 courageous women, fire water, beheaded
Armenia, 301-303, Irenarchus at Sebaste, Armenia (Iris River Source, Kizilirmak River 1), ministered to martyrs in prison, marveled at women courage, by divine grace confessed Christ, fire water trials, beheaded w 7 women; Sebaste, Armenia ; Martyr Irenarchus at Sebaste, Commemorated on November 28 ; Holy Martyr Irenarchus was from Sebaste, Armenia, and lived during the reign of Diocletian (284-305). he was young, he would minister to the martyrs in prison after they were tortured. once saw seven women being tortured for Christ, who bravely endured their torments. Saint Irenarchus marveled at this because they showed great courage in standing up to the tyrant, even though they were weak by nature. by divine grace, Saint Irenarchus confessed Christ. he endured trials by fire and water, then he was beheaded with the seven holy women in the year 303.

Armenia, 301, Kyriake of Nicomedia, at Melitene, Armenia, beautiful, wealthy, virgin dedicated to Christ, refused marriage
Armenia, 301, Kyriake of Nicomedia, at Melitene, Armenia, young and beautiful, wealthy parents, virgin dedicated to Christ, refused marriage, Diocletian, Maximian, suspended by hair, burned w torches, became more courageous, Christ appeared, healed, earthquake destroyed idols, Hilarion blasphemed and died on spot by lightning, fire, wild beasts, sword but angels took her soul; Armenia, 301, Martyr Kyriake of Nicomedia, at Melitene, Armenia; Kyriake was the only child of Dorotheus and Eusebia. Since she was born on a Sunday (Kyriake, in Greek), she was named Kyriake. day a wealthy magistrate wished to betroth Kyriake to his son. Not only was she young and beautiful, but her parents were wealthy, and the magistrate wished to control that wealth. The magistrate went to her parents to request her hand, but Saint Kyriake told him that she wished to remain a virgin, for she had dedicated herself to Christ. magistrate was angered by her words, so he went to the emperor Diocletian to denounce the saint and her parents as Christians who mocked the idols, and refused to offer sacrifice to them. sent soldiers to arrest the family and have them brought before him. He asked them why they would not honor the gods which he himself honored. They told him that these were false gods, and that Christ was the one true God. was beaten until the soldiers grew tired and were unable to continue. Since neither flattery nor torment had any effect, Diocletian sent Dorotheus and Eusebia to Melitene on the eastern border between Cappadocia and Armenia. Then he sent Saint Kyriake to be interrogated by his son-in-law and co-ruler Maximian at Nicomedia. urged her not to throw her life away, promising her wealth and marriage to one of Diocletian'™s relatives if she would worship the pagan gods. Kyriake replied that she would never renounce Christ, nor did she desire worldly riches. Enraged by her bold answer, Maximian had her flogged. The soldiers who administered this punishment became tired, and had to be replaced three times. by his failure to overcome a young woman, Maximian sent Saint Kyriake to Hilarion, the eparch of Bithynia, at Chalcedon. He told Hilarion to either convert Kyriake to paganism, or send her back to him. the same promises and threats that Diocletian and Maximian had made before, Hilarion was no more successful than they were. Kyriake challenged him to do his worst, because Christ would help her to triumph. The saint was suspended by her hair for several hours, while soldiers burned her body with torches. Not only did she endure all this, she also seemed to become more courageous under torture. Finally, she was taken down and put into a prison cell. night Christ appeared to her and healed her wounds. When Hilarion saw her the next day, he declared that she had been healed by the gods because they pitied her. Then Hilarion urged her to go to the temple to give thanks to the gods. She told him that she had been healed by Christ, but agreed to go to the temple. The eparch rejoiced, thinking that he had defeated her. the temple, Saint Kyriake prayed that God would destroy the soulless idols. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake which toppled the idols, shattering them to pieces. Everyone fled the temple in fear, leaving Hilarion behind. Instead of recognizing the power of Christ, the eparch blasphemed the true God as the destroyer of his pagan gods. He was struck by a bolt of lightning and died on the spot. Kyriake was tortured again by Apollonius, who succeeded Hilarion as eparch. When she was cast into a fire, the flames were extinguished. When she was thrown to wild beasts, they became tame and gentle. Therefore, Apollonius sentenced her to death by the sword. She was permitted time to pray, so she asked God to receive her soul, and to remember those who honored her martyrdom. as Saint Kyriake ended her prayer, angels took her soul before the soldiers could strike off her head. Pious Christians took her relics and buried them in a place of honor.

Armenia, 301-306, Gurias of Edessa, Armenia, Confessors, Samonas prayer, Habibus burned, unharmed body, Goth Soldier story
301-306, Gurias of Edessa, Armenia, Confessors, Martyrs, Samonas prayer, then years, Licinius, Habibus burned, unharmed body, Goth Soldier and pious virgin Euphemia, deception witness, slavery, miraculous return; Edessa, Syria; Holy Martyrs and Confessors Gurias, Samonas, and Abibus, of Edessa, Commemorated on November 15; Holy Martyrs and Confessors Gurias, Samonas and Habibus: during the persecution against Christians under the emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305-311). The two friends Gurias and Samonas, preachers of the Word of God, were arrested in the city of Edessa. saints refused to offer sacrifice to the gods, and boldly confessed their faith in Christ. For this they were subjected to cruel tortures: they were beaten, hung up by their hands, heavy weights were tied to their feet, and they were cast into a stifling prison. martyrs endured everything with firmness and Samonas uttered a prayer to the Lord, which one of the witnesses to their death wrote down: “O Lord my God, against Whose will not a single sparrow falls into the snare. It was You Who made room for David in his sorrow (Ps. 4:1), Who proved the Prophet David stronger than lions (Dan. 6:16-24), and granted a child of Abraham to be victor over torture and flames (Dan. ch. 3, ch. 14). You know also, Lord, the infirmity of our nature, You see the struggle set before us. Our foe strives to snatch us, the work of Your right hand, away from You and to deprive us of the glory which is in You. With Your compassionate eye watching over us, preserve in us the inextinguishable light of Your Commandments. Guide our steps by Your light, and make us worthy of Your Kingdom, for You are blessed unto ages of ages.” night, they took the martyrs out beyond the city and beheaded them (+ 299-306). Christians buried their holy bodies with reverence. some years, the last pagan emperor, Licinius (311-324), began a persecution against Christians. a deacon of the Church of Edessa whom the emperor ordered to be arrested for his zealous spreading of the true Faith, presented himself before the executioners when he learned they were searching for him. The saint confessed his faith in Christ and was sentenced to be burned alive. The martyr went willingly into the fire and with a prayer surrendered his soul to the Lord. When the fire went out, the mother and relatives of the saint found his body unharmed. They buried the martyr next to Saints Gurias and Samonas. the death of the saints, numerous miracles were wrought by them for those who entreated their help with faith and love. a certain Gothic soldier, sent to serve at Edessa, took the pious virgin Euphemia as his wife. Before this the barbarian vowed to her mother Sophia at the graves of the Martyrs Gurias, Samonas and Habibus that he would do his spouse no harm, and would never insult her, but would always love and cherish her. the completion of his service in Edessa, he took Euphemia with him back to his native land. It turned out that he had deceived her, for he already had a wife at home, and Euphemia became her slave. Her evil husband threatened to kill her if she revealed to anyone that they were married. Euphemia suffered much abuse and humiliation. When she gave birth to a son, the jealous Gothic woman poisoned him. Euphemia turned with prayer to the holy Martyrs Gurias, Samonas and Habibus, the witnesses to the perjurer’s oath, and the Lord delivered Euphemia from her suffering and miraculously returned her to Edessa, where she was welcomed by her mother. a certain while the Goth was again sent to serve in Edessa. The whole city learned of his misdeeds after he was denounced by Sophia. The Goth was executed by order of the prefect of the city. an Akathist, the Holy Church addresses the martyrs: “Rejoice, Gurias, Samonas and Habibus, Heavenly Patrons of honorable marriage.” We pray to them for deliverance from family turmoil, and from marital difficulties, especially where one spouse hates the other without cause.

Armenia, 301-316, Blaise, Sebaste, Armenia , blessed&healed wild beasts, wolf returns small pig, walked on lake, 68 died trying
Armenia, 300-316, Blaise, Bishop o Sebaste, Armenia (Kizilirmak River 1, Iris River Source), righteous life, Diocletian and Licinius persecution, hid on mt in cave, wild beasts to him, blessed and healed them,looking for wild beasts to torture, they arested him, along the way he worked miracles, wolf returns small pig, he called gods devils, 7 holy women threw idols to deep lake, ordered to be thrown in lake he walked on it, 68 died trying it with gods help; Sebaste, Cappadocia, Armenia; Hieromartyr Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Hieromartyr Blaise (Blasius), Bishop of Sebaste, was known for his righteous and devout life. chosen by the people, he was consecrated Bishop of Sebaste. occurred during the reign of the Roman emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Licinius (307-324), fierce persecutors of Christians. Blaise encouraged his flock, visited the imprisoned, and gave support to the martyrs. hid themselves from the persecutors by going off to desolate and solitary places. Saint Blaise also hid himself away on Mount Argeos, where he lived in a cave. Wild beasts came up to him and meekly waited until the saint finished his prayer and blessed them. The saint also healed sick animals by laying his hands upon them. refuge of the saint was discovered by servants of the governor Agrilaus, who had come to capture wild beasts to loose on the Christian martyrs. servants reported to their master that Christians were hiding on the mountain, and he gave orders to arrest them. But those sent out found there only the Bishop of Sebaste. Glorifying God Who had summoned him to this exploit, Saint Blaise followed the soldiers. the way the saint healed the sick and worked other miracles. a destitute widow complained to him of her misfortune. A wolf had carried off a small pig, her only possession. The bishop smiled and said to her, “Do not weep, your pig will be returned to you...” To the astonishment of everyone, the wolf came running back and returned his prey unharmed. greeting the bishop with words of deceit, called him a companion of the gods. The saint answer6ed the greeting, but he called the gods devils. Then they beat him and led him off to prison. the next day, they subjected the saint to tortures again. When they led him back to the prison, seven women followed behind and gathered up the drops of blood. They arrested them and tried to compel them to worship the idols. The women pretended to consent to this and said that first they needed to wash the idols in the waters of a lake. They took the idols and threw them in a very deep part of the lake, and after this the Christians were fiercely tortured. The saints stoically endured the torments, strengthened by the grace of God, their bodies were transformed and became white as snow. One of the women had two young sons, who implored their mother to help them attain the Kingdom of Heaven, and she entrusted them to the care of Saint Blaise. The seven holy women were beheaded. Blaise was again brought before Agrilaus, and again he unflinchingly confessed his faith in Christ. The governor ordered that the martyr be thrown into a lake. The saint, going down to the water, signed himself with the Sign of the Cross, and he walked on it as though on dry land. the pagans standing about on shore, he challenged them to come to him while calling on the help of their gods. Sixty-eight men of the governor’s retinue entered the water, and immediately drowned. The saint, however, heeding the angel who had appeared to him, returned to shore. was in a rage over losing his finest servants, and he gave orders to behead Saint Blaise, and the two sons of the woman martyr entrusted to him. Before his death, the martyr prayed for the whole world, and especially for those honoring his memory. This occurred in about the year 316. relics of the Hieromartyr Blaise were brought to the West during the time of the Crusades, and portions of the relics are preserved in many of the lands of Europe [and his memory traditionally honored there on February 3]. pray to Saint Blaise for the health of domestic animals, and for protection from wild beasts.

Armenia, 301-319, Theodore Stratelates, killed serpent, Heraclea commander&successful preacher, fruitful death, angel revived
Armenia, 301-319, Theodore Stratelates, Euchaita, Pontine, Armenia (Iris River 2), endowed w many talents, handsome, charity, killed giant serpent, Heraclea commander & successful preacher, Licinius 311-324, come to me w your idols, smashed them and distributed to poor, tortured, iron rods, sharp spikes, fire, eyes, crucified, fruitful death, angel healed him, unharmed, voluntarily surrendered, encouraged no revenge, opened prison doors by word, beheaded; Euchaita; Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates œthe General, Commemorated on February 8; Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates came from the city of Euchaita in Asia Minor. was endowed with many talents, and was handsome in appearance. For his charity God enlightened him with the knowledge of Christian truth. The bravery of the saintly soldier was revealed after he, with the help of God, killed a giant serpent living on a precipice in the outskirts of Euchaita. The serpent had devoured many people and animals, terrorizing the countryside. Saint Theodore armed himself with a sword and vanquished it, glorifying the name of Christ among the people. his bravery Saint Theodore was appointed military commander [stratelatos] in the city of Heraclea, where he combined his military service with preaching the Gospel among the pagans subject to him. His gift of persuasion, reinforced by his personal example of Christian life, turned many from their false gods. Soon, nearly all of Heraclea had accepted Christianity. this time the emperor Licinius (311-324) began a fierce persecution against Christians. In an effort to stamp out the new faith, he persecuted the enlightened adherents of Christianity, who were perceived as a threat to paganism. Among these was Saint Theodore. Licinius tried to force Saint Theodore to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. The saint invited Licinius to come to him with his idols so both of them could offer sacrifice before the people. by his hatred for Christianity, Licinius trusted the words of the saint, but he was disappointed. Saint Theodore smashed the gold and silver statues into pieces, which he then distributed to the poor. Thus he demonstrated the vain faith in soulless idols, and also displayed Christian charity. Theodore was arrested and subjected to fierce and refined torture. He was dragged on the ground, beaten with iron rods, had his body pierced with sharp spikes, was burned with fire, and his eyes were plucked out. Finally, he was crucified. Varus, the servant of Saint Theodore, barely had the strength to write down the incredible torments of his master. however, in His great mercy, willed that the death of Saint Theodore should be as fruitful for those near him as his life was. An angel healed the saint’s wounded body and took him down from the cross. In the morning, the imperial soldiers found him alive and unharmed. Seeing with their own eyes the infinite might of the Christian God, they were baptized not far from the place of the unsuccessful execution. Saint Theodore became “like a day of splendor” for those pagans dwelling in the darkness of idolatary, and he enlightened their souls “with the bright rays of his suffering.” Unwilling to escape martyrdom for Christ, Saint Theodore voluntarily surrendered himself to Licinius, and discouraged the Christians from rising up against the torturer, saying, “Beloved, halt! My Lord Jesus Christ, hanging upon the Cross, restrained the angels and did not permit them to take revenge on the race of man.” to execution, the holy martyr opened up the prison doors with just a word and freed the prisoners from their bonds. People who touched his robe were healed instantly from sicknesses, and freed from demonic possession. By order of the emperor, Saint Theodore was beheaded by the sword. Before his death he told Varus, “ Do not fail to record the day of my death, and bury my body in Euchaita.” He also asked to be remembered each year on this date. Then he bent his neck beneath the sword, and received the crown of martyrdom which he had sought. This occurred on February 8, 319, on a Saturday, at the third hour of the day. Theodore is regarded as the patron saint of soldiers. He is also commemorated on June 8.

Armenia, 301-351, Paul oNeocaesarea, suffered under Licinius, hunger, red-hot iron on hands, 3EC, Constantine kissed hands
Armenia, 301-351, Paul, Bishop oNeocaesarea, Pontus, Armenia (Kelkit River 3), suffered under Licinius, hunger, red-hot iron on hands, prison, after L executed i324 Constantine sole ruler, Christians freed, returned tNeocaesarea, tFirst EC, emperor kissed burned hand, lived long time; Neocaesarea; St Paul the Bishop of Neocaesarea, Commemorated December 23 ; Paul, Bishop of Neocaesarea, under the emperor Licinius (311-324). his trial he firmly confessed his faith, and was subjected to beatings. They tortured him also with hunger, but he remained steadfast. Then they scorched his hands with red-hot iron and locked him in a prison at the banks of the Euphrates. Licinius was executed in the year 324, Saint Constantine became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire, Christians in prison received their freedom, Paul returned to his flock. was a participant at the First Ecmenical Council at Nicea, convened in the year 325, at which the Arian heresy was condemned and the Symbol of Faith adopted. the end of the Council, the Emperor Constantine solemnly received the Council participants and kissed Saint Paul’s burned hand. long years of guiding his flock, Saint Paul peacefully fell asleep in the Lord.

Armenia, 303, Eugene+3, Trebizond, Pontine, Armenia (Black Sea, Silk Road, Harsit River) &Harsit Hills, hot oven+ unharmed
Armenia, 303, Eugene+3 Martyrs, Trebizond, Pontine, Armenia (Black Sea, Silk Road, Harsit River), tortured w thongs, iron claws, fire, vinegar&salt, red hot oven, unharmed, then beheaded; Trebizond (Black Sea, Silk Road) ; Martyrs Eugene, Candidus, Valerian, and Aquila, at Trebizond, Commemorated on January 21; Holy Martyrs Eugene, Candidus, Valerian and Aquila suffered for their faith in Christ during the reign of Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305-311), under the regimental commander Lycius. Candidus and Aquila had hidden themselves in the hills near Trebizond, preferring life among the wild beasts to living with the pagans. were soon found, however, and brought to Trebizond. their bold and steadfast confession of faith in Christ the holy martyrs were whipped with ox thongs, scraped with iron claws, then were burned with fire. days later Saint Eugene was also arrested, and subjected to the same tortures. they poured vinegar laced with salt into his wounds. these torments, they threw the four martyrs into a red-hot oven. they emerged from it unharmed, they were beheaded, receiving their incorruptible crowns from God.

Armenia, 303, Martyr Eustathius of Nicea, Nicomedia, Bithynia, Gangra, Pathlagonia, Armenia, fierce tortures, rich children
Bithynia, 303, Martyr Eustathius of Nicea, Nicomedia, Bithynia, Gangra, Pathlagonia, Armenia, fierce tortures, rich children; Nicea (Nicaea); Martyr Eustathius of Nicea, Commemorated on November 20 ; Holy Martyrs Eustathius, Thespesius and Anatolius, natives of the city of Gangra, were the children of a rich merchant. They were baptized by Bishop Anthimus of Nicomedia (September 3). They died as martyrs at Nicea, after suffering fierce tortures.

Armenia, 303-311, Barlaam of Caesarea, Cappadocia and Antioch, Syria, held on to the red hot censer, until hand fell off
Armenia, 303-311, Barlaam of Caesarea, Cappadocia and Antioch, Syria, held on to the red hot censer, until hand fell off, fAntioch Syria, Diocletian Persecution time 303-311, Aged, arrested, confessed, red-hot cencer over pagan altar, hand fell off then died; Caesurea, Cappadocia; Martyr Barlaam of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated November 19 ; Holy Martyr Barlaam lived in Antioch of Syria. During Diocletian’s persecution against Christians, the aged Saint Barlaam was arrested and brought to trial, where he confessed himself a Christian. judge, wanting to compel the saint to renounce Christ, ordered that Saint Barlaam be brought to the pagan altar. His right hand was placed over it, and a red-hot censer burning with incense was put into his hand. The torturer thought that a physically weak old man could not endure the pain and would drop it on the altar. In this way he would involuntarily be offering sacrifice to the idol. However, the saint held on to the censer until his hand fell off. After this, the holy Martyr Barlaam surrendered his soul to the Lord.

Armenia, 304, Calliopius at Pompeiopolis, dedicated to God, survived torture, crucified
Cilicia, 304, Calliopius at Pompeiopolis , Cilicia and (near Seyhan River Mouth) and Pompeiopolis in Paphlagonia, Armenia, dedicated to God, survived iron rods, iron wheel, roasted, encouraged by mother, crucified upside down, buried w mother ; Cilician Pompeiopolis ; Martyr Calliopius at Pompeiopolis in Cilicia, Commemorated on April 7; Holy Martyr Calliopius was born in Perge, Pamphylia of the pious woman Theoklia, wife of a renowned senator. Theoklia was childless for a long time. She fervently prayed for a son, vowing to dedicate him to God. after the birth of her son Theoklia was widowed. When Saint Calliopius reached adolescence, a fierce persecution against Christians began. Theoklia, learning that her son would be denounced as a Christian, sent him to Cilicia in Asia Minor. the saint arrived at Pompeiopolis, Paphlagonia there was a celebration in honor of the pagan gods. They invited the youth to take part in the proceedings, but he said he was a Christian and refused. They reported this to the prefect of the city Maximus. Saint Calliopius was brought before him to be tried. At first, he attempted to persuade Calliopius to worship the gods, promising to give him his own daughter in marriage. After the youth rejected this offer, Maximus subjected him to terrible tortures. He ordered the martyr to be beaten on the back with iron rods, and on the stomach with ox-hide thongs. Finally, the prefect had him tied to an iron wheel, and he was roasted over a slow fire. After these tortures, they threw the martyr Calliopius into prison. Theoklia heard about the sufferings of her son, she wrote her last will, freed her slaves, distributed her riches to the poor, and hastened to Saint Calliopius. The brave mother gave money to the guard and got into the prison to see her son. There she encouraged him to endure suffering to the end for Christ. on the following day the saint refused to renounce Christ, Maximus gave orders to crucify the martyr. The day of execution happened to be Great Thursday, when the Savior’s last meal with His disciples is commemorated. begged the guard to crucify her son head downward, since she considered it unworthy for him to be crucified like the Lord. Her wish was granted. The holy martyr hung on the cross overnight and died on Great Friday in the year 304. the holy martyr was removed from the cross, Theoklia gave glory to the Savior. She embraced the lifeless body of her son and gave up her own spirit to God. Christians buried their bodies in a single grave.

Armenia, 304, Capitolina &Eroteis oCappadocia, Armenia, C rich, but no regard, E threw rock, both beheaded fConfessing Christ
Armenia, 304, Capitolina and Eroteis of Cappadocia, Armenia (Central Anatolia, Great Road Ephesus to Euphrates, Kizilirmak River), C rich, but no regard, E threw rock, both beheaded for confessing Christ; Cappadocia; Martyrs Capitolina and Eroteis of Cappadocia, Commemorated on October 27; Capitolina (Καπιτωλίνη) and Eroteis (Ερωτηίς) lived during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, when Zilikinthios (Ζιλικίνθιος) was the magistrate of Cappadocia (ca. 304). was a noble and wealthy lady, she had no regard for riches. she divided all of her property among the poor, and freed her slaves. she was arrested as a Christian and appeared before Zilikinthios, she confessed her faith in Christ. ordered her to be thrown into a nearby prison, and she was beheaded the next day. who was Capitolina’s servant, picked up some stones and threw them at the magistrate. he commanded his guards to beat her mercilessly with sticks. the grace of Christ, however, the Saint remained unharmed. he ordered them to behead her with a sword. this manner, both of these Saints, the lady and her servant, died by the sword, thereby winning imperishable crowns of glory from Christ.

Armenia, 304, Orestes oCappadocia, Armenia, fTyana, soldier, tortured, Establish sign wMe to shame them, earthquake, 1685 vision arms&legs
Armenia, 304, Orestes oCappadocia, Armenia (Central Anatolia), fTyana, soldier, devoted tChrist, refused pagan worship, Maximinus tTyana stamp out C, O refused riches, flogged naked, jail 7days, tPagan Temple, willing subject earthly matters but no king but true God, lashes, rods, rawhide, fire, Establish wMe aSign fGood, to shame who hate me, earthquake idols smashed Temple collapsed, prison 7days nFoodoDrink, resume torture 20 nails into legs, tied wild horse, dragged tDeath, 1685 vision Orestes says also both arms and both legs cut off; Cappadocia; Martyr Orestes of Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 10 ; Martyr Orestes the Physician lived in the city of Tyana in Cappadocia during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-311). was an illustrious and capable soldier, from his childhood he had been a devoted servant of Christ, a sacrifice of praise to God with a pure heart, and refusing to worship the demons which the pagans call "gods." the Emperor's command, the military officer Maximinus was sent to Tyana to stamp out Christianity, by then had spread throughout Cappadocia. was among the first brought to trial before Maximinus. Courageously, he confessed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. prosecutor offered the Saint riches, honors and fame if he would become an idolater, but Saint Orestes would not agree to this. tried in many ways, to force him to deny Christ. Even with the pressures they exerted upon him, they were unable to convince him to worship the idols. they stripped him naked, beat him up, and flogged him as a punishment. Afterward, he was put in jail for seven days. the end of the seventh day he was taken to a pagan temple to offer sacrifice and worship to the idols. asked him, "Do you still refuse to convert to the worship which is offered with such reverence by our august emperors?" replied that he was a willing subject when it came to political and earthly matters. Apart from that, however, he would not recognize any king except the one true God. ordered that Orestes be taken to a pagan temple and once again, demanded that he worship the idols. he refused, forty soldiers took turns, one after the other, beating the holy martyr with lashes, with rods, with rawhide, and then they tormented him with fire. Orestes cried out to the Lord, “Establish with me a sign for good, let those who hate me see it and be put to shame” (Psalm 85/86:17). Lord heard the prayer of His faithful servant. The earth began to tremble, and the idols toppled and were smashed. Everyone rushed out of the temple, and when Saint Orestes came out, the entire temple collapsed. Maximinus ordered the holy martyr to be locked up in prison for seven days giving him neither food nor drink, and to resume the torture on the eighth day. hammered twenty nails into the martyr’s legs, and then tied him to a wild horse. over the stones, the holy martyr departed to the Lord in the year 304, and his relics were thrown into the sea. 1685, when Saint Dēmḗtrios, later the Bishop of Rostov, (October 28) had just finished writing the Life of Saint Orestes to be printed by the Kiev Caves Lavra, he became tired and fell asleep. Orestes appeared to him one night in a dream, during the Nativity Fast, just before Matins. With a joyful countenance, he said, "I suffered more torments for Christ than these." the Martyr bared his chest and showed Saint Dēmḗtrios the deep wound in his left side. "Here," he said, "they pierced me with a spear." Saint Orestes showed him his right elbow and said, "Here they cut off my arm." he showed him his left arm with a similar wound, saying "They cut off this arm here." this he bent over and showed him one leg, and then the other, with wounds behind the knee. He said, "My legs were cut off with a scythe." this the Martyr stood up and looked the writer in the face, and declared, "Now you see that I suffered more torments for Christ than you have described.” humble monk wondered whether this was Saint Orestes, one of the Five Martyrs of Sebaste (December 13). if in answer to his thoughts the Martyr said, “I am not that Orestes, but him whose Life you have just finished writing.” then, the bells rang for Matins, and the vision ended.

Armenia, 304, Athenodorus oHaran, near Edessa, arrested as Christian, Fierce tortures, miracles, many pagans converted
Mesopotamia, 304, Athenodorus oHaran, Upper Mesopotamia, near Edessa, Syrian Mesopotamia, Assryia, monk fYouth, as Christian arrested condemned tFierce tortures, miracles accompanied martyrtom which converted many pagans i304; Haran, Upper Messopotamia; (Arabic: حران, romanized: Ḥarrān), also known as Carrhae (Greek: Kάρραι, romanized: Kárrhai), is a rural town and district of the Şanlıurfa Province in southeastern Turkey, approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of Urfa and 20 kilometers from the border crossing with Syria at Akçakale. was founded at some point between the 25th and 20th centuries BC as a merchant colony by Sumerian traders from Ur. Over the course of its early history, Harran rapidly grew into a major Mesopotamian cultural, commercial and religious center. It was made a religiously and politically influential city through its association with the moon-god Sin; many prominent Mesopotamian rulers consulted with and renovated the moon-temple of Ekhulkhul in Harran. Harran came under Assyrian rule under Adad-nirari I (r. 1305–1274 BC) and became a provincial capital often second in importance only to the Assyrian capital of Assur itself. During the collapse of the Assyrian Empire, Harran briefly served as the final capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire 612–609 BC. city continued to be prominent after the fall of Assyria and experienced varying degrees of foreign cultural influence during its time under the Neo-Babylonian (609–539 BC), Achaemenid (539–330 BC), Macedonian (330–312 BC) and Seleucid (312–132 BC) empires. During classical antiquity Harran was often contested between the Roman and Parthian (later Sasanian) empires. In 53 BC Harran was the site of the Battle of Carrhae, one of the worst military defeats in Roman history. The Harranian moon cult of Sin proved to be enduring and lasted long into the Middle Ages, known to have existed as late as the 11th century AD. Harran was captured by the Rashidun Caliphate in 640 and remained an important city in the Islamic period. It flourished as a center of science and learning and was the site of both the first Islamic university (the Harran University)[3][a] and the oldest mosque in Anatolia[b] (the Harran Grand Mosque [tr]).[5] Harran twice served as a capital city in the Middle Ages, first briefly under the Umayyad Caliphate 744–750 and later under the Numayrid Emirate 990–1081. city was conquered by the Mongol Empire in 1260 but was largely destroyed and left abandoned in 1271. Although Harran was kept as a military outpost under some later regimes, it has over the last five centuries mainly been used as a temporary settlement by local nomadic societies. Harran retransitioned into a semi-permanent village settlement in the 1840s but has only recently grown into a permanent town through advancements in local irrigation and agriculture. Harran was a Turkish district until 1946, after when it was downgraded to a sub-district of the Akçakale district. It regained its status as a district in 1987.[6] Today, it is a major local tourist spot. The town is particularly famous for its unique beehive houses, which are reminiscent of buildings that were already present at Harran in ancient Mesopotamian times. Martyr Athenodorus of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on December 7; Righteous Jacob, Commemorated on December 11; Holy Martyr Athenodorus, from Syrian Mesopotamia, led a monastic life from his youth. as a Christian, he was arrested and condemned to fierce tortures by the governor of the land, Eleusius. accompanied the martyrdom of the saint, converted many of the pagans to the Christian Faith. was beheaded in the year 304.

Armenia, 306, Theodore the Recruit, confessed Christ, Jesus appearance, climed into fire, body not burned, 363 Kolva instead
Armenia, 306, Theodore the Recruit, Alasium, Pontine, Armenia, soldier, commanded to idol sacrifice, loudly confessed Christ, temple fire, starvation sentence, Jesus appearance, climed into fire, body not burned, 363 T appeared to warn of blood on food, Kolva instead; Alasium or Amasea; Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro "œthe Recruit"), Commemorated on February 17; Holy Great Martyr Theodore the Recruit (Tyro) was a soldier in the city of Alasium of the Pontine district (northeast province of Asia Minor, stretching along the coast of the Euxine, i.e. the Black Sea), under the command of a certain Brincus. commanded him to offer sacrifice to idols. Saint Theodore firmly confessed his faith in Christ the Savior in a loud voice. The commander gave him several days to think it over, during which time Saint Theodore prayed. charged him with setting a pagan temple on fire, and threw him into prison to be starved to death. The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him there, comforting and encouraging him. Brought to the governor, Saint Theodore boldly and fearlessly confessed his faith, for which he was subjected to new torments and condemned to burning. The martyr Theodore climbed onto the fire without hesitation, and with prayer gave up his holy soul to God. occurred in about the year 306 under the Roman emperor Galerius (305-311). by the fire, the body of Saint Theodore was buried in the city of Euchaita, not far from Amasium. His relics were afterwards transferred to Constantinople, to a church dedicated to him. His head is in Italy, in the city of Gaeto. on, fifty years after the death of Saint Theodore, the emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363), wanting to commit an outrage upon the Christians, commanded the city-commander of Constantinople during the first week of Great Lent to sprinkle all the food provisions in the marketplaces with the blood offered to idols. Saint Theodore appeared in a dream to Archbishop Eudoxius, ordering him to inform all the Christians that no one should buy anything at the marketplaces, but rather to eat cooked wheat with honey (kolyva). memory of this occurrence, the Orthodox Church annually celebrates the holy Great Martyr Theodore the Recruit on the first Saturday of Great Lent. On Friday evening, at the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts following the prayer at the ambo, the Canon to the holy Great Martyr Theodore, composed by Saint John of Damascus, is sung. After this, kolyva is blessed and distributed to the faithful. The celebration of the Great Martyr Theodore on the first Saturday of Great Lent was set by the Patriarch Nectarius of Constantinople (381-397). Troparion to Saint Theodore is quite similar to the Troparion for the Prophet Daniel and the Three Holy Youths (December 17, Sunday Before Nativity). The Kontakion to Saint Theodore, who suffered martyrdom by fire, reminds us that he also had faith as his breastplate (see I Thessalonians 5:8). pray to Saint Theodore for the recovery of stolen articles.

Armenia, 308-324, Basil of Amasea, strengthened christians, opposed Licinius, Glaphyra's letter, Jesus, reattached head
Armenia, 308-324, Basil of Amasea; Hieromartyr Basil, Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 26; Basileus suffered during the reign of Licinius, the ruler of the Eastern part of the Roman Empire. He was elected to the See of Amaseia in the IV century, and participated in the Synods of Ankyra and Neocaesarea in 314 and 315. Saint Athanasios called him "the Great" because Saint Basileus defended the Faith against heresy. He may have influenced Saint Constantine's decision to issue the Edict of Milan (313), granting religious toleration to Christians, Deceitfully, Licinius also signed the Edict, but he hated the Christians and continued to persecute them. Basileus was distinguished for his life of faith and his tireless activities in the performance of his duties. He was always preaching, giving counsel, comforting, supporting, and strengthening the souls of the Christians against the world of idol-worshippers. For this reason, the pagan priests and rulers hated him. In 322, when Licinius launched his persecution against the Christians, Bishop Basileus opposed him. further provoked the wrath of Constantine's co-Emperor Licinius by hiding the young virgin Glaphyra, the handmaiden of his wife Empress Constantia, the sister of Saint Constantine. The pious maiden, who came from a noble Italian family, angrily rejected the Emperor's advances, asking Empress Constantia for her help. She dressed Glaphyra in men's clothes and told her to leave Nikomedia in secret, giving her a large amount of gold, silver and precious stones. Those in the palace heard her tell Licinius that the girl had gone mad, and lay at death's door. a long journey, Saint Glaphyra found herself in Amaseia, where she found shelter in the house of a pious Christian. There she was visited by Saint Basileus who advised her to lead a secluded life, so as not to bring any trouble upon the local Christians from the ruler of the city. At the time, Bishop Basileus was building a church, and the righteous Glaphyra donated all her money to him. She wrote to Constantia telling her where she was, and asking for more gold to be sent to complete the work. The Empress gladly fulfilled her request, but Glaphyra's letter accidentally fell into the hands of Licinius. He ordered the ruler of Amaseia to send Saint Basileus and Saint Glaphyra to him at Nikomedia. However, Saint Glaphyra reposed before the order was received, and therefore, only Saint Basileus was sent to the Emperor. Two deacons, Parthenios and Theotimos accompanied him to Nikomedia. Nikomedia, Bishop Basileus was imprisoned, and the Deacons lodged with a Christian named Elpidophoros. On the eve of the trial Saint Basileus saw Elpidophoros and the Deacons, and told them how the Lord had appeared to him that night, informing him how he would be put to death. He asked the Deacons not to grieve for him and he told them to return to Amaseia. The holy hierarch predicted that Elpidophoros would receive a reward in Heaven for taking care of the Deacons. the trial, Licinius accused Saint Basileus of hiding Glaphyra, but promised him forgiveness and much honor if he would just sacrifice to their "gods." Having achieved nothing, Licinius ordered the soldiers to beat the Saint, and then behead him. Thus, he received a crown of glory from Christ God (ca. 322). the execution, soldiers placed the Martyr's body and head into a boat and, sailing far out to sea, they threw the relics into the water in different places, just as it was foretold to Saint Basileus in prison. That night an Angel appeared three times to Elpidophoros, saying that Saint Basileus was expecting his friends at Sinópē. While on his way to Sinópē the Angel appeared to him again with instructions as to where in the sea he should look for the Martyr's body. At the request of Elpidophoros, fishermen pulled the Saint's body out of the net. Miraculously, the head was reattached to the body. On the neck was there a scar made by the sword, and from the relics there came a wondrous fragrance. Some Christians took them to Amaseia and buried them in the church which the Saint had built. Greek Life of Saint Basileus was written by the priest John of Nikomedia, who visited the Martyr in prison and witnessed his execution. He also received information about Saint Basileus from Elpidophoros and the Deacons. The Life says that Saint Basileus was beheaded on March 28. His relics were found at sea after 25 days, i.e. April 21 or 22. They arrived in Amaseia and were buried five days later, on April 26. Basileus is also commemorated on April 30 (the transfer of his relics). Righteous Virgin Martyr Glaphyra, Commemorated on April 26; Uncovering of the relics of Saint Basil, Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 30

Armenia, 308-324, Saint Glaphyra, Licinius' passion, wife's maid, to Armenia w money, Glaphyra' letter
Armenia, 308-324, Basil of Amasea; Hieromartyr Basil, Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 26; Righteous Virgin Martyr Glaphyra, Commemorated on April 26; Virgin Glaphyra. Licinius burned with passion for Glaphyra, a maidservant of his wife Constantia.The holy virgin reported this to the empress and sought her help. Dressing her in men’s attire and providing her with money, the empress Constantia sent her to Pontus in the company of a devoted servant. They told the emperor that Glaphyra had gone mad and lay near death. On her way to Armenia, Saint Glaphyra stopped in Amasea, where the local bishop, Saint Basil, gave her shelter. this time the saint was building a church in the city. Saint Glaphyra donated all the money that she had received from Constantia for its construction, and in a letter to the empress she asked her to send additional funds to complete the church. The empress fulfilled her request. However, Saint Glaphyra’s letter fell into the hands of the emperor. The enraged Licinius ordered the governor of Amasea to send him the hierarch and the maidservant. Saint Glaphyra died before the edict arrived in Amasea, and Saint Basil was sent to the emperor. Two deacons, Parthenius and Theotimos, followed after him and lodged near the prison where the saint was held. pious Christian Elpidephoros bribed the jailer and each night he visited the saint with Parthenius and Theotimos. On the eve of the saint’s trial, he sang Psalms and chanted, “if I should sojourn at the extremity of the sea... even there Thy hand would guide me, and Thy right hand would hold me” (Ps 138/139:9-10). These were prophetic words. times he broke down in tears. The deacons were afraid that the saint would not be able to endure the coming torments, but he calmed them. the trial Saint Basil resolutely refused the emperor’s offer to become a pagan priest, and so he was sentenced to death. Elpidephoros gave the soldiers money, and they allowed the saint to pray and to speak with his friends before execution. Then the saint said to the executioner, “Friend, do as you have been ordered.” Calmly, he bent his neck beneath the sword. the martyr had been beheaded, Elpidephoros tried to ransom his relics from the soldiers. But the soldiers were afraid of the emperor and they threw the saint’s body and head into the sea. After this, an angel of God appeared to Elpidephoros three times in a dream, saying, “Bishop Basil is in Sinope and awaits you.” this call, Elpidephoros and the deacons sailed to Sinope, and there they hired fishermen to lower their nets. When they lowered the net on the suggestion of the deacons Theotimos and Parthenius, they came up with nothing. Then Elpidephoros declared that he would ask them to lower the net in the name of the God Whom he worshiped. This time, the net brought up the body of Saint Basil. The saint’s head was attached to his body once more, and only the gash on his neck indicated the blow of the sword. The relics of Saint Basil were taken to Amasea and buried in the church he built.

Armenia, 313, 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, Christian Soldiers banned to prison, psalmody, persevere voice, stones came back, More
Armenia, 313, 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, Armenia (Iris River Source, Kizilirmak River 1) Constantine recognizes Christianity, Co-Ruler Pagan Licinius bans Christian Soldiers, 40 distinguished Christian Soldiers to prison, prayer and psalmody, voice to persevere, stones came back, invisible power, voice live for imperishible crowns, into lake in winter, divine light warm water, radiant crowns martyrs heads, 39 crowns b dash for warm b house, guard Aggias becomes Christian, 40th crown, 40 still alive morning, fire, bones in water, bishop Peter commanded to bury relics, 40 skylarks; Sebaste, Armenia ; 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, Commemorated on March 9; the year 313 Saint Constantine the Great issued an edict granting Christians religious freedom, and officially recognizing Christianity as equal with paganism under the law. his co-ruler Licinius was a pagan, and he decided to stamp out Christianity in his part of the Empire. As Licinius prepared his army to fight Constantine, he decided to remove Christians from his army, fearing mutiny. of the military commanders of that time in the Armenian city of Sebaste was Agricola, a zealous champion of idolatry. Under his command was a company of forty Cappadocians, brave soldiers who had distinguished themselves in many battles. When these Christian soldiers refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods, Agricola locked them up in prison. The soldiers occupied themselves with prayer and psalmody, and during the night they heard a voice saying, “Persevere until the end, then you shall be saved.” the following morning, the soldiers were again taken to Agricola. This time the pagan tried flattery. He began to praise their valor, their youth and strength, and once more he urged them to renounce Christ and thereby win themselves the respect and favor of their emperor. days later, the renowned judge Licius arrived at Sebaste and put the soldiers on trial. The saints steadfastly answered, “Take not only our military insignia, but also our lives, since nothing is more precious to us than Christ God.” Licius then ordered his servants to stone the holy martyrs. But the stones missed the saints and returned to strike those who had thrown them. One stone thrown by Licius hit Agricola in the face, smashing his teeth. The torturers realized that the saints were guarded by some invisible power. In prison, the soldiers spent the night in prayer and again they heard the voice of the Lord comforting them: “He who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live (John 11:25). Be brave and fear not, for you shall obtain imperishable crowns.” the following day the judge repeated the interrogation in front of the torturer, but the soldiers remained unyielding. was winter, and there was a severe frost. They lined up the holy soldiers, threw them into a lake near the city, and set a guard to prevent them from coming out of the water. In order to break the will of the martyrs, a warm bath-house was set up on the shore. During the first hour of the night, when the cold had become unbearable, one of the soldiers made a dash for the bath-house, but no sooner had he stepped over the threshold, then he fell down dead. the third hour of the night, the Lord sent consolation to the martyrs. Suddenly there was light, the ice melted away, and the water in the lake became warm. All the guards were asleep, except for Aglaius, who was keeping watch. Looking at the lake he saw that a radiant crown had appeared over the head of each martyr. Aglaius counted thirty-nine crowns and realized that the soldier who fled had lost his crown. then woke up the other guards, took off his uniform and said to them, “I too am a Christian,” and he joined the martyrs. Standing in the water he prayed, “Lord God, I believe in You, in Whom these soldiers believe. Add me to their number, and make me worthy to suffer with Your servants.” Then a fortieth crown appeared over his head. the morning, the torturers saw with surprise that the martyrs were still alive, and their guard Aggias was glorifying Christ together with them. They led the soldiers out of the water and broke their legs. During this horrible execution the mother of the youngest of the soldiers, Meliton, pleaded with her son to persevere until death. put the bodies of the martyrs on a cart and committed them to fire. Young Meliton was still breathing, and they left him on the ground. His mother then picked up her son, and on her own shoulders she carried him behind the cart. When Meliton drew his last breath, his mother put him on the cart with the bodies of his fellow sufferers. The bodies of the saints were tossed in the fire, and their charred bones were thrown into the water, so that Christians would not gather them up. days later the martyrs appeared in a dream to Saint Peter, Bishop of Sebaste, and commanded him to bury their remains. The bishop together with several clergy gathered up the relics of the glorious martyrs by night and buried them with honor. is a pious custom of baking “skylarks” (pastries shaped like skylarks) on this day, because people believed that birds sing at this time to announce the arrival of spring. Forty “skylarks” are prepared in honor of the Forty Martyrs. names of the forty martyrs are: Cyrion (or Quirio), Candidus, Domnus, Hesychius, Heraclius, Smaragdus, Eunocius (Or Eunicus), Valens, Vivianus, Claudius, Priscus, Theodulus, Eutychius, John, Xanthius, Helianus, Sisinius, Aggias, Aetius, Flavius, Acacius, Ecdicius, Lysimachus, Alexander, Elias, Gorgonius, Theophilus, Dometian, Gaius, Leontuis, Athanasius, Cyril, Sacerdon, Nicholas, Valerius, Philoctimon, Severian, Chudion, Aglaius, and Meliton.

Armenia, 313-320, Serbian, Martyr, Sebaste, Armenia, helped the 40 soldiers, his dead servant came to life 15 yrs
Armenia, 313-320, Serbian, Martyr, Sebaste, Armenia; Sebaste, Armenia ; Martyr Severian of Sebaste, Commemorated on September 9 ; Holy Martyr Severian (+ 320) suffered for Christ in Armenian Sebaste during the governorship of Licius, when Christians were persecuted under the emperor Licinius. Even before his martyr’s deed, Saint Severian had shown sincere compassion for 40 Christian soldiers, suffering for confessing the Name of Christ. He visited the captives in prison, raised their spirits, and appealed to their valor and stoic strength. These martyrs met their death at Lake Sebaste (March 9). a year later, Severian was also brought to trial for confessing the Christian Faith, and he was subjected to cruel tortures. Deeply devoted to the will of God, Saint Severian called out to the Lord during his torment, imploring Him for the strength to endure the suffering and to complete his deed of martyrdom. intense torture, and unbroken in his faith, the holy martyr was suspended from the city wall with one stone chained around his neck, and another chained to his feet, and so he died. His body was carried by Christians of Sebaste to his home, where the local inhabitants thronged to take their leave of him and to ask for his holy prayers. Amidst all this a dead man who had not yet been buried arose, a servant of Saint Severian, who got up from his deathbed to follow his master’s final path. He continued to live another fifteen years, never leaving the burial place of the holy martyr. 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, Commemorated on March 9; the year 313 Saint Constantine the Great issued an edict granting Christians religious freedom, and officially recognizing Christianity as equal with paganism under the law. But his co-ruler Licinius was a pagan, and he decided to stamp out Christianity in his part of the Empire. As Licinius prepared his army to fight Constantine, he decided to remove Christians from his army, fearing mutiny. of the military commanders of that time in the Armenian city of Sebaste was Agricola, a zealous champion of idolatry. Under his command was a company of forty Cappadocians, brave soldiers who had distinguished themselves in many battles. When these Christian soldiers refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods, Agricola locked them up in prison. The soldiers occupied themselves with prayer and psalmody, and during the night they heard a voice saying, “Persevere until the end, then you shall be saved.” the following morning, the soldiers were again taken to Agricola. This time the pagan tried flattery. He began to praise their valor, their youth and strength, and once more he urged them to renounce Christ and thereby win themselves the respect and favor of their emperor. days later, the renowned judge Licius arrived at Sebaste and put the soldiers on trial. The saints steadfastly answered, “Take not only our military insignia, but also our lives, since nothing is more precious to us than Christ God.” Licius then ordered his servants to stone the holy martyrs. But the stones missed the saints and returned to strike those who had thrown them. One stone thrown by Licius hit Agricola in the face, smashing his teeth. The torturers realized that the saints were guarded by some invisible power. In prison, the soldiers spent the night in prayer and again they heard the voice of the Lord comforting them: “He who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live (John 11:25). Be brave and fear not, for you shall obtain imperishable crowns.” the following day the judge repeated the interrogation in front of the torturer, but the soldiers remained unyielding. was winter, and there was a severe frost. They lined up the holy soldiers, threw them into a lake near the city, and set a guard to prevent them from coming out of the water. In order to break the will of the martyrs, a warm bath-house was set up on the shore. During the first hour of the night, when the cold had become unbearable, one of the soldiers made a dash for the bath-house, but no sooner had he stepped over the threshold, then he fell down dead. the third hour of the night, the Lord sent consolation to the martyrs. Suddenly there was light, the ice melted away, and the water in the lake became warm. All the guards were asleep, except for Aglaius, who was keeping watch. Looking at the lake he saw that a radiant crown had appeared over the head of each martyr. Aglaius counted thirty-nine crowns and realized that the soldier who fled had lost his crown. then woke up the other guards, took off his uniform and said to them, “I too am a Christian,” and he joined the martyrs. Standing in the water he prayed, “Lord God, I believe in You, in Whom these soldiers believe. Add me to their number, and make me worthy to suffer with Your servants.” Then a fortieth crown appeared over his head. the morning, the torturers saw with surprise that the martyrs were still alive, and their guard Aggias was glorifying Christ together with them. They led the soldiers out of the water and broke their legs. During this horrible execution the mother of the youngest of the soldiers, Meliton, pleaded with her son to persevere until death. put the bodies of the martyrs on a cart and committed them to fire. Young Meliton was still breathing, and they left him on the ground. His mother then picked up her son, and on her own shoulders she carried him behind the cart. When Meliton drew his last breath, his mother put him on the cart with the bodies of his fellow sufferers. The bodies of the saints were tossed in the fire, and their charred bones were thrown into the water, so that Christians would not gather them up. days later the martyrs appeared in a dream to Saint Peter, Bishop of Sebaste, and commanded him to bury their remains. The bishop together with several clergy gathered up the relics of the glorious martyrs by night and buried them with honor. is a pious custom of baking “skylarks” (pastries shaped like skylarks) on this day, because people believed that birds sing at this time to announce the arrival of spring. Forty “skylarks” are prepared in honor of the Forty Martyrs. names of the forty martyrs are: Cyrion (or Quirio), Candidus, Domnus, Hesychius, Heraclius, Smaragdus, Eunocius (Or Eunicus), Valens, Vivianus, Claudius, Priscus, Theodulus, Eutychius, John, Xanthius, Helianus, Sisinius, Aggias, Aetius, Flavius, Acacius, Ecdicius, Lysimachus, Alexander, Elias, Gorgonius, Theophilus, Dometian, Gaius, Leontuis, Athanasius, Cyril, Sacerdon, Nicholas, Valerius, Philoctimon, Severian, Chudion, Aglaius, and Meliton.

Armenia, 316-361, Armenian Saint, Nino, George&Juvenal's Kin, wanted kiss tRobe in Georgia, but MOG sent her tConvert Georgia
Armenia, 316-361, Armenian Saint, Nino, George's Kin, to Georgia for the Robe, virgin, fCappadocia, then Jerusalem a12, J Patriarch Junival's neice, father mother became monastics, raised by old woman who told her about Christ's robe ending up in Pagan Georgia, so Nino prayed MOG blessing travel tG tKiss Robe she had woven, MOG appeared in dream, Go that country assigned me by lot, Preach Gospel, he will send his grace, I will protect you, But Nino overwhelmed bResponsibility, How can I do it, How can I believe this vision, MOG gave her grapevine cross, receive this cross as a shield visible invisible enemies, Nino woke holding cross, rejoiced, told uncle J, he prayed for her to get to go preach Resurrection, guided by Lord, refuge, spiritual Father, Enlighten her like Apostles, with wisdom tProclaim glad tidings, Lord sent Nino tRome, she met&baptized princess Rhipsimia&hNurse, christian persecuter emperor Diocletian wanted marry R, but Nino, Rhipsima, nurse Gaiana & 50 other virgins escaped to Armenia, D sent soldiers after and warned A King Tridates, T found them and like D wanted marry R, But R refused so T had her tortured tDeath wG&50 other virgins, Nino, however, greater task, escaped hiding rose bushes, tGeorgia, greeted by Mtskhetan shepherds Lake Paravani, she received blessing preach Lake P Pagans, tUrbnisi, 1Month, tMtskheta wGeorgians going there tKiss pagan Idol, sad that people trembled before idol, she prayed Lord send mercy this nation that all nations glorify thee alone, suddenly violent wind&hail shattered pagan statues, worshipers fled across city, Nino made home beneath bramble bush Kings garden, wChildless Royal Gardener's family, through Nino's prayers God granted child, couple rejoice converted, followed Nino, many converted bNino's preaching, even terminally ill Queen Nana healed after her conversion, King Mirian not pleased, decided kill all Christians including wife, but while hunting it became very dark, greatly afraid prayed to Pagan gods, unanswered, lost hope, miraculously turned to Christ, illume this night, guide my footsteps, and I will declare your Name, erect a cross, and kiss it, and construct a temple, I vow obedient to Nino and faith Roman People, Suddenly sun shone radiantly and King Mirian thanked Creator, he returned city immediately told Nino his decision, So by equal tApostles Nino's labors Georgia established solidly as Christian nation, N reposed in Bodbe, eastern Georgia, Mirian erected church there; Armenian Saint, 316-340, Nino; St Nino (Nina), Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated on January 14; virgin Nino of Cappadocia a relative of Great-martyr George the only daughter of a widely respected and honorable couple. father was a Roman army chief by the name of Zabulon, her mother, Sosana, the sister of Patriarch Juvenal of Jerusalem. Nino reached the age of twelve, her parents sold all their possessions and moved to Jerusalem. after, Nino’s father was tonsured a monk. He bid farewell to his family and went to labor in the wilderness of the Jordan. Sosana had been separated from her husband, Juvenal ordained her a deaconess. left her daughter Nino in the care of an old woman, Sara Niaphor, raised her in the Christian Faith and related to her the stories of Christ’s life and His suffering on earth. was from Sara that Nino learned how Christ’s Robe had arrived in Georgia, a country of pagans. Nino began to pray fervently to the Theotokos, asking for her blessing to travel to Georgia be made worthy to venerate the Sacred Robe that she had woven for her beloved Son. Most Holy Virgin heard her prayers and appeared to Nino in a dream, saying, “Go to the country that was assigned to me by lot preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. will send down His grace upon you and I will be your protector.” the blessed Nino was overwhelmed at the thought of such a great responsibility answered, “How can I, a fragile woman, perform such a momentous task, how can I believe that this vision is real?” response, the Most Holy Theotokos presented her with a cross of grapevines proclaimed, “Receive this cross as a shield against visible and invisible enemies!” she awoke, Nino was holding the cross in her hands. dampened it with tears of rejoicing and tied it securely with strands of her own hair. (According to another source, the Theotokos bound the grapevine cross with strands of her own hair.) related the vision to her uncle, Patriarch Juvenal, revealed to him her desire to preach the Gospel in Georgia. led her in front of the Royal Doors, laid his hands on her, and prayed, “O Lord, God of Eternity, I beseech Thee on behalf of my orphaned niece: Grant that, according to Thy will, she may go to preach and proclaim Thy Holy Resurrection. Christ God, be Thou to her a guide, a refuge, and a spiritual father. as Thou didst enlighten the Apostles and all those who feared Thy name, do Thou also enlighten her with the wisdom to proclaim Thy glad tidings.” Nino arrived in Rome, she met and baptized the princess Rhipsimia and her nurse, Gaiana. At that time the Roman emperor was Diocletian, a ruler infamous for persecuting Christians. Diocletian (284-305) fell in love with Rhipsimia and resolved to marry her, but Saint Nino, Rhipsimia, Gaiana, and fifty other virgins escaped to Armenia. The furious Diocletian ordered his soldiers to follow them and sent a messenger to Tiridates, the Armenian king (286-344), to put him on guard. Tiridates located the women and, following Diocletian’s example, was charmed by Rhipsimia’s beauty and resolved to marry her. But Saint Rhipsimia would not consent to wed him, and in his rage the king had her tortured to death with Gaiana and the fifty other virgins. Saint Nino, however, was being prepared for a different, greater task, and she succeeded in escaping King Tiridates’ persecutions by hiding among some rose bushes. she finally arrived in Georgia, Saint Nino was greeted by a group of Mtskhetan shepherds near Lake Paravani, she received a blessing from God to preach to the pagans of this region. the help of her acquaintances Saint Nino soon reached the city of Urbnisi. remained there a month, traveled to Mtskheta with a group of Georgians who were making a pilgrimage to venerate the pagan idol Armazi. she watched with great sadness as the Georgian people trembled before the idols. was exceedingly sorrowful and prayed to the Lord, “O Lord, send down Thy mercy upon this nation...that all nations may glorify Thee alone, the One True God, through Thy Son, Jesus Christ.” a violent wind began to blow and hail fell from the sky, shattering the pagan statues. terrified worshipers fled, scattering across the city. Nino made her home beneath a bramble bush in the garden of the king, the family of the royal gardener. gardener and his wife were childless, through Saint Nino’s prayers God granted them a child. couple rejoiced exceedingly, declared Christ to be the True God, became disciples of Saint Nino. Saint Nino went, those who heard her preach converted to the Christian Faith in great numbers. Nino even healed the terminally ill Queen Nana she declared Christ to be the True God. Mirian, a pagan, was not at all pleased with the great impression Saint Nino’s preaching had made on the Georgian nation. day while he was out hunting, he resolved to kill all those who followed Christ. to his wicked scheme, even his wife, Queen Nana, would face death for failing to renounce the Christian Faith. in the midst of the hunt, it suddenly became very dark. alone, King Mirian became greatly afraid and prayed in vain for the help of the pagan gods. his prayers went unanswered, he finally lost hope miraculously, he turned to Christ: “God of Nino, illumine this night for me and guide my footsteps, I will declare Thy Holy Name. will erect a cross venerate it and I will construct for Thee a temple. vow to be obedient to Nino and to the Faith of the Roman people!” the night was transfigured, the sun shone radiantly, King Mirian gave great thanks to the Creator. he returned to the city, he immediately informed Saint Nino of his decision. a result of the unceasing labors of Equal-to-the-Apostles Nino, was established as a nation solidly rooted in the Christian Faith. Nino reposed in the village of Bodbe in eastern Georgia according to her will, she was buried in the place where she took her last breath. Mirian later erected a church in honor of Saint George over her grave.

Armenia, 320, Gordius, fCaesurea, Valiant skilled Christian Centurion, tSinai tPrepare tConfess aPagan Games, tortured, beheaded
Armenia, 320, Gordius, Caesurea, Cappadocia, Armenia, Centurion, to Sinai, identified self as christian, tormented, beheaded, born christian family, entered military, valor skill, centurion, left world Diocletian Persecution, tSinai desert, tPrepare tBe Confessor, 320 appeared before city perfect somewhere, where Pagan Games being held, Confessed as a Christian, arrested, tortured, beheaded ; Caesurea, Cappadocia; Martyr Gordius at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated January 3 ; Martyr Gordius was born at the end of the third century in the city of Caesarea of Cappadocia into a Christian family. he came of age, he entered military service. of his valor and military skill, he was made a centurion. the persecution of Christians at the beginning of the fourth century, left the world and settled in the Sinai desert to prepare himself for the good deed of confessing the Name of Christ the Savior. the year 320, Gordius openly appeared before the prefect of a city where pagan games were being held, and identified himself as a Christian. was arrested, suffered terrible torments, then was beheaded.

Armenia, 325, St Hypatius of Gangra, killed by Novatians after 325 E Council, m relics, appeared 1330 in Ipatiev, Russia
Armenia, 325, St Hypatius of Gangra, Paphlagonia, killed by Novatians coming back from 325 E Council, m relics, appeared 1330 in Ipatiev, Russia; Gangra; St Hypatius of Gangra, Commemorated on November 16; Hypatius, Bishop of Gangra, was bishop of the city of Gangra in Paphlagonia (Asia Minor). In the year 325 he participated in the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea, at which the heresy of Arius was anathematized. Saint Hypatius was returning in 326 from Constantinople to Gangra, followers of the schismatics Novatus and Felicissimus fell upon him in a desolate place. The heretics ran him through with swords and spears, and threw him into a swamp. Like the Protomartyr Stephen, Saint Hypatius prayed for his murderers. Arian woman struck the saint on the head with a stone, killing him. The murderers hid his body in a cave, where a Christian who kept straw there found his body. Recognizing the bishop’s body, he hastened to the city to report this, and the inhabitants of Gangra piously buried their beloved archpastor. his death, the relics of Saint Hypatius were famous for numerous miracles, particularly for casting out demons and for healing the sick. of old the hieromartyr Hypatius was particularly venerated in the Russian land. Thus in the year 1330 the Ipatiev monastery was built at Kostroma, on the place where the Mother of God appeared with the Pre-eternal Christ Child, the Apostle Philip, and the hieromartyr Hypatius, Bishop of Gangra. monastery later occupied a significant place in the spiritual and social life of the nation, particularly during the Time of Troubles. ancient copies of the Life of the hieromartyr Hypatius were widely distributed in Russian literature, and one of these was incorporated into The Reading Menaion of Metropolitan Macarius (1542-1564). In this Life there is an account of the appearance of the Savior to Saint Hypatius on the eve of the martyr’s death. entry for the saint’s Feast consists of his Life, some prayers, and words of praise and instruction. The pious veneration of Saint Hypatius was also expressed in Russian liturgical compositions. During the nineteenth century a new service was written for the hieromartyr Hypatius, distinct from the services written by Saint Joseph the Studite, contained in the March Menaion.

Armenia, 325-373, EPHREM OF NISIBIS, Armenia, defended Nicean faith 325, Hymnographer, by songs, commentaries, sermons
Armenia, 325-373, EPHREM OF NISIBIS, Armenia (Tigris River 3) defended Nicean faith 325, Hymnographer, by songs to spread faith, commentaries, sermons; Nisibis (Mesopotamia); EPHREM OF NISIBIS, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373); (or Ephren or Ephraim or Ephrain) of Edessa [or Nisibis] was a teacher, poet, orator, and defender of the Faith. English-speakers, the most familiar form of his name will be "Ephraim." It is the name of the younger son of Joseph, son of Jacob (see Genesis 41:52), and is thus the name of one of the largest of the twelve tribes of Israel.) (now Urfa), a city in modern Turkey about 100 kilometers from Antioch (now Antakya), was a an early center for the spread of Christian teaching in the East. is said that in 325 he accompanied his bishop, James of Nisibis, to the Council of Nicea. his writings are an eloquent defense of the Nicene faith in the Deity of Jesus Christ. countered the Gnostics' practice of spreading their message through popular songs by composing Christian songs and hymns of his own, with great effect. He is known to the Syrian church as "the harp of the Holy Spirit." retired to a cave outside Edessa, where he lived in great simplicity and devoted himself to writing. He frequently went into the city to preach. During a famine in 372-3 he worked distributing food to the hungry, and organizing a sort of ambulance service for the sick. He worked long hours at this, and became exhausted and sick, and so died. Of his writings there remain 72 hymns, commentaries on the Old and New Testaments, and numerous sermons. Several hymns are available at: http://www.voskrese.info/spl/XefremSyria.html Orthodox he is best known for a fasting prayer: THE PRAYER OF ST EPHRAIM THE SYRIAN O Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of laziness, meddling, self-importance and idle talk. (prostration) Instead, grace me, Your servant, with the spirit of modesty, humility, patience, and love. (prostration) Indeed, my Lord and King, grant that I may see my own faults, and not condemn my brothers and sisters, for You are blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (prostration) (Twelve deep bows, saying each time: O God, be gracious to me, a sinner.) [Translation by Fr James Silver, Drew University; posted on the Orthodox list] by James Kiefer

Armenia, 325-375, Saint Emmelίa oCaesarea, Cappadocia, Armenia, Mother o5 saint children
Armenia, 325-375, Saint Emmeleίa (Emmilia) oCaesurea (Kayseri), Armenia, Cappadocian Capital (Great Road, Kizilirmak River 4), fPious family, father martyr, 5 saint children, many sorrows but faith courage patience, taught by example; Caesurea, Cappadocia; Saint Emmeleίa, Commemorated on May 30; Emmeleia was from a pious family of Caesarea in Cappadocia. Her father became a Martyr during the last persecutions. life was a good root which produced sweet fruits children) who emerged as prominent members of society, and most of them were also Saints of the Church, such as Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Peter of Sebasteίa, the nun Makrina, and the monk Naukratios. a holy root come holy shoots; that is, from holy parents come blessed and holy children. Emmeleίa experienced many sorrows in her life, as is usually the case with the elect. of these were the death of her parents, even before she married, death of her husband, soon as their son Peter was born, the untimely death of her son Naukratios, raising her children alone in the discipline and admonition of the Lord, she faced these with exemplary faith, courage, and patience. taught her children mainly by her own example. Along with her milk, she gave them the unadulterated milk of faith, and taught them the mysteries of the Church. ended her days in a Monastery, where her daughter Saint Makrina (July 19) was the Igoumeness. Emmeleίa is commemorated on January 1 in Slavic usage, and on May 30 in Greek usage.

Armenia, 325-375, Saint Emmelίa oCappadocia, 5 saint children, many sorrows but faith courage patience, taught bExample
Armenia, 325-375, Saint Emmeleίa (Emmilia) oCaesurea (Kayseri), Armenia, Cappadocian Capital (Great Road, Kizilirmak River 4), fPious family, father martyr, 5 saint children, many sorrows but faith courage patience, taught by example; Caesurea, Cappadocia; Saint Emmeleίa, Commemorated on May 30; Emmeleia was from a pious family of Caesarea in Cappadocia. Her father became a Martyr during the last persecutions. life was a good root which produced sweet fruits children) who emerged as prominent members of society, and most of them were also Saints of the Church, such as Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Peter of Sebasteίa, the nun Makrina, and the monk Naukratios. a holy root come holy shoots; that is, from holy parents come blessed and holy children. Emmeleίa experienced many sorrows in her life, as is usually the case with the elect. of these were the death of her parents, even before she married, death of her husband, soon as their son Peter was born, the untimely death of her son Naukratios, raising her children alone in the discipline and admonition of the Lord, she faced these with exemplary faith, courage, and patience. taught her children mainly by her own example. Along with her milk, she gave them the unadulterated milk of faith, and taught them the mysteries of the Church. ended her days in a Monastery, where her daughter Saint Makrina (July 19) was the Igoumeness. Emmeleίa is commemorated on January 1 in Slavic usage, and on May 30 in Greek usage.

Armenia, 326-361, Georgian Saint, Salome of Armenia, helper and close companion of Nino, a Queen in Georgia
Armenia, Georgian Saint, 326-361, Salome of Armenia ; Commemoration of the apparition of the Pillar with the Robe of the Lord under it at Mtskheta in Georgia, Commemorated on October 1; St Sidonia of Georgia, Commemorated on October 1; Founding of the Church of St George, Commemorated on November 10; Martyrdom of the Great-martyr George of Georgia, Commemorated on November 10; St Nino (Nina), Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated on January 14 ; Venerable Salome of Ujarma, Commemorated on January 15; Salome of Ujarma and Perozhavra of Sivnia were the helpers and closest companions of Saint Nino, Enlightener of Georgia. Saint Nino herself had converted them to the Christian Faith. was the wife of Revi, the son of King Mirian, and Perozhavra was married to the ruler of the Kartli region. Both women were queens, but they succeeded in serving Saint Nino while retaining their imperial roles. Saint Nino taught them to pray, and the women fasted regularly and performed good works. As a result of their influential social status, the two queens were able to help Saint Nino tremendously in spreading the Christian Faith. the conversion of Kartli, with inspiration from Saint Nino and by the order of King Mirian, Saint Salome erected a cross in Ujarma in the Kakheti region. Saint Nino fell ill in the village of Bodbe, the queens Salome and Perozhavra stood by her bed and wept bitterly at having to part with their beloved teacher and healer. They entreated Saint Nino, who was finishing her last hours on this earth, saying, “Tell us, our Queen, how did you come to our country to free our souls, and where were you raised? Tell us how to continue your good works. You who have delivered us from bondage to the enemy, tell us, what shall we do?” the information that Saint Nino then related to them, Saints Salome and Perozhavra wrote The Life of Saint Nino, Enlightener of Georgia. The Apostolic Orthodox Church of Georgia commemorates them on January 15, the day following the commemoration of Saint Nino. The Entrance of St Nino (Nina) the Enlightener into Georgia, Commemorated on May 19; Glorification of the Venerable Zebulon, the father of St Nino Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated on May 20 ;

Armenia, 326-373, Saint, Ephrem the Syrian, Hymn writer, theologian, popular, enter into yourself
Syria, 326-373, Saint, Ephrem the Syrian; the Syrian (Classical Syriac:; c. 306 – 373), also known as Saint Ephrem, Ephrem of Edessa or Ephrem of Nisibis, ----------------------------------was a prominent Christian theologian and writer, who is revered as one of the most notable hymnographers of the Eastern Christianity. ------------------------------------ He was born in Nisibis, served as a deacon and later lived in Edessa.[1][2] is venerated as a saint by all traditional Churches. He is especially revered in Syriac Christianity, most notaby in the Syriac Orthodox Church, and also counted as a Venerable Father (i.e., a sainted Monk) in the Eastern Orthodox Church. His feast day is celebrated on 28 January and on the Saturday of the Venerable Fathers. He was declared a Doctor of the Church in the Roman Catholic Church in 1920. wrote a wide variety of hymns, poems, and sermons in verse, as well as prose exegesis. These were works of practical theology for the edification of the Church in troubled times. So popular were his works, that, for centuries after his death, Christian authors wrote hundreds of pseudepigraphal works in his name. He has been called the most significant of all of the fathers of the Syriac-speaking church tradition.[3] The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, Commemorated on December 25; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28;

Armenia, 326-373. Saint Ephrem of Nisibis, preached repentence, anti arian, St James, teacher, writer, hymns
Armenia, 326-373. Saint Ephrem of Nisibis, Armenia (Tigris River 3) Armenia, 280-337. Saint James of Nisibis, Armenia (Tigris River 3) Nisibis (Mesopotamia); St James the Bishop of Nisibis, Commemorated January 13 ; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated January 28 ; Ephraim the Syrian, a teacher of repentance, was born at the beginning of the fourth century in the city of Nisibis (Mesopotamia) into the family of impoverished toilers of the soil. His parents raised their son in piety, but from his childhood he was known for his quick temper and impetuous character. He often had fights, acted thoughtlessly, and even doubted God’s Providence. He finally recovered his senses by the grace of God, and embarked on the path of repentance and salvation. he was unjustly accused of stealing a sheep and was thrown into prison. He heard a voice in a dream calling him to repent and correct his life. After this, he was acquitted of the charges and set free. young man ran off to the mountains to join the hermits. This form of Christian asceticism had been introduced by a disciple of Saint Anthony the Great, the Egyptian desert dweller Eugenius. James of Nisibis (January 13) was a noted ascetic, a preacher of Christianity and denouncer of the Arians. Saint Ephraim became one of his disciples. Under the direction of the holy hierarch, Saint Ephraim attained Christian meekness, humility, submission to God’s will, and the strength to undergo various temptations without complaint. James transformed the wayward youth into a humble and conrite monk. Realizing the great worth of his disciple, he made use of his talents. He trusted him to preach sermons, to instruct children in school, and he took Ephraim with him to the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea (in the year 325). Saint Ephraim was in obedience to Saint James for fourteen years, until the bishop’s death in 338. the capture of Nisibis by the Persians in 363, Saint Ephraim went to a monastery near the city of Edessa. Here he saw many great ascetics, passing their lives in prayer and psalmody. Their caves were solitary shelters, and they fed themselves with a certain plant. became especially close to the ascetic Julian (October 18), who was of one mind with him. Saint Ephraim combined asceticism with a ceaseless study of the Word of God, taking from it both solace and wisdom for his soul. The Lord gave him a gift of teaching, and people began to come to him, wanting to hear his counsel, which produced compunction in the soul, since he began with self-accusation. Bot, wrh verbally and in writing, Saint Ephraim instructed everyone in repentance, faith and piety, and he denounced the Arian heresy, which at that time was causing great turmoil. Pagans who heard the preaching of the saint were converted to Christianity. also wrote the first Syriac commentary on the Pentateuch (i.e. “Five Books”) of Moses. He wrote many prayers and hymns, thereby enriching the Church’s liturgical services. Famous prayers of Saint Ephraim are to the Most Holy Trinity, to the Son of God, and to the Most Holy Theotokos. He composed hymns for the Twelve Great Feasts of the Lord (the Nativity of Christ, the Baptism, the Resurrection), and funeral hymns. Saint Ephraim’s Prayer of Repentance, “O Lord and Master of my life...”, is recited during Great Lent, and it summons Christians to spiritual renewal. ancient times the Church has valued the works of Saint Ephraim. His works were read publicly in certain churches after the Holy Scripture, as Saint Jerome tells us. At present, the Church Typikon prescribes certain of his instructions to be read on the days of Lent. Among the prophets, Saint David is the preeminent psalmodist; among the Fathers of the Church, Saint Ephraim the Syrian is the preeminent man of prayer. His spiritual experience made him a guide for monastics and a help to the pastors of Edessa. Saint Ephraim wrote in Syriac, but his works were very early translated into Greek and Armenian. Translations into Latin and Slavonic were made from the Greek text. many of Saint Ephraim’s works we catch glimpses of the life of the Syrian ascetics, which was centered on prayer and working in various obediences for the common good of the brethren. The outlook of all the Syrian ascetics was the same. The monks believed that the goal of their efforts was communion with God and the acquisition of divine grace. For them, the present life was a time of tears, fasting and toil. “If the Son of God is within you, then His Kingdom is also within you. Thus, the Kingdom of God is within you, a sinner. Enter into yourself, search diligently and without toil you shall find it. Outside of you is death, and the door to it is sin. Enter into yourself, dwell within your heart, for God is there.” spiritual sobriety, the developing of good within man’s soul gives him the possibility to take upon himself a task like blessedness, and a self-constraint like sanctity. The requital is presupposed in the earthly life of man, it is an undertaking of spiritual perfection by degrees. Whoever grows himself wings upon the earth, says Saint Ephraim, is one who soars up into the heights; whoever purifies his mind here below, there glimpses the Glory of God. In whatever measure each one loves God, he is, by God’s love, satiated to fullness according to that measure. Man, cleansing himself and attaining the grace of the Holy Spirit while still here on earth, has a foretaste of the Kingdom of Heaven. To attain to life eternal, in the teachings of Saint Ephraim, does not mean to pass over from one realm of being into another, but rather to discover “the heavenly,” spiritual condition of being. Eternal life is not bestown on man through God’s one-sided efforts, but rather, it constantly grows like a seed within him by his efforts, toils and struggles. pledge within us of “theosis” (or “deification”) is the Baptism of Christ, and the main force that drives the Christian life is repentance. Saint Ephraim was a great teacher of repentance. The forgiveness of sins in the Mystery of Repentance, according to his teaching, is not an external exoneration, not a forgetting of the sins, but rather their complete undoing, their annihilation. The tears of repentance wash away and burn away the sin. Moreover, they (i.e. the tears) enliven, they transfigure sinful nature, they give the strength “to walk in the way of the the Lord’s commandments,” encouraging hope in God. In the fiery font of repentance, the saint wrote, “you sail yourself across, O sinner, you resurrect yourself from the dead.” Ephraim, accounting himself as the least and worst of all, went to Egypt at the end of his life to see the efforts of the great ascetics. He was accepted there as a welcome guest and received great solace from conversing with them. On his return journey he visited at Caesarea in Cappadocia with Saint Basil the Great (January 1), who wanted to ordain him a priest, but he considered himself unworthy of the priesthood. At the insistence of Saint Basil, he consented only to be ordained as a deacon, in which rank he remained until his death. Later on, Saint Basil invited Saint Ephraim to accept a bishop’s throne, but the saint feigned madness in order to avoid this honor, humbly regarding himself as unworthy of it. his return to his own Edessa wilderness, Saint Ephraim hoped to spend the rest of his life in solitude, but divine Providence again summoned him to serve his neighbor. The inhabitants of Edessa were suffering from a devastating famine. By the influence of his word, the saint persuaded the wealthy to render aid to those in need. From the offerings of believers he built a poor-house for the poor and sick. Saint Ephraim then withdrew to a cave near Edessa, where he remained to the end of his days. EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373), Commemorated June 10;

Armenia, 328-388, Nophon, oCyprus, sinful youth, black face, radiant face, passion struggles, St Paul appearance, bishop
Cyprus, 328-388, Nophon, Bishop oCyprus, Constantia, Cyprus, fPaphlagonia, ed iConstantinople, gentle kind child but wild sinful youth, came to senses but believed lost, friend stared at his black face, realized how far fallen, cried to MOG, ling time, then saw MOG's face radiant, started praying MOG incessantly, sin caused her face turn away, tears oRepentence caused her face turn back, finally turned life around, illnes healed, holy mysteries, tonsured monk, exhausting struggle wPassions, several years, demon attacks, gift o discerning defeat spirits, see soul departures, Bishop as old man, by St Paul's appearance, consecrate someone who looks like me, even if he resists, quickly made deacon, priest&bishop, governed short time, foresaw death 3days, visited bAthanasios tG, Angels, various Saints, &MOG; Constantia, Cyprus St Niphon Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated December 23 ; Niphon (Nḗphon), the Bishop of Constantia on the island of Cyprus, born in Paphlagonia in the IV century, was educated in Constantinople. a child, he was gentle and kind, and he often attended Church Services. in in his youth, he began to lead a wild and sinful life. when he came to his senses, he was horrified at the extent of his fall, believing that he was lost and could not be forgiven, he continued his wicked life. day he met a friend who gazed at his face for a long time in astonishment. Niphon asked why he was staring, the friend replied, “I have never seen your face like this before. It is black, like that of an Ethiopian.” words made Niphon realize how far he had fallen, he began to cry out to the Mother of God, asking for her intercession. praying for a long time, he saw that the face of the Mother of God on the Icon had become radiant, and she smiled. that time, Niphon prayed incessantly to the Queen of Heaven. he fell into sin, the face of the Mother of God turned away from him, but after he prayed with fervent tears of repentance, she seemed to show mercy and she looked at him again. Niphon completely turned his life around, and he began to spend his time in prayer and repentance. an illness, from which he was healed by the Mother of God, he partook of the Holy Mysteries. he was tonsured as a monk and intensified his ascetical labors, exhausting his body in his struggle with the passions. struggle lasted several years, and Saint Niphon was attacked many times by demons, but with God's help he was able to overcome them. he received from the Lord the gift of discerning the machinations of evil spirits, and how to defeat them. was even able to see the departure of souls after death. he was already an old man, he journeyed to Alexandria. that time a delegation from Constantia was in the city to ask Patriarch Alexander (May 29) to consecrate a new Bishop for them, because their Bishop Christopher had reposed. night Saint Paul appeared to Saint Alexander in a vision and told him to go to the church the next day with his clergy. Apostle said, "When you see someone who resembles me (except for being bald), consecrate him as the Bishop of Christ's flock, even if he does not wish it." the morning Patriarch Alexander told Niphon that he must not refuse to do what the Lord had appointed for him. protested that he was not worthy to be a Hierarch, yet he did not dare to oppose God's will. were made and Niphon was ordained as a deacon, then shortly afterward he was ordained to the priesthood; and finally, he was consecrated as a Bishop. days later, he set out for his diocese. governing his flock for a short time, Saint Niphon foresaw that he would die in three days. his repose he was visited by Saint Athanasios the Great. his deathbed, he was accounted worthy to behold the Holy Angels and various Saints: Martyrs, Prophets, Priests, Monks, and the Most Holy Theotokos. his flock learned of their Bishop's death there was weeping and lamentation throughout the city. Patriarch asked them to give thanks to God instead, for letting them have such a holy man as their Bishop. the funeral, Saint Niphon was laid to rest in the church of the Holy Apostles, and then everyone glorified God, Who is wondrous in His Saints.

Armenia, 330?-394, Egyptian John the Anchorite, the Hermit, lived 10 years in well with snakes, angel brought food through P
Egypt, 330?-394, Egyptian Saint, John the Anchorite, John the Hermit; Venerable John the Anchorite of Egypt, Commemorated on March 29; John the Anchorite: During a persecution against Christians, the devout widow Juliania of Armenia hid from pursuers together with her two young children John and Themistea. She taught her children to pray and to read the Holy Scriptures. time to time John secretly visited a nearby monastery, thereby placing himself in danger. Once, a pious old man advised him to find a more secluded place for prayer. Returning home, the saint told his mother that he was going to visit the Elder. Thinking that her son would soon return, she let him go. went to the desert-dweller Pharmutios and received his blessing to live alone in the wilderness. The young ascetic found an abandoned well, which was filled with snakes, scorpions and other vile creatures. He lowered himself into the well and lived there for ten years in fasting, vigil, and prayer. angel who brought food to the hermit Pharmutios also brought bread for Saint John. The angel did not bring the bread directly to John, however, lest the young ascetic become filled with pride. Food was sent to him through his spiritual Father, Pharmutios. John had many temptations from the devil to test him. Demons assumed the appearance of his mother, his sister, his relatives and acquaintances in order to sadden the ascetic and compel him to give up his ascetic struggles. With tears they approached the well one after the other, begging Saint John to leave with them. All this time the saint did not cease to pray. Finally he said, “Be gone from me,” and the demons vanished. John lived in the well until the time of his blessed repose. Through God’s providence Saint Chrysikhios, who had struggled in the desert for thirty years, came to bury him. On the eve of his repose, Saint John told Chrysikhios of his life and struggles for salvation. After his death, numerous miracles occurred at the place of his ascetic deeds.

Armenia, 330-339, C King, Khosrov III the Small, prosperity, Dvin the capital, 2 generals, Pro Sassanid groups
Armenia, 330-339, Khosrov III the Small; III the Small (Kotak means small, flourished second half of the 3rd century & first half of the 4th century, ruled 330–339) was a Prince who served as a Roman Client King of Arsacid Armenia. was the son and successor of King Tiridates III and Queen Ashkhen. His paternal aunt was the Princess Khosrovidukht; his sister was Princess Salome and had an unnamed sister who married St. Husik I, one of the earlier Catholicoi of the Armenian Apostolic Church. received the epithet Kotak because he was a man of short stature. He was the namesake of his paternal grandfather Khosrov II of Armenia, and the Parthian and Armenian monarchs of this name, see Khosrau. lacked the moral and physical vigour of his father,[1] yet he was very tactful, diplomatic and was backed by St. Vrtanes I.[2] under his rule enjoyed a period of prosperity. He founded a hunting ground (which was named after him) and the city of Dvin, which later became the Armenian capital.[3] Khosrov's reign, two generals, Vache Mamikonian and Vahan Amatuni, distinguished themselves for their valor in battle, often coming to help the king. During these years, pro-Sassanid and anti-Mamikonian sentiment grew in Armenia and so did anti-Roman sentiment. Pro-Sassanid groups gained popularity so much so that they were successful in assassinating Catholicos St. Aristaces I, second son of Gregory the Illuminator. The Sassanid King Shapur II of the Persians invaded Armenia twice and did gain some territory. Vache Mamikonian was killed in those battles and was later named a saint by the Armenian Apostolic Church for his sacrifice. Khosrov died in 339 and was succeeded by his son Tigranes VII (Tiran).

Armenia, 331-383, Cappadocian Goth Arian Saint, Ulfilas
Cappadocia, 331-383, Cappadocian Goth Arian Saint, Ulfilas; REMIGIUS OF RHEIMS, BISHOP, APOSTLE OF THE FRANKS (1 OCTOBER 530);

Armenia, 335-385, Theosebia tDeaconess, virgin, caring fSick, food fVagrants, raising Orphans, Prep women fBaptism, one of the 5
Armenia, 335-385, Theosebia tDeaconess, one of the 5, virgin, caring fSick, food fVagrants, raising Orphans, Prep women fBaptism, Sister oMacrina tYounger, Basil tGreat, Gregory oNyssa, & Peter oSebaste; Byzantium, 335-385, Theosebia the Deaconess; Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; Theosebia the Deaconess the sister of Saints Basil the Great, Gregory, afterwards Bishop of Nyssa , and Peter, Bishop of Sebaste. was a virgin and served the Holy Church as a deaconess, caring for the sick, distributing food to vagrants, raising orphans and preparing women for holy Baptism. her brother, Saint Gregory of Nyssa, was in exile for three years, Saint Theosebia was with him and she shared in all the tribulations of a life of wandering. Theosebia died in 385, and Saint Gregory the Theologian praised her in a eulogy. Armenia, 325-375, Emmelia of Caesarea, mother of 5 Saints; Saint Emilia, Mother of Saint Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 1;

Armenia, 337-350, Paul I, Patriarch, Archbishop, Orthodox Confessor, Exiled 4times bArians, tRome 2t, tPontus, tCucusus
Armenia, 337-350, Paul I, Patriarch, Archbishop, Orthodox Confessor, Exiled 4times bArians, tRome 2t, tPontus, tCucusus; Byzantine Patriarch, 337-350, Paul I of Constantinople; Martyr Marcian the Notary of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 25 ; St Paul the Confessor the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 6; Paul the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople, was chosen to the patriarchal throne after the death of Patriarch Alexander (+ 340), the Arian heresy had again flared up. of the Arians were present at the Council which selected the new Archbishop of Constantinople. They revolted in opposition to the choice of Saint Paul, but the Orthodox at the Council were in the majority. emperor Constantius, ruling over the Eastern half of the Roman Empire, was an Arian. was not in Constantinople for the election of the Archbishop, and so it took place without his consent. his return, he convened a council which illegally deposed Saint Paul, and the emperor banished him from the capital. place of the saint they elevated Eusebius of Nicomedia, an impious heretic. Paul withdrew to Rome, where other Orthodox bishops were also banished by Eusebius. did not rule the Church of Constantinople for long. he died, Saint Paul returned to Constantinople, and was greeted by his flock with love. Constantius exiled the saint a second time, and so he returned to Rome. Western emperor Constans wrote a harsh letter to his Eastern co-ruler, which he sent to Constantinople along with the holy exiled archpastor. threats worked, and Saint Paul was reinstated upon the archepiscopal throne. soon the pious emperor Constans, a defender of the Orthodox, was treacherously murdered during a palace coup. again banished Saint Paul from Constantinople and this time sent him off in exile to Armenia, to the city of Cucusus, where he endured a martyr’s death. the Archbishop was celebrating the Divine Liturgy, Arians rushed upon him by force and strangled him with his own omophorion. occurred in the year 350. 381, the holy Emperor Theodosius the Great solemnly transferred the relics of Saint Paul the Confessor from Cucusus to Constantinople. 1326, the relics of Saint Paul were transferred to Venice. Athanasius the Great, a contemporary of Saint Paul, writes briefly about his exiles, “Saint Paul the first time was sent by Constantine to Pontus, second time he was fettered with chains by Constantius, and then he was locked up in Mesopotamian Syngara and there moved to Emesus, the fourth time to Cappadocian Cucusus in the Taurian wilderness.”

Armenia, 339-350, C King, Tiran, lukewarm christian, Arian, k st Husic I, Shapur II hostage, blinded, nobles Rome d S II
Armenia, 339-350, Tigranes II, Tiran of Armenia; (flourished second half of the 3rd century & first half of the 4th century) known also as Tigranes VII or Tigranes[1] and Diran[2] was a Prince who served as a Roman Client King of Arsacid Armenia from 339 until 350. He was a contemporary and is associated with the life of Saint Sarkis the Warrior and his son, Saint Mardiros. was the son, successor and was among the children born to Khosrov III Kotak[3][4] by an unnamed mother, thus was a grandson of Tiridates III of Armenia[3] and his wife, Ashkhen. He was the maternal uncle of St. Nerses I who would become a future Catholicos of Armenia. Tiran was named in honor of the monarchs named Tigranes of the Artaxiad Dynasty. The name Tigranes, was the most common royal name in the Artaxiad Dynasty and was among the most ancient names of the Kings of Armenia.[5] his father died in 339, Tiran succeeded his father as King of Armenia. Little is known on life, prior to becoming King of Armenia. was a lukewarm Christian[1] and was the first Arsacid ruling monarch to aggressively pursue a policy on Arianism.[6] Although Tiran was endorsed by the Christian aristocrats of Armenia, the King was a disappointment, intellectually and morally.[4] The reign of Tiran was blemished by conflicts both internally and externally. had antagonised the clergy and the great Mamikonian family, who had been the mainstay to the throne.[4] He had many disagreements with the reigning Catholicos and his relation St. Husik I. St. Husik I had criticised Tiran on his public and private conduct.[4] This led Tiran in ordering the death of St. Husik I who was beaten to death on Tiran's orders, because the Catholicos denied him entry to a church in Sophene on a feast day[4] in 347. massacred two leading Armenian families the Ardzruni and Reshtuni, who he accused in having secret relations with the Sassanids and tried on various occasions which failed to crush the power of the Armenian feudal lords[7] which were among his acts of committed barbarity.[7] Tiran's foreign policy he was mainly concerned with the Sassanid King Shapur II.[3] Shapur II launched a war on Rome and her allies, firstly by persecuting the Christians that lived in Persia and Mesopotamia.[7] Shapur II's war by capturing these territories began to dealt a severe blow to Roman prestige in the East.[7] II invaded Armenia with his army and eventually took Tiran, his Queen and their family as hostages.[7][3] Tiran and his family were betrayed by his chamberlain to Shapur II.[7][3] Tiran and his family became Sassanid political prisoners, which Tiran was blinded and thrown into prison, after Tiran was accused by Shapur II of collusion with Rome.[7] Armenian nobles infuriated by the brutality of Shapur II and his treatment of Tiran and his family, took up arms and fought against Shapur II and his army with assistance from the Romans.[7] They successfully drove Shapur II and his army out from Armenia. After Shapur II was defeated, he had signed a treaty and agreed to release Tiran and his family from prison. As Tiran was depressed and blinded, he abdicated his throne and his second son Arsaces II (Arshak II), succeeded him father as Armenian King in 350. married an unnamed woman by whom he had three sons and a daughter, who were: Artaxias,[8] Arsaces II (Arshak II),[8] Tiridates[8] and Eranyak.[9]

Armenia, 340-394, Amphilochius of Iconium, Lykaonia, disciple of Gregory & Basil, 40 yr wild ascetic, made bishop by angels
Lykaonia, 340-394, Amphilochius of Iconium (Konya), Lykaonia (Goksu River and Great Road), disciple of Gregory and Basil, 40 yr wilderness ascetic, made bishop by Angels, 381 council, fought heresies, Arian, Eunomian, Macedonian ; Iconium; St Amphilochius the Bishop of Iconium, Commemorated on November 23 ; Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium, was born in Caesarea in Cappadocia, city which has given the world some of the greatest Fathers and teachers of the Orthodox Church. was a first cousin to Saint Gregory the Theologian, a close friend of Saint Basil the Great. was their disciple, follower and of like mind with them. Amphilochius toiled hard in the field of Christ. lived in the wilderness as a strict ascetic for about forty years, the time when the Lord summoned him for hierarchic service. the year 372 the Bishop of Iconium died. Angels of the Lord thrice appeared in visions to Saint Amphilochius, summoning him to go to Iconium to be the bishop. truthfulness of these visions was proven when the angel, appearing to him the third time, sang together with the saint the angelic song: “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth.” heavenly messenger led the saint to the nearest church, where an assembly of angels consecrated Amphilochius bishop. saint, on the way back to his cell, encountered seven bishops who were seeking him at the command of God, in order to establish him as archpastor of Iconium. Saint Amphilochius told them that he was already consecrated by the angels. many years Saint Amphilochius tended the flock of Iconium entrusted to him by the Lord. prayer of the righteous one was so intense that he was able to ask the Lord to heal the spiritual and bodily infirmities of his flock. wise archpastor, gifted as writer and preacher, unceasingly taught piety to his flock. strict Orthodox theologian, the saint relentlessly confronted the Arian and Eunomian heresies. participated in the Second Ecumenical Council (381), and he headed the struggle against the heresy of Macedonius. and treatises of Saint Amphilochius are preserved, which are profoundly dogmatic and apologetic in content. holy Bishop Amphilochius of Iconium departed peacefully to the Lord in the year 394.

Armenia, 340-379, Syrian Eusebius of Samosata, Orthodox, consiliatory decree, both hands, concealed identity, deposed 2x
Syrian Saint, 340-379, Eusebius of Samosata ; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22; Hieromartyr Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata, stood firmly for the Orthodox Confession of Faith proclaimed at the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea in the year 325. For this he underwent persecution by the Arians, being repeatedly deprived of his see and banished. The emperor Constantius (337-361), patron of the Arians, learned that Saint Eusebius kept a conciliar decree regarding the election of the Orthodox Archbishop Meletius to the See of Antioch. He commanded him to give up the decree. The saint boldly refused to do as ordered. The enraged emperor sent a message that if he did not give up the decree, then his right hand would be cut off. Saint Eusebius stretched out both hands to the emissary saying, “Cut them off, but I will not give up the Decree of the Council, which denounces the wickedness and iniquity of the Arians.” The emperor Constantius marveled at the audacity of the bishop, but did not harm him. the reign of Julian the Apostate (361-363), even more difficult times ensued, and an open persecution against Christians began. Eusebius, having concealed his identity, went about in the garb of a soldier across the whole of Syria, Phoenicia and Palestine, urging Christians to the Orthodox Faith. He established priests and deacons in desolated churches, and he consecrated bishops who renounced the Arian heresy. Julian the Apostate’s death, he was succeeded by the pious emperor Jovian (363-364), during whose reign the persecutions stopped. Returning from exile, Saint Meletius (February 12) convened a local Council at Antioch in the year 379 on the advice of Saint Eusebius. Twenty-seven bishops participated, and it reaffirmed the Orthodox teaching of the First Ecumenical Council. Arians signed the conciliar definition, fearing the steadfast defenders of Orthodoxy, the holy hierarchs Meletius, Eusebius and Pelagios, who had great influence with the emperor. the death of Jovian the Arian Valentinian (364-378) came to power.The Orthodox were again subjected to persecution. Saint Meletius was banished to Armenia, Saint Pelagius to Arabia, and Saint Eusebius was condemned to exile in Thrace. Having received the imperial decree, Saint Eusebius left Samosata by night so as to prevent tumult among the people that esteemed him. Having learned of of the bishop’s departure, believers followed after him and with tears entreated him to return. The saint refused the entreaty of those who had come, saying that he had to obey the authorities. The saint urged his flock to hold firm to Orthodoxy, blessed them and set off to the place of exile. The Arian Eunomios became Bishop of Samosata, but the people did not accept the heretic. The Orthodox would not go to the church and avoided meeting with him. The heretical Arian perceived that it was impossible to attract the independent flock to him. emperor Gracian (375-383) came upon the throne, and all the Orthodox hierarchs banished under the Arians were brought back from exile. Saint Eusebius also returned to Samosata and continued with the task of building up the Church. Together with Saint Meletius he supplied Orthodox hierarchs and clergy to Arian places. the year 380 he arrived in the Arian city of Dolikhina to establish the Orthodox bishop Marinus there. An Arian woman threw a roof tile at the holy bishop’s head. As he lay dying, he asked her for wine and requested those around not to do her any harm. The body of Saint Eusebius was taken to Samosata and was buried by his flock. The saint’s nephew, Antiochus, succeeded him and the Samosata Church continued to confess the Orthodox Faith, firmly spread through the efforts of the holy Hieromartyr Eusebius.

Armenia, 349-390, Saint, Gregory of Nazianzus, Cappadocia, Gregory the Theologian
Byzantine Saint, 349-390, Gregory of Nazianzus; of Nazianzus (c. 329[4] - 25 January 390,[4][5]), also known as Gregory the Theologian or Gregory Nazianzen, was a 4th-century Archbishop of Constantinople and theologian. He is widely considered the most accomplished rhetorical stylist of the patristic age.[6] As a classically trained orator and philosopher, he infused Hellenism into the early church, establishing the paradigm of Byzantine theologians and church officials.[6] made a significant impact on the shape of Trinitarian theology among both Greek and Latin-speaking theologians, and he is remembered as the "Trinitarian Theologian". Much of his theological work continues to influence modern theologians, especially in regard to the relationship among the three Persons of the Trinity. Along with the brothers Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, he is known as one of the Cappadocian Fathers. of Nazianzus is a saint in both Eastern and Western Christianity. In the Catholic Church he is numbered among the Doctors of the Church; in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches he is revered as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs, along with Basil the Great and John Chrysostom. He is considered one of the Great Fathers in both Eastern and Western Christianity. He was considered the patron saint of Kotromanić dynasty and medieval Bosnia during the first half of the 15th century, while Saint George, the miracle-worker, has been the patron saint since at least mid-13th century, although confirmed by the papacy much later in 1461. St. Gregory the Great was also considered the patron of both, the state and dynasty in the late 15th century.[7][8] is also one of only three men in the life of the Orthodox Church who have been officially designated "Theologian" by epithet,[9] the other two being John the Theologian (the Evangelist), and Symeon the New Theologian. GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); is a traditional list of eight great Doctors (Teachers, Theologians) of the ancient Church. lists four Western (Latin) Doctors -- Ambrose of Milan, Augustine of Hippo, Jerome of Strido, and Gregory the Great (Pope Gregory I) -- and four Eastern (Greek) Doctors -- Athanasius of Alexandria, John Chrysostom of Antioch and Constantinople, Basil the Great, and Gregory of Nazianzus (also called Gregory Nazianzen). this list is constantly referred to, but I have no idea when or where or by whom it was drawn up. of Nazianzus, his friend Basil the Great, and Basil's brother Gregory of Nyssa, are jointly known as the Cappadocian Fathers (Cappadocia is a region in what is now Central Turkey). lived in a turbulent time. In 312, Constantine, having won a battle that made him Emperor of the West, issued a decree that made it no longer a crime to be a Christian. In 325 he summoned a council of Bishops at Nicea, across the straits from Byzantium (Constantinople, Istanbul), to settle the dispute between those (led by Athanasius) who taught that the Logos (the "Word" of John 1:1, who "was made flesh and dwelt among us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth) was completely God, in the same sense in which the Father is God, and those (led by Arius) who taught that the Logos is a being created by God the Father. The bishops assembled at Nicea declared that the view of Athanasius was that which they had received from their predecessors as the true Faith handed down from the Apostles. (The Athanasian view is held today by Roman Catholics, East Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterian and Reformed, Methodists, Baptists, Congregationalists, and most other Protestant groups. The Arian view is held by the Watchtower Society, also called J------'s Witnesses, and by a few other groups, including some conservative Unitarians.) Arians did not accept defeat quietly. They created a sufficient disturbance so that Constantine, at first inclined to support the decision of the Council, decided that peace could best be obtained by adopting a Creed which simply evaded the issue. After his death in 336, he was succeeded by various of his relatives, some of whom sided with the Athanasians and some with the Arians, and one of whom (Julian the Apostate, Emperor 361-363) attempted to restore paganism as the religion of the Empire. The situation was complicated by the fact that missionaries to the Goths were first sent out in large numbers during the reign of an Arian Emperor, with the result that the Goths were converted to Arian Christianity. Since the professional Army was composed chiefly of Goth mercenaries, and the Army held the balance of power, this was a real problem. of Nazianzus was born about 330. He went to school in Athens with his friend Basil, and with the aforesaid Julian. He and Basil compiled an anthology, called the Philokalia, of the works of the great (but somewhat erratic) Alexandrian theologian, philosopher, and scholar of the previous century, Origen. Later, he went home to assist his father, a bishop, in his struggles against Arianism. Meanwhile, his friend Basil had become Archbishop of (Cappadocian) Caesarea. Faced with a rival Arian bishop at Tyana, he undertook to consolidate his position by maneuvering Gregory into the position of Bishop of Sasima, an unhealthy settlement on the border between the two jurisdictions. Gregory called Sasima "a detestable little place without water or grass or any mark of civilization." He felt "like a bone flung to dogs." He refused to reside at Sasima. Basil accused him of shirking his duty. He accused Basil of making him a pawn in ecclesiastical politics. Their friendship suffered a severe breach, which took some time to heal. Gregory suffered a breakdown and retired to recuperate. 379, after the death of the Arian Emperor Valens, Gregory was asked to go to Constantinople to preach there. For thirty years, the city had been controlled by Arians or pagans, and the orthodox did not even have a church there. Gregory went. He converted his own house there into a church and held services in it. There he preached the Five Theological Orations for which he is best known, a series of five sermons on the Trinity and in defense of the deity of Christ. People flocked to hear him preach, and the city was largely won over to the Athanasian (Trinitarian, catholic, orthodox) position by his powers of persuasion. The following year, he was consecrated bishop of Constantinople. He presided at the Council of Constantinople in 381, which confirmed the Athanasian position of the earlier Council of Nicea in 325. Having accomplished what he believed to be his mission at Constantinople, and heartily sick of ecclesiastical politics, Gregory resigned and retired to his home town of Nazianzus, where he died in 389. Five Theological Orations are available in several series of works of the Ancient Fathers. The best-known recent biography of him is Gregory of Nazianzus, Rhetor and Philosopher (Oxford U Press, 1969), by Rosemary Radford Reuther. I was in her Sunday School class back when she was writing it, until I was kicked out for asking too many awkward questions. She writes well, nonetheless. by James Kiefer

Armenia, 349-379, BASIL THE GREAT, Caesurea Armenia, Cappadocian Capital, Basilian Monks & litergy, defended Nicean Creed
Armenia, 349-379, Caesurea (Kayseri), Armenia, Cappadocian Capital (Great Road, Kizilirmak River 4), studied law at Athens w Julian Apostate & Gregory of Nazi, founded monastery, Basilian Monks, fed Jews and Christians, hospice, defended Nicean Creed, famous writings, litergy of B ; Caesurea, Cappadocia; BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379); died on 1 January 379. He is accordingly commemorated on that day in the East. The traditional Western date is 14 June, the anniversary of his consecration. The Roman usage has adopted 2 January.) icon of St. Basil was born in Caesarea of Cappadocia, a province in what is now central Turkey (more or less directly north of the easternmost part of the Mediterranean, but with no seacoast). was born in 329, after the persecution of Christians had ceased, but with parents who could remember the persecutions and had lived through them. originally planned to become a lawyer and orator, and studied at Athens (351-356), two of his classmates were Gregory of Nazianzus (who became a close friend) and the future Emperor Julian the Apostate. he returned home, the influence and example of his sister Macrina led him to seek the monastic life instead, after making a tour of the monasteries of Egypt in 357, he founded a monastic settlement near his home. remained there only five years, but the influence of his community was enormous. in the West there are numerous monastic orders (Benedictines, Carthusians, etc.), in the East all monks are Basilian monks. His Longer Rules and Shorter Rules for the monastic life remain the standard. expresses a definite preference for the communal life of the monastery over the solitary life of the hermit, arguing that the Christian life of mutual love and service is communal by its nature. 367-8, when Cappadocia suffered a severe and widespread famine, Basil sold his family's very extensive land holdings in order to buy food for the starving, persuading many others to follow his example, and putting on an apron to work in the soup kitchen himself. this crisis, he absolutely refused to allow any distinction to be made between Jew and Christian, saying that the digestive systems of the two are indistinguishable. also built a hospital for the care of the sick, housing for the poor, and a hospice for travelers. were the years between the First Ecumenical Council (Nicea, 325) and the Second (Constantinople, 381), in which it was uncertain whether the Church would stand by the declaration made at Nicea that the Logos (the "Word" -- see John 1:1) was fully God, equally with the Father, or seek a more flexible formula in the hope of reconciliation with the Arians, who declared themselves unalterably opposed to the Nicene wording. had been ordained priest in 362 in order to assist the new Bishop of Caesarea, whom he succeeded in 370. (Since Caesarea was the capital, or metropolis, of the province of Cappadocia, its bishop was automatically the metropolitan of Cappadocia, which included about fifty dioceses (bishoprics). metropolitan was roughly what we would call an archbishop, although in ancient terminology an "archbishop" was one step above a metropolitan.) By that time, an Arian emperor, Valens, was ruling. made it his policy to try to unite the so-called semi-Arians with the Nicene party against the outright Arians, making use of the formula "three persons (hypostases) in one substance (ousia)," thus explicitly acknowledging a distinction between the Father and the Son (a distinction that the Nicene party had been accused of blurring), and at the same time insisting on their essential unity. the emperor Valens passed through Caesarea in 371, he demanded the theological submission of Basil, who flatly refused. imperial prefect expressed astonishment at Basil's defiance, to which Basil replied, "Perhaps you have never met a real bishop before." retaliated by dividing the province of Cappadocia into two provinces, with the result that the Arian Bishop of Tyana became metropolitan of the new province of Western Cappadocia. responded by going political. He ramrodded his brother Gregory of Nyssa and his friend Gregory of Nazianzus into bishoprics that they did not want, and for which they were totally unsuited, so that he would have the votes of those bishoprics when he needed them. Gregory ever quite forgave him for this.) interests were not exclusively theological: he denounced and excommunicated those who owned houses of prostitution, he worked to secure justice for the poor against those who oppressed them, and he severely disciplined clergy who used their office to accumulate money or to live too well at the expense of the faithful. most famous writings include the Hexaemeron ("The Six Days"), a series of nine sermons on the days of creation, in which he speaks of the beauties of the created world as revelations of the splendor of God. Against Eunomius defends the deity of Christ against an Arian writer, his On the Holy Spirit speaks of the deity of the Third Person of the Trinity, and the rightness of worshipping Him together with the Father and the Son. his Address to Young Men (originally written for his nephews), he urges Christians to make themselves acquainted with pagan philosophy and literature, arguing that this will often lead to a deeper understanding of Christian truth. personality comes through most clearly in his letters, of which more than three hundred have been preserved. Some deal with points of theology or ethics, some with canon law, and many simply with everyday affairs. times a year the Eastern churches use the Liturgy of St Basil rather than the more usual Liturgy of St John Chrysostom. It differs chiefly in having a more elaborate Anaphora (the prayer of consecration offered over the bread and wine), expressing some of his characteristic turns of thought, probably dating back to his time and used by him, and possibly composed by him personally. died in 379, shortly after the death in battle of the Arian Valens removed the chief threat to the Nicene faith to which Basil had devoted his life. was mourned by the entire city, and the weeping crowds at his funeral included Christians, Jews, and pagans. is counted (with the two Gregories) as one of the three Cappadocian Fathers, and (with Gregory of Nazianzus and John Chrysostom) as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs. the West, he is reckoned (with Gregory of Nazianzus, John Chrysostom, and Athanasius) as one of the Four Greek (Eastern) Doctors of the Undivided Church. (The Four Latin (Western) Doctors are Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, and Gregory the Great.) by James Kiefer Many of his writings are available online from CCEL.

Armenia, 350-379, Basil tGreat, Archbishop oCaesarea, Cappadocia, Armenia, but belongs to tChurch&Time worldwide, best teacher
Armenia, 350-379, Basil tGreat, Archbishop oCaesarea, Cappadocia, Armenia, but belongs to tWhole Church&Time all lands&Cities worldwide, tMost salvific teacher, illustrious lineage, eminence&wealth&Zealous christians, Grandfather Grandmother father's side hid iForests oPontus 7yrs under Diocletian, his Mom St Emilia daughter oMartyr, his father aLawyer &famous rhetorician fCassarea, they had 10 children incl 5 saints, Macrina, Gregory oNyssa, Peter oSebaste, deaconess Theosebia &Himself, Basil lived oEstate River Isis iPontus near Neocasarea Crossroads tKelkit River, rasied under his Mother&Grandmother Macrina tElder's supervision, they remembered Gregory tWonderworker oCappadocia, initial ed under hFather, then finest teachers Caesarea, where he met Gregory tTheologian (oNazianzus), later ed aConstantinople, eminent orators philosophers, then ed aAthens, center oClassical enlightenment f4o5yrs, master oAll disciplines, Philosopher, philologist (language history), orator, jurist, naturalist, astronomer, math, medicine, close friendship wGregory, 1 soul 2 bodies, hopes guided us, 2Paths, 1 temples&teachers 2 disciplines beyond, 357 back tCaesarea&Rhetoric, but soon ascetic life, after Dad's death Mom&Sis Macrina& servants tfamily estate iPontus fAscetic life, Basil baptized&Reader iCaesarea, read&explained, later tEgypt Syria&Palestine tMeet Great Ascetics, copied them iC, gave wealth, settled near Mom&Macrina, other side river, gathered monks, cenobitic (group) life, letters tGregory, joined him, strict abstinence, no roof or fireplace, humble food, calloused hands hard work, tunic mantle hair shirt aNight, intense study scripture, guided bFathers otPast, like good writings oOrigen, Philokalia anthology bThem, monks requested Rules fVirtuous Life, preaching&example fCappadocia&Pontus, Men&Women monasteries combining cenobitic&Solitary lifestyle, tCaesarea, 362 deacon, 364 priest, B honored by everyone, caused weak bishop Eusebius jealousy, monks defended B, B withdrew his Pontus monastery, new emperor Valens 364-378 anArian, trouble fOrthodoxy, Eusebius called him back, advisor, representative, Word oGod expounder, staff ftAged, support iIntermal matters, Church governance passed tSubordinate Basil, Preached daily oTwiceDaily, composed Liturgy, wrote On 6 Days oCreation (Hexaemeron), Prophet Isaiah i16 Chapters, work oPsalms, 2nd Monastic Rules, also 3 books Against Eunomius, aristotelian reason logical scheme rational concepts Arian teacher, B caring fDestitute, taking in Strangers, virgin supervision, written unwritted monastic rules, arrangement oPrayers (Liturgy), a oAltars+, 370 Bishop after Eusebius, newest o50 bishops i50 provinces, Athanasius tGreat welcomed him, Valen's Arians held various opinions about divinity Son oGod, Holy Spirit questions, Basil taught HS equal wFather&Son, for full explanation wrote On The Holy Spirit, circumstances, Cappadocia divided 2Provincial districts, then Antioch schism, negative haughty attitude oWestern bishops when attempts draw them in to Arian struggle, plus departure oBasil's close friendEustathius tArian side, B's letters tChurches encouraged Orthodox, summoned bravery, challanged Arian hostility&Intrigues, a Bee stinging enemies while nourishing tFlock wTeaching honey, suddenly Valens appeared in C tSend B into exile, Sent perfect Modestus, threated property confiscation, banishment, beatings, death, but if you take my possessions, not enrich you and not make me pauper, same for clothing books, Exile means nothing, my place is not mine, where you send me will be mine, better to say every place is God's, where I would not be stranger or sojourner, who can torture me, first blow insensible, death would be kindness, sooner tGod tWhom I hasten, Official stunned, no one spoken so audaciously tMe, Perhaps that is because you never spoke bishop before, we are meek most humble oAll, but when people rise against God we look to him alone and fire sword wild beasts iron rods serve to fill us with joy rather than fear, Emperor we stand defeated by Church leader, so Valens did not give in tArians demanding exile, Valens entered a full Church on Theophany, mixing wCrowd showing unity, but Psalms singing like thunder to his hearing, while Basil in front acknowledged nothing but focus on God & Altar, Clergy serving there in awe&reverence ; Byzantine Saint, 350-379, Basil of Caesarea, Basil the Great; of Caesarea, also called Saint Basil the Great (330[8] – 1 or 2 January 379), a bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the heresies of the early Christian church, fighting against both Arianism and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea. ability to balance his theological convictions with his political connections made Basil a powerful advocate for the Nicene position. addition to his work as a theologian, Basil was known for his care of the poor and underprivileged. established guidelines for monastic life which focus on community life, liturgical prayer, and manual labor. with Pachomius, he is remembered as a father of communal monasticism in Eastern Christianity. He is considered a saint by the traditions of both Eastern and Western Christianity. together with his brother Gregory of Nyssa and his friend Gregory of Nazianzus, are collectively referred to as the Cappadocian Fathers. The Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches have given him, together with Gregory of Nazianzus and John Chrysostom, the title of Great Hierarch. He is recognized as a Doctor of the Church in the Roman Catholic Church. He is sometimes referred to by the epithet Ouranophantor (Greek: Οὐρανοφάντωρ), "revealer of heavenly mysteries".[9] Icon of the Three Holy Hierarchs: Basil the Great (left), John Chrysostom (center) and Gregory the Theologian (right)—from Lipie, Historic Museum in Sanok, Poland. 362, Bishop Meletius of Antioch ordained Basil as a deacon. Eusebius then summoned Basil to Caesarea and ordained him as presbyter of the Church there in 365. Ecclesiastical entreaties rather than Basil's desires thus altered his career path.[24] and Gregory Nazianzus spent the next few years combating the Arian heresy, which threatened to divide Cappadocia's Christians. In close fraternal cooperation, they agreed to a great rhetorical contest with accomplished Arian theologians and rhetors.[34] In the subsequent public debates, presided over by agents of Valens, Gregory and Basil emerged triumphant. This success confirmed for both Gregory and Basil that their futures lay in administration of the Church.[34] Basil next took on functional administration of the city of Caesarea.[30] Eusebius is reported as becoming jealous of the reputation and influence which Basil quickly developed, and allowed Basil to return to his earlier solitude. Later, however, Gregory persuaded Basil to return. Basil did so, and became the administrator for the Diocese of Caesarea.[35] 370, Eusebius died, and Basil was chosen to succeed him, and was consecrated bishop on 14 June 370.[36] His new post as bishop of Caesarea also gave him the powers of exarch of Pontus and metropolitan of five suffragan bishops, many of whom had opposed him in the election for Eusebius's successor. It was then that his great powers were called into action. Hot-blooded and somewhat imperious, Basil was also generous and sympathetic. He personally organized a soup kitchen and distributed food to the poor during a famine following a drought.[27] letters show that he actively worked to reform thieves and prostitutes. They also show him encouraging his clergy not to be tempted by wealth or the comparatively easy life of a priest, and that he personally took care in selecting worthy candidates for holy orders. He also had the courage to criticize public officials who failed in their duty of administering justice. At the same time, he preached every morning and evening in his own church to large congregations. In addition to all the above, he built a large complex just outside Caesarea, called the Basiliad,[37] which included a poorhouse, hospice, and hospital, and was compared by Gregory of Nazianzus to the wonders of the world.[38] zeal for orthodoxy did not blind him to what was good in an opponent; and for the sake of peace and charity he was content to waive the use of orthodox terminology when it could be surrendered without a sacrifice of truth. The Emperor Valens, who was an adherent of the Arian philosophy, sent his prefect Modestus to at least agree to a compromise with the Arian faction. Basil's adamant negative response prompted Modestus to say that no one had ever spoken to him in that way before. Basil replied, "Perhaps you have never yet had to deal with a bishop." Modestus reported back to Valens that he believed nothing short of violence would avail against Basil. Valens was apparently unwilling to engage in violence. He did however issue orders banishing Basil repeatedly, none of which succeeded. Valens came himself to attend when Basil celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Theophany (Epiphany), and at that time was so impressed by Basil that he donated to him some land for the building of the Basiliad. This interaction helped to define the limits of governmental power over the church.[39] then had to face the growing spread of Arianism. This belief system, which denied that Christ was consubstantial with the Father, was quickly gaining adherents and was seen by many, particularly those in Alexandria most familiar with it, as posing a threat to the unity of the church.[40] Basil entered into connections with the West, and with the help of Athanasius, he tried to overcome its distrustful attitude toward the Homoiousians. The difficulties had been enhanced by bringing in the question as to the essence of the Holy Spirit. Although Basil advocated objectively the consubstantiality of the Holy Spirit with the Father and the Son, he belonged to those, who, faithful to Eastern tradition, would not allow the predicate homoousios to the former; for this he was reproached as early as 371 by the Orthodox zealots among the monks, and Athanasius defended him. corresponded with Pope Damasus in the hope of having his aid and encouragement against triumphant Arianism; the pope, however, cherished some degree of suspicion against the Cappadocian Doctor.[41 Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1; Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, “belongs not to the Church of Caesarea alone, merely to his own time, was he of benefit only to his own kinsmen, rather to all lands and cities worldwide, to all people he brought and still brings benefit, for Christians he always was and will be a most salvific teacher.” spoke Saint Basil’s contemporary, Saint Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium (November 23). Basil was born in the year 330 at Caesarea, the administrative center of Cappadocia. was of illustrious lineage, for its eminence and wealth, zealous for the Christian Faith. saint’s grandfather and grandmother on his father’s side had to hide in the forests of Pontus for seven years during the persecution under Diocletian. Basil’s mother Saint Emilia was the daughter of a martyr. On the Greek calendar, she is commemorated on May 30. Basil’s father was also named Basil. He was a lawyer and renowned rhetorician, and lived at Caesarea. children were born to the elder Basil and Emilia: five sons and five daughters. of them were later numbered among the saints: the Great; Macrina (July 19) was an exemplar of ascetic life, and exerted strong influence on the life and character of Saint Basil the Great; Gregory, afterwards Bishop of Nyssa (January 10); Peter, Bishop of Sebaste (January 9); and Theosebia, a deaconess (January 10). Basil spent the first years of his life on an estate belonging to his parents at the River Iris, he was raised under the supervision of his mother Emilia and grandmother Macrina. were women of great refinement, remembered an earlier bishop of Cappadocia, Saint Gregory the Wonderworker (November 17). received his initial education under the supervision of his father, then he studied under the finest teachers in Caesarea of Cappadocia, it was here that he made the acquaintance of Saint Gregory the Theologian (January 25 and January 30). Basil transferred to a school at Constantinople, he listened to eminent orators and philosophers. complete his education Saint Basil went to Athens, the center of classical enlightenment. a four or five year stay at Athens, Basil had mastered all the available disciplines. “He studied everything thoroughly, more than others are wont to study a single subject. studied each science in its very totality, as though he would study nothing else.” philologist, orator, jurist, naturalist, possessing profound knowledge in astronomy, mathematics and medicine, “he was a ship fully laden with learning, to the extent permitted by human nature.” Athens a close friendship developed between Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian (Nazianzus), which continued throughout their life. fact, they regarded themselves as one soul in two bodies. Later on, in his eulogy for Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian speaks with delight about this period: “Various hopes guided us, and indeed inevitably, in learning... Two paths opened up before us: the one to our sacred temples and the teachers therein; the other towards preceptors of disciplines beyond.” the year 357, Saint Basil returned to Caesarea, where for a while he devoted himself to rhetoric. soon, refusing offers from Caesarea’s citizens who wanted to entrust him with the education of their offspring, Saint Basil entered upon the path of ascetic life. the death of her husband, Basil’s mother, her eldest daughter Macrina, and several female servants withdrew to the family estate at Iris and there began to lead an ascetic life. was baptized by Dianios, the Bishop of Caesarea, was tonsured a Reader (On the Holy Spirit, 29). first read the Holy Scriptures to the people, then explained them. on, “wishing to acquire a guide to the knowledge of truth”, the saint undertook a journey into Egypt, Syria and Palestine, to meet the great Christian ascetics dwelling there. returning to Cappadocia, he decided to do as they did. distributed his wealth to the needy, then settled on the opposite side of the river not far from his mother Emilia and sister Macrina, around him monks living a cenobitic life. his letters, Basil drew his good friend Gregory the Theologian to the monastery. Basil and Gregory labored in strict abstinence in their dwelling place, which had no roof or fireplace, and the food was very humble. themselves cleared away the stones, planted and watered the trees, and carried heavy loads. hands were constantly calloused from the hard work. clothing Basil had only a tunic and monastic mantle. wore a hairshirt, but only at night, so that it would not be obvious. their solitude, Saints Basil and Gregory occupied themselves in an intense study of Holy Scripture. were guided by the writings of the Fathers and commentators of the past, the good writings of Origen. all these works they compiled an anthology called Philokalia. at this time, at the request of the monks, Saint Basil wrote down a collection of rules for virtuous life. his preaching and by his example Saint Basil assisted in the spiritual perfection of Christians in Cappadocia and Pontus; and many indeed turned to him. were organized for men and for women, which places Basil sought to combine the cenobitic (koine bios, or common) lifestyle with that of the solitary hermit. the reign of Constantius (337-361) the heretical teachings of Arius were spreading, and the Church summoned both its saints into service. Basil returned to Caesarea. the year 362 he was ordained deacon by Bishop Meletius of Antioch. 364 he was ordained to the holy priesthood by Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea. “But seeing,” as Gregory the Theologian relates, “that everyone exceedingly praised and honored Basil for his wisdom and reverence, through human weakness, succumbed to jealousy of him, and began to show dislike for him. ” The monks rose up in defense of Saint Basil. avoid causing Church discord, Basil withdrew to his own monastery and concerned himself with the organization of monasteries. the coming to power of the emperor Valens (364-378), who was a resolute adherent of Arianism, a time of troubles began for Orthodoxy, onset of a great struggle. Saint Basil hastily returned to Caesarea at the request of Bishop Eusebius. the words of Gregory the Theologian, he was for Bishop Eusebius “a good advisor, a righteous representative, an expounder of the Word of God, a staff for the aged, a faithful support in internal matters, and an activist in external matters.” this time church governance passed over to Basil, though he was subordinate to the hierarch. preached daily, and often twice, in the morning and in the evening. this time Saint Basil composed his Liturgy. wrote a work “On the Six Days of Creation” (Hexaemeron) another on the Prophet Isaiah in sixteen chapters, another on the Psalms, also a second compilation of monastic rules. Basil wrote also three books “Against Eunomius,” an Arian teacher who, with the help of Aristotelian concepts, had presented the Arian dogma in philosophic form, converting Christian teaching into a logical scheme of rational concepts. Gregory the Theologian, speaking about the activity of Basil the Great during this period, points to “the caring for the destitute and the taking in of strangers, the supervision of virgins, written and unwritten monastic rules for monks, the arrangement of prayers [Liturgy], the felicitous arrangement of altars and other things.” the death of Eusebius, the Bishop of Caesarea, Saint Basil was chosen to succeed him in the year 370. Bishop of Caesarea, Saint Basil the Great was the newest of fifty bishops in eleven provinces. Athanasius the Great (May 2), with joy and with thanks to God welcomed the appointment to Cappadocia of such a bishop as Basil, famed for his reverence, deep knowledge of Holy Scripture, great learning, and his efforts for the welfare of Church peace and unity. Valens, the external government belonged to the Arians, held various opinions regarding the divinity of the Son of God, and were divided into several factions. dogmatic disputes were concerned with questions about the Holy Spirit. his books Against Eunomios, Saint Basil the Great taught the divinity of the Holy Spirit and His equality with the Father and the Son. in order to provide a full explanation of Orthodox teaching on this question, Basil wrote his book “On the Holy Spirit” at the request of Saint Amphilochius, the Bishop of Iconium. Basil’s difficulties were made worse by various circumstances: was divided in two under the rearrangement of provincial districts. at Antioch a schism occurred, occasioned by the consecration of a second bishop. was the negative and haughty attitude of Western bishops to the attempts to draw them into the struggle with the Arians. there was also the departure of Eustathius of Sebaste over to the Arian side. had been connected to him by ties of close friendship. the constant perils Saint Basil gave encouragement to the Orthodox, confirmed them in the Faith, summoning them to bravery and endurance. holy bishop wrote numerous letters to the churches, to bishops, to clergy and to individuals. the heretics “by the weapon of his mouth, and by the arrows of his letters,” an untiring champion of Orthodoxy, Saint Basil challenged the hostility and intrigues of the Arian heretics all his life. has been compared to a bee, stinging the Church’s enemies, yet nourishing his flock with the sweet honey of his teaching. emperor Valens, mercilessly sending into exile any bishop who displeased him, and having implanted Arianism into other Asia Minor provinces, appeared in Cappadocia for this same purpose. sent the prefect Modestus to Saint Basil. began to threaten the saint with the confiscation of his property, banishment, beatings, and even death. Basil said, “If you take away my possessions, you will not enrich yourself, nor will you make me a pauper. have no need of my old worn-out clothing, nor of my few books, of which the entirety of my wealth is comprised. means nothing to me, since I am bound to no particular place. place in which I now dwell is not mine, and any place you send me shall be mine. to say: every place is God’s. Where would I be neither a stranger and sojourner (Ps. 38/39:13)? can torture me? am so weak, that the very first blow would render me insensible. would be a kindness to me, for it will bring me all the sooner to God, for Whom I live and labor, and to Whom I hasten.” official was stunned by his answer. “No one has ever spoken so audaciously to me,” he said. “Perhaps,” the saint remarked, “ that is because you’ve never spoken to a bishop before. all else we are meek, the most humble of all. when it concerns God, and people rise up against Him, then we, counting everything else as naught, look to Him alone. fire, sword, wild beasts and iron rods that rend the body, serve to fill us with joy, rather than fear.” to Valens that Saint Basil was not to be intimidated, said, “Emperor, we stand defeated by a leader of the Church.” the Great again showed firmness before the emperor and his retinue made such a strong impression on Valens that the emperor dared not give in to the Arians demanding Basil’s exile. “On the day of Theophany, amidst an innumerable multitude of the people, Valens entered the church and mixed in with the throng, in order to give the appearance of being in unity with the Church. the singing of Psalms began in the church, it was like thunder to his hearing. emperor beheld a sea of people, and in the altar and all around was splendor; front of all was Basil, who acknowledged neither by gesture nor by glance, that anything else was going on in church.” Everything was focused only on God and the altar-table, and the clergy serving there in awe and reverence.

Armenia, 350-379, Basil of Caesarea, Armenia, Basil the Great, of the 5
Byzantine Saint, 350-379, Basil of Caesarea, Basil the Great; Martyr Patermuthius of Egypt, Commemorated on July 9 ; Venerable Patermuthius the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on July 9; Martyr Emilian of Silistria in Bulgaria, Commemorated on July 18; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Macrina the Sister of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on July 19 ; Martyr John the Soldier at Constantinople, Commemorated on July 30; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Venerable Horus of the Thebaid, Egypt, Commemorated on August 7; Martyr Juventinus the Soldier at Antioch, Commemorated on September 5 ; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; Martyr Gemellus of Paphlagonia, Commemorated on December 10; St Niphon the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 23; St Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 12; Venerable Publius of Egypt, Commemorated on April 5; Martyr Dometius of Persia, Commemorated on August 7; MOSES THE BLACK, DESERT FATHER & MARTYR, 28 August 405; Venerable Moses the Black of Scete, Commemorated on August 28; Martyr Porphyrius the Actor, Commemorated on September 15 ; Martyr Juventinus at Antioch, Commemorated on October 9 ; St Publia the Confessor and Deaconess of Antioch, Commemorated on October 9; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated on October 20; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Hieromartyr Cyriacus the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on October 28 ; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2; Martyr Melasippus with his wife and son at Ancyra, Commemorated on November 7; Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers, Commemorated on November 8; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on November 11; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397); Martyr Elpidius who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on November 15; Martyr Theodore of Antioch, Commemorated on November 23; St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Timothy at Tiberiopolis, Commemorated on November 28; Venerable Karion (Cyrion) and his son in Egypt, Commemorated on December 5 ; Venerable Zachariah of Egypt, Commemorated on December 5; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); Martyr Basil of Ancyra, Commemorated on January 1; Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Sts Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; St Gregory the Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28; Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Zeno the Hermit of Antioch the Disciple of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 30; Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on April 9; St Eulogius the Hospitable of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 27 ; Martyr Theognes at Cyzicus, Commemorated on April 29 ; St Athanasius the Great the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on May 2 ; Martyr Barbarus the Soldier in Morea, Commemorated on May 6; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5; Hieromartyr Timothy the Bishop of Prusa, Commemorated on June 10; Venerable Theophanes of Antioch, Commemorated on June 10; BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379); Martyr Manuel of Persia, Commemorated on June 17; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or œthe RomanÂ, Commemorated on June 26;

Armenia, 350-368, C King, Arsak II (Arshak), Arian, Roman peace allows Sassanians to take Armenia 368, prison suicide
Armenia, 350-368, Prince, Arsak II (Arshak II); II[1] (Armenian: Արշակ Բ, flourished 4th century, died 369 or 370), also known as Arsaces II[2] and Arsak II[3] was a prince who was a Roman client king of Arsacid Armenia from 350 until 368. life[edit] II was the second born son to Tiran (Tigranes VII)[4] by an unnamed mother. His father served as a Roman client king of Arsacid Armenia from 339 until 350. His date of birth is unknown and little is known on his early life. Sometime during his father's reign, the Sassanid King Shapur II launched a war on Rome and her allies, firstly by persecuting the Christians that lived in Persia and Mesopotamia.[5] Shapur II, by capturing these territories, began to deal a severe blow to Roman prestige in the East.[5] Sometime into his father's reign, Shapur II with his army had invaded Armenia; eventually taking Arshak II with members of his family as hostages[5][6] as they were betrayed to Shapur II by his father's chamberlain.[5][6] Arshak II, along with members of his family, had become Sassanid political prisoners in which his father was blinded and thrown into prison after Shapur II accused his father of collusion with Rome.[5] nobles of Armenia were infuriated by the brutality of Shapur II and his treatment of Arshak II with members of his family, took up arms and fought against Shapur II and his army with assistance from the Romans.[5] They successfully drove Shapur II and his army out from Armenia. After Shapur II was defeated, he signed a treaty, and Arshak II and members of his family were released from prison. As Arshak II's father was depressed and blinded from his experience in captivity, he abdicated his throne, and Arshak II succeeded his father as Armenian King in 350. II, like his father, strongly pursued a policy in favor of Arianism.[7] the early years of his reign, Arshak II found himself courted by the Roman Empire and Sassanid Empire, both of which hoped to win Armenia to their side in the ongoing conflicts between them. 358, Arshak II had married a Greek noblewoman Olympias, the daughter of the late consul Ablabius. The historian Ammianus Marcellinus (XXV. vii, 9-13; vol. II, pp. 532/3-534/5) described Arshak II as a "steadfast and faithful friend" to the Romans. King of Sassanid Persia, Shapur II, intensified his efforts to conquer Armenia once and for all. He was able to bribe two Armenian noblemen, Vahan Mamikonian and Meruzhan Artsruni, and had them join his royal court. II focused on strengthening the army. He rewarded loyal generals and severely punished disloyal ones. He crafted an ambitious plan in which all criminals that settled in his newly founded city of Arshakavan were given complete amnesty. Approximately 150,000 individuals were settled in the city. His hope was to create a large army directly under his command, but many in the Armenian nobility did not agree with the plan and subsequently destroyed the city and killed its inhabitants. Romans and the Persians clashed again. Roman Emperor Jovian, being in a very difficult position, negotiated an undesirable peace with Shapur II in which he allowed the Persians to take over the fortresses of Nisbis, Castra Maurorum, and Singara along with a part of Armenia. Arshak II found himself abandoned by the Romans and left to defend Armenia all alone. The Persians swiftly attacked, but were unsuccessful, partly due to the leadership of the sparapet (general-in-chief) Vasak Mamikonian. Shapur II, seeing that brute force was not going to subjugate Arshak II, turned to treachery. Arshak II was invited by the Persian king for peace talks. When Arshak II arrived with Vasak Mamikonian, he was taken prisoner and his general was skinned. Armenia under Arshak II and suicide[edit] in a Sasanian prison named the Castle of Oblivion, Arshak II was unable to stop the Sasanian invasion of Armenia. Shapur II conquered Armenia and tried to convert Christian Armenians to Zoroastrianism, the main religion of the Sassanid Empire. in 369 or 370, an Armenian named Drastamat visited the imprisoned Arshak II. The king reminisced about his glory days and, feeling depressed, took his visitor's knife and killed himself. Drastamat, moved by what he had just witnessed, took the knife from Arshak II's chest and stabbed himself as well. having a troublesome reign, Arshak II was able to improve many aspects of his kingdom. The chief architect of the reforms was his cousin, the catholicos Saint Nerses I the Great. They included: the establishment of many monasteries, to isolate monks from the stress of everyday life and helped spread the gospel; the building of hospitals; the founding of many schools that would teach Assyrian and Greek, since the Holy Bible was read in those languages at that time; the interdiction of inbred marriages, polygamy, divorce, pagan rituals, drunkenness and revenge killings; strongly encouraging slave-owners to be merciful to slaves and treat them as equals. II was named in honor of his Parthian, Pontian and Armenian ancestors who ruled under this name as king, in particular he was named in honor of Arshak I, also known as Arsaces I, the founder of the Arsacid Parthian dynasty and the first ruler of the Parthian Empire. letter of Vagharshak, king of Armenia, to Arshak the Great, king of Parthia, Arshak, king of earth and sea, whose person and image are as those of our gods, whose fortune and destiny are superior to those of all kings, and whose amplitude of mind is as that of the sky above the earth, from Vagharshak your younger brother.[8] appearance[edit] to the Armenian 5th-century historian Faustus of Byzantium in his writings History of the Armenians (Book IV, Chapter 15), states Pharantzem[clarification needed] in describing Arshak II as, “physically, he is hairy, and his color is dark”. and issue[edit] II appeared to have three known wives. Prior to his Armenia kingship, Arshak II married an unknown woman who appeared to have died before 358. His first wife bore him a son: Anob[9] By 358, he married the Greek noblewoman Olympias.[10] They were married until her death in 361[10] They had no children. In 360, he married the Armenian noblewoman Pharantzem, the widow of Arshak II's nephew, the Arsacid Prince Gnel.[10][11] Pharantzem remained with Arshak II until his death. She bore Arshak II a son: Papas (Pap).[11] He was born in 360 and is the only known child born to Arshak II during his reign. Holy Woman Olympias (Olympiada) the Deaconess of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 25;

Armenia, 350-379, Macrina the Younger (Iris River near Pontus and Neocasearea on the Keltek) of the 5
Byzantium, 350-379, Macrina the Younger (somewhere on Iris River); MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Casarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1;

Armenia, 351-368, Saint Caesarius of Nazianzus, Cappadocia, younger brother of Gregory of N, Physician Politician, but ascetic
Cappadocia, 351-368, Saint Caesarius of Nazianzus, younger brother of Gregory; of Nazianzus (c. 331 – 368) was a prominent physician and politician. He is best known as the younger brother of Gregory of Nazianzus. He is recognized as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox and the Catholic Church.[1] younger son of Gregory the Elder, bishop of Nazianzus, and his wife, Nonna, Caesarius was born at the family villa of Arianzus, near Nazianzus. probably studied at Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia in preparation for the elite schools of Alexandria in Egypt. favourite studies there were geometry, astronomy and especially medicine. In the last-named science, he surpassed all his fellow students.[2] 355 he came to the imperial capital Constantinople, and had already acquired a great reputation for his medical skill, his brother Gregory, homeward bound from Athens, appeared there about 358. sacrificed a remunerative and honourable post to return home with Gregory. capital soon proved to be too great an attraction for him, and he eventually became an eminent physician at the Byzantine court of Constantius II and, much to the regret of his family, at that of Julian the Apostate.[3] Julian failed in his efforts to win him over to briefly restored Paganism. more appreciative of his faith than of imperial favour, ultimately left the court, but returned to Constantinople after Julian's death in 363.[2] the Emperor Valens Caesarius became quaestor of Bithynia, a position which included treasury and tax collection responsibilities.[4] escaping from the earthquake which shook Nicaea (11 October, 368), his brother wrote to him, pleading for him to leave his political position and withdraw to a religious life.[5] Caesarius was suddenly killed by the widespread plague which followed the earthquake, shortly after having received baptism, which he, like many others at the period, had deferred until late in life. his death, his very considerable estate was rapidly pillaged by servants and creditors.[6] brother Gregory insisted that what remained of the estate be distributed to the poor and to surviving relatives. remains were interred at Nazianzus, where his brother pronounced the funeral oration in the presence of his parents. the oration, "On His Brother: St. Caesarius", Gregory portrays his brother as a model Christian and ascetic, providing the main source for the details of his life and setting the groundwork for his eventual canonization.[7] John McGuckin maintains that, while Caesarius and his brother Gregory were very close, they were very different characters. Gregory pursued a religious life, his vivacious, outgoing brother was at home in the world of Byzantine politics.[8] two were complementary figures; Gregory relied on his brother to guide him through trouble, while Caesarius encouraged his brother's literary and rhetorical interests.[8] assertion that this Caesarius was the same as that Caesarius, Prefect of Constantinople, who in 365 was thrown into the prison by Procopius, rests on an assumption made by Jacques Godefroy (1587-1652), the editor of the Theodosian Code (Lyon, 1665), and not on any solid historical ground.[2] four Dialogues of one hundred and ninety-seven questions and answers which were traditionally ascribed to Caesarius and are to be found in Migne, Patrologia Graeca, XXXVIII, 851–1190, can hardly be from his pen, owing to their nature, contents and anachronisms. They are generally looked upon as spurious. St. Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25;

Armenia, 352-370, Gorgonia, Gregory tTheologian's Sis, blended married state w unmaried state, all that is good, virtuous woman
Lykaonia, 352-370, Gorgonia, Sister of Saint Gregory the Theologian, Iconium, Lykaonia (Goksu River and Great Road), blended married state w unmaried state, all that is good, Solomon's virtuous woman ; Iconium; Saint Gorgonia, Sister of Saint Gregory the Theologian, Commemorated on February 23; of the information about Saint Gorgonia (Γοργονία) comes from her brother, Saint Gregory Nazianzus (January 25) in his Oration VIII, "On his Sister Gorgonia," which was delivered sometime after their brother Saint Caesarius (March 9) went to the Lord in 369, and before the repose of their father, the elder Saint Gregory Nazianzus, in 374. was the daughter of Saint Gregory Nazianzus (January 1) and Saint Nonna (August 5), and was named for her maternal grandmother Gorgonia. Saint Gregory the Theologian tells us that she derived her existence and her reputation from their parents, because they sowed in her the seeds of piety. praising her virtues, Saint Gregory states that her modesty surpassed those of her own time, and those who lived before her. She blended the excellence of the married state with that of the unmarried state, avoiding the disadvantages of each, while combining all that is best in both. Thus, Saint Gorgonia proved that "neither of them absolutely binds us to, or separates us from, God or the world." It is the mind which nobly presides over marriage and virginity, arranging and working on them as "the raw material of virtue." Gorgonia had consecrated herself to God, and also won her husband Alypios to her side. He was from the city of Iconium, where Faustinus was the bishop. She made Alypios "a good fellow servant, instead of an unreasonable master." This pious couple had five children; two sons who became bishops, and three daughters: Alypianḗ, Eugenia, and Nonna. Moreover, she made her children and their children's children the fruit of her spirit, dedicating to God not only her soul, but also her entire family and household. As long as she lived, she showed herself as an example of all that is good. Her devoted brother even compared her to King Solomon's virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:10-31). daughter of a saintly family took both her natural and spiritual parents as her models of virtue, and they were the source of her goodness. She did not wear fine clothes or expensive jewelry, nor did she use pigments to enhance her beauty. The only red coloring dear to her was the blush of modesty; and her only white coloring was the tint of temperance. adorned the churches with offerings, and thereby presented herself to God as a living temple. She opened her house to members of her family who were in want, and even to strangers. She was sympathetic to those in trouble, and compassionate toward widows. She "dispersed abroad" and "gave to the poor" (Psalm 111/112:9). The only wealth she left to her children was the excellence of her example. her fasting, her chanting of the Psalms, her vigils, her tears, and her prayers, she surpassed not only women, but also the most devout men, thereby demonstrating that the distinction between male and female is one of body, not of soul. day, as Saint Gorgonia was riding in her carriage, the mules bolted and the carriage was overturned. She was dragged over the ground and suffered serious injury. Those who were not Christians were scandalized that God would permit such a thing to happen to this righteous woman. Although she was bruised in her bones and limbs, she would not allow a physician to examine her, in order to preserve her modesty. She trusted that God would heal her, and He did. Seeing her unexpected recovery, people concluded that the accident had occurred so that by her patient endurance and her miraculous healing, God would be glorified. Gorgonia longed for death, preferring to be with Christ rather than remain on earth. She had a vision in which the day of her death was revealed to her so that she might prepare herself. As that time drew near she took to her bed, and spent her last day giving instructions to her husband, her children, and her friends. After discoursing about spiritual matters, she reposed in the year 370 at the age of thirty-eight. Her last words were, “I will both lie down in peace and sleep” (Psalm 4:8).

Armenia, 355-395, Gregory of Nyssa, Cappadocia, Armenia, Father of Fathers, 2nd E Council on Nicene Creed, of the 5
Armenia, 355-395, Gregory of Nyssa, Cappadocia, Armenia, Father of Fathers, anti arian, bishop 372, deposed twice, restored 378, b basil died 379, completed his work on first 6 days, Hexaemeron, Antioc council on MOG, 2nd E Council on Nicene Creed, of the 5; Saint Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, was a younger brother of Saint Basil the Great (January 1). birth and upbringing came at a time when the Arian disputes were at their height. Having received an excellent education, he was at one time a teacher of rhetoric. the year 372, he was consecrated by Saint Basil the Great as bishop of the city of Nyssa in Cappadocia. Gregory was an ardent advocate for Orthodoxy, and he fought against the Arian heresy with his brother Saint Basil. was persecuted by the Arians, by whom he was falsely accused of improper use of church property, and thereby deprived of his See and sent to Ancyra. the following year Saint Gregory was again deposed in absentia by a council of Arian bishops, but he continued to encourage his flock in Orthodoxy, wandering about from place to place. the death of the emperor Valens (378), Saint Gregory was restored to his cathedra and was joyously received by his flock. His brother Saint Basil the Great died in 379. with difficulty did Saint Gregory survive the loss of his brother and guide. He delivered a funeral oration for him, and completed Saint Basil’s study of the six days of Creation, the Hexaemeron. same year Saint Gregory participated in the Council of Antioch against heretics who refused to recognize the perpetual virginity of the Mother of God. Others at the opposite extreme, who worshipped the Mother of God as being God Herself, were also denounced by the Council. visited the churches of Arabia and Palestine, which were infected with the Arian heresy, to assert the Orthodox teaching about the Most Holy Theotokos. On his return journey Saint Gregory visited Jerusalem and the Holy Places. the year 381 Saint Gregory was one of the chief figures of the Second Ecumenical Council, convened at Constantinople against the heresy of Macedonius, who incorrectly taught about the Holy Spirit. At this Council, on the initiative of Saint Gregory, the Nicean Symbol of Faith (the Creed) was completed. with the other bishops Saint Gregory affirmed Saint Gregory the Theologian as Archpastor of Constantinople. the year 383, Saint Gregory of Nyssa participated in a Council at Constantinople, where he preached a sermon on the divinity of the Son and the Holy Spirit. In 386, he was again at Constantinople, and he was asked to speak the funeral oration in memory of the empress Placilla. Again in 394 Saint Gregory was present in Constantinople at a local Council, convened to resolve church matters in Arabia. Gregory of Nyssa was a fiery defender of Orthodox dogmas and a zealous teacher of his flock, a kind and compassionate father to his spiritual children, and their intercessor before the courts. He was distinguished by his magnanimity, patience and love of peace. reached old age, Saint Gregory of Nyssa died soon after the Council of Constantinople. Together with his great contemporaries, Saints Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian, Saint Gregory of Nyssa had a significant influence on the Church life of his time. His sister, Saint Macrina, wrote to him: “You are renowned both in the cities, and gatherings of people, and throughout entire districts. Churches ask you for help.” Saint Gregory is known in history as one of the most profound Christian thinkers of the fourth century. Endowed with philosophical talent, he saw philosophy as a means for a deeper penetration into the authentic meaning of divine revelation. Gregory left behind many remarkable works of dogmatic character, as well as sermons and discourses. He has been called “the Father of Fathers.”

Armenia, 355-395, GREGORY OF NYSSA, Armenia, Cappadocian Father, major Orthodox force 381 E Council, 1 of the 5, more
Armenia, 355-395, GREGORY OF NYSSA, Cappadocia, Armenia (Kizilirmak River 5), G of N, Basil the Great's b, B friend Gregory of Nazianzus, Cappadocian Fathers major force for Athanasian position at 381 E Council, 1 of the 5, 40 Martyrs Sebaste relics impressed him to total commitment, professional orator, forced to be bishop, not suited, book Life of Moses; Nyssa, Cappadocia; GREGORY OF NYSSA, (9 MAR 395); of Nyssa, his brother Basil the Great (14 June), and Basil's best friend Gregory of Nazianzus (9 May), are known collectively as the Cappadocian Fathers. They were a major force in the triumph of the Athanasian position at the Council of Constantinople in 381. Gregory of Nyssa tends to be overshadowed by the other two. of Nyssa was born in Caesarea, the capital of Cappadocia (central Turkey) in about 334, the younger brother of Basil the Great and of Macrina (19 July), and of several other distinguished persons. As a youth, he was at best a lukewarm Christian. However, when he was twenty, some of the relics of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (10 March) were transferred to a chapel near his home, and their presence made a deep impression, on him, confronting him with the fact that to acknowledge God at all is to acknowledge His right to demand a total commitment. Gregory became an active and fervent Christian. He considered the priesthood, decided it was not for him, became a professional orator like his father, married, and settled down to the life of a Christian layman. However, his brother Basil and his friend Gregory of Nazianzus persuaded him to reconsider, and he became a priest in about 362. (This did not affect his marriage.) brother Basil, who had become archbishop of Caesarea in 370, was engaged in a struggle with the Arian Emperor Valens, who was trying to stamp out belief in the deity of Christ. Basil desperately needed the votes and support of Athanasian bishops, and he maneuvered his friend Gregory into the bishopric of Sasima, and (in about 371) his brother Gregory into the bishopric of Nyssa, a small town about ten miles from Caesarea. Neither one wanted to be a bishop, neither was suited to be a bishop, and both were furious with Basil.) Gregory did not get along well with his flock, was falsely accused of embezzling church funds, fled the scene in about 376, and did not return until after the death of Valens about two years later. 379, Basil died, having lived to see the death of Valens and the end of the persecution. Shortly thereafter, Macrina died. Gregory was with her in the last few days of her life. Afterwards, he took to writing sermons and treatises on theology and philosophy. His philosophy was a form of Christian Platonism. In his approach to the Scriptures, he was heavily influenced by Origen, and his writings on the Trinity and the Incarnation build on and develop insights found in germ in the writings of his brother Basil. But he is chiefly remembered as a writer on the spiritual life, on the contemplation of God, not only in private prayer and meditation, but in corporate worship and in the sacramental life of the Church. treatise On the Making of Man deals with God as Creator, and with the world as a good thing, as something that God takes delight in, and that ought to delight us. His Great Catechism is esteemed as a work of systematic theology. His Commentary on the Song of Songs is a work of contemplative, devotional, mystical theology. book The Life of Moses is available from the Paulist Press in the series The Classics of Western Spirituality. The reader who is expecting a straightforward biography will be startled -- not necessarily disappointed. An example of his treatment is the following: Numbers 13 and 14 we read that when Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt and to the borders of Canaan, he sent twelve spies into the land to look it over. They returned to report two things: (1) The inhabitants of the land were fierce warriors and would prove a formidable enemy. (2) The land was a good land, with fertile soil and an abundance of natural resources. As proof, they brought back a cluster of grapes so large that they hung it from a wooden pole that two men carried horizontally between them. Ten of the spies said that the enemy was too strong to be defeated, and that the Israelites ought to turn back, but the remaining two, Joshua and Caleb, urged the people to remember that the LORD was with them, and had shown Himself mighty to save. The people listened to the ten and prepared to turn back. At this the LORD was angry and said, "Very well, you shall wander in the wilderness for forty years, until all the men of this generation have died, except for Joshua and Caleb. Only then shall the next generation go in to possess the homeland that I promised to Abraham for his descendants." Hence the well-known child's nursery rhyme that goes in part: Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh Were the only two who ever got thru to the land of milk and honey. (following the example of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10) treats the Exodus as a type of our deliverance from the bondage of sin, and the Promised Land as a type of Heaven. He comments that the Israelites had been guilty of idolatry, of fornication, of repeated rebellions against Moses, of various disobediences to the commands of God, but that none of these moved God to deny them entrance into the Promised Land. It was only when they came to the Land, and God showed them what a good land He had prepared for them, and gave them a token of that goodness in the form of the cluster of grapes, hanging from a wooden pole between two spies, and they refused to trust in the promise of God to save them from their enemies, that they were turned back (indeed, that they turned themselves back). So, it is not failure to live virtuous lives that can keep us out of Heaven, but a refusal to believe in the mercy of God, and to trust His gracious declarations of His good will toward us, concretely expressed in the saving blood of Christ, Who is the True Vine, and Who for our sakes hung on the wood of the cross between two thieves, as the grape cluster hung on the wood of the pole between two spies, showing forth in His own Person the sign of God's good will to us and His assurance that He is ready to overcome all our enemies. you see, it is not really a biography of Moses, and it will not be to everyone's taste, not even to every Christian's taste. And even Christians who find this approach helpful will grant that it has its pitfalls. Clearly anyone who follows Gregory's example runs the risk of being led on a random walk by the will-o-the-wisp of his own imagination. But many Christians have received spiritual nourishment from this way of reading the Scriptures, and the example of St. Paul, as aforesaid, favors the view that this approach is at least sometimes of legitimate value. by James Kiefer

Armenia, 360-381, Theosebia, the deaconess, virgin, the younger sister, of the 5
Cappadocia, 360-381, Theosebia, the younger sister (somewhere on Iris River in Pontus); also known as Theosebia the Deaconess, was a 4th-century Christian leader, who is honored as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. As a saint she is referred to as Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess. Her life and identification is ambiguous: her years of birth and death are uncertain (probably subsequent to 381). However, she is thought to have played an important role in the church in Nyssa, where she was called diakonissa, the deaconess or wife of a deacon. Nazianzen wrote a letter of condolence[1] on her death to Gregory of Nyssa in which Gregory Nazianzen mentioned "your sister Theosebia" and "true yoke-fellow of a priest". comes the ambiguity of her identification. Some historians supposed Theosebia was the wife of Gregory of Nyssa, others suppose she was one of his sisters like Macrina the Younger.[2] If so, then Theosebia was the sister of Basil the Great as well. of Nyssa—unlike the other Cappadocian Fathers—was married, according to his own testimony in his work On Virginity[3] that he could not benefit from the subject of his own work. combined with Nazianzen's statement that Theosebia was buried by the other Gregory in the aforementioned letter, suggest that she was indeed either Gregory of Nyssa's wife or sister, whose funeral he would have been obliged to oversee. St Theosevia Centre for Christian Spirituality is in Oxford.[4][5] Donald Allchin was director of the centre from 1987 to 1994.[6] Cappadocian Gregory of Nazianzus wrote to Gregory of Nyssa about Theosebia, “the pride of the church, the ornament of Christ, the finest of our generation, the free speech of women, Theosebia, the most illustrious among the brethren, outstanding in beauty of soul. Theosebia, truly a priestly personage, the colleague of a priest, equally honored and worthy of the great sacraments."[7] Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; Theosebia the Deaconess was the sister of Saints Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, and Peter, Bishop of Sebaste. She was a virgin and served the Holy Church as a deaconess, caring for the sick, distributing food to vagrants, raising orphans and preparing women for holy Baptism. her brother, Saint Gregory of Nyssa, was in exile for three years, Saint Theosebia was with him and she shared in all the tribulations of a life of wandering. Saint Theosebia died in 385, and Saint Gregory the Theologian praised her in a eulogy. Byzantium, 350-379, Macrina the Younger (somewhere on Iris River); MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Casarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1;

Armenia, 360-391, Peter, Bishop oSebaste, Armenia, Macrina's gson, of the 5
Armenia, 360 - 391, St Peter, Bishop of Sebaste, Cappadocia/ Armenia, Macrina's gson, of the 5, Basil tG&Gregory oNyssa's bro, raused by sis Macrina tYounger, attended 2nd EC 381 aConstantinople against Macedonius' heresy; Cappadocia, 360 - 391, St Peter, Bishop of Sebaste, Cappadocia/ Armenia; St. Peter the Bishop of Sebaste, in Armenia, Commemorated on January 9; Peter, Bishop of Sebaste, was a brother of Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory of Nyssa (January 1 and January 10). older sister, Saint Macrina (July 19) played a large role in his upbringing. Basil the Great ordained Saint Peter as presbyter, and later he was made Bishop of Sebaste (in Armenia). Peter was present at the Second Ecumenical Council in the year 381, convened at Constantinople against the heresy of Macedonius. Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Sts Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10;

Armenia, 361-363, Gemelius oPaphlagonia, riled Julian aAncyra, Red Hot belt walk tEdessa, pierced&mutilated, but baptism cHeals
Armenia, 361-363, Gemelius oPaphlagonia, Pontaine, Armenia (Gangra River, lower Kizilirmak River drainage), tormented fDenunciating Julian tApostate, iAncyra, had to walk wRed hot iron belt tEdessa, there limbs pierced wWooden stakes, then hung oPost&Mutilated, endured, continued revile Julian, tortured, let go, still able walk, met priest, baptized, instantly all healed, then Julian had him crucified, secretly buried bChristians; Paphlagonia Region; Martyr Gemellus of Paphlagonia, Commemorated on December 10 ; Holy Martyr Gemellus of Paphlagonia was subjected to cruel tortures for his staunch denunciation of the emperor Juilan the Apostate (361-363) in the city of Ancyra (Galatia). red-hot iron belt was placed around his waist. he was ordered to accompany the impious Julian on his journey. they reached Edessa in Mesopotamia, he was stretched out on the ground and his limbs were pierced with wooden stakes. he was hung on a post and mutilated. the tortures, the saint continued to revile the emperor. being subjected to even more horrible torments, they let him go. was still able to walk and speak, so he went on his way until he met a priest. entreated the priest to baptize him, and when he emerged from the water, his wounds were all healed. of this miracle, Julian ordered that Saint Gemellus be crucified. victorious athlete of Christ gave up his soul to God, and his body was secretly taken down and buried by Christians.

Armenia, 363, Battle of Samarra v Persia, Julian the Apostate's death
Battle of Samarra, 363, Julian the Apostate's death; Julian left Antioch for a war with the Persians. Near the Persian city of Ctesiphon, Julian came upon an elderly Persian, who agreed to betray his countrymen and guide Julian’s army. The old man deceived Julian and led his army into the Karmanite wilderness, where there was neither food nor water. Tired from hunger and thirst, Julian’s army battled against fresh Persian forces. ; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated on October 20; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on April 9; Martyr Manuel of Persia, Commemorated on June 17;

Armenia, 363, Helladius the Bishop, Artaz Region, high point, Armenia, not harmed by fire, healed by Jesus
Armenia, 363, Helladius the Bishop in the Eastern part of the Roman Empire, Artaz Region, high point, Armenia, not harmed by fire, healed by Jesus; Eastern part of the Roman Empire ; Hieromartyr Helladius the Bishop in the East, Commemorated on May 28; Hieromartyr Helladius the Bishop was thrown into fire because of his faith in Christ, but he remained unharmed. He died as a martyr from the terrible beating inflicted upon him. the Service to Saint Helladius it is said that the Lord Jesus Christ visited him in prison and healed him of his wounds. According to certain sources, Saint Helladius suffered under the Persians during their invasion into the Eastern part of the Roman Empire in the fourth century.

Armenia, 369-374, Pap, Client King, arian, robust, escape to Valens'. killed traitors, d Shapur II, k Nerses, V k Pap
Armenia, 369-374, King, Pap of Armenia; also known as Papas[1] (353–374) was a Prince who served as the Roman Client King of Arsacid Armenia from 370 until 374. and early life[edit] was the son born to the Arsacid monarch Arsaces II (Arshak II) and his wife Pharantzem (Parandzem),[2] who was his third known wife. Prior to his father's Armenian kingship, Arsaces II married an unnamed woman who appeared to have died before the year 358 by whom he had a son called Anob,[3] thus was Pap's older paternal half-brother. The father of Pap served as Roman Client King of Armenia from 350 until 368. Pap is the only known child born to Arsaces II during his Armenian Kingship. was born and raised in Armenia and little is known on his early life. Armenian historian of the 5th century Faustus of Byzantium in his writings History of the Armenians (Book IV, Chapter 15), states that the parents of Pap nourished him during his childhood and when he reached puberty he became robust. Nerses I was named in honor of Pap, a brief Catholicos in 348 who was Pap's late paternal relative and the first son of Saint Husik. Saint Husik was the grandfather of the Catholicos, St. Nerses I.[4] to the throne[edit] Sassanid King Shapur II's invasion of the Kingdom of Armenia, Pharantzem and Pap were holed up with the Armenian treasure in the fortress of Artogerassa defended by a troop of Azats.[2] According to Ammianus Marcellinus, the Persian invasion force was commanded by two Armenian defectors, Cylaces (Glak) and Artabanes (Vahan). Shapur II's intention was to replace the Armenian Arsacid monarchy with a non-Arsacid but still Armenian nakharar diarchy. Faustus of Byzantium in his Epic Histories also mentions two Armenian nakharars, Meruzhan Artsruni and Vahan Mamikonian in leadership positions under Shapur II's suzerainty as well as Zik and Karen who carried Persian noble titles. This also implies that Shapur II might have intended to combine Sassanid administrative rule (Zik and Karen) with that of nakharar rule (Artsruni and Mamikonian).[2] the siege, Arsaces II's wife Pharantzem appealed to Cylaces and Artabanes in the name of her husband who defected back to the Arsacid monarchy and engineered the escape of Pap. Themistius reported of Pap's arrival at Valens' court in Marcianopolis where the Emperor was wintering.[2] Valens bade him to stay at Neocaesarea in Pontus Polemoniacus three hundred kilometers from the Armenian border. In 369, Pap returned to Armenian territory at the request of the nobility. He was accompanied by the comes et dux Terentius but was not yet endowed with a royal rank.[5] of Armenia[edit] was reluctant to bestow a royal title upon Pap in order not to violate an earlier treaty signed by Jovian in July 363.[5] Valens dispatched his magister peditum praesentalis Arinthaeus to Armenia just as Shapur II invaded the country in pursuit of Pap who was hiding near the Roman frontier in Lazica. Meanwhile, Terentius restored Sauromaces to the throne of Iberia, but the king appointed by the Persians, Aspacures retained control of the eastern part of that kingdom. Instead of going after Pap, Shapur II concentrated his attack on the now long besieged fortress of Artogerassa which fell in the winter of 370, the royal treasure was captured by the Persians and Pharantzem, raped and murdered.[2] Shapur II also began systematically persecuting the local Christians by forcing apostasy to Mazdaism, a form of Orthodox Zoroastrianism.[2] II contacted Pap who was still in hiding and tried to persuade him to come over to his side. Under Shapur II's influence Pap murdered the duplicitous Cylaces and Artabanes and sent their heads to the shahanshah as a sign of loyalty. In the spring of 370 Shapur II prepared a massive invasion of Armenia which was realized in the spring of 371. Valens' generals Traianus and Vadomarius met the Persian force in Armenia at Bagrevand not far from the village called Dzirav and came off victorious. Faustus of Byzantium gives considerable credit for the victory to sparapet Mushegh I Mamikonian. Moses of Chorene of Armenia and Roman Ammianus Marcellinus noted that the Valens' generals did not participate in the battle actively but rather were engaged in protecting the King. During the ensuing battles more Armenian territories were reclaimed from the Persians, including Arzanene and Corduene which were ceded to Persians by Jovian in 363.[2] the end of the summer Shapur II retreated to his capital at Ctesiphon and Valens went back to Antioch. Shapur II was unable to confront the massive Roman build up in Armenia as a result of his preoccupation with Kushan attacks in the eastern realm of his empire. While peace prevailed with Persia, the situation inside Armenia began to crumble. like his father, aggressively pursued a policy of Christian Arianism.[6] He was struggling to rule a kingdom that was recently dismantled by Shapur II; his actions to keep a tight grip on power led to his downfall. Pap poisoned the popular Armenian Catholicos Nerses in 373, who was a very close Roman ally.[2] The poisoning of Nerses was one of the measures that Pap took to restrain the excessive power of the Church, which included the confiscation of rich estates which were attached to the Holy See. Pap had nominated a certain Husik as a replacement and sent him for consecration in Caesarea. The bishop of Caesarea Basil refused to consecrate the nominee but Valens requested that Basil quickly resolve the situation by finding a new nominee acceptable to Pap. Basil failed to do so and the Roman see of Caesarea effectively lost its traditional role of consecrating the Catholicos of Armenia.[2] Pap's refusal to cooperate with Basil angered Valens. In addition, Pap demanded control over Caesarea and twelve other Roman cities including Edessa as former Arsacid domains while openly courting Persia. Valens decided to execute Pap and invited him to a meeting in Tarsus. Pap arrived with 300 mounted escorts but quickly became anxious when he found out the Emperor was not there in person, fleeing back to Armenia.[7] sent two generals with scutarii (shielded cavalry) familiar with the local terrain after Pap, an Armenian named Danielus and an Iberian named Barzimeres who failed to capture and execute Pap.[2] Both generals gave an excuse that Pap had used magical powers to avoid capture and used a dark cloud to mask his party. Faustus in his Epic Histories also claimed that Pap was possessed by devs (demons). This could have simply been an attack against Pap's sympathies towards Arians and pagans. Valens then assigned Traianus to gain Pap's confidence and murder him. Traianus murdered Pap in 374 during a banquet which he had organized for the young king.[8] Marcellinus Ammianus drew parallels between the treacherous murder of the Quadi King Gabinius by Valentinian I and the murder of Pap by Valens,[9] who also wrote that the murder of Pap haunted Valens prior to the Battle of Adrianople. Armenian nakharars still loyal to Pap did little to protest as a result of a large Roman army present in Armenian territory. The new Roman nominee for a king was accepted virtually by everyone. It was another Arsacid and nephew of Pap, who grew up in Rome named Varasdates (Varazdat) that began to rule under the regency of Mushegh Mamikonian.[2] The Mamikonians were notoriously pro-Roman. Shapur II had long been courting Pap and he was infuriated when Pap was murdered and a new Arsacid placed on the Armenian throne instead. and issue[edit] married an Armenian noblewoman called Zarmandukht, who through marriage became queen consort of Armenia.[10] Zarmandukht bore Pap two sons:[11] Arsaces III (Arshak III) and Vologases.

Armenia, 374-378, C King, Varazdat, arian, Oly champ, assgnd by Valens, w Goths Valens threat, Goths revolt, R withdraw
Armenia, 374-378, Client King, Varazdat; (flourished 4th century) was a king of Arsacid Armenia from 374 until 378.[1] from Middle Persian waraz meaning "boar" combined with Middle Persian datan "to give", the name Varazdat roughly means "given by boars" or "giver of boars,"[2] a boar being a symbol for valor and fierceness. & early life was the nephew and successor of the previous Arsacid Armenian king Papas (Pap)[3] who reigned from 370 until 374. According to Saint Mesrop Mashtots, the priest and historiographer of the Catholicos Nerses the Great, names the father of Varazdat as Anob, while the identity of the mother of Varazdat is unknown. The father of Varazdat, Anob who was an Arsacid prince was the older paternal half-brother of Papas. Also, according to Faustus of Byzantium (Book IV, Chapter 37), Varazdat proclaims himself as the nephew of Papas and the historian reveals Varazdat's relations to the Armenian Arsacids. Hence the paternal grandfather of Varazdat was the Arsacid monarch Arsaces II (Arshak II), who ruled as Roman client king of Armenia from 350 until 368 as his paternal grandmother was an unnamed woman whom Arsaces II married prior to his Armenian kingship, who died before the year 358. Little is known of his early life. at Olympic Games before his Armenian kingship, Varazdat participated in the Olympic Games in Greece. He is often regarded as one of the last competitors in the Ancient Olympic Games.[4] Varazdat's victory in the bare-knuckle boxing event (pugilat) is recorded in Moses of Chorene's History of Armenia (3.40). Since he reigned from 374 until 378, conjecture places his victory in the 360s.[5] Varazdat is the second recorded Armenian to participate in the Olympic Games, while the first was his ancestor Tiridates III of Armenia, before he served in his Armenian kingship.[6] Varazdat's victory is also known from a surviving memorandum which is now kept at the Olympic Museum in Olympia, Greece.[6] to the "Chronicle of Eusebius," the Olympic Games were banned in 394 by Emperor Theodosius as pagan. Accurate evidence of the latest games are missing: it is believed that the 293rd Olympic Games did not take place. Thus, the Armenian king Varazdat was one of the last winners of the ancient games.[7] initiative from the Armenian National Olympic Committee on May 8, 1998 a statue bust of Varazdat was installed at the International Olympic Academy in Olympia, Greece.[8] The sculptor of Varazdat's statue bust was Levon Tokmajyan.[8] to the Arsacid throne the assassination of his uncle Papa, Roman emperor Valens sent Varazdat, who as a young man was highly reputed for his mental and physical gifts, to occupy the Armenian throne. At that time, Varazdat had been living in Rome for an unknown period of time. Varazdat began to rule under the regency of Musel I Mamikonian, whose family were pro-Roman. Sasanian emperor Shapur II, having failed on the battlefield, now proposed to Valens in 375 that Armenia which he called the perpetual source of trouble, be evacuated or that Roman forces be withdrawn from the western part of Caucasian Iberia ruled by Sauromaces.[9] emperor rejected the proposal but sent two legates, the magister equitum Victor Magistrianus and Urbicius the dux of Mesopotamia to the Persian king to discuss the question. II was told that his demands were unjust because the inhabitants of Armenia had been granted the right to live according to their decisions.[10] Shapur II was also told that unless Roman troops assigned to protect the Iberian king in the west were allowed to pass unhindered, Shapur II would be forced into war with Rome. was confident of this threat because he was counting on filling the ranks of his army with auxiliaries from the Goths that he had permitted to settle in Thrace. two legates made a blunder during their return trip by accepting two regions (Asthianene and Belabitene) under Roman rule without proper authorization. gave Shapur II a new bargaining chip to revive negotiations and in late 376 he sent Suren with an embassy offering Valens these two regions illegally accepted by the legates in exchange for Roman concessions. was sent back with the message that Rome was unwilling to negotiate and would launch a tripartite invasion of Persia the following spring in 377.[9] II responded by seizing back Asthianene and Belabitene and harassed the Roman troops in western Iberia. Goths revolted in early 377 and Valens was forced to negotiate, eventually withdrawing Roman forces from Armenia in order to use them against the Goths. Valens himself died fighting the Goths in August 378 during the Battle of Adrianople. like his uncle, aggressively promoted Arian Christianity.[11] and banishment situation in Armenia deteriorated even further. Sometime after the withdrawal of the Roman forces, Varazdat killed the regent Mushegh Mamikonian. vacant position of sparapet was quickly filled by Manuel Mamikonian who had served under Shapur II in the most recent Kushan war. took up arms against Varazdat and forced him to flee from Armenia in 378, after four years of reign. Varazdat sought refuge in Rome.[9] together with Papas' widow Zarmandukht, and their first son Arsaces III (Arshak III) formed a new provisional government allied with Persia. II garrisoned a 10,000 man army in Armenia under Suren, much like Valens in 377. Eventually Manuel revolted against Persia and defended Armenian sovereignty against both Rome and Persia throughout the 380s until his death.[9] sent Varazdat to the British Isles.[12] Varazdat most probably died in exile and the date of his death is unknown.

Armenia, 378-387, Arshak III, last Roman (Byz) Client King of Armenia, Mamikonian govt, arian
Armenia, 378-387, Client King, Arshak III; III,[1] also known as Arsaces III, Arsak III[2] and Arshak III-Vagharshak[3] (flourished 4th century – died 387), was a prince who served as a Roman client king of Arsacid Armenia from 378 until 387. III is often known as the last serving Roman client king of Armenia. During his reign, the part of Armenia that Arshak III governed was under Roman rule from the Peace of Acilisene. and early life III was the first-born son of the previous Roman client Armenian King Papas (Pap), who reigned from 370 until 374, and his wife, the Armenian noblewoman called Zarmandukht.[4] He had a younger brother[5] called Vologases. His known grandparents, both from his paternal side, were the previous ruling Arsacid monarchs Arsaces II (Arshak II) and his wife Pharantzem.[6] III was named in honor of his late paternal grandfather; several of his Parthian, Pontian and Armenian ancestors ruled with this name as King. Arshak III was born at an unknown date during his father's reign and was raised in Armenia. Following the assassination of his father in 374, as Arshak III and his brother were too young to rule, the Roman emperor Valens sent their paternal first cousin Varasdates (Varazdat) to occupy the Armenian throne. Their cousin, who was a young man highly reputed for his mental and physical gifts, had lived in Rome for an unknown period of time. Varasdates began his rule under the regency of Mushegh I Mamikonian, whose family were pro-Roman. to the Throne 378, following the failed reign of Varasdates and the murder of his regent Mushegh Mamikonian, the brother of Mushegh, Manuel Mamikonian,[7] filled his late brother's position of Sparapet. Manuel bore a grudge against the Armenian king, and raised a military force which drove Varasdates out of Armenia[8] and back to Rome. He then raised Arshak III and Vologases to the throne as co-kings of Armenia, under the nominal regency of their mother Zarmandukht.[9] end the political anarchy in the country, as Manuel was now the powerful regent-in-charge of Armenia, he married Arsaces III to his daughter Vardandukht[10] and Vologases to the daughter of Sahak from the Bagratuni Dynasty.[11] Mamikonian government brought peace and stability to Armenia, as Manuel guided the country wisely.[12] Manuel treated Arshak III, Vologases and Zarmandukht with honor.[13] He brought up Arshak III and Vologases[14] and nurtured them as if they were his own children.[15] III, like his paternal ancestors, aggressively pursued policies based on Christian Arianism.[16] In 386, Vologases died without leaving an heir and Arshak III became the sole ruler of Armenia. As Manuel Mamikonian died at the same time as Vologases did, the authority of Arshak III became lessened by the Sassanid invasions from Persia of Armenia. In 387, the last year of his kingship, Arshak III resided in Ekeleac’, also known as Ekeghiats, in Western Armenia,[17] as he then ruled only Western Armenia along a line from Erzurum to Mush. Later that year Arshak died without leaving an heir. Western Armenia was annexed to and became a province of the Byzantine Empire. Eastern Armenia was annexed by the Sassanid Empire and the subsequent ruling Arsacid monarchs in Eastern Armenia became client kings of Armenia under Sassanid rule.

Armenia, 379-440, Theodolous, Eparch oConstantinople, Stylite oEdessa, resigned position, gave wealth, ate once aWeek as Stylite
Armenia, 379-440, Theodolous, Eparch oConstantinople, Stylite oEdessa, Armenia (Intersection and Euphrates River 3), resigned position, gave wealth tPoor, became monk, ate once aWeek as Stylite; Edessa, Syria; St Theodoulus the Eparch of Constantinople, Commemorated December 3 ; Theodoulus was an eparch during the reign of Theodosius the Great. resigned his position because he did not want to be distracted by vain worldly cares. his wife’s death, Saint Theodoulus gave his wealth away to the poor and became a monk. traveled to Edessa and lived on top of a pillar for thirty years, eating only once a week. Theodoulus the Stylite departed to the Lord around 440.

Armenia, 386-412, Saints Barnabas and Sophronius of Sumela Monastery, founded by them, from Athens
Sumela Monastery, Mt Mela near Trebizond; It is not known when the monastery was founded, but the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism places the date around AD 386, during the reign of the emperor Theodosius I (375–395).[7][8] According to William Miller, two Athenian monks named Barnabas and Sophronios founded the monastery. It became famous for an icon of the Theotokos known as the Panagia Gorgoepekoos, said to have been painted by the Apostle Luke.[9] Saints Barnabas and Sophronius of Asia Minor, Commemorated on August 18; Barnabas and his nephew Sophronius were Athenians who lived on Mount Mela near Trebizond in Asia Minor. They died in the year 412.

Armenia, 386-412, Directress Icon, aMela Monastery, Mt Mela near Trebizond, Apostle Luke iconographer, AKA Panagia Gorgoepekoos
Armenia, 386-412, Directress Icon, at Mela Monastery, Mt Mela near Trebizond, Apostle Luke the iconographer, AKA Panagia Gorgoepekoos; Armenia, 386-412, Directress Icon, at Mela Monastery, Mt Mela near Trebizond, Apostle Luke the iconographer, AKA Panagia Gorgoepekoos; Panagia Hodegetria or "Directress" icon depicts the Virgin Mary presenting her son on her left arm to the viewer and with her hand she is gesturing towards him, pointing to Christ as 'The Way'. on the other hand, has his right hand raised in a gesture of blessing with the index and middle fingers joined (to refer to the two natures of Christ) and his thumb locks over the other fingers (to signify the Holy Trinity). term 'Hodegetria' is Greek and translates to 'the One who Shows the Way'. In this icon, although the Virgin Mary is the largest subject, the principal image in the icon is Christ. His presence is like that of an adult. features of the Hodegetria include the starburst on one or both shoulders and on the part of the blue mantle that covers the forehead. fringe on the mantle indicates imperial status, as does the throne that is occasionally included in the image. Virgin Mary's frontal gaze is also a key feature of the Hodegetria type. odd letters on the left and right and level with the top of the Virgin's head appear to be an adaptation of the usual inscription that occupies this position in other Hodegetrias: "MP θY" -- the first and last Greek letters of the Greek words for "Mother of God." name Hodegetria also refers to the Hodegon Monastery in Constantinople, which has such an icon. Sumela Monastery, Mt Mela near Trebizond; It is not known when the monastery was founded, but the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism places the date around AD 386, during the reign of the emperor Theodosius I (375–395).[7][8] According to William Miller, two Athenian monks named Barnabas and Sophronios founded the monastery. It became famous for an icon of the Theotokos known as the Panagia Gorgoepekoos, said to have been painted by the Apostle Luke.[9] Directress Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 18; Hodegetria (or “Directress”) Icon of the Mother of God. to Tradition, this icon in the Mela monastery near Trebizond was painted by the Evangelist Luke.

Armenia, 397, John Chrysostom, Pontus, City of Pontus, Pontine, Armenia
Eupatoria (Pontus); St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 13; the Capital after 397----The saint’s zeal in spreading the Christian Faith extended not only to the inhabitants of Constantinople, but also to Thrace to include Slavs and Goths, and to Asia Minor and the Pontine region. He established a bishop for the Bosphorus Church in the Crimea. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, one of the Three Hierarchs [January 30], was born at Antioch in about the year 347 into the family of a military commander. father, Secundus, died soon after the birth of his son. mother, Anthusa, widowed at twenty years of age, did not seek to remarry but rather devoted all her efforts to the raising of her son in Christian piety. youth studied under the finest philosophers and rhetoricians. scorning the vain disciplines of pagan knowledge, the future hierarch turned himself to the profound study of Holy Scripture and prayerful contemplation. Meletius, Bishop of Antioch (February 12), loved John like a son, guided him in the Faith, and in the year 367 baptized him. three years John was tonsured as a Reader. When Saint Meletius had been sent into exile by the emperor Valens in the year 372, John and Theodore (afterwards Bishop of Mopsuestia) studied under the experienced instructors of ascetic life, the presbyters Flavian and Diodorus of Tarsus. highly refined Diodorus had particular influence upon the youth. John’s mother died, he embraced monasticism, which he called the “true philosophy.” John and his friend Basil were being considered as candidates for the episcopal office, and they decided to withdraw into the wilderness to avoid this. While Saint John avoided the episcopal rank out of humility, he secretly assisted in Basil’s consecration. this period Saint John wrote his “Six Discourses on the Priesthood,” a great work of Orthodox pastoral theology. saint spent four years struggling in the wilderness, living the ascetic life under the guidance of an experienced spiritual guide. here he wrote three books entitled, “Against the Opponents of Those Attracted to the Monastic Life”, and a collection entitled, “A Comparison of the Monk with the Emperor” (also known as “Comparison of Imperial Power, Wealth and Eminence, with the True and Christian Wisdom-Loving Monastic Life”), both works which are marked by a profound reflection of the worthiness of the monastic vocation. two years, the saint lived in a cave in complete silence, but was obliged to return to Antioch to recover his health. Meletius, the Bishop of Antioch, ordained him deacon in the year 381. following years were devoted to work on new theological writings: “Concerning Providence” (“To the Ascetic Stagirios”), “Book Concerning Virginity,” “To a Young Widow” (2 discourses), and the “Book of Saint Babylos, and Against Julian and the Pagans.” the year 386 Saint John was ordained presbyter by Bishop Flavian of Antioch. John was a splendid preacher, and his inspired words earned him the name “Golden-Mouthed” (“Chrysostom”). twelve years the saint preached in church, usually twice a week, but sometimes daily, deeply stirring the hearts of his listeners. his pastoral zeal to provide Christians with a better understanding of Holy Scripture, Saint John employed hermeneutics, an interpretation and analysis of the Word of God (i.e. exegesis). Among his exegetical works are commentaries on entire books of the Holy Scripture (Genesis, the Psalter, the Gospels of Matthew and John, the Epistles of the Apostle Paul), and also many homilies on individual texts of the Holy Bible, but also instructions on the Feastdays, laudations on the Saints, and also apologetic (i.e. defensive) homilies (against Anomoeans, Judaizers and pagans). a priest, Saint John zealously fulfilled the Lord’s command to care for the needy. Under Saint John, the Antiochian Church provided sustenance each day to as many as 3,000 virgins and widows, not including in this number the shut-ins, wanderers and the sick. John began his commentary on Genesis at the beginning of Great Lent in 388, preaching thirty-two homilies during the forty day period. During Holy Week he spoke of how Christ was betrayed, and about the Cross. During Bright Week, his pastoral discourse was devoted to the Resurrection. His exegesis of the Book of Genesis was concluded only at the end of October (388). Pascha in the following year (389) the saint began his homilies on the Gospel of John, and toward the end of the year 389 he took up the Gospel of Matthew. the year 391 the Christians of Antioch listened to his commentary on the Epistles of the holy Apostle Paul to the Romans and to the Corinthians. 393 he explained the Epistles to the Galatians, the Ephesians, Timothy, Titus, and the Psalms. In his homily on the Epistle to the Ephesians, Saint John denounced a schism in Antioch, “I tell you and I witness before you, that to tear asunder the Church means nothing less than to fall into heresy. The Church is the house of the heavenly Father, one Body and one Spirit.” fame of the holy preacher grew, and in the year 397 with the death of Archbishop Nectarius of Constantinople, successor to Saint Gregory the Theologian, Saint John Chrysostom was summoned from Antioch, and elected to the See of Constantinople. the capital, the holy archpastor was not able to preach as often as he had at Antioch. Many matters awaited the saint’s attention, and he began with the most important -- the spiritual perfection of the priesthood. He himself was the best example of this. The financial means apportioned for the archbishop were channeled by the saint into the upkeep of several hospices for the sick and two hostels for pilgrims. He fasted strictly and ate very little food, and usually refused invitations to dine because of his delicate stomach. saint’s zeal in spreading the Christian Faith extended not only to the inhabitants of Constantinople, but also to Thrace to include Slavs and Goths, and to Asia Minor and the Pontine region. established a bishop for the Bosphorus Church in the Crimea. John sent off zealous missionaries to Phoenicia, to Persia, and to the Scythians, to convert pagans to Christ. also wrote letters to Syria to bring back the Marcionites into the Church, and he accomplished this. Preserving the unity of the Church, the saint would not permit a powerful Gothic military commander, who wanted the emperor to reward his bravery in battle, to open an Arian church at Constantinople. saint exerted much effort in enhancing the splendor of the church services: he compiled a Liturgy, he introduced antiphonal singing for the all-night Vigil, and he wrote several prayers for the rite of anointing the sick with oil. saintly hierarch denounced the dissolute morals of people in the capital, especially at the imperial court, irrespective of person. When the empress Eudoxia connived to confiscate the last properties of the widow and children of a disgraced dignitary, the saint rose to their defense. The arrogant empress would not relent, and nursed a grudge against the archpastor. ’s hatred of the saint blazed forth anew when malefactors told her that the saint apparently had her in mind during his sermon on vain women. A court was convened composed of hierarchs who had been justly condemned by Chrysostom: Theophilus of Alexandria, Bishop Severian of Gabala, who had been banished from the capital because of improprieties, and others. court of judgment declared Saint John deposed, and that he be executed for his insult to the empress. The emperor decided on exile instead of execution. An angry crowd gathered at the church, resolved to defend their pastor. In order to avoid a riot, Saint John submitted to the authorities. very night there was an earthquake at Constantinople. The terrified Eudoxia urgently requested the emperor to bring the saint back, and promptly sent a letter to the banished pastor, beseeching him to return. Once more, in the capital church, the saint praised the Lord in a short talk, “For All His Ways.” slanderers fled to Alexandria. But after only two months a new denunciation provoked the wrath of Eudoxia. In March 404, an unjust council was convened, decreeing the exile of Saint John. Upon his removal from the capital, a fire reduced the church of Hagia Sophia and also the Senate building to ashes. Devastating barbarian incursions soon followed, and Eudoxia died in October 404. Even pagans regarded these events as God’s punishment for the unjust judgment against the saint. Armenia, the saint strove all the more to encourage his spiritual children. In numerous letters (245 are preserved) to bishops in Asia, Africa, Europe and particularly to his friends in Constantinople, Saint John consoled the suffering, guiding and giving support to his followers. In the winter of 406 Saint John was confined to his bed with sickness, but his enemies were not to be appeased. From the capital came orders to transfer Saint John to desolate Pityus in Abkhazia on the Black Sea. Worn out by sickness, the saint began his final journey under military escort, traveling for three months in the rain and frost. He never arrived at his place of exile, for his strength failed him at Comana. the crypt of Saint Basiliscus (May 22), Saint John was comforted by a vision of the martyr, who said, “Despair not, brother John! Tomorrow we shall be together.” After receiving the Holy Mysteries, the hierarch fell asleep in the Lord on September 14, 407. His last words were, “Glory to God for all things!” holy relics of Saint John Chrysostom were solemnly transferred to Constantinople in the year 438. The disciple of Saint John, the venerable Isidore of Pelusium (February 4), wrote: “The house of David is grown strong, and the house of Saul enfeebled. He is victor over the storms of life, and has entered into heavenly repose.” he died on September 14, Saint John’s celebration was transferred to this day because of the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Saint John Chrysostom is also celebrated on January 27 and January 30.

Armenia, 397-473, Saint, Euthymius the Great, Melitene, Armenia, Wilderness of Judea
Jerusalem Saint, 397-473, Euthymius the Great; Venerable Theoctistus, Commemorated on September 3; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20;

Armenia, 399-501, Stylianus oPaphlagonia Region, gave fortune, monastery jealousy, cave, child healings, S icon, divine light
Armenia, 399-501, Paphlagonia Region, Pontaine, Armenia (Gangra River, lower Kizilirmak River drainage), gave fortune, Monastery, jealousy, cave, sought after, child healings, S icon painted each time, death time divine light; Paphlagonia Region; Venerable Alypius the Stylite of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on November 26 ; Venerable Stylianus of Paphlagonia, Commemorated on November 26 ; Stylianus was born in Paphlagonia of Asia Minor sometime between the fourth and sixth centuries. inherited a great fortune from his parents when they died, but he did not keep it. He gave it away to the poor according to their need, desiring to help those who were less fortunate. left the city and went to a monastery, where he devoted his life to God. he was more zealous and devout than the other monks, he provoked their jealousy and had to leave. left the monastery to live alone in a cave in the wilderness, where he spent his time in prayer and fasting. goodness and piety of the saint soon became evident to the inhabitants of Paphlagonia, and they sought him out to hear his teaching, or to be cured by him. Many were healed of physical and mental illnesses by his prayers. Stylianus was known for his love of children, and he would heal them of their infirmities. after his death, the citizens of Paphlagonia believed that he could cure their children. Whenever a child became sick, an icon of Saint Stylianus was painted and was hung over the child’s bed. the hour of his death, the face of Saint Stylianus suddenly became radiant, and an angel appeared to receive his soul. as a protector of children, Saint Stylianus is depicted in iconography holding an infant in his arms. Pious Christians ask him to help and protect their children, and childless women entreat his intercession so that they might have children.