Jerusalem, 300 - 1453, Folder, Byzantine Period.kmz

Jerusalem, 300 - 1453, Folder, Byzantine Period

Jerusalem, 300, 4th C Folder, Finding tCross&Forerunner's head, Ressurection Church, Vision otCross, Earthquake, Wilderness Sts

Jerusalem, 313-323, Patriarch, Macarius I, searched for the cross w Helen
Jerusalem Patriarch, 313-323, Macarius I ; Uncovering of the Precious Cross and the Precious Nails by the Empress St Helen in Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 6;

Jerusalem, 311-371, Saint Hilarion the Great, founder of Gaza and Judean Wilderness monasticism
Egypt, 311-371, Saint Hilarion ; the Great (291-“371) was an anchorite who spent most of his life in the desert according to the example of Anthony the Great (c.251-“356). St Anthony is considered to have established Christian monasticism in the Egyptian desert, St Hilarion is considered by some to be the founder of Palestinian monasticism[1] and venerated as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Church. St. Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12;

Jerusalem, 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.

Jerusalem, 326, Uncovering the Cross, Saint Helen andHieromartyr Cyriacus the Patriarch of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, 326, Uncovering the Precious Cross and Nails, Saint Helen; Hieromartyr Cyriacus, Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on October 28; Byzantine Saint, 293-330, Helena, Mother of Constantine the Great, Queen of Constantine Chlorus; Uncovering of the Precious Cross and the Precious Nails by the Empress St Helen in Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 6;

Jerusalem, 326-363, Hieromartyr Cyriacus the Patriarch, Uncovered the Cross with Saint Helen, a Jew till discovery miracle
Jerusalem, 326-363, Hieromartyr Cyriacus the Patriarch, Uncovered the Cross with Saint Helen; Jerusalem, 326, Uncovering the Precious Cross and Nails, Saint Helen; Hieromartyr Cyriacus, Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on October 28; Hieromartyr Cyriacus, Patriarch of Jerusalem, was a Jew who pointed out to the holy Empress Helen the place where the Life-Creating Cross of Christ lay buried (September 14). present at the discovery of the Cross, Cyriacus (before Baptism he was named Jude) sincerely came to believe in Christ the true God, and he became a Christian. because of his pure and virtuous life, was later chosen to be Patriarch of Jerusalem. He suffered martyrdom under the emperor Julian. the cruel persecution under Julian the Apostate, in the year 363, Saint Cyriacus accepted suffering for the Faith. He was killed after prolonged tortures. Byzantine Saint, 293-330, Helena, Mother of Constantine the Great, Queen of Constantine Chlorus; Uncovering of the Precious Cross and the Precious Nails by the Empress St Helen in Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 6; Holy Empress Helen uncovered the Precious Cross and Nails of the Lord at Jerusalem in 326. the beginning of the reign of Saint Constantine the Great (306-337), the first Roman emperor to recognize Christianity, he and his pious mother Saint Helen decided to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. They also planned to build a church on the site of the Lord’s suffering and Resurrection, in order to reconsecrate and purify the places connected with the Savior’s death and Resurrection from the foul taint of paganism. empress Helen journeyed to Jerusalem with a large quantity of gold. Saint Constantine wrote a letter to Patriarch Macarius I (313-323), requesting him to assist her in every possible way with her task of the restoring the Christian holy places. her arrival in Jerusalem, the holy empress Helen began to destroy all the pagan temples and reconsecrate the places which had been defiled by the pagans. her quest for the Life-Creating Cross, she questioned several Christians and Jews, but for a long time her search remained unsuccessful. Finally, an elderly Hebrew named Jude told her that the Cross was buried beneath the temple of Venus. Saint Helen ordered that the pagan temple be demolished, and for the site to be excavated. Soon they found Golgotha and the Lord’s Sepulchre. Not far from the spot were three crosses, a board with the inscription written by Pilate (John 19:19), and four nails which had pierced the Lord’s Body. the task was to determine on which of the three crosses the Savior had been crucified. Patriarch Macarius saw a dead person being carried to his grave, then he ordered that the dead man be placed upon each cross in turn. When the corpse was placed on the Cross of Christ, he was immediately restored to life. After seeing the raising of the dead man, everyone was convinced that the Life-Creating Cross had been found. With great joy the empress Helen and Patriarch Macarius lifted the Life-Creating Cross and displayed it to all the people standing about.

Jerusalem, 330&452, 1st&2nd finding Forerunner's Head, 1st 330 Mt Olives F told f monks, 2nd cave near Emesa 452 F showed c monk
Jerusalem, 330 & 452, First and second finding Forerunner's Head, Joanna wife of steward Chuza, Innocents Mt Olives Church and Cell, found head diggng foundation, signs of grace, hid it again same place, 330 Constantine time Forerunner appeared twice monks Jerusalem pilgrimage, way home potter carrying bag, Forerunner appeared ordering potter to flee from careless monks, gave it to sister in jug, heretic Eustathius buried it in cave near Emesa, monks settled in the cave and monastery arose, in 452 Forerunner appeared to Marcellus archmandrite and exposed head, second finding, to Emesa, to Constantinople ; Mount of Olives; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated February 24 ; the Beheading of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John (August 29), his body was buried by disciples in the Samarian city of Sebaste, and his venerable head was hidden by Herodias in an unclean place. Joanna (June 27), the wife of King Herod’s steward Chuza (Luke 8:3), secretly took the holy head and placed it into a vessel and buried it on the Mount of Olives in one of Herod’s properties. many years, this property passed into the possession of a government official who became a monk with the name of Innocent. He built a church and a cell there. they started to dig the foundation, the vessel with the venerable head of John the Baptist was uncovered. Innocent recognized its great holiness from the signs of grace emanating from it. Thus occurred the First Finding of the Head. Innocent preserved it with great piety, fearful that the holy relic might be abused by unbelievers, before his own death he again hid it in that same place, where it was found. Upon his death the church fell into ruin and was destroyed. the days of Saint Constantine the Great (May 21), when Christianity began to flourish, the holy Forerunner appeared twice to two monks journeying to Jerusalem on pilgrimage to the holy places, and he revealed the location of his venerable head. monks uncovered the holy relic and, placing it into a sack of camel-hair, they proceeded homewards. Along the way they encountered an unnamed potter and gave him the precious burden to carry. knowing what he was carrying, the potter continued on his way. the holy Forerunner appeared to him and ordered him to flee from the careless and lazy monks, with what he held in his hands. potter concealed himself from the monks and at home he preserved the venerable head with reverence. Before his death he placed it in a water jug and gave it to his sister. that time the venerable head was successively preserved by devout Christians, the priest Eustathius (infected with the Arian heresy) came into possession of it. He beguiled a multitude of the infirm who had been healed by the holy head, ascribing their cures to the fact that it was in the possession of an Arian. When his blasphemy was uncovered, he was compelled to flee. After he buried the holy relic in a cave, near Emesa, the heretic intended to return later and use it for disseminating falsehood. however, did not permit this. Pious monks settled in the cave, and then a monastery arose at this place. the year 452 Saint John the Baptist appeared to Archimandrite Marcellus of this monastery, and indicated where his head was hidden. This became celebrated as the Second Finding. The holy relic was transferred to Emesa, and later to Constantinople.

Jerusalem, 330-32,330&452, 2 Findings otHead otForerunner, from his appearances in 330 and 452
Samaria, 330&452, First and Second Finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Perophe, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, first found in Sebaste, Samaria, first hidden bHerodius in unclean place, Joanna, Herod's steward Chuza 's wife, christian, placed it into a vessel and buried it Herod's property on Mt of Olives, property passed into govt official possession, he became monk Innocent, built church there, discovered vessel and head, recognized the grace eminating from it, thus the first finding, but returend it to place found, 330 Forerunner appeared to two monks and told them where to look, they lost it to a potter who did not know what it was and put it in Camel hair sack, Forerunner appeared again but to the potter, told him flee from careless lazy monks, he preserved it with reverence in his home, gave it to his christian sister, then sucessfully preserved by Christians, until Arian Priest Eustathius posessed it, he hid it in a cave, Pious monks settled in the cave, started monastery there, 452 Forerunner appeared to archmandrite of the monastery Marcellus, told him where it was hidden, This is the second finding, it was transferred to Emesa and later to Constantinople; Sebaste, Samaria; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated February 24 ; the Beheading of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John (August 29), his body was buried by disciples in the Samarian city of Sebaste, his venerable head was hidden by Herodias in an unclean place. Joanna (June 27), the wife of King Herod’s steward Chuza (Luke 8:3), took the holy head and placed it into a vessel buried it on the Mount of Olives in one of Herod’s properties. many years, this property passed into the possession of a government official became a monk with the name of Innocent. built a church and a cell there. they started to dig the foundation, the vessel with the venerable head of John the Baptist was uncovered. recognized its great holiness from the signs of grace emanating from it. occurred the First Finding of the Head. preserved it with great piety, fearful that the holy relic might be abused by unbelievers, his own death he again hid it in that same place, where it was found. his death the church fell into ruin and was destroyed. the days of Saint Constantine the Great (May 21), when Christianity began to flourish, holy Forerunner appeared twice to two monks journeying to Jerusalem on pilgrimage to the holy places, he revealed the location of his venerable head. monks uncovered the holy relic and, placing it into a sack of camel-hair, they proceeded homewards. the way they encountered an unnamed potter and gave him the precious burden to carry. knowing what he was carrying, the potter continued on his way. the holy Forerunner appeared to him and ordered him to flee from the careless and lazy monks, with what he held in his hands. potter concealed himself from the monks and at home he preserved the venerable head with reverence. his death he placed it in a water jug and gave it to his sister. that time the venerable head was successively preserved by devout Christians, the priest Eustathius (infected with the Arian heresy) came into possession of it. beguiled a multitude of the infirm who had been healed by the holy head, ascribing their cures to the fact that it was in the possession of an Arian. his blasphemy was uncovered, he was compelled to flee. he buried the holy relic in a cave, near Emesa, the heretic intended to return later and use it for disseminating falsehood. however, did not permit this. Pious monks settled in the cave, and then a monastery arose at this place. the year 452 Saint John the Baptist appeared to Archimandrite Marcellus of this monastery, indicated where his head was hidden. became celebrated as the Second Finding. holy relic was transferred to Emesa, and later to Constantinople.

Jerusalem, 335, Resurrection Church Founded, after rebuilding Jerusalem, a Aelia Capitolinna, C of Tyre attends
Jerusalem, 335, Commemoration Resurrection Church Founding; Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) at Jerusalem, Commemorated on September 13; Dedication of the Temple of the Resurrection of Christ at Jerusalem celebrates the dedication of the Church of the Resurrection, built by Saint Constantine the Great and his mother, the empress Helen. the voluntary Passion and Death on the Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the holy place of His suffering was long trampled on by pagans. When the Roman emperor Titus conquered Jerusalem in the year 70, he razed the city and destroyed the Temple of Solomon on Mount Moriah, leaving there not a stone upon a stone, as even the Savior foretold (Mt.13:1-2). on the zealous pagan emperor Hadrian (117-138) built on the site of the Jerusalem destroyed by Titus a new city named Aelia Capitolina for him (Hadrian Aelius). It was forbidden to call the city by its former name. gave orders to cover the Holy Tomb of the Lord with earth and stones, and on that spot to set up an idol. On Golgotha, where the Savior was crucified, he constructed a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Venus in 119. Before the statues they offered sacrifice to demons and performed pagan rites, accompanied by wanton acts. Bethlehem, at the place the Savior was born of the All-Pure Virgin, the impious emperor set up an idol of Adonis. He did all this intentionally, so that people would forget completely about Christ the Savior and that they would no loner remember the places where He lived, taught, suffered and arose in glory. the beinning of the reign of Saint Constantine the Great (306-337), the first of the Roman emperors to recognize the Christian religion, he and his pious mother the empress Helen decided to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. They also planned to build a church on the site of the Lord’s suffering and Resurrection, in order to reconsecrate and purify the places connected with memory of the Savior from the taint of foul pagan cults. empress Helen journeyed to Jerusalem with a large quantity of gold, and Saint Constantine the Great wrote a letter to Patriarch Macarius I (313-323), requesting him to assist her in every possible way with her task of the renewing the Christian holy places. her arrival in Jerusalem, the holy empress Helen destroyed all the pagan temples and reconsecrated the places desecrated by the pagans. She was zealous to find the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, and she ordered the excavation of the place where the temple of Venus stood. There they discovered the Sepulchre of the Lord and Golgotha, and they also found three crosses and some nails. order to determine upon which of the three crosses the Savior was crucified, Patriarch Macarius gave orders to place a dead person, who was being carried to a place of burial, upon each cross in turn. When the dead person was placed on the Cross of Christ, he immediately came alive. With the greatest of joy the empress Helen and Patriarch Macarius raised up the Life-Creating Cross and displayed it to all the people standing about. holy empress quickly began the construction of a large church which enclosed within its walls Golgotha, the place of the Crucifixion of the Savior, and the Sepulchre of the Lord, located near each other. The holy Apostle and Evangelist John wrote about this: "Now in the place where He was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been laid. Therefore they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day, for the tomb was nearby" (John 19:41-42). The Church of the Resurrection was ten years in building, and the holy empress Helen did not survive to see its completion. She returned to Constantinople, and reposed in the year 327. After her arrival in Jerusalem, the holy empress built churches in Bethlehem, on the Mount of Olives, at Gethsemane and in many other places connected with the life of the Savior and events in the New Testament. construction of the church of the Resurrection, called "Martyrion" in memory of the sufferings of the Savior, was completed in the same year as the Council of Tyre, and in the thirtieth year of the reign of Saint Constantine the Great. Therefore, at the assembly of September 13, 335, the consecration of the temple was particularly solemn. Hierarchs of Christian Churches in many lands: Bythnia, Thrace, Cilicia, Cappadocia, Syria, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia, Arabia, Palestine, and Egypt, participated in the consecration of the church. The bishops who participated in the Council of Tyre, and many others, went to the consecration in Jerusalem. On this day all the city of Jerusalem was consecrated. The Fathers of the Church established September 13 as the commemoration of this remarkable event.

Jerusalem, 335, Church of the Resurrection, The Holy sepulchre, using dead man location discovered by Helen in 326
Jerusalem, 335, Church of the Resurrection, The Holy sepulchre, built by Constantine and Helen, 70 Titus c Jerusalem, razed city, destroyed Temple, foretold by JC, 129 Hadrian built Aelia Capitolina there, 119 Venus Temple, using dead man Helen found cross in 326, 335 Council of Tyre bishops attend; Church of the Resurrection, The Holy sepulchre, 335; Church of the Resurrection; Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) at Jerusalem, Commemorated on September 13; Dedication of the Temple of the Resurrection of Christ at Jerusalem celebrates the dedication of the Church of the Resurrection, built by Saint Constantine the Great and his mother, the empress Helen. the voluntary Passion and Death on the Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the holy place of His suffering was long trampled on by pagans. the Roman emperor Titus conquered Jerusalem in the year 70, he razed the city and destroyed the Temple of Solomon on Mount Moriah, leaving there not a stone upon a stone, as even the Savior foretold (Mt.13:1-2). on the zealous pagan emperor Hadrian (117-138) built on the site of the Jerusalem destroyed by Titus a new city named Aelia Capitolina for him (Hadrian Aelius). was forbidden to call the city by its former name. gave orders to cover the Holy Tomb of the Lord with earth and stones, and on that spot to set up an idol. On Golgotha, where the Savior was crucified, constructed a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Venus in 119. the statues they offered sacrifice to demons and performed pagan rites, accompanied by wanton acts. Bethlehem, at the place the Savior was born of the All-Pure Virgin, the impious emperor set up an idol of Adonis. did all this intentionally, so that people would forget completely about Christ the Savior and that they would no loner remember the places where He lived, taught, suffered and arose in glory. the beinning of the reign of Saint Constantine the Great (306-337), the first of the Roman emperors to recognize the Christian religion, and his pious mother the empress Helen decided to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. also planned to build a church on the site of the Lord’s suffering and Resurrection, in order to reconsecrate and purify the places connected with memory of the Savior from the taint of foul pagan cults. empress Helen journeyed to Jerusalem with a large quantity of gold, Saint Constantine the Great wrote a letter to Patriarch Macarius I (313-323), requesting him to assist her in every possible way with her task of the renewing the Christian holy places. her arrival in Jerusalem, the holy empress Helen destroyed all the pagan temples reconsecrated the places desecrated by the pagans. was zealous to find the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, and she ordered the excavation of the place where the temple of Venus stood. they discovered the Sepulchre of the Lord and Golgotha, and they also found three crosses and some nails. order to determine upon which of the three crosses the Savior was crucified, Patriarch Macarius gave orders to place a dead person, who was being carried to a place of burial, upon each cross in turn. the dead person was placed on the Cross of Christ, he immediately came alive. With the greatest of joy the empress Helen and Patriarch Macarius raised up the Life-Creating Cross and displayed it to all the people standing about. holy empress quickly began the construction of a large church which enclosed within its walls Golgotha, the place of the Crucifixion of the Savior, and the Sepulchre of the Lord, located near each other. holy Apostle and Evangelist John wrote about this: in the place where He was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been laid. they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day, for the tomb was nearby" (John 19:41-42). Church of the Resurrection was ten years in building, and the holy empress Helen did not survive to see its completion. She returned to Constantinople, and reposed in the year 327. her arrival in Jerusalem, the holy empress built churches in Bethlehem, on the Mount of Olives, at Gethsemane and in many other places connected with the life of the Savior and events in the New Testament. construction of the church of the Resurrection, called "Martyrion" in memory of the sufferings of the Savior, was completed in the same year as the Council of Tyre, and in the thirtieth year of the reign of Saint Constantine the Great. at the assembly of September 13, 335, the consecration of the temple was particularly solemn. of Christian Churches in many lands: Bythnia, Thrace, Cilicia, Cappadocia, Syria, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia, Arabia, Palestine, and Egypt, participated in the consecration of the church. bishops who participated in the Council of Tyre, and many others, went to the consecration in Jerusalem. this day all the city of Jerusalem was consecrated. The Fathers of the Church established September 13 as the commemoration of this remarkable event.

Jerusalem, 335-386, Patriarch, St Cyrl of Jerusalem, exiled several times, Catechumen instructions, Litergy order
Jerusalem Patriarch, 335-386, St Cyrl of Jerusalem; of Jerusalem was a theologian of the early Church (c. 313-“ 386 AD). the end of 350 AD he succeeded Maximus as Bishop of Jerusalem, but was exiled on more than one occasion due to the enmity of Acacius of Caesarea, and the policies of various emperors. Cyril left important writings documenting the instruction of catechumens and the order of the Liturgy in his day. is venerated as a saint within the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. In 1883, Cyril was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII. He is highly respected in the Palestinian Christian Community. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386) , Commemorated 18 March; of Jerusalem, from "Pictorial Lives of the Saints"Cyril was born in Jerusalem around 315, and became bishop of that city in about 349. The years between the Council of Nicea (325) and the Council of Constantinople (381) were troubled years, in which the Church, having committed itself at Nicea, over the strenuous protests of the Arians, to the proposition that the Son is "one in being" (homo-ousios) with the Father, began to backtrack and consider whether there was some other formula that would adequately express the Lordship of Christ but not be "divisive." Experience with other ways of stating what Christians believed about the Son and his relation to the Father finally led the Church to conclude that the Nicene formulation was the only way of safeguarding the doctrine that Thomas spoke truly (John 20:28) when he said to Jesus, "My Lord and My God!" But this was not obvious from the beginning, and Cyril was among those who looked for a way of expressing the doctrine that would be acceptable to all parties. As a result, he was exiled from his bishopric three times, for a total of sixteen years, once by the Athanasians and twice by the Arians. He eventually came to the conclusion, as did most other Christians of the time, that there was no alternative to the Nicene formula, and in 381 he attended the Council of Constantinople and voted for that position. Cyril is author of the Catecheses, or Catechatical Lectures on the Christian Faith. These consist of an introductory lecture, then eighteen lectures on the Christian Faith to be delivered during Lent to those about to be baptized at Easter, and then five lectures on the Sacraments to be delivered after Easter to the newly baptized. These have been translated into English (F L Cross, 1951), and are the oldest such lectures surviving. (It is thought that they were used over and over by Cyril and his successors, and that they may have undergone some revision in the process.) Every year, thousands of Christian pilgrims came to Jerusalem, especially for Holy Week. It is probably Cyril who instituted the liturgical forms for that week as they were observed in Jerusalem at the pilgrimage sites, were spread to other churches by returning pilgrims, and have come down to us today, with the procession with palms on Palm Sunday, and the services for the following days, culminating in the celebration of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. We have a detailed account of Holy Week observances in Jerusalem in the fourth century, thanks to a a Spanish nun named Egeria who made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and kept a journal which is a historian's delight. by James Kiefer

Jerusalem, 341, Hieromartyr Milus, Bishop oTelepolis oSuza, fGeneral, devout ascetic so prophecy healing gifts
Persia, 341, Hieromartyr Milus, Bishop oTelepolis oSuza, Iran (Persian Gulf, Isfahan Crossroads North South), former General, devout ascetic so prophecy healing gifts, ordained bBo Geddegoupolis, pagans expelled M from Susa, tJerusalem, tAlexandria, met Anthony tG, 2yrs, back tPersia, arrested, death bSword, disciples bWooden clubs&stones; Suza, Iran (Persian Gulf) ; Hieromartyr Milus the Bishop in Persia, Commemorated November 10 ; Persian Martyr Mίlos was once a General. he was chosen as the Bishop of Telepolis (Susa, or Shushan in Syriac), where the Prophet Daniel saw visions.1 of his devout ascetical life, Saint Mίlos received from God the gifts of prophecy and healing. was ordained by Bishop Bēthlapát of Geddēgoupólis. the pagans expelled him from the city of Susa, his episcopal See, he fled to Jerusalem. there, he went to Alexandria, where he met Saint Anthony the Great (January 17). two years the Hierarch returned to Persia, where he and his disciples were arrested by the ruler Basiliskos. Mίlos was put to death by the sword. disciples2 Ebórēs, Papas, and the Deacon Senóei (or Sebórēs), were killed with wooden clubs and stones. they all received the immortal crown of martyrdom in the year 341. Daniel 8:2 (LXX). Some sources say there were two disciples: Abrosim and Sinon. Others list three disciples: Ebórēs, Papas, and the Deacon Senóei (or Sebórēs). The difference in the names might be explained by alternate transcriptions of the Persian names into other languages. Papas may be a proper name, or it may be that Ebórēs was a priest. If that is the case, however, one would expect to see the title πρεσβύτερος.

Jerusalem, 350, Martyr Zosimas the Hermit, calmly amiably conversing w beasts, prayer told huge lion to come
Galilee, 350, Martyr Zosimas the Hermit; Martyr Zosimas the Desert Dweller lived during the fourth century. Once, while hunting, Dometian, the governor of Sicily, saw the Elder calmly and amiably conversing with the beasts around him. the hunters, the beasts fled. They then interrogated the Elder, asking who he was and why he lived in the wilderness. The Elder answered that he was a Christian called Zosimas, and that he could not live in the city with the enemies of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, he lived alone among the wild animals. Dometian said threateningly: “If you worship the Nazarene, I shall subject you to fierce tortures at Nazareth, and you will renounce Christ.” asked what kind of magic he used to tame wild beasts, Saint Zosimas replied, “I am a Christian.” At Nazareth the tortures began. They tied the Elder head downwards, with a large stone around his neck, and they began to lacerate his body with iron hooks. torturers taunted the sufferer: “If the beasts do listen to you, tell one of them to come here, and then we will believe in your God.” The holy martyr turned to God in prayer, and suddenly a huge lion came forth. fled in terror, and the lion went up to the Elder, and began to lift the stone around the martyr’s neck with its paw in order to ease the suffering of the saint. The governor implored the martyr to keep the lion calm, and he gave orders to untie the saint, and to bring him to the emperor, but Saint Zosimas was already dead, having given up his pure soul to God. Nazareth; Holy, Glorious Prophet Elijah, Commemorated on July 20 ; FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION, (6 AUGUST NT); THE VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF OUR LORD (15 AUGUST NT); The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on August 15; Church New Year, Commemorated on September 1; to Holy Tradition, Christ entered the synagogue on September 1 to announce His mission to mankind (Luke 4:16-22). Quoting Isaiah 61:1-2, the Savior proclaimed, “The spirit of the Lord is upon Me; because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to proclaim release to captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord...” This scene is depicted in a Vatican manuscript (Vatican, Biblioteca. Cod. Gr. 1613, p.1). The Nativity of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on September 8 ; Holy, Righteous Ancestor of God, Joachim, Commemorated on September 9; Holy, Righteous Ancestor of God, Anna, Commemorated on September 9; Martyr Zosimas the Hermit of Cilicia, Commemorated on September 19 ; JAMES OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND MARTYR (23 OCT NT) ; Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on October 23 ; Holy Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, along with David the King, and James the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on December 26 Martyr Conon the Gardener of Pamphylia, Commemorated on March 5; Martyr Papas of Lyconia, Commemorated on March 16; JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF OUR LORD (19 MAR NT); The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on March 25; THE ANNUNCIATION, OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (25 MAR NT) ; James of PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES (1 MAY NT) ; Prophet Amos, Commemorated on June 15; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Jerusalem, 351, Vision of the Cross, brighter than sun, 51/2mi wide and tall, Golgotha to Mt Olives, whole week, not Arian
Jerusalem, 351, Vision of the Cross, Miraculous Portent, brighter than sun, 51/2mi wide and tall, Golgotha to Mt Olives, whole week, not Arian ; Jerusalem Patriarch, 350-386, St Cyrl of Jerusalem; Commemoration of the Apparition of the Sign of the Precious Cross Over Jerusalem, in 351 AD, Commemorated on May 7 ; Precious Cross appeared in the sky over Jerusalem on the morning of May 7, 351 during the reign of the emperor Constantius, the son of Saint Constantine (May 21). that time the heresy of Arianism, which taught that Christ was merely a creature and not God, was causing great turmoil and division throughout the Empire. Even after the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea in 325, many people were drawn to this false teaching, and the Orthodox found themselves in the minority in many places. the ruler of the eastern part of the Empire, was a fervent supporter of Arianism. His brothers Constantine II and Constans, who were pious Orthodox Christians, ruled in the west. They were both killed in separate battles around 350, leaving Constantius as sole ruler. Also in 350, Saint Cyril (March 18) became Patriarch of Jerusalem and began his zealous struggle against Arianism. May of 351 a luminous Cross appeared over Jerusalem, stretching from Golgotha to the Mount of Olives, a distance of about five and a half miles. The Cross was wide as it was long, and shone more brightly than the sun. Many people left their homes and workplaces to gather in the church and glorify Christ. The historian Sozomen says that this wondrous sign led to the conversion of multitudes of pagans and Jews to Christianity. letter from Saint Cyril to the emperor describing this phenomenon, and admonishing him to become Orthodox, has been preserved. The apparition of the Cross remained over the city for a whole week. vision of the Cross over Jerusalem strengthened the Orthodox faithful and contributed to the return of many Arians to the Church. It is also a reminder of the awesome Second Coming of Christ, when œthe sign of the Son of man shall appear in heaven (Matthew 24:30).

Jerusalem, 361, Earthquake, Final Destruction of Solomon's Temple
Jerusalem Patriarch, 350-386, St Cyrl of Jerusalem; Commemoration of the Apparition of the Sign of the Precious Cross Over Jerusalem, in 351 AD, Commemorated on May 7 ;

Jerusalem, 366-420, Porphyrius, Bishop oGaza, tNitrian desert, preserved Holy Cross aJerusalem per Jesus, converted Gaza
Palestine, 366-420, Porphyrius the Bishop of Gaza, Gaza Strip, Way of the Sea 5, Palestine, fThessalonica, weathy, educated, inclined monastic life, tNitrian desert Egypt, under Marcarius tGreat, also met Jerome, tJerusalem fHoly Places, and tVenerate tLife Creating Holy Cross, then tCave in Jordanian wilderness, fPrayer&Ascetic deeds, 5yrs, then afflicted malady otLegs, to tHoly Places Jerusalem tPray for Healing, laying half conscious aFoot oGolgotha, in a trance, beheld Jesus descending ftCross, saying take this wood and preserve it, out of trance healthy free from pain, then gave all his money tPoor and Churches adornment, worked as shoemaker, at age 45 (391) savior's words fulfilled, ordained and assigned custodian otCross, 395 Gaza bishop died, with fear and trembling he accepted, tears before tCross, only 3 churches in Gaza, pagans predominant, harrasing christians, many temples&Idols, long spell without rain, pagan priests offerings tIdols dd not work, imposed fast all christians, all-night vigil, procession around tCith, immediately abundant rain, many pagans united tChurch, 237, but harrasment continued, no public office, taxes, tConstantinople wMet oCaesarea john tSeek redress fEmperor, John Chrysostom assisted them, Emperess Eusoxia had son, heir after Bishops prayed for her, offering intercede for us and Lord will send you a son who will reign during your lifetime, So Emperor ordered destruction of all tempels in Gaza, restoration oPrivileges tChristian, mone for new Church, replacing chief pagan temple, P's prayers brought numerous healings and miracles; Gaza City; Gaza Strip; St Porphyrius the Bishop of Gaza, Commemorated on February 26; Porphyrius, Archbishop of Gaza, was born about the year 346 at Thessalonica. parents were people of substance, and this allowed Saint Porphyrius to receive a fine education. the inclination for monastic life, he left his native region at twenty-five years of age and set off for Egypt, he lived in the Nitrian desert under the guidance of Saint Macarius the Great (January 19). he also met Saint Jerome (June 15), who was then visiting the Egyptian monasteries. went to Jerusalem on pilgrimage to the holy places, and to venerate the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord (September 14), he moved into a cave in the Jordanian wilderness for prayer and ascetic deeds. five years, Saint Porphyrius was afflicted with a serious malady of the legs. decided to go to the holy places of Jerusalem to pray for healing. he lay half-conscious at the foot of Golgotha, Porphyrius fell into a sort of trance. beheld Jesus Christ descending from the Cross and saying to him, “Take this Wood and preserve it.” out of his trance, he found himself healthy and free from pain. he gave away all his money to the poor and for the adornment of the churches of God. a time he supported himself by working as a shoemaker. words of the Savior were fulfilled when the saint was forty-five years old. Patriarch of Jerusalem ordained Saint Porphyrius to the holy priesthood appointed him custodian of the Venerable Wood of the Cross of the Lord. 395 the bishop of the city of Gaza (in Palestine) died. local Christians went to Caesarea to ask Metropolitan John to send them a new bishop who would be able to contend against the pagans, which were predominant in their city and were harassing the Christians there. Lord inspired the Metropolitan to summon the priest Porphyrius. fear and trembling the ascetic accepted the office of bishop, with tears he prostrated himself before the Life-Creating Wood and went to fulfill his new obedience. Gaza there were only three Christian churches, but there were a great many pagan temples and idols. this time there had been a long spell without rain, causing a severe drought. pagan priests brought offerings to their idols, but the woes did not cease. Porphyrius imposed a fast for all the Christians; then served an all-night Vigil, by a church procession around the city. the sky covered over with storm clouds, thunder boomed, and abundant rains poured down. this miracle, many pagans cried out, “Christ is indeed the only true God!” a result of this, 127 men, thirty-five women and fourteen children were united to the Church through Holy Baptism, and another 110 men soon after this. pagans continued to harass the Christians. passed them over for public office, burdened them with taxes. Saint and Metropolitan John of Caesarea journeyed to Constantinople to seek redress from the emperor. John Chrysostom (September 14, January 27 and 30) received them and assisted them. John and Porphyrius were presented to the empress Eudoxia who was expecting a child at that time. “Intercede for us,” said the bishops to the empress, “and the Lord will send you a son, who shall reign during your lifetime”. very much wanted a son, since she had given birth only to daughters. the prayer of the saints an heir was born to the imperial family. a result of this, the emperor issued an edict in 401 ordering the destruction of pagan temples in Gaza the restoration of privileges to Christians. the emperor gave the saints money for the construction of a new church, which was to be built in Gaza on the site of the chief pagan temple. Porphyrius upheld Christianity in Gaza to the very end of his life, guarded his flock from the vexatious pagans. the prayers of the saint numerous miracles and healings occurred. holy archpastor guided his flock for twenty-five years, reposed in 420 at an advanced age.

Jerusalem, 380-405, Saint John Cassian, from Dobrogea, Romania, The Roman, in Bethlehem
Jerusalem, 380-405, Saint John Cassian, from Dobrogea, Romania, The Roman; Saint Germanus of Dacia Pontica (Dobrogea), Commemorated on February 29;

Jerusalem, 387-417, Patriarch, John II, Bishop of Jerusalem, wrote five Mystagogical Catecheses
Jerusalem, 387-417, Patriarch, John II, Bishop of Jerusalem; II (c. 356 – 10 January 417) was bishop of Jerusalem from AD 387 to AD 417. John II succeeded to the episcopal throne of Jerusalem on the death of Cyril in 386 (or 387). He was the author, according to an increasing number of modern scholars,[1] of the five Mystagogical Catecheses traditionally ascribed to his predecessor Cyril. is revered as a saint by the Orthodox Church and his feast day is held on March 30.[2][3][4] He is also honored as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, which commemorates him on 10 January (Martyrologium Romanum, 2004, p. 92). Translation of the relics of the Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen from Jerusalem to Constantinople, Commemorated on August 2;

Jerusalem, 395-475, Saint, Gerasimus of the Jordan, Coutila Gorge
Jerusalem Saint, d. 475, Gerasimus of the Jordan; Venerable Bessarion the New, Commemorated on June 6; Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt, Commemorated on June 6 ;

Jerusalem, 397-451, Saint, Theoctistus of Palestine, Kidron R down from Theran HP
Jerusalem, 397-451, Saint, Theoctistus of Palestine; Jerusalem Saint, 397-473, Euthymius the Great; Venerable Theoctistus, Commemorated on September 3; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20;

Jerusalem, 397-473, Euthymius tG, wanted stillness but God said no, taught Monks, they followed his acceptance o ECouncils
Jerusalem, 397-473, Saint, Euthymius the Great, Tharan High Point, from Melitene Armenia, from barren parents, father died, given to priest uncle Eudoxius,responsible for monasteries but desired stillness, to Jerusalem desert cell Theran lava, wTheoctistus, desert of Coutila, steep gorge, cave on cliff, people came, monastic community, taught young monks, work, alms, meal silence, fasting same as others, avoid attention, E converted Arab leaders by healing sickness, people came for E's miracles, left tRouba Desert Mt Marda, Dead Sea, Wilderness of Ziph David's cave, monastery church, wanted solitude but Lord commanded him to not drive away, Lavra consecrated 429, 400 Armenians came, miraculous filling of stores to feed them, for 3mos, Auxentius insubordination, you will be rewarded, demon throw, healing, forgiveness asked and granted, obedience not sacrifice, it not the place but faith for sucess, transplanted tree not bear fruit, 431 3rd ECouncil Nestorian, 451 4th ECouncil Monophysite, E accepted these decisions and many monks followed, angels celebrated HE wHim, Clarivoyance discerning monks' hearts before Holy Mysteries, at 82 received Sava, time of death revealed at 90 Jan 473, wDomitian; Jerusalem Saint, 397-473, Euthymius the Great; Venerable Theoctistus, Commemorated on September 3; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20; Euthymius the Great came from the city of Melitene in Armenia, near the River Euphrates. parents, Paul and Dionysia, were pious Christians of noble birth. many years of marriage they remained childless, and in their sorrow they entreated God to give them offspring. Finally, they had a vision and heard a voice saying, “Be of good cheer! God will grant you a son, who will bring joy to the churches.” child was named Euthymius (“good cheer”). Euthymius’ father died soon after this, and his mother, fulfilling her vow to dedicate her son to God, gave him to her brother, the priest Eudoxius, to be educated. He presented the child to Bishop Eutroius of Melitene, who accepted him with love. Seeing his good conduct, the bishop soon made him a Reader. Euthymius later became a monk and was ordained to the holy priesthood. the same time, he was entrusted with the supervision of all the city monasteries. Saint Euthymius often visited the monastery of Saint Polyeuctus, and during Great Lent he withdrew into the wilderness. responsibility for the monasteries weighed heavily upon the ascetic, and conflicted with his desire for stillness, so he secretly left the city and headed to Jerusalem. After venerating the holy shrines, he visited the Fathers in the desert. there was a solitary cell in the Tharan lavra, he settled into it, earning his living by weaving baskets. his neighbor Saint Theoctistus (September 3) also lived in asceticism. They shared the same zeal for God and for spiritual struggles, and each strove to attain what the other desired. They had such love for one another that they seemed to share one soul and one will. year, after the Feast of Theophany, they withdrew into the desert of Coutila (not far from Jericho). day, they entered a steep and terrifying gorge with a stream running through it. They saw a cave upon a cliff, and settled there. Lord, however, soon revealed their solitary place for the benefit of many people. Shepherds driving their flocks came upon the cave and saw the monks. They went back to the village and told people about the ascetics living there. seeking spiritual benefit began to visit the hermits and brought them food. a monastic community grew up around them. Several monks came from the Tharan monastery, among them Marinus and Luke. Euthymius entrusted the supervision of the growing monastery to his friend Theoctistus. Euthymius exhorted the brethren to guard their thoughts. “Whoever desires to lead the monastic life should not follow his own will. He should be obedient and humble, and be mindful of the hour of death. He should fear the judgment and eternal fire, and seek the heavenly Kingdom.” saint taught young monks to fix their thoughts on God while engaging in physical labor. “If laymen work in order to feed themselves and their families, and to give alms and offer sacrifice to God, then are not we as monks obliged to work to sustain ourselves and to avoid idleness? We should not depend on strangers.” saint demanded that the monks keep silence in church during services and at meals. When he saw young monks fasting more than others, he told them to cut off their own will, and to follow the appointed rule and times for fasting. He urged them not to attract attention to their fasting, but to eat in moderation. these years Saint Euthymius converted and baptized many Arabs. Among them were the Saracen leaders Aspebet and his son Terebon, both of whom Saint Euthymius healed of sickness. Aspebet received the name Peter in Baptism and afterwards he was a bishop among the Arabs. of the miracles performed by Saint Euthymius spread quickly. People came from everywhere to be healed of their ailments, and he cured them. to bear human fame and glory, the monk secretly left the monastery, taking only his closest disciple Dometian with him. He withdrew into the Rouba desert and settled on Mt. Marda, near the Dead Sea. his quest for solitude, the saint explored the wilderness of Ziph and settled in the cave where David once hid from King Saul. Euthymius founded a monastery beside David’s cave, and built a church. this time Saint Euthymius converted many monks from the Manichean heresy, he also healed the sick and cast out devils. disturbed the tranquillity of the wilderness. Since he loved silence, the saint decided to return to the monastery of Saint Theoctistus. the way they found a quiet level place on a hill, and he remained there. This would become the site of Saint Euthymius’ lavra, and a little cave served as his cell, and then as his grave. Theoctistus went with his brethren to Saint Euthymius and requested him to return to the monastery, but the monk did not agree to this. However, he did promise to attend Sunday services at the monastery. Euthymius did not wish to have anyone nearby, nor to organize a cenobium or a lavra. Lord commanded him in a vision not to drive away those who came to him for the salvation of their souls. After some time brethren again gathered around him, and he organized a lavra, on the pattern of the Tharan Lavra. the year 429, when Saint Euthymius was fifty-two years old, Patriarch Juvenal of Jerusalem consecrated the lavra church and supplied it with presbyters and deacons. lavra was poor at first, but the saint believed that God would provide for His servants. about 400 Armenians on their way to the Jordan came to the lavra. Seeing this, Saint Euthymius called the steward and ordered him to feed the pilgrims. steward said that there was not enough food in the monastery. Euthymius, however, insisted. Going to the storeroom where the bread was kept, the steward found a large quantity of bread, and the wine casks and oil jars were also filled. pilgrims ate their fill, and for three months afterwards the door of the storeroom could not be shut because of the abundace of bread. food remained undiminished, just like the widow of Zarephath’s barrel of meal and cruse of oil (1/3 Kings 17:8-16). the monk Auxentius refused to carry out his assigned obedience. Despite the fact that Saint Euthymius summoned him and urged him to comply, he remained obstinate. saint then shouted loudly, “You will be rewarded for your insubordination.” demon seized Auxentius and threw him to the ground. The brethren asked Abba Euthymius to help him, and then the saint healed the unfortunate one, who came to himself, asked forgiveness and promised to correct himself. “Obedience,” said Saint Euthymius, “is a great virtue. The Lord loves obedience more than sacrifice, but disobedience leads to death.” of the brethren became overwhelmed by the austere life in the monastery of Saint Euthymius, and they resolved to flee. Euthymius saw in a vision that they would be ensnared by the devil. He summoned them and admonished them to abandon their destructive intention. said, “We must never admit evil thoughts that fill us with sorrow and hatred for the place in which we live, and suggest that we go somewhere else. someone tries to do something good in the place where he lives but fails to complete it, he should not think that he will accomplish it elsewhere. is not the place that produces success, but faith and a firm will. tree which is often transplanted does not bear fruit.” the year 431, the Third Ecumenical Council was convened in Ephesus to combat the Nestorian heresy. Saint Euthymius rejoiced over the affirmation of Orthodoxy, but was grieved about Archbishop John of Antioch who defended Nestorius. the year 451 the Fourth Ecumenical Council met in Chalcedon to condemn the heresy of Dioscorus who, in contrast to Nestorius, asserted that in the Lord Jesus Christ there is only one nature, the divine (thus the heresy was called Monophysite). He taught that in the Incarnation, Christ’s human nature is swallowed up by the divine nature. Euthymius accepted the decisions of the Council of Chalcedon and he acknowledged it as Orthodox. News of this spread quickly among the monks and hermits. Many of them, who had previously believed wrongly, accepted the decisions of the Council of Chalcedon because of the example of Saint Euthymius. of his ascetic life and firm confession of the Orthodox Faith, Saint Euthymius is called “the Great.” by contact with the world, the holy abba went for a time into the inner desert. After his return to the lavra some of the brethren saw that when he celebrated the Divine Liturgy, fire descended from Heaven and encircled the saint. Euthymius himself revealed to several of the monks that often he saw an angel celebrating the Holy Liturgy with him. saint had the gift of clairvoyance, and he could discern a person’s thoughts and spiritual state from his outward appearance. When the monks received the Holy Mysteries, the saint knew who approached worthily, and who received unworthily. Saint Euthymius was 82 years old, the young Savva (the future Saint Savva the Sanctified, December 5), came to his lavra. Elder received him with love and sent him to the monastery of Saint Theoctistus. He foretold that Saint Savva would outshine all his other disciples in virtue. the saint was ninety years of age, his companion and fellow monk Theoctistus became grievously ill. Saint Euthymius went to visit his friend and remained at the monastery for several days. He took leave of him and was present at his end. After burying his body in a grave, he returned to the lavra. revealed to Saint Euthymius the time of his death. On the eve of the Feast of Saint Anthony the Great (January 17) Saint Euthymius gave the blessing to serve the all-night Vigil. When the service ended, he took the priests aside and told them that he would never serve another Vigil with them, because the Lord was calling him from this earthly life. were filled with great sadness, but the saint asked the brethren to meet him in church in the morning. He began to instruct them, “If you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). Love is the highest virtue, and the bond of perfectness (Col. 3:14). Every virtue is made secure by love and humility. The Lord humbled Himself because of His Love for us and became man. Therefore, we ought to praise Him unceasingly, especially since we monks have escaped worldly distractions and concerns.” “Look to yourselves, and preserve your souls and bodies in purity. Do not fail to attend the church services, and keep the traditions and rules of our community. If one of the brethren struggles with unclean thoughts, correct, console, and instruct him, so that he does not fall into the devil’s snares. Never refuse hospitality to visitors. Offer a bed to every stranger. Give whatever you can to help the poor in their misfortune.” having given instructions for the guidance of the brethren, the saint promised always to remain in spirit with them and with those who followed them in his monastery. Euthymius then dismissed everyone but his disciple Dometian. He remained in the altar for three days, then died on January 20, 473 at the age of ninety-seven. multitude of monks from all the monasteries and from the desert came to the lavra for the holy abba’s burial, among whom was Saint Gerasimus. Patriarch Anastasius also came with his clergy, as well as the Nitrian monks Martyrius and Elias, who later became Patriarchs of Jerusalem, as Saint Euthymius had foretold. remained by the grave of his Elder for six days. On the seventh day, he saw the holy abba in glory, beckoning to his disciple. “Come, my child, the Lord Jesus Christ wants you to be with me.” telling the brethren about the vision, Dometian went to church and joyfully surrendered his soul to God. He was buried beside Saint Euthymius. The relics of Saint Euthymius remained at his monastery in Palestine, and the Russian pilgrim Igumen Daniel saw them in the twelfth century.

Jerusalem, 397-473, Euthymius tGreat, Tharan High Point, f Melitene Armenia, Great influence 3rd&4th EC Councils
Jerusalem, 397-473, Euthymius tGreat, Tharan High Point, f Melitene Armenia, noble birth, parents childless dedicated him, vision&voice good cheer tChurches, so named Euthymius, given uncle Eudoxius fEd, tMetilene Bishop Eutroius, soon made Reader, later monk&priest, supervised all M monasteries, especially Polyeuctus m, tWilderness during Lent, but desired stillness, tJerusalem, kissed shrines then visited Desert Fathers, solitary cell Tharan Lavra, weaving baskets, near Theoctistus, shared soul, same zeal, each year tCoutila near Jerico, together found cave steep cliff, settled there, by Shepherds Lord revealed many came, monk community, E made T Igumen, E taught obedience, humility, mindful oDeath, fear judgement eternal fire, seek heavenly kingdom, physical labor while God thoughts, alms, sacrifice tGod, no depend oStrangers, silence iChurch&Meals, cut off own will, fast appointed time, no attract attention, these years many Arabs baptized, Saracen leaders Aspebet &Son Terebon, healed, people came fEverywhere, he cured them, but to avoid fame took Dometian tRouba desert Mt Marda Dead Sea, explored wilderness oZiph, settled David's cave, fonded m beside D's cave, built church, converted many Manichean heresy monks, healed&Delivered, for silence returned T's m, on the way found quiet level place on a hill, remained there, future site E's Lavra, cave cell &grave, T wanted him at T's monastery, but only agreed Sunday services, wanted seclustion but Lord's vision commanded accept those who came, organized Lavra like Tharan L, poor at first but Jerusalem Patriarch Juvenal supplied presbyters (priests) & Deacons, E believed God wProvide, 400 Armenians came on way to Jordan, E ordered steward feed them, s said not enough food, E insisted, plenty food & remained undimished 3 months, obstinate monk Auxentius refused his obedience, E shouted he be rewarded for his insubordination, Deamon siezed A, threw him to ground, brothers asked E to help, he delivered him, he asked forgiveness promised to correct, E said Obedience is a great virtue, Lord loves it more than sacrifice, disobedience leads to death, two brothers resolved to flee, E had vision they ensnared bDevil, told them never admit thoughts hating place, suggesting other place, its not place but faith and firm will for success, many transplanted tree will not bear fruit, 431 3rd EC iEphesus, for Nestorian heresy, E rejoiced Orthodoxy affirmed but grieved Antioch Archbishop defended Nestorius, 451 4th EC iChalcedon, for Dioscorus heresy, asserted Jesus only one nature, the divine, monophysite, that at incarnaton his human nature swollowed up by his divine nature, when E accepted 4th C decisions as Orthodox news spread quickly following E, so called E the Great, E went to Inner Desert for awhile, after return fire descended fHeaven &encircled him Divine Litergy, plus E said he often saw an Angel celebrating with him, E's clairvoyance gift, discern thoughts spiritual state from outward appearance, during divine litergy, at 82 Savva came, foretold Savva would outshine his other disciples, when E 90 Theoctistus became ill, with him aDeath, God told E Time oDeath, told his priests, because Lord calling him from earthly life, next day began instructing them, if you love me keep my commandments, love is hightest virtue and bond oPerfectness, every virtue made secure by love&humility, Lord humbled himself became man, so we ought praise him unceasingly, expecially since monks escape worldly distractions, preserve souls in purity, correct console instruct brethern, so not fall to devil's snares, never refuse hospitality, offer a bed, give whatever you can, Then he promised always to be with them in spirit, and those who followed them, Then he dismissed all but Dometian, remained at altar 3days, died Jan 20 473; Jerusalem Saint, 397-473, Euthymius the Great; Venerable Theoctistus, Commemorated on September 3; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20; Euthymius the Great came from the city of Melitene in Armenia, near the River Euphrates. parents, Paul and Dionysia, were pious Christians of noble birth. many years of marriage they remained childless, and in their sorrow they entreated God to give them offspring. they had a vision and heard a voice saying, “Be of good cheer! God will grant you a son, who will bring joy to the churches.” child was named Euthymius (“good cheer”). Euthymius’ father died soon after this, and his mother, fulfilling her vow to dedicate her son to God, gave him to her brother, the priest Eudoxius, to be educated. presented the child to Bishop Eutroius of Melitene, who accepted him with love. his good conduct, the bishop soon made him a Reader. Euthymius later became a monk and was ordained to the holy priesthood. the same time, he was entrusted with the supervision of all the city monasteries. Euthymius often visited the monastery of Saint Polyeuctus, during Great Lent he withdrew into the wilderness. responsibility for the monasteries weighed heavily upon the ascetic, and conflicted with his desire for stillness, he secretly left the city and headed to Jerusalem. venerating the holy shrines, he visited the Fathers in the desert. there was a solitary cell in the Tharan lavra, he settled into it, earning his living by weaving baskets. his neighbor Saint Theoctistus (September 3) also lived in asceticism. shared the same zeal for God and for spiritual struggles, and each strove to attain what the other desired. had such love for one another that they seemed to share one soul and one will. year, after the Feast of Theophany, they withdrew into the desert of Coutila (not far from Jericho). day, they entered a steep and terrifying gorge with a stream running through it. They saw a cave upon a cliff, and settled there. Lord, however, soon revealed their solitary place for the benefit of many people. driving their flocks came upon the cave and saw the monks. went back to the village and told people about the ascetics living there. seeking spiritual benefit began to visit the hermits and brought them food. a monastic community grew up around them. monks came from the Tharan monastery, among them Marinus and Luke. Euthymius entrusted the supervision of the growing monastery to his friend Theoctistus. Euthymius exhorted the brethren to guard their thoughts. “Whoever desires to lead the monastic life should not follow his own will. He should be obedient and humble, and be mindful of the hour of death. He should fear the judgment and eternal fire, and seek the heavenly Kingdom.” saint taught young monks to fix their thoughts on God while engaging in physical labor. “If laymen work in order to feed themselves and their families, and to give alms and offer sacrifice to God, are not we as monks obliged to work to sustain ourselves and to avoid idleness? should not depend on strangers.” saint demanded that the monks keep silence in church during services and at meals. he saw young monks fasting more than others, he told them to cut off their own will, and to follow the appointed rule and times for fasting. urged them not to attract attention to their fasting, but to eat in moderation. these years Saint Euthymius converted and baptized many Arabs. them were the Saracen leaders Aspebet and his son Terebon, of whom Saint Euthymius healed of sickness. received the name Peter in Baptism and afterwards he was a bishop among the Arabs. of the miracles performed by Saint Euthymius spread quickly. People came from everywhere to be healed of their ailments, and he cured them. to bear human fame and glory, the monk secretly left the monastery, taking only his closest disciple Dometian with him. He withdrew into the Rouba desert and settled on Mt. Marda, near the Dead Sea. his quest for solitude, the saint explored the wilderness of Ziph and settled in the cave where David once hid from King Saul. Euthymius founded a monastery beside David’s cave, and built a church. During this time Saint Euthymius converted many monks from the Manichean heresy, he also healed the sick and cast out devils. disturbed the tranquillity of the wilderness. he loved silence, the saint decided to return to the monastery of Saint Theoctistus. the way they found a quiet level place on a hill, and he remained there. would become the site of Saint Euthymius’ lavra, and a little cave served as his cell, and then as his grave. Theoctistus went with his brethren to Saint Euthymius and requested him to return to the monastery, the monk did not agree to this. he did promise to attend Sunday services at the monastery. Euthymius did not wish to have anyone nearby, nor to organize a cenobium or a lavra. Lord commanded him in a vision not to drive away those who came to him for the salvation of their souls. some time brethren again gathered around him, and he organized a lavra, on the pattern of the Tharan Lavra. the year 429, when Saint Euthymius was fifty-two years old, Patriarch Juvenal of Jerusalem consecrated the lavra church supplied it with presbyters and deacons. lavra was poor at first, the saint believed that God would provide for His servants. about 400 Armenians on their way to the Jordan came to the lavra. this, Saint Euthymius called the steward and ordered him to feed the pilgrims. steward said that there was not enough food in the monastery. Euthymius, however, insisted. to the storeroom where the bread was kept, the steward found a large quantity of bread, and the wine casks and oil jars were also filled. pilgrims ate their fill, and for three months afterwards the door of the storeroom could not be shut because of the abundace of bread. food remained undiminished, just like the widow of Zarephath’s barrel of meal and cruse of oil (1/3 Kings 17:8-16). the monk Auxentius refused to carry out his assigned obedience. Despite the fact that Saint Euthymius summoned him and urged him to comply, he remained obstinate. saint then shouted loudly, “You will be rewarded for your insubordination.” demon seized Auxentius and threw him to the ground. brethren asked Abba Euthymius to help him, and then the saint healed the unfortunate one, who came to himself, asked forgiveness and promised to correct himself. “Obedience,” said Saint Euthymius, “is a great virtue. The Lord loves obedience more than sacrifice, but disobedience leads to death.” of the brethren became overwhelmed by the austere life in the monastery of Saint Euthymius, and they resolved to flee. Euthymius saw in a vision that they would be ensnared by the devil. summoned them and admonished them to abandon their destructive intention. said, “We must never admit evil thoughts that fill us with sorrow and hatred for the place in which we live, and suggest that we go somewhere else. someone tries to do something good in the place where he lives but fails to complete it, he should not think that he will accomplish it elsewhere. is not the place that produces success, but faith and a firm will. A tree which is often transplanted does not bear fruit.” the year 431, the Third Ecumenical Council was convened in Ephesus to combat the Nestorian heresy. Euthymius rejoiced over the affirmation of Orthodoxy, was grieved about Archbishop John of Antioch who defended Nestorius. the year 451 the Fourth Ecumenical Council met in Chalcedon to condemn the heresy of Dioscorus in contrast to Nestorius, asserted that in the Lord Jesus Christ there is only one nature, divine (thus the heresy was called Monophysite). taught that in the Incarnation, Christ’s human nature is swallowed up by the divine nature. Euthymius accepted the decisions of the Council of Chalcedon and he acknowledged it as Orthodox. of this spread quickly among the monks and hermits. Many of them, who had previously believed wrongly, accepted the decisions of the Council of Chalcedon because of the example of Saint Euthymius. of his ascetic life and firm confession of the Orthodox Faith, Saint Euthymius is called “the Great.” by contact with the world, the holy abba went for a time into the inner desert. his return to the lavra some of the brethren saw that when he celebrated the Divine Liturgy, fire descended from Heaven and encircled the saint. Euthymius himself revealed to several of the monks that often he saw an angel celebrating the Holy Liturgy with him. saint had the gift of clairvoyance, and he could discern a person’s thoughts and spiritual state from his outward appearance. the monks received the Holy Mysteries, the saint knew who approached worthily, and who received unworthily. Saint Euthymius was 82 years old, the young Savva (the future Saint Savva the Sanctified, December 5), came to his lavra. Elder received him with love and sent him to the monastery of Saint Theoctistus. foretold that Saint Savva would outshine all his other disciples in virtue. the saint was ninety years of age, his companion and fellow monk Theoctistus became grievously ill. Euthymius went to visit his friend and remained at the monastery for several days. took leave of him and was present at his end. burying his body in a grave, he returned to the lavra. revealed to Saint Euthymius the time of his death. the eve of the Feast of Saint Anthony the Great (January 17) Saint Euthymius gave the blessing to serve the all-night Vigil. the service ended, he took the priests aside and told them that he would never serve another Vigil with them, because the Lord was calling him from this earthly life. were filled with great sadness, the saint asked the brethren to meet him in church in the morning. He began to instruct them, “If you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). is the highest virtue, and the bond of perfectness (Col. 3:14). virtue is made secure by love and humility. Lord humbled Himself because of His Love for us and became man. we ought to praise Him unceasingly, especially since we monks have escaped worldly distractions and concerns.” “Look to yourselves, and preserve your souls and bodies in purity. Do not fail to attend the church services, and keep the traditions and rules of our community. one of the brethren struggles with unclean thoughts, correct, console, and instruct him, so that he does not fall into the devil’s snares. refuse hospitality to visitors. Offer a bed to every stranger. Give whatever you can to help the poor in their misfortune.” having given instructions for the guidance of the brethren, the saint promised always to remain in spirit with them and with those who followed them in his monastery. Euthymius then dismissed everyone but his disciple Dometian. He remained in the altar for three days, then died on January 20, 473 at the age of ninety-seven. multitude of monks from all the monasteries and from the desert came to the lavra for the holy abba’s burial, whom was Saint Gerasimus. Patriarch Anastasius also came with his clergy, well as the Nitrian monks Martyrius and Elias, who later became Patriarchs of Jerusalem, Saint Euthymius had foretold. remained by the grave of his Elder for six days. the seventh day, he saw the holy abba in glory, beckoning to his disciple. “Come, my child, the Lord Jesus Christ wants you to be with me.” telling the brethren about the vision, Dometian went to church and joyfully surrendered his soul to God. was buried beside Saint Euthymius. relics of Saint Euthymius remained at his monastery in Palestine, the Russian pilgrim Igumen Daniel saw them in the twelfth century.

Jerusalem, 397-473, Euthymius the Great, Wilderness of Judea, Clairvoyant, Fire from Heaven, Angels helping Divine Litergy, healings, deliverance
Jerusalem, 397-473, Euthymius tGreat, Tharan High Point, f Melitene Armenia, noble birth, parents childless dedicated him, vision&voice good cheer tChurches, so named Euthymius, given uncle Eudoxius fEd, tMetilene Bishop Eutroius, soon made Reader, later monk&priest, supervised all M monasteries, especially Polyeuctus m, tWilderness during Lent, but desired stillness, tJerusalem, kissed shrines then visited Desert Fathers, solitary cell Tharan Lavra, weaving baskets, near Theoctistus, shared soul, same zeal, each year tCoutila near Jerico, together found cave steep cliff, settled there, by Shepherds Lord revealed many came, monk community, E made T Igumen, E taught obedience, humility, mindful oDeath, fear judgement eternal fire, seek heavenly kingdom, physical labor while God thoughts, alms, sacrifice tGod, no depend oStrangers, silence iChurch&Meals, cut off own will, fast appointed time, no attract attention, these years many Arabs baptized, Saracen leaders Aspebet &Son Terebon, healed, people came fEverywhere, he cured them, but to avoid fame took Dometian tRouba desert Mt Marda Dead Sea, explored wilderness oZiph, settled David's cave, fonded m beside D's cave, built church, converted many Manichean heresy monks, healed&Delivered, for silence returned T's m, on the way found quiet level place on a hill, remained there, future site E's Lavra, cave cell &grave, T wanted him at T's monastery, but only agreed Sunday services, wanted seclustion but Lord's vision commanded accept those who came, organized Lavra like Tharan L, poor at first but Jerusalem Patriarch Juvenal supplied presbyters (priests) & Deacons, E believed God wProvide, 400 Armenians came on way to Jordan, E ordered steward feed them, s said not enough food, E insisted, plenty food & remained undimished 3 months, obstinate monk Auxentius refused his obedience, E shouted he be rewarded for his insubordination, Deamon siezed A, threw him to ground, brothers asked E to help, he delivered him, he asked forgiveness promised to correct, E said Obedience is a great virtue, Lord loves it more than sacrifice, disobedience leads to death, two brothers resolved to flee, E had vision they ensnared bDevil, told them never admit thoughts hating place, suggesting other place, its not place but faith and firm will for success, many transplanted tree will not bear fruit, 431 3rd EC iEphesus, for Nestorian heresy, E rejoiced Orthodoxy affirmed but grieved Antioch Archbishop defended Nestorius, 451 4th EC iChalcedon, for Dioscorus heresy, asserted Jesus only one nature, the divine, monophysite, that at incarnaton his human nature swollowed up by his divine nature, when E accepted 4th C decisions as Orthodox news spread quickly following E, so called E the Great, E went to Inner Desert for awhile, after return fire descended fHeaven &encircled him Divine Litergy, plus E said he often saw an Angel celebrating with him, E's clairvoyance gift, discern thoughts spiritual state from outward appearance, during divine litergy, at 82 Savva came, foretold Savva would outshine his other disciples, when E 90 Theoctistus became ill, with him aDeath, God told E Time oDeath, told his priests, because Lord calling him from earthly life, next day began instructing them, if you love me keep my commandments, love is hightest virtue and bond oPerfectness, every virtue made secure by love&humility, Lord humbled himself became man, so we ought praise him unceasingly, expecially since monks escape worldly distractions, preserve souls in purity, correct console instruct brethern, so not fall to devil's snares, never refuse hospitality, offer a bed, give whatever you can, Then he promised always to be with them in spirit, and those who followed them, Then he dismissed all but Dometian, remained at altar 3days, died Jan 20 473; Jerusalem Saint, 397-473, Euthymius the Great; Venerable Theoctistus, Commemorated on September 3; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20; Euthymius the Great came from the city of Melitene in Armenia, near the River Euphrates. parents, Paul and Dionysia, were pious Christians of noble birth. many years of marriage they remained childless, and in their sorrow they entreated God to give them offspring. they had a vision and heard a voice saying, “Be of good cheer! God will grant you a son, who will bring joy to the churches.” child was named Euthymius (“good cheer”). Euthymius’ father died soon after this, and his mother, fulfilling her vow to dedicate her son to God, gave him to her brother, the priest Eudoxius, to be educated. presented the child to Bishop Eutroius of Melitene, who accepted him with love. his good conduct, the bishop soon made him a Reader. Euthymius later became a monk and was ordained to the holy priesthood. the same time, he was entrusted with the supervision of all the city monasteries. Euthymius often visited the monastery of Saint Polyeuctus, during Great Lent he withdrew into the wilderness. responsibility for the monasteries weighed heavily upon the ascetic, and conflicted with his desire for stillness, he secretly left the city and headed to Jerusalem. venerating the holy shrines, he visited the Fathers in the desert. there was a solitary cell in the Tharan lavra, he settled into it, earning his living by weaving baskets. his neighbor Saint Theoctistus (September 3) also lived in asceticism. shared the same zeal for God and for spiritual struggles, and each strove to attain what the other desired. had such love for one another that they seemed to share one soul and one will. year, after the Feast of Theophany, they withdrew into the desert of Coutila (not far from Jericho). day, they entered a steep and terrifying gorge with a stream running through it. They saw a cave upon a cliff, and settled there. Lord, however, soon revealed their solitary place for the benefit of many people. driving their flocks came upon the cave and saw the monks. went back to the village and told people about the ascetics living there. seeking spiritual benefit began to visit the hermits and brought them food. a monastic community grew up around them. monks came from the Tharan monastery, among them Marinus and Luke. Euthymius entrusted the supervision of the growing monastery to his friend Theoctistus. Euthymius exhorted the brethren to guard their thoughts. “Whoever desires to lead the monastic life should not follow his own will. He should be obedient and humble, and be mindful of the hour of death. He should fear the judgment and eternal fire, and seek the heavenly Kingdom.” saint taught young monks to fix their thoughts on God while engaging in physical labor. “If laymen work in order to feed themselves and their families, and to give alms and offer sacrifice to God, are not we as monks obliged to work to sustain ourselves and to avoid idleness? should not depend on strangers.” saint demanded that the monks keep silence in church during services and at meals. he saw young monks fasting more than others, he told them to cut off their own will, and to follow the appointed rule and times for fasting. urged them not to attract attention to their fasting, but to eat in moderation. these years Saint Euthymius converted and baptized many Arabs. them were the Saracen leaders Aspebet and his son Terebon, of whom Saint Euthymius healed of sickness. received the name Peter in Baptism and afterwards he was a bishop among the Arabs. of the miracles performed by Saint Euthymius spread quickly. People came from everywhere to be healed of their ailments, and he cured them. to bear human fame and glory, the monk secretly left the monastery, taking only his closest disciple Dometian with him. He withdrew into the Rouba desert and settled on Mt. Marda, near the Dead Sea. his quest for solitude, the saint explored the wilderness of Ziph and settled in the cave where David once hid from King Saul. Euthymius founded a monastery beside David’s cave, and built a church. During this time Saint Euthymius converted many monks from the Manichean heresy, he also healed the sick and cast out devils. disturbed the tranquillity of the wilderness. he loved silence, the saint decided to return to the monastery of Saint Theoctistus. the way they found a quiet level place on a hill, and he remained there. would become the site of Saint Euthymius’ lavra, and a little cave served as his cell, and then as his grave. Theoctistus went with his brethren to Saint Euthymius and requested him to return to the monastery, the monk did not agree to this. he did promise to attend Sunday services at the monastery. Euthymius did not wish to have anyone nearby, nor to organize a cenobium or a lavra. Lord commanded him in a vision not to drive away those who came to him for the salvation of their souls. some time brethren again gathered around him, and he organized a lavra, on the pattern of the Tharan Lavra. the year 429, when Saint Euthymius was fifty-two years old, Patriarch Juvenal of Jerusalem consecrated the lavra church supplied it with presbyters and deacons. lavra was poor at first, the saint believed that God would provide for His servants. about 400 Armenians on their way to the Jordan came to the lavra. this, Saint Euthymius called the steward and ordered him to feed the pilgrims. steward said that there was not enough food in the monastery. Euthymius, however, insisted. to the storeroom where the bread was kept, the steward found a large quantity of bread, and the wine casks and oil jars were also filled. pilgrims ate their fill, and for three months afterwards the door of the storeroom could not be shut because of the abundace of bread. food remained undiminished, just like the widow of Zarephath’s barrel of meal and cruse of oil (1/3 Kings 17:8-16). the monk Auxentius refused to carry out his assigned obedience. Despite the fact that Saint Euthymius summoned him and urged him to comply, he remained obstinate. saint then shouted loudly, “You will be rewarded for your insubordination.” demon seized Auxentius and threw him to the ground. brethren asked Abba Euthymius to help him, and then the saint healed the unfortunate one, who came to himself, asked forgiveness and promised to correct himself. “Obedience,” said Saint Euthymius, “is a great virtue. The Lord loves obedience more than sacrifice, but disobedience leads to death.” of the brethren became overwhelmed by the austere life in the monastery of Saint Euthymius, and they resolved to flee. Euthymius saw in a vision that they would be ensnared by the devil. summoned them and admonished them to abandon their destructive intention. said, “We must never admit evil thoughts that fill us with sorrow and hatred for the place in which we live, and suggest that we go somewhere else. someone tries to do something good in the place where he lives but fails to complete it, he should not think that he will accomplish it elsewhere. is not the place that produces success, but faith and a firm will. A tree which is often transplanted does not bear fruit.” the year 431, the Third Ecumenical Council was convened in Ephesus to combat the Nestorian heresy. Euthymius rejoiced over the affirmation of Orthodoxy, was grieved about Archbishop John of Antioch who defended Nestorius. the year 451 the Fourth Ecumenical Council met in Chalcedon to condemn the heresy of Dioscorus in contrast to Nestorius, asserted that in the Lord Jesus Christ there is only one nature, divine (thus the heresy was called Monophysite). taught that in the Incarnation, Christ’s human nature is swallowed up by the divine nature. Euthymius accepted the decisions of the Council of Chalcedon and he acknowledged it as Orthodox. of this spread quickly among the monks and hermits. Many of them, who had previously believed wrongly, accepted the decisions of the Council of Chalcedon because of the example of Saint Euthymius. of his ascetic life and firm confession of the Orthodox Faith, Saint Euthymius is called “the Great.” by contact with the world, the holy abba went for a time into the inner desert. his return to the lavra some of the brethren saw that when he celebrated the Divine Liturgy, fire descended from Heaven and encircled the saint. Euthymius himself revealed to several of the monks that often he saw an angel celebrating the Holy Liturgy with him. saint had the gift of clairvoyance, and he could discern a person’s thoughts and spiritual state from his outward appearance. the monks received the Holy Mysteries, the saint knew who approached worthily, and who received unworthily. Saint Euthymius was 82 years old, the young Savva (the future Saint Savva the Sanctified, December 5), came to his lavra. Elder received him with love and sent him to the monastery of Saint Theoctistus. foretold that Saint Savva would outshine all his other disciples in virtue. the saint was ninety years of age, his companion and fellow monk Theoctistus became grievously ill. Euthymius went to visit his friend and remained at the monastery for several days. took leave of him and was present at his end. burying his body in a grave, he returned to the lavra. revealed to Saint Euthymius the time of his death. the eve of the Feast of Saint Anthony the Great (January 17) Saint Euthymius gave the blessing to serve the all-night Vigil. the service ended, he took the priests aside and told them that he would never serve another Vigil with them, because the Lord was calling him from this earthly life. were filled with great sadness, the saint asked the brethren to meet him in church in the morning. He began to instruct them, “If you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). is the highest virtue, and the bond of perfectness (Col. 3:14). virtue is made secure by love and humility. Lord humbled Himself because of His Love for us and became man. we ought to praise Him unceasingly, especially since we monks have escaped worldly distractions and concerns.” “Look to yourselves, and preserve your souls and bodies in purity. Do not fail to attend the church services, and keep the traditions and rules of our community. one of the brethren struggles with unclean thoughts, correct, console, and instruct him, so that he does not fall into the devil’s snares. refuse hospitality to visitors. Offer a bed to every stranger. Give whatever you can to help the poor in their misfortune.” having given instructions for the guidance of the brethren, the saint promised always to remain in spirit with them and with those who followed them in his monastery. Euthymius then dismissed everyone but his disciple Dometian. He remained in the altar for three days, then died on January 20, 473 at the age of ninety-seven. multitude of monks from all the monasteries and from the desert came to the lavra for the holy abba’s burial, whom was Saint Gerasimus. Patriarch Anastasius also came with his clergy, well as the Nitrian monks Martyrius and Elias, who later became Patriarchs of Jerusalem, Saint Euthymius had foretold. remained by the grave of his Elder for six days. the seventh day, he saw the holy abba in glory, beckoning to his disciple. “Come, my child, the Lord Jesus Christ wants you to be with me.” telling the brethren about the vision, Dometian went to church and joyfully surrendered his soul to God. was buried beside Saint Euthymius. relics of Saint Euthymius remained at his monastery in Palestine, the Russian pilgrim Igumen Daniel saw them in the twelfth century.

Jerusalem, 400, 5th C Folder, Simeon Stylites, Gamaliel appears tFind relics, Theodosius tG, Sabbas, Jerusalem Icon war hero

Jerusalem, 401-459, Saint, Simeon Stylites the Elder (Queig (Aleppo) River 2)
Syria, 400-459, Saint, Simeon Stylites the Elder (Queig (Aleppo) River 2); St Simeon Stylites, the Elder, Commemorated September 1 ; Venerable Martha the Mother of St Simeon Stylites, Commemorated on September 1 ; Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated on November 26; Hieromartyr Abibus, Bishop of Nekressi in Georgia, Commemorated on November 29; St Macarius the Stylite of Martkobsk, Georgia; Venerable Shio Mgvime;

Jerusalem, 401-460, Thalelaeus oSyria, small cell after defeating demons from ruined temple, to avoid eternal punishment
Cilicia, 401-460, Thalelaeus tHermit oSyria, fCilicia Region oAsia Minor, an Unmercenary Physician, tSabbas m, ordained presbyter, later moved tSyria near Gabala (Jableh), tent near ruined pagan temple, demons there, praying day&night, complete solitude, frequently attacked, but he was ultimately victorius, no longer troubled, intensified efforts, built cell he could not sit up in, tall man, cramped conditions for 10yrs, why, because many sins and he might receive eternal punishment, so suffered voluntarily in his cell, gift oWonderworking, converted pagans, they helped him destroy pagan temple and build church with daily services, reposed advanced age 460; Cilicia Region of Asia Minor ; Venerable Thalelaeus the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 27 ; Thalelaios (Thallélaios) lived during the fifth century, and is one of the Unmercenary Physicians. He was a native of Cilicia in Asia Minor, and entered the Monastery of Saint Savva the Sanctified, there he was ordained as a presbyter. on, he moved to Syria, not far from the city of Gabala, he found a ruined pagan temple surrounded by pagan graves, he settled there in a tent. place had an evil reputation, the demons inhabiting the place frightened travellers and caused them much harm. Thalelaios lived, praying day and night in complete solitude. demons attacked the Saint frequently, trying to scare him with frightful apparitions and noises. by the power of God Thallélaios was ultimately victorious over the Enemy, which he was no longer troubled. he intensified his efforts even more: built a small cell measuring three feet high and two feet wide. he was a tall man, he was unable to sit up in it, but had to rest his head on his knees. remained in these cramped quarters for about ten years. Theodoret of Cyrrhus visited Saint Thalelaios one day and found him reading the Gospel. asked him why he had chosen live in such a way. Saint said that he had many sins, and that he might receive eternal punishment, he hoped to escape those torments by suffering voluntarily in his cell. Bishop left, greatly edified by this answer. Lord granted to the ascetic the gift of wonderworking, his miracles helped him to enlighten the pagan population. the help of those he had converted to Christianity, he destroyed the pagan temple, built a church in which there were daily Services. Thalelaios reposed at an advanced age around the year 460. the book entitled Leimonarion, or Pratum [The Meadow], written by the Greek monk John Moskhos (+ 622), Saint Thallélaios is mentioned: “Abba Thalelaios was a monk for sixty years he never ceased saying with tears, "Brethren, God has given us this time for repentance, and we must seek after Him’” (Chapter 59). Life is included in the Church History of Theodoret of Cyrrhus.

Jerusalem, 415, Gamaliel appeared to priest Lucian, Steven, Gamaliel and Nicodemos' relics
Byzantium, 415, Gamaliel appeared to priest Lucian, St Paul's instructor, Steven, Gamaliel and Nicodemos' relics Gamaliel's Home in Yavne, Way of the Sea 6, Palestine; Jamnia, 1 Maccabees Ch 4, Ch 5, Ch 10, Ch 15; Finding of the relics of Saint Gamaliel, Commemorated on August 2; Gamaliel was a Pharisee, a doctor of the Law (Acts 5:34), and the teacher of Saint Paul (Acts 22:3). the year 415, Saint Gamaliel appeared to a priest named Lucian. He was a tall, venerable man with a long white beard. He was dressed in white clothing which was edged with gold and marked with crosses, and held a gold wand in his hand. called Father Lucian by name three times, then told him to go to Jerusalem and inform Bishop John to open the tomb where his relics and those of other saints were resting. The priest asked the stranger who he was. “I am Gamaliel, who instructed the apostle Paul in the Law,” he replied. Then he told the priest where to find the relics of Saint Stephen. He also revealed that he had taken Saint Stephen’s body and laid it in his own tomb after it had been lying exposed for a day and a night. Gamaliel also mentioned that Saint Νikόdēmos was buried at the same spot. “I received him into my house in the country,” he said, “and maintained him there until the end of his life. After his death, I buried him honorably near Stephen.” Gamaliel informed the priest that he and his twenty-year-old son Abibas were also buried there. Father Lucian was afraid to believe this vision right away, lest it be a temptation from the Evil One. However, when Saint Gamaliel appeared again and commanded him to obey his instructions, he did so. monk named Migetius also had a vision of Saint Gamaliel and told Father Lucian to search for the relics in a place called Debatalia. When the relics were uncovered, an ineffable fragrance was noticed. relics of Saints Stephen, Gamaliel, Abibas, and Νikόdēmos were transferred from Jerusalem to Constantinople in 428 and placed in the church of the holy deacon Laurence (August 10).

Jerusalem, 415, Uncovering Stephen's relics, S appeared 3 times, great earthquake fragrance w area angel voices, m made clear
Jerusalem, 415, Uncovering relics of Holy Protomartyr Stephen, Jerusalem, he appeared 3 times before 338 tLukianos who informed patriarch John of Jerusalem, 415 J went to the spot, great earthquake beautiful fragrance whole area, angelic voices from Heaven, made clear martyrdom for God's glory, then miracles of healing, subsequently transferred to Constantinople, hand to Trinity Sergius Lavra ; Jerusalem; Uncovering of the relics of the Holy Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen, Commemorated on September 15; the reign of Saint Constantine the Great (May 21), Saint Stephen appeared three times to a pious old priest named Lukianos revealed to him the place where his relics had been hidden. informed Patriarch John of Jerusalem, who went to the designated spot and found the sacred relics of the Holy Protomartyr Stephen. the Saint’s relics were discovered, there was a great earthquake and those who were present noticed a beautiful fragrance suffusing the whole area. is said that angelic voices were heard from Heaven saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will” (Luke 2:14). is to say, “Glory be to God in the highest places of Heaven, and here on this earth troubled by sin, may divine peace reign; for God has demonstrated His good will toward mankind, by the Incarnation of His Son.” the angels made it clear that the Protomartyr Stephen had endured martyrdom for the love and glory of God. 415, the relics of Saints Stephen, Gamaliel, and Νikόdēmos were miraculously discovered and solemnly transferred to Jerusalem by Archbishop John, with Bishops Eutonius of Sebaste and Eleutherius of Jericho. that time on, the relics began to work miracles of healing. in the reign of the holy Emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450), the relics of the holy Protomartyr Stephen were transferred from Jerusalem to Constantinople placed in the church dedicated to the holy Deacon Laurence (August 10), and were transferred there on August 2, until a church could be built in honor of Saint Stephen. Stephen’s right hand is kept in the Serapion Chamber of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.

Jerusalem, 420-458, Patriarch, Juvenal, defended Orthodoxy against heresies, 451 Council
Jerusalem Patriarch, 420-458, Juvenal; St Juvenal the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on July 2; Juvenal, Patriarch of Jerusalem, occupied the throne of the Holy City during the years 420-458. During this period great luminaries of the Church enlightened the world: Saints Euthymius the Great (January 20), Simeon the Stylite (September 1), Gerasimus of Jordan (March 4), and many others. Juvenal was a friend and converser with Saint Euthymius the Great. During Saint Juvenal’s archpastoral service, the Eastern Church was troubled by dangerous false teachings, which he opposed with a pastoral zeal, safeguarding the flock of Christ. Third Ecumenical Council was convened in the city of Ephesus in 431. It condemned the heresy of Nestorius, which was opposed to the Orthodox teaching of the divine nature of Jesus Christ. Saint Cyril of Alexandria (June 9) presided at this Council, and among his colleagues was Patriarch Juvenal. 451, the Fourth Ecumenical Council met in the city of Chalcedon. It condemned the Eutchian [Monophysite] heresy, which taught that the human nature in Christ was totally swallowed up and absorbed by the divine nature. The holy Fathers, among them Saint Juvenal, condemned the heresy of Eutychius and affirmed the Orthodox doctrine of the union of two natures in the Lord Jesus Christ, the divine and the human, without separation and without mixture. The heretics, however, continued to confuse the minds of Christians. the head of the heretics stood Theodosius, who lived at Jerusalem, and who had won over to his side Eudokia, the widow of the emperor Theodosius the Younger (+ 450), who lived at Jerusalem. He demanded that Patriarch Juvenal repudiate the Council of Chalcedon, that is, that he should renounce the Orthodox dogma of the two natures in Christ. Juvenal would not agree to embrace falsehood, and bravely confessed the Chalcedon doctrine before the heretics. Theodosius and his adherents then deposed Patriarch Juvenal from the patriarchal throne. The saint withdrew to Constantinople, to Patriarch Anatolius (July 3) and the emperor Marcian. The heretic Theodosius, under the patronage of Eudokia, occupied the patriarchal throne in Palestine, but only for twenty months. Emperor Marcian, holding Saint Juvenal in high esteem, placed him on the patriarchal throne once more, and so the holy confessor returned to Jerusalem. saint made many efforts to restore Church peace. At the suggestion of Saint Simeon the Stylite, the empress Eudokia repented before Saint Juvenal and returned to communion with the Orthodox. A large part of the Jerusalem flock, who had been led astray by the heretics, followed her. Having defeated the pernicious heresies, and having established oneness of mind and propriety, Patriarch Juvenal died peacefully among his faithful flock, after serving as a bishop for thirty-eight years. Translation of the "Blachernae" Icon of the Mother of God to Russia, Commemorated July 7 ; Translation of the relics of the Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen from Jerusalem to Constantinople, Commemorated on August 2; The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on August 15 ; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20;

Jerusalem, 420, Saint Passarion, founded a Jerusalem monastery, vicar-bishop oPalestine, converser wEuthymius tGreat
Saint Passarion, Commemorated on August 11; Passarion pursued asceticism in the first half of the fifth century. founded a monastery in Jerusalem. was “chorepiskopos” [vicar-bishop] of Palestine, a converser with Saint Euthymius the Great (January 20).

Jerusalem, 420-457, Patriarch, Theodosius of Jerusalem, head of the heretics
Jerusalem, 420-457, Patriarch, Theodosius of Jerusalem, head of the heretics; (died 457) was one of the leading Christian monks of Palestine opposed to the Council of Chalcedon (451). He was installed as bishop of Jerusalem in opposition Juvenal in 451 or 452, but was forced into exile by the emperor Marcian in 453.[1][2] about his life comes mainly from the works of John Rufus. These include a biography of Peter the Iberian and a narration of Theodosius' exile and death, the Narratio de obitu Theodosii Hierosolymitani. The latter is a short text known only from the Syriac version in two manuscripts.[3] Rufus describes Theodosius as a confessor and martyr.[4] A complementary anti-Chalcedonian Syriac account is found in Pseudo-Zacharias Rhetor.[5] A Chalcedonian version of events is given in Cyril of Scythopolis' biography of Euthymius the Great.[2] Juvenal returned to Jerusalem from Chalcedon in 451, many monks and clergy tried to persuade him to recant his acceptance of the council's canons. When he refused, they elected Theodosius as bishop in opposition and Juvenal fled.[5] Theodosius consecrated many anti-Chalcedonian bishops, including Peter the Iberian in the diocese of Maiuma.[2] When Juvenal returned with imperial troops in August 453, there were briefly two active bishops in the city.[6] Theodosius, however, accepted a sentence of exile and did not fight.[2] The bishops he consecrated, except for Peter, were deposed.[7] first went to Egypt or perhaps Sinai.[4] He then went to Antioch, perhaps to secure the support of Symeon Stylites, but was arrested at the city gates. On the orders of Marcian, he was brought to Constantinople. When he refused Marcian's entreaties to accept Chalcedon, he was imprisoned in the monastery of Saint Dios. When the abbot of that house was unable to win him over, he moved him to a narrow unheated cell for the winter. Theodosius fell seriously ill. When Leo I succeeded Marcian, he turned Theodosius over to the custody of the anti-Chalcedonian monks of Sykai. The deposed bishop died only a few days later.[8] His body was taken to Cyprus to prevent the Chalcedonians from stealing it to claim he had changed his mind. It was buried in an anti-Chalcedonian monastery.[4] The Narratio records that Theodosius' companion, Abban Romanus, was recalled to Palestine after his death.[3] the Coptic Orthodox Church, Theodosius was remembered as a champion of orthodoxy against Chalcedonism. Two works are attributed to him, but both are late Coptic forgeries. The first, In Honor of Victor, is a biography of the martyr Victor Stratelates. It is a poorly written text describing the virtues of Victor and the miracles he performed at Jerusalem. It is preserved in a codex from the White Monastery. The second, The Miracles of Saint George, is a homily on the miracles of Saint George, mostly surrounding the construction of his shrine in Jaffa.[2] Jerusalem Patriarch, 420-458, Juvenal; St Juvenal the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on July 2; Juvenal, Patriarch of Jerusalem, occupied the throne of the Holy City during the years 420-458. During this period great luminaries of the Church enlightened the world: Saints Euthymius the Great (January 20), Simeon the Stylite (September 1), Gerasimus of Jordan (March 4), and many others. Juvenal was a friend and converser with Saint Euthymius the Great. During Saint Juvenal’s archpastoral service, the Eastern Church was troubled by dangerous false teachings, which he opposed with a pastoral zeal, safeguarding the flock of Christ. Third Ecumenical Council was convened in the city of Ephesus in 431. It condemned the heresy of Nestorius, which was opposed to the Orthodox teaching of the divine nature of Jesus Christ. Saint Cyril of Alexandria (June 9) presided at this Council, and among his colleagues was Patriarch Juvenal. 451, the Fourth Ecumenical Council met in the city of Chalcedon. It condemned the Eutchian [Monophysite] heresy, which taught that the human nature in Christ was totally swallowed up and absorbed by the divine nature. The holy Fathers, among them Saint Juvenal, condemned the heresy of Eutychius and affirmed the Orthodox doctrine of the union of two natures in the Lord Jesus Christ, the divine and the human, without separation and without mixture. The heretics, however, continued to confuse the minds of Christians. the head of the heretics stood Theodosius, who lived at Jerusalem, and who had won over to his side Eudokia, the widow of the emperor Theodosius the Younger (+ 450), who lived at Jerusalem. He demanded that Patriarch Juvenal repudiate the Council of Chalcedon, that is, that he should renounce the Orthodox dogma of the two natures in Christ. Juvenal would not agree to embrace falsehood, and bravely confessed the Chalcedon doctrine before the heretics. Theodosius and his adherents then deposed Patriarch Juvenal from the patriarchal throne. The saint withdrew to Constantinople, to Patriarch Anatolius (July 3) and the emperor Marcian. The heretic Theodosius, under the patronage of Eudokia, occupied the patriarchal throne in Palestine, but only for twenty months. Emperor Marcian, holding Saint Juvenal in high esteem, placed him on the patriarchal throne once more, and so the holy confessor returned to Jerusalem. saint made many efforts to restore Church peace. At the suggestion of Saint Simeon the Stylite, the empress Eudokia repented before Saint Juvenal and returned to communion with the Orthodox. A large part of the Jerusalem flock, who had been led astray by the heretics, followed her. Having defeated the pernicious heresies, and having established oneness of mind and propriety, Patriarch Juvenal died peacefully among his faithful flock, after serving as a bishop for thirty-eight years.

Jerusalem, 420-460, Empress, Aelia Eudocia, wife of Theodosius Younger, heretic then redemed saint, hellenic writer
Jerusalem, 420-460, Empress, Aelia Eudocia, wife of Theodosius Younger, heretic then redemed saint; Eudocia Augusta (/ËˆiËliÉ™ juËËˆdoÊŠÊƒÉ™ É”ËËˆÉ¡ÊŒstÉ™/; Greek: Î•á½Î´Î¿ÎºÎ¯Î±; c. 401 – 460 AD), also called Saint Eudocia, was an Eastern Roman empress by marriage to Emperor Theodosius II (r. 402–450). lived in a world where Greek paganism and Christianity existed side by side, with both pagans and non-orthodox Christians being persecuted.[1] 1 Early life 2 Life as an empress 2.1 Marriage 2.1.1 Blending Christianity with classical culture 2.2 Children 2.3 Pilgrimage to Jerusalem (438–439) 2.4 Banishment 2.5 In Jerusalem (443–460) 3 Literary work 3.1 Martyrdom of St. Cyprian 3.2 The Hamat Gader poem 3.3 Homeric centos 4 Legacy 5 See also 6 References 6.1 Citations 6.2 Sources 7 External links life Eudocia was born circa 400 in Athens into a family of Greek descent.[2][3][4][5][6] Her father, a Greek philosopher named Leontius,[5][6][7] taught rhetoric at the Academy of Athens, where people from all over the Mediterranean came to either teach or learn. Eudocia's given name was Athenais, chosen by her parents in honour of the city's protector, the pagan goddess Pallas Athena.[8] Her father was rich and had a magnificent house on the Acropolis with a large courtyard in which young Athenais frequently played as a child.[8] Athenais was 12 years old, her mother died and she became her father's comfort, taking on the responsibilities of household chores, raising her siblings and tending to her father. She had two brothers, Gessius and Valerius, who would later receive honours at court from their sister and brother-in-law. In return for her household activities, her father spent time giving her a thorough training in rhetoric, literature and philosophy. He taught her the Socratic virtue of knowledge of moderation, and predicted that she would have a great destiny.[9] She had a gift for memorisation, and easily learned the poetry of Homer and Pindar, which her father would recite to her. Both as a teacher and a role model, he had a great impact on her, prepared her for her destiny and influenced the literary work she created after she became Empress. he died in 420, she was devastated. In his will, he left all his property to her brothers, with only 100 coins reserved for her, saying that sufficient for her is her destiny, which will be the greatest of any woman.[9] Athenais had been her father's confidante and had expected more than this meager 100-coin inheritance. She begged her brothers to be fair and give her an equal share of their father's property, but they refused. after her father's death, at the age of 20, Athenais went to live with her aunt, who advised her to go to Constantinople and "ask for justice from the Emperor", confident she would receive her fair share of her father's wealth.[10] as an empress coin depicting a portrait of Aelia Eudocia, 425–429 AD. has it that when Theodosius (b. 401) was 20 years old, he wanted to get married. He talked to his sister Pulcheria, who began to search for a maiden fit for her brother, that was of either "patrician or imperial blood."[11] His longtime childhood friend, Paulinus, also helped Theodosius in his search.[11] Emperor's search had begun fortuitously at the same time that Athenais had arrived in Constantinople. Pulcheria had heard about this young woman, who had only 100 coins to her name, and when she met her, she was "astonished at her beauty and at the intelligence and sophistication with which she presented her grievance."[11] Upon reporting back to her brother, she told him she had "found a young girl, a Greek maid, very beautiful, pure and dainty, eloquent as well, the daughter of a philosopher", and young Theodosius, who was full of desire, fell in love instantly.[11] had been raised pagan, and upon her marriage to Theodosius II converted to Christianity and was renamed Eudocia.[12] They were married on 7 June 421, and there were "reports that Theodosius celebrated his wedding with chariot races in the hippodrome".[13] Her brothers, who had rejected her after their father's death, fled since they were fearful of the punishment they thought they were going to receive when they learned that she became empress.[14] instead called them to Constantinople, and Theodosius rewarded them.[14] The emperor made Gessius praetorian prefect of Illyricum and made Valerius magister officiorum.[14] Both Gessius and Valerius were rewarded because Eudocia believed that their mistreatment of her was part of her destiny.[14] Theodosius also honoured his best friend, Paulinus, with the title of magister officiorum, for he had helped find his wife.[14] rags-to-riches story, though it claims to be authentic and is accepted among historians, leads one to believe that the tale may have been twisted due to the detail of how the romance was portrayed. The earliest version of this story appeared more than a century after Eudocia's death in the "World Chronicle" of John Malalas, "an author who did not always distinguish between authentic history and a popular memory of events infused with folk-tale motifs".[15] facts are that she was the daughter of Leontius and she did originally have the name Athenais, according to the contemporary historians Socrates of Constantinople, and Priscus of Panion; however, they leave out any mention of Pulcheria's role in playing match-maker for her brother.[13] The historians Sozomen and Theodoret did not include Eudocia in their respective historical works, perhaps because they wrote after 443 when Eudocia had fallen into disgrace.[15] Christianity with classical culture on her pilgrimage to Jerusalem in spring of 438, Eudocia stopped in Antioch, and during her stay she addressed the senate of that city in Hellenic style (i.e., an encomium cast in Homeric hexameters) and distributed funds for the repair of its buildings.[6][16] was very conscious of her Greek heritage, as demonstrated in her famous address to the citizens of Antioch where she quoted a famous line by Homer: (Of your proud line and blood I claim to be).[6][16][17][18] last words of Eudocia's oration brought loud acclaim from the listeners, which resulted in the citizens of Antioch celebrating the Empress Eudocia's Christian Hellenism and commemorating her by erecting a golden statue of her in the curia and a bronze statue in the museum.[17][18][19] On her return, her position was undermined by the jealousy of Pulcheria and the groundless suspicion of an intrigue with her protege, Paulinus, the master of the offices.[20] historical study Theodosian Empresses: Women and Imperial Dominion in Late Antiquity (1982) by Kenneth Holum, further introduced the suggestion that her father, Leontius, was a native of Antioch rather than Athens, drawing from the "traditional link" between the two cities and their philosophers. argument is considered doubtful as the building activity of Eudocia in the 420s focused on Athens rather than Antioch.[21] Holum suggests that Eudocia may have been named after the great city of Athens, but she would have been born in Antioch. She even convinced her husband to "extend the walls of Antioch to take in a large suburb".[22] she also influenced state policy towards pagans and Jews under her husband's reign, and used the powerful influence she had to protect them from persecution.[22] also advocated for "reorganization and expansion" of education in Constantinople.[23] Eudocia had been raised and educated in traditional and classical sophist education from Athens, but her goal was to blend classical pagan education with Christianity. This was her way of using her power as empress to honour teachers and education, something that was very important to her in her life. also built the original Church of St. Polyeuctus in Constantinople, which her great-granddaughter Anicia Juliana greatly expanded and furnished in the 6th century. had three children with Theodosius II.[24][25] Licinia Eudoxia, born in 422, was the oldest. Licinia Eudoxia had been betrothed to her cousin, the Western Roman emperor Valentinian III since her birth, whom she married on 29 October 437.[26] The second child, Flaccilla, died in 431.[24] Arcadius was the only son and died in infancy. Only a year after she gave birth to her first child, Eudocia was proclaimed Augusta by her husband on 2 January 423.[27] to Jerusalem (438–439) mosaic depicting Eudocia in the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria. being named Augusta, she succeeded her sister-in-law, Pulcheria, who had been Augusta since 414. The relationship between the two women consisted of rivalry over power. Eudocia was jealous over the amount of power Pulcheria had within the court, while Pulcheria was jealous of the power Eudocia could claim from her. Their relationship created a "pious atmosphere" in the imperial court, and probably explains why Eudocia travelled to the Holy Land in 438.[28] went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 438, bringing back with her holy relics to prove her faith.[24] Her relationship with her husband had deteriorated, and with much pleading from Melania, a wealthy widow from Palestine and good friend of Eudocia, Theodosius allowed her to go.[29] 443, Eudocia left the palace for reasons that cannot be fully ascertained. One rumor has it that Eudocia was banished from the court towards the latter part of her life for adultery. Theodosius suspected that she was having an affair with his long-time childhood friend and court advisor, Paulinus.[24] According to Malalas's account of this story, Theodosius II had given Eudocia a very large Phrygian apple as a gift. One day Paulinus had shown the emperor the same apple, not knowing that the emperor had given it to Eudocia as a gift. Theodosius recognized the apple and confronted Eudocia who had sworn she had eaten it. Eudocia's denials made the emperor believe that she had fallen in love with Paulinus and was having an affair, and had given his best friend the same apple he had given to her as a symbol of his love. Theodosius had Paulinus executed and Eudocia, embarrassed, decided to leave the court in 443.[16] the other hand, Marcellinus' version suggests intrigues of Theodosius and Eudocia against each other: on Theodosius' orders, comes domesticorum Saturninus killed two allies of the empress, and in revenge, she went on to have Saturninus assassinated.[contradictory] Theodosius subsequently deprived Eudocia of her royal attendants, prompting her to leave the palace.[30] Whatever the cause of her departure may be, she still retained her wealth and the title Augusta. Jerusalem (443–460) returned to Jerusalem in circa 443, where she lived for the last part of her life. In Jerusalem she focused on her writing. Here she was accused of the murder of an officer sent to kill two of her followers,[contradictory] for which she suffered the loss of her imperial staff;[12] she nevertheless retained great influence. involved in the revolt of the Syriac Monophysites (453), she was ultimately reconciled to Pulcheria and readmitted into the Orthodox Church. died an Orthodox Christian in Jerusalem on 20 October 460,[2] having devoted her last years to literature.[20] She was buried in Jerusalem in the Church of Saint Stephen,[31] one of the churches she had herself built in Jerusalem[32] (modern St. Stephen's Basilica now stands at the site). The empress never returned to the imperial court in Constantinople, but "she maintained her imperial dignity and engaged in substantial euergetistic programs."[33] work Eudocia. Colored stone inlay on marble from church of Lips monastery (Fenari Isa Mosque), Fatih, Istanbul. Archeological Museum. after her accession as an empress, Eudocia wrote a hexameter poem eulogizing the Roman performance in the Persian wars of 421–22. The work is now lost. While Eudocia could have written a lot of literature after leaving the court, only some of her work survived. Eudocia "wrote in hexameters, which is the verse of epic poetry, on Christian themes".[24] She wrote a poem entitled The Martyrdom of St. Cyprian in three books, of which 900 lines survived, and an inscription of a poem on the baths at Hamat Gader.[24] Her most studied piece of literature is her Homeric cento, which has been analyzed recently by a few modern scholars, such as Mark Usher and Brian Sowers. Eudocia is an understudied poet and has been neglected due to "lack of complete and authoritative text".[34] of St. Cyprian are three books (or volumes) to this epic poem, which tells the story of how "Justa, the Christian virgin, defeated the magician Cyprian through her faith in God. Cyprian had been hired by Aglaidas to force Justa to love him. It ends with the conversion of Cyprian, his swift rise to the rank of Bishop, and Justa becoming a deaconess, with the new name, Justina."[35] She later became known as Justina of Antioch. This story is all fiction, although the parallels between Eudocia's character Justa and Eudocia herself are interesting, as both of them converted to Christianity and changed their names upon succeeding to power. Although some of the text has been lost, most of it has been paraphrased by Photius. The poem is very long despite not all of it surviving the centuries, and can be found in Women Writers of Ancient Greece and Rome (2004) edited by Michael Ian Plant. The Hamat Gader poem poem inscribed on the baths at Hamat Gader was very short, and can be included here, as evidence of her hexameter writing style. The poem was inscribed so visitors could read it as they went into the pool. inscription of the poem I have seen many wonders in my life, countless, But who, noble Clibanus, however many his mouths, could proclaim Your might, when born a worthless mortal? But rather It is right for you to be called a new fiery ocean, Paean and parent, provider of sweet streams. From you the thousandfold swell is born, one here, one there, On this side boiling-hot, on that side in turn icy-cold and tepid. Into fountains four-fold four you pour out your beauty. Indian and Matrona, Repentius, holy Elijah, Antoninus the Good, Dewy Galatia, and Hygieia herself, warm baths both large and small, Pearl, ancient Clibanus, Indian and other Matrona, Strong, Nun, and the Patriarch's. For those in pain your powerful might is always everlasting. But I will sing of a god, renowned for wisdom For the benefit of speaking mortals. — [36] line "Of the Empress Eudocia" flanked by two crosses is set above the poem. This title line was added after the carving of the main inscription, making room for some doubt whether the poem was indeed authored by Eudocia. Clibanus is the name given to the source of the hot water. After praising his qualities and those of his many springs ("the thousandfold swell"), the poem enumerates "four-fold four", thus sixteen different parts of the bath complex, fourteen of which bear a name; these names include Hygieia (the pagan goddess of health), a whole range of pagan personal names, "holy Elijah" referring to the prophet, and two refer to Christians – a nun and a patriarch.[37] centos Homeric centos that Eudocia composed are her most popular poems, as well as those most analyzed by modern scholars, because Homer was a popular choice on which to write a cento. Eudocia's centos are the longest Homeric centos, and consist of 2,344 lines.[35] These centos are a clear representation of who Eudocia was, and what she believed in—an epic poem combining her Athenian classical educational background, but adding stories from the book of Genesis and the New Testament stories of the life of Jesus Christ. Usher analyzed this poem as a way to understand why Eudocia chose to use Homeric themes as a means to express her biblical interpretations. According to Usher, Eudocia needed to convey human experience relating to the Bible. She used themes from the Iliad and Odyssey because "they contained all Eudocia needed to tell the Gospel story. Whenever and wherever Eudocia needed to express greatness, pain, truthfulness, deceit, beauty, suffering, mourning, recognition, understanding, fear, or astonishment, there was an apt Homeric line or passage ready in her memory to be recalled."[38] Eudocia's Homeric poetry is essential to understanding her as a Christian woman in the Eastern Roman Empire, and understanding her role as empress. Her classical educational background is clearly seen in her poetry, which captures her literary talent. She made a point to connect her background love for studying classical Greek literature to her Christian beliefs. is regarded as saint in non-Protestant Christianity. Her feast day is 13 August. plot of Antonio Vivaldi's opera Atenaide is based on the courtship and marriage of Eudocia and Theodosius. is a featured figure on Judy Chicago's installation piece The Dinner Party, being represented as one of the 999 names on the Heritage Floor.[39][40] Jerusalem, 420-457, Patriarch, Theodosius of Jerusalem, head of the heretics; (died 457) was one of the leading Christian monks of Palestine opposed to the Council of Chalcedon (451). He was installed as bishop of Jerusalem in opposition Juvenal in 451 or 452, but was forced into exile by the emperor Marcian in 453.[1][2] about his life comes mainly from the works of John Rufus. These include a biography of Peter the Iberian and a narration of Theodosius' exile and death, the Narratio de obitu Theodosii Hierosolymitani. The latter is a short text known only from the Syriac version in two manuscripts.[3] Rufus describes Theodosius as a confessor and martyr.[4] A complementary anti-Chalcedonian Syriac account is found in Pseudo-Zacharias Rhetor.[5] A Chalcedonian version of events is given in Cyril of Scythopolis' biography of Euthymius the Great.[2] Juvenal returned to Jerusalem from Chalcedon in 451, many monks and clergy tried to persuade him to recant his acceptance of the council's canons. When he refused, they elected Theodosius as bishop in opposition and Juvenal fled.[5] Theodosius consecrated many anti-Chalcedonian bishops, including Peter the Iberian in the diocese of Maiuma.[2] When Juvenal returned with imperial troops in August 453, there were briefly two active bishops in the city.[6] Theodosius, however, accepted a sentence of exile and did not fight.[2] The bishops he consecrated, except for Peter, were deposed.[7] first went to Egypt or perhaps Sinai.[4] He then went to Antioch, perhaps to secure the support of Symeon Stylites, but was arrested at the city gates. On the orders of Marcian, he was brought to Constantinople. When he refused Marcian's entreaties to accept Chalcedon, he was imprisoned in the monastery of Saint Dios. When the abbot of that house was unable to win him over, he moved him to a narrow unheated cell for the winter. Theodosius fell seriously ill. When Leo I succeeded Marcian, he turned Theodosius over to the custody of the anti-Chalcedonian monks of Sykai. The deposed bishop died only a few days later.[8] His body was taken to Cyprus to prevent the Chalcedonians from stealing it to claim he had changed his mind. It was buried in an anti-Chalcedonian monastery.[4] The Narratio records that Theodosius' companion, Abban Romanus, was recalled to Palestine after his death.[3] the Coptic Orthodox Church, Theodosius was remembered as a champion of orthodoxy against Chalcedonism. Two works are attributed to him, but both are late Coptic forgeries. The first, In Honor of Victor, is a biography of the martyr Victor Stratelates. It is a poorly written text describing the virtues of Victor and the miracles he performed at Jerusalem. It is preserved in a codex from the White Monastery. The second, The Miracles of Saint George, is a homily on the miracles of Saint George, mostly surrounding the construction of his shrine in Jaffa.[2] Jerusalem Patriarch, 420-458, Juvenal; St Juvenal the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on July 2; Repentence) The saint made many efforts to restore Church peace. At the suggestion of Saint Simeon the Stylite, the empress Eudokia repented before Saint Juvenal and returned to communion with the Orthodox. A large part of the Jerusalem flock, who had been led astray by the heretics, followed her. Having defeated the pernicious heresies, and having established oneness of mind and propriety, Patriarch Juvenal died peacefully among his faithful flock, after serving as a bishop for thirty-eight years. Juvenal, Patriarch of Jerusalem, occupied the throne of the Holy City during the years 420-458. During this period great luminaries of the Church enlightened the world: Saints Euthymius the Great (January 20), Simeon the Stylite (September 1), Gerasimus of Jordan (March 4), and many others. Juvenal was a friend and converser with Saint Euthymius the Great. During Saint Juvenal’s archpastoral service, the Eastern Church was troubled by dangerous false teachings, which he opposed with a pastoral zeal, safeguarding the flock of Christ. Third Ecumenical Council was convened in the city of Ephesus in 431. It condemned the heresy of Nestorius, which was opposed to the Orthodox teaching of the divine nature of Jesus Christ. Saint Cyril of Alexandria (June 9) presided at this Council, and among his colleagues was Patriarch Juvenal. 451, the Fourth Ecumenical Council met in the city of Chalcedon. It condemned the Eutchian [Monophysite] heresy, which taught that the human nature in Christ was totally swallowed up and absorbed by the divine nature. The holy Fathers, among them Saint Juvenal, condemned the heresy of Eutychius and affirmed the Orthodox doctrine of the union of two natures in the Lord Jesus Christ, the divine and the human, without separation and without mixture. The heretics, however, continued to confuse the minds of Christians. the head of the heretics stood Theodosius, who lived at Jerusalem, and who had won over to his side Eudokia, the widow of the emperor Theodosius the Younger (+ 450), who lived at Jerusalem. He demanded that Patriarch Juvenal repudiate the Council of Chalcedon, that is, that he should renounce the Orthodox dogma of the two natures in Christ. Juvenal would not agree to embrace falsehood, and bravely confessed the Chalcedon doctrine before the heretics. Theodosius and his adherents then deposed Patriarch Juvenal from the patriarchal throne. The saint withdrew to Constantinople, to Patriarch Anatolius (July 3) and the emperor Marcian. The heretic Theodosius, under the patronage of Eudokia, occupied the patriarchal throne in Palestine, but only for twenty months. Emperor Marcian, holding Saint Juvenal in high esteem, placed him on the patriarchal throne once more, and so the holy confessor returned to Jerusalem. saint made many efforts to restore Church peace. At the suggestion of Saint Simeon the Stylite, the empress Eudokia repented before Saint Juvenal and returned to communion with the Orthodox. A large part of the Jerusalem flock, who had been led astray by the heretics, followed her. Having defeated the pernicious heresies, and having established oneness of mind and propriety, Patriarch Juvenal died peacefully among his faithful flock, after serving as a bishop for thirty-eight years.

Jerusalem, 443-529, Saint Theodosius the Great, Judea down from Bethlehem, 1st Cenobiarch
Jerusalem, 443-529, Saint Theodosius the Great, Judea; St. Christopher of Palestine, Commemorated on August 30;

Jerusalem, 443-529, Theodosius tGreat, 1st Cenobiarch, fArmenia, settled Magi's cave, defended ECs against heresy
Jerusalem, 443-529, Theodosius the Great, Judea, Cenobiarch, fCappadocia Armenia, splendid voice, church singing reading, early days tJerusalem Holy Land, met Simeon tStylite, wPredicted his service, settled Magi's cave 30 yrs, people came, cave too small, walked wCenser cold charcoal till it lit itself, there place for cenobitic Larva, poor aid, wanderer shelteer, famine relief woNeeding bread, miracle repeated, built home fStrangers, separate infirmaries monks laymen, dying shelter, services 3 languages, all gathered Greek service, Eutychius' heresy during Emperor Anastasius, no sacraments or Clergy, Emperor accepted, orthodox persecution, T's letter tEmperor, E slowed then renewed, T tChurch iJerusalem, whoever does not honor EC's be anathema, tPrison till E's death, during life many miracles healings, prayer destroyed locusts, soldiers sailors saved, predicted Antioch earthquake, foretold time oDeath, died a105; Jerusalem, 443-529, Saint Theodosius the Great, Judea; Venerable Theodosius the Great, the Cenobiarch, Commemorated on January 11; Theodosius the Great lived during the fifth-sixth centuries, was the founder of cenobitic monasticism. was born in Cappadocia of pious parents. with a splendid voice, he zealously toiled at church reading and singing. Theodosius prayed fervently that the Lord would guide him on the way to salvation. his early years he visited the Holy Land and met with Saint Simeon the Stylite (September 1), who blessed him and predicted future pastoral service for him. for the solitary life, Saint Theodosius settled in Palestine into a desolate cave, in which, according to Tradition, the three Magi had spent the night, having come to worship the Savior after His Nativity. lived there for thirty years in great abstinence and unceasing prayer. flocked to the ascetic, wishing to live under his guidance. the cave could no longer hold all the monks, Saint Theodosius prayed that the Lord Himself would indicate a place for the monks. a censer with cold charcoal and incense, the monk started walking into the desert. a certain spot the charcoal ignited by itself and the incense smoke began to rise. the monk established the first cenobitic monastery, or Lavra (meaning “broad” or “populous”). the Lavra of Saint Theodosius became renowned, and up to 700 monks gathered at it. to the final testament of Saint Theodosius, the Lavra rendered service to neighbor, giving aid to the poor and providing shelter for wanderers. Theodosius was extremely compassionate. when there was a famine in Palestine and a multitude of people gathered at the monastery, the monk gave orders to allow everyone into the monastery enclosure. disciples were annoyed, knowing that the monastery did not have the means to feed all those who had come. when they went into the bakery, they saw that through the prayers of the abba, it was filled with bread. miracle was repeated every time Saint Theodosius wanted to help the destitute. the monastery, Saint Theodosius built home for taking in strangers, infirmaries for monks and laymen, also a shelter for the dying. that people from various lands gathered at the Lavra, the saint arranged for services in the various languages: Greek, Georgian and Armenian. gathered to receive the Holy Mysteries in the large church, where divine services were chanted in Greek. the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius (491-518) there arose the heresy of Eutychius and Severus, recognized neither the sacraments nor the clergy. emperor accepted the false teaching, and the Orthodox began to suffer persecution. Theodosius stood firmly in defense of Orthodoxy and wrote a letter to the emperor on behalf of the monks, in which they denounced him and refuted the heresy with the teachings of the Ecumenical Councils. affirmed moreover, that the desert-dwellers and monks would firmly support the Orthodox teaching. emperor showed restraint for a short while, but then he renewed his persecution of the Orthodox. holy Elder then showed great zeal for the truth. Leaving the monastery, came to Jerusalem and in the church, he stood at the high place and cried out for all to hear: “Whoever does not honor the four Ecumenical Councils, let him be anathema!” this bold deed the monk was sent to prison, but soon returned after the death of the emperor. Theodosius accomplished many healings and other miracles during his life, coming to the aid of the needy. his prayers he once destroyed the locusts devastating the fields in Palestine. by his intercession, soldiers were saved from death, he also saved those perishing in shipwrecks and those lost in the desert. the saint gave orders to strike the semandron (a piece of wood hit with a mallet), so that the brethren would gather at prayer. told them, “The wrath of God draws near the East.” several days it became known that a strong earthquake had destroyed the city of Antioch at the very hour when the saint had summoned the brethren to prayer. his death, Saint Theodosius summoned to him three beloved bishops and revealed to them that he would soon depart to the Lord. three days, he died at the age of 105. saint’s body was buried with reverence in the cave in which he lived at the beginning of his ascetic deeds.

Jerusalem, 450, 5th C, Xenohon&Family oConstantinople, Sons lost and separated at Sea, reunited aJerusalem as monks, wonderwrkng
Jerusalem, 450, 5th C, Xenohon, wife Mary, sons Arcadius&John, rich noted citizens oConstantinople, simple souls good hearts, sent sons tBeiruit fEd, shipwreck, sons different places, became monks separated, presumed dead but Xenophon maintained firm hope, after several years pilgrimage holy places, found boys iJerusalem monasteries, reunited, Xenophon Maria tSeparate monasteries, Boys tWilderness, long toil, glorified bGifts wonderworking, discernment, Parents silence, strict fasting, gift oWonderworking; a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem">Jerusalem; Venerable Xenophon, his wife, Mary, and their two sons, Arcadius and John, of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 26; Xenophon, his wife Maria, and their sons Arcadius and John, noted citizens of Constantinople lived in the fifth century. their riches and position, they distinguished themselves by their simplicity of soul and goodness of heart. to give their sons John and Arcadius a more complete education, they sent them off to the Phoenician city of Beirut. divine Providence the ship on which both brothers sailed was wrecked. waves tossed the brothers ashore at different places. at being separated, the brothers dedicated themselves to God and became monks. a long time the parents had no news of their children and presumed them to be dead. however, already quite old, maintained a firm hope in the Lord and consoled his wife Maria, telling her not to be sad, but to believe that the Lord watched over their children. several years the couple made a pilgrimage to the holy places, at Jerusalem they met their sons, in asceticsm at different monasteries. joyful parents gave thanks to the Lord for reuniting the family. Xenophon and Maria went to separate monasteries and dedicated themselves to God. monks Arcadius and John, having taken leave of their parents, went out into the wilderness, after long ascetic toil they were glorified by gifts of wonderworking and discernment. Xenophon and Maria, laboring in silence and strict fasting, also received from God the gift of wonderworking.

Jerusalem, 459-532, Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, watercourse from Beth and Theo
Jerusalem Saint, 459-532, Sabbas the Sanctified; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20; Venerable John the Silent of St Sava'™s Monastery, Commemorated on March 30;

Jerusalem, 459-532, Sabbas tChild-Elder, he who loves God disdains corruptible things, many monasteries
Armenia, 459-532, Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, born in Cappadocia, Armenia, Christian Parents, father military commander, 5yr old S left wUncle iCappadocia, Flavian's m at 8, gifted child wHoly Scriptures, not want marriage, monk a17& miracles gift, tJerusalem a27, Euthymios' m, Theoktistos' m 3yrs t30, secluded in cave til Saturday after T's death, then full seclusion 5yrs, E led S tRouba Wilderness Jan 14-Palm Sunday, E called S Child-Elder, 473 tCave near Gerasimos otJordan, disciples gather, pillar oFire guides S to large cave, Cave looks like church, S founded several more monasteries, many miracles, spring welled, during draught abundant rain, deliverance, wrote first monk rule oChurch Services, Jerusalem Typikon, died 532, Savva's scroll, he who loves God disdains corruptible things, prefers knowledge of Him; Jerusalem Saint, 459-532, Sabbas the Sanctified; Venerable Savva the Sanctified, Commemorated on December 5; Savva the Sanctified was born in the fifth century Cappadocia of pious Christian parents, John and Sophia, his father was a military commander. to Alexandria on military matters, John and Sophia left their five-year-old son Savva in the care of an uncle. the boy was eight years old, he entered the nearby Monastery of Saint Flavian. gifted child quickly learned to read and became an expert on the Holy Scriptures. parents urged Saint Savva to return to the world and enter into marriage, but all in vain. he was seventeen years old he was tonsured as a monk, and attained such perfection in fasting and prayer that God found him worthy of the gift of working miracles. spending ten years at the Monastery of Saint Flavian, he went to Jerusalem, from there to the Monastery of Saint Euthymios the Great (January 20). Euthymios, however, sent the young man to Abba Theoktistos, the head of a nearby monastery with a strict cenobitic Rule. Savva lived in obedience at this monastery until the age of thirty. the death of Elder Theoktistos, his successor blessed Savva to seclude himself in a cave. on Saturdays, he left his hermitage and came to the Monastery, where he took part in the Divine Services and ate with the brethren. a certain time, Saint Savva received permission not to leave his hermitage at all, and he struggled in the cave for five years. Euthymios directed the young monk's life, and seeing his spiritual maturity, he began to take him to the Rouba wilderness with him. left on January 14, and remained there until Palm Sunday. Euthymios called Saint Savva a Child-Elder, and encouraged him to grow in the monastic virtues. Saint Euthymios fell asleep in the Lord (+ 473), Savva withdrew from the Lavra and moved to a cave near the monastery of Saint Gerasimos of Jordan (March 4). several years, disciples began to gather around Saint Savva. the number of monks increased, a Lavra sprang up. by a pillar of fire which appeared before him as he was walking, Saint Savva found a spacious cave in the form of a church. holy Elder founded several more monasteries. miracles took place through his prayers: at the Lavra, a spring of water welled up, during a time of drought there was abundant rain, and the sick and those possessed by demons were also healed. Savva composed the first monastic Rule of Church Services, the “Jerusalem Typikon," followed by all the Palestinian monasteries. Saint surrendered his soul to God in the year 532. Savva is depicted holding a scroll which reads: "He who loves God disdains corruptible things, and prefers the knowledge of Him."

Jerusalem, 463, Luke's Jerusalem Icon, war hero Constantnpl 469 over huns, 988 Korsun and Novgorod, 1571 Moscow, 1812 France
Jerusalem, 463, Luke's Jerusalem Icon, war hero Constantnpl 469 over huns, 988 Korsun and Novgorod, 1571 Moscow, 1812 stolen by France, but copy ; Jerusalem; Icon of the Mother of God Jerusale, Commemorated on October 12 ; Jerusalem Icon of the Mother of God, by tradition, was painted by the holy Evangelist Luke fifteen years after the Ascension of the Lord at Gethsemane. the year 463, the icon was transferred to Constantinople. Byzantine army carried the Jerusalem Icon into battle when they turned back an invasion of the Scythians. 988 the icon was transferred to Korsun and given to the holy Prince Vladimir. the people of Novgorod accepted Christianity, Saint Vladimir sent them this icon. 1571, Ivan the Terrible transferred the icon to the Moscow Dormition cathedral. the Napoleonic invasion of 1812, the original was stolen by the French and brought to Paris. An authenticated copy was placed in the Dormition cathedral. Jerusalem Icon is also commemorated on November 13, and on the Fifth Saturday of Great Lent.

Jerusalem, 474-558, Saint John the Silent, John the Hesychast
Jerusalem, 474-558, Saint John the Silent, John the Hesychast; Jerusalem Saint, 459-532, Sabbas the Sanctified; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20; Venerable John the Silent of St Sava'™s Monastery, Commemorated on March 30;

Jerusalem, 474-558, John tSilent, built church, Bishop a28, but bright star tSabbas, hides rank, silent sentence, Lion story
Jerusalem, 474-558, John tSilent oSabbas, Lavra of St Sava, Sabbas watercourse from Theodosius', Judea, near Jerusalem, born 454 Nicopolis, Armenia, wealthy, loved solitude&prayer, built church wInheritance, monk a18, at that church, Bishop oColonia a28 in 1482, influenced family fgood, but sister married bad Armenia Governor Pazinkos in 1492, P interferred Church spiritual ecclesiastical matters, John tConstantinople&Emperor Zeno unsuccessfully, overwhelmed worldly matters, tJerusalem, prayed, Bright Star leads John tSabbas, hiding Bishop rank accepted as Novice, under Savva, toiled obediently 4yrs, served guesthouse and monastery builders, when Savva saw his humility&labor he wanted to make him presbyter, so John had to reveal his rank tJerusalem Patriarch Elias, sentenced to live in silence, 4yrs in cell no visitors or church, then desiring solitude abstinence withdrew tDesert f9yrs, eating plants&grass, survived Saracens incursion Lord sent Lion, many miracles in desert, back tMonastery, 524 Savva died, not with him so grieved, Savva appeared foretold Origen heresy struggle, 66yrs at Sabbas, Holy Spirit grace acqiured, many miracles, clairvoyance, deliverance, invoking his name, even while alive, saved from destruction, beautiful shade fig tree story, seeds on barren rock, lived t104; Great Lavra of St. Sabbas; Venerable John the Silent of Saint Sabbas Monastery, Commemorated on December 3; John the Silent was born around 454 in the city of Nicopolis, Armenia the family of a military commander named Enkratius and his wife Euphemia. boy began to study Holy Scripture, and he loved solitude and prayer with all his heart. the inheritance his parents left him, John built a church dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos. eighteen years of age, John became a monk, living an ascetic life of fasting, prayer, and temperance with ten other monks at the church he had founded. the request of the citizens of Colonia, the Metropolitan of Sebaste consecrated the twenty-eight-year-old John as Bishop of Colonia. assumed the episcopal throne, the saint did not alter his strict ascetic manner of life. the influence of the saint his relatives, his brother Pergamios (an associate of the emperors Zeno and Anastasius) and his nephew Theodore (an associate of the emperor Justinian), also lived in a Christian manner. John’s tenth year as bishop, the governorship of Armenia was assumed by Pazinikos, the husband of the saint’s sister, Maria. new governor began to interfere in spiritual and ecclesiastical matters, and there was unrest in the Church. Saint John then went to Constantinople, and through Archbishop Euthymius, he entreated the emperor Zeno to defend the Armenian Church from the evil Governor. by worldly quarrels, John secretly left his diocese and sailed to Jerusalem. tears he besought God to show him a place where he might live and find salvation. bright star appeared, which led Saint John to the Lavra of Saint Savva. concealing his episcopal rank, was accepted in the community as a simple novice. the guidance of the igumen Saint Savva(December 5), John toiled obediently for more than four years at every task he was assigned. a guesthouse was built at the Lavra, Saint John served the workers, serving their food and assisting in the construction of the building. a cenobitic monastery for novices was being built, John was once again assigned to help the workers. Saint John’s humility and love of labor, Saint Savva deemed him worthy of ordination to presbyter. John was forced to reveal his rank to Patriarch Elias of Jerusalem (494-517), who told Saint Savva that John could not be ordained. he said that John was to live in silence, and that no one should trouble him. the Lord also revealed Saint John’s secret to Saint Savva. John spent four years in his cell, receiving no one and not going out even for church. ever greater solitude and increased abstinence, Saint John quit the Lavra and withdrew into the desert, where he spent more than nine years, plants and grass. survived a devastating incursion of the Saracens and did not perish, only because the Lord sent him a defender: a ferocious lion. When the enemy tried to harm the saint, the lion attacked them and they scattered in fright. speaks of many miracles Saint John performed during this time in the desert. Saint Savva returned after an extended stay in Scythopolis, he persuaded Saint John to forsake the wilderness and to live at the monastery. this, the Lord, in a miraculous way, revealed to everyone at the Lavra that the monk John was actually a bishop. Saint John reached age seventy, his holy and God-bearing spiritual Father Saint Savva died. saint grieved deeply over this, since he was not present at the time. Savva appeared to him in a vision, and having consoled him, he foretold that there would be much toil ahead in the struggle against heresy. John even had to leave his solitude to strengthen the brethren in the struggle with the Origenists. John the Silent spent sixty-six years at the Lavra of Saint Savva the Sanctified. his constant ascetic efforts, by his untiring prayer and humble wisdom, Saint John acquired the grace of the Holy Spirit. his prayers, many miracles took place, and he was able to discern the secret thoughts of people. He healed the sick and those possessed by demons. during his lifetime he saved those who invoked his name from certain destruction. he scattered fig seeds on barren rock, and a beautiful and fruitful tree sprang up. In time, the tree grew so much that it overshadowed the saint’s cell. John the Silent departed to the Lord in peace at the age of 104.

Jerusalem, 480-560, Saint, St Mary of Egypt with St Zosimas of Palestine
Egypt, 480-560, Saint, St Mary of Egypt with St Zosimas of Palestine; Palestine, 480-560, Saint, Zosimas of Palestine, with St Mary of Egypt; Venerable Mary of Egypt, Commemorated on April 1;

Jerusalem, 494-517, Patriarch Elias of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, 494-517, Patriarch Elias of Jerusalem; St. John the Silent of St. Sabbas Monastery, Commemorated on December 3;

Jerusalem, 500, 6th C Folder, Christopher oPalestine, Dorotheus oGaza, Patriarch Marcarius, Sophronius oJerusalem

Jerusalem, 501-580, St Christopher of Palestine, Roman, Monastery of St. Theodosius, prayed and prostrated each night
Monastery of St. Theodosius, 476; Jerusalem, 471-576, Jerusalem Saint, Theodosius the Cenobiarch; St. Christopher of Palestine, Commemorated on August 30; Christopher, a Roman, lived during the sixth century. He was tonsured into monasticism at the monastery of Saint Theodosius (January 11) in Palestine, near Jerusalem. The accounts of Abba Theodulus about Saint Christopher are contained in chapters 105 and 234 of the book The Spiritual Meadow (Limonarion) Saint Christopher went to Jerusalem to worship at the Holy Sepulchre of the Lord and at the Life-Creating Cross. At the gateway of the church he beheld a monk not moving from the spot. Two ravens flew before his face. Saint Christopher discerned that these were demons, which held the monk back from entering the church. asked the brother: “Why do you stand at the gate and not enter?” The brother answered: “Pardon me, Father, but within me struggle two thoughts. One says: go and venerate the Venerable Cross. The other says: don’t go in, make some excuse, and come to venerate the Cross another time.” Then Saint Christopher took the brother by the hand and led him into the church. The ravens immediately disappeared, and the brother venerated the Cross and the Holy Sepulchre. Saint Christopher told this story to someone who was distracted by his duties and neglected his prayers. day Saint Christopher fulfilled his monastic obedience, and by night he retired to a cave, where at an earlier time Saint Theodosius and other Fathers had prayed. At each of the 18 steps leading into the cave, he made 100 prostrations, and spent the greater part of the night in prayer, before the semantron was sounded for Orthros. spent eleven years doing this. time, descending into the cave, he beheld a multitude of lamps in it. Two radiant youths were tending them. “Why have you put the lamps here so that I cannot enter in and pray?” asked the monk. “These are the lamps of the Fathers,” they replied. “Tell me, does my lamp burn or not?” They said, “Pray, and we will light it.” “Pray?” he said, “What have I been doing up to now?” Then the saint said to himself: “Christopher, if you wish to be saved, greater effort is needed!” dawn he went from the monastery to Mount Sinai, taking nothing with him. The monk toiled there for fifty years at great exploits. Finally, he heard a voice saying, “Christopher! Go to the monastery where you struggled earlier, so that you might rest there with your Fathers.” Venerable Copres of Palestine, Commemorated on September 24;

Jerusalem, 505-555, Conan oPethukla Monastery, baptized those sent fJerusalem, but no women, 2 Forrunner visits, dispassion
Cilicia, 505-555, Conan Abbot oPethukla Monastery (On the Jordan), young monk at Pethukla, presbyter, Jerusalem Archbishop sent people to him for Baptism, he baptized those who came and anointed with holy chrism, but would not baptize women, John tForerunner appeared to him promising help with his struggle wTemptations, Persian girl seeking baptism, beautiful, naked, so he could not baptize her, she waited 2days, he wanted pious woman to anoint her, could not find in this remote area, he left , Forerunner appeared again and told him to return, for I will relieve you of your conflict, he argued saying he promised that before but did not, Forerunner signed him with the cross, said he would receive reward for struggle wTemptations, then commanded him return wNo further doubts, anointed persian girl wChrism not noticing she was a woman, then lived at Monastery 20 yrs, perfect dispassion, peace sleep 555; Baptismal Site Bethany (Beyond the Jordan); Venerable Conan, Abbot of the Pethukla Monastery, Commemorated February 19 ; Conan was born in Cilicia. still at an early age he became a monk at the Pethukla monastery near the Jordan River, he was ordained presbyter. Peter of Jerusalem learned about the strict ascetic and sent people to him for Baptism. Conan baptized those who came and anointed them with holy chrism, he would not baptize women. John the Forerunner appeared to him, promising to help him in his struggle with temptations. girl came from Persia seeking Baptism. was so beautiful that Saint Conan could not anoint her with the holy chrism, since she was naked. two days the girl remained without being baptized or anointed with the holy chrism. Conan wanted to find a pious woman to anoint her, it was difficult to find such a woman, since the area was so remote. ascetic decided to leave the monastery, on the way Saint John the Forerunner again appeared to him and said, “Return to your monastery, I shall relieve you of your conflict.- ” Saint Conan tried to argue and to refuse, saying that when Saint John the Forerunner had appeared before, had promised to free him from temptation. John the Baptist then signed the ascetic with the Sign of the Cross said that he would receive a reward for his struggle with temptations. he commanded him to return to the monastery and to have no further doubts. Conan obediently fulfilled the advice of Saint John, and he anointed the Persian maiden with chrism without even noticing that she was a woman. this the ascetic lived at the monastery for twenty years. achieved perfect dispassion, he peacefully fell asleep in the Lord about the year 555. Feasts & Saints

Jerusalem, 505-620, Saint, Dorotheus of Gaza
Jerusalem Saint, 505-620, Dorotheus of Gaza; Venerable Abba Dorotheus of Palestine, Commemorated on June 5;

Jerusalem, 550, 6th C, Pardus tCamel Teamster Hermit, Jericho, boy killed, becomes monk, guilt, pokes lion, forgiveness
Jerusalem, 550, 6th C, Pardus tTeamster Hermit, Jericho, Benjamin (near Jerusalem), a Camel Teamster, boy killed bHis Camels, becomes monk Mt Arion, thinking guilty murder, enters lion den, pokes lion, ignored, takes off clothes, lies lion's path, jumped over, realizes forgiveness, returned mt fasting prayer; Jericho; Venerable Pardus the Hermit, of Palestine, Commemorated on December 15 ; Pardus the Hermit, a Roman, involved in his youth with the teamster’s craft. when he traveled to Jericho, a boy accidentally fell under the legs of his camels. The camels trampled the boy to death. Shaken by this occurrence, Pardus became a monk and withdrew to Mount Arion. himself as a murderer, and deserving of death, Saint Pardus entered the den of a lion. poked the wild beast and prodded it with a spear so that the lion would tear him apart, but the creature would not touch the hermit. Pardus then took off his clothes and lay down upon the path that the lion would take for water. But even here, the lion merely leaped over the hermit. the Elder then understood that he had been forgiven by the Lord. to his mountain, Saint Pardus dwelt there in fasting and prayer until the end of his days. He died in the sixth century.

Jerusalem, 557-634, Modestus, Archbishop, his story important to tie history of Cross, Persian, Byzantine, & Arab control oJ
Armenia, 557-634, Modestus, Archbishop oJerusalem, fSebaste, Armenia (Iris River Source, Kizilirmak River 1), his story important for history, tonsured Mt Sinai, Superior Theodosios tG m Judea, Locum tenens Gov Jerusalem Church 614, because Persians devastated Jerusalem, took The Cross, 90,000 C's killed, Patriarch Zacharias captured, M restored C shrines, incl Lord's tomb, buried Sava's monks, Z returned wCross 630, M permanent partiarch aZ, M dies a97yr old; Sebaste, Armenia ; St Modestus the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated December 18 ; Modestos (Módestos) was born into a Christian family at Sebásteia in Cappadocia (Asia Minor). toward a strict monastic life from his youth, the Saint was tonsured on Mount Sinai. he became the Superior of the Monastery of Saint Theodosios the Great in Palestine. the year 614, Syria and Palestine were attacked by the the army of the Persian king Chosroes. Christians were killed, and many Christian churches were destroyed. Zachariah of Jerusalem and a multitude of Christians were taken into captivity, with the Cross of the Lord. Modestos was appointed to govern the Jerusalem Church temporarily as locum tenens of the patriarchal kathedra. the help of Patriarch John the Merciful of Alexandria (November 12), Saint Modestos restored the devastated Christian shrines, which was the Lord's Tomb. also buried the murdered monks from the Monastery of Saint Savva the Sanctified. fourteen years, Patriarch Zacharias returned from captivity with the Lord's Cross, after his death, Saint Modestos became the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Modestos reposed at the age of 97 in the year 634. head of Saint Modestós is located in the Athonite Monastery of Simonopetra.

Jerusalem, 563-574, Patriarch Macarius
Jerusalem, 563-574, Patriarch Macarius St Gregory the Bishop of Agrigentum, Commemorated on November 23;

Jerusalem, 580-638, Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, 580-638, Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem; Monastery of St. Theodosius, 476; Jerusalem, 471-576, Jerusalem Saint, Theodosius the Cenobiarch; St. Christopher of Palestine, Commemorated on August 30; Venerable Copres of Palestine, Commemorated on September 24; St. Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11;

Jerusalem, 595-605, Dorotheus, visited by Theotokos while looking at Dread Last Judgement picture, she told him how to avoid it
Jerusalem, , Dorotheus, desire to go to Jerusalem from tales of father's servants, at Gethsemane, looking at Dread Last Judgment picture, visited by Theotokos, who explained Dread Last Judgement, &answered his question how to avoid eternal torments, Fast, eat no meat, pray constantly, then became invisible, strong impression, entered monastery, under Dorotheus, infirmary obedience, obedient, trained in abstinence, fasting, decreasing food each day, weaned from vexation and anger, reminded every unkind word to a sick person is to Jesus Christ himself, by revealing his thoughts to his elder and unhesitating obedience, he liberated his soul from passions, after 5 years tending the sick and obeying elder, he fell ill, prayed constantly, never complained, right before death he asked for pardon from Barsanuphius, said cannot live much longer, B replied, be patient my son, God's mercy is near, after several days sent another message, My master, I cannot live any longer. B blessed him to depart to God, plus he asked D to pray for all the bretheren when he stood before Trinity, Bretheren astonished the Great B had asked prayers of monk of only 5 years, without great astectic accomplishments, (they had not seen his vigils and abstinence), experienced astecetic praying where to put departed fathers, had vision of heaven with D in it, So, D given great glory in heaven for perfect obedience and cutting off his own will; Jerusalem; Venerable Dositheus of Palestine, the Disciple of the Venerable Abba Dorotheus, Commemorated February 19 ; Dositheus, a disciple of Saint Abba Dorotheus (June 5), during the sixth-seventh centuries, was raised in a rich and renowned family. Dositheus listened to tales of the holy city of Jerusalem from the servants of his grandfather, a military commander, this kindled within him the desire to go there. Soon his wish came true. Gethsemane, he gazed for a long time at a picture of the Dread Last judgment. he saw beside him a woman, who explained to him what was depicted in the image. youth asked, “How is it possible to avoid the eternal torments?” replied, “Fast, do not eat meat, and pray constantly to God.” this, his strange guide suddenly became invisible. who conversed with him had been the Most Holy Theotokos. appearance of the Mother of God produced a strong impression on the youth, he decided to enter a monastery headed by Abba Seridus (August 13), populated by such great ascetics as Saints Barsanuphius (February 6) and John (June 19). asking to be accepted among the brethren, was sent to the Elder Dorotheus. Dositheus fulfilled his obedience in the monastery infirmary, caring for all the sick. Dorotheus trained his disciple in abstinence and fasting, gradually decreasing the quantity of food he consumed each day. also weaned the youth from vexation and anger, constantly reminding him that every unkind word said to a sick person, is said to Jesus Christ Himself. revealing his thoughts to the Elder and through unhesitating obedience, Saint Dositheus liberated his soul from passions. five years of tending the sick and obeying his Elder, Saint Dositheus fell into serious sickness. enduring his sufferings, he prayed constantly and never complained. long before his death he asked a message be sent to Saint Barsanuphius: “Father, grant me pardon, I cannot live much longer.” replied, “Have patience, my son, for the mercy of God is near.” several days Saint Dositheus again sent this message to the Elder: “My master, I cannot live any longer.” Saint Barsanuphius blessed him to depart to God, he asked the dying one to pray for all the brethren when he stood before the Holy Trinity. brethren were astonished that the great Abba Barsanuphius would ask the prayers of a monk who had lived at the monastery for only five years any great ascetic accomplishments (they had not seen his vigils and his abstinence). after the death of the young monk, a certain experienced ascetic was praying that the final resting place of the departed fathers of the monastery might be revealed to him, in a dream he saw young Dositheus among these saints. Dositheus was given great glory in the Kingdom of Heaven for his perfect obedience to his Elder and for cutting off his own will. Greek usage, both Saints are commemorated on August 13.

Jerusalem, 600, 7th C Folder, Byzantine-Persian War, Persians Control J, carried Cross tPersia, 637 Rasidun Seige oJ, ctl t1096

Jerusalem, 601-650, George tChozebite, Abbot, fCyprus, fasting, vigil, physical efforts example, angel on earth, died iPeace
Jerusalem, 601-650, George tChozebite Abbot oChozeba Wilderness monastery, Benjamin (Near Jericho), fCyprus, tPalestine, fasting, vigil, physical efforts example, angel on earth, died iPeace; Venerable George the Chozebite, Abbot, Commemorated January 8 ; George the Chozebite was born on the island of Cyprus toward the end of the sixth century. the death of his parents, he went to Palestine to worship at the holy places. he entered into the monastic community of Chozeba between the River Jordan and Jerusalem, he later became head of this monastery. George presented the monks example in fasting, vigil and physical efforts. lived as an angel upon the earth, he died in peace.

Jerusalem, 601-650, George the Chozebite, his incorrupt relics here at his St George's Monastery
Jerusalem, 601-650, George tChozebite Abbot oChozeba Wilderness monastery, Benjamin (Near Jericho), fCyprus, tPalestine, fasting, vigil, physical efforts example, angel on earth, died iPeace; John of Thebes, John the Chozebite St. George's Monastery (Wadi Qelt, West Bank); Monastery of Saint George of Choziba (Arabic: دير القديس جورج, Greek: Μονή Αγίου Γεωργίου του Χοζεβίτου), known as Monastery of Choziba (or Hoziba) or Mar Jaris,[1] is a monastery located in Wadi Qelt in Area C of the eastern West Bank, in the Jericho Governorate of the State of Palestine. cliff-hanging complex, which emerged from a lavra established in the 420s and reorganised as a monastery around AD 500,[1] its ancient chapel and irrigated gardens, is active and inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks. houses the relics of Saint George of Choziba, after whom the monastery is named, well as the relics of Saint John of Choziba[2] (420/450-520/530) those of Saint John of Choziba the Romanian [ro] (1913-1960) monastery is reached by a pedestrian bridge across Wadi Qelt, many believe to be Psalm 23's "valley of the shadow of death".[3] valley parallels the old Roman road to Jericho, backdrop for the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29–37). The monastery is open to pilgrims and visitors.[4] during the Byzantine period near Jericho, was destroyed by the Persians in AD 614, in the 12th century during the Crusader period, after their defeat, rebuilt again by Greek monks starting at the end of the 19th century. location of the monastery has been associated with the lives of Elijah that of the parents of the Virgin Mary. allied with the Eastern Orthodox saints whose relics are kept in the monastery, both make it a site of intense pilgrimage. Venerable George the Chozebite, Abbot, Commemorated January 8 ; George the Chozebite was born on the island of Cyprus toward the end of the sixth century. the death of his parents, he went to Palestine to worship at the holy places. he entered into the monastic community of Chozeba between the River Jordan and Jerusalem, he later became head of this monastery. George presented the monks example in fasting, vigil and physical efforts. lived as an angel upon the earth, he died in peace.

Jerusalem, 602-628, Byzantine-Persian War of 602-628
Jerusalem, 602-628, Byzantine-Persian War of 602-628 ; Persia, 614, ravaged Jerusalem, carried the Life-Creating Cross to Persia; Monkmartyr Anastasius the Persian, Commemorated on January 22; Battle of Nineveh (627); Byzantine Emperor Heraclius; Persian emperor Chosroes II; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; St John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 12; Monkmartyr Anastasius the Persian, Commemorated on January 22;

Jerusalem, 609-632, Patriarch Zacharias of Jerusalem, Sasanian prisoner 614-628, author Plague Cross Prayer
Jerusalem, 609-632, Patriarch Zacharias of Jerusalem, Sasanian prisoner 614-628, author Plague Cross Prayer Saint Zacharias, Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on February 21; Zacharias, Patriarch of Jerusalem, lived from the end of the sixth to the early seventh centuries. became Patriarch of Jerusalem in 609. the year 614 the Persian emperor Chosroes fell upon Jerusalem, looted it, and led many Christians into captivity, including Saint Zacharias. also captured the Life-Creating Cross of Christ. the invasion, as many as 90,000 Christians perished. Chosroes was compelled to sue for peace with the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius (610-641). Cross of the Lord was returned to Jerusalem. Christian captives who remained alive also were returned, among them Patriarch Zacharias, who died peacefully in the year 633. Saint Zacharias, Patriarch of Jerusalem; of Jerusalem was the Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Church of Jerusalem from 609 to 632. spent most of his patriarchate as a prisoner of the Sasanian Emperor Khosrow II following the Sasanian conquest of Jerusalem.[1] is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on February 21.[2][3] is also venerated in the Catholic Church, where he is known mostly for the sacramental called the "Plague Cross of Saint Zacharias of Jerusalem".[4] early life of Zacharias is unknown. was elected patriarch in 609. the reign of the Byzantine emperor Heraclius, the Sasanians invaded Byzantine Syria, taking Jerusalem in 614. to Sebeos, they seized True Cross in addition to taking tens of thousands of Christian prisoners, including Zacharias. 627, after rebuilding his army, Heraclius counter-attacked into Persia. Winning a decisive victory at Nineveh, Heraclius compelled the Persians to return the True Cross and the surviving captives, including Patriarch Zacharias. Zacharias spent his remaining days in peace until his death in 632. Modestus, who had acted as locum tenens during Patriarch Zacharias's captivity succeeded him on the patriarchal throne. Western Christianity[edit] Plague Cross sacramental, worn as a cross necklace to offer protection during plagues Council of Trent (1545–1563) approved a "Plague Cross of Saint Zacharias of Jerusalem" (also referred to as a plague cross), contains an acrostic for a prayer against plagues.[4][5] prayer, attributed to St Zacharias, is said to have been useful against pestilence in the time of the saint, the inscribed cross is said to have saved from a plague the participants at the Council of Trent.[6] cross, sometimes made of wood or inscribed on paper, cloth, or drawn with blessed chalk, and its associated blessing, are a sacramental used by Western Christians, have seen a resurgence of use during times of plagues and pestilence, such as the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-22. crosses often take the form of a cross necklace (which is worn by believers) or a wall cross (which is hung on the walls of homes, hospitals, offices and churches).[4]

Jerusalem, 614-628, Persian Control of Jerusalem
Byzantine-“Persian War of 602-“628; Battle of Nineveh (627); Byzantine Emperor Heraclius; Persian emperor Chosroes II; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; St John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 12;

Jerusalem, 614, Chozroes II ravaged Jerusalem, carried the Life-Creating Cross to Persia
Jerusalem, 614, Chozroes II ravaged Jerusalem, carried the Life-Creating Cross to Persia; Byzantine-“Sasanian War of 602-“628; Monkmartyr Anastasius the Persian, Commemorated on January 22;

Jerusalem, 630, The Cross returned by Heraclius through East Gate after Angel miracle
Golden Gate in Jerusalem; Heraclius returned the Cross through Golden Gate or East Gate, but not before an Angel of the Lord made him get rid of the Pomp ; Heraclius was trying to return the true cross to Jerusalem, but an angel told him he had to do this first. 615 a Persian king captured Jerusalem and carried off the relic of the true cross of Jesus Christ that had been discovered by St. Helena. stayed with the Persians for roughly 14 years, until Byzantine Emperor Heraclius came and defeated their armies. found the relic of Jesus’ cross still preserved and resolved to return it to Jerusalem. he neared the gates of Jerusalem he intended to take the cross through the same gate Jesus used on his way to the crucifixion. Heraclius wanted to do it with great royal pageantry while riding on his horse. something miraculous happened that prevented Heraclius from going through the gate. The Golden Legend records what happened next. suddenly the stones of the gateway fell down and locked together, forming an unbroken wall. the amazement of everyone, an angel of the Lord, carrying a cross in his hands, appeared above the wall and said: “When the King of heaven passed through this gate to suffer death, there was no royal pomp. He rode a lowly ass, to leave an example of humility to his worshipers.” those words the angel vanished. was stunned and began to weep. He dismounted his horse and took off every article of royal clothing, expect for his simple undergarment. Then he took the relic of the true cross and walked slowly toward the gate. It instantly returned to its former position and allowed Heraclius to enter Jerusalem. caused him to burst out in prayer and exclaim to God, “O cross, more splendid than all the heavenly bodies, renowned throughout the world, deserving of all men’s love, holier than all things else! O cross, you were worthy to carry the ransom of the world! O sweet wood, sweet nails, sweet sword, sweet lance, you were the bearer of sweet burdens! Save the host gathered today in praise of you and signed with your banner!” the relic was returned to the basilica the miracles resumed, and according to tradition, “dead men were raised to life, four paralytics were cured, ten lepers were made clean, fifteen blind people received their sight, demons were driven out, and great numbers were delivered of various infirmities.” legendary in character, the stories highlight the power of the cross and its connection to humility, not royal pomp or outward show. Denial and self-sacrifice are required to carry the cross of Jesus Christ. If we wish to enter the heavenly Jerusalem, this is the only gate that is open to us.

Jerusalem, 637, Seige of Jerusalem, Rashidun Caliphate
Jerusalem, 637, Seige of Jerusalem; Monkmartyr Menas of Palestine, Commemorated on April 12;

Jerusalem, 637 - 1096, Muslim Control of J., from Siege of J. to First Crusade.
Jerusalem, 637, Seige of Jerusalem; Monkmartyr Menas of Palestine, Commemorated on April 12;

Jerusalem, 680, Patriarch, Theodore

Jerusalem, 700, 8th C Folder,3 Hands Icon, Arab Civil War in Palestine

Jerusalem, 717, Icon of the Mother of God Of the Three Hands, John of Damascus, Sabbas, hand cut off, MOG back on, to Sabbas
Jerusalem, 717, Icon of the Mother of God Of the Three Hands, John of Damascus, Sabbas, Lavra of St Sava, Judea, near Jerusalem, iconodule writer, slandered by Leo III to caliph, hand cut off, MOG back on, to Sabbas, to Serbia, donkey to Hilandar ; Great Lavra of St. Sabbas; Holy Lavra of St. Savas; Icon of the Mother of God œof the Three Hands on Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 12 ; Icon of the Mother of God Of the Three Hands: The wonderworking icon, which Saint John of Damascus (December 4) received healing of his amputated hand, given by him to the Lavra of Saint Savva the Sanctified. the thirteenth century the icon was in Serbia, afterwards it was miraculously transported to Athos to the Hilandar monastery. more detailed account about the icon is located under June 28. Greek usage, this Icon is commemorated on June 28, where a more detailed account is to be found. Icon of the Mother of God Of the Three Hands, Commemorated on June 28; Icon of the Mother of God, Of the Three Hands: the eighth century during the time of the Iconoclasts, Saint John of Damascus (December 4) was zealous in his veneration of holy icons. of this, he was slandered by the emperor and iconoclast Leo III the Isaurian (717-740), who informed the Damascus caliph that Saint John was committing treasonous acts against him. caliph gave orders to cut off the hand of the monk and take it to the marketplace. evening Saint John, having asked the caliph for the cut-off hand, put it to its joint and fell to the ground before the icon of the Mother of God. monk begged Our Lady to heal the hand, which had written in defense of Orthodoxy. long prayer he fell asleep and saw in a dream that the All-Pure Mother of God had turned to him promising him quick healing. this the Mother of God bid him toil without fail with this hand. awakened from sleep, Saint John saw that his hand was unharmed. thankfulness for this healing Saint John placed on the icon a hand fashioned of silver, from which the icon received its name Of Three Hands. iconographers, in their ignorance, have mistakenly depicted the Most Holy Theotokos with three arms and three hands.) to Tradition, Saint John wrote a hymn of thanksgiving to the Mother of God: “All of creation rejoices in You, O Full of Grace,” which appears in place of the hymn “It is Truly Meet” in the Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great. John Damascene accepted monasticism at the monastery of Saint Savva the Sanctified and there bestowed his wonderworking icon. Lavra presented the icon Of Three Hands in blessing to Saint Savva, Archbishop of Serbia (+ 1237, January 12). the time of an invasion of Serbia by the Turks, some Christians who wanted to protect the icon, entrusted it to the safekeeping of the Mother of God Herself. placed it upon a donkey, which without a driver proceeded to Athos and stopped in front of the Hilandar monastery. monks put the icon in the monastery’s cathedral church (katholikon). a time of discord over the choice of igumen, the Mother of God deigned to head the monastery Herself, and from that time Her holy icon has occupied the igumen’s place in the temple. the Hilandar monastery there is chosen only a vicar, and from the holy icon the monks take a blessing for every obedience. Greek usage, this Icon is commemorated on June 28; but on July 12 in Slavic usage.

Jerusalem, 717-741, Stephen oKhenolakkos, distinguished by paternal admin moral influence, angelic escort tHeaven
Bithynia, 717-741, Stephen Wonderworker oKhenolakkos Monastery near Chalcedon, Triglia, Bithynia (now Fatih Mosque, Tirilye), greatly impressed by holy ascetic's lives, visited many Palestine monasteries, Euthymios' m, Sabbas, Theodosios' m, then 714-741 Constantinople where Patriarch Germanos aided him building m iBithynia, for a monastic rule from his lessons many years experience, Monastery by the Goose Pond northeast Triglia, S distinguished by paternal admin& moral influence, foresaw his death, angelic escort tHeaven; Triglia Monastery (now Fatih Mosque, Tirilye) 720; Venerable Stephen, Abbot of Khenolakkos Monastery, near Chalcedon, Commemorated on January 14; Stephen lived during the eighth century, was born into a family in Cappadocia, who raised him in great piety. he reached maturity, he was greatly impressed by reading the lives of the holy ascetics, and so he visited many monasteries in Palestine in order to observe their way of life. In the wilderness he visited the monasteries of Saints Euthymios the Great (January 20), the Sanctified (December 5) Theodosios the Great (January 11), studying the Rule (Typikon) of each monastery. during the reign of the iconoclast Emperor Leo the Isaurian (717-741), he visited Constantinople. holy Patriarch Germanos (May 12) had a high regard for Stephen, aided him in building a monastery in Bithynia in which he could establish a monastic Rule based on the great lessons that he had learned in the course of his many years of experience. Stephen founded the Monastery of Khenolakkos [“by the goose-pond”], was northeast of Triglia (near Moudania in Asia Minor). monks were drawn there by reports of his virtue. Stephen was distinguished for his paternal administration of the monastery, for his moral influence on the monks. many years as the Superior of the monastery, the holy ascetic foresaw his own death. he fell asleep in the Lord, some of the brethren were found worthy to behold the glorious departure of his soul into Heaven, by angels. Venerable Stephen the Wonderworker the Abbot of Triglia, Commemorated on March 28; Stephen the Confessor, of Triglia Monastery, under the iconoclast emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820). a young age, the holy ascetic dedicated his life to God and received monastic tonsure. He later became head of the Triglia monastery near Constantinople. persecution again began against holy icons, the saintly igumen was summoned for questioning, and they tried to force him to sign a document rejecting the veneration of icons. Saint Stephen steadfastly refused to betray Orthodoxy and he boldly denounced the emperor for his impiety. They subjected the saint to cruel torments, after which they sent him to prison in the year 815. Weakened and sick, the holy Confessor Stephen soon died in prison from his sufferings.

Jerusalem, 793-796, Civil War in Palestine (Arabs)
Civil War in Palestine (793-“796) ; 792-“793 and 796 a Qays-Yaman war (also referred to as the War of the Watermelon[1][2]) took place in Palestine and Transjordan between the northern Arab tribal federation of Mudhar, also called Nizar or Qays, and the southern tribal confederation of Yaman and the latter's Abbasid allies. The conflict may have begun as early as 787/88, though specific outbreaks of the war are largely dated to 793 and 796. Some violence by Bedouin raiders in the Judean Desert also erupted in 797, though it is not clear if this was directly related to the Qaysi-Yamani conflict.

Jerusalem, 800, 9th C Folder, Abbasid Caliph Al-MaMum Byz War, Michael tBlack-Robed oSabbas, Theodore oEdessa&Sabbas

Jerusalem, 813-833, Abbasid Caliph, Al-Ma'mun, educated, algebra, Mutazilism, r persecution, Byz war
Messopotamia, Abbasid Caliph, 813-833, Al-Ma'mun; al-Abbas Abdallah ibn Harun al-Rashid (14 September 786 - 9 August 833), better known by his regnal name al-Ma'mun, was the seventh Abbasid caliph, who reigned from 813 until his death in 833. He succeeded his half-brother al-Amin after a civil war, during which the cohesion of the Abbasid Caliphate was weakened by rebellions and the rise of local strongmen; of his domestic reign was consumed in pacification campaigns. educated and with a considerable interest in scholarship, al-Ma'mun promoted the Translation Movement, the flowering of learning and the sciences in Baghdad, and the publishing of al-Khwarizmi's book now known as "Algebra". is also known for supporting the doctrine of Mutazilism and for imprisoning Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, the rise of religious persecution (mihna), and for the resumption of large-scale warfare with the Byzantine Empire. 42 Martyrs of Ammoria in Phrygia, Commemorated on March 6; Third Finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated on May 25;

Jerusalem, 813-833, Michael tBlack-Robed, oSabbas, Queen Seida, King al-Mamun, no adultry, poison fails, Relics Plllar oFire
Jerusalem, 813-833, Michael tBlack-Robed, oSabbas, Lavra of St Sav, Sabbas watercourse from Theodosius', Judea, near Jerusalem, From Edessa, distributed inheritance, tJerusalem under Moslem Rule, tSabbas, kin Theodore, reed baskets, tJMarketplace, Queen Seida wants him, King al-Mamun, M rejects adultery, accused insulting Queen&enemy oIslam, debate wKing, Mohammad neither apostle of Jesus nor prophet, he a deceiver&antichrist forerunner, send me to my monastery, be baptized&reign forever, or send me to Christ tMartyrdom, sign oCross, deadly poison failed tHarm, decapitated, Theodore notified bLord, fight over relics, King decided go to Sabbas, Pillar oFire wRelics to Lavra, buried wMartyrs, many miracles, 12th century Daniel tTraveler sees relics; Great Lavra of St. Sabbas; Holy Lavra of St. Savas; Martyr Michael the Black-Robed of Saint Savva Monastery, Commemorated on July 29; Venerable Michael lived in the ninth century, and was from the city of Edessa in Mesopotamia, the son of Christian parents. After their death he distributed his inheritance to the poor, then went to Jerusalem to venerate the Holy Places. The Holy Land at that time was under Moslem rule. remained in Palestine and settled in the Lavra of Saint Savva, he became the disciple of his relative, Saint Theodore of Edessa (July 9), who spent his time both in the monastery and living as an anchorite in the Judean desert. Theodore accepted him and tonsured him right away. The two made baskets of reeds together in order to support themselves. Saint Michael would take the baskets to the marketplace in Jerusalem in order to sell them. day while at the marketplace, the eunuch of the Muslim Queen Seida, seeing that the baskets were both fine and well-made, took him along to the Queen, who was visiting the city with her husband King al-Ma’mun (813-833). handsome monk aroused the desire of the Queen, who tried to lead him into the sin of adultery, but he did not accept her suggestions. enraged Seida told her husband to have the monk beaten with rods because he had insulted her, and accused him of being an enemy of Islam. was a debate about which faith is the true one, Christianity or Islam, and the king said, “Do as I tell you, and confess that Mohammed is a prophet and an apostle of Christ, then I will adopt you as my son.” Michael said, “Mohammad is neither an apostle nor a prophet, but a deceiver and the forerunner of the antichrist. send me back to my Elder at the monastery, or be baptized into our Christian faith and reign forever in the heavens, or send me to Christ through martyrdom.” king gave the Saint a cup with deadly poison to drink. Michael made the Sign of the Cross over the cup, and he drank it, but he remained unharmed, according to the promise of the Lord (Mark16:18). this the king ordered that he be decapitated. monks of the Lavra of Saint Savva wanted to take the Saint’s relics to their Lavra, but the Christians of Jerusalem would not permit this. They said that since he was martyred in Jerusalem, his relics ought to remain monks of the Lavra disagreed with them, saying that he was nurtured in the Lavra and so he should be buried there. There was such a heated argument that the king decided that the relics would go to the Lavra. the same day that Saint Michael was put to death, the Lord revealed this to Saint Theodore. informing the brethren, he sent some monks to bring the relics to the Lavra. the relics were carried to the Lavra, there was a pillar of fire from Heaven accompanying the relics, and it remained until they reached the Lavra. Theodore and the monks came out to meet the procession with lit candles, and singing hymns. holy relics were buried with the other holy Fathers who had endured martyrdom. miracles took place before the relics of Saint Michael, as a sign that he had found favor with God. the beginning of the twelfth century the relics of Saint Michael were seen by Daniel, the Igoumen of the Kiev Caves Monastery, while on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Michael is commemorated twice during the year: on May 23 (his repose) and July 29 (the transfer of his relics).

Jerusalem, 813-840, Theodore tBranded, fJeruslem then Sabbas wBro Theophanes, won debate wLeo, iconodule, tortured&exiled 3times
Jerusalem, 813-840, Theodore Graptus, the Branded, fJeruslem then Sabbas, Lavra of St Sava, Sabbas watercourse from Theodosius', Judea, near Jerusalem, Chrisstian parents, shunned ammusements, attended church, sent wYounger bro Theophanes to Sabbas &Pious Priest fEducation, became monk&priest, Iconoclast emperor Leo V expelled Michael I, brothers sent tConstantinople by Jerusalem Patriarch tDefend icons, theo won debate wLeo, Leo ordered bros beaten&exiled, forbidding help, returned from exile bIconoclast Michael II & Iconodule Theolophilius, , returned, faces branded because would not communion wIconoclasts & exiled again tApamea, Bithynia, Theodore died there 840, bro became bishop Nicea&Author defending Orthodoxy, many healings Theodore's relics in Constantinople; Great Lavra of St. Sabbas; Venerable Theodore Graptus, "the branded," Confessor, Commemorated December 27 ; Theodore the Confessor, and his brother Theophanes (October 11) born in Jerusalem of Christian parents. early childhood Theodore shunned childish amusements and loved to attend church services. his younger brother Theophanes (October 11), he was sent to the Lavra of Saint Savva to be educated by a pious priest. brothers became monks, and Saint Theodore was ordained to the holy priesthood. iconoclast emperor Leo V the Armenian (813-820) expelled and replaced the pious ruler Michael I Rhangabe (811-813). the beginning, Leo concealed his heretical views, but later declared himself an iconoclast. Patriarch of Jerusalem sent the two brothers to Constantinople to defend the holy icons. refuted Leo’s arguments, proving the falseness of his beliefs. ordered that both brothers be beaten mercilessly, and then had them sent into exile, forbidding anyone to help them in any way. the subsequent emperors, Michael II (820-829), and particularly under the iconoclast Theophilus (829-842), both brothers returned from exile. they were urged to accept iconoclasm, but they bravely endured all the tortures. They were sent into exile once more, but later returned. time they were subjected to fierce torture, finally, their faces were branded with the verses of a poem which mocked the holy confessors. Therefore, the brothers were called “the Branded.” city prefect asked Saint Theodore to take communion with the iconoclasts just once, promising him freedom if he did. the holy martyr replied, “Your proposal is the same as saying: ‘Let me cut off your head once, and then you may go wherever you wish.’” torture the holy brothers were banished to Apamea in Bithynia, where Saint Theodore died around the year 840. Theophanes survived until the end of the iconoclast heresy, and died as Bishop of Nicea. Theophanes was author of many writings in defense of Orthodoxy. relics of Saint Theodore were transferred to Chalcedon, where they worked many healings.

Jerusalem, 836-848, Theodore, Bishop oEdessa, tSabbas, 36yrs solitude, dove miracle, 12yr bishop, converts Bagdad calif
Armenia, 836-848, Theodore, Bishop oEdessa, Armenia (Intersection and Euphrates River 3), tSabbas a12, 36yrs solitude, bishop 12yrs, Consecration dove miracle, clairvoyant Stylite Theodosis his elder, tBagdad, converts calif Mavi, after healing him wDirt from Lord's grave, Mavi killed, fortells T's death, through 2 dreams tT and T tStylite, writings, read by 16-17th Century Rus; Edessa, Syria; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9 ; Theodore, Bishop of Edessa, was born in the Syrian city of Edessa. his life the holy saint was a bright witness of the great deeds of God, glorified in His Saints. twelve years of age, after he lost his parents and gave away his inheritance to the poor, he went to Jerusalem, he was tonsured at the Lavra of the Saint Savva the Sanctified. twelve years of fervent monastic obedience and then another twenty-four years of full seclusion and great abstinence, the Lord called the valiant ascetic to be a bishop, so that he might enlighten the world. the death of the Bishop of Edessa, no worthier successor was found than Theodore, and with the mutual consent of the Patriarchs of Antioch and Jerusalem, and of the clergy and laity, this fine man was chosen bishop. was not easy for Saint Theodore to forsake his solitude, but he submitted himself to the will of God and undertook his pastoral guidance of the Edessa Church. occurred during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Michael and his mother Theodora (842-855). the time of Saint Theodore’s episcopal consecration, there occurred a great miracle. The people beheld a dove, white as snow, flying about beneath the cupola of the church, which then alit upon the head of the newly-made bishop. Theodore devoted all his abilities to the governance of his flock. He was a model for the faithful in word, in life, in love. By the good example of his holy ascetic life, he guided the flock entrusted to him by God, onto the path of salvation. Theodore exerted much effort in the struggle with heretics, and with a firm hand he guarded the Church from temptations and false teachings. his consolation and support for Saint Theodore, the clairvoyant Elder Theodosius the Stylite also served the spiritual community while laboring in asceticism not far from the city, near the monastery of the holy Great Martyr George. the blessing of the Elder, Saint Theodore journeyed to Baghdad to the caliph Mavi to complain about unjust measures against the Orthodox. come to Mavi, the saint found him seriously ill. Calling on the help of the Lord, the holy bishop threw a bit of earth from the Sepulchre of the Lord into a vessel of water and gave it to the caliph to drink, and the sick one was healed. grateful Mavi, favorably disposed towards the saint, happily heard his teachings. Finally, together with three close associates, he accepted holy Baptism with the name John. afterwards for his open confession of faith in Christ before the Moslems, the caliph John was killed with his three associates. appeared in a dream simultaneously to Saint Theodore and to Theodosius the Stylite, he said that he had been granted to suffer for Christ, and was numbered among the ranks of the Martyrs. He promised that soon he would meet them in the Kingdom of Heaven. was an indication to the saint of God that his own end was approaching. 848, again in solitude at the Lavra of Saint Savva the Sanctified, he peacefully departed to the Lord. Theodore has left Christians his edifying writings. Life of Saint Theodore of Edessa was popular reading in Rus during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and was preserved in many manuscripts. Saint Theodore of Edessa, Mesopotamia, Commemorated on July 19; Saint’s father was named Symeon, and his mother’s name was Maria. He received a good education and was distinguished for his philosophical knowledge, as well as for rhetoric. the age of ten he was left as an orphan and gave half of his parents’ wealth to his sister, and kept the other half himself. Sharing this with the poor, he departed for Jerusalem. There he venerated the holy places and, when he was nineteen years old, he became a monk in the Lavra of Saint Savva. Theodore remained there for twenty-four years, leading an ascetic and virtuous life, and became a renowned ascetic. of his great virtues, the Patriarch of Jerusalem made him Bishop of Edessa in 836. was an excellent Archpastor, with his vast theological knowledge, his many virtues, and above all, his great love, which he bestowed abundantly upon his flock. that time Edessa was plagued with many heresies: Arian, Nestorian, Eutychian, etc. holy hierarch instructed his flock in the Orthodox Faith in order to combat these errors. Theodore also went to see the Persian king in Babylon, asking him to protect the Orthodox Christians of Edessa from the malevolence of the heretics. King was very sick, but the Saint healed him and spoke to him about Christ. many days the King was baptized with the name John. returning to Edessa, Saint Theodore was informed in a vision that King John and his three bodyguards, who had been baptized with him, proclaimed their faith openly and received the unfading crown of martyrdom. the approach of death, Saint Theodore retired to the Lavra of Saint Savva. calling the clergy and laity of Edessa together and blessing them, he surrendered his holy soul to the Heavenly Father in the year 848. Basil of Emessa wrote the Saint’s life in Greek, which is preserved at the Ivḗron Monastery on Mount Athos.

Jerusalem, 843-859, Patriarch Sergius of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, 843-859, Patriarch Sergius of Jerusalem (Sergius is on the list in Wikipedia, but not described) St. Michael of Ulompo, Georgia, Commemorated on May 3 ;

Jerusalem, 900, 10th C Folder, Daniel the Confessor fSpain

Jerusalem, 950, 10th C, Daniel tConfessor, oNiverta Is, b monk, iRome, tJerusalem, great Schema, martyred bSaracens
Spain and Portugal, 950, 10th C, Daniel tConfessor, Perfect oNiverta Islands, disdained worldly glory, became monk, iRome, tJerusalem holy places, great Schema aStephen, martyred bSaracens ; Since these are the only Islands off the Spanish mainland, Niverta Island must be one of these Balearic Islands. Venerable Daniel the Confessor (in Schema Stephen) of Spain, and Egypt, Commemorated on December 17 ; Daniel the Confessor, (in the schema Stephen) lived in the tenth century. was a Spanish dignitary, and prefect of the island of Niverta. worldly glory, he became a monk in Rome and went on pilgrimage to the holy places at Constantinople and Jerusalem, he received the Great Schema and the name Stephen. received the crown of martyrdom after he refused the Saracens’ demand that he renounce Christ and become a Moslem.

Jerusalem, 1000, 11th C Folder, Hakim despoiler otHoly Places, Knights otOrder oSt John, Knights Hospitaller

Jerusalem, 1009, Hakim, despoiler of the holy places, Fatmid Period Egypt
Jerusalem, 1009, Hakim, despoiler of the holy places, Hakim, Fatmid Period Egypt; Jerusalem, 1009, Hakim, despoiler of the holy places, Hakim, Fatmid Period Egypt The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on August 15;

Jerusalem, 1010-1066, Prochorus oGeorgian Monastery otCross, Jerusalem, Given to Kartli King 327, reconstructed by P 1027
Georgia, 1010-1066, Prochorus oGeorgian Monastery of the Cross, Jerusalem, Given to Kartli King in 327, reconstructed by P in 1027, 1015 1one year at Sabbas', 1025 Began Reconstruction, there Lot planted 3 trees, cyprus pine and ceday, they miraculously grew together, one large tree, cut for Soloman's Temple, not used, but used for Christ's Cross, 326 this land to Georgian King Mirian, 449 monastery Founded bVakhtang 1, destroyed several times by moslems 7th C- 9th C, 11th C Georgian King B Kuropalates gave much wealth t Prochorus to restore it, after beautification P gathered 80 monks, same rule as Sabbas', advanced age tWilderness with Disciple Giorgi, died 1066 ; Monastery of the Cross, Georgian, Given to Kartli King Mirian III in 327; Saint Prochorus of Georgia, Commemorated on February 12; Prochorus the Georgian, a descendant of the noble Shavteli family, was born at the end of the 10th century and grew up in a monastery. he reached manhood he was ordained a hieromonk and labored for one year at the Lavra of Saint Savva in Jerusalem. with the blessing of his spiritual father Ekvtime Grdzeli, he began the reconstruction of the Holy Cross Georgian Monastery near Jerusalem. to tradition, at this spot Abraham’s nephew Lot planted three trees—a cypress, a pine, and a cedar. these three trees miraculously grew into one large tree. the Temple of Solomon was being built, this tree was cut down but left unused. is said that the Cross on which Christ our Savior was crucified was constructed from the wood of this tree. the 4th century, the land on which the miraculous tree had grown was presented to Holy King Mirian, the first Christian king of Georgia. in the 5th century, during the reign of Holy King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the Holy Cross Monastery was founded on that land. monastery was destroyed several times between the 7th and 9th centuries. in the 11th century, King Bagrat Kuropalates offered much of his wealth to Fr. Prochorus for the restoration of the monastery. Prochorus beautified the monastery, gathered eighty monks and established the typicon (the monastic rule) for the community in accordance with that of the Saint Savva Lavra. Saint Prochorus had labored long and lived to an advanced age, he chose his disciple Giorgi to be the monastery’s next abbot. he departed for the wilderness with two of his disciples, and after some time the righteous monk yielded up his spirit to God. this, little is known about the life of Saint Prochorus. to Georgian researchers and scholars, he was probably born sometime between 985 and 990. He spent the years 1010 to 1015 in Jerusalem, and labored at the Lavra of Saint Savva until 1025. He reposed in the year 1066, between the ages of 76 and 81.

Jerusalem, 1099-1291, Knights of the Catholic Order of Saint John, Knights Hospitaller
Knights of the Catholic Order of Saint John of Jerusalem; Translation from Malta to Gatchina: of a Particle of the Life Giving Cross, the Filersk Icon of the Mother of God, and the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, Commemorated on October 12;

Jerusalem, 1200, 13th C Folder, Luke oHoly Cross Georgian Monastery, beheaded, severed head thanked God

Jerusalem, 1223-1261, Leontius, Patriarch of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, 1223-1261, Leontius, Patriarch of Jerusalem; Leontius was Patriarch of Jerusalem from 1223-1261, according to Saint Gregory Palamas (Nov. 14) and Theodore, a monk of Constantinople Life was translated from Greek into the Russian language in an abridged form. It was translated a second time more fully by Saint Νikόdēmos of the Holy Mountain (July 14), who says the death of the Patriarch actually occurred in 1175.

Jerusalem, 1229, Milkgiver Icon, Savva tSanctified before his death i532, pilgrim named Savva would come, give him my icon
Jerusalem, 1229, Milkgiver Icon oSabbas, Lavra of St Sava, Sabbas waercourse from Theodosius', Judea, near Jerusalem, Savva tSanctified before his death foretold royal pilgrim same name would come, give him tWonderworking icon as a blessing, Savva oSerbia came 13th C, given Savva's staff, Milk Giver Icon, and 3Hands Icon, He took Milk Giver Icon to Hilandar, MG later named Typikonissa for rule (Typikon) oSavva preserved there; Great Lavra of St. Sabbas; Icon of the Mother of God the œMilkgiver, Commemorated on January 12 ; “Milk-Giver” Icon of the Mother of God was originally located at the Lavra of Saint Savva the Sanctified near Jerusalem. his death, the holy founder of the Lavra foretold a royal pilgrim having the same name as himself would visit the Lavra. Savva told the brethren to give the wonderworking icon to that pilgrim as a blessing. the thirteenth century, Saint Savva of Serbia visited the Lavra. he approached the reliquary of Saint Savva the Sanctified, the saint’s staff fell at his feet. brethren asked the visitor his name, and he told them he was Archbishop Savva of Serbia. the instructions of their founder, the monks gave Saint Savva his staff, the “Milk-Giver” Icon, and the Icon “Of the Three Hands” (June 28 and July 12). holy archbishop took the icon to Hilandar on Mount Athos and put it on the right side of the iconostasis in the church of Saint Savva at the kellion of Karyes, which is attached to Hilandar. icon was later named Typikonissa, since the Rule (Typikon) of Saint Savva was preserved there.

Jerusalem, 1277, Luke, Holy Cross Georgian Monastery, Jerusalem, L followed mother to Jerusalem, severed head thanked God
Jerusalem, 1277, Luke & Fathers of Holy Cross Georgian Monastery near Jerusalem, 3 trees of the Cross, Luke followed his mother to Jerusalem, became monk there, became abbot, monks ousted, Luke confronted, beheaded, then severed head turned East and thanked God ; Holy Cross Georgian Monastery near Jerusalem; Fathers & Luke Martyrs of the Georgian Monasteries in Jerusalem, Commemorated February 12 ; holy martyr Luka of Jerusalem lived in the 13th century. He was born to an honorable, pious Georgian family by the name of Mukhaisdze. After the repose of Luka’s father, his mother left her children and went to labor at a monastery in Jerusalem. Luka reached the age of twenty, he traveled to Jerusalem to visit his mother and venerate the holy places. After spending some time there he decided to remain and be tonsured a monk. was later ordained a deacon and became fluent in Arabic. Soon the brothers of the monastery recognized his wisdom and asked him to guide them as abbot. For three years Luka directed the monastery in an exemplary manner. the devil was envious of the holy father and provoked a certain Shekh-Khidar, an influential Persian at the court of Sultan Penducht, (Probably Sultan Zakhir-Rukedin-Baibars-Bundukdar of Egypt (1260-1277)) to take up arms against Saint Luka. Penducht then transferred possession of theHoly CrossMonastery to Shekh-Khidar, who “treated the Georgian monks in a beastly manner and finally ousted them from the monastery altogether.” his God-given duty, the blessed Luka insisted on personally confronting Shekh-Khidar in defense of his brotherhood. ’s Christian brothers and sisters warned him, saying, “Shekh-Khidar is threatening you.... Flee and hide fromhim!” But Luka paid no heed to their admonitions, certain that it was more fitting to die for Christ than to live for the world. As he had insisted, he himself approached and asked for the release of the imprisoned fathers. told him that he was prepared to accept any demands. The wicked Persian leader demanded nothing from Luka except that he convert to Islam, promising to make him emir if he consented. When he refused, the furious Shekh-Khidar ordered Saint Luka’s beheading. the terrible deed had been performed, Saint Luka’s severed head turned toward the east and gave thanks to God with an expression of pure peace. Soon after, his precious body was set on fire at the command of the bewildered Shekh-Khidar. This occurred in 1277. Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12 ; story as above

Jerusalem, 1300, 14th C Folder, Nicolas Dvali Klarjeti Wilderness Holy Cross Monastery trained in Martyrdom, Unburnt Bush Icon

Jerusalem, 1314, Martyr Nicholas Dvali, Klarjeti W, H Cross M, Forerunner, Spiritual f, MOG, Damascus, h f 500 L, head 7 times
Jerusalem, 1314, Martyr Nicholas Dvali Holy Cross Georgian Monastery near Jerusalem; Martyr Nicholas Dvali, Commemorated October 19 ; Fathers and Martyrs of the Georgian Monasteries in Jerusalem, Commemorated February 12 ; Nikoloz Dvali the Martyr was born at the end of the 13th century to a God-fearing couple who directed his path toward the spiritual life. the age of twelve Nikoloz traveled to the Klarjeti Wilderness and was tonsured a monk. From there he made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and remained in the holy city, settling at the Holy Cross Monastery. Burning with desire for the apostolic life, Monk Nikoloz was determined to die a martyr’s death. Jerusalem a group of godless men arrested and tormented Saint Nikoloz for publicly confessing the Christian Faith, but a group of Christians succeeded in rescuing him from prison. in accordance with his abbot’s counsel, Saint Nikoloz relocated to a Georgian monastery on Cyprus. There the pious monk beseeched the Lord to make him worthy of the crown of martyrdom. One day, while he was praying before the icon of Saint John the Baptist, he heard a voice saying, “Nikoloz! Arise and go to Jerusalem. There you will find a Georgian monk who will teach you the way of righteousness and encourage you on the path of martyrdom. He has been appointed to guide you.” Saint Nikoloz returned to Jerusalem, met the monk whom God had appointed, and informed him of what had been revealed. Most Holy Theotokos and Saint John the Baptist appeared to Saint Nikoloz’s spiritual father, who had been praying intensely for guidance, and told him that it was the Lord’s will for Nikoloz to journey to Damascus. in Damascus, the holy father entered a mosque and openly confessed Christ to be the Savior, reproving those present for their folly. The angry Muslims seized Saint Nikoloz, beat him, and cast him into prison. a great struggle, the metropolitan and local Christians succeeded in recovering him from captivity, but he immediately returned to the Muslims and began again to denounce their ungodly ways. Again they beat him mercilessly, lashed him five hundred times, and cast him in prison for a second time. the holy martyr’s wounds were healed through the miraculous intercession of Saint John the Baptist, and after two months he was released from prison. chance the emir of the city caught a glimpse of Saint Nikoloz as he was preparing to return to Jerusalem. The emir recognized him and sent him to Dengiz, the emir of emirs. Dengiz flattered him and offered to convert him to Islam, but Saint Nikoloz bravely defended his faith in Christ. In response, Dengiz ordered his execution. the hour appointed by Dengiz, the blessed martyr turned to the east, joyfully bowed his neck to the sword, and prayed, “Glory to Thee, O Christ God, Who hast accounted me worthy to die for Thy name’s sake.” The sword pierced his neck, but the severed head glorified God seven times, crying out, “Glory to Thee, O Christ our God!” Persians burned the saint’s body, and for three days a pillar of light shone at the place where it lay. Saint Nikoloz’s spiritual father heard about his martyrdom, he prayed to God to reveal to him whether Nikoloz would be numbered among the saints. Then one day while he was reading, he saw a vision of a host of saints standing atop a mountain, illumined and surrounded by a cloud of incense. Among them the Great-martyr George shone especially brightly, and he called Saint Nikoloz, saying, “Nikoloz! Come and see the monk, your spiritual father. He has shed many tears for you.” greeted his spiritual father, saying, “Behold me and the place where I am, and from this day cease your sorrowing for me.” Nikoloz Dvali was tortured to death on Tuesday, October 19, in the year 1314. The Georgian Church continues to commemorate him on that date. Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12 ; Martyr Nicholas Dvali, Commemorated February 12 ;

Jerusalem, 1390, Unburnt Bush Icon, Mt Horeb in Median, signifies MOG conception by Holy Spirit, to Russia 1390
Median, 1390, Unburnt Bush Icon, Mt Horeb / Sinai in Median, Land of the Arabs, Unburning Bush, signifies MOG conception by Holy Spirit and not consumed, to Russia 1390 from Palestine, 1812 riza return story, 1822 arson fires story; Mt Sinai / Horeb up from the Desert of Sin and Jethro's home in Midian (not Mt Sinai in Egypt); Mt Sinai diagram not drawn to scale; Ron Wyatt's work there; Icon of the Mother of God "the Unburnt Bush"; of the Old Testament prototypes pointing to the Mother of God is the Unburnt Bush - the Bush which Moses saw on Mount Horeb. was on fire, but was not consumed (Exodus 3:2). Bush signifies the Mother of God's sinless conception of Christ when the Holy Spirit came upon her and she was overshadowed by the power of the Most High (Luke 1:35). the Angel "revealed the Holy Trinity by naming the Holy Spirit, the Power which is the Son (I Corinthians 1:24), and the Most High which is the Father" (Saint Theophylact, Commentary on the Holy Gospel According to St. Luke, chapter 1). Theotokos was born into a fallen world, yet she was absolutely pure, and did not commit any personal sin. remained a Virgin before, during, and after giving birth. the Bush burned and was not consumed, so the Virgin gave birth to Thee yet remained a Virgin" (Octoechos, Dogmatikon Tone 2, "The shadow of the Law"). ancient Unburnt Bush Icon shows a bush engulfed in flames. Virgin, with her Child in her arms, is seen above the Bush. image is rare. Icons depict an octagonal star with the Mother of God in the center with a circle of Cherubim around her. She is shown holding Jacob's Ladder, for she calls us to ascend from earth to Heaven. the gate and the rod are depicted as symbols of the Savior, Who in Church hymns is called "a rod from the root of Jesse." star is made up of two quadrangles. One is painted red, like a flame; the other is green, the color of the mysterious Bush seen by Moses. the red points of the star there are four symbols of the Evangelists: a man (Matthew), a lion (Mark), an ox (Luke), and an eagle (John). the rays are eight Angels: An Angel shows burning fire, for the earth will be destroyed by fire. The Spirit of wisdom and of the knowledge of God - spring, summer, autumn, and winter. He created all things for man's benefit. The Angel of Thunder shows Christ's second coming, for He shall come in thunder and lightning. The Angel of the spirit of piety. The cutting off of those who proclaim things contrary to the Faith. He holds the cup of the bitterness of God's wrath. The Spirit of the Lord for warmth amid winter, snow, frost, and ice. The Spirit of purification which sends forth dew and mist and rain. The Angel of Thunder and of the fear of God, revealing Christ's second coming, for He shall judge His servants at the end of the world. The Angel of lightning and scorching, i.e. He shall be the righteous Judge, for the lightning shall find all. the four corners of the Icon are the Prophets who prefigure the Virgin: and the Unburnt Bush (Exodus chapter 3); with the Seraphim touching his lips with a live coal (Isaiah 6:6); vision of the gate by which no one could enter except the Lord (Ezekiel 44:1), Jacob's vision of the Ladder (Genesis 28:12-17). to popular belief, this Icon protects the homes of the faithful from fire. a man happened to witness a great fire which engulfed many buildings. Among them was a wooden house which did not burn. A woman stood there motionless, holding an icon of the Unburnt Bush in her hands. Tears ran down her cheeks, but her face expressed complete calm and unshakable faith. She did not seem to be worried about her home, but she wept for the misfortune of others. The fire was intense, but the woman would not move. The man left, marveling at her faith, but he expected her house to be reduced to ashes by the flames. The next day he returned to the spot. the devastation of the fire only the woman's house remained standing, guarded by the power of the Icon. of the oldest icons of the Unburnt Bush is located in Moscow's Annunciation Cathedral. was brought to Russia by Palestinian foreigners in 1390 and, according to tradition, it was painted on a piece of the rock where Moses beheld the mysterious Bush. the Moscow church of the Unburnt Bush at Khamovniki, there is an Icon which was once in the Palace. The ancient writing is beautiful. The size of the Icon measures 1 arshin 12 vershkov long, and 1 arshin 7 vershkov wide. Icon is commemorated twice: on September 4, the Feast Day of the Prophet Moses, and on the sixth Sunday after Pascha (the Sunday of the Blind Man), because according to tradition, the Icon was transferred from the Kremlin to the newly-consecrated Khamovniki church on that day. was a wondrous event connected with the riza of this Icon, when Russia was attacked by Napoleon in 1812. leaving Moscow, a Polish soldier came to Father Alexei Vvedensky, the priest of the Novodevichii Monastery, and gave him the riza from the Unburnt Bush Icon, begging him to return it to the church from which it was taken. soldier confessed that ever since he took the riza, he had been unable to find peace, and he was tormented by an unbearable melancholia. the same church there is an Icon of the Unburnt Bush (which was donated in 1835) and a smaller, especially revered Icon dating from 1837. depicts someone praying before the Mother of God. In the church there is a special manuscript Service to the Icon with the note: "This Service is chanted on Holy Mount Sinai, whenever someone requests it, or whenever there is terrible lightning." 1822, in the city of Slavyansk, Kharkov gubernia, fires caused by arson became more frequent. residents were at a loss about what to do. it was revealed in a dream to a pious old woman named Belnitskaya that if they painted an Icon of the Unburnt Bush, and served a Moleben before it, the fires would stop. told the Archpriest about her dream, and the Icon was painted right away. After the Liturgy, a Moleben was served before it. that very day, there was another fire, and the arsonist was caught. crafty young woman named Maura had set all the fires. the fires ceased, and the grateful residents had a kiot made for the Icon with the inscription: "In remembrance of the city's deliverance from fire in 1822." The Icon is in the church of the Holy Trinity. is also a revered icon of the Unburnt Bush in the village of Kubenskoye, Vologda Province.