Constantinople Folder, Byzantium and Istanbul.kmz

Constantinople Folder, Byzantium and Istanbul

Constantinople (aka Istanbul, Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn)
Constantinople; Venerable Dionysius the Orator of St Anne Skete of Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 9; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; St Olga the Princess of Russia, in Holy Baptism Called Helen, Commemorated on July 11; Transfer of the Relics of St Barbara, Commemorated on July 11 ; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Dius the Abbot of Antioch, Commemorated on July 19 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Armatia, Commemorated on July 21; Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Phocas the Bishop of Sinope, Commemorated on July 22 ; Saint Anna of Leukadio, Commemorated on July 23; Dormition of the Righteous Anna, the Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos, Commemorated on July 25; Holy Woman Olympias (Olympiada) the Deaconess of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 25; Equal of the Apostles Clement of Ochrid the Bishop of Greater Macedonia, Commemorated on July 27 ; Venerable Paul the Founder of the Xeropotamou Monastery On Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 28; Martyr John the Soldier at Constantinople, Commemorated on July 30; Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord (First of the three œFeasts of the SaviorÂ in August), Commemorated on August 1 ; Translation of the relics of the Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen from Jerusalem to Constantinople, Commemorated on August 2; Martyr Eleutherius of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 4; Martyrs Pamphilus and Capiton, Commemorated on August 12; Venerable Theodosius of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated September 2 ; Venerable Isaac the Ascetic of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on August 3 ; New Martyr Triandaphyllus of Stara Zagora, Commemorated on August 8 ; Venerable Gregory the Iconographer of the Kiev Near Caves, Commemorated on August 8; Martyr Julian of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 9 ; Restoration of the Temple of the 40 Martyrs, Commemorated on August 9; St Niphon the Patriarch of Constantinople of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 11; Icon of the Mother of God of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 11 ; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Theodosius of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on August 14 ; New Martyr Stamatius of Volos, Commemorated on August 16 ; Translation of the Image œNot-Made-By-HandsÂ of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in AugustÂ, Commemorated on August 16 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Armatia, Commemorated on August 17; Venerable Theodoritus the Enlightener of the Lapps, Solovki, Commemorated on August 17; Venerable Arsenius of Paros, Commemorated on August 18 ; Prophet Samuel, Commemorated on August 20 ; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; Icon of the Mother of God of St Peter of Moscow, Commemorated on August 24; St Menas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated August 25 ; Commemoration of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God and the deliverance of Moscow from the Invasion of Tamerlane, Commemorated on August 26; St Phanourius, Commemorated on August 27 ; St Alexander the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 30; The Placing of the Cincture (Sash) of the Most Holy Mother of God, Commemorated on August 31; St John the Faster the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 2; Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on September 2; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 9; Martyr Theodore of Alexandria, Commemorated on September 12 ; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; Venerable Hierotheus the Younger of Iveron of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 13; Monkmartyr Joseph of Dionysiou on Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 14 ; Repose of St John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 14; Repose of St Cyprian the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on September 16 ; Commemoration of the Earthquake of 447, Commemorated on September 25; Martyr Polychronius the Presbyter, Commemorated on October 7 ; Venerable Philotheus, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 11; WILLIAM DWIGHT PORTER BLISS, PRIEST, 8 October 1926; Monkmartyr Andrew of Crete, Commemorated on October 17 ; St Ignatius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 23 ; Venerable Matrona the Abbess of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; St Hypatius of Gangra, Commemorated on November 16 ; Venerable Hilarion the Monk and Wonderworker of Thessalonica, Georgian, Commemorated on November 19 ; St Theodore the Archbishop of Rostov, Commemorated on November 28 ; St Anatolius the Patriarch of Constantinople ; First Council of Constantinople; Second Council of Constantinople ; Third Council of Constantinople ; (Quinisext Council Council in Trullo ); Icon of the Mother of God of Armatia ; Icon of the Mother of God "the Merciful", Commemorated November 12 ; Holy Woman Olympias (Olympiada) the Deaconess of Constantinople ; Martyr John the Soldier at Constantinople ; Martyr Eleutherius at Constantinople, Commemorated on December 15; Martyr Julian of Constantinople ; Restoration of the Temple of the 40 Martyrs ; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23 ; St George Limniotes the Confessor of Mt. Olympus, Commemorated on August 24 ; St Menas the Patriarch of Constantinople ; St Alexander the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 30 ; The Placing of the Cincture (Sash) of the Most Holy Mother of God, Commemorated on August 31 ; St John the Faster the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 2 St Gennadius the Patriarch of Constantinople ; St John the Faster the Patriarch of Constantinople ; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; Repose of St John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 14; Monkmartyr Joseph of Dionysiou on Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 14 ; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 1 ; Venerable Philotheus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 8 ; Icon of the Mother of God œJerusalemÂ, Commemorated on October 12 ; Translation of the relics of St Lazarus œof the Four Days in the TombÂ the Bishop of Kiteia on Cyprus, Commemorated on October 17 ; Martyr Marcian the Notary of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 25 ; Commemoration of the Great Earthquake at Constantinople, Commemorated on October 26 ; Venerable Athanasius the Younger the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 28 ; St Paul the Confessor the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 6 ; Venerable Barlaam the Abbot of Khutyn, Novgorod, Commemorated on November 6 ; Venerable Matrona the Abbess of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; St Eustolia of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Repose of St Stephen of Dechani, Serbia, Commemorated on November 11 ; Venerable Theodore the Confessor the Abbot of the Studion, Commemorated on November 11 ; St John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 12; Byzantine-“Persian War of 602-“628; Venerable Nilus the Faster of Sinai, Commemorated on November 12; St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 13; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated November 14 ; St Justinian the Emperor, Commemorated on November 14 ; St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20 ; St Gregory the Bishop of Agrigentum, Commemorated on November 23 ; Venerable Alypius the Stylite of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on November 26 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Tsarskoe Selo, Commemorated on November 27 ; Martyr Anna, Commemorated November 28 ; St Theodore the Archbishop of Rostov, Commemorated on November 28 ; Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called, Commemorated November 30 ; Greatmartyr Barbara at Heliopolis, in Syria, Commemorated December 4 ; Hieromonk Seraphim, Bishop of the Phanar, Commemorated on December 4 ; Martyr John of Damascus, Commemorated December 4 ; Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on December 10 ; Venerable Arsenius of Latros, Commemorated on December 13 ; Martyr Eleutherius at Constantinople, Commemorated on December 15; St Stephen the Confessor the Archbishop of Surozha in the Crimea, Commemorated on December 15 ; St Florus the Bishop of Amisus, Commemorated on December 18 ; Venerable George the Scribe, of Khakhuli, Commemorated on December 19 ; Great Martyr Anastasía the Deliverer from Poisons, her teacher, Martyr Chrysógonos, and many with them, Commemorated on December 22; 10 Holy Martyrs of Crete, Commemorated on December 23; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople; Blessed Andrew the Fool-For-Christ at Constantinople; Martyr Polychronius the Presbyter; Venerable Philotheus the Patriarch of Constantinople; St Bassian of Constantinople, Commemorated October 10 ; WILLIAM DWIGHT PORTER BLISS; Translation of the relics of St Lazarus "of the Four Days in the Tomb" the Bishop of Kiteia on Cyprus; St Ignatius the Patriarch of Constantinople; St Athanasius the Patriarch of Constantinople; Martyr Marcian the Notary of Constantinople ; Commemoration of the Great Earthquake at Constantinople; Venerable Athanasius the Younger the Patriarch of Constantinople; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 29; a href="http://oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?FSID=103131">St Maura of Constantinople; St Paul the Confessor the Archbishop of Constantinople; Venerable Nilus the Faster of Sinai, Commemorated November 12 ; St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople ; Monk Martyr Damascene of the Lavra; Venerable Lazarus the Iconographer, of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 17; St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20; Martyr Anna; St John the Silent of St Sabbas Monastery, Commemorated December 3 ; St Theodoulus the Eparch of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 3 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated on December 8 ; St Stephen the œNew LightÂ of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 9 ; Martyr Menas of Alexandria; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11 ; Martyr Eleutherius at Constantinople, Commemorated December 15 ; Blessed Empress Theophano, Commemorated December 16 ; Venerable Daniel the Confessor (in Schema Stephen) of Spain, and Egypt, Commemorated on December 17 ; St Florus the Bishop of Amisus; St Michael the Confessor at Constantinople, Commemorated December 18 ; Venerable George the Scribe, of Khakhuli, Commemorated on December 19 ; New-martyr John of Thasos, Commemorated on December 20 ; Repose of St Peter the Metropolitan of Moscow and Wonderworker of All Russia, Commemorated on December 21 ; Greatmartyr Anastasia the "Deliverer from Potions", Commemorated December 22 ; 10 Holy Martyrs of Crete, Commemorated on December 23 ; St Niphon the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated December 23 ; Venerable Evarestus of the Studion Monastery, Commemorated on December 26 ; St Theodore the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated December 27 ; Venerable Theodore Graptus, "the branded," Confessor, Commemorated December 27 ; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the "Unsleeping Ones", Commemorated December 29 ; Venerable Thaddeus the Confessor of the Studion, Commemorated on December 29; Martyr Zoticus the Keeper of Orphans, Commemorated December 30 ; Venerable Theodora of Constantinople, Commemorated December 30 ; St Basil the Great the Archbishop of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated January 1 ; Martyr Basil of Ancyra, Commemorated January 1 ; Venerable Romanus the Martyr, Commemorated January 5 ; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John; Venerable Domnica of Constantinople, Commemorated January 8 ; St Marcian the Presbyter in Constantinople, Commemorated January 10 ; Venerable Theodosius the Metropolitan of Trebizond, Commemorated on January 11 ; Martyr Hermylus of Belgrade, Commemorated January 13 ; Venerable Maximus Kavsokalyvites of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 13 ; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14 ; Venerable John Calabytes "the Hut-Dweller", Commemorated January 15 ; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15 ; Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy and All-Glorious Apostle Peter, Commemorated on January 16 ; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17 ; Emperor Theodosius the Great, Commemorated January 17 ; Venerable Anthony of Dymsk, Novgorod, Commemorated on January 17 ; St Ephraim the Lesser, Commemorated January 18 ; Venerable Hieromonk Alexei of Teklati, Commemorated on January 18 ; St Mark the Archbishop of Ephesus, Commemorated on January 19 ; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20 ; St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated January 21 ; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated January 22 ; Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Sixth Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on January 23 ; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 25; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Theodore the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated January 26 ; New Martyr Auxentius of Constantinople, Commemorated January 25 ; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25 ; St Moses the Archbishop of Novgorod, Commemorated on January 25 ; Venerable Xenophon of Constantinople, Commemorated January 26 ; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 26 ; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 27 ; St Ephraim the Bishop of Pereyaslavl, Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Commemorated Janaury 28 ; Martyr Ashot Curapalati, King of of Artanuji, Commemorated on January 29 ; Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated January 30 ; Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, Commemorated on January 30 ; Martyr Theophilus the New in Cyprus, Commemorated on January 30 ; Martyr Tryphon of Campsada Near Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple, Commemorated on February 2 ; Holy, Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver, Commemorated on February 3 ; Venerable Nicholas the Confessor the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated on February 4 ; St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6; St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6 ; Virginmarty Fausta at Cyzicus, Commemorated February 6 ; Righteous Theodora, wife of the Emperor Theophilus, the Iconoclast, Commemorated February 11; Icon of the Mother of God "Iveron", Commemorated February 12 ; St Anthony the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated February 12 ; St Kristo the Gardener of Albania, Commemorated February 12 ; St Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated February 12; Venerable Mary (who was called Marinus), and her father at Alexandria, Commemorated February 12 ; Venerable Stephen (In Monasticism Simeon), the Myrrhgusher and Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on February 13 ; 12 Greeks who built the Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Lavra, Commemorated on February 14; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869) ; Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro (œthe RecruitÂ), Commemorated on February 17; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; New Martyr Theodore; St Flavian the Confessor the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 18 ; St Rabulas of Samosata, Commemorated February 19 ; St Athanasius the Confessor of Constantinople, Commemorated February 22 ; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John; St Tarasius the Archbishop of Constantinople; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869) ; Repose of St Cyril, Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Commemorated on February 14 ; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro (œthe RecruitÂ), Commemorated on February 17; Hieromartyr Theodore of Atchara, Commemorated February 17; St Joseph of Dionysiou, Commemorated February 17 ; St Flavian the Confessor the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 18 ; Martyr Philothea the Monastic, Commemorated on February 19 ; St George the Bishop of Amastris on the Black Sea, Commemorated February 21 ; Venerable Timothy of Symbola in Bithynia, Commemorated February 21 ; Uncovering of the relics of the Holy Martyrs at the Gate of Eugenius at Constantinople, Commemorated on February 22 ; Venerable Alexander the founder of the Monastery, of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on February 23; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated on February 24; St Tarasius the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 25; New Martyr John Kalphes, the Apprentice, Commemorated on February 26; St Stephen of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 27 ; Martyr Theokteristus, Commemorated on February 28 ; Venerable Basil the Confessor, companion of the Venerable Procopius at Decapolis, Commemorated on February 28 ; Venerable John Cassian the Roman, Commemorated on February 28; Icon of the Mother of God of Volokolamsk, Commemorated on March 3; St John the New Martyr of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 5; 42 Martyrs of Ammoria in Phrygia, Commemorated on March 6 ; Icon of the Mother of God œCzestochowaÂ, Commemorated on March 6; St Theophylactus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 8; 1st Saturday of Great Lent: The Miracle of the Boiled Wheat, Commemorated March 8; Venerable Lazarus of Murom, Commemorated on March 8; Memorial Saturday of Meatfare, Commemorated on March 9; GREGORY OF NYSSA, (9 MAR 395); Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9 ; Martyr Anastasia the Patrician of Alexandria, Commemorated on March 10; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604); Icon œNot Made by HandsÂ from Lydda, Commemorated on March 12; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; Venerable Simeon the New Theologian, Commemorated on March 12 ; Venerable Theophanes the Confessor of Sigriane, Commemorated on March 12; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13 ; St Euschemon the Confessor and Bishop of Lampsacus, Commemorated on March 14; St Theognostus the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia, Commemorated on March 14; Hieromartyr Gabriel the Lesser, Commemorated on March 17 ; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); Martyr Trophimus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 18 ; St Innocent of Komel the Disciple of St Nilus of Sora, Vologda, Commemorated on March 19 ; St James the Confessor the Bishop of Catania, Commemorated on March 21; St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21 ; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on March 22; Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; 1st Saturday of Great Lent: The Miracle of the Boiled Wheat, Commemorated on March 23; Venerable Basil the New, Anchorite, Near Constantinople, Commemorated on March 26; Venerable Hilarion the New the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on March 28; Venerable Stephen the Wonderworker the Abbot of Tryglia, Commemorated on March 28; Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of œthe LadderÂ, Commemorated on March 30; Repose of St Jonah the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on March 31; Venerable Macarius the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on April 1; Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, Commemorated on April 2; Venerable Nicetas the Confessor the Abbot of Medikion, Commemorated on April 3; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; St Plato the Confessor of Studion, Commemorated on April 5; 120 Martyrs of Persia, Commemorated on April 6; St Eutychius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 6; Venerable Gregory the Byzantine, Commemorated on April 6; Martyr Rufinus the Deacon at Sinope, Commemorated on April 7; St George the Confessor the Bishop of Mitylene, Commemorated on April 7; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8; St Niphon the Bishop of Novgorod, Commemorated on April 8; New Martyr Raphael of Lesbos, Commemorated on April 9; St Callinicus of Cernica the Bishop of Rimnicului in Romania, Commemorated on April 11; Venerable Anthusa the Virginmartyr of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 12; Venerable Athanasia the Abbess of Aegina, Commemorated on April 12; St Isaac the Syrian, Abbot of Spoleto, Commemorated on April 12; Womanmartyr Thomais of Alexandria, Commemorated on April 13; Icon of the Mother of God of Vilnius, Commemorated on April 14; Martyr Anthony of Vilnius, Lithuania, Commemorated on April 14 ; St Martin the Confessor the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 14; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17 ; St Agapitus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 17 ; New Martyr John the New of Epirus, Commemorated on April 18 ; St Cosmas the Bishop of Chalcedon, Commemorated on April 18; Venerable John the Disciple of the Venerable Gregory of Decapolis, Commemorated on April 18; St Tryphon the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 19; Venerable Nicephorus the Abbot of Catabad, Commemorated on April 19; St George the Confessor and Bishop of Antioch, in Pisidia, Commemorated on April 19; St Theotimus the Bishop of Lesser Scythia, Commemorated on April 20; Venerable Theodore Trichinas œthe Hair-Shirt WearerÂ and Hermit Near Constantinople, Commemorated on April 20; GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE; Deportation of Armenian notables in 1915; St Maximian the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 21; St Theodore the Sykeote the Bishop of Anastasiopolis, Commemorated on April 22; St Elizabeth the Wonderworker of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 24; GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE 1915-1923, Commemorated April 24; MARTYRS OF ARMENIA, 24 April 1915 ; Venerable Thomas the Fool of Syria, Commemorated on April 24; Icon of the Mother of God of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 25; Martyrs of Lazeti, Commemorated on April 29; Martyr Theognes at Cyzicus, Commemorated on April 29; New Martyr Acacius the Martyr of Mt Athos and Seres, Commemorated on May 1; New Martyr Ignatius the Martyr of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; New Martyr Euthymius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; Right-believing Tamara, Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on May 1; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2 ; Martyr Timothy the Reader and his wife in Egypt, Commemorated on May 3; St Michael of Ulompo, Georgia, Commemorated on May 3 ; St Peter the Wonderworker and Bishop of Argos, Commemorated on May 3; Martyr Acacius the Centurion at Byzantium, Commemorated on May 7; St Akaki Asistavi of Georgia, Commemorated on May 7; Venerable Nilus the Myrrhgusher of Lavra of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 7 ; Venerable Arsenius the Great, Commemorated on May 8; Holy Queen Tamara, Commemorated on May 8 ; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 11; St Germanus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 12; Martyr John the Wallachian of Romania, Commemorated on May 12; St Pausicacus the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 13; St Euthymius of Athos the translator, Commemorated on May 13; St George the Confessor, with his wife and children of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 13; St Euthymius the New, Founder of the Iveron Monastery and His Fellow Georgian Saints of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13; St Pausicacus the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 13; St Leontius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on May 14; St Stephen the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 17; Equal of the Apostles and Emperor Constantine with his Mother Helen, Commemorated on May 21; Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Second Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on May 22; Third Finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated on May 25; Hieromartyr Therapon the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 25; St John Psichaita the Confessor, of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 26; Virginmartyr Theodosia of Tyre, Commemorated on May 29; Virginmartyr Theodosia the Nun of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 29; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on May 30; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4; Venerable Hilarion the New, Abbot of the Dalmatian Monastery, Commemorated on June 6; Hieromartyr Timothy the Bishop of Prusa, Commemorated on June 10; Martyr Alexander at Constantinople, Commemorated on June 10; Commemoration of the Appearance of the Archangel Gabriel to a Monk on Mt. Athos, and the Revelation of the Hymn, œIt Is Truly Meet...Â Or Axion Estin, Commemorated on June 11; Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Syria, Commemorated on June 13; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; St John of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; St Methodius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 14; Translation of the relics of St Theodore the Sykeote, Commemorated on June 15; Martyr Tigrius the Presbyter of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 16; Martyr Manuel of Persia, Commemorated on June 17; St Callistus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 20; St Julius the Presbyter of Novara, Commemorated on June 21; Martyr Juliana of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 22; Virginmartyr Febronia of Nisibis, Commemorated on June 25; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or œthe RomanÂ, Commemorated on June 26; St Sampson the Hospitable of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 27; Synaxis of the Holy, Glorious and All-Praised Twelve Apostles, Commemorated on June 30; New Martyr Argyra, Commemorated on April 30; Prophet Isaiah, Commemorated on May 9 ; Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 11 ; Hieromartyr Mocius the Presbyter of Amphipolis in Macedonia, Commemorated on May 11; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 17; Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Second Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on May 22; Venerable Euphrosyne the Abbess of Polotsk, Commemorated on May 23; Third Finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated on May 25; Icon of the Mother of God œthe Unbreakable WallÂ, Commemorated on May 28; Virginmartyr Theodosia the Nun of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 29 ; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on May 30 ; Saint Nikēphóros the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 2; Blessed Constantine the Metropolitan of Kiev, Commemorated on June 5; Venerable Theodore the Wonderworker and Hermit of the Jordan, Commemorated on June 5; Venerable Hilarion the New, Abbot of the Dalmatian Monastery, Commemorated on June 6; Hieromartyr Timothy the Bishop of Prusa, Commemorated on June 10; Martyr Alexander at Constantinople, Commemorated on June 10; Commemoration of the Appearance of the Archangel Gabriel to a Monk on Mt. Athos, and the Revelation of the Hymn, œIt Is Truly Meet...Â Or Axion Estin, Commemorated on June 11; St (John) Tornike of Mt Athos, Commemorated on June 12; Venerable Peter of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on June 12 ; St Triphyllius the Bishop of Leucosia (Nicosia) in Cyprus, Commemorated on June 13; St Jonah the Metropolitan of Moscow, Commemorated on June 15; Right-believing Prince Lazarus the Great Martyr of Serbia, Commemorated on June 15; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; Translation of the relics of St Theodore the Sykeote, Commemorated on June 15; Martyr Tigrius the Presbyter of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 16; Martyr Manuel of Persia, Commemorated on June 17; St Callistus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 20; St Julius the Presbyter of Novara, Commemorated on June 21; Martyr Juliana of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 22 ; Martyr Agrippina of Rome, Commemorated on June 23; Venerable Anthony the Abbot of Dymsk, Novgorod, Commemorated on June 24; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or œthe RomanÂ, Commemorated on June 26; St Dionysius the Archbishop of Suzdal, Commemorated on June 26; St Sampson the Hospitable of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 27; Synaxis of the Holy, Glorious and All-Praised Twelve Apostles, Commemorated on June 30; Venerable Peter of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 1; St Photius the Metropolitan of Kiev, Commemorated on July 2; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2; Burial of St Andrew the Prince, Commemorated on July 4 ; St Andrew the Archbishop of Crete, Commemorated on July 4; Icon of the Mother of God of Galatea, Commemorated on July 4 ; Venerable Athanasius the Founder of the Great Lavra and Coenobitic Monasticism on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on July 5 ;

Constantinople, 381, Second Ecumenical Council, (Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn)
Constantinople; Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Second Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on May 22;

Deutera Rome (Second Rome, Constantinople) St Anne, mother of Theotokos
Deutera Rome (Second Rome, Constantinople); Dormition of the Righteous Anna, the Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos, Commemorated on July 25 ; Anna was the daughter of the priest Matthan and his wife Mary. She was of the tribe of Levi and the lineage of Aaron. According to Tradition, she died peacefully in Jerusalem at age 79, before the Annunciation to the Most Holy Theotokos. the reign of Saint Justinian the Emperor (527-565), a church was built in her honor at Deutera. Emperor Justinian II (685-695; 705-711) restored her church, since Saint Anna had appeared to his pregnant wife. It was at this time that her body and maphorion (veil) were transferred to Constantinople. of Saint Anna’s holy relics may be found on Mount Athos: Stavronikita Monastery (part of her left hand), Saint Anna’s Skete (part of her incorrupt left foot), Koutloumousiou Monastery (part of her incorrupt right foot). Fragments of her relics may also be found in her Monastery at Lygaria, Lamia, and in the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian at Sourota. Part of the saint’s incorrupt flesh is in the collection of Saints’ relics of the International Catholic Crusaders. The church of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome has one of the saint’s wrists. Anna is also commemorated on September 9.

7 Hills of Constantinople Folder

1st Hill of Constantinople - Byzantium
1st Hill of Constantinople - Byzantium;

2nd Hill of Constantinople - Grand Bazaar
2nd Hill of Constantinople - Grand Bazaar;

3rd Hill of Constantinople - Istanbul University
3rd Hill of Constantinople - Istanbul University;

4th Hill of Constantiniple - Church of the Apostles
4th Hill of Constantiniple - Church of the Apostles;

5th Hill of Constantinople - Mosque of Sultan Selim
5th Hill of Constantinople - Mosque of Sultan Selim;

6th Hill of Constantinople - Blachernae Church
6th Hill of Constantinople - Blachernae Church;

7th Hill of Constantinople -Topkapi Faith of Xerolophos
7th Hill of Constantinople -Topkapi Faith; The seventh hill, known in Byzantine times as the Xērolophos (Greek: ξηρόλοφος), or "dry hill," it extends from Aksaray to the Theodosian Walls and the Marmara. It is a broad hill with three summits producing a triangle with apices at Topkapı , Aksaray, and Yedikule Venerable Cassianḗ the Hymnographer, Commemorated on September 7;

7th Hill of Constantinople - Church of Peribleptos of Xerolophos
7th Hill of Constantinople - Church of Peribleptos; The seventh hill, known in Byzantine times as the Xērolophos (Greek: ξηρόλοφος), or "dry hill," it extends from Aksaray to the Theodosian Walls and the Marmara. It is a broad hill with three summits producing a triangle with apices at Topkapı , Aksaray, and Yedikule Venerable Cassianḗ the Hymnographer, Commemorated on September 7;

7th Hill of Constantinople - Yedikule of Xerolophos
7th Hill of Constantinople - Yedikule; The seventh hill, known in Byzantine times as the Xērolophos (Greek: ξηρόλοφος), or "dry hill," it extends from Aksaray to the Theodosian Walls and the Marmara. It is a broad hill with three summits producing a triangle with apices at Topkapı , Aksaray, and Yedikule Venerable Cassianḗ the Hymnographer, Commemorated on September 7;

Walls of Constantinople Folder

Walls of Constantinople - Outer Wall around the shoreline, 8 miles
Walls of Constantinople - Mesoteichion Wall; Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 11;

Walls of Constantinople - Mesoteichion Wall, Blachernae and Studion
Walls of Constantinople - Mesoteichion Wall; Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 11;

Walls of Constantinople - Constantine's Wall
Walls of Constantinople - Constantine's Wall;

Walls of Constantinople - Severan Wall
Walls of Constantinople - Severan Wall;

Walls of Constantinople - Downtown Byzantium
Walls of Constantinople - Downtown Byzantium; Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 11;

Byzantium, 667 BC-330 (Greek and Roman Empire)
Byzantium; Martyr Theodota at Nicea, Commemorated on September 17;

Byzantium, 330-1453 Bryzantine Empire, Constantinople
Byzantium; Byzantine Empire; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Lord at Moscow, Commemorated on July 10 ; St Olga the Princess of Russia, in Holy Baptism Called Helen, Commemorated on July 11; Equal of the Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, in Holy Baptism Basil, the Enlightener of the Russian Land, Commemorated on July 15 ; Dormition of the Righteous Anna, the Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos, Commemorated on July 25; Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Adrian of Nicomedia, Commemorated on August 26 ; Commemoration of the apparition of the Pillar with the Robe of the Lord under it at Mtskheta in Georgia, Commemorated on October 1; Venerable Nestor the Chronicler of the Kiev Caves, Commemorated on October 27 ; Princess Anna Vsevolodna, Commemorated on November 3 ; St Justinian the Emperor, Commemorated on November 14 ; ANDREW THE APOSTLE, (30 NOV NT) ; Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called, Commemorated November 30 ; Hierarch Peter, First Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on November 30 ; Martyr Adrian of Nicomedia; New Martyr Isaac of Georgia; Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Commemorated October 31 ; St Justinian the Emperor; Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called, Commemorated November 30 ; Hierarch Samuel, Second Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on November 30 ; Martyr Eleutherius at Constantinople, Commemorated on December 15; St Florus the Bishop of Amisus, Commemorated on December 18 ; Venerable George the Scribe, of Khakhuli, Commemorated on December 19 ; Hieromartyr Euthymius the Bishop of Sardis, Commemorated on December 26 ; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the "Unsleeping Ones", Commemorated December 29 ; Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Venerable John Calabytes "œthe Hut-Dweller"Â, Commemorated on January 15; St Mark the Archbishop of Ephesus, Commemorated on January 19 ; Martyr Ashot Curapalati, King of of Artanuji, Commemorated on January 29 ; Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated January 30 ; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6; Righteous Theodora, wife of the Emperor Theophilus, the Iconoclast, Commemorated February 11; Icon of the Mother of God "Iveron", Commemorated February 12 ; Venerable Stephen (In Monasticism Simeon), the Myrrhgusher and Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on February 13; 12 Greeks who built the Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Lavra, Commemorated on February 14; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; Venerable Alexander the founder of the Monastery, of the "œUnsleeping Ones"Â, Commemorated on February 23; Byzantium Emperor Marcian (450-457); Hieromartyr Proterius the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 28; St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; Venerable Publius of Egypt, Commemorated on April 5 ; 120 Martyrs of Persia, Commemorated on April 6; Venerable Gregory the Byzantine, Commemorated on April 6; St Eutychius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 6 ; St George the Confessor the Bishop of Mitylene, Commemorated on April 7; St Isaac the Syrian, Abbot of Spoleto, Commemorated on April 12; Venerable Thomas the Fool of Syria, Commemorated on April 24; Martyrs of Lazeti, Commemorated on April 29; Martyr Acacius the Centurion at Byzantium, Commemorated on May 7; St Akaki Asistavi of Georgia, Commemorated on May 7; Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 11 ; Hieromartyr Mocius the Presbyter of Amphipolis in Macedonia, Commemorated on May 11; Martyr Alexander of Rome, Commemorated on May 13; St Euthymius of Athos the translator, Commemorated on May 13; Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Second Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on May 22; Martyr Lucillian and those who suffered with him at Byzantium, Commemorated on June 3; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4; St (John) Tornike of Mt Athos, Commemorated on June 12; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26; Jacob Riis of WALTER RAUSCHENBUSCH, WASHINGTON GLADDEN, and JACOB RIIS, PROPHETIC WITNESSES, 1918, 1918, 1914, Commemorated July 2;

Constantinople, 1453-1922, Ottoman Empire in Constantinople, Sunni (the Turks)
Ottoman Empire in Constantinople, 1453-1922, Sunni (the Turks) ; Fall of Constantinople (1453); Blessed Stephen the Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on December 10 ; Venerable Romanus the Martyr, Commemorated January 5 ; Hieromartyr Theodore of Atchara, Commemorated February 17; Martyr Philothea the Monastic, Commemorated on February 19 ; Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; New Martyr Nicetas of Pojani and Serres, Commemorated on April 4; New Martyr Raphael of Lesbos, Commemorated on April 9; St Eleni (who was also called Susanna), New martyr of Lesbos, Commemorated on April 9; St Callinicus of Cernica the Bishop of Rimnicului in Romania, Commemorated on April 11; Venerable Acacius the Younger of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 12; GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE 1915-1923, Commemorated April 24; MARTYRS OF ARMENIA, 24 April 1915 ; Martyrs of Lazeti, Commemorated on April 29; New Martyr Argyra, Commemorated on April 30; New Martyr Ignatius the Martyr of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; St Zosimas II of Kumurdo, Commemorated on May 1;

Crimea, Gateway to Russia (through Dnieper (Varangian) Trade Route or Muravsky Trail)
Crimea; Crimean Tartars; Equal of the Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, in Holy Baptism Basil, the Enlightener of the Russian Land, Commemorated on July 15 ; Blessed Laurence the Fool-For-Christ at Kaluga, Commemorated on August 10 ; Intercession of the œDonÂ Icon of the Mother of God against the Tatars Attack, Commemorated on August 19; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Repose of the New-Hieromartyr Cosmas of Aitolia, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on August 24; Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called, Commemorated November 30 ; St Stephen the Confessor the Archbishop of Surozha in the Crimea, Commemorated on December 15 ; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Theodore the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated January 26 ; Icon of the Mother of God œElets-ChernigovÂ, Commemorated on February 5 ; St Joachim, First Bishop of Novgorod, Commemorated February 10 ; Repose of St Cyril, Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Commemorated on February 14; Hieromartyr Basil of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7 ; Hieromartyr Capiton of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7 ; Hieromartyr Eugene of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7 ; Venerable Nikon the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on March 23; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; Icon of the Mother of God of Kasperov, Commemorated on April 5; St Methodius, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Moravia, Enlightener of the Slavs, Commemorated on April 6; St George the Confessor the Bishop of Mitylene, Commemorated on April 7; St Martin the Confessor the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 14; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Methodius, Commemorated on May 11; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Ephraim the Abbot of Perekop, Novgorod, Commemorated on May 16; St John the Bishop of the Goths in the Crimea, Commemorated on May 19; Hieromartyr Kirion II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Commemorated on June 27; Icon of the Mother of God of Kasperov, Commemorated on June 29; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Crimea, in the Byzantine and Roman Empires until Vladimir in 988, Rus Baptism time
Crimea; Crimean Tartars; Equal of the Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, in Holy Baptism Basil, the Enlightener of the Russian Land, Commemorated on July 15 ; Blessed Laurence the Fool-For-Christ at Kaluga, Commemorated on August 10 ; Intercession of the œDonÂ Icon of the Mother of God against the Tatars Attack, Commemorated on August 19; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Repose of the New-Hieromartyr Cosmas of Aitolia, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on August 24; Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called, Commemorated November 30 ; St Stephen the Confessor the Archbishop of Surozha in the Crimea, Commemorated on December 15 ; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Theodore the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated January 26 ; Icon of the Mother of God œElets-ChernigovÂ, Commemorated on February 5 ; St Joachim, First Bishop of Novgorod, Commemorated February 10 ; Repose of St Cyril, Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Commemorated on February 14; Hieromartyr Basil of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7 ; Hieromartyr Capiton of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7 ; Hieromartyr Eugene of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7 ; Venerable Nikon the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on March 23; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; Icon of the Mother of God of Kasperov, Commemorated on April 5; St Methodius, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Moravia, Enlightener of the Slavs, Commemorated on April 6; St George the Confessor the Bishop of Mitylene, Commemorated on April 7; St Martin the Confessor the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 14; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Methodius, Commemorated on May 11; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Ephraim the Abbot of Perekop, Novgorod, Commemorated on May 16; St John the Bishop of the Goths in the Crimea, Commemorated on May 19; Hieromartyr Kirion II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Commemorated on June 27; Icon of the Mother of God of Kasperov, Commemorated on June 29; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Cherson, Crimea, Byzantine Empire, Cherson is the Greek Name
Korsun, Crimea ; Korsun, , the Greek name for Cherson; Equal of the Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, in Holy Baptism Basil, the Enlightener of the Russian Land, Commemorated on July 15; Equal of the Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, in Holy Baptism Basil, the Enlightener of the Russian Land, Commemorated on July 15; Icon of the Mother of God of Minsk, Commemorated on August 13 ; Repose of the New-Hieromartyr Cosmas of Aitolia, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on August 24; Icon of the Mother of God of Korsun, Commemorated on October 9; St Joachim, First Bishop of Novgorod, Commemorated February 10 ; The Holy Hieromartyrs of Cherson: Basil, Ephraim, Capito, Eugene, Aetherius, Elpidius, and Agathodorus, Commemorated on March 7; Icon of the Mother of God of Kasperov, Commemorated on April 5; St Methodius, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Moravia, Enlightener of the Slavs, Commemorated on April 6; St George the Confessor the Bishop of Mitylene, Commemorated on April 7; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Methodius, Commemorated on May 11; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Methodius, Commemorated on May 11 and April 6 ; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Cyril, Commemorated on May 11 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Kasperov, Commemorated on June 29; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Crimea, Angelic Church of Pope Clement, Cherson, Crimea, Roman Empire, 101-867
Crimea, 101-867, Angelic Church of Pope Clement, Cherson, Crimea; Cherson, Crimea; Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated November 25 ;

Lycus River

Via Egnatia Folder (Main East West Roman Road)

Via Egnatia (The East West Roman Road)
Key towns along the Via Egnatia East West Roman Road Listed from west to east: Ancient name Modern name Modern country Dyrrachium, later Epidamnos DurrÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â«s Albania Claudiana Peqin Albania Apollonia By the village of Pojani (7 km W of Fier) Albania Masio Scampa Elbasan Albania Lychnida Ohrid North Macedonia Resen Resen North Macedonia Heraclea Bitola North Macedonia Florina Florina Greece Edessa Edessa Greece Pella Pella Greece Thessalonike Thessaloniki Greece Pydna Possibly Kitros, 6 km SW of modern Pydna Greece Amphipolis Amfipoli Greece Philippi 14 km NW of Kavala Greece Neapolis Kavala Greece Traianoupolis Traianoupoli Greece Kypsela ÃƒÂ„Ã‚Â°psala Turkey Aenus Enez Turkey Aproi (Apros, Apris, AprÃƒÂ„Ã‚Â«) Village of Kermeyan Turkey Adrianople Edirne (not on the main Via Egnatia) Turkey Perinthus, later Heraclea Village of MarmaraereÃƒÂ„Ã‚ÂŸlisi Turkey Caenophrurium Sinekli in Silivri district Turkey Selymbria Silivri Turkey Melantias Turkey Rhegion KÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¼ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â§ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¼kÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â§ekmece, 15 km W of Istanbul Turkey Byzantium, later Constantinople Istanbul Turkey

Via Egnatia - Bottom of the K Triangle Claudiana to Thessalonica

Via Egnatia - Pydna to Thessalonica

Via Egnatia - Kypsela to Perinthus

Via Egnatia - Enos to Kypsela

A Patch

Constantinople History Folder

Constantinople, 000, 1st Century Folder, St Andrew

Constantinople, 30-54, Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Bishop of Byzantium
Constantinople, 30-54, Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Bishop of Byzantium; the Apostle (died 54) was the second bishop of Byzantium, from AD 38 to AD 54. seemed to be closely connected to Saint Andrew and Saint Paul. quotes Origen as saying that Andrew had preached in Asia Minor and in Scythia, along the Black Sea as far as the Volga and Kiev, hence he became a patron saint of Romania and Russia. to tradition, Saint Andrew founded the See of Byzantium in 38, installing Stachys as bishop (the only bishopric in that neighbourhood before that time had been established at Heraclea). See would later develop into the Patriarchate of Constantinople, having Apostle Andrew as its Patron Saint. was not clear if Stachys was the same person whom Paul calls "dear" in the Epistle to the Romans (Rom. 16:9), but anyway, he is always associated in traditions with five other apostles (Ampliatus, Urban, Apelles, Aristobulus and Narcissus) that are the very same names mentioned together with him by Paul in Romans 16:8-11. His feast day is on October 31. Byzantium; Byzantine Empire; Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31;

Constantinople, 30-60, Andrew tApostle, in Byzantium, Peter's bro, partriach oConstantinople, plus 8 other places
Constantinople, 30-60, Andrew tApostle, in Byzantium, Peter's bro, partriach oConstantinople, plus Scythia, Romania, Black Sea, Russia, Kiev, Novgorod, Thrace Bulgaria, Achaea Greece; Constantinople, 1st Century, Saint Andrew the Apostle, Byzantium ; the Apostle, also called Saint Andrew, was an apostle of Jesus according to the New Testament. is the brother of Saint Peter.[4] He is referred to in the Orthodox tradition as the First-Called. to Orthodox tradition, the apostolic successor to Saint Andrew is the Patriarch of Constantinople.[5] The Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew by Caravaggio (1603–1606) Crucifixion of Saint Andrew, by Juan Correa de Vivar (1540–1545) name "Andrew" (Greek: manly, brave, from ἀνδρεία, Andreia, "manhood, valour"), like other Greek names, appears to have been common among the Jews and other Hellenized people of Judea. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him. the Apostle was born between 5 and 10 AD[6] in Bethsaida, in Galilee.[7] New Testament states that Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter,[8] and likewise a son of Jonah. first striking characteristic of Andrew is his name: it is not Hebrew, as might have been expected, but Greek, of a certain cultural openness in his family that cannot be ignored. We are in Galilee, where the Greek language and culture are quite present."[9] he and his brother Peter were fishermen by trade, hence the tradition that Jesus called them to be his disciples by saying that he will make them "fishers of men" (Greek: ἁλιεῖς ἀνθρώπων, halieis anthrōpōn).[10] the beginning of Jesus' public life, they were said to have occupied the same house at Capernaum. the Gospel of Matthew[11] and in the Gospel of Mark[12] Simon Peter and Andrew were both called together to become disciples of Jesus and "fishers of men". These narratives record that Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, observed Simon and Andrew fishing, and called them to discipleship. the parallel incident in the Gospel of Luke[13] Andrew is not named, nor is reference made to Simon having a brother. In this narrative, Jesus initially used a boat, solely described as being Simon's, as a platform for preaching to the multitudes on the shore and then as a means to achieving a huge trawl of fish on a night which had hitherto proved fruitless. The narrative indicates that Simon was not the only fisherman in the boat (they signalled to their partners in the other boat …[14] but it is not until the next chapter[15] that Andrew is named as Simon's brother. However, it is generally understood that Andrew was fishing with Simon on the night in question. Matthew Poole, in his Annotations on the Holy Bible, stressed that 'Luke denies not that Andrew was there'.[16] contrast, the Gospel of John[17] states that Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, whose testimony first led him, and another unnamed disciple of John the Baptist, to follow Jesus. at once recognized Jesus as the Messiah, and hastened to introduce him to his brother.[18] The Byzantine Church honours him with the name Protokletos, which means "the first called".[9] Thenceforth, the two brothers were disciples of Christ. On a subsequent occasion, prior to the final call to the apostolate, they were called to a closer companionship, and then they left all things to follow Jesus. in the gospels, Andrew is referred to as being present on some important occasions as one of the disciples more closely attached to Jesus.[a] Andrew told Jesus about the boy with the loaves and fishes,[19] and when Philip wanted to tell Jesus about certain Greeks seeking Him, he told Andrew first.[20] Andrew was present at the Last Supper.[21] Andrew was one of the four disciples who came to Jesus on the Mount of Olives to ask about the signs of Jesus' return at the "end of the age".[22] in his Church History 3.1 quoted Origen as saying that Andrew preached in Scythia. Chronicle of Nestor adds that he preached along the Black Sea and the Dnieper river as far as Kiev, from there he travelled to Novgorod. he became a patron saint of Ukraine, Romania and Russia. to Hippolytus of Rome, Andrew preached in Thrace, and his presence in Byzantium is mentioned in the apocryphal Acts of Andrew. to tradition, he founded the See of Byzantium (later Constantinople and Istanbul) in AD 38, installing Stachys as bishop. diocese would later develop into the Patriarchate of Constantinople. along with Saint Stachys, is recognized as the patron saint of the Patriarchate.[23] of Seleucia also knew of Apostle Andrew's missions in Thrace, Scythia and Achaea.[24] is said to have been martyred by crucifixion at the city of Patras (Patræ) in Achaea, in AD 60.[21] texts, such as the Acts of Andrew known to Gregory of Tours,[25] describe Andrew as bound, not nailed, to a Latin cross of the kind on which Jesus is said to have been crucified; yet a tradition developed that Andrew had been crucified on a cross of the form called crux decussata (X-shaped cross, or "saltire"), now commonly known as a "Saint Andrew's Cross" — supposedly at his own request, as he deemed himself unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross as Jesus had been.[b] iconography of the martyrdom of Andrew — showing him bound to an X-shaped cross — does not appear to have been standardized until the later Middle Ages.[26][c] Acts of Andrew[edit] of Saint Andrew in the Nuremberg Chronicle Main article: Acts of Andrew apocryphal Acts of Andrew, mentioned by Eusebius, Epiphanius and others, is among a disparate group of Acts of the Apostles that were traditionally attributed to Leucius Charinus. Acts (...) belong to the third century: ca. A.D. 260," in the opinion of M. R. James, who edited them in 1924. Acts, as well as a Gospel of St Andrew, appear among rejected books in the Decretum Gelasianum connected with the name of Pope Gelasius I. Acts of Andrew was edited and published by Constantin von Tischendorf in the Acta Apostolorum apocrypha (Leipzig, 1821), putting it for the first time into the hands of a critical professional readership. version of the Andrew legend is found in the Passio Andreae, published by Max Bonnet (Supplementum II Codicis apocryphi, Paris, 1895). Saint Andrew of Patras cathedral, where Saint Andrew's relics are kept Statue of Andrew in the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran by Camillo Rusconi (1713–1715) Relics alleged to be those of the Apostle Andrew are kept at the Basilica of Saint Andrew in Patras, Greece; in Amalfi Cathedral (the Duomo di Sant'Andrea), Amalfi and in Sarzana Cathedral[1] in Sarzana, Italy; St Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh, Scotland;[18] and the Church of St Andrew and St Albert, Warsaw, Poland. There are also numerous smaller reliquaries throughout the world. remains were preserved at Patras. According to one legend, Saint Regulus (Rule), a monk at Patras, was advised in a dream to hide some of the bones. Shortly thereafter, most of the relics were transferred from Patras to Constantinople by order of the Roman emperor Constantius II around 357 and deposited in the Church of the Holy Apostles.[21] was said to have had a second dream in which an angel advised him to take the hidden relics "to the ends of the earth" for protection. Wherever he was shipwrecked, he was to build a shrine for them. St. Rule set sail, taking with him a kneecap, an upper arm bone, three fingers and a tooth. He sailed west, towards the edge of the known world, and was shipwrecked on the coast of Fife, Scotland. However, the relics were probably brought to Britain in 597 as part of the Augustine Mission, and then in 732 to Fife, by Bishop Acca of Hexham, a well-known collector of religious relics.[18] skull of Saint Andrew, which had been taken to Constantinople, was returned to Patras by Emperor Basil I, who ruled from 867 to 886.[27] 1208, following the sack of Constantinople, those relics of Saint Andrew and Saint Peter which remained in the imperial city were taken to Amalfi, Italy,[28] by Cardinal Peter of Capua, a native of Amalfi. cathedral (Duomo), was built, dedicated to Saint Andrew (as is the town itself), to house a tomb in its crypt where it is maintained that most of the relics of the apostle, including an occipital bone, remain. Palaeologus was the youngest surviving son of Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos. Thomas ruled the province of Morea, the medieval name for the Peloponnese. In 1461, when the Ottomans crossed the Strait of Corinth, Palaeologus fled Patras for exile in Italy, bringing with him what was purported to be the skull of Saint Andrew. gave the head to Pope Pius II, who had it enshrined in one of the four central piers of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and then in Pienza,[2] Italy. September 1964, Pope Paul VI, as a gesture of goodwill toward the Greek Orthodox Church, ordered that all of the relics of Saint Andrew that were in Vatican City be sent back to Patras. Cardinal Augustin Bea along with many other cardinals presented the skull to Bishop Constantine of Patras on 24 September 1964.[29] The cross of Saint Andrew was taken from Greece during the Crusades by the Duke of Burgundy.[30][31] It was kept in the church of St. Victor in Marseilles[32] until it returned to Patras on 19 January 1980. The cross of the apostle was presented to the Bishop of Patras Nicodemus by a Catholic delegation led by Cardinal Roger Etchegaray. All the relics, which consist of the small finger, the skull (part of the top of the cranium of Saint Andrew), and the cross on which he was martyred, have been kept in the Church of St. Andrew at Patras in a special shrine and are revered in a special ceremony every 30 November, his feast day. 2006, the Catholic Church, again through Cardinal Etchegaray, gave the Greek Orthodox Church another relic of Saint Andrew.[33] and legends[edit] This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Andrew the Apostle" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (August 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) Georgia[edit] A 13th-century fresco depicting Saint Andrew, from Kintsvisi Monastery, Georgia church tradition of Georgia regards Saint Andrew as the first preacher of Christianity in the territory of Georgia and as the founder of the Georgian church. This tradition was apparently[citation needed] derived from the Byzantine sources, particularly Nicetas of Paphlagonia (died c. 890) who asserts that "Andrew preached to the Iberians, Sauromatians, Taurians, and Scythians and to every region and city, on the Black Sea, both north and south."[34] The version was adopted by the 10th–11th-century Georgian ecclesiastics and, refurbished with more details, was inserted in the Georgian Chronicles. The story of Saint Andrew's mission in the Georgian lands endowed the Georgian church with apostolic origin and served as a defence argument to George the Hagiorite against the encroachments from the Antiochian church authorities on autocephaly of the Georgian church. Another Georgian monk, Ephraim the Minor, produced a thesis, reconciling Saint Andrew's story with an earlier evidence of the 4th-century conversion of Georgians by Saint Nino and explaining the necessity of the "second Christening" by Nino. The thesis was made canonical by the Georgian church council in 1103.[35][36] The Georgian Orthodox Church marks two feast days in honour of Saint Andrew, on 12 May and 13 December. The former date, dedicated to Saint Andrew's arrival in Georgia, is a public holiday in Georgia. tradition holds that a ship which was transporting Saint Andrew went off course and ran aground. Upon coming ashore, Andrew struck the rocks with his staff at which point a spring of healing waters gushed forth. Using it, the sight of the ship's captain, who had been blind in one eye, was restored. Thereafter, the site became a place of pilgrimage and a fortified monastery stood there in the 12th century, from which Isaac Comnenus negotiated his surrender to Richard the Lionheart. In the 15th century, a small chapel was built close to the shore. The main monastery of the current church dates to the 18th century. pilgrimages are more recent. The story is told that in 1895, the son of a Maria Georgiou was kidnapped. Seventeen years later, Saint Andrew appeared to her in a dream, telling her to pray for her son's return at the monastery. Living in Anatolia, she embarked on the crossing to Cyprus on a very crowded boat. As she was telling her story during the journey, one of the passengers, a young Dervish priest, became more and more interested. Asking if her son had any distinguishing marks, he stripped off his clothes to reveal the same marks and mother and son were thus reunited.[37] Andreas Monastery (Greek: Απόστολος Ανδρέας) is a monastery dedicated to Saint Andrew situated just south of Cape Apostolos Andreas, which is the north-easternmost point of the island of Cyprus, in Rizokarpaso in the Karpass Peninsula. The monastery is an important site to the Cypriot Orthodox Church. It was once known as 'the Lourdes of Cyprus', served not by an organized community of monks but by a changing group of volunteer priests and laymen. Both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities consider the monastery a holy place. As such, it is visited by many people for votive prayers. of St. Andrew Fifth-century mosaic of Saint Andrew at St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome first reference regards the small chapel at Luqa dedicated to Andrew dates to 1497. This chapel contained three altars, one of them dedicated to Andrew. The painting showing Mary with Saints Andrew and Paul was painted by the Maltese artist Filippo Dingli. At one time, many fishermen lived in the village of Luqa, and this may be the main reason for choosing Andrew as patron saint. The statue of Andrew was sculpted in wood by Giuseppe Scolaro in 1779. This statue underwent several restoration works including that of 1913 performed by the Maltese artist Abraham Gatt. The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew on the main altar of the church was painted by Mattia Preti in 1687. Entrance to Saint Andrew's caves near Ion Corvin, Constanța County article: Saint Andrew in Romania official stance of the Romanian Orthodox Church is that Andrew preached the Gospel in the province of Dobruja (Scythia Minor) to the Daco-Romans, whom he is said to have converted to Christianity. Such a tradition was however not widely acknowledged until the 20th century. to Hippolyte of Antioch, (died c. 250 C.E.) in his On Apostles, Origen in the third book of his Commentaries on the Genesis (254 C.E.), Eusebius of Caesarea in his Church History (340 C.E.), and other sources, such as Usaard's Martyrdom written between 845 and 865, and Jacobus de Voragine's Golden Legend (c. 1260), Saint Andrew preached in Scythia, a possible reference to Scythia Minor, whose territory was integrated into Romania in the late 19th century. to some modern Romanian scholars, the idea of early Christianisation is unsustainable. They take the idea to be a part of an ideology of protochronism which purports that the Orthodox Church has been a companion and defender of the Romanian people for its entire history, which was then used for propaganda purposes during the communist era,[38] although this is disputed. Slavs[edit] Andrew's prophecy of Kiev, depicted in the Radzivill Chronicle Tradition regarding the early Christian history of Ukraine holds that the apostle Andrew preached on the southern borders of modern-day Ukraine, along the Black Sea. Legend has it that he travelled up the Dnieper River and reached the future location of Kyiv, where he erected a cross on the site where the Saint Andrew's Church of Kyiv currently stands, and where he prophesied the foundation of a great Christian city.[39] Because of this connection to Kyiv, Saint Andrew is considered to be the patron saint of the two East Slavic nations descended from the Kievan Rus: Ukraine and Russia, the latter country using the Saint Andrew's Cross on its naval ensign. The third East Slavic nation, Belarus, however, reveres Euphrosyne of Polotsk, a local saint, as its patron instead. The Saltire (or "Saint Andrew's Cross") is the national flag of Scotland. legends state that the relics of Andrew were brought by divine guidance from Constantinople to the place where the modern Scottish town of St Andrews stands today (Gaelic, Cill Rìmhinn). The oldest surviving manuscripts are two: one is among the manuscripts collected by Jean-Baptiste Colbert and willed to Louis XIV of France, now in the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris; the other is the Harleian Mss in the British Library, London. They state that the relics of Andrew were brought by one Regulus to the Pictish king Óengus mac Fergusa (729–761). The only historical Regulus (Riagail or Rule) whose name is preserved in the tower of St Rule was an Irish monk expelled from Ireland with Saint Columba; his dates, however, are c. 573 – 600. There are good reasons for supposing that the relics were originally in the collection of Acca, bishop of Hexham, who took them into Pictish country when he was driven from Hexham (c. 732), and founded a see, not, according to tradition, in Galloway, but on the site of St Andrews. Andrew (carving c.1500) in the National Museum of Scotland According to legendary accounts given in 16th-century historiography, Óengus II in AD 832 led an army of Picts and Scots into battle against the Angles, led by Æthelstan, near modern-day Athelstaneford, East Lothian. The legend states that he was heavily outnumbered and hence whilst engaged in prayer on the eve of battle, Óengus vowed that if granted victory he would appoint Saint Andrew as the Patron Saint of Scotland. On the morning of battle white clouds forming an X shape in the sky were said to have appeared. Óengus and his combined force, emboldened by this apparent divine intervention, took to the field and despite being inferior in numbers were victorious. Having interpreted the cloud phenomenon as representing the crux decussata upon which Saint Andrew was crucified, Óengus honoured his pre-battle pledge and duly appointed Saint Andrew as the Patron Saint of Scotland. The white saltire set against a celestial blue background is said to have been adopted as the design of the flag of Scotland on the basis of this legend.[40] However, there is evidence that Andrew was venerated in Scotland before this. stone fireplace in northern England. The carved Saint Andrew's cross in the left-hand wooden post was to prevent witches from flying down the chimney. In Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton-le-Hole. connection with Scotland may have been reinforced following the Synod of Whitby, when the Celtic Church felt that Columba had been "outranked" by Peter and that Peter's brother would make a higher-ranking patron. The 1320 Declaration of Arbroath cites Scotland's conversion to Christianity by Andrew, "the first to be an Apostle". Numerous parish churches in the Church of Scotland and congregations of other Christian churches in Scotland are named after Andrew. The national church of the Scottish people in Rome, Sant'Andrea degli Scozzesi is dedicated to Saint Andrew. local superstition uses the cross of Saint Andrew as a hex sign on the fireplaces in northern England and Scotland to prevent witches from flying down the chimney and entering the house to do mischief. By placing the Saint Andrew's cross on one of the fireplace posts or lintels, witches are prevented from entering through this opening. In this case, it is similar to the use of a witch ball, although the cross will actively prevent witches from entering, whereas the witch ball will passively delay or entice the witch, and perhaps entrap it. form of St. Andrew's cross called the Cross of Bourgogne was used as the flag of the Duchy of Burgundy, and after the Duchy was acquired by Spain, by the Spanish Crown, and later as a Spanish naval flag and finally as an army battle flag up until 1843. Today, it is still a part of various Spanish military insignia and forms part of the Coat of Arms of the king of Spain as it did with General Franco. to Andrey Pervozvanniy in Kyiv, Ukraine. The sculptors were Boris Krylov and Oles Sydoruk. Spain, Saint Andrew is the patron of several locations: San Andrés (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), San Andrés y Sauces (La Palma), Navalmoral de la Mata (Cáceres), Éibar (Guipúzcoa), Baeza (Jaén), Pobladura de Pelayo García and Pobladura de Yuso (León), Berlangas de Roa (Burgos), Ligüerzana (Palencia), Castillo de Bayuela (Toledo), Almoradí (Alicante), Estella (Navarra), Sant Andreu de Palomar, (Barcelona), Pujalt (Catalonia), Adamuz (Córdoba) and San Andrés [es] in Cameros (La Rioja). Andrew the Apostle by Yoan from Gabrovo, 19th century Andrew is the patron saint of several countries and cities including: Barbados, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Ukraine, Sarzana,[1] Pienza[2] and Amalfi in Italy, Esgueira in Portugal, Luqa in Malta, Parañaque in the Philippines and Patras in Greece. He was also the patron saint of Prussia and of the Order of the Golden Fleece. He is considered the founder and the first bishop of the Church of Byzantium and is consequently the patron saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Apostle Andrew is also the patron of the Russian Navy. flag of Scotland (and consequently the Union Flag and those of some of the former colonies of the British Empire) feature Saint Andrew's saltire cross. The saltire is also the flag of Tenerife, the former flag of Galicia and the Russian Navy Ensign. The Confederate flag also features a saltire commonly referred to as a St Andrew's cross, although its designer, William Porcher Miles, said he changed it from an upright cross to a saltire so that it would not be a religious symbol but merely a heraldic device. The Alabama flag also shows that device. feast of Andrew is observed on 30 November in both the Eastern and Western churches, and is the national day of Scotland. In the traditional liturgical books of the Catholic Church, the feast of Saint Andrew is the first feast day in the Proper of Saints. the Apostle is remembered in the Church of England with a Festival on 30 November.[41] Islam[edit] Qur’anic account of the disciples of Jesus does not include their names, numbers, or any detailed accounts of their lives. Muslim exegesis, however, more or less agrees with the New Testament list and says that the disciples included Andrew.[42] Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called, Commemorated on November 30;

Constantinople, 30-72, Saint Thomas the Apostle, Byzantium
Constantinople, 30-72, Saint Thomas the Apostle, Byzantium; the Apostle was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament. Thomas is commonly known as "Doubting Thomas" because he initially doubted the resurrection of Jesus Christ when he was told of it (as is related in the Gospel of John alone); he later confessed his faith ("My Lord and my God") on seeing the wounds leftover from the crucifixion. to traditional accounts of the Saint Thomas Christians of modern-day Kerala in India, is believed to have travelled outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel, travelling as far as the Tamilakam which is in South India,[1][5][6][7] and reached Muziris of Tamilakam (modern-day North Paravur and Kodungalloor in Kerala State, India) in AD 52.[8][9][1] 1258, some of the relics were brought to Ortona, in Abruzzo, Italy, where they have been held in the Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle.[10] is often regarded as the patron saint of India among its Christian adherents,[11][12] and the Feast of Saint Thomas on July 3 is celebrated as Indian Christian Day by believers belonging to many Christian denominations.[13][14] The name Thomas remains quite popular among the Saint Thomas Christians of the Indian subcontinent. The Placing of the Cincture (Sash) of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 31;

Constantinople, 38-81, Oraiozele, wApostle Andrew, Byzantium, Virgin Martyr, worshipped idols, learned truths, converted women
Constantinople, 38-81, Oraiozele, disciple of the Holy Apostle Andrew, Byzantium (downtown Constantinople), Virgin Martyr, former idol-worshipper, learned truths, instructed women, church oBosporos, converted many pagans, did not feel tortures ; Byzantium; Byzantine Empire; Holy Virgin Martyr Oraiozele, disciple of the Holy Apostle Andrew, Commemorated on July 26; Oraiozele lived in Byzantium during the first century. At first she was an idol-worshipper, but then she became a Christian when she heard the preaching of Saint Andrew, who baptized her. was an educated woman and was able to learn all the truths of the Gospel correctly, Saint Andrew permitted her to instruct other women. was very successful in bringing many of them to Christ. Later, she attached herself to a church dedicated to the Archangel Michael at Revma on the Bosporos. There she converted many pagans. Saint Oraiozele accepted two women who had been idolaters, but came to believe in Christ. They were most eager to emulate the Saint, regarding her as a model of virtue. two disciples wished to follow her example in ascetical struggles, each trying to surpass the other in fasting, vigils, and prayer. This continued for several years, until the reign of Emperor Domitian.1 the Emperor started to persecute Christians, Saint Oraiozele was arrested as well. appeared before him and was charged with the "crime" of refusing to sacrifice to the idols. Domitian was unable to persuade her to return to idolatry, and since she remained steadfast in her love for Christ, he ordered her to be tortured. she was disrobed, and then she was beaten for many hours. who watched were amazed because she did not seem to feel the blows. it was as if someone else was enduring her punishment. Saint Oraiozele was beheaded and her dead body was thrown into the fire. Now she stands before her Bridegroom Christ as one of the choir of the Martyrs. who are unable to conceive will pray to Saint Oraiozele and many of them give birth. women whose breasts do not produce enough milk have been able to nurse their babies after praying to the Holy Virgin Martyr Oraiozele. 1 Titus Flavius Domitianus (reigned 81 - 96 A.D.)

Constantinople, 70 1st Century, Tryphaina, Cyzikus, confessed to strengthen weak, tortures, spring for women needing milk
Constantinople, 70 1st Century, Tryphaina, Cyzikus (Sea of Marmara, between Troy and Constantinople) she boldly confessed to strengthen those weak, tortures, firery furnace, tall tree into nails, wild animals, mad bull, spring pure water where her blood shed, for women who did not have milk; Cyzicus Martyr Tryphaina at Cyzicus, Commemorated January 31; Tryphaina was from Kyzikos on the Hellespont and was the daughter of devout parents, Senator Anastasios and his virtuous wife Sokratia. revealed her Christian upbringing and courage during a persecution where, in order to strengthen those who were weak, she boldly confessed her faith in Christ, and in the ultimate triumph of Orthodoxy. As soon as the ruler Caesarius heard these things he became enraged and ordered the Saint's arrest. His order was carried out and the tortures began. Saint Tryphaina was pushed into a fiery furnace, but miraculously, she was saved. Then, she was thrown from a tall tree, onto a bed of iron nails. Afterward, she was given to some wild animals to be devoured by them, but they did not harm her. Finally, she was gored by a mad bull. In this manner, the Saint received the glorious crown of martyrdom in the first century. is said that a spring of pure water welled up at the place where Saint Tryphaίnē's blood was shed. After drinking this water, women who gave birth, but did not have any milk, were able to produce milk to feed their newborn children. Tryphaina is invoked by women who have difficulty in nursing their babies.

Constantinople, 100, 2nd Century Folder, Martyr Meletius Stratelates who suffered in Galatia

Constantinople, 200, 3rd-6th Century, Folder, Byzantine Period before Islam, heresies

Constantinople, 200-299, 3rd Century, Folder, Arian Historian Eusebius

Constantinople, 229-326,Metrophanes, 1st Patriarch, from Byzantium, lived 117 Yrs, brought Constantine to Byzantium
Constantinople, 229-326,Metrophanes, 1st Patriarch, from Byzantium, lived 117 Yrs, brought Constantine to Byzantium, contemporary of Constantine, nephew of Emperor Probus, his father Dometius rejected falseness of Pagan religion, Believed in Christ, moved to Byzantium to avoid persecution, with two of his sons, Probus and Metrophanes, father and sons became bishops, Constantine came to Byzantium, delighted by its beauty and comfortable setting, took M back to Rome for his holiness of life, Soon C transferred Capital from Rome to B, brought M there, at 325 Council C had Council Fathers create Patriarch title for 116 year old Metrophanes, thus the first Partiarch and Partiarch of C; Byzantine Patriarch, 306-326, Metrophanes of Byzantium; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4; Metrophanes, Patriarch of Constantinople, a contemporary of Saint Constantine the Great (306-337). father, Dometius, was a brother of the Roman emperor Probus (276-282). the falseness of the pagan religion, Dometius came to believe in Christ. a time of terrible persecution of Christians at Rome, Saint Dometius set off to Byzantium with two of his sons, Probus and Metrophanes. were instructed in the law of the Lord by Bishop Titus, a man of holy life. the ardent desire of Dometius to labor for the Lord, Saint Titus ordained him presbyter. the death of Titus first Dometius (272-303) was elevated to the bishop’s throne, and thereafter his sons, Probus (303-315) and in 316 Saint Metrophanes. emperor Constantine once came to Byzantium, and was delighted by the beauty and comfortable setting of the city. having seen the holiness of life and sagacity of Saint Metrophanes, the emperor took him back to Rome. Constantine the Great transferred the capital from Rome to Byzantium and he brought Saint Metrophanes there. First Ecumenical Council was convened in 325 to resolve the Arian heresy. Constantine the Great had the holy Fathers of the Council bestow upon Saint Metrophanes the title of Patriarch. the saint became the first Patriarch of Constantinople. Metrophanes was very old, and was not able to be present at the Council, and he sent in his place the chorepiscopos (vicar bishop) At the close of the Council the emperor and the holy Fathers visited with the ailing Patriarch. the request of the emperor, the saint named a worthy successor to himself, Bishop Alexander. foretold that Paul (at that time a Reader) would succeed to the patriarchal throne after Alexander. also revealed to Patriarch Alexander of Alexandria that his successor would be the archdeacon Saint Athanasius. Metrophanes reposed in the year 326, at age 117. His relics rest at Constantinople in a church dedicated to him. should be noted that the Canons to the Holy Trinity in the Midnight Office in the Octoechos were not composed by this Metrophanes, but by Bishop Metrophanes of Smyrna, who lived in the middle of the ninth century.

Constantinople, 270-350, Cheriton tConfessor of Souka, Pharan, and Jericho Monasteries, Robber's Cave Story
Jerusalem, 270-350, Saint Cheriton of Souka, Pharan, and Jericho Monasteries, fIconium, Lycaonia, endured Auirelian's fierce torture there through Thekla's example, released fPrison 275, dedicated life to Lord, grieved he had not martyred, tJerusalem Holy Places, Thieves intended to kill him in a cave, expecting death C prayed, but did not ask for deliverance, just God's will, while out a snake drank and threw up in their wine, which later poisoned tThieves, C thanked God, gave Thieves gold to poor, churches, monasteries, and began his astetic struggles there in the cave, built church&Pharan monastery there, many virtuous disciples, strict rule, fSolitude founded 2 more monasteries, Jerico (Cheriton's monastery) &Souka, brought many Jews and Pagans to the faith, C ended up on hill near Souka but did not cease guidance for all three, died 350, compiled tOffice otMonastic Tonsure, buried aPharan, grace-filled relics aRobber's cave; Souka Monastery of St Cheriton; The Judean Desert "the Land of Monasteries". You Can Still Visit, St Cheriton's 3 (Pharan, Jerico, and Souka) were the first, then Gerasimus and Euthimius; The Judean Desert " the Land of Monasteries You Can Still Visit, St Cheriton's 3 (Pharan, Jerico, and Souka) were the first, then Euthimius; Venerable Chariton the Confessor, Abbot of Palestine, Commemorated on September 28; Chariton the Confessor was born at Iconium in the province of Lycaonia, suffered there during a persecution against Christians in the reign of Emperor Aurelian (270-275). example of the holy Protomartyr Thekla (September 24), who was also a native of his city, encouraged him to confess Christ, since he had a great devotion to her. Chariton bravely denounced the pagan gods and staunchly confessed faith in the one True God, Christ the Savior. holy Confessor underwent fierce tortures but, by God's Providence, he survived. persecution ended after Aurelian's death in 275. Chariton was among the many Christians who were released from prison, he resolved to dedicate his entire life to the service of the Lord. he escaped death, he grieved because he had not received the crown of martyrdom. arriving at Jerusalem on a pilgrimage to the holy places, fell into the hands of thieves. tied him up and threw him in a cave, to kill him later. they left to find people to rob, the saint prayed fervently to God expecting to be put to death. did not ask God to deliver him, but instead he entreated Him to do with him as He wished. this time a snake crawled into the cave and began to drink wine from a vessel setting there. it vomited forth its deadly venom, poisoning the wine. they returned to the cave, the evil men drank the poisoned wine and they all perished. their wicked lives came to a fitting end. Chariton gave thanks to God, then he gave away the gold which the malefactors had stolen, it to the poor, to churches, and to monasteries. began his ascetic struggles in the place of his miraculous rescue, there he built a church. time a monastery was established: renowned Pharan Lavra in Palestine. Chariton's fame drew many disciples to him. governed them with paternal affection, he elevated them to the highest degrees of virtue. Chariton compiled a strict Rule for his monastery. for solitude, the monk withdrew farther into the desert in order to avoid the praise of men, he never rejected anyone who sought his spiritual guidance. founded two more monasteries: Jericho (called the Monastery of Saint Chariton) the Souka, which was called “the old Lavra.” also brought many Jews and pagans to the Faith. the end of his life, Saint Chariton struggled in a cave atop a hill near the Souka monastery, he did not cease to provide guidance for all three of the monasteries which he founded. fell asleep in the Lord peacefully and at an advanced age on September 28, 350. to Tradition, Saint Chariton compiled the Office of the Monastic Tonsure. Chariton was buried at the Pharan monastery, accordance with his last wishes. His grace-filled relics were enshrined in the church that had been built on the site of the robbers' cave.

Constantinople, 272-303, Dometius of Byzantium, Patriarch, emperor Probus' b, converted
Byzantine Patriarch, 272-303, Dometius of Byzantium ; (? – 284) was bishop of Byzantium about the period 272–284. was a brother of the Roman Emperor Probus. He converted to Christianity, and entered the clergy when he was baptised by the bishop of Byzantium Titus, whom he succeeded. had two sons, Probus and Metrophanes, who also became bishops of the same city. St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4;

Constantinople, 274-327, Helena, Saint Helen, Mother of Constantine the Great
Byzantine Saint, 274-327, Helena, Mother of Constantine the Great, Queen of Constantine Chlorus; Roman Emperor, 293-306, Constantine Chlorus; Byzantine Emperor 306-337, Constantine the Great ; FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS, (14 SEP 335); The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Commemorated on September 14; Hieromartyr Cyriacus the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on October 28 ; Venerable Abramius the Recluse of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on October 29; St John of Egypt, Commemorated on December 2; Uncovering of the Precious Cross and the Precious Nails by the Empress St Helen in Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 6;

Constantinople, 276-336, Arias, Byzantine Arian, intensified the controversy, the essence of Christ
Byzantine Arian, 276-336, Arias ; (250 or 256-336) was a Cyrenaic presbyter, ascetic, and priest best known for the doctrine of Arianism.[1][2] His teachings about the nature of the Godhead in Christianity, which emphasized God the Father's uniqueness and Christ's subordination under the Father,[3] and his opposition to what would become the dominant Christology, Homoousian Christology, made him a primary topic of the First Council of Nicaea convened by Emperor Constantine the Great in 325. Emperors Licinius and Constantine legalized and formalized the Christianity of the time in the Roman Empire, Constantine sought to unify the newly recognized Church and remove theological divisions.[4] The Christian Church was divided over disagreements on Christology, or the nature of the relationship between the first and second persons of the Trinity. Christians, including Athanasius of Alexandria, used Arius and Arianism as epithets to describe those who disagreed with their doctrine of coequal Trinitarianism, a Homoousian Christology representing God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son as "of one essence" ("consubstantial") and coeternal. writings describe Arius' theology as one in which there was a time before the Son of God, when only God the Father existed. concerted opposition, Arian Christian churches persisted throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, especially in various Germanic kingdoms, until suppressed by military conquest or voluntary royal conversion between the fifth and seventh centuries. Son's precise relationship with the Father had been discussed for decades before Arius' advent; Arius intensified the controversy and carried it to a Church-wide audience, where others like Eusebius of Nicomedia proved much more influential in the long run. fact, some later Arians disavowed the name, claiming not to have been familiar with the man or his specific teachings.[5][6] However, because the conflict between Arius and his foes brought the issue to the theological forefront, the doctrine he proclaimed—though had not originated—is generally labeled as "his". St Alexander the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 30; Martyr Polychronius the Presbyter, Commemorated on October 7; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397); Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Casarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1;

Constantinople, 280-340, Eusebius, Church Historian, an Arian before Arius
Palestine, 280-340, Eusebius, Church Historian, Arian; of Caesarea (AD 260/265 - 339/340), also known as Eusebius Pamphili, was a historian of Christianity, exegete, and Christian polemicist. became the bishop of Caesarea Maritima about AD 314. Together with Pamphilus, he was a scholar of the biblical canon and is regarded as one of the most learned Christians of his time.[6] wrote Demonstrations of the Gospel, Preparations for the Gospel and On Discrepancies between the Gospels, studies of the biblical text. Father of Church History [note 1] (not to be confused with the title of Church Father), he produced the Ecclesiastical History, On the Life of Pamphilus, the Chronicle and On the Martyrs. He also produced a biographical work on Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor, who was augustus between AD 306 and AD 337. A portrait of St. Eusebius of Caesarea (left) and Ammonius of Alexandria (right), prefacing the letter Eusebius wrote to him in the Rabbula Gospels (6th cent. AD) Eusebius' works are regarded as giving insight into the history of the early church, he was not without prejudice, especially in regard to the Jews, for while "Eusebius indeed blames the Jews for the crucifixion of Jesus, he nevertheless also states that forgiveness can be granted even for this sin and that the Jews can receive salvation."[8] scholars question the accuracy of Eusebius' works. For example, at least one scholar, Lynn Cohick, dissents from the majority view that Eusebius is correct in identifying the Melito of Peri Pascha with the Quartodeciman bishop of Sardis. Cohick claims as support for her position that "Eusebius is a notoriously unreliable historian, and so anything he reports should be critically scrutinized."[9] Life of Constantine, which he wrote as a eulogy shortly after the emperor's death in AD 337, is "often maligned for perceived factual errors, deemed by some so hopelessly flawed that it cannot be the work of Eusebius at all."[10] attribute this perceived flaw in this particular work as an effort at creating an overly idealistic hagiography, calling him a "Constantinian flunky"[11] since, as a trusted adviser to Constantine, it would be politically expedient for him to present Constantine in the best light possible. Byzantine Arian, 276-336, Arias ; Son's precise relationship with the Father had been discussed for decades before Arius' advent; Arius intensified the controversy and carried it to a Church-wide audience, where others like Eusebius of Nicomedia proved much more influential in the long run. fact, some later Arians disavowed the name, claiming not to have been familiar with the man or his specific teachings.[5][6] However, because the conflict between Arius and his foes brought the issue to the theological forefront, the doctrine he proclaimed—though had not originated—is generally labeled as "his". (250 or 256-336) was a Cyrenaic presbyter, ascetic, and priest best known for the doctrine of Arianism.[1][2] His teachings about the nature of the Godhead in Christianity, which emphasized God the Father's uniqueness and Christ's subordination under the Father,[3] and his opposition to what would become the dominant Christology, Homoousian Christology, made him a primary topic of the First Council of Nicaea convened by Emperor Constantine the Great in 325. Emperors Licinius and Constantine legalized and formalized the Christianity of the time in the Roman Empire, Constantine sought to unify the newly recognized Church and remove theological divisions.[4] The Christian Church was divided over disagreements on Christology, or the nature of the relationship between the first and second persons of the Trinity. Christians, including Athanasius of Alexandria, used Arius and Arianism as epithets to describe those who disagreed with their doctrine of coequal Trinitarianism, a Homoousian Christology representing God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son as "of one essence" ("consubstantial") and coeternal. writings describe Arius' theology as one in which there was a time before the Son of God, when only God the Father existed. concerted opposition, Arian Christian churches persisted throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, especially in various Germanic kingdoms, until suppressed by military conquest or voluntary royal conversion between the fifth and seventh centuries. Son's precise relationship with the Father had been discussed for decades before Arius' advent; Arius intensified the controversy and carried it to a Church-wide audience, where others like Eusebius of Nicomedia proved much more influential in the long run. fact, some later Arians disavowed the name, claiming not to have been familiar with the man or his specific teachings.[5][6] However, because the conflict between Arius and his foes brought the issue to the theological forefront, the doctrine he proclaimed—though had not originated—is generally labeled as "his". FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250);

Constantinople, 284-305, Martyr Eleutherius, Chamberlain at Emperor's Residence, became Christain, Church in his home, beheaded
Constantinople, 284-305, Martyr Eleutherius, Chamberlain at Imperial Palace, Constantinople, Emperor's Residence, became Christain, country estate Church in his home, betrayed by servant, beheaded by Maximian Hercules, relics in city of Theato; Imperial Palace, Constantinople, 330; Martyr Eleutherius of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 4; Holy Martyr Eleutherius served as the cubicularius (chamberlain) at the court of the emperor Maximian Hercules (284-305). he accepted Christianity, he then settled on a country estate, and built a church at his home. of the servants reported to the emperor that Eleutherius had become a Christian. emperor ordered the saint to offer pagan sacrifice. The saint refused and for this he was beheaded. relics of Saint Eleutherius were at Constantinople, and afterwards transferred to Italy, to the city of Theato.

Constantinople, 284-305, Eleutherius, rich Roman Court manager, but thought eternal things , church iHome, Beheaded bMax Hercls
Constantinople, 284-305, Constantinople (Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn), illustrious&rich chamberlain, emperor's household manager, but not fooled by worldly possessions & honors, but thought oImperishible&etermal, accepted baptism, daily psalmody&virtuous deeds, settled in country estate, church in his home, but his servant told pagan emperor (Maximian Hercules), who tried turn E from faith, then ordered behead him, throw body tDogs&vultures, but christian buried body; Constantinople; Martyr Eleutherius at Constantinople, Commemorated on December 15; Holy Martyr Eleutherius Cubicularius was an illustrious and rich chamberlain [“cubicularius”] at the Byzantine court. all his courtly privileges, Eleutherius was not beguiled by worldly possessions and honors. he thought of imperishable and eternal things. accepted holy Baptism, he began daily to glorify God with psalmody and to adorn his life with virtuous deeds. one of his servants through diabolic promptings, informed against his master to the [then still pagan] emperor. emperor tried to turn Eleutherius from his faith in Christ, after the unsuccessful attempts the emperor gave orders to behead him, and to throw his body to be eaten by dogs and vultures. certain Christian priest took up the saint’s body and buried it. is a second commemoration of the martyr on August 4. Martyr Eleutherius of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 4; Holy Martyr Eleutherius served as the cubicularius (chamberlain) at the court of the emperor Maximian Hercules (284-305). he accepted Christianity, he then settled on a country estate, and built a church at his home. of the servants reported to the emperor that Eleutherius had become a Christian. emperor ordered the saint to offer pagan sacrifice. saint refused and for this he was beheaded. relics of Saint Eleutherius were at Constantinople, and afterwards transferred to Italy, to the city of Theato.

Constantinople, 290-340, Macrina the Elder (Isis River 3 Crossroads, Pontus&Neocaesarea on Kelkit)
Byzantium, 290-340, Macrina the Elder (somewhere on Iris River) ; Byzantium, 350-379, Macrina the Younger (somewhere on Iris River); MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ;

Constantinople, 290-306, Demetrius of Thessaloniki, myrrh-gusher, secret christian appointed to kill c, converted many
Macedonian Saint, 290-306, Demetrius of Thessaloniki; (or Demetrios) of Thessaloniki (Greek: Ἅγιος Δημήτριος τῆς Θεσσαλονίκης, Hágios Dēmḗtrios tēs Thessaloníkēs[a]), also known as the Holy Great-Martyr Demetrius the Myroblyte (meaning 'the Myrrh-Gusher' or 'Myrrh-Streamer';[b] 3rd century – 306), was a Christian martyr of the early 4th century AD. the Middle Ages, he came to be revered as one of the most important Orthodox military saints, often paired with George of Lydda. His feast day is 26 October for Eastern Orthodox Christians, which falls on 8 November [NS] for those following the old calendar. In the Roman Catholic church he is most commonly called "Demetrius of Sermium" and his memorial falls on 8 October. Martyr Lupus, slave of Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica, Commemorated on August 23; Martyr Lupus lived at the end of the third century and beginning of the fourth century, and was a faithful servant of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica (October 26). Being present at the death of his master, he soaked his own clothing with his blood and took a ring from his hand. With this clothing, and with the ring and the name of the Great Martyr Demetrius, Saint Lupus worked many miracles at Thessalonica. He destroyed pagan idols, for which he was subjected to persecution by the pagans, but he was preserved unharmed by the power of God. Lupus voluntarily delivered himself into the hands of the torturers, and by order of the emperor Maximian Galerius, he was beheaded by the sword. Holy, Glorious Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 26; Great Martyr Demetrios the Myrrh-gusher of Thessaloniki was the son of a Roman proconsul in Thessaloniki. Three centuries had elapsed and Roman paganism, spiritually shattered and defeated by the multitude of martyrs and confessors of the Savior, intensified its persecutions. parents of Saint Demetrios were secret Christians, and he was baptized and raised in the Christian Faith in a secret church in his father’s home. the time Demetrios had reached maturity and his father had died, Emperor Galerius Maximian had ascended the throne (305). Maximian, confident in Demetrios's education as well as his administrative and military abilities, appointed him to his father’s position as proconsul of the Thessaloniki district. The young commander's principal duties were to defend the city from barbarians and to eradicate Christianity. The Emperor's policy regarding Christians was expressed simply: “Put to death anyone who calls on the name of Christ.” The Emperor did not suspect that by appointing Demetrios he had provided him with the opportunity to bring many people to Christ. the appointment, Demetrios returned to Thessaloniki and confessed and glorified our Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of persecuting and executing Christians, he began to teach the Christian Faith openly to the inhabitants of the city and to overthrow pagan customs and the worship of idols. The compiler of his Life, Saint Simeon Metaphrastes (November 9), says that because of his teaching zeal he became “a second Apostle Paul” for Thessaloniki, particularly since “the Apostle to the Gentiles” founded the first community of believers in the city (1 Thess. and 2 Thess.). Lord also destined Saint Demetrios to follow Saint Paul on the path to martyrdom. When Maximian learned that the newly-appointed proconsul was a Christian, and that he had converted many Roman subjects to Christianity, the Emperor's rage knew no bounds. Returning from a campaign in the area of the Black Sea, the Emperor decided to lead his army through Thessaloniki, determined to massacre the Christians. of this, Saint Demetrios ordered his faithful servant Lupus to give his wealth to the poor saying, “Distribute my earthly riches among them, for we shall seek heavenly riches for ourselves.” He began to pray and fast, preparing himself for martyrdom. the Emperor came into the city, he summoned Demetrios, who boldly confessed himself a Christian and denounced the falsehood and futility of Roman polytheism. Maximian ordered Demetrios to be thrown into prison. An Angel appeared to him, comforting and encouraging him. the Emperor amused himself by staging games in the circus. His champion was a German by the name of Lyaeos. He challenged Christians to wrestle with him on a platform built over the upturned spears of the victorious soldiers. A brave Christian named Nestor went to the prison to Saint Dēmḗtrios, his instructor in the Faith, asking for his blessing to fight the barbarian. With the blessing and prayers of Saint Demetrios, Nestor defeated the fierce German and hurled him from the platform onto the spears of the soldiers, just as the murderous pagan would have done with the Christian. The enraged commander ordered the execution of the holy Martyr Nestor (October 27) and sent a guard to the prison to kill Saint Demetrios. At dawn on October 26, 306 soldiers appeared in the Saint's underground prison and ran him through with lances. His faithful servant, Saint Lupus, gathered up the blood-soaked garment of Saint Dēmḗtrios he took the imperial ring from his finger, a symbol of his high status, and dipped it in the blood. With the ring and other holy things sanctified the blood of Saint Demetrios, Saint Lupus began to heal the infirm. The Emperor ordered his soldiers to arrest and kill him. body of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios was cast out for wild animals to devour, but the Christians took it and secretly buried it in the earth. the reign of Saint Constantine (306-337), a church was built over the grave of Saint Demetrios. A hundred years later, during the construction of a majestic new church on the old spot, the incorrupt relics of the holy martyr were uncovered. Since the seventh century a miraculous flow of fragrant myrrh has been found beneath the crypt of the Great Martyr Demetrios, so he is called “the Myrrh-gusher.” times, those venerating the holy wonderworker tried to bring his holy relics, or a part of them, to Constantinople. Invariably, Saint Demetrios made it clear that he would not permit anyone to remove even a portion of his relics. is interesting that among the barbarians threatening the Romans, Slavs occupied an important place, in particular those settling upon the Thessalonian peninsula. Some even believe that the parents of Saint Dēmḗtrios were of Slavic descent. While advancing towards the city, pagan Slavs were repeatedly turned away by the apparition of a threatening radiant youth, going around on the walls and inspiring terror in the enemy soldiers. Perhaps this is why the name of Saint Demetrios was particularly venerated among the Slavic nations after they were enlightened by the Gospel. On the other hand, Greeks dismiss the idea that Saint Demetrios was a Slavic saint. very first pages of the Russian Primary Chronicle, as foreordained by God, is bound up with the name of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki. The Chronicle relates that when Oleg the Wise threatened the Greeks at Constantinople (907), the Greeks became terrified and said, “This is not Oleg, but rather Saint Demetrios sent upon us from God.” Russian soldiers always believed that they were under the special protection of the holy Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios. Moreover, in the old Russian barracks the Great Martyr Demetrios was always depicted as Russian. Thus this image entered the soul of the Russian nation. veneration of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios in Russia began shortly after the Baptism of Rus. Toward the beginning of the 1070s the Dimitriev monastery at Kiev, known afterwards as the Mikhailov-Zlatoverkh monastery, was founded, The monastery was built by the son of Yaroslav the Wise, Great Prince Izyaslav, Demetrios in Baptism (+ 1078). The mosaic icon of Saint Dēmḗtrios of Thessaloniki from the cathedral of the Dimitriev monastery has been preserved up to the present day, and is in the Tretiakov Gallery. the years 1194-1197 the Great Prince of Vladimir, Vsevolod III the Great-Nest (Demetrios in Baptism) “built at his court a beautiful church of the holy martyr Dēmḗtrios, and adorned it wondrously with icons and frescoes.” The Dimitriev cathedral also reveals the embellishment of ancient Vladimir. The wonderworking icon of Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki from the cathedral iconostasis is located even now in Moscow, at the Tretiakov gallery. It was painted on a piece of wood from the grave of the holy Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios, brought from Thessaloniki to Vladimir in 1197. of the most precious depictions of the saint, a fresco on a column of the Vladimir Dormition cathedral, was painted by the holy Iconographer Andrew Rublev (July 4). family of Saint Alexander Nevsky (November 23 also venerated Saint Demetrios. Saint Alexander named his eldest son in honor of the holy Great Martyr. His younger son, Prince Daniel of Moscow (March 4), built a church dedicated to the holy Great Martyr Demetrios in the 1280s. This was the first stone church in the Moscow Kremlin. Later in 1326, under Ivan Kalita, it was taken down and the Dormition cathedral was built in its place. memory of Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki is historically associated in Rus with the military, patriotism and the defense of the country. This is apparent by the saint’s depiction on icons as a soldier in plumed armor, with a spear and sword in hand. There is a scroll (in later depictions) on which is written the prayer of Saint Dēmḗtrios for the salvation of the people of Thessaloniki, “Lord, do not permit the city or the people to perish. If You save the city and the people, I shall be saved with them. If they perish, I will perish with them.” the particular spiritual experience of the Russian Church, veneration of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki is closely linked with the memory of the defense of the nation and Church by the Great Prince of Moscow, Demetrios of the Don (May 19). “An Account of the Life and Repose of the Great Prince Dēmḗtrios of the Don, Tsar of Russia,” written in the year 1393, already regards the Great Prince as a Saint, as other old Russian histories do. Great Prince Demetrios was a spiritual son and disciple of Saint Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow (February 12), and a disciple and associate of other great figures of prayer in the Russian Land: Saint Sergius of Radonezh (September 25), Demetrios of Priluki (February 11), Saint Theodore of Rostov (November 28). The Account states: [Great Prince Demetrios] worried a great deal about the churches of God, and he held the territory of the Russian land by his bravery: he conquered many enemies who had risen against us, and he protected his glorious city Moscow with wondrous walls. ...The land of Russia prospered during the years of his reign. the time of the building of the white-walled Kremlin (1366) by Great Prince Demetrios, Moscow was called “White-Stoned.” the prayers of his Heavenly patron, the holy warrior Dēmḗtrios of Thessaloniki, Great Prince Demetrios, in addition to his brilliant military victories, also gained the further prominence of Russia. He repelled the onslaught of the Lithuanian armies of Olgerd, he routed the Tatar army of Begich at the River Vozha (1378), and he smashed the military might of all the Golden Horde at the Battle of Kulikovo Field on September 8, 1380 (the Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos), set between the Rivers Don and Nepryadva. The Battle of Kulikovo, for which the nation calls him Dēmḗtrios of the Don, became the first Russian national exploit, rallying the spiritual power of the Russian nation around Moscow. The “Zadonschina,” an inspiring historic poem written by the priest Sophronios of Ryazem (1381) is devoted to this event. Demetrios of the Don had a great reverence for the holy Great Martyr Demetrios. In 1380, on the eve of the Battle of Kulikovo, he solemnly transferred from Vladimir to Moscow the most holy object in the Vladimir Dimitriev cathedral: the icon of the Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios of Thessaloniki, painted on a board from the grave of the saint. A chapel dedicated to the Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios was built at Moscow’s Dormition Cathedral. Saint Demetrios Memorial Saturday was established for church-wide remembrance of the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Kulikovo. This memorial service was held for the first time at the Trinity-Saint Sergius monastery on October 20, 1380 by Saint Sergius of Radonezh, in the presence of Great Prince Demetrios of the Don. It is an annual remembrance of the heroes of the Battle of Kulikovo, among whom are the Schema-monks Alexander (Peresvet) and Andrew (Oslyab). Dēmḗtrios is regarded as a protector of the young, and is also invoked by those struggling with lustful temptations. Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 27;

Constantinople, 290-307, Lupus, slave of Demetrius of T, soaked with D's blood, took ring, worked miracles, destroyed idols
Martyr Lupus, slave of Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica, Commemorated on August 23; Martyr Lupus lived at the end of the third century and beginning of the fourth century, and was a faithful servant of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica (October 26). Being present at the death of his master, he soaked his own clothing with his blood and took a ring from his hand. With this clothing, and with the ring and the name of the Great Martyr Demetrius, Saint Lupus worked many miracles at Thessalonica. He destroyed pagan idols, for which he was subjected to persecution by the pagans, but he was preserved unharmed by the power of God. Lupus voluntarily delivered himself into the hands of the torturers, and by order of the emperor Maximian Galerius, he was beheaded by the sword. Holy, Glorious Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 26; Great Martyr Demetrios the Myrrh-gusher of Thessaloniki was the son of a Roman proconsul in Thessaloniki. Three centuries had elapsed and Roman paganism, spiritually shattered and defeated by the multitude of martyrs and confessors of the Savior, intensified its persecutions. parents of Saint Demetrios were secret Christians, and he was baptized and raised in the Christian Faith in a secret church in his father’s home. the time Demetrios had reached maturity and his father had died, Emperor Galerius Maximian had ascended the throne (305). Maximian, confident in Demetrios's education as well as his administrative and military abilities, appointed him to his father’s position as proconsul of the Thessaloniki district. The young commander's principal duties were to defend the city from barbarians and to eradicate Christianity. The Emperor's policy regarding Christians was expressed simply: “Put to death anyone who calls on the name of Christ.” The Emperor did not suspect that by appointing Demetrios he had provided him with the opportunity to bring many people to Christ. the appointment, Demetrios returned to Thessaloniki and confessed and glorified our Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of persecuting and executing Christians, he began to teach the Christian Faith openly to the inhabitants of the city and to overthrow pagan customs and the worship of idols. The compiler of his Life, Saint Simeon Metaphrastes (November 9), says that because of his teaching zeal he became “a second Apostle Paul” for Thessaloniki, particularly since “the Apostle to the Gentiles” founded the first community of believers in the city (1 Thess. and 2 Thess.). Lord also destined Saint Demetrios to follow Saint Paul on the path to martyrdom. When Maximian learned that the newly-appointed proconsul was a Christian, and that he had converted many Roman subjects to Christianity, the Emperor's rage knew no bounds. Returning from a campaign in the area of the Black Sea, the Emperor decided to lead his army through Thessaloniki, determined to massacre the Christians. of this, Saint Demetrios ordered his faithful servant Lupus to give his wealth to the poor saying, “Distribute my earthly riches among them, for we shall seek heavenly riches for ourselves.” He began to pray and fast, preparing himself for martyrdom. the Emperor came into the city, he summoned Demetrios, who boldly confessed himself a Christian and denounced the falsehood and futility of Roman polytheism. Maximian ordered Demetrios to be thrown into prison. An Angel appeared to him, comforting and encouraging him. the Emperor amused himself by staging games in the circus. His champion was a German by the name of Lyaeos. He challenged Christians to wrestle with him on a platform built over the upturned spears of the victorious soldiers. A brave Christian named Nestor went to the prison to Saint Dēmḗtrios, his instructor in the Faith, asking for his blessing to fight the barbarian. With the blessing and prayers of Saint Demetrios, Nestor defeated the fierce German and hurled him from the platform onto the spears of the soldiers, just as the murderous pagan would have done with the Christian. The enraged commander ordered the execution of the holy Martyr Nestor (October 27) and sent a guard to the prison to kill Saint Demetrios. At dawn on October 26, 306 soldiers appeared in the Saint's underground prison and ran him through with lances. His faithful servant, Saint Lupus, gathered up the blood-soaked garment of Saint Dēmḗtrios he took the imperial ring from his finger, a symbol of his high status, and dipped it in the blood. With the ring and other holy things sanctified the blood of Saint Demetrios, Saint Lupus began to heal the infirm. The Emperor ordered his soldiers to arrest and kill him. body of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios was cast out for wild animals to devour, but the Christians took it and secretly buried it in the earth. the reign of Saint Constantine (306-337), a church was built over the grave of Saint Demetrios. A hundred years later, during the construction of a majestic new church on the old spot, the incorrupt relics of the holy martyr were uncovered. Since the seventh century a miraculous flow of fragrant myrrh has been found beneath the crypt of the Great Martyr Demetrios, so he is called “the Myrrh-gusher.” times, those venerating the holy wonderworker tried to bring his holy relics, or a part of them, to Constantinople. Invariably, Saint Demetrios made it clear that he would not permit anyone to remove even a portion of his relics. is interesting that among the barbarians threatening the Romans, Slavs occupied an important place, in particular those settling upon the Thessalonian peninsula. Some even believe that the parents of Saint Dēmḗtrios were of Slavic descent. While advancing towards the city, pagan Slavs were repeatedly turned away by the apparition of a threatening radiant youth, going around on the walls and inspiring terror in the enemy soldiers. Perhaps this is why the name of Saint Demetrios was particularly venerated among the Slavic nations after they were enlightened by the Gospel. On the other hand, Greeks dismiss the idea that Saint Demetrios was a Slavic saint. very first pages of the Russian Primary Chronicle, as foreordained by God, is bound up with the name of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki. The Chronicle relates that when Oleg the Wise threatened the Greeks at Constantinople (907), the Greeks became terrified and said, “This is not Oleg, but rather Saint Demetrios sent upon us from God.” Russian soldiers always believed that they were under the special protection of the holy Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios. Moreover, in the old Russian barracks the Great Martyr Demetrios was always depicted as Russian. Thus this image entered the soul of the Russian nation. veneration of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios in Russia began shortly after the Baptism of Rus. Toward the beginning of the 1070s the Dimitriev monastery at Kiev, known afterwards as the Mikhailov-Zlatoverkh monastery, was founded, The monastery was built by the son of Yaroslav the Wise, Great Prince Izyaslav, Demetrios in Baptism (+ 1078). The mosaic icon of Saint Dēmḗtrios of Thessaloniki from the cathedral of the Dimitriev monastery has been preserved up to the present day, and is in the Tretiakov Gallery. the years 1194-1197 the Great Prince of Vladimir, Vsevolod III the Great-Nest (Demetrios in Baptism) “built at his court a beautiful church of the holy martyr Dēmḗtrios, and adorned it wondrously with icons and frescoes.” The Dimitriev cathedral also reveals the embellishment of ancient Vladimir. The wonderworking icon of Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki from the cathedral iconostasis is located even now in Moscow, at the Tretiakov gallery. It was painted on a piece of wood from the grave of the holy Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios, brought from Thessaloniki to Vladimir in 1197. of the most precious depictions of the saint, a fresco on a column of the Vladimir Dormition cathedral, was painted by the holy Iconographer Andrew Rublev (July 4). family of Saint Alexander Nevsky (November 23 also venerated Saint Demetrios. Saint Alexander named his eldest son in honor of the holy Great Martyr. His younger son, Prince Daniel of Moscow (March 4), built a church dedicated to the holy Great Martyr Demetrios in the 1280s. This was the first stone church in the Moscow Kremlin. Later in 1326, under Ivan Kalita, it was taken down and the Dormition cathedral was built in its place. memory of Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki is historically associated in Rus with the military, patriotism and the defense of the country. This is apparent by the saint’s depiction on icons as a soldier in plumed armor, with a spear and sword in hand. There is a scroll (in later depictions) on which is written the prayer of Saint Dēmḗtrios for the salvation of the people of Thessaloniki, “Lord, do not permit the city or the people to perish. If You save the city and the people, I shall be saved with them. If they perish, I will perish with them.” the particular spiritual experience of the Russian Church, veneration of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki is closely linked with the memory of the defense of the nation and Church by the Great Prince of Moscow, Demetrios of the Don (May 19). “An Account of the Life and Repose of the Great Prince Dēmḗtrios of the Don, Tsar of Russia,” written in the year 1393, already regards the Great Prince as a Saint, as other old Russian histories do. Great Prince Demetrios was a spiritual son and disciple of Saint Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow (February 12), and a disciple and associate of other great figures of prayer in the Russian Land: Saint Sergius of Radonezh (September 25), Demetrios of Priluki (February 11), Saint Theodore of Rostov (November 28). The Account states: [Great Prince Demetrios] worried a great deal about the churches of God, and he held the territory of the Russian land by his bravery: he conquered many enemies who had risen against us, and he protected his glorious city Moscow with wondrous walls. ...The land of Russia prospered during the years of his reign. the time of the building of the white-walled Kremlin (1366) by Great Prince Demetrios, Moscow was called “White-Stoned.” the prayers of his Heavenly patron, the holy warrior Dēmḗtrios of Thessaloniki, Great Prince Demetrios, in addition to his brilliant military victories, also gained the further prominence of Russia. He repelled the onslaught of the Lithuanian armies of Olgerd, he routed the Tatar army of Begich at the River Vozha (1378), and he smashed the military might of all the Golden Horde at the Battle of Kulikovo Field on September 8, 1380 (the Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos), set between the Rivers Don and Nepryadva. The Battle of Kulikovo, for which the nation calls him Dēmḗtrios of the Don, became the first Russian national exploit, rallying the spiritual power of the Russian nation around Moscow. The “Zadonschina,” an inspiring historic poem written by the priest Sophronios of Ryazem (1381) is devoted to this event. Demetrios of the Don had a great reverence for the holy Great Martyr Demetrios. In 1380, on the eve of the Battle of Kulikovo, he solemnly transferred from Vladimir to Moscow the most holy object in the Vladimir Dimitriev cathedral: the icon of the Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios of Thessaloniki, painted on a board from the grave of the saint. A chapel dedicated to the Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios was built at Moscow’s Dormition Cathedral. Saint Demetrios Memorial Saturday was established for church-wide remembrance of the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Kulikovo. This memorial service was held for the first time at the Trinity-Saint Sergius monastery on October 20, 1380 by Saint Sergius of Radonezh, in the presence of Great Prince Demetrios of the Don. It is an annual remembrance of the heroes of the Battle of Kulikovo, among whom are the Schema-monks Alexander (Peresvet) and Andrew (Oslyab). Dēmḗtrios is regarded as a protector of the young, and is also invoked by those struggling with lustful temptations. Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 27;

Constantinople, 292-303, Great Martyr George of Cappadocia, Armenia, Nino's Kin
Cappadocia, 290-303, Great Martyr George of Cappadocia; Greatmartyr, Victory-bearer and Wonderworker George, Commemorated on April 23;

Constantinople, 293-306, Byzantine Patriarch, Probus, no info
Byzantine Patriarch, 293-306, Probus ; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4; Metrophanes, Patriarch of Constantinople, was a contemporary of Saint Constantine the Great (306-337). His father, Dometius, was a brother of the Roman emperor Probus (276-282). Seeing the falseness of the pagan religion, Dometius came to believe in Christ. During a time of terrible persecution of Christians at Rome, Saint Dometius set off to Byzantium with two of his sons, Probus and Metrophanes. They were instructed in the law of the Lord by Bishop Titus, a man of holy life. Seeing the ardent desire of Dometius to labor for the Lord, Saint Titus ordained him presbyter. After the death of Titus first Dometius (272-303) was elevated to the bishop’s throne, and thereafter his sons, Probus (303-315) and in 316 Saint Metrophanes. emperor Constantine once came to Byzantium, and was delighted by the beauty and comfortable setting of the city. And having seen the holiness of life and sagacity of Saint Metrophanes, the emperor took him back to Rome. Soon Constantine the Great transferred the capital from Rome to Byzantium and he brought Saint Metrophanes there. The First Ecumenical Council was convened in 325 to resolve the Arian heresy. Constantine the Great had the holy Fathers of the Council bestow upon Saint Metrophanes the title of Patriarch. Thus, the saint became the first Patriarch of Constantinople. Metrophanes was very old, and was not able to be present at the Council, and he sent in his place the chorepiscopos (vicar bishop) Alexander. At the close of the Council the emperor and the holy Fathers visited with the ailing Patriarch. At the request of the emperor, the saint named a worthy successor to himself, Bishop Alexander. He foretold that Paul (at that time a Reader) would succeed to the patriarchal throne after Alexander. He also revealed to Patriarch Alexander of Alexandria that his successor would be the archdeacon Saint Athanasius. Metrophanes reposed in the year 326, at age 117. His relics rest at Constantinople in a church dedicated to him. should be noted that the Canons to the Holy Trinity in the Midnight Office in the Octoechos were not composed by this Metrophanes, but by Bishop Metrophanes of Smyrna, who lived in the middle of the ninth century.

Constantinople, 300-399, 4th Century, Folder, B. Empire, Legal Christianity, Arians, Goths

Constantinople, 305, Virgin Fausta aCyzikus, F's miracles convert her torturers Pagan Priest Evilansius & Governor Maximus
Constantinople, 305, Virginmartyr Fausta aCyzikus (Sea of Marmara, between Troy and Constantinople), Pagan priest Evilasius ordered to turn Fausta away fChrist, he tortured her, no pain felt, locked in wooden trunk, E could not burn it or saw it, guarded bDevine power (light?), shaken E believed Power oGod, confessed himself Christian, eparch (governor) Maximus sent to investigate by Emperor Diocletian, M began torture E, E asked F pray, E endures, F thrown tVultures, they refuse touch F, F pierced wNails tHead&Other parts, F thrown boiling calsron wE, F&E pray for their torturers, Maximus sees their faith, converted, &prays fForgiveness, M thrown into Caldron with E&F; Cyzicus Virginmarty Fausta at Cyzicus, Commemorated February 6 ; - Virginmarty Fausta at Cyzicus, Commemorated on February 6: Holy Martyrs Fausta, Evilasius and Maximus, suffered during the persecution against Christians by the emperor Diocletian in the city of Cyzicus [Mezium], between 305-311. Fausta was raised by Christian parents. at a young age, she led a strict and virtuous life. that she was a Christian reached the governor, and the saint was sent to the eighty-year-old pagan priest Evilasius, who was ordered to turn the saint away from Christ. girl bravely confessed her faith and was subjected to many cruel tortures. by the Lord, she did not feel the pain. locked her up in a wooden trunk, the torturers got tired of trying to saw it and burn it in the fire. holy martyr, and even the trunk, remained unharmed, guarded by divine power. pagan priest Evilasius was shaken by the evident and manifest power of God, believed in the Savior and confessed himself a Christian. eparch Maximus was sent to investigate the matter for the emperor, he began to torture the old man who had come to believe in Christ. turned to Saint Fausta and asked her to pray for him, which he bravely endured the tortures. threw Saint Fausta to be eaten by vultures, the creatures would not touch her. thirteen-year-old girl was pierced with nails driven into her head and other parts of her body. they threw her into a boiling cauldron with Saint Evilasius. this time the martyrs prayed for their torturers. the faith and endurance of the saints, the eparch Maximus also was converted to Christ, prayed to God for the forgiveness of his sins. into the same cauldron in which Saints Fausta and Evilasius suffered, he shared with them the crown of martyrdom.

Byzantium, 305-311, Emperor Maximian Galerius, sack Persian capital, Across the Danube, Edict of Toleration
Byzantium, 305-311, Emperor Maximian Galerius ; (c. 258 -“ May 311) was Roman emperor from 305 to 311. his reign he campaigned, aided by Diocletian, against the Sassanid Empire, sacking their capital Ctesiphon in 299. He also campaigned across the Danube against the Carpi, defeating them in 297 and 300. Although he was a staunch opponent of Christianity, Galerius ended the Diocletianic Persecution when he issued an Edict of Toleration in Serdica in 311. Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Martyr Paul at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated July 16 ; Martyr and Archdeacon Euplus of Catania, Commemorated on August 11; Martyr Lucius, Commemorated August 20 ; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; Martyr Lupus the Slave of St Demetrius of Thessalonica, Commemorated on August 23 ; Martyr Adrian of Nicomedia, Commemorated on August 26 ; 3,628 Martyrs who suffered at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 2 ; Hieromartyr Anthimus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 3; Martyr Eudoxius, Commemorated September 6 ; Martyr Menodora at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 10 ; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; 156 Martyrs in Palestine, Commemorated on September 17 ; Martyr Peleus the Bishop of Palestine, Commemorated on September 17 ; Hieromartyr Hierotheus the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated October 4 ; Martyr Callisthene and her father Audactus of Ephesus, Commemorated on October 4; Martyr Theotecnus of Antioch, Commemorated on October 10 ; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Martyr Cyrenia in Cilicia, Commemorated on November 1; Repose of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated November 23 ; NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) ; Greatmartyr Catherine of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 24; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; Greatmartyr Barbara at Heliopolis, in Syria, Commemorated on December 4; Martyr Juliana at Heliopolis, in Syria, Commemorated on December 4; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 6; St Sophronius the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 9; Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on December 10; Martyr Elias in Cilicia, Commemorated on December 19; Martyr Philetairus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 30; Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 5; Martyr Peter of Anium, at Hieropolis, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Martyr Julian of Emesa, Commemorated on February 6; Virginmartyr Ennatha of Palestine, Commemorated on February 10; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro (œthe Recruit), Commemorated on February 17; Uncovering of the relics of the Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 17; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18 ; Martyr Archippus of the Seventy Apostles, Commemorated on February 19; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; Martyr Maurice at Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Martyr Eutropius of Amasea, Commemorated on March 3 ; Hieromartyr Basil of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7; Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9; Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9 ; Martyr Alexander of Macedonia, Commemorated on March 13 ; Martyr Julian of Anazarbus, Commemorated on March 16; Martyr Papas of Lyconia, Commemorated on March 16; Virginmartyr Alexandra of Amisus, Commemorated on March 20; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Sirmium in Hungary, Commemorated on March 26; Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Amphianus (Apphianus) of Lycia, Commemorated on April 2 ; Martyr Polycarp of Alexandria, Commemorated on April 2 ; Virginmartyr Theodosia of Tyre, Commemorated on April 3 ; Martyr Rufinus the Deacon at Sinope, Commemorated on April 7; St Akaki Asistavi of Georgia, Commemorated on May 7; Martyr Hesychius of Antioch, Commemorated on May 10; Martyr Basiliscus the Bishop of Comana, Commemorated on May 22; Virginmartyr Theodosia of Tyre, Commemorated on May 29; Martyr Marcian of Egypt, Commemorated on June 5; Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Hieromartyr Sisinius the Deacon of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Priscilla of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Doulas of Cilicia, Commemorated on June 15; Venerable Paisius the Great, Commemorated on June 19; Hieromartyr Methodius the Bishop of Patara, Commemorated on June 20; Martyr Aristocles the Presbyter of Cyprus, Commemorated on June 20; Translation of the relics of the Holy and Wonderworking Unmercenary John, Commemorated on June 28 ;

Byzantium, 305-313, Emperor, Maximinus II Daia, in the East
Roman Emperor, 305-312, Maximinus II Daia; ANTONY, ABBOT IN EGYPT (17 JAN 356); Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Martyr Julian of Emesa, Commemorated on February 6; Virginmartyr Ennatha of Palestine, Commemorated on February 10; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Uncovering of the relics of the Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 17; Martyr Archippus of the Seventy Apostles, Commemorated on February 19; Martyr Eutropius of Amasea, Commemorated on March 3 ; Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9; Martyr Alexander of Macedonia, Commemorated on March 13 ; Martyr Julian of Anazarbus, Commemorated on March 16; Martyr Papas of Lyconia, Commemorated on March 16; Virginmartyr Alexandra of Amisus, Commemorated on March 20; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Amphianus (Apphianus) of Lycia, Commemorated on April 2 ; Martyr Polycarp of Alexandria, Commemorated on April 2 ; Virginmartyr Theodosia of Tyre, Commemorated on April 3 ;

Constantinople, 305-325, Sisinius, Bishop of Cyzikus, slated f martyr, survived being drug behind horse, died 20 yrs later 325
Constantinople, 305-325, Sisinius, Bishop of Cyzikus, slated for martyrdom, survived being drug behind a horse, died 20 yrs later in 325; Cyzicus Martyr Sisinius the Bishop of Cyzicus, Commemorated on November 23 ; Holy Confessor Sisinius was Bishop of Cyzicus in what is now Turkey. During the persecution of Diocletian he was slated for martyrdom, having been tied behind a horse in an effort to drag him through the streets until death. Sisinius survived, however, and died in the year 325 AD.

Constantinople, 305-337, Dedication St George's Church, Lydda, Palestine (Lo or Diospolis), George's relics, many miracles
Palestine, , Dedication St George's Church, Lydda, Palestine (Lo or Diospolis, Yarkon River 1), George's relics, many miracles; Lydda or Lod; Dedication of the Church of the Greatmartyr George in Lydda, Commemorated on November 3; Christians built a new church in honor of Saint George at Lydda during the reign of Saint Constantine (305-337). the church was consecrated, the relics of the holy Great Martyr George (April 23) were transferred there, and many miracles took place before them.

Constantinople, 306-326, Metrophanes, first Byzantine Patriarch in 316, lived to 117, son of e's b
Byzantine Patriarch, 306-326, Metrophanes of Byzantium; St Alexander the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 30; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4; Metrophanes, Patriarch of Constantinople, was a contemporary of Saint Constantine the Great (306-337). His father, Dometius, was a brother of the Roman emperor Probus (276-282). Seeing the falseness of the pagan religion, Dometius came to believe in Christ. During a time of terrible persecution of Christians at Rome, Saint Dometius set off to Byzantium with two of his sons, Probus and Metrophanes. They were instructed in the law of the Lord by Bishop Titus, a man of holy life. Seeing the ardent desire of Dometius to labor for the Lord, Saint Titus ordained him presbyter. After the death of Titus first Dometius (272-303) was elevated to the bishop’s throne, and thereafter his sons, Probus (303-315) and in 316 Saint Metrophanes. emperor Constantine once came to Byzantium, and was delighted by the beauty and comfortable setting of the city. And having seen the holiness of life and sagacity of Saint Metrophanes, the emperor took him back to Rome. Soon Constantine the Great transferred the capital from Rome to Byzantium and he brought Saint Metrophanes there. The First Ecumenical Council was convened in 325 to resolve the Arian heresy. Constantine the Great had the holy Fathers of the Council bestow upon Saint Metrophanes the title of Patriarch. Thus, the saint became the first Patriarch of Constantinople. Metrophanes was very old, and was not able to be present at the Council, and he sent in his place the chorepiscopos (vicar bishop) Alexander. At the close of the Council the emperor and the holy Fathers visited with the ailing Patriarch. At the request of the emperor, the saint named a worthy successor to himself, Bishop Alexander. He foretold that Paul (at that time a Reader) would succeed to the patriarchal throne after Alexander. He also revealed to Patriarch Alexander of Alexandria that his successor would be the archdeacon Saint Athanasius. Metrophanes reposed in the year 326, at age 117. His relics rest at Constantinople in a church dedicated to him. should be noted that the Canons to the Holy Trinity in the Midnight Office in the Octoechos were not composed by this Metrophanes, but by Bishop Metrophanes of Smyrna, who lived in the middle of the ninth century. EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373);

Byzantium, 306-337, Emperor, Constantine, became emperor in roman britain at York, Legal Christianity in 316
Byzantine Emperor, 306-337, Constantine the Great ; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Venerable Onesimus of Magnesia, Commemorated on July 14 ; Martyr Julita (Ulita) of Tarsus, Commemorated on July 15 ; Venerable Pambo the Hermit of Egypt, Commemorated on July 18; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Macrina the Sister of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on July 19 ; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Venerable Horus of the Thebaid, Egypt, Commemorated on August 7; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; St Hosius the Confessor the Bishop of Cordova, Commemorated August 27 ; St Alexander the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 30; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated on September 1; Martyr Menodora at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 10; Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) at Jerusalem, Commemorated on September 13; FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS, (14 SEP 335); The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Commemorated on September 14; Commemoration of the apparition of the Pillar with the Robe of the Lord under it at Mtskheta in Georgia, Commemorated on October 1; Martyr Callisthene and her father Audactus of Ephesus, Commemorated on October 4; Martyr Polychronius the Presbyter, Commemorated on October 7; Martyr Theotecnus of Antioch, Commemorated on October 10 ; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated on October 20; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Holy, Glorious Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 26; Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 27; Hieromartyr Cyriacus the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on October 28 ; Venerable Abramius the Recluse of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on October 29; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2; Dedication of the Church of the Greatmartyr George in Lydia, Commemorated on November 3; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on November 11; St Hypatius of Gangra, Commemorated on November 16; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Anna, Commemorated on November 28; St John of Egypt, Commemorated on December 2; St Spyridon the Wonderworker and Bishop of Tremithus, Commemorated on December 12 ; St Niphon the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 23; St Paul the Bishop of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on December 23; Martyr Zoticus the Keeper of Orphans, Commemorated on December 30; St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1; St Emilia, the Mother of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 1; Martyr Gordius at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 3 ; Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 5; HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); St James the Bishop of Nisibis, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; ANTONY, ABBOT IN EGYPT (17 JAN 356); Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; St Athanasius the Great the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Macarius of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 19; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28; Martyr Silvanus Bishop of Emesa, Commemorated on January 29; Hieromartyr Abramius the Bishop of Arbela in Assyria, Commemorated on February 4; St Parthenius the Bishop of Lampsacus on the Hellespont, Commemorated on February 7; Venerable Eusebius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 15; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18 ; St Agapitus the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; Hieromartyr Sadoc (Sadoth) the Bishop of Persia, Commemorated on February 20; St Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 21; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated on February 24; Virginmartyr Piama, Commemorated on March 3; Uncovering of the Precious Cross and the Precious Nails by the Empress St Helen in Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 6; Venerable Arcadius of Cyprus, Commemorated on March 6; Hieromartyr Capiton of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7; Hieromartyr Eugene of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7; Venerable Paul the Simple and Disciple of the Venerable Anthony the Great, Commemorated on March 7; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, Commemorated on March 9; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18; St Malchus of Chalcis in Syria, Commemorated on March 26 ; Venerable John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 27; Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29; Venerable Apollonius, Ascetic, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 31; Venerable Vitalius of Gaza, Commemorated on April 22; Martyr Theognes at Cyzicus, Commemorated on April 29; Uncovering of the relics of St Basil the Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 30; ATHANASIUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, THEOLOGIAN, DOCTOR (2 MAY 373); St Akaki Asistavi of Georgia, Commemorated on May 7; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); Blessed Isidora the Fool of Tabenna in Egypt, Commemorated on May 10; Martyr Philadelphus and 18 others in Sicily, Commemorated on May 10; Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 11 ; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; St Achilles the Bishop of Larissa, Commemorated on May 15 ; Venerable Pachomius the Great, Founder of Coenobitic Monasticism, Commemorated on May 15; The Entrance of St Nino (Nina) the Enlightener into Georgia, Commemorated on May 19; Equal of the Apostles and Emperor Constantine with his Mother Helen, Commemorated on May 21; Hieromartyr Helladius the Bishop in the East, Commemorated on May 28; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5; Martyr Marcian of Egypt, Commemorated on June 5; Translation of the relics of the Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates, Commemorated on June 8; EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373); Martyr Alexander at Constantinople, Commemorated on June 10; St Triphyllius the Bishop of Leucosia (Nicosia) in Cyprus, Commemorated on June 13; BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379);

Constantinople, 306-337, Zoticus tKeeper oOrphans, Hospital funded bConstantine fLeprosy, Arian Son drug Z oStones, Spring there
Constantinople, 306-337, Zoticus tKeeper oOrphans, illustrious rich Roman wConstantine, 324 tConstantinople wC, ordained priest, in home destitute&Orphaned, funds fConstantine built hospital fSick&Homeless, saved leperors fSoldiers wDrowned them, Arian Constantius suceeded father C, thought Z bought jewels wThe money, shown tHospital angry had wild mules drag Z over stones, Pure water Spring there; Constantinople; Martyr Zoticus the Keeper of Orphans, Commemorated December 30 ; Hieromartyr Zoticus, Protector of Orphans, illustrious and rich Roman, in the service of Saint Constantine the Great (306-337). the emperor transferred the capital from Rome to Constantinople, Zoticus also moved there. however, spurning worldly honors, Zoticus was ordained to the holy priesthood, and he began to provide for the destitute and orphaned in his own home. receiving funds from Saint Constantine, he built a place of treatment for the sick, a shelter for the homeless, where he took in those afflicted with leprosy, rescuing them from the soldiers who had been ordered to drown them in the sea. Saint Constantine’s son, Constantius (337-361), an adherent of the Arian heresy, succeeded his father, Zoticus was accused of receiving a large sum of money from the deceased emperor. asked about this, Zoticus showed the emperor the homeless and sick home he had built. became angry, for he thought that Zoticus had purchased jewels with the money received from his father, and he wanted them back. ordered Saint Zoticus to be tied to wild mules, which dragged the saint over the stones. His whole body was lacerated, and the saint gave up his soul to God. stream of pure water sprang forth at the place of his death, from which many received healing.

Byzantium, 308-324, Emperor, Licinius, Fake Christian then Last Pagan
Byzantine Emperor, 308-324, Licinius ; Uncovering of the relics of St Basil the Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 30;

Byzantium, 308-324, Emperess, Flavia Julia Constantia, Constantine's half sister, Arian
Byzantine Emperess, 308-324, Flavia Julia Constantia; Byzantine Emperor, 308-324, Licinius ; 45 Holy Martyrs at Nicopolis in Armenia, Commemorated July 10 ; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Macrina the Sister of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on July 19 ; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated on September 1; Martyr Severian of Sebaste, Commemorated on September 9 ; Martyr Menodora at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 10; Hieromartyr Julian of Galatia, Commemorated September 13 ; Martyr Macrobius at Tomis in Romania, Commemorated on September 13; Martyr Callisthene and her father Audactus of Ephesus, Commemorated on October 4; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2; St Philogonius the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; St Paul the Bishop of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on December 23; St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1; Hieromartyr Theogenes the Bishop of Parium on the Hellespont, Commemorated on January 2; Martyr Hermylus of Belgrade, Commemorated on January 13; Martyr Stratonicus of Belgrade, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Venerable Macarius of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 19; Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates 'œthe General'Â, Commemorated on February 8; Venerable Eusebius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 15; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18 ; St Agapitus the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; Hieromartyr Sadoc (Sadoth) the Bishop of Persia, Commemorated on February 20; St Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 21; Uncovering of the Precious Cross and the Precious Nails by the Empress St Helen in Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 6; Venerable Paul the Simple and Disciple of the Venerable Anthony the Great, Commemorated on March 7; 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, Commemorated on March 9; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18; Venerable John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 27; Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29; Venerable Apollonius, Ascetic, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 31; Hieromartyr Basil the Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 26; Righteous Virginmartyr Glaphyra, Commemorated on April 26; Uncovering of the relics of St Basil the Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 30; Martyr Philadelphus and 18 others in Sicily, Commemorated on May 10; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; The Entrance of St Nino (Nina) the Enlightener into Georgia, Commemorated on May 19; EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373); Martyr Alexander at Constantinople, Commemorated on June 10;

Constantinople, 311-371, Hilarion tGreat, founder Palestine monasticism, Anthony tGreat disciple, defeated passions wWork&prayer
Palestine, 311-371, Hilarion tGreat, founder palestinian monasticism, Anthony tGreat disciple, from Thabatha near Gaza&Cyprus, baptized iAlexandria, wtSketis, btMaium desert, violent struggles impure thoughts passions of flesh, defeated them through heavy laborfasting&prayer, overcame demonic terrors by prayer, converted thieves, famous for miracles, deliverance power, cured sick without pay, discerned sin passion by smell, monasteries spring up, he instituted strict rule, to Cyprus in 364; Palestine Saint, 311-371, 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 Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Church. Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Hilarion the Great was born to pagan parents in the year 291 in the Palestinian village of Thabatha near Gaza. a young man, he was sent to Alexandria for his education. he became acquainted with Christianity and was baptized. hearing an account of the angelic life of Saint Anthony the Great (January 17), Hilarion went to meet him, desiring to study with him and learn what is pleasing to God. soon returned to his native land to find that his parents had died. After distributing his family’s inheritance to the poor, Saint Hilarion went forth into the desert surrounding the city of Maium. the desert the Saint endured violent struggles with impure thoughts, vexations of the mind, and the burning passions of the flesh, he defeated them through heavy labor, fasting and fervent prayer. devil sought to frighten him with phantoms and apparitions. While he was praying Saint Hilarion would sometimes hear children crying, women wailing, and the roaring of lions and other wild beasts. understood that the demons were causing these terrors in order to drive him out of the wilderness. overcame his fear by resorting to fervent prayer. some thieves fell upon Saint Hilarion, and he persuaded them to forsake their lawless life by the power of his words. all of Palestine heard about Saint Hilarion and of the miracles he worked. Lord granted the holy ascetic the power to cast out unclean spirits. With this gift of grace he loosed the bonds of many of those who were afflicted. sick came for healing, and the Saint cured them without asking for any payment, saying that the grace of God is freely received, and must be freely given (Matthew 10:8). was the grace that he received from God that he could tell by the smell of someone’s body or clothing which passion was afflicting his soul. came to Saint Hilarion desiring to save their souls under his guidance. his blessing, monasteries began to spring up throughout Palestine. Going from one monastery to another, he instituted a strict ascetic manner of life. seven years before his death (+ 371-372) Saint Hilarion moved back to Cyprus, where the ascetic lived in a solitary place until the Lord summoned him to Himself. Hilarion is sometimes depicted holding a scroll which reads: "The tools of a monk are steadfastness, humility, and love according to God." In iconography, is depicted as an old man with a brown, rush-like beard divided into three points. Venerable Hilarion the New, Abbot of the Dalmatian Monastery, Commemorated on June 6;

Constantinople, 311-372, St constantia oPaphos, Unceasing prayer, Patroness oP, known for love oHilarion even after his death
Cyprus, , St constantia oPaphos, Cyprus, Unceasing prayer, Patroness of Paphos, known for her love for Hilarion even after his death ; Paphos; Saint Constantia of Paphos, Commemorated on August 25; Constantia was from the city of Paphos on the island of Cyprus, as Saint Jerome (Hieronymus) writes in his book On the Ecclesiastical Writers, was the disciple of Saint Hilarion the Great (October 21) who lived as an ascetic in a village in the Diocese of Paphos. Saint Jerome’s Life of Saint Hilarion (44), he tells us that Saint Hilarion saved her daughter and son-in-law from death by anointing them with oil. Saint Hilarion’s death, Constantia remained near his grave and struggled in asceticism, in imitation of the Saint, praying ceaselessly and striving for her spiritual fulfillment. her faith and her prayers to Saint Hilarion she was also found worthy of performing miracles. Constantia is also mentioned by the chronographer Cyprian while the Cypriot scholar Stephanos Luzinian (in the XVI century) reports that was regarded as the patroness of Paphos. Stephanos Luzinian writes about Saint Constantia: “Constantia, a very noble lady of the city of Paphos, was a disciple of the most holy Father Hilarion. She died of unbearable sadness when she heard of the death of her master and how his body had been stolen by his disciple Hesychius. faithful love is worthy of praise: not only did she love her master while he was still alive, but her great love for him continued even after his death.” Jerome also relates (Life of Saint Hilarion, 47) that when Saint Constantia received a message saying that Saint Hilarion’s body was in Palestine, “She immediately fell dead, thus attesting to her deep love for the servant of God. had become her custom to keep nightly vigils in the Saint’s sepulcher and converse with him as if he was there to aid her in her prayers.” Cypriot Menaion contains a complete Service in honor of Saint Constantia, and in her Troparion she is called “the Protectress of Paphos.”

Constantinople, 312, Indiction, Constantine's vision of the Cross, somewhere, Church New Year
Byzantium, 312, Indiction, Constantine's vision of the Cross, somewhere, Church New Year; Byzantine Emperor, 306-337, Constantine the Great ;

Constantinople, 313 and 323, Edict of Milan, freedom of religion
Edict of Milan, 313 Western Roman Empire and 323 extended to the Eastern Roman Empire; The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Commemorated on September 14 ; Greatmartyr, Victory-bearer and Wonderworker George, Commemorated on April 23; Hieromartyr Basil the Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 26; ATHANASIUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, THEOLOGIAN, DOCTOR (2 MAY 373); Equal of the Apostles and Emperor Constantine with his Mother Helen, Commemorated on May 21;

Constantinople, 313-323, Patriarch, Macarius I, searched for the cross w Helen, Arian
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;

Constantinople, 314-335, Roman Pope Sylvester I, famous debate converted 120 Jews, large churches, P supremacy Legend
Rome, 314-335, Roman Pope Sylvester I, famous debate converted 120 Jews, large churches, P supremacy Legend because close friend oConstantine, raised by mother, ed by presbyter, served strangers, incl persecuted bishop who converted many, buried him, prison for that, saved from execution bEmperor dying, converted many pagans, at 30 deacon&presbyter 296-304, Pope Bishop i314, built many churches, defeated 120 Rabbis in debate, Constantine&Helen there, stopped Zambres' sorcery, Z converted, died 335; Roman Pope, 314-335, Pope Sylvester I ; I (also Silvester, died 31 December 335) was the bishop of Rome from 314 until his death. He was the 33rd pope of the Catholic Church.[2] filled the see of Rome at an important era in the history of the Western Church, yet very little is known of him.[3] accounts of his pontificate preserved in the seventh- or eighth-century Liber Pontificalis contain little more than a record of the gifts said to have been conferred on the church by Constantine I,[4] although it does say that he was the son of a Roman named Rufinus.[5] feast is celebrated as Saint Sylvester's Day in Western Christianity on 31 December, while Eastern Christianity commemorates it on 2 January.[6] churches were founded and built during Sylvester I's pontificate, including Basilica of St. John Lateran, Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, Old St. Peter's Basilica and several churches built over the graves of martyrs.[5][7] did not attend the First Council of Nicaea in 325, where the Nicene Creed was formulated, but he was represented by two legates, Vitus and Vincentius, and he approved the council's decision. of the Symmachian forgeries, the Vita beati Silvestri (c. 501–508), which has been preserved in Greek and Syriac (and in Latin in the Constitutum Silvestri), is an apocryphal alleged account of a Roman council, including legends of Sylvester's close relationship with the first Christian emperor. These also appear in the Donation of Constantine.[5] after his death, the figure of Sylvester was embroidered upon in a fictional account of his relationship to Constantine, which seemed to successfully support the later Gelasian doctrine of papal supremacy, papal auctoritas (authority) guiding imperial potestas (power), the doctrine that is embodied in the forged Donation of Constantine of the eighth century. In the fiction, of which an early version is represented in the early sixth-century Symmachean forgeries emanating from the curia of Pope Symmachus (died 514), the Emperor Constantine was cured of leprosy by the virtue of the baptismal water administered by Sylvester.[8] Sylvester I and Constantine in a 1247 fresco Emperor, abjectly grateful, not only confirmed the bishop of Rome as the primate above all other bishops, he resigned his imperial insignia and walked before Sylvester's horse holding the Pope's bridle as the papal groom. Pope, in return, offered the crown of his own good will to Constantine, who abandoned Rome to the pope and took up residence in Constantinople. doctrine behind this charming story is a radical one," Norman F. Cantor observes: "The pope is supreme over all rulers, even the Roman emperor, who owes his crown to the pope and therefore may be deposed by papal decree". Such a useful legend quickly gained wide circulation; Gregory of Tours referred to this political legend in his history of the Franks, written in the 580s.[9] Sylvester II, himself a close associate of Otto III, Holy Roman Emperor, chose the name Sylvester in imitation of Sylvester I. of Saint Sylvester in the Abbey of Saint Sylvester in Nonantola the West, the liturgical feast of Saint Sylvester is on 31 December, the day of his burial in the Catacomb of Priscilla.[5] This is the last day in the year and, accordingly, in German-speaking countries and in some others close to them, New Year's Eve is known as Silvester. In some other countries, too, the day is usually referred to as Saint Sylvester's Day or the Feast of Saint Sylvester.[10] In São Paulo, Brazil, a long-distance running event called the Saint Silvester Road Race occurs every year on 31 December.[11] Sylvester I portrayed slaying a dragon and resurrecting its victims, a fresco by Maso di Banco The Donation of Constantine is a document fabricated in the second half of the eighth century, purporting to be a record by the Emperor himself of his conversion, the profession of his new faith, and the privileges he conferred on Pope Sylvester I, his clergy, and their successors. According to it, Pope Sylvester was offered the imperial crown, which, however, he refused.[12] Santu Papa Silvestru", a story in Giuseppe Pitrè's collection of Sicilian fables, recounts the legend as follows: Constantine the king wants to take a second wife, and asks Sylvester. Sylvester denies him permission, calling on heaven as witness; Constantine threatens him, and Sylvester, rather than give in, escapes into the woods. Not long after, Constantine falls ill; when he is desperate of ever regaining his health he has a dream which commands him to send for Sylvester. He obeys, and Sylvester receives Constantine's messengers in his cave and swiftly baptizes them, whereafter (having shown them several miracles) he is led back to Constantine, whom he baptizes also, and cures. In this story, Constantine and his entourage are not pagans but Jews.[13] legend has Sylvester slaying a dragon. He is often depicted with the dying beast.[14][15] St Sylvester the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 2; Sylvester, Bishop of Rome (314-335) was born at Rome of Christian parents named Rufinus and Justa. father soon died, and the saint remained in the care of his mother. ’s teacher, the presbyter Quirinus, gave him a fine education and raised him as a true Christian. he was an adult, Sylvester fulfilled the Lord’s command to love one’s neighbor. often received strangers and travelers, serving them like a slave in his own home. a persecution against Christians, Sylvester did not hesitate to take in the holy confessor Bishop Timothy of Antioch, who dwelt with him for more than a year, and who converted many to Christ by his preaching. Timothy was arrested and executed on orders of the Prefect Tarquinius. secretly took the body of the saint and buried it. came to the attention of Tarquinius, and the saint was arrested and brought to trial. Tarquinius demanded that he renounce Christ, threatening him with torture and death. Sylvester was however not intimidated, and he remained steadfast in his confession of faith, was then thrown into prison. Tarquinius suddenly died after the trial, the saint was set free fearlessly he evangelized the pagans, converting many to Christianity. thirty years of age Saint Sylvester was ordained as a deacon, and then presbyter, by Bishop Marcellinus (296-304). the death of Bishop Militiades (or Melchiades, 311-314), Saint Sylvester was chosen Bishop of Rome. encouraged his flock to live in a righteous manner, and he insisted that priests strictly fulfill their duty, not be involved with secular businesses. Sylvester became renowned as an expert on Holy Scripture and as a staunch defender of the Christian Faith. the reign of the emperor Saint Constantine the Great, the period of persecution had ended for the Church, Jews arranged a public debate to determine which faith was true. Constantine and his mother, the holy Empress Helen, were present together with a large crowd. Sylvester spoke for the Christians, the Jews had one hundred and twenty learned rabbis led by Zambres, a magician and sorcerer. Quoting the sacred books of the Old Testament, Sylvester convincingly demonstrated that all the prophets foretold the birth of Jesus Christ from the all-pure Virgin, also His voluntary suffering and death for the redemption of the fallen race of mankind, His glorious Resurrection. saint was declared the victor in the debate. Zambres tried to resort to sorcery, the saint obstructed the evil by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. and the other Jews came to believe in Jesus Christ, and they asked to be baptized. Sylvester guided the Roman Church for more than twenty years, earning the esteem of his flock. died peacefully in old age in the year 335.

Constantinople, 318-373, Saint, Athanasius of Alexandria, Orthodox
Byzantine Saint, 318-373, Athanasius of Alexandria; St Athanasius the Great the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18;

Constantinople, 318-373, Athanasius the Great, led first E Council as a deacon, exiled, came back to defend the faith
Egypt, 318-373, Athanasius the Great, led first E Council as a deacon, exiled, came back to defend the faith; Alexandria; Saint Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Athanasius and Cyril were Archbishops of Alexandria. These wise teachers of truth and defenders of Christ’s Church share a joint Feast in recognition of their dogmatic writings which affirm the truth of the Orthodox Faith, correctly interpret the Holy Scripture, and censure the delusions of the heretics. Athanasius took part in the First Ecumenical Council when he was still a deacon. He surpassed everyone there in his zeal to uphold the teaching that Christ is consubstantial (homoousios) with the Father, and not merely a creature, as the Arians proclaimed. radiant beacon of Orthodoxy spent most of his life in exile from his See, because of the plotting of his enemies. He returned to his flock as he was approaching the end of his life. Like an evening star, he illumined the Orthodox faithful with his words for a little while, then reposed in 373. He is also commemorated on May 2 (the transfer of his holy relics).

Constantinople, 318-373, Athanasias tGreat&Cyril, archbishops oAlexandria, Orthodox defenders, Alexander against the world
Egypt, 318-373, Athanasias tGreat&Cyril, archbishops oAlexandria, Orthodox defenders, Alexander against the world, his 5 exiles, A&C joint feast, their dogmatic writings correctly interpret scripture, censure heretics' delusions, A a young deacon at 1st EC, surpassed everyone, for orthodoxy, consubstantial (homoousios), not creature, enemies plotting, also May 2, childhood bishop story, real baptism, Patriarch Alexander looked after him, took him to Nicea 325, where Athan refuted Arius, Nicene Creed accepted but Arians hated him for it, wanted to kill him, read May 2 and Western stories below; Egyptian Patriarch, 318-373, Athanasias of Alexandria; St. Athanasius the Great the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Athanasius and Cyril were Archbishops of Alexandria. wise teachers of truth and defenders of Christ’s Church share a joint Feast in recognition of their dogmatic writings which affirm the truth of the Orthodox Faith, correctly interpret the Holy Scripture, and censure the delusions of the heretics. Athanasius took part in the First Ecumenical Council when he was still a deacon. surpassed everyone there in his zeal to uphold the teaching that Christ is consubstantial (homoousios) with the Father, and not merely a creature, as the Arians proclaimed. radiant beacon of Orthodoxy spent most of his life in exile from his See, because of the plotting of his enemies. returned to his flock as he was approaching the end of his life. an evening star, he illumined the Orthodox faithful with his words for a little while, then reposed in 373. is also commemorated on May 2 (the transfer of his holy relics). St Athanasius the Great the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on May 2 ; Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria, a great Father of the Church and a pillar of Orthodoxy. was born around the year 297 in the city of Alexandria into a family of pious Christians. received a fine secular education, he acquired more knowledge by diligent study of the Holy Scripture. his childhood, the future hierarch Athanasius became known to Saint Alexander the Patriarch of Alexandria (May 29). group of children, which included Athanasius, were playing at the seashore. The Christian children decided to baptize their pagan playmates. young Athanasius, whom the children designated as “bishop”, performed the Baptism, precisely repeating the words he heard in church during this sacrament. Alexander observed all this from a window. then commanded that the children and their parents be brought to him. conversed with them for a long while, and determined that the Baptism performed by the children was done according to the Church order. acknowledged the Baptism as real and sealed it with the sacrament of Chrismation. this moment, the Patriarch looked after the spiritual upbringing of Athanasius and in time brought him into the clergy, at first as a reader, and then he ordained him as a deacon. was as a deacon that Saint Athanasius accompanied Patriarch Alexander to the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea in the year 325. the Council, Saint Athanasius refuted of the heresy of Arius. speech met with the approval of the Orthodox Fathers of the Council, the Arians, those openly and those secretly so, came to hate Athanasius and persecuted him for the rest of his life. the death of holy Patriarch Alexander, Saint Athanasius was unanimously chosen as his successor in the See of Alexandria. refused, accounting himself unworthy, at the insistence of all the Orthodox populace that it was in agreement, he was consecrated bishop when he was twenty-eight, installed as the archpastor of the Alexandrian Church. Athanasius guided the Church for forty-seven years, during this time he endured persecution and grief from his antagonists. times he was expelled from Alexandria and hid himself from the Arians in desolate places, they repeatedly tried to kill him. Athanasius spent more than twenty years in exile, to his flock, and then was banished again. was a time when he remained as the only Orthodox bishop in the area, moment when all the other bishops had fallen into heresy. the false councils of Arian bishops he was deposed as bishop. being persecuted for many years, the saint continued to defend the purity of the Orthodox Faith, he wrote countless letters and tracts against the Arian heresy. Julian the Apostate (361-363) began a persecution against Christians, his wrath first fell upon Saint Athanasius, whom he considered a great pillar of Orthodoxy. intended to kill the saint in order to strike Christianity a grievous blow, but he soon perished himself. wounded by an arrow during a battle, he cried out with despair: “You have conquered, O Galilean.” Julian’s death, Saint Athanasius guided the Alexandrian Church for seven years and died in 373, at the age of seventy-six. works of Saint Athanasius have been preserved; Orations against the Arian heresy; an Epistle to Epictetus, bishop of the Church of Corinth, on the divine and human natures in Jesus Christ; Epistles to Serapion, Bishop of Thmuis, about the Holy Spirit and His equality with the Father and the Son, directed against the heresy of Macedonius. apologetic works of the Saint in defense of Orthodoxy have been preserved, which is the Letter to the Emperor Constantius. Athanasius wrote commentaries on Holy Scripture, books of a moral and didactic character, well as a biography of Saint Anthony the Great (January 17), with whom Saint Athanasius was very close. John Chrysostom advised every Orthodox Christian to read this Life. memory of Saint Athanasius is celebrated also on January 18 with Saint Cyril of Alexandria. ATHANASIUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, THEOLOGIAN, DOCTOR (2 MAY 373); the pages of the New Testament itself, Athanasius is probably the man to whom we chiefly owe the preservation of the Christian faith. was born around AD 298, and lived in Alexandria, Egypt, the chief center of learning of the Roman Empire. St. Athanasius 313 the Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, changed Christianity from a persecuted to an officially favored religion. six years later, a presbyter (elder, priest) Arius of Alexandria began to teach concerning the Word of God (John 1:1) that "God begat him, and before he was begotten, he did not exist." was at that time a newly ordained deacon, secretary to Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, and a member of his household. reply to Arius was that the begetting, or uttering, of the Word by the Father is an eternal relation between Them, and not a temporal event. was condemned by the bishops of Egypt (with the exceptions of Secundus of Ptolemais and Theonas of Marmorica), went to Nicomedia, which he wrote letters to bishops throughout the world, stating his position. Emperor Constantine undertook to resolve the dispute by calling a council of bishops from all over the Christian world. council met in Nicea, just across the straits from what is now Istanbul, in the year 325, consisted of 317 bishops. accompanied his bishop to the council, and became recognized as a chief spokesman for the view that the Son was fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father. party of Athanasius was overwhelmingly in the majority. western, or Latin, half of the Empire was very sparsely represented, but it was solidly Athanasian, so that if its bishops had attended in force, the vote would have been still more lopsided.) remained to formulate a creedal statement to express the consensus. initial effort was to find a formula from Holy Scripture that would express the full deity of the Son, equally with the Father. the Arians cheerfully agreed to all such formulations, having interpreted them already to fit their own views. of you who have conversed with members of the Watchtower Society, who consider themselves the spiritual heirs of Arius, will know how this works.) the Greek word "homo-ousios" "of the same substance, or nature, or essence") introduced, chiefly because it was one word that could not be understood to mean what the Arians meant. of the bishops present, although in complete disagreement with Arius, were reluctant to use a term not found in the Scriptures, eventually saw that the alternative was a creed that both sides would sign, each understanding it in its own way, that the Church could not afford to leave the question of whether the Son is truly God Arians said "a god") undecided. the result was that the Council adopted a creed which is a shorter version of what we now call the Nicene Creed, the Son to be "of one substance with the Father." the end, there were only two holdouts, the aforesaid Secundus and Theonas. a dramatic but historically accurate account of the Council of Nicea, see the play, The Emperor Constantine, by Dorothy L Sayers, available in book form.) sooner was the council over than its consensus began to fall apart. had expected that the result would be unity, found that the Arians would not accept the decision, that many of the orthodox bishops were prepared to look for a wording a little softer than that of Nicea, that sounded orthodox, but that the Arians would accept. sorts of compromise formulas were worked out, all shades of variation from the formula of Nicea. 328, Alexander died, and Athanasius succeeded him as bishop of Alexandria. refused to participate in these negotiations, (correctly as it turned out) that once the orthodox party showed a willingness to make reaching an agreement their highest priority, they would end up giving away the store. defended the full deity of Christ against emperors, magistrates, bishops, and theologians. this, he was regarded as a trouble-maker by Constantine and his successors, was banished from Alexandria a total of five times by various emperors. the expression "Athanasius contra mundum," or, "Athanasius against the world.") Christians who believed in the Deity of Christ came to see that once they were prepared to abandon the Nicene formulation, were on a slippery slope that led to regarding the Logos as simply a high-ranking angel. more they experimented with other formulations, clearer it became that only the Nicene formulation would preserve the Christian faith in any meaningful sense, so they re-affirmed the Nicene Creed at the Council of Constantinople in 381, final triumph that Athanasius did not live to see. was a final triumph as far as councils of bishops were concerned, the situation was complicated by the fact that after Constantine there were several Arian emperors counting the Emperor Julian, who was a pagan, but correctly saw that the most effective way to fight Christianity was to throw all his weight on the side of the Arians). one of them Arian missionaries were sent to convert the Goths, became the backbone of the Roman Army composed chiefly of foreign mercenaries) the result that for many years Arianism was considered the mark of a good Army man. conversion of Clovis, King of the Franks, in 496, to orthodox Christianity gave the Athanasian party the military power to crush Arianism denied the Arian Goths the military supremacy that would have enabled them to crush Athanasian Christianity, on your point of view. Alexandria had the best astronomers, was the duty of the Bishop of Alexandria to write to the other bishops every year and tell them the correct date for Easter. his annual letter on this topic contained other material as well. Easter Letter (or Paschal Letter) of Athanasius is well known for giving a list of the books that ought to be considered part of the canonical Scriptures, a supplementary list of books suitable for devotional reading. the New Testament, he lists the 27 books that are recognized today. you will look at your list of New Testament books, you may note that Matthew through 2 Thessalonians were never in dispute, the next four were subject to relatively little dispute, that the remaining books had more trouble being accepted. were also a few books that looked as if they might make the list, but eventually did not, most conspicuous being the Epistle of Barnabas, the Epistle of Clement, and the Shepherd of Hermas.) the Old Testament, his list is like that used by most Protestants, that he omits Esther, and includes Baruch, with the letter of Jeremiah. supplementary list is Wisdom, Sirach, Tobias, Judith, and Esther. He does not mention Maccabees. quotations from the writings of Athanasius follow: were made "in the likeness of God." in course of time that image has become obscured, like a face on a very old portrait, dimmed with dust and dirt. a portrait is spoiled, the only way to renew it is for the subject to come back to the studio and sit for the artist all over again. is why Christ came--to make it possible for the divine image in man to be recreated. were made in God's likeness; we are remade in the likeness of his Son. bring about this re-creation, Christ still comes to men and lives among them. a special way he comes to his Church, his "body", to show us what the "image of God" is really like. a responsibility the Church has, to be Christ's "body," showing him to those who are unwilling or unable to see him in providence, or in creation! the Word of God lived out in the Body of Christ they can come to the Father, and themselves be made again "in the likeness of God." If... it is by the sign of the cross and by faith in Christ that death is trampled underfoot, it is clear that it is Christ Himself and none other Who is the Archvictor over death and has robbed it of its power. used to be strong and terrible, but now, since the sojourn of the Savior and the death and resurrection of His body, it is despised; and obviously it is by the very Christ Who mounted on the cross that it has been destroyed and vanquished finally. the sun rises after the night and the whole world is lit up by it, nobody doubts that it is the sun which has thus shed its light everywhere and driven away the dark. clear is it, this utter scorning and trampling down of death has ensued upon the Savior's manifestation in the body and His death on the cross, it is He Himself Who brought death to nought and daily raises monuments to His victory in His own disciples. can you think otherwise, you see men naturally weak hastening to death, at the prospect of corruption, fearless of the descent into Hades, even indeed with eager soul provoking it, not shrinking from tortures, but preferring thus to rush on death for Christ's sake, rather than to remain in this present life? you see with your own eyes men and women and children, even, thus welcoming death for the sake of Christ's religion, can you be so utterly silly and incredulous and maimed in your mind as not to realize that Christ, Whom these all bear witness, gives the victory to each, death completely powerless for those who hold His faith and bear the sign of the cross? one in his senses doubts that a snake is dead when he sees it trampled underfoot, especially when he knows how savage it used to be; if he sees boys making fun of a lion, does he doubt that the brute is either dead or completely bereft of strength. things can be seen with our own eyes, and it is the same with the conquest of death. no longer, then, when you see death mocked and scorned by those who believe in Christ, by Christ death was destroyed, the corruption that goes with it resolved and brought to end. by James Kiefer Note: Further information on Athanasius may also be found at the Christian Classics Ethereal Library.

Constantinople, 320-337, Saint, Eustathius of Antioch, Orthodox
Byzantium, 320-337, Byzantine Saint, Eustathius of Antioch; St. Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 21;; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated on February 24;

Constantinople, 320-435, Agathon of Egypt, exceptional meekness, accounting himself the most sinful of men, He said yes that is true to monks lying about his sins, but no about being heretic
Egypt, 320-435, Agathon of Egypt, contemporary of Macarius the Great at Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great, Sketis Desert, 360, exceptional meekness, accounting himself the most sinful of men, He said yes that is true to monks lying about his sins, but not about being heretic; Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great, Sketis Desert; Venerable Agathon of Egypt, Commemorated on March 2; Agathon of Egypt, a contemporary of Saint Macarius the Great (January 19) and a disciple of Saint Lot (October 22), lived in asceticism in a skete in Egypt. was distinguished by exceptional meekness, accounting himself the most sinful of men. monks who had heard of his discernment came to Saint Agathon to see if they could make him lose his temper. asked him, “Are you Abba Agathon, a fornicator and a proud man?” “Yes, that is true,” the monk replied. “Are you the Agathon who is always talking nonsense?” the monks inquired. “I am,” the saint agreed. “Are you Agathon the heretic?” the monks persisted. Agathon said, “I am not a heretic.” asked the saint why he agreed with them when they accused him of vices, but then denied this last charge. replied, “I accepted the first accusations, since that was beneficial for my soul. But heresy is separation from God, and I do not wish to be separated from God.” at his discernment, they returned to their monastery, edified. asked which was more important for salvation, bodily asceticism or interior vigilance, Saint Agathon said, “Man is like a tree. Bodily asceticism is the foliage, but interior vigilance is the fruit. Holy Scripture says that ‘every tree which does not bring forth good fruit shall be cut down and thrown into the fire’ (Mt.3:10). Therefore, we should focus our attention on the fruit. But a tree also needs the protection of its foliage, which is bodily asceticism.” Agathon died in about the year 435. For three days before his repose the monk sat in silence and concentration, as though disturbed about something. the monks questioned him, he answered that he saw himself before the Judgment Seat of God. “How is it possible that you, Father, should fear judgment?” they asked him. “I have done my best to keep the commandments of the Lord, but I am a man. How can I be certain that my deeds have been pleasing to God?” “Do you not trust that all the good deeds which you have accomplished are pleasing to God?” asked the monks. “I have no such hope until I see God. His judgment is not man’s judgment.” Having said this, the saint departed to the Lord. Agathon is commemorated on January 8 on the Greek calendar.

Constantinople, 320-356, Arias, Byzantine Arian
Byzantine Arian, 320-356, Arias ; St Alexander the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 30; Martyr Polychronius the Presbyter, Commemorated on October 7; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397);

Constantinople, 320-388, St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Syria, Divine Light for reading
Syria, 320-388, St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Syria, Divine Light for reading Cyrrhus; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2 ; Marcian of Cyrrhus lived during the fourth century. He went into the desert, where he lived for many years in solitude, unceasing prayer, and strict fasting. He built a small cell, and settled in it. saint never lit candles for reading at night when he fulfilled his Rule of prayer, for the cell was filled with a divine light. several years the monk accepted two disciples, settling them beside him, but he continued to live as a hermit. Patriarch Flavian of Antioch (February 18) and other bishops entreated the monk to abandon his strict solitude for the benefit of Christians, but he would not agree. while not quitting his cell, he taught those coming to him for instruction and he turned many away from heresy and led them to the Orthodox Faith. Before his end, Saint Marcian instructed his disciple Eusebius to bury him secretly far from his cell, in order to shun posthumous glory and avoid contention among those wanting his relics for nearby churches. Saint Marcian died in the year 388.

Constantinople, 320-390, John-Barsanuphius, Bishop oDamascus, Syria , withdrew t Nitria&Thebaid, Egypt
Syria, 320-390, John-Barsanuphius, Bishop oDamascus, Syria (Barada River foothills, Way of the Sea 17, Kings Highway 17), fPalestine, baptized at 18, became Monk, c Archbishop of Damascus, withdrew tAlexandria, Nitria, Theodore oNitria, withdrew (Thebaid); Damascus (Barada River foothills); Venerable John-Barsanuphius the Bishop of Damascus, Commemorated on February 28; John, called Barsanuphius, was a native of Palestine. was baptized when he was eighteen years old, and later became a monk. of his ascetic life, Saint John was consecrated Archbishop of Damascus. of his love for the solitary life, Saint John gave up his position as hierarch and secretly withdrew to Alexandria, calling himself Barsanuphius. he went into the Nitrian desert, arrived at a monastery, and begged the igumen to accept him into the monastery to serve the Elders. conscientiously fulfilled this obedience by day, and spent his nights in prayer. of Nitria saw the monk, and knew that he was a bishop. Saint John concealed himself again and withdrew into Egypt, where he lived in asceticism until the end of his days.

Constantinople, 320-391, Marcarius tGreat, Great long story otPower oHumility, For Example-why we say Lord Have Mercy
Egypt, 320-391, Marcarius tGreat, fPtinapor, widowed, forsook worldly life, long life but death memory stayed with him, impelling prayer&Penitence, began frequent church&Holy scripture, but no leave aged parents, spent everything tHelp them, prayed for a salvation guide, experienced elder sent, who guided watchfulness, fasting, prayer, who taught basket weaving, Elder built separate cell near his own, setteled M in it, Bishop arrived aPtinapor & ordained him deacon, against his will, so M went another place, Devil attacked him, shaking his cell, suggesting terrible thoughts, M's sign otCross & Prayer repelled D, Evil Slander accusing seduction oNeighbor, M endured temptation, he sent his weaving money for her support, Innocence manifested when Woman suffered many days, not able give birth, so she confessed, revealed real father's name, E shunned praise by leaving before Parents could ask forgiveness, settled Mt Nitria iPharan Desert, so human wickedness again prospered righteous, after 3yrs tAnthony tGreat, Egyptian Monasticism Father, longed see him still alive, A received him, M became devoted disciple long time, then A advised him go tSkete monastery, there he came to be called Young Elder, not quite 30yr old, there survived many demon attacks, M Carrying palm branches, devil attackes him wSickle, repelled bPrayer& Sign otCross, D said you surpass me only in humility, at age 40 M ordained priest made head Sketis monk, M often visited A, spiritual conversations, present A's death, received A's staff and double portion A's spiritual power, like Elisha from Elijah, and mantle from fiery chariot like staff, so M worked m healings, people thronged, unsettled quiet, dug deeper cave under his cell, hid there, his prayers Lord raised dead, continued humility, caught thief stealing his things, helped him load them to his (M's) donkey, we don't bring anythin in tWorld, we don't take anything out, Skull Story -saw skull along road, who are you, I am chief pagan priest, when you pray for those in hell we receive mitigation from torments, what torments, we sit great fire, can't see each other, you pray we begin see each other, M wept asked more torments, skull answered -down below us are those who knew God but spurned him and did not keep commandments, they worse torments, Once while praying M heard a voice, two women in city have more perfect virtue than you, M found them, Women received him, we live w husbands, no such virtues, but M insisted, we married brothers, live together one house, 15 yrs, never quarrel, no malicious words, husbands denied request women's monastery, we vowed no worldly word till death, M glorifed God and said n truth, the Lord seeks neither virgins nor married women, and neither monks nor laymen, but values a person’s free intent, accepting it as the deed itself, He grants to everyone’s free will the grace of the Holy Spirit, which operates in an individual and directs the life of all who yearn to be saved, during Valen's time Macarius tG& M oA persecuited by Arians, put them on ship going tPagan island, all inhabitants baptized, so they were returned tTheir monasteries, M lived to 90, Anthony & Pachomius appreared tHim shortly before death, announced death in 9days, f9days instructed disciples preserve monastic rule and Traditions otFathers, departed sayin Into thy hands O Lord, I commend my spirit meekness and humility of the monk transformed human souls. “A harmful word,” said Abba Macarius, “makes good things bad, but a good word makes bad things good.” the monks asked him how to pray properly, he answered, “Prayer does not require many words. is needful to say only, “Lord, as Thou wilt and as Thou knowest, have mercy on me.” an enemy should fall upon you, you need only say, “Lord, have mercy!” The Lord knows that which is useful for us, and grants us mercy.” the brethren asked how a monk ought to comport himself, the saint replied, “Forgive me, I am not yet a monk, but I have seen monks. asked them what I must do to be a monk. answered, ‘If a man does not withdraw himself from everything which is in the world, it is not possible to be a monk.’ I said, ‘I am weak and cannot be as you are.’ The monks responded, ‘If you cannot renounce the world as we have, then go to your cell and weep for your sins.’” Macarius gave advice to a young man who wished to become a monk: “Flee from people and you shall be saved.” one asked: “What does it mean to flee from people?” monk answered: “Sit in your cell and repent of your sins.” Macarius sent him to a cemetery to rebuke and then to praise the dead. he asked him what they said to him. young man replied, “They were silent to both praise and reproach.” “If you wish to be saved, be as one dead. Do not become angry when insulted, nor puffed up when praised.” further: “If slander is like praise for you, poverty like riches, insufficiency like abundance, then you shall not perish.” prayer of Saint Macarius saved many in perilous circumstances of life, and preserved them from harm and temptation. benevolence was so great that they said of him: “Just as God sees the whole world, but does not chastize sinners, so also does Abba Macarius cover his neighbor’s weaknesses, which he seemed to see without seeing, and heard without hearing.” Egyptian Saint, 320-391, Marcarius the Great; Venerable Macarius the Great of Egypt, Commemorated on January 19; Macarius the Great of Egypt was born in the early fourth century the village of Ptinapor in Egypt. the wish of his parents he entered into marriage, but was soon widowed. he buried his wife, Macarius told himself, “Take heed, Macarius, and have care for your soul. It is fitting that you forsake worldly life.” Lord rewarded the saint with a long life, from that time the memory of death was constantly with him, him to ascetic deeds of prayer and penitence. began to visit the church of God more frequently to be more deeply absorbed in Holy Scripture, he did not leave his aged parents, thus fulfilling the commandment to honor one’s parents. his parents died, Saint Macarius used his remaining substance to help them he began to pray fervently that the Lord might show him a guide on the way to salvation. Lord sent him an experienced Elder, who lived in the desert not far from the village. Elder accepted the youth with love, guided him in the spiritual science of watchfulness, fasting and prayer, and taught him the handicraft of weaving baskets. building a separate cell not far from his own, the Elder settled his disciple in it. local bishop arrived one day at Ptinapor knowing of the saint’s virtuous life, him to the diaconate against his will. Macarius was overwhelmed by this disturbance of his silence, so he went secretly to another place. Enemy of our salvation began a tenacious struggle with the ascetic, trying to terrify him, shaking his cell and suggesting sinful thoughts. Macarius repelled the attacks of the devil, defending himself with prayer and the Sign of the Cross. people slandered the saint, accusing him of seducing a woman from a nearby village. dragged him out of his cell and jeered at him. Saint Macarius endured the temptation with great humility. a murmur, he sent the money that he got for his baskets for the support of the pregnant woman. innocence of Saint Macarius was manifested when the woman, who suffered torment for many days, was not able to give birth. confessed that she had slandered the hermit, and revealed the name of the real father. her parents found out the truth, they were astonished and intended to go to the saint to ask forgiveness. Saint Macarius willingly accepted dishonor, he shunned the praise of men. fled from that place by night and settled on Mt. Nitria in the Pharan desert. human wickedness contributed to the prospering of the righteous. dwelt in the desert for three years, he went to Saint Anthony the Great, the Father of Egyptian monasticism, for he had heard that he was still alive in the world, and he longed to see him. Anthony received him with love, and Macarius became his devoted disciple and follower. Macarius lived with him for a long time and then, on the advice of the saintly abba, he went off to the Skete monastery (in the northwest part of Egypt). so shone forth in asceticism that he came to be called “a young Elder,” he had distinguished himself as an experienced and mature monk, though he was not quite thirty years old. Macarius survived many demonic attacks against him. he was carrying palm branches for weaving baskets, and a devil met him on the way and wanted to strike him with a sickle, he was not able to do this. said, “Macarius, I suffer great anguish from you because I am unable to vanquish you. I do everything that you do. You fast, and I eat nothing at all. You keep vigil, and I never sleep. You surpass me only in one thing: humility.” the saint reached the age of forty, he was ordained to the priesthood and made the head of the monks living in the desert of Skete. these years, Saint Macarius often visited with Saint Anthony the Great, receiving guidance from him in spiritual conversations. Macarius was deemed worthy to be present at the death of Saint Anthony and he received his staff. also received a double portion of the Anthony’s spiritual power, just as the prophet Elisha once received a double portion of the grace of the prophet Elias, along with the mantle that he dropped from the fiery chariot. Macarius worked many healings. -- People thronged to him from various places for help and for advice, asking his holy prayers. this unsettled the quietude of the saint. therefore dug out a deep cave under his cell, and hid there for prayer and meditation. Macarius attained such boldness before God that, through his prayers, the Lord raised the dead. attaining such heights of holiness, he continued to preserve his unusual humility. time the holy abba caught a thief loadng his things on a donkey standing near the cell. revealing that he was the owner of these things, the monk began to help tie up the load. removed himself from the world, the monk told himself, “We bring nothing at all into this world; clearly, it is not possible to take anything out from it. Blessed be the Lord for all things!” Saint Macarius was walking and saw a skull lying upon the ground. He asked, “Who are you?” skull answered, “I was a chief priest of the pagans. When you, Abba, pray for those in hell, we receive some mitigation.” monk asked, “What are these torments?” “We are sitting in a great fire,” replied the skull, “and we do not see one another. you pray, we begin to see each other somewhat, and this affords us some comfort.” heard such words, the saint began to weep and asked, “Are there still more fiercesome torments?” skull answered, “Down below us are those who knew the Name of God, but spurned Him and did not keep His commandments. endure even more grievous torments.” while he was praying, Saint Macarius heard a voice: “Macarius, you have not yet attained such perfection in virtue as two women who live in the city.” humble ascetic went to the city, found the house where the women lived, and knocked. women received him with joy, and he said, “I have come from the desert seeking you in order to learn of your good deeds. Tell me about them, and conceal nothing.” women answered with surprise, “We live with our husbands, and we have not such virtues.” the saint continued to insist, and the women then told him, “We married two brothers. living together in one house for fifteen years, we have not uttered a single malicious nor shameful word, and we never quarrel among ourselves. asked our husbands to allow us to enter a women’s monastery, but they would not agree. vowed not to utter a single worldly word until our death.” Macarius glorified God and said, “In truth, the Lord seeks neither virgins nor married women, and neither monks nor laymen, values a person’s free intent, accepting it as the deed itself. grants to everyone’s free will the grace of the Holy Spirit, which operates in an individual and directs the life of all who yearn to be saved.” the years of the reign of the Arian emperor Valens (364-378), Saint Macarius the Great and Saint Macarius of Alexandria were subjected to persecution by the followers of the Arian bishop Lucius. seized both Elders and put them on a ship, sending them to an island where only pagans lived. the prayers of the saints, the daughter of a pagan priest was delivered from an evil spirit. this, the pagan priest and all the inhabitants of the island were baptized. he heard what had happened, the Arian bishop feared an uprising and permitted the Elders to return to their monasteries. meekness and humility of the monk transformed human souls. “A harmful word,” said Abba Macarius, “makes good things bad, but a good word makes bad things good.” the monks asked him how to pray properly, he answered, “Prayer does not require many words. is needful to say only, “Lord, as Thou wilt and as Thou knowest, have mercy on me.” an enemy should fall upon you, you need only say, “Lord, have mercy!” The Lord knows that which is useful for us, and grants us mercy.” the brethren asked how a monk ought to comport himself, the saint replied, “Forgive me, I am not yet a monk, but I have seen monks. asked them what I must do to be a monk. answered, ‘If a man does not withdraw himself from everything which is in the world, it is not possible to be a monk.’ I said, ‘I am weak and cannot be as you are.’ The monks responded, ‘If you cannot renounce the world as we have, then go to your cell and weep for your sins.’” Macarius gave advice to a young man who wished to become a monk: “Flee from people and you shall be saved.” one asked: “What does it mean to flee from people?” monk answered: “Sit in your cell and repent of your sins.” Macarius sent him to a cemetery to rebuke and then to praise the dead. he asked him what they said to him. young man replied, “They were silent to both praise and reproach.” “If you wish to be saved, be as one dead. Do not become angry when insulted, nor puffed up when praised.” further: “If slander is like praise for you, poverty like riches, insufficiency like abundance, then you shall not perish.” prayer of Saint Macarius saved many in perilous circumstances of life, and preserved them from harm and temptation. benevolence was so great that they said of him: “Just as God sees the whole world, but does not chastize sinners, so also does Abba Macarius cover his neighbor’s weaknesses, which he seemed to see without seeing, and heard without hearing.” monk lived until the age of ninety. before his death, Saints Anthony and Pachomius appeared to him, bringing the joyful message of his departure to eternal life in nine days. instructing his disciples to preserve the monastic Rule and the traditions of the Fathers, blessed them and began to prepare for death. Saint Macarius departed to the Lord saying, “Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.” Macarius spent sixty years in the wilderness, being dead to the world. spent most of his time in conversation with God, often in a state of spiritual rapture. he never ceased to weep, to repent and to work. saint’s profound theological writings are based on his own personal experience. Spiritual Homilies and seven Ascetic Treatises survive as the precious legacy of his spiritual wisdom. prayers composed by Saint Macarius the Great are still used by the Church in the Prayers Before Sleep and also in the Morning Prayers. ’s highest goal and purpose, the union of the soul with God, is a primary principle in the works of Saint Macarius. the methods for attaining mystical communion, the saint relies upon the experience of the great teachers of Egyptian monasticism and on his own experience. way to God and the experience of the holy ascetics of union with God is revealed to each believer’s heart. life, according to Saint Macarius, has only a relative significance: prepare the soul, to make it capable of perceiving the heavenly Kingdom, and to establish in the soul an affinity with the heavenly homeland. “For those truly believing in Christ, it is necessary to change and transform the soul from its present degraded nature into another, divine nature, to be fashioned anew by the power of the Holy Spirit.” is possible, if we truly believe and we truly love God and have observed all His holy commandments. one betrothed to Christ at Baptism not seek and receive the divine light of the Holy Spirit in the present life, “then when he departs from the body, he is separated into the regions of darkness on the left side. does not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but has his end in hell with the devil and his angels” (Homily 30:6). the teaching of Saint Macarius, the inner action of the Christian determines the extent of his perception of divine truth and love. of us acquires salvation through grace and the divine gift of the Holy Spirit, to attain a perfect measure of virtue, is necessary for the soul’s assimilation of this divine gift, possible only “by faith and by love with the strengthening of free will.” Thus, the Christian inherits eternal life “as much by grace, as by truth.” is a divine-human action, and we attain complete spiritual success “not only by divine power and grace, but also by the accomplishing of the proper labors.” the other hand, is not just within “the measure of freedom and purity” that we arrive at the proper solicitude, is not without “the cooperation of the hand of God above.” participation of man determines the actual condition of his soul, thus inclining him to good or evil. “If a soul still in the world does not possess in itself the sanctity of the Spirit for great faith and for prayer, does not strive for the oneness of divine communion, it is unfit for the heavenly kingdom.” miracles and visions of Blessed Macarius are recorded in a book by the presbyter Rufinus, his Life was compiled by Saint Serapion, bishop of Tmuntis (Lower Egypt), of the renowned workers of the Church in the fourth century. holy relics are in the city of Amalfi, Italy.

Constantinople, 320-395, Onuphrius, longed to imitate, led by angel to old man, enlightened, struggle & care
Egyptian Saint, 320-395, Onuphrius; Egyptian Patriarch, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic; St John of Egypt,Commemorated on December 2; Venerable Onuphrius the Great, Commemorated on June 12; Paphnutius, who led an ascetical life in the Thebaid desert in Egypt, has left us an account of Saint Onuphrius the Great and the Lives of other fourth century hermits: Timothy the Desert Dweller, the abbas Andrew, Charalampus, Theophilus, and others. occurred to Saint Paphnutius to go to the inner desert in order to see if there were a monk who labored for the Lord more than he did. took a little bread and water and went into the most remote part of the desert. After four days he reached a cave and found in it the body of an Elder who had been dead for several years. Having buried the hermit, Saint Paphnutius went on farther. After several more days he found another cave, and from the marks in the sand he realized that the cave was inhabited. At sundown he saw a herd of buffalo and walking among them a man. This man was naked, but was covered with long hair as if with clothing. This was Abba Timothy the Desert-Dweller. a fellow man, Abba Timothy thought that he was seeing an apparition, and he began to pray. Saint Paphnutius finally convinced the hermit that he was actually a living man and a fellow Christian. Abba Timothy prepared food and water for him. He related that he had been living in the desert for thirty years, and that Saint Paphnutius was the first man he had seen. In his youth, Timothy had lived in a cenobitic monastery, but he wanted to live alone. Abba Timothy left his monastery and went to live near a city, sustaining himself by the work of his own hands (he was a weaver). Once a woman came to him with an order and he fell into sin with her. Having come to his senses, the fallen monk went far into the desert, where he patiently endured tribulation and sickness. When he was at the point of dying from hunger, he received healing in a miraculous manner. that time Abba Timothy had lived peacefully in complete solitude, eating dates from the trees, and quenching his thirst with water from a spring. Saint Paphnutius besought the Elder that he might remain with him in the wilderness. But he was told that he would be unable to bear the demonic temptations which beset desert-dwellers. Instead, the Elder supplied him with dates and water, and blessed him to go on his way. rested at a desert monastery, Saint Paphnutius undertook a second journey into the innermost desert, hoping to find another holy ascetic who would profit his soul. He went on for seventeen days, until his supply of bread and water was exhausted. Saint Paphnutius collapsed twice from weakness, and an angel strengthened him. the seventeenth day Saint Paphnutius reached a hilly place and sat down to rest. Here he caught sight of a man approaching him, who was covered from head to foot with white hair and girded his loins with leaves of desert plants. The sight of the Elder frightened Abba Paphnutius, and he jumped up and fled up the hill. The Elder sat down at the foot of the hill. Lifting his head, he saw Saint Paphnutius, and called him to come down. This was the great desert-dweller, Abba Onuphrius. At the request of Saint Paphnutius, he told him about himself. Onuphrius had lived in complete isolation in the wilds of the wilderness for sixty years. In his youth he had been raised at the Eratus monastery near the city of Hermopolis. Having learned from the holy Fathers about the hardships and lofty life of the desert-dwellers, to whom the Lord sent help through His angels, Saint Onuphrius longed to imitate their exploits. He secretly left the monastery one night and saw a brilliant ray of light before him. Saint Onuphrius became frightened and decided to go back, but the voice of his Guardian Angel told him to go into the desert to serve the Lord. walking six or seven miles, he saw a cave. At that moment the ray of light vanished. In the cave was an old man. Saint Onuphrius stayed with him to learn of his manner of life and his struggle with demonic temptations. When the Elder was convinced that Saint Onuphrius had been enlightened somewhat, he then led him to another cave and left him there alone to struggle for the Lord. The Elder visited him once a year, until he fell asleep in the Lord. the request of Saint Paphnutius, Abba Onuphrius told him of his labors and ascetic feats, and of how the Lord had cared for him. Near the cave where he lived was a date-palm tree and a spring of pure water issued forth. Twelve different branches of the palm tree bore fruit each month in succession, and so the monk endured neither hunger nor thirst. The shade of the palm tree sheltered him from the noonday heat. An angel brought Holy Communion to the saint each Saturday and Sunday, and to the other desert-dwellers as well. monks conversed until evening, when Abba Paphnutius noticed a loaf of white bread lying between them, and also a vessel of water. After eating, the Elders spent the night in prayer. After the singing of the morning hymns, Saint Paphnutius saw that the face of the venerable Onuphrius had become transformed, and that frightened him. Saint Onuphrius said, “God, Who is Merciful to all, has sent you to me so that you might bury my body. Today I shall finish my earthly course and depart to my Christ, to live forever in eternal rest.” Saint Onuphrius then asked Abba Paphnutius to remember him to all the brethren, and to all Christians. Paphnutius wanted to remain there after the death of Abba Onuphrius. However, the holy ascetic told him that it was not God’s will for him to stay there; he was to return to his own monastery instead and tell everyone about the virtuous lives of the desert-dwellers. Having then blessed Abba Paphnutius and bid him farewell, Saint Onuphrius prayed with tears and sighs, and then he lay down upon the earth, uttering his final words, “Into Thy hands, my God, I commend my spirit,” and died. Paphnutius wept and tore off a portion of his garment, and with it covered the body of the great ascetic. He placed it in the crevice of a large rock, which was hollow like a grave, and covered it over with a multitude of small stones. Then he began to pray that the Lord would permit him to remain in that place until the end of his life. Suddenly, the cave fell in, the palm tree withered, and the spring of water dried up. Realising that he had not been given a blessing to remain, Saint Paphnutius set out on his return journey. four days Abba Paphnutius reached a cave, where he met an ascetic who had lived in the desert for more than 60 years. Except for the two other Elders, with whom he labored, this monk had seen no one in all that time. Each week these three had gone on their solitary paths into the wilderness, and on Saturday and Sunday they gathered for psalmody, and ate the bread which an angel brought them. Since it was Saturday, they had gathered together. After eating the bread provided by the angel, they spent the whole night at prayer. As he was leaving, Saint Paphnutius asked the names of the Elders, but they said, “God, Who knows everything, also knows our names. Remember us, that we may see one another in God’s heavenly habitations.” on his way, Saint Paphnutius came upon an oasis which impressed him with its beauty and abundance of fruit-bearing trees. Four youths inhabiting this place came to him from out of the wilderness. The youths told Abba Paphnutius that in their childhood they had lived in the city of Oxyrhynchus (Upper Thebaid) and they had studied together. They had burned with the desire to devote their lives to God. Making their plans to go off into the desert, the young men left the city and after several days’ journey, they reached this place. man radiant with heavenly glory met them and led them to a desert Elder. “We have lived here six years already,” said the youths. “Our Elder dwelt here one year and then he died. Now we live here alone, we eat the fruit of the trees, and we have water from a spring.” The youths gave him their names, they were Saints John, Andrew, Heraklemon and Theophilus (Dec. 2). youths struggled separately the whole week long, but on Saturday and Sunday they gathered at the oasis and offered up common prayer. On these days an angel would appear and commune them with the Holy Mysteries. This time however, for Abba Paphnutius’ sake, they did not go off into the desert, but spent the whole week together at prayer. On the following Saturday and Sunday Saint Paphnutius together with the youths was granted to receive the Holy Mysteries from the hands of the angel and to hear these words, “Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God.” Paphnutius made bold to ask the angel for permission to remain in the desert to the end of his days. The angel replied that God had decreed another path for him. He was to return to Egypt and tell the Christians of the life of the desert-dwellers. bid farewell to the youths, Saint Paphnutius reached the edge of the wilderness after a three day journey. Here he found a small skete, and the brethren received him with love. Abba Paphnutius related everything that he had learned about the holy Fathers whom he had encountered in the desert. The brethren wrote a detailed account of what Saint Paphnutius said, and deposited it in the church, where all who wished to do so could read it. Saint Paphnutius gave thanks to God, Who had granted him to learn about the exalted lives of the hermits of the Thebaid, and he returned to his own monastery.

Byzantium, 323-337, Emperor, Constantine the Great sole ruler in Constantinople
Byzantine Emperor, 306-337, Constantine the Great ; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Venerable Onesimus of Magnesia, Commemorated on July 14 ; Martyr Julita (Ulita) of Tarsus, Commemorated on July 15 ; Venerable Pambo the Hermit of Egypt, Commemorated on July 18; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Macrina the Sister of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on July 19 ; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Venerable Horus of the Thebaid, Egypt, Commemorated on August 7; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; St Hosius the Confessor the Bishop of Cordova, Commemorated August 27 ; St Alexander the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 30; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated on September 1; Martyr Menodora at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 10; Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) at Jerusalem, Commemorated on September 13; FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS, (14 SEP 335); The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Commemorated on September 14; Commemoration of the apparition of the Pillar with the Robe of the Lord under it at Mtskheta in Georgia, Commemorated on October 1; Martyr Callisthene and her father Audactus of Ephesus, Commemorated on October 4; Martyr Polychronius the Presbyter, Commemorated on October 7; Martyr Theotecnus of Antioch, Commemorated on October 10 ; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated on October 20; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Holy, Glorious Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 26; Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 27; Hieromartyr Cyriacus the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on October 28 ; Venerable Abramius the Recluse of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on October 29; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2; Dedication of the Church of the Greatmartyr George in Lydia, Commemorated on November 3; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on November 11; St Hypatius of Gangra, Commemorated on November 16; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Anna, Commemorated on November 28; St John of Egypt, Commemorated on December 2; St Spyridon the Wonderworker and Bishop of Tremithus, Commemorated on December 12 ; St Niphon the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 23; St Paul the Bishop of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on December 23; Martyr Zoticus the Keeper of Orphans, Commemorated on December 30; St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1; St Emilia, the Mother of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 1; Martyr Gordius at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 3 ; Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 5; HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); St James the Bishop of Nisibis, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; ANTONY, ABBOT IN EGYPT (17 JAN 356); Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; St Athanasius the Great the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Macarius of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 19; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28; Martyr Silvanus Bishop of Emesa, Commemorated on January 29; Hieromartyr Abramius the Bishop of Arbela in Assyria, Commemorated on February 4; St Parthenius the Bishop of Lampsacus on the Hellespont, Commemorated on February 7; Venerable Eusebius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 15; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18 ; St Agapitus the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; Hieromartyr Sadoc (Sadoth) the Bishop of Persia, Commemorated on February 20; St Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 21; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated on February 24; Virginmartyr Piama, Commemorated on March 3; Uncovering of the Precious Cross and the Precious Nails by the Empress St Helen in Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 6; Venerable Arcadius of Cyprus, Commemorated on March 6; Hieromartyr Capiton of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7; Hieromartyr Eugene of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7; Venerable Paul the Simple and Disciple of the Venerable Anthony the Great, Commemorated on March 7; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, Commemorated on March 9; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18; St Malchus of Chalcis in Syria, Commemorated on March 26 ; Venerable John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 27; Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29; Venerable Apollonius, Ascetic, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 31; Venerable Vitalius of Gaza, Commemorated on April 22; Martyr Theognes at Cyzicus, Commemorated on April 29; Uncovering of the relics of St Basil the Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 30; ATHANASIUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, THEOLOGIAN, DOCTOR (2 MAY 373); St Akaki Asistavi of Georgia, Commemorated on May 7; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); Blessed Isidora the Fool of Tabenna in Egypt, Commemorated on May 10; Martyr Philadelphus and 18 others in Sicily, Commemorated on May 10; Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 11 ; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; St Achilles the Bishop of Larissa, Commemorated on May 15 ; Venerable Pachomius the Great, Founder of Coenobitic Monasticism, Commemorated on May 15; The Entrance of St Nino (Nina) the Enlightener into Georgia, Commemorated on May 19; Equal of the Apostles and Emperor Constantine with his Mother Helen, Commemorated on May 21; Hieromartyr Helladius the Bishop in the East, Commemorated on May 28; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5; Martyr Marcian of Egypt, Commemorated on June 5; Translation of the relics of the Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates, Commemorated on June 8; EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373); Martyr Alexander at Constantinople, Commemorated on June 10; St Triphyllius the Bishop of Leucosia (Nicosia) in Cyprus, Commemorated on June 13; BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379);

India, 323-337, Barlaam tMonk & Prince Ioasaph of India

Constantinople, 323-383, Frumentius t Archbishop of Abyssinia, Northwest Ethiopia, miracles from priesthood grace
Africa, East Africa, 323-383, Frumentius the Archbishop of Abyssinia (Ethiopian Empire, Northwest Ethiopia, north of the rift, Ethiopian Highlands), miracles from grace of priesthood; Abyssinia: the Ethiopian Empire. Ethiopian Highlands ; St Frumentius the Archbishop of Abyssinia, Ethiopia, Commemorated November 30 ; Frumentius, Archbishop of Inda (Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia), a native of the city of Tyre. still a child, he came to Abyssinia by divine Providence. up near the imperial court, he became a friend and chief counselor of the Abyssinian emperor, and afterwards tutor to his son, who ascended the throne while still a minor after the death of his father. the consent of the new emperor, Saint Frumentius journeyed to his native land and afterwards visited Alexandria and its patriarch, Saint Athanasius the Great (May 2). the blessing of Saint Athanasius, Frumentius was elevated to become Bishop of Abyssinia and he returned to that country, which had sheltered him from his childhood. he returned from his consecration, Frumentius began to perform miracles, bringing many people to the Church. emperor said to him, “You have lived among us for many years, yet we never saw you perform such wonders. is it that you do so now?” saint replied, “This has nothing to do with me, but is due to the grace of the priesthood.” the emperor and many of his subjects received holy Baptism. accomplished the apostolic task of converting the Abyssinian nation to Christ, Saint Frumentius zealously and fruitfully guided the Church entrusted him by God for many years, then peacefully departed to the Lord in great old age.

Constantinople, 324-330, Constantinople Founding, closer Eastern Provinces, direct com West, boundary when he stops
Constantinople, 324-330, Founding of Constantinople (Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn), closer to Eastern Provinces, with direct communication to the West, tracing boundaries w spear, how long?, when he stops, divine power, pagan monuments, Christian Capital for 1000 yrs; Constantinople; Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 11; 324 the holy Emperor Constantine (May 21) decided that the imperial capital had to be closer to the Eastern provinces, and yet have direct communication with the West. The city of Byzantium fulfilled these requirements, and on November 8, 324 the site of the new capital was consecrated. tells us that the Emperor was tracing the boundaries of the city with a spear, when his courtiers became astonished by the magnitude of the new dimensions of the capital. “Lord,” they asked, “how long will you keep going?” replied, “I shall keep going until the one who walks ahead of me stops.” they understood that the emperor was being guided by some divine power. There is an iconographic sketch by Rallis Kopsides showing an angel of the Lord going before Saint Constantine as he traces the new boundaries of the city. of the main buildings was begun in 325, and pagan monuments from Rome, Athens, and other cities were used to beautify the new capital. The need for the new city is partially explained by the changing requirements of government, the Germanic invasion of the West, and commercial benefits, but the new city was also to be a Christian capital. For this, a new foundation was required. 330, the work had progressed to the point where it was possible for Constantine to dedicate the new capital. The dedication took place on May 11, followed by forty days of joyous celebration. Christian Constantinople was placed under the protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, and overshadowed pagan Byzantium. Saint Constantine was the first Emperor to submit voluntarily to Christ, and Constantinople became the symbol of a Christian Empire which lasted for a thousand years.

Constantinople, 325-340, Alexander, Patriarch, 1st E Council, punished Arius w prayer
Byzantine Patriarch, 325-340, Alexander of Constantinople; St Alexander the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 30; Alexander, John and Paul, Patriarchs of Constantinople, lived at different times, but each of them happened to clash with the activities of heretics who sought to distort the teachings of the Church. Saint Alexander (325-340) was a vicar bishop during the time of Saint Metrophanes (June 4), the first Patriarch of Constantinople. of the patriarch’s extreme age, Alexander substituted for him at the First Ecumenical Synod at Nicea (325). Upon his death, Saint Metrophanes left instructions in his will to elect his vicar to the throne of Constantinople. these times His Holiness Patriarch Alexander had to contend with the Arians and with pagans. Once, in a dispute with a pagan philosopher the saint said to him, “In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ I command you to be quiet!” and the pagan suddenly became mute. When he gestured with signs to acknowledge his errors and affirm the correctness of the Christian teaching, then his speech returned to him and he believed in Christ together with many other pagan philosophers. The faithful rejoiced at this, glorifying God Who had given such power to His saint. heretic Arius was punished through the prayer of Saint Alexander. Arius had apparently agreed to enter into communion with the Orthodox. When the Emperor asked him if he believed as the Fathers of Nicea taught, he placed his hand upon his breast (where he had cunningly concealed beneath his clothes a document with his own false creed written upon it) and said, “This is what I believe!” Saint Constantine (May 21), unaware of the deceitful wickedness of Arius, set a day for receiving him into the Church. All night long Saint Alexander prayed, imploring the Lord not to permit this heretic to be received into communion with the Church. the morning, Arius set out triumphantly for the church, surrounded by imperial counselors and soldiers, but divine judgment overtook him. Stopping to take care of a physical necessity, his bowels burst forth and he perished in his own blood and filth, as did Judas (Acts 1:18). Holiness Patriarch Alexander, having toiled much, died in the year 340 at the age of 98. Saint Gregory the Theologian (January 25) mentioned him afterwards in an encomium to the people of Constantinople. Service to Saint Alexander was printed in Venice in 1771. According to some ancient manuscripts, Saint Alexander ought to be commemorated on June 2. Today he is remembered together with the holy Patriarchs John the Faster (September 2) and Paul the New (eighth century). St Paul the Confessor the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 6; Paul the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople, was chosen to the patriarchal throne after the death of Patriarch Alexander (+ 340), when the Arian heresy had again flared up. Many of the Arians were present at the Council which selected the new Archbishop of Constantinople. They revolted in opposition to the choice of Saint Paul, but the Orthodox at the Council were in the majority. emperor Constantius, ruling over the Eastern half of the Roman Empire, was an Arian. He was not in Constantinople for the election of the Archbishop, and so it took place without his consent. Upon his return, he convened a council which illegally deposed Saint Paul, and the emperor banished him from the capital. In place of the saint they elevated Eusebius of Nicomedia, an impious heretic. Archbishop Paul withdrew to Rome, where other Orthodox bishops were also banished by Eusebius. did not rule the Church of Constantinople for long. When he died, Saint Paul returned to Constantinople, and was greeted by his flock with love. But Constantius exiled the saint a second time, and so he returned to Rome. The Western emperor Constans wrote a harsh letter to his Eastern co-ruler, which he sent to Constantinople along with the holy exiled archpastor. The threats worked, and Saint Paul was reinstated upon the archepiscopal throne. soon the pious emperor Constans, a defender of the Orthodox, was treacherously murdered during a palace coup. They again banished Saint Paul from Constantinople and this time sent him off in exile to Armenia, to the city of Cucusus, where he endured a martyr’s death. the Archbishop was celebrating the Divine Liturgy, Arians rushed upon him by force and strangled him with his own omophorion. This occurred in the year 350. In 381, the holy Emperor Theodosius the Great solemnly transferred the relics of Saint Paul the Confessor from Cucusus to Constantinople. In 1326, the relics of Saint Paul were transferred to Venice. Athanasius the Great, a contemporary of Saint Paul, writes briefly about his exiles, “Saint Paul the first time was sent by Constantine to Pontus, the second time he was fettered with chains by Constantius, and then he was locked up in Mesopotamian Syngara and from there moved to Emesus, and the fourth time to Cappadocian Cucusus in the Taurian wilderness.”

Constantinople, 325-364, Parthenius oLampsacus otHellespont, Bishop wCouldn't read, wonderworker, deliverance, raised m fDeath
Troy, 325-364, Parthenius tBishop oLampsacus otHellespont, fMelitopolis, father aDeacon, couldn't read but learned Scriptures well from church services, kind heart, example, gave fish to poor, grace filled a18, healed, cast out, other miracles, Learning about him, Melitopolis bishop gave him education, ordained him bishop, 325 Archbishop oKyzikos made him Bishop oLampsakos, many pagans, spread Christ, miracles confirmed, healing sick, people converted, Parthenius tRome Emperor asking for money tBuild Church, E gave him authority destroy pagan temples and money build church, he returned, destroyed temples, built beautiful church middle oLamp, moved large mable stone fTemple to be Church altar, devil overturned the wagon, stone killed driver Eutykhianos, P resurrected E, shaming tDevil, P's mercy, never refused heal any came to him, or people on roads wBodily ailments or possessed, People stopped going to doctors, P cast out demons by great power name oChrist, one demon asked P another place to live, P promised show him place, come dwell in me, as if scorched by fire, demon said how shall I enter house oGod?, then divine fire (light?) drove him to fire oGehenna, thus many idolaters converted, P's skull in Espigmenou Athos, other relics on Cyprus, Euboea Island Greece, (P Replaced by Marcion 364) ; Lampsakos; Lampsacus ; St Parthenius the Bishop of Lampsacus on the Hellespont, Commemorated February 7; Parthenios, the Bishop of Lampsakos, from the city of Melitopolis (Asia Minor), his father Christopher served as a deacon. young man could not read, but he learned the Holy Scriptures well, by attending the Divine Services in church. had a kind heart and, when he went fishing, he distributed the proceeds to the poor. with the grace of God from the age of eighteen, Saint Parthenios healed diseases, cast out demons, and worked other miracles in Christ's name. about the virtuous life of the young man, Philip of Melitopolis gave him an education and ordained him as a presbyter. 325, during the reign of Constantine the Great, Archbishop Achilles of Kyzikos appointed him as Bishop of Lampsakos (in Asia Minor). pagans lived in the city, and the Hierarch was diligent in spreading the faith in Christ, and confirming it with many miracles and healings of the sick, according to God's will. abandoned their pagan beliefs, and Bishop Parthenios visited Emperor Constantine the Great, requesting him to permit the destruction of pagan temples so that Christian churches could be built in their place. Emperor received him with honor, and gave him a document authorizing him to destroy pagan temples, and provided him with the means to build a church. to Lampsakos, Bishop Parthenios ordered the destruction of the pagan temples and built a beautiful church in the middle of the city. a large marble stone in one of the ruined temples, suitable for the Holy Altar in the church, the Bishop ordered work to begin on the stone so that it could be put on a wagon and taken to the church. of malice, the devil, who was enraged because the stone had been removed from the temple, overturned the wagon, and the stone killed the driver Eutykhianos. Parthenios resurrected him by his prayers, and shamed the devil, who wanted to obstruct God's work. Hierarch's mercy was so great that he never refused to heal any of those who came to him, or the people he met on the roads, who were suffering from bodily ailments and possessed by unclean spirits. stopped going to doctors, because Saint Parthenios freely healed every illness in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. the great power of the name of Christ, the Hierarch cast out many demons from people, houses, and the waters of the sea. the Bishop exorcised a demon from a certain man who had been possessed since childhood, the unclean spirit begged Saint Parthenios to give him another place to live. Saint promised to show him such a place and, opening his mouth, he said to the demon: "Come and dwell in me." if scorched by fire, the demon cried out, "How shall I enter the house of God?" and disappeared into desolate and impassable places. by the Saint the unclean spirit shouted that Divine fire (light?) was driving him into the fire of Gehenna. by showing people the great power of faith in Christ, the Saint converted many idolaters to the only true God. Saint's skull is located in the Monastery of Espigmenou on Mount Athos. of the Saint's relics are to be found in the Monasteries of the Great Cave at Kalavryta, Rovelistas of Arta, and Kykkos on Cyprus. of the Saint's skull is kept in the Holy Monastery of Makrymallē (Μακρυμάλλη). in the Holy Metropolis of Chalkida, in the center of the island of Euboea in Greece.

Constantinople, 325-375, Emmelia of Caesarea, Armenia, mother of 5 Saints
Armenia, 325-375, Emmelia of Caesarea, mother of 5 Saints; Saint Emilia, Mother of Saint Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 1;

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

Constantinople, 325-382, Theophilus, First Gothic Bishop
Byzantine Period, Gothic Bishop, 376-382, Theophilus, First Gothic Bishop; Byzantine Period, Gothic Civil War, 376-382, Eastern Roman Empire; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); Venerable Isidore of Pelusium, Commemorated on February 4;

Constantinople, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic, Egyptian Saint, preserved in torture, saved many 546, floated w stone
Egyptian Saint, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic; Venerable Thais of Egypt, Commemorated on October 8; St John of Egypt,Commemorated on December 2; Venerable Paphnutius of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; Holy Martyr Paphnutius hailed from Egypt and struggled in the desert. During the persecution against Christians under Diocletian (284-305), the governor Hadrian commanded that Saint Paphnutius be brought to him. The ascetic, not waiting for those sent to bring him, appeared before the governor, confessed his faith in Christ, and was subjected to torture. soldiers involved in his torture, Dionysius and Callimachus, seeing how the power of God preserved the martyr, believed in Christ the Savior themselves, for which they were then beheaded. Cast into prison after the tortures, Saint Paphnutius converted forty prisoners to the Faith. They were all burned alive. a while Saint Paphnutius was set free, and a Christian named Nestorius gladly took him in. He and all his family, after spiritual guidance, became steadfast in the Faith, and ultimately endured martyrdom. The saint strengthened many other Christians to confess our Lord Jesus Christ, and they all died as martyrs. Some were cut with swords, others were burned. There were 546 men in all. Paphnutius himself was thrown by the torturers into a river with a stone about his neck, but he miraculously floated to shore with the stone. Finally, they sent the holy martyr to the emperor Diocletian himself, who commanded him to be crucified on a date tree. Paphnutius is also commemorated on September 25.

Constantinople, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic, accounts lives hermits like Onuprius, Macarius' disciple
Egyptian Saint, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic; Paphnutius the Ascetic, also known as Paphnutius the Hermit, was an Egyptian anchorite of the fourth century. He is most famous for his accounts of the lives of many hermits of the Egyptian desert, such as Saint Onuphrius. Paphnutius was the disciple of Saint Macarius the Great who was an anchorite in the Egyptian desert.[1] feast is celebrated on 15 February and 25 September in the Orthodox Church in America.[2] In Coptic Christianity, his feast is observed on 15 Meshir.[3] was visited by Cassian in 395, when he was ninety.[4] is also the subject of the play Paphnutius by Hrosvit (ca. 935-ca. 1001), a Benedictine nun from Saxony, in which he converts the courtesan Thais to Christianity. This play in turn has become the subject of study, most notably by Sandro Sticca. Venerable Thais of Egypt, Commemorated on October 8; St John of Egypt,Commemorated on December 2; Venerable Paphnutius of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; Holy Martyr Paphnutius hailed from Egypt and struggled in the desert. During the persecution against Christians under Diocletian (284-305), the governor Hadrian commanded that Saint Paphnutius be brought to him. The ascetic, not waiting for those sent to bring him, appeared before the governor, confessed his faith in Christ, and was subjected to torture. soldiers involved in his torture, Dionysius and Callimachus, seeing how the power of God preserved the martyr, believed in Christ the Savior themselves, for which they were then beheaded. Cast into prison after the tortures, Saint Paphnutius converted forty prisoners to the Faith. They were all burned alive. a while Saint Paphnutius was set free, and a Christian named Nestorius gladly took him in. He and all his family, after spiritual guidance, became steadfast in the Faith, and ultimately endured martyrdom. The saint strengthened many other Christians to confess our Lord Jesus Christ, and they all died as martyrs. Some were cut with swords, others were burned. There were 546 men in all. Paphnutius himself was thrown by the torturers into a river with a stone about his neck, but he miraculously floated to shore with the stone. Finally, they sent the holy martyr to the emperor Diocletian himself, who commanded him to be crucified on a date tree. Paphnutius is also commemorated on September 25. Venerable Onuphrius the Great, Commemorated on June 12; Paphnutius, who led an ascetical life in the Thebaid desert in Egypt, has left us an account of Saint Onuphrius the Great and the Lives of other fourth century hermits: Timothy the Desert Dweller, the abbas Andrew, Charalampus, Theophilus, and others. occurred to Saint Paphnutius to go to the inner desert in order to see if there were a monk who labored for the Lord more than he did. took a little bread and water and went into the most remote part of the desert. After four days he reached a cave and found in it the body of an Elder who had been dead for several years. Having buried the hermit, Saint Paphnutius went on farther. After several more days he found another cave, and from the marks in the sand he realized that the cave was inhabited. At sundown he saw a herd of buffalo and walking among them a man. This man was naked, but was covered with long hair as if with clothing. This was Abba Timothy the Desert-Dweller. a fellow man, Abba Timothy thought that he was seeing an apparition, and he began to pray. Saint Paphnutius finally convinced the hermit that he was actually a living man and a fellow Christian. Abba Timothy prepared food and water for him. He related that he had been living in the desert for thirty years, and that Saint Paphnutius was the first man he had seen. In his youth, Timothy had lived in a cenobitic monastery, but he wanted to live alone. Abba Timothy left his monastery and went to live near a city, sustaining himself by the work of his own hands (he was a weaver). Once a woman came to him with an order and he fell into sin with her. Having come to his senses, the fallen monk went far into the desert, where he patiently endured tribulation and sickness. When he was at the point of dying from hunger, he received healing in a miraculous manner. that time Abba Timothy had lived peacefully in complete solitude, eating dates from the trees, and quenching his thirst with water from a spring. Saint Paphnutius besought the Elder that he might remain with him in the wilderness. But he was told that he would be unable to bear the demonic temptations which beset desert-dwellers. Instead, the Elder supplied him with dates and water, and blessed him to go on his way. rested at a desert monastery, Saint Paphnutius undertook a second journey into the innermost desert, hoping to find another holy ascetic who would profit his soul. He went on for seventeen days, until his supply of bread and water was exhausted. Saint Paphnutius collapsed twice from weakness, and an angel strengthened him. the seventeenth day Saint Paphnutius reached a hilly place and sat down to rest. Here he caught sight of a man approaching him, who was covered from head to foot with white hair and girded his loins with leaves of desert plants. The sight of the Elder frightened Abba Paphnutius, and he jumped up and fled up the hill. The Elder sat down at the foot of the hill. Lifting his head, he saw Saint Paphnutius, and called him to come down. This was the great desert-dweller, Abba Onuphrius. At the request of Saint Paphnutius, he told him about himself. Onuphrius had lived in complete isolation in the wilds of the wilderness for sixty years. In his youth he had been raised at the Eratus monastery near the city of Hermopolis. Having learned from the holy Fathers about the hardships and lofty life of the desert-dwellers, to whom the Lord sent help through His angels, Saint Onuphrius longed to imitate their exploits. He secretly left the monastery one night and saw a brilliant ray of light before him. Saint Onuphrius became frightened and decided to go back, but the voice of his Guardian Angel told him to go into the desert to serve the Lord. walking six or seven miles, he saw a cave. At that moment the ray of light vanished. In the cave was an old man. Saint Onuphrius stayed with him to learn of his manner of life and his struggle with demonic temptations. When the Elder was convinced that Saint Onuphrius had been enlightened somewhat, he then led him to another cave and left him there alone to struggle for the Lord. The Elder visited him once a year, until he fell asleep in the Lord. the request of Saint Paphnutius, Abba Onuphrius told him of his labors and ascetic feats, and of how the Lord had cared for him. Near the cave where he lived was a date-palm tree and a spring of pure water issued forth. Twelve different branches of the palm tree bore fruit each month in succession, and so the monk endured neither hunger nor thirst. The shade of the palm tree sheltered him from the noonday heat. An angel brought Holy Communion to the saint each Saturday and Sunday, and to the other desert-dwellers as well. monks conversed until evening, when Abba Paphnutius noticed a loaf of white bread lying between them, and also a vessel of water. After eating, the Elders spent the night in prayer. After the singing of the morning hymns, Saint Paphnutius saw that the face of the venerable Onuphrius had become transformed, and that frightened him. Saint Onuphrius said, “God, Who is Merciful to all, has sent you to me so that you might bury my body. Today I shall finish my earthly course and depart to my Christ, to live forever in eternal rest.” Saint Onuphrius then asked Abba Paphnutius to remember him to all the brethren, and to all Christians. Paphnutius wanted to remain there after the death of Abba Onuphrius. However, the holy ascetic told him that it was not God’s will for him to stay there; he was to return to his own monastery instead and tell everyone about the virtuous lives of the desert-dwellers. Having then blessed Abba Paphnutius and bid him farewell, Saint Onuphrius prayed with tears and sighs, and then he lay down upon the earth, uttering his final words, “Into Thy hands, my God, I commend my spirit,” and died. Paphnutius wept and tore off a portion of his garment, and with it covered the body of the great ascetic. He placed it in the crevice of a large rock, which was hollow like a grave, and covered it over with a multitude of small stones. Then he began to pray that the Lord would permit him to remain in that place until the end of his life. Suddenly, the cave fell in, the palm tree withered, and the spring of water dried up. Realising that he had not been given a blessing to remain, Saint Paphnutius set out on his return journey. four days Abba Paphnutius reached a cave, where he met an ascetic who had lived in the desert for more than 60 years. Except for the two other Elders, with whom he labored, this monk had seen no one in all that time. Each week these three had gone on their solitary paths into the wilderness, and on Saturday and Sunday they gathered for psalmody, and ate the bread which an angel brought them. Since it was Saturday, they had gathered together. After eating the bread provided by the angel, they spent the whole night at prayer. As he was leaving, Saint Paphnutius asked the names of the Elders, but they said, “God, Who knows everything, also knows our names. Remember us, that we may see one another in God’s heavenly habitations.” on his way, Saint Paphnutius came upon an oasis which impressed him with its beauty and abundance of fruit-bearing trees. Four youths inhabiting this place came to him from out of the wilderness. The youths told Abba Paphnutius that in their childhood they had lived in the city of Oxyrhynchus (Upper Thebaid) and they had studied together. They had burned with the desire to devote their lives to God. Making their plans to go off into the desert, the young men left the city and after several days’ journey, they reached this place. man radiant with heavenly glory met them and led them to a desert Elder. “We have lived here six years already,” said the youths. “Our Elder dwelt here one year and then he died. Now we live here alone, we eat the fruit of the trees, and we have water from a spring.” The youths gave him their names, they were Saints John, Andrew, Heraklemon and Theophilus (Dec. 2). youths struggled separately the whole week long, but on Saturday and Sunday they gathered at the oasis and offered up common prayer. On these days an angel would appear and commune them with the Holy Mysteries. This time however, for Abba Paphnutius’ sake, they did not go off into the desert, but spent the whole week together at prayer. On the following Saturday and Sunday Saint Paphnutius together with the youths was granted to receive the Holy Mysteries from the hands of the angel and to hear these words, “Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God.” Paphnutius made bold to ask the angel for permission to remain in the desert to the end of his days. The angel replied that God had decreed another path for him. He was to return to Egypt and tell the Christians of the life of the desert-dwellers. bid farewell to the youths, Saint Paphnutius reached the edge of the wilderness after a three day journey. Here he found a small skete, and the brethren received him with love. Abba Paphnutius related everything that he had learned about the holy Fathers whom he had encountered in the desert. The brethren wrote a detailed account of what Saint Paphnutius said, and deposited it in the church, where all who wished to do so could read it. Saint Paphnutius gave thanks to God, Who had granted him to learn about the exalted lives of the hermits of the Thebaid, and he returned to his own monastery.

Constantinople, 325-395, Pharmutius, John the Hermit's mentor
Egypt, 3325-395, Egyptian Saint, Pharmutius; Pharmutius, according to the Prologue from Ohrid, was the spiritual mentor of Venerable John the Hermit of Armenia circa the fourth century. Pharmutius' holiness was such that angels brought him his daily bread, which in Christian love he shared with his hermit brother John who lived in strict seclusion. Pharmutius is remembered along with John the Hermit by the Eastern Orthodox Church on 29 March. Egypt, 330?-394, Egyptian Saint, John the Anchorite, John the Hermit; Venerable John the Anchorite of Egypt, Commemorated on March 29; John the Anchorite: During a persecution against Christians, the devout widow Juliania of Armenia hid from pursuers together with her two young children John and Themistea. She taught her children to pray and to read the Holy Scriptures. time to time John secretly visited a nearby monastery, thereby placing himself in danger. Once, a pious old man advised him to find a more secluded place for prayer. Returning home, the saint told his mother that he was going to visit the Elder. Thinking that her son would soon return, she let him go. went to the desert-dweller Pharmutios and received his blessing to live alone in the wilderness. The young ascetic found an abandoned well, which was filled with snakes, scorpions and other vile creatures. He lowered himself into the well and lived there for ten years in fasting, vigil, and prayer. angel who brought food to the hermit Pharmutios also brought bread for Saint John. The angel did not bring the bread directly to John, however, lest the young ascetic become filled with pride. Food was sent to him through his spiritual Father, Pharmutios. John had many temptations from the devil to test him. Demons assumed the appearance of his mother, his sister, his relatives and acquaintances in order to sadden the ascetic and compel him to give up his ascetic struggles. With tears they approached the well one after the other, begging Saint John to leave with them. All this time the saint did not cease to pray. Finally he said, “Be gone from me,” and the demons vanished. John lived in the well until the time of his blessed repose. Through God’s providence Saint Chrysikhios, who had struggled in the desert for thirty years, came to bury him. On the eve of his repose, Saint John told Chrysikhios of his life and struggles for salvation. After his death, numerous miracles occurred at the place of his ascetic deeds.

Constantinople, 325-395, John oEgypt +3, fOxyrh, led bAngel tDesert Elder, fruit trees spring water, struggle separately
Egypt, 325-395, John, Andrew, Heraclemon, and Theophilus, Hermits, of Egypt, fOxyrhynchos, tGet us tStory Paphnutius sent by Angels to Thebaid to Timothy, Andrew, Charalampus, Theophilus, &Others, then to Onuphrius tGreat, then to these four, beautiful oasis w spring&fruit bearing trees, several days fOxyrhynchus, radiant man wHeavenly glory (Angel) led them to desert Elder, struggled separately till common prayer Saturday Sunday, Angel appeared then wHoly Mysteries, Angel's words Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God, P wanted to stay but Angel led another path to tell about tHermits; Oxyrhynchos (Upper Thebaid); St John of Egypt, Commemorated December 2 ; John, Heraclemon, Andrew, and Theophilus lived in Egypt in the fourth century, and are mentioned in the life of Saint Onuphrius. he had buried Saint Onuphrius, Saint Paphnutius came upon an oasis which impressed him with its beauty and abundance of fruit-bearing trees. youths inhabiting this place came to him from out of the wilderness. youths told Abba Paphnutius that in their childhood they had lived in the city of Oxyrhynchus (Upper Thebaid) and they had studied together. had burned with the desire to devote their lives to God. Making their plans to go off into the desert, the young men left the city and after several days’ journey, they reached this place. man radiant with heavenly glory had met them and led them to a desert Elder. “We have lived here six years already,” said the youths. “Our Elder dwelt here one year and then he died. we live here alone, we eat the fruit of the trees, and we have water from a spring.” youths gave him their names, they were Saints John, Andrew, Heraclemon and Theophilus (Dec. 2). youths struggled separately the whole week long, but on Saturday and Sunday they gathered at the oasis and offered up common prayer. these days an angel would appear and commune them with the Holy Mysteries. time however, for Abba Paphnutius’ sake, they did not go off into the desert, but spent the whole week together at prayer. the following Saturday and Sunday Saint Paphnutius together with the youths was granted to receive the Holy Mysteries from the hands of the angel and to hear these words, “Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God.” Paphnutius made bold to ask the angel for permission to remain in the desert to the end of his days. angel replied that God had decreed another path for him. was to return to Egypt and tell the Christians of the life of the desert-dwellers. bid farewell to the youths, Saint Paphnutius reached the edge of the wilderness after a three day journey. he found a small skete, and the brethren received him with love. Paphnutius related everything that he had learned about the holy Fathers whom he had encountered in the desert. brethren wrote a detailed account of what Saint Paphnutius said, and deposited it in the church, where all who wished to do so could read it. Paphnutius gave thanks to God, Who had granted him to learn about the exalted lives of the hermits of the Thebaid, and he returned to his own monastery. John, Heraclemon, Andrew, and Theophilus are also commemorated on June 12 with Saint Onuphrius.

Constantinople, 325-395, Hermits, of Egypt, fOxyrhynchos, tGet us tStory Paphnutius sent by Angels to Thebaid Hermits
Egypt, 325-395, John, Andrew, Heraclemon, and Theophilus, Hermits, of Egypt, fOxyrhynchos, tGet us tStory Paphnutius sent by Angels to Thebaid to Timothy, Andrew, Charalampus, Theophilus, &Others, then to Onuphrius tGreat, then to these four, beautiful oasis w spring&fruit bearing trees, several days fOxyrhynchus, radiant man wHeavenly glory (Angel) led them to desert Elder, struggled separately till common prayer Saturday Sunday, Angel appeared then wHoly Mysteries, Angel's words Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God, P wanted to stay but Angel led another path to tell about tHermits; Oxyrhynchos (Upper Thebaid); St John of Egypt, Commemorated December 2 ; John, Heraclemon, Andrew, and Theophilus lived in Egypt in the fourth century, and are mentioned in the life of Saint Onuphrius. he had buried Saint Onuphrius, Saint Paphnutius came upon an oasis which impressed him with its beauty and abundance of fruit-bearing trees. youths inhabiting this place came to him from out of the wilderness. youths told Abba Paphnutius that in their childhood they had lived in the city of Oxyrhynchus (Upper Thebaid) and they had studied together. had burned with the desire to devote their lives to God. their plans to go off into the desert, the young men left the city and after several days’ journey, they reached this place. man radiant with heavenly glory had met them and led them to a desert Elder. “We have lived here six years already,” said the youths. “Our Elder dwelt here one year and then he died. we live here alone, we eat the fruit of the trees, and we have water from a spring.” youths gave him their names, they were Saints John, Andrew, Heraclemon and Theophilus (Dec. 2). youths struggled separately the whole week long, but on Saturday and Sunday they gathered at the oasis and offered up common prayer. On these days an angel would appear and commune them with the Holy Mysteries. time however, for Abba Paphnutius’ sake, they did not go off into the desert, but spent the whole week together at prayer. the following Saturday and Sunday Saint Paphnutius together with the youths was granted to receive the Holy Mysteries from the hands of the angel to hear these words, “Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God.” Paphnutius made bold to ask the angel for permission to remain in the desert to the end of his days. angel replied that God had decreed another path for him. He was to return to Egypt and tell the Christians of the life of the desert-dwellers. bid farewell to the youths, Saint Paphnutius reached the edge of the wilderness after a three day journey. he found a small skete, and the brethren received him with love. Paphnutius related everything that he had learned about the holy Fathers whom he had encountered in the desert. The brethren wrote a detailed account of what Saint Paphnutius said, and deposited it in the church, where all who wished to do so could read it. Paphnutius gave thanks to God, Who had granted him to learn about the exalted lives of the hermits of the Thebaid, and he returned to his own monastery. John, Heraclemon, Andrew, and Theophilus are also commemorated on June 12 with Saint Onuphrius. Venerable Onuphrius the Great, Commemorated on June 12; Paphnutius, who led an ascetical life in the Thebaid desert in Egypt, has left us an account of Saint Onuphrius the Great and the Lives of other fourth century hermits: Timothy the Desert Dweller, the abbas Andrew, Charalampus, Theophilus, and others. occurred to Saint Paphnutius to go to the inner desert in order to see if there were a monk who labored for the Lord more than he did. took a little bread and water and went into the most remote part of the desert. four days he reached a cave and found in it the body of an Elder who had been dead for several years. Having buried the hermit, Saint Paphnutius went on farther. several more days he found another cave, and from the marks in the sand he realized that the cave was inhabited. sundown he saw a herd of buffalo and walking among them a man. This man was naked, but was covered with long hair as if with clothing. was Abba Timothy the Desert-Dweller. a fellow man, Abba Timothy thought that he was seeing an apparition, and he began to pray. Paphnutius finally convinced the hermit that he was actually a living man and a fellow Christian. Timothy prepared food and water for him. related that he had been living in the desert for thirty years, and that Saint Paphnutius was the first man he had seen. his youth, Timothy had lived in a cenobitic monastery, but he wanted to live alone. Timothy left his monastery and went to live near a city, sustaining himself by the work of his own hands (he was a weaver). a woman came to him with an order and he fell into sin with her. come to his senses, the fallen monk went far into the desert, where he patiently endured tribulation and sickness. he was at the point of dying from hunger, he received healing in a miraculous manner. that time Abba Timothy had lived peacefully in complete solitude, eating dates from the trees, and quenching his thirst with water from a spring. Paphnutius besought the Elder that he might remain with him in the wilderness. he was told that he would be unable to bear the demonic temptations which beset desert-dwellers. the Elder supplied him with dates and water, and blessed him to go on his way. rested at a desert monastery, Saint Paphnutius undertook a second journey into the innermost desert, hoping to find another holy ascetic who would profit his soul. went on for seventeen days, until his supply of bread and water was exhausted. Paphnutius collapsed twice from weakness, and an angel strengthened him. the seventeenth day Saint Paphnutius reached a hilly place and sat down to rest. Here he caught sight of a man approaching him, who was covered from head to foot with white hair and girded his loins with leaves of desert plants. sight of the Elder frightened Abba Paphnutius, and he jumped up and fled up the hill. Elder sat down at the foot of the hill. Lifting his head, he saw Saint Paphnutius, and called him to come down. was the great desert-dweller, Abba Onuphrius. At the request of Saint Paphnutius, he told him about himself. Onuphrius had lived in complete isolation in the wilds of the wilderness for sixty years. his youth he had been raised at the Eratus monastery near the city of Hermopolis. learned from the holy Fathers about the hardships and lofty life of the desert-dwellers, to whom the Lord sent help through His angels, Saint Onuphrius longed to imitate their exploits. secretly left the monastery one night and saw a brilliant ray of light before him. Saint Onuphrius became frightened and decided to go back, but the voice of his Guardian Angel told him to go into the desert to serve the Lord. walking six or seven miles, he saw a cave. At that moment the ray of light vanished. the cave was an old man. Saint Onuphrius stayed with him to learn of his manner of life and his struggle with demonic temptations. the Elder was convinced that Saint Onuphrius had been enlightened somewhat, he then led him to another cave and left him there alone to struggle for the Lord. Elder visited him once a year, until he fell asleep in the Lord. the request of Saint Paphnutius, Abba Onuphrius told him of his labors and ascetic feats, and of how the Lord had cared for him. the cave where he lived was a date-palm tree and a spring of pure water issued forth. different branches of the palm tree bore fruit each month in succession, and so the monk endured neither hunger nor thirst. shade of the palm tree sheltered him from the noonday heat. angel brought Holy Communion to the saint each Saturday and Sunday, and to the other desert-dwellers as well. monks conversed until evening, when Abba Paphnutius noticed a loaf of white bread lying between them, and also a vessel of water. eating, the Elders spent the night in prayer. the singing of the morning hymns, Saint Paphnutius saw that the face of the venerable Onuphrius had become transformed, and that frightened him. Onuphrius said, “God, Who is Merciful to all, has sent you to me so that you might bury my body. Today I shall finish my earthly course and depart to my Christ, to live forever in eternal rest.” Onuphrius then asked Abba Paphnutius to remember him to all the brethren, and to all Christians. Paphnutius wanted to remain there after the death of Abba Onuphrius. However, the holy ascetic told him that it was not God’s will for him to stay there; he was to return to his own monastery instead and tell everyone about the virtuous lives of the desert-dwellers. Having then blessed Abba Paphnutius and bid him farewell, Saint Onuphrius prayed with tears and sighs, and then he lay down upon the earth, uttering his final words, “Into Thy hands, my God, I commend my spirit,” and died. Paphnutius wept and tore off a portion of his garment, and with it covered the body of the great ascetic. He placed it in the crevice of a large rock, which was hollow like a grave, and covered it over with a multitude of small stones. he began to pray that the Lord would permit him to remain in that place until the end of his life. the cave fell in, the palm tree withered, and the spring of water dried up. Realising that he had not been given a blessing to remain, Saint Paphnutius set out on his return journey. four days Abba Paphnutius reached a cave, where he met an ascetic who had lived in the desert for more than 60 years. for the two other Elders, with whom he labored, this monk had seen no one in all that time. week these three had gone on their solitary paths into the wilderness, and on Saturday and Sunday they gathered for psalmody, and ate the bread which an angel brought them. it was Saturday, they had gathered together. eating the bread provided by the angel, they spent the whole night at prayer. he was leaving, Saint Paphnutius asked the names of the Elders, they said, “God, Who knows everything, also knows our names. Remember us, that we may see one another in God’s heavenly habitations.” on his way, Saint Paphnutius came upon an oasis which impressed him with its beauty and abundance of fruit-bearing trees. youths inhabiting this place came to him from out of the wilderness. youths told Abba Paphnutius that in their childhood they had lived in the city of Oxyrhynchus (Upper Thebaid) and they had studied together. had burned with the desire to devote their lives to God. Making their plans to go off into the desert, the young men left the city and after several days’ journey, they reached this place. man radiant with heavenly glory met them and led them to a desert Elder. “We have lived here six years already,” said the youths. “Our Elder dwelt here one year and then he died. Now we live here alone, we eat the fruit of the trees, and we have water from a spring.” The youths gave him their names, they were Saints John, Andrew, Heraklemon and Theophilus (Dec. 2). youths struggled separately the whole week long, but on Saturday and Sunday they gathered at the oasis and offered up common prayer. these days an angel would appear and commune them with the Holy Mysteries. time however, for Abba Paphnutius’ sake, they did not go off into the desert, but spent the whole week together at prayer. the following Saturday and Sunday Saint Paphnutius together with the youths was granted to receive the Holy Mysteries from the hands of the angel to hear these words, “Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God.” Paphnutius made bold to ask the angel for permission to remain in the desert to the end of his days. angel replied that God had decreed another path for him. He was to return to Egypt and tell the Christians of the life of the desert-dwellers. bid farewell to the youths, Saint Paphnutius reached the edge of the wilderness after a three day journey. Here he found a small skete, and the brethren received him with love. Paphnutius related everything that he had learned about the holy Fathers whom he had encountered in the desert. brethren wrote a detailed account of what Saint Paphnutius said, and deposited it in the church, where all who wished to do so could read it. Paphnutius gave thanks to God, Who had granted him to learn about the exalted lives of the hermits of the Thebaid, and he returned to his own monastery. Venerable John, Andrew, Heraclemon, and Theophilus, Hermits, of Egypt, Commemorated on June 12; story as Dec 2 St John of Egypt. See it above Andrew, John, Heraclemon, and Theophilus lived in Egypt in the fourth century, and is mentioned in the Life of Saint Onuphrius. After he had buried Saint Onuphrius, Saint Paphnutius came upon an oasis which impressed him with its beauty and abundance of fruit-bearing trees. Four youths inhabiting this place came to him from out of the wilderness. The youths told Abba Paphnutius that in their childhood they had lived in the city of Oxyrhynchus (Upper Thebaid) and they had studied together. They had burned with the desire to devote their lives to God. Making their plans to go off into the desert, the young men left the city and after several days’ journey, they reached this place. A man radiant with heavenly glory met them and led them to a desert Elder. “We have lived here six years already,” said the youths. “Our Elder dwelt here one year and then he died. Now we live here alone, we eat the fruit of the trees, and we have water from a spring.” The youths gave him their names, they were Saints John, Andrew, Heraclemon and Theophilus (Dec. 2). The youths struggled separately the whole week long, but on Saturday and Sunday they gathered at the oasis and offered up common prayer. On these days an angel would appear and commune them with the Holy Mysteries. This time however, for Abba Paphnutius’ sake, they did not go off into the desert, but spent the whole week together at prayer. On the following Saturday and Sunday Saint Paphnutius together with the youths was granted to receive the Holy Mysteries from the hands of the angel and to hear these words, “Receive the Imperishable Food, unending bliss and life eternal, the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, our God.” Saint Paphnutius made bold to ask the angel for permission to remain in the desert to the end of his days. The angel replied that God had decreed another path for him. He was to return to Egypt and tell the Christians of the life of the desert-dwellers. Having bid farewell to the youths, Saint Paphnutius reached the edge of the wilderness after a three day journey. Here he found a small skete, and the brethren received him with love. Abba Paphnutius related everything that he had learned about the holy Fathers whom he had encountered in the desert. The brethren wrote a detailed account of what Saint Paphnutius said, and deposited it in the church, where all who wished to do so could read it. Saint Paphnutius gave thanks to God, Who had granted him to learn about the exalted lives of the hermits of the Thebaid, and he returned to his own monastery. Saint John is also commemorated on December 2

Constantinople, 325-375, Pambo, hunger every day, silence and handcrafts, great ascetic and mentor
Egypt, 325-375, Saint, Pambo; Egypt, 271-356, Saint Anthony the Great; Venerable Pambo the Hermit of Egypt, Commemorated on July 18; Pambo lived the ascetic life in the Nitrian desert in Egypt. Saint Anthony the Great (January 17) said, that the Monk Pambo by the fear of God inspired within himself the Holy Spirit. And the Monk Pimen the Great (August 27) said: “We beheld three things in Father Pambo: hunger every day, silence and handcrafts”. The Monk Theodore the Studite termed Saint Pambo “exalted in deed and in word.” the beginning of his monasticism, Saint Pambo heard the verses from the 38th [39th] Psalm of David: “preserve mine path, that I sin not by my tongue”. These words sank deep into his soul, and he attempted to follow them always. Thus, when they asked him about something, he answered only after long pondering and prayer. He would say, “I must think first, and perhaps I can, in time, give an answer, with God’s help.” Saint Pambo was a model of a lover of work for his disciples. Each day he worked until exhausted, and lived by the bread acquired by his own toil. disciples of Saint Pambo became great ascetics: Dioscorus, afterwards Bishop of Hermopolis (this Dioscorus, bishop of Hermopolis, is distinguished from another Dioscorus, an arch-heretic and Patriarch of Constantinople who lived rather later and was condemned by the Fourth Ecumenical Council), and also Ammonius, Eusebius and Euthymius, mentioned in the life of Saint John Chrysostom. One time Saint Melania the Younger (December 31) brought Saint Pambo a large amount of silver for the needs of the monastery, but he did not leave off from his work nor even glance at the money that was brought. Only after the incessant requests of Saint Melania did he permit her to give the alms to a certain monastic brother for distribution to the needs of the monastery. Saint Pambo was distinguished by his humility, but together with this he highly esteemed the vocation of monk and he taught the laypeople to be respectful of monastics, who often converse with God. was said that sometimes Saint Pambo’s face shone like lightning, as did the face of Moses. Yet, speaking to the brethren who stood about his deathbed, Saint Pambo said: “I go to the Lord as one who has not yet begun to serve Him.” He died at the age of 70.

Constantinople, 325-395, Thais, repentant courtesan, famous beauty, prostitute, Paphnutius paid and warned her
Egyptian Saint, 325-395, Thais; Thais of fourth-century Roman Alexandria and of the Egyptian desert was a repentant courtesan. Thais reportedly lived during the fourth century in Roman Egypt. Her story is included in hagiographic literature on the lives of the saints in the Greek church. such biographical sketches exist. first, in Greek, perhaps originated during the fifth century. It was translated into Latin as the Vita Thaisis [Life of Thais] by Dionysius Exiguus (Dennis the Little) during the sixth or seventh century. The other sketch comes to us in medieval Latin from Marbod of Rennes (d. 1123). Thais also appears in Greek martyrologies by Maurolychus and Greven, however, not in Latin martyrologies.[1] The lives of the desert saints and hermits of Egypt, including St. Thais, were collected in the Vitae Patrum (Lives of the Desert Fathers).[2][3] Egyptian Saint, 325-395, Paphnutius the Ascetic; Venerable Thais of Egypt, Commemorated on October 8; Thais of Egypt, raised by her mother in a spirit far removed from Christian piety, led a depraved and dissolute life. She was famed for her beauty, leading many on the path to perdition. account about the prodigal Thais spread throughout all Egypt and reached even Saint Paphnutius, a strict ascetic who had converted many to salvation. Paphnutius dressed himself in worldly attire and went to Thais, giving her money as though he wished to pay for her favors. He pretended to be afraid that someone would see them, so he asked her if there were a place they would not be discovered. Thais said that they could lock the door and enjoy complete privacy. “But if you fear God,” she said, “there is no place where you can hide from Him.” Seeing that she knew about God and the punishment of the wicked, the Elder asked why she led a sinful life and enticed others to ruin their souls. He told her about the eternal punishment she would have to face for her own sins, and for the people who had been corrupted and destroyed by her. words of Saint Paphnutius so affected the sinner that she gathered up all her riches acquired through her shameful life, then set them afire in the city square. Then Saint Paphnutius shut her up in a small cell, where for three years she dwelt in seclusion. Turning toward the East, Thais constantly repeated the short prayer, “My Creator, have mercy on me!” “From the moment I entered into the cell,” said Thais to the Elder before her death, “all my sins constantly were before my eyes, and I wept when I remembered them.” Paphnutius replied “It is for your tears, and not for the austerity of your seclusion, that the Lord has granted you mercy.” Thais was ill for three days, then fell asleep in the Lord. So this woman, who had been a harlot and a sinner, has entered the Kingdom of God before us (Mt. 21:31). Saint Paul the Simple (October 4) saw in a vision the place prepared for the penitant Thais in Paradise. St John of Egypt,Commemorated on December 2; Venerable Paphnutius of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15;

Constantinople, 325-395, John the Anchorite, the Hermit, Juliana's son, abandoned well w snakes for 10 years, angel b food
Egypt, 325-395, Egyptian Saint, John the Anchorite, John the Hermit; Venerable John the Anchorite of Egypt, Commemorated on March 29; John the Anchorite: During a persecution against Christians, the devout widow Juliania of Armenia hid from pursuers together with her two young children John and Themistea. She taught her children to pray and to read the Holy Scriptures. time to time John secretly visited a nearby monastery, thereby placing himself in danger. Once, a pious old man advised him to find a more secluded place for prayer. Returning home, the saint told his mother that he was going to visit the Elder. Thinking that her son would soon return, she let him go. went to the desert-dweller Pharmutios and received his blessing to live alone in the wilderness. The young ascetic found an abandoned well, which was filled with snakes, scorpions and other vile creatures. He lowered himself into the well and lived there for ten years in fasting, vigil, and prayer. angel who brought food to the hermit Pharmutios also brought bread for Saint John. The angel did not bring the bread directly to John, however, lest the young ascetic become filled with pride. Food was sent to him through his spiritual Father, Pharmutios. John had many temptations from the devil to test him. Demons assumed the appearance of his mother, his sister, his relatives and acquaintances in order to sadden the ascetic and compel him to give up his ascetic struggles. With tears they approached the well one after the other, begging Saint John to leave with them. All this time the saint did not cease to pray. Finally he said, “Be gone from me,” and the demons vanished. John lived in the well until the time of his blessed repose. Through God’s providence Saint Chrysikhios, who had struggled in the desert for thirty years, came to bury him. On the eve of his repose, Saint John told Chrysikhios of his life and struggles for salvation. After his death, numerous miracles occurred at the place of his ascetic deeds.

Constantinople, 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;

Constantinople, 326-363, Hieromartyr Cyriacus t Patriarch, Uncovered t 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.

Constantinople, 326-373, Saint, Ephrem the Syrian, teacher of repentence, fighter, preacher, anti-arian, hymns
Syria, 326-373, Saint, Ephrem the Syrian; The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, Commemorated on December 25; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28; Ephraim the Syrian, a teacher of repentance, was born at the beginning of the fourth century in the city of Nisibis (Mesopotamia) into the family of impoverished toilers of the soil. His parents raised their son in piety, but from his childhood he was known for his quick temper and impetuous character. He often had fights, acted thoughtlessly, and even doubted God’s Providence. He finally recovered his senses by the grace of God, and embarked on the path of repentance and salvation. he was unjustly accused of stealing a sheep and was thrown into prison. He heard a voice in a dream calling him to repent and correct his life. After this, he was acquitted of the charges and set free. young man ran off to the mountains to join the hermits. This form of Christian asceticism had been introduced by a disciple of Saint Anthony the Great, the Egyptian desert dweller Eugenius. James of Nisibis (January 13) was a noted ascetic, a preacher of Christianity and denouncer of the Arians. Saint Ephraim became one of his disciples. Under the direction of the holy hierarch, Saint Ephraim attained Christian meekness, humility, submission to God’s will, and the strength to undergo various temptations without complaint. James transformed the wayward youth into a humble and conrite monk. Realizing the great worth of his disciple, he made use of his talents. He trusted him to preach sermons, to instruct children in school, and he took Ephraim with him to the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea (in the year 325). Saint Ephraim was in obedience to Saint James for fourteen years, until the bishop’s death in 338. the capture of Nisibis by the Persians in 363, Saint Ephraim went to a monastery near the city of Edessa. Here he saw many great ascetics, passing their lives in prayer and psalmody. Their caves were solitary shelters, and they fed themselves with a certain plant. became especially close to the ascetic Julian (October 18), who was of one mind with him. Saint Ephraim combined asceticism with a ceaseless study of the Word of God, taking from it both solace and wisdom for his soul. The Lord gave him a gift of teaching, and people began to come to him, wanting to hear his counsel, which produced compunction in the soul, since he began with self-accusation. Both verbally and in writing, Saint Ephraim instructed everyone in repentance, faith and piety, and he denounced the Arian heresy, which at that time was causing great turmoil. Pagans who heard the preaching of the saint were converted to Christianity. also wrote the first Syriac commentary on the Pentateuch (i.e. “Five Books”) of Moses. He wrote many prayers and hymns, thereby enriching the Church’s liturgical services. Famous prayers of Saint Ephraim are to the Most Holy Trinity, to the Son of God, and to the Most Holy Theotokos. He composed hymns for the Twelve Great Feasts of the Lord (the Nativity of Christ, the Baptism, the Resurrection), and funeral hymns. Saint Ephraim’s Prayer of Repentance, “O Lord and Master of my life...”, is recited during Great Lent, and it summons Christians to spiritual renewal. ancient times the Church has valued the works of Saint Ephraim. His works were read publicly in certain churches after the Holy Scripture, as Saint Jerome tells us. At present, the Church Typikon prescribes certain of his instructions to be read on the days of Lent. Among the prophets, Saint David is the preeminent psalmodist; among the Fathers of the Church, Saint Ephraim the Syrian is the preeminent man of prayer. His spiritual experience made him a guide for monastics and a help to the pastors of Edessa. Saint Ephraim wrote in Syriac, but his works were very early translated into Greek and Armenian. Translations into Latin and Slavonic were made from the Greek text. many of Saint Ephraim’s works we catch glimpses of the life of the Syrian ascetics, which was centered on prayer and working in various obediences for the common good of the brethren. The outlook of all the Syrian ascetics was the same. The monks believed that the goal of their efforts was communion with God and the acquisition of divine grace. For them, the present life was a time of tears, fasting and toil. “If the Son of God is within you, then His Kingdom is also within you. Thus, the Kingdom of God is within you, a sinner. Enter into yourself, search diligently and without toil you shall find it. Outside of you is death, and the door to it is sin. Enter into yourself, dwell within your heart, for God is there.” spiritual sobriety, the developing of good within man’s soul gives him the possibility to take upon himself a task like blessedness, and a self-constraint like sanctity. The requital is presupposed in the earthly life of man, it is an undertaking of spiritual perfection by degrees. Whoever grows himself wings upon the earth, says Saint Ephraim, is one who soars up into the heights; whoever purifies his mind here below, there glimpses the Glory of God. In whatever measure each one loves God, he is, by God’s love, satiated to fullness according to that measure. Man, cleansing himself and attaining the grace of the Holy Spirit while still here on earth, has a foretaste of the Kingdom of Heaven. To attain to life eternal, in the teachings of Saint Ephraim, does not mean to pass over from one realm of being into another, but rather to discover “the heavenly,” spiritual condition of being. Eternal life is not bestown on man through God’s one-sided efforts, but rather, it constantly grows like a seed within him by his efforts, toils and struggles. pledge within us of “theosis” (or “deification”) is the Baptism of Christ, and the main force that drives the Christian life is repentance. Saint Ephraim was a great teacher of repentance. The forgiveness of sins in the Mystery of Repentance, according to his teaching, is not an external exoneration, not a forgetting of the sins, but rather their complete undoing, their annihilation. The tears of repentance wash away and burn away the sin. Moreover, they (i.e. the tears) enliven, they transfigure sinful nature, they give the strength “to walk in the way of the the Lord’s commandments,” encouraging hope in God. In the fiery font of repentance, the saint wrote, “you sail yourself across, O sinner, you resurrect yourself from the dead.” Ephraim, accounting himself as the least and worst of all, went to Egypt at the end of his life to see the efforts of the great ascetics. He was accepted there as a welcome guest and received great solace from conversing with them. On his return journey he visited at Caesarea in Cappadocia with Saint Basil the Great (January 1), who wanted to ordain him a priest, but he considered himself unworthy of the priesthood. At the insistence of Saint Basil, he consented only to be ordained as a deacon, in which rank he remained until his death. Later on, Saint Basil invited Saint Ephraim to accept a bishop’s throne, but the saint feigned madness in order to avoid this honor, humbly regarding himself as unworthy of it. his return to his own Edessa wilderness, Saint Ephraim hoped to spend the rest of his life in solitude, but divine Providence again summoned him to serve his neighbor. The inhabitants of Edessa were suffering from a devastating famine. By the influence of his word, the saint persuaded the wealthy to render aid to those in need. From the offerings of believers he built a poor-house for the poor and sick. Saint Ephraim then withdrew to a cave near Edessa, where he remained to the end of his days.

Byzantium, 330-1453, Byzantine Empire
Byzantine Empire, the Roman Empire of Late Anitquity and Middle Ages; Princess Anna Vsevolodna, Commemorated on November 3 ; Hieromartyr Euthymius the Bishop of Sardis, Commemorated on December 26 ; Venerable Maximus Kavsokalyvites of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 13 ; St Mark the Archbishop of Ephesus, Commemorated on January 19 ; Martyr Theophilus the New in Cyprus, Commemorated on January 30 ; 12 Greeks who built the Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Lavra, Commemorated on February 14; Hieromartyr Proterius the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 28; Venerable Gregory the Byzantine, Commemorated on April 6; St George the Confessor the Bishop of Mitylene, Commemorated on April 7; St Eleni (who was also called Susanna), New martyr of Lesbos, Commemorated on April 9; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2 ; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26;

Constantinople, 330-380, Publius tAscetic, Senator, gave all, Archimandrite 2 monasteries, died 380, strict ascetic monk 40yrs
Syria, 330-380, Publius tAscetic, fZeugma, Syria iGreater Armenia (Euphrates River 3), Syrian Senator, renounced world, gave possessions, became monk, ascetical life mountain cave Syrian wilderness, founded 2 monasteries, 1Greek, 1Syrian, so eventually Archimandrite, died 380, though elevated remained strict ascetic 40yrs; Zeugma, Syria; St Publius the Ascetic of Syria, Commemorated January 25 ; Publius of Syria was born in the city of Zeugma on the Euphrates and was a senator. the world, he gave away his possessions, became a monk, and lived an ascetical life in a cave on a mountain in the Syrian wilderness. Publius founded two monasteries: one for Greeks, and another for Syrians. died in the year 380. his disciples, Saints Theoteknos, Theodotus, Gregory, and Aphthonius were particularly known for the sanctity of their life. Publius guided the monastery for over forty years and was eventually made an archimandrite. elevated in rank, he changed neither his garb nor his manner of life, but remained a strict ascetic.

Constantinople, 330-429, Peter tHermit, fBlack Sea, down to Galatia, then mts oAntioch, performed miracles like Christ
Syria, 330-429, Peter tHermit, oAntioch, Syria, fBlack Sea, down to Galatia, then tPalestine, then to mts oAntioch, Syria (Orontes River 7), able to perform miracles like Christ, even his clothes had miraculous power, like Paul's handkerchiefs, people came, gift of having demons his subjects, delivered Daniel who later co-struggler with him, healed 23 yr old mother of historian bishop oCyprus, her incurable eye disease, first cured fondness fine clothing, we dishonor God's creation by defacing it, she repented, asked for prayer, he put hand on eye made sign otCross, healed her, he blinded magistrate who wanted rape nun, historian Bishop Theodoret wrote his life reported many other great miracles, Peter lived 99yrs; Antioch (Orontes River 7); Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Peter of Galatia lived during the IV-V century, and came from the region of the Black Sea. a young age was distinguished by his fervent piety and his determination to acquire spiritual treasures. he was seven years old, he went to Galatia and then to Palestine, where his faith grew even stronger. the second quarter of the IV century, He lived an ascetical life in the mountains, had been glorified by so many great spiritual athletes and teachers of Christianity. Peter was able to perform miracles, just as Christ did, that even his garments had miraculous power, just as the Apostle Paul's handkerchiefs and aprons did (Acts 29:22). did not take long for his spiritual fruits to be noticed, many people came to him, reaping valuable advice and solace for the wounds of their souls, which were very difficult to cure. of his great virtue, he also received from God the gift (charism, χάρισμα) of having demons subject to him. delivered a possessed man named Daniel from the demons, he instructed in asceticism, and then accepted him as his co-struggler. he healed the mother of the historian Bishop Theodoret of Cyrrhus, devout woman who suffered from an incurable disease in one eye. about Saint Peter's gift of working miracles, she hoped that he would heal her of this terrible affliction. mother was only twenty-three years old when she went to see him. was very beautiful, and she wore a lot of make-up, an expensive silk dress, and gold bracelets on her arms, as well as gold rings in her ears. the holy monk looked at her, he discerned some good soil (Matthew 13:8) in her for a word of profitable instruction, decided that first he would cure her fondness for fine clothing. said, "My child, just as a painter who does not paint according to the rules of his art, but as he pleases, insults the art of painting, do those who cover their faces with red, white, or black paint, offend the Creator; in this way they seem to accuse Him of imperfection in His creation, He has the power to do as He wishes. the Prophet-King David wrote: that the Lord willed, He created' (Psalm 134/135:6). He gives to everyone everything that is useful, and nothing which is harmful. Do not disfigure the divine image created by God." monk's words fell on fertile ground and produced good fruit. young woman fell at the ascetic's feet and begged him to pray for her and to heal her. Peter replied, "If you have firm faith in God's help, you will be cured of your illness; for God is always ready to grant the petitions of a believing soul." he placed his hand on the afflicted eye and, making the Sign of the Cross, he healed her. Saint once blinded a city magistrate, who wanted to rape a certain nun, thereby preventing him from carrying out his unholy desire. Peter performed many other great miracles, as Bishop Theodoret (who wrote his Life) relates. living in a God-pleasing manner for ninety-nine years, Saint Peter surrendered his soul to God and received the reward for his spiritual and ascetical labors in the year 429 at the age of 95 (or 99, according to other sources). Greek usage, Saint Peter is commemorated on November 25. should not be confused with the other Saint Peter of Galatia, who lived during the IX century, and is commemorated on October 9.

Constantinople, 333-383, Isaac of Dalmatia Monastery, divine visions, Arian Valens fiery death prophecy, loved bTheo tG, 2nd EC
Constantinople, 333-383, Isaac of Dalmatia Monastery, Constantinople, spiritual perfection, divine visions, Valens became Arian, to Goths attack, I tried to change his mind, prophecied V's fiery death, I into prison until back, new emperor Theodosius tG loved I, banned Arianism, 2nd E Council against Arianism, died ripe old age ; Isaac of Dalmatia; Isaac the Confessor, also Isaacius or Isaakios (died May 30, 383 AD), of the Dalmatian Monastery in Constantinople, a Christian monk who is honored as a saint and confessor. is sometimes referred to as Isaac the Dalmatian, not because he came from Dalmatia, but because of the monastery which he founded. Saint Isaac's Cathedral on Saint Isaac's Square in Saint Petersburg, Russia to some accounts, Isaac was a Syrian, but this is uncertain.[1] Certain details about his early life are unknown but history records that Isaac had been a hermit living in a small hut in the wilderness outside of Constantinople. the year 378, when he heard that the Roman emperor Valens had fallen into the heresy of Arianism and was persecuting the Nicene Christians, deposing bishops, closing some churches, and turning others over to the Arians, Isaac went into the imperial city to confront the emperor. the time, Valens was preparing a military campaign against the Goths. several attempts to dissuade the emperor from his persecutions, Isaac prophesied[1] that Valens would "die in flames" because of his actions. emperor ordered that Isaac be thrown into prison, vowing that he would punish Isaac and put him to death upon his return from battle. after, on August 9, 378, Valens was defeated at the Battle of Adrianople and died in a fire after taking refuge in a barn.[1] successor, the Emperor Theodosius I, released Isaac, outlawed Arianism and reopened the churches closed by Valens. wanted to return to monastic life in the wilderness, but a wealthy aristocrat named Saturninus built a monastery for Isaac in Constantinople, which he became the first hegumen (abbot). is also known as a zealous defender of Christian orthodoxy at the Second Ecumenical Council, convened in Constantinople in 381. the end of his life, Isaac entrusted the leadership of the monastery to his closest disciple, Dalmatus, who was later himself glorified (canonized as a saint), and after whom the monastery came to be known as the Dalmatian Monastery. died in his monastery on May 30, 383, although others place his death around 396. The life of John Chrysostom includes mention of St. Isaac living into the fifth century. the Eastern Orthodox and the Catholic churches have glorified Isaac as a saint. Among the former, his feast day falls on May 30, and he is also commemorated together with other saints from his monastery on August 3. the Great of Russia (reigned 1682–1725), whose birthday fell on Saint Isaac's feast day, May 30, adopted Isaac as the patron saint of the Romanov dynasty. Saint Isaac's Cathedral in the city of St Petersburg is consecrated to his honour. References[edit] ^ Jump up to: a b c Isaac the Confessor, Orthodox Wiki Venerable Isaac the Ascetic of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on August 3 Isaac (May 30) was a soldier before he became a monk. he was tonsured, he attained such a degree of spiritual perfection that he was accounted worthy of beholding divine visions. Saint Isaac heard about how the Emperor Valens had fallen into the Arian heresy and was persecuting the Orthodox Christians, left his monastery and traveled to Constantinople to confront the emperor. that time Valens was planning a campaign against the Goths. Isaac tried to change the emperor’s mind several times, but was unable to convince him. prophesied that Valens would die in flames because of his actions. The emperor ordered that Saint Isaac be thrown into prison, and promised to deal with him when he returned from his expedition. On August 9, 378 Valens was defeated at Adrianople and died in a fire after hiding in a barn, just as the saint had predicted. Theodosius the Great, who had a great love for the saint, released him from prison and banned Arianism. Saint Isaac attended the Second Ecumenical Council (381), where he defended the Orthodox Faith against the Arian heresy. Isaac hoped to return to his monastic life in the wilderness, a wealthy man built a monastery for him at Constantinople, and he became its first igumen. The monastery was later named for his disciple Dalmatus. Saint Isaac was approaching the end of his earthly life, he named Saint Dalmatus to succeed him as igumen. He lived to a ripe old age and reposed in the year 383. Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on March 22; Isaac, the founder of the Dalmaton Monastery (Μονή Δαλμάτων) at Constantinople, during the IV century, the reign of Emperor Valens (364-378), who was an adherent of the Arian heresy. Isaac was tonsured as a monk when he was young, through his ascetical struggles in the desert, he acquired every virtue. was also found worthy of receiving the gift of prophecy from God. he learned that Orthodox Christians were being persecuted, and their churches were being closed or destroyed, left the wilderness and went to Constantinople to console and encourage the Orthodox, and to oppose the heretics. that time, the barbarian Goths along the Danube River were waging war against the Empire. They had captured Thrace and were advancing toward Constantinople. Emperor Valens was leaving the capital with his soldiers, Saint Isaac cried out, “Emperor, reopen the churches of the Orthodox, and then the Lord will help you!” Emperor ignored the Saint's words and continued on his way. next day, Isaac ran out to warn the Emperor again. Valens, moved by Isaac's boldness and sincerity, was almost persuaded to do as he asked. one of his advisors (an Arian) convinced him not to grant the Saint's request. the third day the Saint stood in Emperor's path and grabbed the bridle of his horse, repeating his request; sometimes in a pleading tone, and sometimes in a reproachful manner. also threatened divine retribution if Valens did not honor his request. by Isaac's audacity, Valens had him thrown into a deep pit filled with mud and thorns, from which it was impossible to escape. God’s help, however, Saint Isaac was able to get out of the pit. He overtook the Emperor and said, “You wanted to destroy me, but Angels pulled me out of the mire. me! Reopen the churches for the Orthodox and you shall defeat the enemy. you do not heed me, however, then you shall not return. You will be captured and burned alive. Learn from experience that it hurts you to kick against the goads" (Acts 26:14).1 Emperor was astonished at the Saint's boldness and ordered his attendants Saturninus and Victor to seize the monk and keep him in prison until his return. Isaac’s prophecy was soon fulfilled. On August 9, 378 a fierce battle was fought near Adrianoupolis, during which the imperial army was defeated, and many excellent generals were killed. Valens and his chief of staff took refuge in a barn filled with straw, and the attackers set it ablaze. The two men were burnt alive, just as Isaac had foretold. in Constantinople, some of the soldiers who survived the battle came to Isaac's prison cell and said to him, "Prepare to make your defense before the Emperor, who is coming to put you on trial." replied, "The stench of his charred bones has assailed my nostrils for more than seven days." this event became known, the clergy and the people released Saint Isaac from prison. great respect, they approached him in order to receive his blessing, the holy Emperor Theodosios the Great (379-395) came to the throne. the advice of Saturninus and Victor, he summoned the Elder, according him much honor. his instructions, he banished the Arians from Constantinople and restored the churches to the Orthodox. Isaac wanted to return to his desert, but Saturninus and Victor begged him not to leave the city, but to remain and protect it by his prayers. Isaac was present at the Second Ecumenical Council at Constantinople in 381, where he was responsible for much of its success because of his zeal in defending Orthodox doctrine. built a monastery for the Saint in Constantinople, where monks gathered around him. Isaac was the monastery’s Igoumen and spiritual guide. He also nourished laypeople, and helped many of the poor and suffering. his approaching death, Saint Isaac appointed Saint Dalmatios (August 3) to succeed him as the Igoumen. The monastery was later renamed for Saint Dalmatios (Δαλμάτιος). Isaac went to the Lord in the year 383. He is also commemorated with Saints Dalmatios and Faustos on August 3. In Greek usage, however, Saint Isaac is commemorated on May 30. 1 A Greek proverb signifying that resistance is futile. Examples may be found in the plays of Euripides (Bacchae); Aeschylus (Agamemnon & Prometheus); and in Pindar's second Pythian Ode).

Constantinople, 335, Commem Resurrection Church F, 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.

Constantinople, 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.

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

Constantinople, 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

Constantinople, 335-395, Apollo otThebaid, divine rev tDestroy Babel Wisemen's wisdom&false knowledge, Heliopolis M, great story
Egypt, 335-395, Apollonios (Apollo) otEgyptian Thebaid (Upper Egypt, Nile River 13), desert a15 f14yrs, divine revelation tDestroy wisdom oEgyptian Wise Men, remove their not true knowledge, plus Wise Men of Egyptian Babel, and remove service to devils, go quickly tNear Desert close to Hermopolis, soon multitude oMiracles&Monastery, ate little once a day, vanity o-Chains, Rags, Long hair, prison frefusing Military Service, Angel otLord freed them, as witness pagan ritual froze idolaters, became christians, soon no pagans left near monastery, prevented bloodshead between C's & pagan village by converting instagator, on another similar occasion by terrible death tLeader, A's History- Jerome had visited A, Abba Paul's journey ffAntinoe tEMonasteries, Jacobite Synaxarion; Thebaid; Saint Apollonios (Apollo) of the Egyptian Thebaid, Commemorated on May 31; Venerable Apollonios was the son of the pious parents, Aisi and Amani. According to one version, he had an elder brother, a monk, who died before his birth, who appeared to him in a dream. According to other sources, his parents were childless before the birth of Apollonios. the age of fifteen, the Saint retired to the inner desert of the Thebaïd (in Lower Egypt), along with his kinsman Abib. fourteen years of the solitary life, Saint Apollonios was granted a Divine Revelation. Voice said: “Apollonios, by your hands I will destroy the wisdom of the wise men of Egypt, I will remove their knowledge, which is not true knowledge. will also overthrow those who are reputed to be the wise men of Babel (the Babylon of Egypt), and all their service to devils (idolatry). go quickly to the desert, to the region which is near the habitations of men. There you shall beget for me a holy people, who will be exalted by their good works.” he became known for the multitude of miracles which he performed. He was the head of many monks; and he directed them profitably by his spiritual instructions. the reign of Julian the Apostate, God commanded the Saint to go to the near desert. a spot close to Hermopolis he founded a monastery in which about five hundred monks would gather in the future. brethren of the Monastery partook of the Holy Mysteries in the morning, and then in the afternoon they studied the Holy Scriptures. after sunset did they eat a little food, and then they went off into the desert alone, “in the darkness of the night, devoting themselves to the contemplation of God and His Holy Word,” while some of the monks remained in the monastery. monks would eat food just once a day. condemned those who adhered to the harsher forms of austerity - these did not cut their hair and wore chains - regarding such things as a sign of vanity. the same time, Apollonios himself was a strict faster, he ate boiled food on Sundays, and on other days he ate only wild plants. one of the monks was forcibly recruited for military service and was locked up in a prison for refusing to serve. and some other monks visited him in the prison. They comforted him and advised him to remain steadfast. the centurion heard about this, he became very angry and locked Apollonios and his companions in prison, posting many guards. an angel of the Lord appeared at midnight, to open the doors of the prison, and the monks left unhindered. the monastery were ten pagan settlements. Apollonios was once a witness to a pagan ritual: priests of the idols, accompanied by a crowd, carried an idol around to the villages, “raging like bacchants.” the Saint’s prayers, the idolaters were halted and could not continue the procession. learning of the cause of the incident, many of them followed Apollonios, and the idol was destroyed. After this miracle, many pagans became Christians, and some of them even remained in the monastery. Soon there were almost no pagans left in the vicinity of the monastery. there was strife between two villages near the monastery, Apollonios managed to convert a robber (who may have been the instigator of the quarrel) to Christ, and so peace was restored. another occasion, Apollonios was able to prevent bloodshed between the Christian and pagan villages, punishing the leader of the pagans with a terrible death. famine occurred at the Thebaid, Apollonios supplied the inhabitants with food. Apollonios reposed in peace around the year 395, at very advanced age. of the information about Saint Apollonios was recorded in chapter 9 of Saint Jerome’s History of the Monks of Egypt. The author had visited Apollonios shortly before the latter’s repose, along with his companions. They lived in his monastery for about a week. also provides some details about Apollonios in Book VI, chapter 29 of his Church History, citing Timothy, the primate of the Church of Alexandria, as the source for what we know about Saint Apollonios’s personal discipline as well as his “divine and marvelous deeds.” Coptic Church has also preserved an ancient testimony of Saint Apollonios in a description of Abba Paul’s journey from Antinoe through the monasteries of Egypt, another account from a Jacobite Synaxarion (in Arabic). This Synaxarion under 5 Amshire (January 30) calls Apollonios “an Equal of the angels.” The Coptic Church commemorates Saint Apollonios on 25 Papo (October 22).

Constantinople, 336-397, Martin oTours, Martin tMerciful, Arien opponent wHiliary, against Priscillian or any heretic execution
France, 336-397, St Martin of Tours, Martin the Merciful, served army unwillingly, at Amiens gave half cloak cold beggar, Jesus appeared wearing his cloak, Heard Jesus say only catechumen, but clothed me, baptized, barbarians invaded Gaul, asked permission resign commission, cowardice charce, offered stand front line, protected by cross, cross caused barbarians surrender without fight, allowed to leave, time as hermit and travels, Hiliary's friend, Poitiers, exorcist, bishop Tours 371, still ascetic, monastery, French monasticism founder, conversed wAngels, Peter Paul visions, died 397, many western churches dedicated middle ages, most his relics lost French Revolution, MARTIN with Hiliary an opponent of the Ariens, from Illyricum publicly scourged&exiled, driven fMilan, returned Gaul, converted pagans wFir Tree story, intervened release prisoners, heretic Priscillian guilty bishops court, excommunication adequate, state no power to punish, but executed, he Ex bishops, took them back for pardons, concession botherd him; France, 336-397, St Martin of Tours, Martin the Merciful; Tours; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397) ; was born around 330 of pagan parents. His father was a soldier, who enlisted Martin in the army at the age of fifteen. winter day he saw an ill-clad beggar at the gate of the city of Amiens. Martin had no money to give, but he cut his cloak in half and gave half to the beggar. (Paintings of the scene, such as that by El Greco, show Martin, even without the cloak, more warmly clad than the beggar, which rather misses the point.) a dream that night, Martin saw Christ wearing the half-cloak. had for some time considered becoming a Christian, and this ended his wavering. He was promptly baptized. the end of his next military campaign, he asked to be released from the army, saying: "Hitherto I have faithfully served Caesar. Let me now serve Christ." was accused of cowardice, and offered to stand unarmed between the contending armies. He was imprisoned, but released when peace was signed. became a disciple of Hilary of Poitiers, a chief opponent in the West of the Arians, who denied the full deity of Christ, and who had the favor of the emperor Constantius. to his parents' home in Illyricum (Yugoslavia, approximately), he opposed the Arians with such effectiveness that he was publicly scourged and exiled. was subsequently driven from Milan, and eventually returned to Gaul. he founded the first monastary in Gaul, which lasted until the French Revolution. 371 he was elected bishop of Tours. His was a mainly pagan diocese, but his instruction and personal manner of life prevailed. one instance, the pagan priests agreed to fell their idol, a large fir tree, if Martin would stand directly in the path of its fall. He did so, and it missed him very narrowly. an officer of the Imperial Guard arrived with a batch of prisoners who were to be tortured and executed the next day, Martin intervened and secured their release. of ToursIn the year 384, the heretic (Gnostic) Priscillian and six companions had been condemned to death by the emperor Maximus. bishops who had found them guilty in the ecclesiastical court pressed for their execution. Martin contended that the secular power had no authority to punish heresy, and that the excommunication by the bishops was an adequate sentence. this he was upheld by Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. He refused to leave Treves until the emperor promised to reprieve them. No sooner was his back turned than the bishops persuaded the emperor to break his promise; Priscillian and his followers were executed. This was the first time that heresy was punished by death. was furious, and excommunicated the bishops responsible. But afterwards, he took them back into communion in exchange for a pardon from Maximus for certain men condemned to death, and for the emperor's promise to end the persecution of the remaining Priscillianists. never felt easy in his mind about this concession, and thereafter avoided assmblies of bishops where he might encounter some of those concerned in this affair. died on or about 11 November 397 (my sources differ) and his shrine at Tours became a sanctuary for those seeking justice. Feast of Martin, a soldier who fought bravely and faithfully in the service of an earthly sovereign, and then elisted in the service of Christ, also the day of the Armistice which marked the end of the First World War. On it we remember those who have risked or lost their lives in what they perceived as the pursuit of justice and peace. by James Kiefer St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on November 11 ; Martin the Merciful, Bishop of Tours, was born at Sabaria in Pannonia (modern Hungary) in 316. his father was a Roman officer, he also was obliged to serve in the army. did so unwillingly, for he considered himself a soldier of Christ, though he was still a catechumen. the gates of Amiens, he saw a beggar shivering in the severe winter cold, so he cut his cloak in two and gave half to the beggar. night, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the saint wearing Martin’s cloak. He heard the Savior say to the angels surrounding Him, “Martin is only a catechumen, but he has clothed Me with this garment.” The saint was baptized soon after this, and reluctantly remained in the army. years later, the barbarians invaded Gaul and Martin asked permission to resign his commission for religious reasons. The commander charged him with cowardice. Saint Martin demonstrated his courage by offering to stand unarmed in the front line of battle, trusting in the power of the Cross to protect him. The next day, the barbarians surrendered without a fight, and Martin was allowed to leave the army. traveled to various places during the next few years, spending some time as a hermit on an island off Italy. became friendly with Saint Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers (January 14), who made Martin an exorcist. several years of the ascetic life, Saint Martin was chosen to be Bishop of Tours in 371. As bishop, Saint Martin did not give up his monastic life, and the place where he settled outside Tours became a monastery. fact, he is regarded as the founder of monasticism in France. conversed with angels, and had visions of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29) and of other saints. is called the Merciful because of his generosity and care for the poor, and he received the grace to work miracles. a life of devoted service to Christ and His Church, the saint fell ill at Candes, a village in his diocese, where he died on November 8, 397. was buried three days later (his present Feast) at Tours. the Middle Ages, many Western churches were dedicated to Saint Martin, including Saint Martin’s in Canterbury, and Saint Martin-in-the-Fields in London. 1008, a cathedral was built at Tours over the relics of Saint Martin. This cathedral was destroyed in 1793 during the French Revolution, together with the relics of Saint Martin and Saint Gregory of Tours (November 17). new cathedral was built on the site many years later. Some fragments of the relics of Saint Martin were recovered and placed in the cathedral, but nothing remains of Saint Gregory’s relics. Martin’s name appears on many Greek and Russian calendars. His commemoration on October 12 in the Russian calendar appears to be an error, since ancient sources give the November date.

Constantinople, 336-397, Martin oTours, cold beggar cloak story, Jesus appeared, front line cross story, talked wAngels&saints
France, 336-397, St Martin of Tours, Martin the Merciful, served army unwillingly, at Amiens gave half cloak cold beggar, Jesus appeared wearing his cloak, Heard Jesus say only catechumen, but clothed me, baptized, barbarians invaded Gaul, asked permission resign commission, cowardice charce, offered stand front line, protected by cross, cross caused barbarians surrender without fight, allowed to leave, time as hermit and travels, Hiliary's friend, Poitiers, exorcist, bishop Tours 371, still ascetic, monastery, French monasticism founder, conversed wAngels, Peter Paul visions, died 397, many western churches dedicated middle ages, most his relics lost French Revolution, MARTIN with Hiliary an opponent of the Ariens, from Illyricum publicly scourged&exiled, driven fMilan, returned Gaul, converted pagans wFir Tree story, intervened release prisoners, heretic Priscillian guilty bishops court, excommunication adequate, state no power to punish, but executed, he Ex bishops, took them back for pardons, concession botherd him; France, 336-397, St Martin of Tours, Martin the Merciful; Tours; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397) ; was born around 330 of pagan parents. His father was a soldier, who enlisted Martin in the army at the age of fifteen. winter day he saw an ill-clad beggar at the gate of the city of Amiens. Martin had no money to give, but he cut his cloak in half and gave half to the beggar. (Paintings of the scene, such as that by El Greco, show Martin, even without the cloak, more warmly clad than the beggar, which rather misses the point.) a dream that night, Martin saw Christ wearing the half-cloak. had for some time considered becoming a Christian, and this ended his wavering. He was promptly baptized. the end of his next military campaign, he asked to be released from the army, saying: "Hitherto I have faithfully served Caesar. Let me now serve Christ." was accused of cowardice, and offered to stand unarmed between the contending armies. He was imprisoned, but released when peace was signed. became a disciple of Hilary of Poitiers, a chief opponent in the West of the Arians, who denied the full deity of Christ, and who had the favor of the emperor Constantius. to his parents' home in Illyricum (Yugoslavia, approximately), he opposed the Arians with such effectiveness that he was publicly scourged and exiled. was subsequently driven from Milan, and eventually returned to Gaul. he founded the first monastary in Gaul, which lasted until the French Revolution. 371 he was elected bishop of Tours. His was a mainly pagan diocese, but his instruction and personal manner of life prevailed. one instance, the pagan priests agreed to fell their idol, a large fir tree, if Martin would stand directly in the path of its fall. He did so, and it missed him very narrowly. an officer of the Imperial Guard arrived with a batch of prisoners who were to be tortured and executed the next day, Martin intervened and secured their release. of ToursIn the year 384, the heretic (Gnostic) Priscillian and six companions had been condemned to death by the emperor Maximus. bishops who had found them guilty in the ecclesiastical court pressed for their execution. Martin contended that the secular power had no authority to punish heresy, and that the excommunication by the bishops was an adequate sentence. this he was upheld by Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. He refused to leave Treves until the emperor promised to reprieve them. No sooner was his back turned than the bishops persuaded the emperor to break his promise; Priscillian and his followers were executed. This was the first time that heresy was punished by death. was furious, and excommunicated the bishops responsible. But afterwards, he took them back into communion in exchange for a pardon from Maximus for certain men condemned to death, and for the emperor's promise to end the persecution of the remaining Priscillianists. never felt easy in his mind about this concession, and thereafter avoided assmblies of bishops where he might encounter some of those concerned in this affair. died on or about 11 November 397 (my sources differ) and his shrine at Tours became a sanctuary for those seeking justice. Feast of Martin, a soldier who fought bravely and faithfully in the service of an earthly sovereign, and then elisted in the service of Christ, also the day of the Armistice which marked the end of the First World War. On it we remember those who have risked or lost their lives in what they perceived as the pursuit of justice and peace. by James Kiefer St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on November 11 ; Martin the Merciful, Bishop of Tours, was born at Sabaria in Pannonia (modern Hungary) in 316. his father was a Roman officer, he also was obliged to serve in the army. did so unwillingly, for he considered himself a soldier of Christ, though he was still a catechumen. the gates of Amiens, he saw a beggar shivering in the severe winter cold, so he cut his cloak in two and gave half to the beggar. night, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the saint wearing Martin’s cloak. He heard the Savior say to the angels surrounding Him, “Martin is only a catechumen, but he has clothed Me with this garment.” The saint was baptized soon after this, and reluctantly remained in the army. years later, the barbarians invaded Gaul and Martin asked permission to resign his commission for religious reasons. The commander charged him with cowardice. Saint Martin demonstrated his courage by offering to stand unarmed in the front line of battle, trusting in the power of the Cross to protect him. The next day, the barbarians surrendered without a fight, and Martin was allowed to leave the army. traveled to various places during the next few years, spending some time as a hermit on an island off Italy. became friendly with Saint Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers (January 14), who made Martin an exorcist. several years of the ascetic life, Saint Martin was chosen to be Bishop of Tours in 371. As bishop, Saint Martin did not give up his monastic life, and the place where he settled outside Tours became a monastery. fact, he is regarded as the founder of monasticism in France. conversed with angels, and had visions of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29) and of other saints. is called the Merciful because of his generosity and care for the poor, and he received the grace to work miracles. a life of devoted service to Christ and His Church, the saint fell ill at Candes, a village in his diocese, where he died on November 8, 397. was buried three days later (his present Feast) at Tours. the Middle Ages, many Western churches were dedicated to Saint Martin, including Saint Martin’s in Canterbury, and Saint Martin-in-the-Fields in London. 1008, a cathedral was built at Tours over the relics of Saint Martin. This cathedral was destroyed in 1793 during the French Revolution, together with the relics of Saint Martin and Saint Gregory of Tours (November 17). new cathedral was built on the site many years later. Some fragments of the relics of Saint Martin were recovered and placed in the cathedral, but nothing remains of Saint Gregory’s relics. Martin’s name appears on many Greek and Russian calendars. His commemoration on October 12 in the Russian calendar appears to be an error, since ancient sources give the November date.

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

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

Constantinople, 337-350, Marcian and Martyrius the Notaries of Patriarch Paul, Arians failed to entice them
Constantinople, 337-350, Marcian and Martyrius the Notaries of Patriarch Paul; Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius, Notaries of Constantinople served in a Constantinople cathedral. Marcian was a reader and Martyrius a subdeacon. They both performed in the capacity of notaries, i.e. secretaries, for Patriarch Paul the Confessor (November 6). heretics expelled and secretly executed the righteous Patriarch Paul. His throne was given to the heretic Macedonius. The heretics attempted to entice Saints Marcian and Martyrius over to their side by flattery. They offered them gold and promised to consecrate them as archbishops, but all the efforts of the Arians were in vain. the impious threatened to slander them before the emperor, and sought to intimidate them with torture and death. But the saints steadfastly confessed Orthodoxy, as handed down by the Fathers of the Church. Marcian and Martyrius were sentenced to death. Before death, the martyrs prayed, “Lord God, Who has invisibly created our hearts, and directed all our deeds, accept with peace the souls of Your servants, since we perish for You and are considered as sheep for the slaughter (Ps 32/33:15; 43/44:22). We rejoice that by such a death we shall depart this life for Your Name. Grant us to be partakers of life eternal with You, the Source of life.” After their prayer the martyrs, with quiet rejoicing, bent their necks beneath the sword of the impious (+ ca. 335). holy bodies were reverently buried by Orthodox Christians. Later, by decree of Saint John Chrysostom, the relics of the holy martyrs were transferred to a church built in their honor. Believers here were healed of many infirmities through the prayers of the saints, to the glory of the One Life-Creating Trinity. Byzantine Patriarch, 337-350, Paul I of Constantinople; Martyr Marcian the Notary of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 25 ; St Paul the Confessor the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 6; Paul the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople, was chosen to the patriarchal throne after the death of Patriarch Alexander (+ 340), when the Arian heresy had again flared up. Many of the Arians were present at the Council which selected the new Archbishop of Constantinople. They revolted in opposition to the choice of Saint Paul, but the Orthodox at the Council were in the majority. emperor Constantius, ruling over the Eastern half of the Roman Empire, was an Arian. He was not in Constantinople for the election of the Archbishop, and so it took place without his consent. Upon his return, he convened a council which illegally deposed Saint Paul, and the emperor banished him from the capital. In place of the saint they elevated Eusebius of Nicomedia, an impious heretic. Archbishop Paul withdrew to Rome, where other Orthodox bishops were also banished by Eusebius. did not rule the Church of Constantinople for long. When he died, Saint Paul returned to Constantinople, and was greeted by his flock with love. But Constantius exiled the saint a second time, and so he returned to Rome. The Western emperor Constans wrote a harsh letter to his Eastern co-ruler, which he sent to Constantinople along with the holy exiled archpastor. The threats worked, and Saint Paul was reinstated upon the archepiscopal throne. soon the pious emperor Constans, a defender of the Orthodox, was treacherously murdered during a palace coup. They again banished Saint Paul from Constantinople and this time sent him off in exile to Armenia, to the city of Cucusus, where he endured a martyr’s death. the Archbishop was celebrating the Divine Liturgy, Arians rushed upon him by force and strangled him with his own omophorion. This occurred in the year 350. In 381, the holy Emperor Theodosius the Great solemnly transferred the relics of Saint Paul the Confessor from Cucusus to Constantinople. In 1326, the relics of Saint Paul were transferred to Venice. Athanasius the Great, a contemporary of Saint Paul, writes briefly about his exiles, “Saint Paul the first time was sent by Constantine to Pontus, the second time he was fettered with chains by Constantius, and then he was locked up in Mesopotamian Syngara and from there moved to Emesus, and the fourth time to Cappadocian Cucusus in the Taurian wilderness.”

Byzantium, 337-361, Emperor, Constantius II, Greece, Thrace, Asia, Egypt, Orthodox then Arian
Roman Emperor, 324-361, Constantius II, Son of Constantine the Great ; Julius Constantius (Greek: ÎšÏ‰Î½ÏƒÏ„Î¬Î½Ï„Î¹Î¿Ï‚; 7 August 317 – 3 November 361), known as Constantius II, was Roman emperor from 337 to 361. His reign saw constant warfare on the borders against the Sasanian Empire and Germanic peoples, while internally the Roman Empire went through repeated civil wars, court intrigues and usurpations. His religious policies inflamed domestic conflicts that would continue after his death. Constantius was a son of Constantine the Great, who elevated him to the imperial rank of caesar on 8 November 324 and after whose death Constantius became augustus together with his brothers, Constantine II and Constans on 9 September 337. He promptly oversaw the massacre of his father-in-law, an uncle and several cousins, consolidating his hold on power. The brothers divided the empire among themselves, with Constantius receiving Greece, Thrace, the Asian provinces and Egypt in the east. For the following decade a costly and inconclusive war against Persia took most of Constantius's time and attention. In the meantime, his brothers Constantine and Constans warred over the western provinces of the empire, leaving the former dead in 340 and the latter as sole ruler of the west. The two remaining brothers maintained an uneasy peace with each other until, in 350, Constans was overthrown and assassinated by the usurper Magnentius. Unwilling to accept Magnentius as co-ruler, Constantius waged a civil war against the usurper, defeating him at the battles of Mursa Major in 351 and Mons Seleucus in 353. Magnentius committed suicide after the latter battle, leaving Constantius as sole ruler of the empire. In 351, Constantius elevated his cousin Constantius Gallus to the subordinate rank of caesar to rule in the east, but had him executed three years later after receiving scathing reports of his violent and corrupt nature. Shortly thereafter, in 355, Constantius promoted his last surviving cousin, Gallus' younger half-brother Julian, to the rank of caesar. As emperor, Constantius promoted Arian Christianity, persecuted pagans by banning sacrifices and closing pagan temples and issued laws discriminating against Jews. His military campaigns against Germanic tribes were successful: he defeated the Alamanni in 354 and campaigned across the Danube against the Quadi and Sarmatians in 357. The war against the Sasanians, which had been in a lull since 350, erupted with renewed intensity in 359 and Constantius traveled to the east in 360 to restore stability after the loss of several border fortresses. However, Julian claimed the rank of augustus in 360, leading to war between the two after Constantius' attempts to persuade Julian to back down failed. No battle was fought, as Constantius became ill and died of fever on 3 November 361 in Mopsuestia, naming Julian as his rightful successor before his death. St Liberius the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 27; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; St Caesarius, brother of St Gregory the Theologian, Commemorated on March 9 ; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); St Hypatius the Wonderworker and Bishop of Gangraz, Commemorated on March 31; 120 Martyrs of Persia, Commemorated on April 6; Hieromartyr Zeno the Bishop of Verona, Commemorated on April 12 ; Martyr Sava the Goth of Wallachia, Commemorated on April 15; Venerable Theodore the Sanctified, Disciple of the Venerable Pachomius the Great, Commemorated on May 16; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Constantinople, 337-362, Greatmartyr Artemius of Antioch, Julian tortured, Jesus encouraged, he prophesied J death
Egypt, 337-362, Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, viceroy of Egypt, spread C in E, b relics to Constantinople, then Julian tortured him, Jesus appeared w angels, encouraged him, he prophesied Julians death; Egypt; Rahab; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated on October 20; Great Martyr Artemius of Antioch was a prominent military leader during the reigns of the emperor Constantine the Great (May 21), and his son and successor Constantius (337-361). received many awards for distinguished service and courage. was appointed viceroy of Egypt. this official position he did much for the spreading and strengthening Christianity in Egypt. Artemius was sent by the emperor Constantius to bring the relics of the holy Apostle Andrew from Patras, the relics of the holy Apostle Luke from Thebes of Boeotia, Constantinople. holy relics were placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles beneath the table of oblation. The emperor rewarded him by making him ruler of Egypt. emperor Constantius was succeeded on the throne by Julian the Apostate (361-363). in his desire to restore paganism was extremely antagonistic towards Christians, sending hundreds to their death. Antioch he ordered the torture of two bishops unwilling to forsake the Christian Faith. this time, Saint Artemius arrived in Antioch and publicly denounced Julian for his impiety. enraged Julian subjected the saint to terrible tortures and threw the Great Martyr Artemius into prison. Artemius was praying, Christ, surrounded by angels, appeared to him and said, “Take courage, Artemius! I am with you and will preserve you from every hurt which is inflicted upon you, and I already have prepared your crown of glory. Since you have confessed Me before the people on earth, so shall I confess you before My Heavenly Father. Therefore, take courage and rejoice, you shall be with Me in My Kingdom.” this, Artemius rejoiced and offered up glory and thanksgiving to Him. the following day, Julian demanded that Saint Artemius honor the pagan gods. Meeting with steadfast refusal, the emperor resorted to further tortures. The saint endured all without a single moan. saint told Julian that he would be justly recompensed for his persecution of Christians. became furious and resorted to even more savage tortures, but they did not break the will of the saint. Finally the Great Martyr Artemius was beheaded. relics were buried by Christians. After the death of Saint Artemius, his prophecy about Julian the Apostate’s impending death came true. left Antioch for a war with the Persians. Near the Persian city of Ctesiphon, Julian came upon an elderly Persian, who agreed to betray his countrymen and guide Julian’s army. The old man deceived Julian and led his army into the Karmanite wilderness, where there was neither food nor water. Tired from hunger and thirst, Julian’s army battled against fresh Persian forces. retribution caught up with Julian the Apostate. During the battle he was mortally wounded by an unseen hand and an unseen weapon. groaned deeply said, “You have conquered, Galilean!” the death of the apostate emperor, the relics of the Great Martyr Artemius were transferred with honor from Antioch to Constantinople. Artemius is invoked by those suffering from hernias.

Gaul, 337-340, Emperor, Constantine II, Orthodox, Gaul, died invading Italy
Roman Emperor, 337-340, Constantine II (emperor); II (Latin: Flavius Claudius Constantinus; February 316 – 340) was Roman emperor from 337 to 340. Son of Constantine the Great and co-emperor alongside his brothers, his attempt to exert his perceived rights of primogeniture led to his death in a failed invasion of Italy in 340. St Liberius the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 27; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; St Caesarius, brother of St Gregory the Theologian, Commemorated on March 9 ; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); St Hypatius the Wonderworker and Bishop of Gangraz, Commemorated on March 31; 120 Martyrs of Persia, Commemorated on April 6; Hieromartyr Zeno the Bishop of Verona, Commemorated on April 12 ; Martyr Sava the Goth of Wallachia, Commemorated on April 15; Commemoration of the Apparition of the Sign of the Precious Cross Over Jerusalem, in 351 AD, Commemorated on May 7; Venerable Theodore the Sanctified, Disciple of the Venerable Pachomius the Great, Commemorated on May 16; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, 337-350, Emperor, Constans, Orthodox, Italy, Illyricum, Africa, then Gaul, k by M, Coup
Roman Emperor,;337-350, Constans; Julius Constans (c. 320 – 350) was Roman emperor from 337 to 350. He held the imperial rank of caesar from 333, and was the youngest son of Constantine the Great. After his father's death, he was made augustus alongside his brothers in September 337. Constans was given the administration of the praetorian prefectures of Italy, Illyricum, and Africa.[3] He defeated the Sarmatians in a campaign shortly afterwards.[3] In the civil war that followed, in 340 he defeated his eldest brother and co-emperor Constantine II's invasion of Italy, who was killed in battle with Constans's forces near Aquileia.[3] Constans gained from him the praetorian prefecture of Gaul.[3] Thereafter there were tensions with his remaining younger brother and co-augustus Constantius II (r. 337–361), including over the exiled bishop Athanasius of Alexandria.[3] In the following years he campaigned against the Franks and in 343 visited Roman Britain.[3] In January 350, Magnentius (r. 350–353) the commander of the Jovians and Herculians, a corps in the Roman army, was acclaimed augustus at Augustodunum (Autun) with the support of Marcellinus, the comes rei privatae.[4] Magnentius overthrew and killed Constans.[3][4] Surviving sources, possibly influenced by the propaganda of Magnentius's faction, accuse Constans of misrule and of homosexuality.[3] St Liberius the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 27; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; St Caesarius, brother of St Gregory the Theologian, Commemorated on March 9 ; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); St Hypatius the Wonderworker and Bishop of Gangraz, Commemorated on March 31; 120 Martyrs of Persia, Commemorated on April 6; Hieromartyr Zeno the Bishop of Verona, Commemorated on April 12 ; Martyr Sava the Goth of Wallachia, Commemorated on April 15; Commemoration of the Apparition of the Sign of the Precious Cross Over Jerusalem, in 351 AD, Commemorated on May 7; Venerable Theodore the Sanctified, Disciple of the Venerable Pachomius the Great, Commemorated on May 16; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Constantinople, 339-341, Impious heretic Eusebius, Nicomedia, Emperor council illeglly deposed Paul, Forerunner head story
Byzantium, 339-341, Byzantine Saint, Eusebius of Nicomedia; of Nicomedia (died 341) was an Arian priest who baptized Constantine the Great on his deathbed in 337.[1][2] fifth-century legend evolved that Pope Saint Sylvester I was the one to baptize Constantine, but this is dismissed by scholars as a forgery 'to amend the historical memory of the Arian baptism that the emperor received at the end of his life, and instead to attribute an unequivocally orthodox baptism to him.'[3][4] He was a bishop of Berytus (modern-day Beirut) in Phoenicia. He was later made the bishop of Nicomedia, where the Imperial court resided. He lived finally in Constantinople from 338 up to his death. Saint Paul the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 6; Paul the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople, was chosen to the patriarchal throne after the death of Patriarch Alexander (+ 340), when the Arian heresy had again flared up. Many of the Arians were present at the Council which selected the new Archbishop of Constantinople. They revolted in opposition to the choice of Saint Paul, but the Orthodox at the Council were in the majority. emperor Constantius, ruling over the Eastern half of the Roman Empire, was an Arian. He was not in Constantinople for the election of the Archbishop, and so it took place without his consent. Upon his return, he convened a council which illegally deposed Saint Paul, and the emperor banished him from the capital. In place of the saint they elevated Eusebius of Nicomedia, an impious heretic. Archbishop Paul withdrew to Rome, where other Orthodox bishops were also banished by Eusebius. did not rule the Church of Constantinople for long. When he died, Saint Paul returned to Constantinople, and was greeted by his flock with love. But Constantius exiled the saint a second time, and so he returned to Rome. The Western emperor Constans wrote a harsh letter to his Eastern co-ruler, which he sent to Constantinople along with the holy exiled archpastor. The threats worked, and Saint Paul was reinstated upon the archepiscopal throne. soon the pious emperor Constans, a defender of the Orthodox, was treacherously murdered during a palace coup. They again banished Saint Paul from Constantinople and this time sent him off in exile to Armenia, to the city of Cucusus, where he endured a martyr’s death. the Archbishop was celebrating the Divine Liturgy, Arians rushed upon him by force and strangled him with his own omophorion. This occurred in the year 350. In 381, the holy Emperor Theodosius the Great solemnly transferred the relics of Saint Paul the Confessor from Cucusus to Constantinople. In 1326, the relics of Saint Paul were transferred to Venice. Athanasius the Great, a contemporary of Saint Paul, writes briefly about his exiles, “Saint Paul the first time was sent by Constantine to Pontus, the second time he was fettered with chains by Constantius, and then he was locked up in Mesopotamian Syngara and from there moved to Emesus, and the fourth time to Cappadocian Cucusus in the Taurian wilderness.” First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated on February 24; that time the venerable head was successively preserved by devout Christians, until 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. 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. When 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. occurred the First Finding of the Head. Innocent preserved it with great piety, but 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. Not knowing what he was carrying, the potter continued on his way. But the holy Forerunner appeared to him and ordered him to flee from the careless and lazy monks, with what he held in his hands. The 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, until 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. 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. God, 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.

Constantinople, 339-388, Marcian oCyrrhusl, asceticism attracted monastery, wonderworking, snake killed by hCross, divine light
Syria, 339-388, Marcian oCyrrhus, Syria (Afrin River 1), desert dweller near C, small hut, prayer, singing psalms, spiritual reading, ate little, just enough, many zealous attracted, estab m for them, wonderworking, examples snake killed by his cross, heavenly light for his reading, many others for bros, died 388 ; Cyrrhus; Venerable Marcian of Cyrrhus in Syria, Commemorated January 18 ; Marcian of Cyrrhus lived in the desert near the city of Cyrrhus. built a small hut and settled in it, passing his time in prayer, singing Psalms and reading spiritual books. ate very little food, just enough to keep him alive. of his holy life attracted to him many zealous ascetics, Saint Marcian established a monastery for them. ’s blessing rested upon the saint, and he possessed the gift of wonderworking. a serpent crawled into his cell. saint made the Sign of the Cross and the serpent perished, burned up by flames. night, when the ascetic read, a heavenly light shone for him. monk also worked many other miracles on behalf of the brethren. died in peace about the year 388.

Constantinople, 340 - 368, Saint Hilliary oPoitiers, great arianism oponnent, exiled tPhrygia, orthodox champion there
France, 340 - 368, Saint Hilliary of Poitiers, great arianism oponnent, raised pagan, adult conversion, bishop i350, opposed Constantius II's arianism, 356 exiled tPhrygia, great orthodox champion there, so returned to his diocese, continued fight till death 368, relics in Hiliary Cathedral Poitiers, Hiliary term in courts & universities begin near his feast day; France, 330 - 367, Saint Hilliary of Poitiers; Saint Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, Commemorated on January 13; Hilary, the great opponent of Arianism, was born around 320. was raised as a pagan, but converted to Christianity as an adult. became Bishop of Poitiers in 350. the emperor Constantius II attempted to impose Arianism on the western Church, Hilary led a vigorous opposition to his efforts. of his outspoken criticism, he was exiled to Phrygia in 356. he became such a defender and champion of Orthodoxy that the emperor decided it would be less trouble to allow him to return to his diocese. Hilary continued to fight against Arianism until his death in 368. holy relics still rest in the cathedral bearing his name at Poitiers in France. has lent his name to the “Hilary term” of English law courts and universities, which begin on or near his Feast Day. HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); of Poitiers (315-367) lived during the great controversy between Athanasius, who taught that the Son is fully God, equally with the Father, and Arius, who denied this. is sometimes called "the Athanasius of the West." was bishop of Poitiers, and when he refused to sign a condemnation of Athanasius, Arian emperor Constantius (one of the sons of Constantine) banished him to Phrygia in 357. exile lasted three years, during which time he wrote several essays, including On the Trinity. the Emperor was forced to send him back to Gaul because he was causing such difficulties for the Arians in the East. 364, he journeyed to Milan, where he engaged in public debate with the Arian bishop Auxentius, and persuaded him of the error of his ways. by James Kiefer

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

Constantinople, 340-404, Flavian I of Antioch and Tarsus, Syrian Saint, Raised Chrysostom, Orthodox
Saint Flavian, Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on September 27; Flavian, Archbishop of Antioch, was a contemporary of Saint John Chrysostom. He attempted to obtain from the emperor Theodosius (379-395) a pardon for the citizens of Antioch, who had angered the emperor by destroying his statue. Saint Flavian’s death was peaceful and without illness. He is also commemorated on February 16. Saint Flavian, Archbishop of Antioch; Flavian, Archbishop of Antioch, was a contemporary of Saint John Chrysostom. He attempted to obtain from the emperor Theodosius (379-395) a pardon for the citizens of Antioch, who had angered the emperor by destroying his statue. Saint Flavian’s death was peaceful and without illness. He is also commemorated on September 27. Syria, 399-404, Syrian Saint, Flavian I of Antioch and Tarsus, Raised Chrysostom, Orthodox; Flavian I of Antioch (Latin: Flavianus I; c. 320 – February 404) was a bishop or Patriarch of Antioch from 381 until his death. He was born about 320, most probably in Antioch. He inherited great wealth, but resolved to devote his riches and his talents to the service of the church. In association with Diodore, afterwards bishop of Tarsus, he supported the orthodox Faith against the Arian heretic Leontius, who had succeeded Eustathius as Patriarch of Antioch. The two friends assembled their adherents outside the city walls for religious services (according to Theodoret, it was in these meetings that the practice of antiphonal singing was first introduced in the services of the church).[1] When Meletius was appointed bishop of Antioch in 361 he ordained Flavian to the priesthood, and on the death of Meletius in 381 Flavian was chosen to succeed him. The schism between the two parties was, however, far from being healed. The Bishop of Rome and the Patriarch of Alexandria refused to acknowledge Flavian, and Paulinus, who by the extreme Eustathians had been elected bishop in opposition to Meletius, continued to exercise authority over a portion of the church.[1] On the death of Paulinus in about 383, Evagrius was chosen as his successor. After the death of Evagrius, (c. 393) Flavian succeeded in preventing the election of a successor, though the Eustathians still continued to hold separate meetings. Through the intervention of John Chrysostom soon after his elevation to the patriarchate of Constantinople in 398, and the influence of the emperor Theodosius I, Flavian was acknowledged in 399 as the sole legitimate bishop of Antioch.[1] Nevertheless, the Eustathian schism was not finally healed until 415 due to the reconciliation efforts of Alexander (appointed bishop 412), successor to Porphyrios (also spelled Porphyrus).[2] Flavian is posthumously venerated in both the Western and Eastern churches as a Saint.[1] Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 13; John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, one of the Three Hierarchs [January 30], was born at Antioch in about the year 347 into the family of a military commander. His father, Secundus, died soon after the birth of his son. His mother, Anthusa, widowed at twenty years of age, did not seek to remarry but rather devoted all her efforts to the raising of her son in Christian piety. The youth studied under the finest philosophers and rhetoricians. But, scorning the vain disciplines of pagan knowledge, the future hierarch turned himself to the profound study of Holy Scripture and prayerful contemplation. Saint Meletius, Bishop of Antioch (February 12), loved John like a son, guided him in the Faith, and in the year 367 baptized him. After three years John was tonsured as a Reader. When Saint Meletius had been sent into exile by the emperor Valens in the year 372, John and Theodore (afterwards Bishop of Mopsuestia) studied under the experienced instructors of ascetic life, the presbyters Flavian and Diodorus of Tarsus. The highly refined Diodorus had particular influence upon the youth. When John’s mother died, he embraced monasticism, which he called the “true philosophy.” Soon John and his friend Basil were being considered as candidates for the episcopal office, and they decided to withdraw into the wilderness to avoid this. While Saint John avoided the episcopal rank out of humility, he secretly assisted in Basil’s consecration. During this period Saint John wrote his “Six Discourses on the Priesthood,” a great work of Orthodox pastoral theology. The saint spent four years struggling in the wilderness, living the ascetic life under the guidance of an experienced spiritual guide. And here he wrote three books entitled, “Against the Opponents of Those Attracted to the Monastic Life”, and a collection entitled, “A Comparison of the Monk with the Emperor” (also known as “Comparison of Imperial Power, Wealth and Eminence, with the True and Christian Wisdom-Loving Monastic Life”), both works which are marked by a profound reflection of the worthiness of the monastic vocation. For two years, the saint lived in a cave in complete silence, but was obliged to return to Antioch to recover his health. Saint Meletius, the Bishop of Antioch, ordained him deacon in the year 381. The following years were devoted to work on new theological writings: “Concerning Providence” (“To the Ascetic Stagirios”), “Book Concerning Virginity,” “To a Young Widow” (2 discourses), and the “Book of Saint Babylos, and Against Julian and the Pagans.” In the year 386 Saint John was ordained presbyter by Bishop Flavian of Antioch. Saint John was a splendid preacher, and his inspired words earned him the name “Golden-Mouthed” (“Chrysostom”). For twelve years the saint preached in church, usually twice a week, but sometimes daily, deeply stirring the hearts of his listeners. In his pastoral zeal to provide Christians with a better understanding of Holy Scripture, Saint John employed hermeneutics, an interpretation and analysis of the Word of God (i.e. exegesis). Among his exegetical works are commentaries on entire books of the Holy Scripture (Genesis, the Psalter, the Gospels of Matthew and John, the Epistles of the Apostle Paul), and also many homilies on individual texts of the Holy Bible, but also instructions on the Feastdays, laudations on the Saints, and also apologetic (i.e. defensive) homilies (against Anomoeans, Judaizers and pagans). As a priest, Saint John zealously fulfilled the Lord’s command to care for the needy. Under Saint John, the Antiochian Church provided sustenance each day to as many as 3,000 virgins and widows, not including in this number the shut-ins, wanderers and the sick. Saint John began his commentary on Genesis at the beginning of Great Lent in 388, preaching thirty-two homilies during the forty day period. During Holy Week he spoke of how Christ was betrayed, and about the Cross. During Bright Week, his pastoral discourse was devoted to the Resurrection. His exegesis of the Book of Genesis was concluded only at the end of October (388). At Pascha in the following year the saint began his homilies on the Gospel of John, and toward the end of the year 389 he took up the Gospel of Matthew. In the year 391 the Christians of Antioch listened to his commentary on the Epistles of the holy Apostle Paul to the Romans and to the Corinthians. In 393 he explained the Epistles to the Galatians, the Ephesians, Timothy, Titus, and the Psalms. In his homily on the Epistle to the Ephesians, Saint John denounced a schism in Antioch, “I tell you and I witness before you, that to tear asunder the Church means nothing less than to fall into heresy. The Church is the house of the heavenly Father, one Body and one Spirit.” The fame of the holy preacher grew, and in the year 397 with the death of Archbishop Nectarius of Constantinople, successor to Saint Gregory the Theologian, Saint John Chrysostom was summoned from Antioch, and elected to the See of Constantinople. At the capital, the holy archpastor was not able to preach as often as he had at Antioch. Many matters awaited the saint’s attention, and he began with the most important -- the spiritual perfection of the priesthood. He himself was the best example of this. The financial means apportioned for the archbishop were channeled by the saint into the upkeep of several hospices for the sick and two hostels for pilgrims. He fasted strictly and ate very little food, and usually refused invitations to dine because of his delicate stomach. The saint’s zeal in spreading the Christian Faith extended not only to the inhabitants of Constantinople, but also to Thrace to include Slavs and Goths, and to Asia Minor and the Pontine region. He established a bishop for the Bosphorus Church in the Crimea. Saint John sent off zealous missionaries to Phoenicia, to Persia, and to the Scythians, to convert pagans to Christ. He also wrote letters to Syria to bring back the Marcionites into the Church, and he accomplished this. Preserving the unity of the Church, the saint would not permit a powerful Gothic military commander, who wanted the emperor to reward his bravery in battle, to open an Arian church at Constantinople. The saint exerted much effort in enhancing the splendor of the church services: he compiled a Liturgy, he introduced antiphonal singing for the all-night Vigil, and he wrote several prayers for the rite of anointing the sick with oil. The saintly hierarch denounced the dissolute morals of people in the capital, especially at the imperial court, irrespective of person. When the empress Eudoxia connived to confiscate the last properties of the widow and children of a disgraced dignitary, the saint rose to their defense. The arrogant empress would not relent, and nursed a grudge against the archpastor. Eudoxia’s hatred of the saint blazed forth anew when malefactors told her that the saint apparently had her in mind during his sermon on vain women. A court was convened composed of hierarchs who had been justly condemned by Chrysostom: Theophilus of Alexandria, Bishop Severian of Gabala, who had been banished from the capital because of improprieties, and others. This court of judgment declared Saint John deposed, and that he be executed for his insult to the empress. The emperor decided on exile instead of execution. An angry crowd gathered at the church, resolved to defend their pastor. In order to avoid a riot, Saint John submitted to the authorities. That very night there was an earthquake at Constantinople. The terrified Eudoxia urgently requested the emperor to bring the saint back, and promptly sent a letter to the banished pastor, beseeching him to return. Once more, in the capital church, the saint praised the Lord in a short talk, “For All His Ways.” The slanderers fled to Alexandria. But after only two months a new denunciation provoked the wrath of Eudoxia. In March 404, an unjust council was convened, decreeing the exile of Saint John. Upon his removal from the capital, a fire reduced the church of Hagia Sophia and also the Senate building to ashes. Devastating barbarian incursions soon followed, and Eudoxia died in October 404. Even pagans regarded these events as God’s punishment for the unjust judgment against the saint. In Armenia, the saint strove all the more to encourage his spiritual children. In numerous letters (245 are preserved) to bishops in Asia, Africa, Europe and particularly to his friends in Constantinople, Saint John consoled the suffering, guiding and giving support to his followers. In the winter of 406 Saint John was confined to his bed with sickness, but his enemies were not to be appeased. From the capital came orders to transfer Saint John to desolate Pityus in Abkhazia on the Black Sea. Worn out by sickness, the saint began his final journey under military escort, traveling for three months in the rain and frost. He never arrived at his place of exile, for his strength failed him at Comana. At the crypt of Saint Basiliscus (May 22), Saint John was comforted by a vision of the martyr, who said, “Despair not, brother John! Tomorrow we shall be together.” After receiving the Holy Mysteries, the hierarch fell asleep in the Lord on September 14, 407. His last words were, “Glory to God for all things!” The holy relics of Saint John Chrysostom were solemnly transferred to Constantinople in the year 438. The disciple of Saint John, the venerable Isidore of Pelusium (February 4), wrote: “The house of David is grown strong, and the house of Saul enfeebled. He is victor over the storms of life, and has entered into heavenly repose.” Although he died on September 14, Saint John’s celebration was transferred to this day because of the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Saint John Chrysostom is also celebrated on January 27 and January 30. Syrian Saint, 367-407, St John Chrysostom ; Chrysostom (/ˈkrɪsəstəm, krɪˈsɒstəm/; Greek: Ἰωάννης ὁ Χρυσόστομος; Ge'ez[citation needed] :ቅዱስ ዮሐንስ አፈወርቅ c. 347 – 14 September 407)[5] was an important Early Church Father who served as archbishop of Constantinople. He is known for his preaching and public speaking, his denunciation of abuse of authority[6] by both ecclesiastical and political leaders, his Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, and his ascetic sensibilities. The epithet Χρυσόστομος (Chrysostomos, anglicized as Chrysostom) means "golden-mouthed" in Greek and denotes his celebrated eloquence.[1][7] Chrysostom was among the most prolific authors in the early Christian Church, although both Origen of Alexandria[8] and Augustine of Hippo[9] exceeded Chrysostom. He is honoured as a saint in the Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches, as well as in some others. The Eastern Orthodox, together with the Byzantine Catholics, hold him in special regard as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs (alongside Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus). The feast days of John Chrysostom in the Eastern Orthodox Church are 14 September, 13 November and 27 January. In the Roman Catholic Church he is recognized as a Doctor of the Church. Because the date of his death is occupied by the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (14 September), the General Roman Calendar celebrates him since 1970 on the previous day, 13 September; from the 13th century to 1969 it did so on 27 January, the anniversary of the translation of his body to Constantinople.[10] Of other Western churches, including Anglican provinces and Lutheran churches, some commemorate him on 13 September, others on 27 January. John Chrysostom is honored on the calendars of the Church of England and the Episcopal Church on 13 September.[11][12] The Coptic Church also recognizes him as a saint (with feast days on 16 Thout and 17 Hathor).[13] Biography[edit] Early life[edit] John was born in Antioch (modern-day Antakya, Hatay, Turkey) in 347.[14][15] Different scholars describe his mother Anthusa as a pagan or as a Christian.[16] His father was a high-ranking military officer. John's father died soon after his birth and he was raised by his mother. He was baptised in 368 or 373 and tonsured as a reader (one of the minor orders of the church). It is sometimes said that he was bitten by a snake when he was ten years old, leading to him getting an infection from the bite.[b] As a result of his mother's influential connections in the city, John began his education under the pagan preacher Libanius.[17] From Libanius, John acquired the skills for a career in rhetoric, as well as a love of the Greek language and literature.[18] Eventually, he became a lawyer. As he grew older, however, John became more deeply committed to Christianity and went on to study theology under Diodore of Tarsus, founder of the re-constituted School of Antioch. According to the Christian historian Sozomen, Libanius was supposed to have said on his deathbed that John would have been his successor "if the Christians had not taken him from us".[19] John lived in extreme asceticism and became a hermit in about 375; he spent the next two years continually standing, scarcely sleeping, and committing the Bible to memory. As a consequence of these practices, his stomach and kidneys were permanently damaged and poor health forced him to return to Antioch.[20] Diaconate and service in Antioch[edit] Further information: Meletian schism John was ordained as a deacon in 381 by the bishop Meletius of Antioch who was not then in communion with Alexandria and Rome. After the death of Meletius, John separated himself from the followers of Meletius, without joining Paulinus, the rival of Meletius for the bishopric of Antioch. But after the death of Paulinus he was ordained a presbyter (priest) in 386 by Flavian, the successor of Paulinus.[21] He was destined later to bring about reconciliation between Flavian I of Antioch, Alexandria, and Rome, thus bringing those three sees into communion for the first time in nearly seventy years.[22] In Antioch, over the course of twelve years (386–397), John gained popularity because of the eloquence of his public speaking at the Golden Church, Antioch's cathedral, especially his insightful expositions of Bible passages and moral teaching. The most valuable of his works from this period are his homilies on various books of the Bible. He emphasised charitable giving and was concerned with the spiritual and temporal needs of the poor. He spoke against abuse of wealth and personal property: Do you wish to honour the body of Christ? Do not ignore him when he is naked. Do not pay him homage in the temple clad in silk, only then to neglect him outside where he is cold and ill-clad. He who said: "This is my body" is the same who said: "You saw me hungry and you gave me no food", and "Whatever you did to the least of my brothers you did also to me"... What good is it if the Eucharistic table is overloaded with golden chalices when your brother is dying of hunger? Start by satisfying his hunger and then with what is left you may adorn the altar as well.[23] His straightforward understanding of the Scriptures – in contrast to the Alexandrian tendency towards allegorical interpretation – meant that the themes of his talks were practical, explaining the Bible's application to everyday life. Such straightforward preaching helped Chrysostom to garner popular support.[1] One incident that happened during his service in Antioch illustrates the influence of his homilies. When Chrysostom arrived in Antioch, Flavian, the bishop of the city, had to intervene with emperor Theodosius I on behalf of citizens who had gone on a rampage mutilating statues of the emperor and his family. During the weeks of Lent in 387, John preached more than twenty homilies in which he entreated the people to see the error of their ways. These made a lasting impression on the general population of the city: many pagans converted to Christianity as a result of the homilies. The city was ultimately spared from severe consequences.[6] Archbishop of Constantinople[edit] See also: Origenist Crises John Chrysostom confronting Aelia Eudoxia, in a 19th-century anti-clerical painting by Jean-Paul Laurens In the autumn of 397, John was appointed archbishop of Constantinople, after having been nominated without his knowledge by the eunuch Eutropius. He had to leave Antioch in secret due to fears that the departure of such a popular figure would cause civil unrest.[24] During his time as archbishop he adamantly refused to host lavish social gatherings, which made him popular with the common people, but unpopular with wealthy citizens and the clergy. His reforms of the clergy were also unpopular. He told visiting regional preachers to return to the churches they were meant to be serving – without any pay-out.[25] Also he founded a number of hospitals in Constantinople.[26][27] His time in Constantinople was more tumultuous than his time in Antioch. Theophilus, the patriarch of Alexandria, wanted to bring Constantinople under his sway and opposed John's appointment to Constantinople. Theophilus had disciplined four Egyptian monks (known as "the Tall Brothers") over their support of Origen's teachings. They fled to John and were welcomed by him. Theophilus therefore accused John of being too partial to the teaching of Origen. He made another enemy in Aelia Eudoxia, wife of emperor Arcadius, who assumed that John's denunciations of extravagance in feminine dress were aimed at herself.[6] Eudoxia, Theophilus and other of his enemies held a synod in 403 (the Synod of the Oak) to charge John, in which his connection to Origen was used against him. It resulted in his deposition and banishment. He was called back by Arcadius almost immediately, as the people became "tumultuous" over his departure, even threatening to burn the imperial palace.[28][unreliable source?] There was an earthquake the night of his arrest, which Eudoxia took for a sign of God's anger, prompting her to ask Arcadius for John's reinstatement.[29][unreliable source?] Peace was short-lived. A silver statue of Eudoxia was erected in the Augustaion, near his cathedral, the Constantinian Hagia Sophia. John denounced the dedication ceremonies as pagan and spoke against the empress in harsh terms: "Again Herodias raves; again she is troubled; she dances again; and again desires to receive John's head in a charger",[30][unreliable source?] an allusion to the events surrounding the death of John the Baptist. Once again he was banished, this time to the Caucasus in Abkhazia.[31] His banishment sparked riots among his supporters in the capital, and in the fighting the cathedral built by Constantius II was burnt down, necessitating the construction of the second cathedral on the site, the Theodosian Hagia Sophia. Around 405, John began to lend moral and financial support to Christian monks who were enforcing the emperors' anti-pagan laws, by destroying temples and shrines in Phoenicia and nearby regions.[32] Exile and death[edit] The causes of John's exile are not clear, though Jennifer Barry suggests that they have to do with his connections to Arianism. Other historians, including Wendy Mayer and Geoffrey Dunn, have argued that "the surplus of evidence reveals a struggle between Johannite and anti-Johannite camps in Constantinople soon after John's departure and for a few years after his death".[33] Faced with exile, John Chrysostom wrote an appeal for help to three churchmen: Pope Innocent I; Venerius, the bishop of Mediolanum (Milan); and Chromatius, the bishop of Aquileia.[34][35][36] In 1872, church historian William Stephens wrote: The Patriarch of the Eastern Rome appeals to the great bishops of the West, as the champions of an ecclesiastical discipline which he confesses himself unable to enforce, or to see any prospect of establishing. No jealousy is entertained of the Patriarch of the Old Rome by the patriarch of the New Rome. The interference of Innocent is courted, a certain primacy is accorded him, but at the same time he is not addressed as a supreme arbitrator; assistance and sympathy are solicited from him as from an elder brother, and two other prelates of Italy are joint recipients with him of the appeal.[37] Pope Innocent I protested John's banishment from Constantinople to the town of Cucusus (Göksun) in Cappadocia, but to no avail. Innocent sent a delegation to intercede on behalf of John in 405. It was led by Gaudentius of Brescia; Gaudentius and his companions, two bishops, encountered many difficulties and never reached their goal of entering Constantinople.[38] John wrote letters which still held great influence in Constantinople. As a result of this, he was further exiled from Cucusus (where he stayed from 404 to 407) to Pitiunt (Pityus) (in modern Georgia) where his tomb is a shrine for pilgrims. He never reached this destination, as he died at Comana Pontica (modern-day Gümenek, Tokat, Turkey) on 14 September 407 during the journey.[29] He died in the Presbyterium or community of the clergy belonging to the church of Saint Basiliscus of Comana.[39] His last words are said to have been "Δόξα τῷ Θεῷ πάντων ἕνεκεν" ('Glory be to God for all things').[29] Veneration and canonization[edit] Byzantine 11th-century soapstone relief of John Chrysostom, Louvre John came to be venerated as a saint soon after his death. Almost immediately after, an anonymous supporter of John (known as pseudo-Martyrius) wrote a funeral oration to reclaim John as a symbol of Christian orthodoxy.[33] But three decades later, some of his adherents in Constantinople remained in schism.[40] Proclus, archbishop of Constantinople (434–446), hoping to bring about the reconciliation of the Johannites, preached a homily praising his predecessor in the Church of Hagia Sophia. He said, "O John, your life was filled with sorrow, but your death was glorious. Your grave is blessed and reward is great, by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ O graced one, having conquered the bounds of time and place! Love has conquered space, unforgetting memory has annihilated the limits, and place does not hinder the miracles of the saint."[41] These homilies helped to mobilize public opinion, and the patriarch received permission from the emperor to return Chrysostom's relics to Constantinople, where they were enshrined in the Church of the Holy Apostles on 28 January 438. The Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates him as a "Great Ecumenical Teacher", with Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian. These three saints, in addition to having their own individual commemorations throughout the year, are commemorated together on 30 January, a feast known as the Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs.[42] In the Eastern Orthodox Church there are several feast days dedicated to him: 27 January, Translation of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom from Comana to Constantinople[43] 30 January, Synaxis of the Three Great Hierarchs[43] 14 September, Repose of Saint John Chrysostom[43] 13 November, celebration was transferred from 14 September by the 10th century AD as the Exaltation of the Holy Cross became more prominent.[43] According to Brian Croke, 13 November is the date news of John Chrysostom's death reached Constantinople.[44] In 1908 Pope Pius X named him the patron saint of preachers.[4] Writings[edit] Some 700 sermons and 246 letters by John Chrysostom survive, plus biblical commentaries, moral discourses, and theological treatises.[citation needed] Homilies[edit] Paschal Homily[edit] The Byzantine emperor Nicephorus III receives a book of homilies from John Chrysostom; the Archangel Michael stands on his left (11th-century illuminated manuscript). The best known of his many homilies is an extremely brief one, the Paschal Homily (Hieratikon), which is read at the first service of Pascha (Easter), the midnight Orthros (Matins), in the Eastern Orthodox Church.[45] General[edit] Chrysostom's extant homiletical works are vast, including many hundreds of exegetical homilies on both the New Testament (especially the works of Paul the Apostle) and the Old Testament (particularly on Genesis). Among his extant exegetical works are sixty-seven homilies on Genesis, fifty-nine on the Psalms, ninety on the Gospel of Matthew, eighty-eight on the Gospel of John, and fifty-five on the Acts of the Apostles.[1] The homilies were written down by stenographers and subsequently circulated, revealing a style that tended to be direct and greatly personal, but formed by the rhetorical conventions of his time and place.[46] In general, his homiletical theology displays much characteristic of the Antiochian school (i.e., somewhat more literal in interpreting biblical events), but he also uses a good deal of the allegorical interpretation more associated with the Alexandrian school.[1] John's social and religious world was formed by the continuing and pervasive presence of paganism in the life of the city. One of his regular topics was the paganism in the culture of Constantinople, and in his homilies he thunders against popular pagan amusements: the theatre, horseraces, and the revelry surrounding holidays.[47] In particular, he criticizes Christians for taking part in such activities: If you ask [Christians] who is Amos or Obadiah, how many apostles there were or prophets, they stand mute; but if you ask them about the horses or drivers, they answer with more solemnity than sophists or rhetors.[47] One of the recurring features of John's homilies is his emphasis on care for the needy.[48] Echoing themes found in the Gospel of Matthew, he calls upon the rich to lay aside materialism in favor of helping the poor, often employing all of his rhetorical skills to shame wealthy people to abandon conspicuous consumption: Do you pay such honor to your excrements as to receive them into a silver chamber-pot when another man made in the image of God is perishing in the cold?[49] Along these lines, he wrote often about the need for almsgiving and its importance alongside fasting and prayer, e.g. "Prayer without almsgiving is unfruitful."[50] 11th-century conch mosaic of John Chrysostom from the south-east apse of the nave of the Hosios Loukas monastery Cyril of Alexandria attributed the destruction of the Ephesian Temple of Artemis to John Chrysostom, referring to him as "the destroyer of the demons and overthrower of the temple of Diana". A later Archbishop of Constantinople, Proclus repeated the allegation, saying "In Ephesus, he despoiled the art of Midas". Both claims are considered spurious.[51] Homilies against Jews and Judaizing Christians[edit] Main article: Adversus Judaeos During his first two years as a presbyter in Antioch (386–387), John denounced Jews and Judaizing Christians in a series of eight homilies delivered to Christians in his congregation who were taking part in Jewish festivals and other Jewish observances.[52][53] It is disputed whether the main targets were specifically Judaizers or Jews in general. His homilies were expressed in the conventional manner, utilizing the uncompromising rhetorical form known as the psogos (Greek: blame, censure).[52] One of the purposes of these homilies was to prevent Christians from participating in Jewish customs, and thus prevent the perceived erosion of Chrysostom's flock. In his homilies, John criticized those "Judaizing Christians", who were participating in Jewish festivals and taking part in other Jewish observances, such as the shabbat, submitted to circumcision and made pilgrimage to Jewish holy places.[52] There had been a revival of Jewish faith and tolerance in Antioch in 361, so Chrysostom's followers and the greater Christian community were in contact with Jews frequently, and Chrysostom was concerned that this interaction would draw Christians away from their faith identity.[54] John claimed that synagogues were full of Christians, especially Christian women, on the shabbats and Jewish festivals, because they loved the solemnity of the Jewish liturgy and enjoyed listening to the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, and applauded famous preachers in accordance with the contemporary custom.[55] Due to Chrysostom's stature in the Christian church, both locally and within the greater church hierarchy, his sermons were fairly successful in spreading anti-Jewish sentiment. This prompted the introduction of anti-Jewish legislation and social regulations, increasing the separation between the two communities.[citation needed] In Greek the homilies are called Kata Ioudaiōn (Κατὰ Ἰουδαίων), which is translated as Adversus Judaeos in Latin and 'Against the Jews' in English.[56] The original Benedictine editor of the homilies, Bernard de Montfaucon, gives the following footnote to the title: "A discourse against the Jews; but it was delivered against those who were Judaizing and keeping the fasts with them [the Jews]."[56] According to Patristics scholars, opposition to any particular view during the late 4th century was conventionally expressed in a manner, utilizing the rhetorical form known as the psogos, whose literary conventions were to vilify opponents in an uncompromising manner; thus, it has been argued that to call Chrysostom an "anti-Semite" is to employ anachronistic terminology in a way incongruous with historical context and record.[57] This does not preclude assertions that Chrysostom's theology was a form of anti-Jewish supersessionism.[58] Anglican priest James Parkes called Chrysostom's writing on Jews "the most horrible and violent denunciations of Judaism to be found in the writings of a Christian theologian".[59] According to historian William I. Brustein, his sermons against Jews gave further momentum to the idea that Jews are collectively responsible for the death of Jesus.[60] Steven T. Katz cites Chrysostom's homilies as "the decisive turn in the history of Christian anti-Judaism, a turn whose ultimate disfiguring consequence was enacted in the political antisemitism of Adolf Hitler."[61] John Chrysostom with Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nazianzus on a late-15th-century icon of the Three Holy Hierarchs from the Cathedral of St Sophia, Novgorod Homily against homosexuality[edit] According to Robert H. Allen, "Chrysostom's learning and eloquence spans and sums up a long age of ever-growing moral outrage, fear and loathing of homosexuality."[62] His most notable discourse in this regard is his fourth homily on Romans 1:26,[63] where he argues as follows: All these affections then were vile, but chiefly the mad lust after males; for the soul is more the sufferer in sins, and more dishonored, than the body in diseases. ... [The men] have done an insult to nature itself. And a yet more disgraceful thing than these is it, when even the women seek after these intercourses, who ought to have more sense of shame than men.[64] He says the active male victimizes the passive male in a way that leaves him more enduringly dishonored than even a victim of murder since the victim of this act must "live under" the shame of the "insolency".[64] The victim of a murder, by contrast, carries no dishonor. He asserts that punishment will be found in Hell for such transgressors and that women can be guilty of the sin as much as men. Chrysostom argues that the male passive partner has effectively renounced his manhood and become a woman – such an individual deserves to be "driven out and stoned". He attributes the cause to "luxury". "Do not, he means (Paul), because you have heard that they burned, suppose that the evil was only in desire. For the greater part of it came of their luxuriousness, which also kindled into flame their lust".[64] According to scholar Michael Carden, Chrysostom was particularly influential in shaping early Christian thought that same-sex desire was an evil, claiming that he altered a traditional interpretation of Sodom as a place of inhospitality to one where the sexual transgressions of the Sodomites became paramount.[65] However, other scholars – such as Kruger[66] and Nortjé-Meyer[67] – dispute this, arguing that the author of the Epistle of Jude already interpreted the sin of Sodom as homosexuality in the New Testament. Treatises[edit] Apart from his homilies, a number of John's other treatises have had a lasting influence. One such work is John's early treatise Against Those Who Oppose the Monastic Life, written while he was a deacon (sometime before 386), which was directed to parents, pagan as well as Christian, whose sons were contemplating a monastic vocation.[68] Chrysostom wrote that, already in his day, it was customary for Antiochenes to send their sons to be educated by monks.[69] Another important treatise written by John is titled On the Priesthood (written 390/391, it contains in Book 1 an account of his early years and a defence of his flight from ordination by bishop Meletios of Antioch, and then proceeds in later books to expound on his exalted understanding of the priesthood). Two other notable books by John are Instructions to Catechumens and On the Incomprehensibility of the Divine Nature.[70] In addition, he wrote a series of letters to the deaconess Olympias, of which seventeen are extant.[71] Liturgy[edit] Beyond his preaching, the other lasting legacy of John is his influence on Christian liturgy. Two of his writings are particularly notable. He harmonized the liturgical life of the church by revising the prayers and rubrics of the Divine Liturgy, or celebration of the Holy Eucharist. To this day, Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches of the Byzantine Rite typically celebrate the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom as the normal Eucharistic liturgy, although his exact connection with it remains a matter of debate among experts.[72] Legacy and influence[edit] A sculpture of John Chrysostom in Saint Patrick's Cathedral, New York City During a time when city clergy were subject to criticism for their high lifestyle, John was determined to reform his clergy in Constantinople. These efforts were met with resistance and limited success. He was an excellent preacher[72] whose homilies and writings are still studied and quoted. As a theologian, he has been and continues to be very important in Eastern Christianity, and is generally considered among the Three Holy Hierarchs of the Greek Church, but has been less important to Western Christianity. His writings have survived to the present day more so than any of the other Greek Fathers.[1] Influence on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and clergy[edit] Regardless of his lesser influence compared to, say, Thomas Aquinas, John's influence on church teachings is interwoven throughout the current Catechism of the Catholic Church (revised 1992).[citation needed] The Catechism cites him in eighteen sections, particularly his reflections on the purpose of prayer and the meaning of the Lord's Prayer:[citation needed] Consider how [Jesus Christ] teaches us to be humble, by making us see that our virtue does not depend on our work alone but on grace from on high. He commands each of the faithful who prays to do so universally, for the whole world. For he did not say "thy will be done in me or in us", but "on earth", the whole earth, so that error may be banished from it, truth take root in it, all vice be destroyed on it, virtue flourish on it, and earth no longer differ from heaven.[73] Christian clerics, such as R. S. Storr, refer to him as "one of the most eloquent preachers who ever since apostolic times have brought to men the divine tidings of truth and love",[This quote needs a citation] and the 19th-century John Henry Newman described John as a "bright, cheerful, gentle soul; a sensitive heart".[74] Music and literature[edit] John's liturgical legacy has inspired several musical compositions. Particularly noteworthy[citation needed] are Sergei Rachmaninoff's Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 31, composed in 1910,[75] one of his two major unaccompanied choral works; Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Op. 41; and Ukrainian composer Kyrylo Stetsenko's Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Arvo Pärt's Litany sets Chrysostom's twenty-four prayers, one for each hour of the day,[76] for soli, mixed choir and orchestra. And the compositions of Alexander Grechaninovs Liturgy of Johannes Chrysostomos No. 1, Op. 13 (1897), Liturgy of Johannes Chrysostomos No. 2, Op. 29 (1902), Liturgia Domestica (Liturgy Johannes Chrysostomos No. 3), Op. 79 (1917) and Liturgy of Johannes Chrysostomos No. 4, Op. 177 (1943) are noteworthy.[citation needed] James Joyce's novel Ulysses includes a character named Mulligan who brings 'Chrysostomos' into another character (Stephen Dedalus)'s mind because Mulligan's gold-stopped teeth and his gift of the gab earn him the title which St. John Chrysostom's preaching earned him, 'golden-mouthed':[77] "[Mulligan] peered sideways up and gave a long low whistle of call, then paused awhile in rapt attention, his even white teeth glistening here and there with gold points. Chrysostomos."[78] Legend of the penance of Saint John Chrysostom[edit] The Penance of St. John Chrysostom. Engraving by Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1509. The saint can be seen in the background on all fours, whilst the princess and their baby dominate the foreground. A late medieval legend relates that, when John Chrysostom was a hermit in the desert, he was approached by a royal princess in distress.[citation needed][c] John, thinking she was a demon, at first refused to help her, but the princess convinced him that she was a Christian and would be devoured by wild beasts if she were not allowed to enter his cave. He therefore admitted her, carefully dividing the cave in two parts, one for each of them. In spite of these precautions, the sin of fornication was committed, and in an attempt to hide it the distraught John took the princess and threw her over a precipice. He then went to Rome to beg absolution, which was refused. Realising the appalling nature of his crimes, Chrysostom made a vow that he would never rise from the ground until his sins were expiated, and for years he lived like a beast, crawling on all fours and feeding on wild grasses and roots. Subsequently, the princess reappeared, alive, and suckling John's baby, who miraculously pronounced his sins forgiven. This last scene was very popular from the late 15th century onwards as a subject for engravers and artists. The theme was depicted by Albrecht Dürer around 1496,[79] Hans Sebald Beham and Lucas Cranach the Elder, among others. Martin Luther mocked this same legend in his Die Lügend von S. Johanne Chrysostomo (1537) to analyse the pitfalls of the Christian Legendary (hagiography).[80][81] The legend was recorded in Croatia in the 16th century.[82][non-primary source needed] Relics[edit] The return of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom to the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople John Chrysostom died in the city of Comana in 407 on his way to his place of exile. There his relics remained until 438 when, thirty years after his death, they were transferred to Constantinople during the reign of the empress Eudoxia's son, the emperor Theodosius II (408–450), under the guidance of John's disciple, Proclus, who by that time had become archbishop of Constantinople (434–447).[83] Most of John's relics were looted from Constantinople by crusaders in 1204 and taken to Rome, but some of his bones were returned to the Orthodox Church on 27 November 2004 by Pope John Paul II.[84][85][86] Since 2004 the relics have been enshrined in the Church of St. George, Istanbul.[87] The skull, however, having been kept at the monastery at Vatopedi on Mount Athos in northern Greece, was not among the relics that were taken by the crusaders in the 13th century. In 1655, at the request of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, the skull was taken to Russia, for which the monastery was compensated in the sum of 2,000 rubles. In 1693, having received a request from the Vatopedi Monastery for the return of Saint John's skull, Tsar Peter the Great ordered that the skull remain in Russia but that the monastery was to be paid 500 rubles every four years. The Russian state archives document these payments up until 1735. The skull was kept at the Moscow Kremlin, in the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God, until 1920, when it was confiscated by the Soviets and placed in the Museum of Silver Antiquities. In 1988, in connection with the 1,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia, the head, along with other important relics, was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church and kept at the Epiphany Cathedral, until being moved to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour after its restoration.[citation needed] Today, the monastery at Vatopedi posits a rival claim to possessing the skull of John Chrysostom, and there a skull is venerated by pilgrims to the monastery as that of Saint John. Two sites in Italy also claim to have the saint's skull: the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence and the Dal Pozzo chapel in Pisa. The right hand of Saint John[88][unreliable source?] is preserved on Mount Athos, and numerous smaller relics are scattered throughout the world.[89]

Constantinople, 342-372, Niketas tGoth, visible&invisible enemies, tortured by Athanaric, not burned, divine light, incrrp
Serbia, 342-372, Greatmartyr Niketas the Goth, probable area of Danube River in Germania, Ulfilas' Gothic Alphabet, teacher, visible and invisible enemies, tortured by Athanaric, not burned, divine light, incorrupt relics ; Greatmartyr Niketas the Goth's probable area of the Danube River in Germania; Greatmartyr Niketas the Goth's probable area of the Danube River in Germania; Holy Great Martyr Niketas was a Goth (a Germanic tribe). was born and lived on the banks of the Danube River, suffering for Christ in the year 372. Christian Faith was already spreading throughout the territory of the Goths at that time. Niketas believed in Christ and was baptized by the Gothic bishop Theophilos, who participated in the First Ecumenical Council. Goths started to oppose the spread of Christianity, which resulted in a civil war. Fritigern, at the head of a Christian army, defeated the pagan Athanaric, the Christian Faith continued to spread among the Goths. Arian bishop Ulfilas, the successor to Bishop Theophilos, created a Gothic alphabet and translated many priestly books into the Gothic language. Niketas worked tirelessly among his fellow Goths to teach them about Christ. Through his personal example and inspired words, he brought many of them to the Christian Faith. his defeat, however, Athanaric managed to regroup his forces. He returned to his own country and regained his former power. he remained a pagan, he continued to hate the Christians and persecuted them, seeking revenge for the humiliation he had endured at their hands. Niketas had to contend against both visible and invisible enemies. In opposing these invisible enemies, he converted many pagans to Christ, and strengthened the faithful for the contest of martyrdom. with zeal for God, the Saint denounced the persecutor Athanaric for his cruelty and impiety, because he subjected the Christians to severe torments. Niketas prevailed against both of these enemies. He trampled the devil underfoot, and defeated Athanaric in battle. cruel tormentor was troubled because he was unable to convert Saint Niketas to his own impiety, and so he resolved to capture the Saint and put him to death. Niketas endured many tortures, and then he was thrown into a fire. his body was not burnt by the fire, he surrendered his soul to God, and his relics were illumined by a radiant light. night, a Christian named Marianus, took the body of Saint Niketas, and buried it in Cilicia. it was transferred to Constantinople. of the relics of the Great Martyr Niketas were later given to the monastery of Vysokie Dechani in Serbia. Saint Niketas received an unfading crown of glory from Christ on September 15, 372. pray to Saint Niketas for the preservation of children from birth defects.

Constantinople, 342-372, Nicetas the Goth, Saint, danube region, ven by Rus, soldier, archangel Michael, Cilicia
Byzantine Period, Gothic Saint, 372, Nicetas the Goth; is a Christian martyr of the 4th century, venerated particularly in the Russian Orthodox Church. His feastday is 15 September.[1] a Gothic soldier, lived in the Danube region at the margins of the Byzantine Empire.[2] Presumably, he received his Greek name on the occasion of his baptism by the Gothic bishop Theophilus, a participant in the First Ecumenical Council. Pagan Goths began to oppose the spread of Christianity, which resulted in internecine strife. Nicetas fought in the Gothic civil war between the pagan Athanaric and the Christian Fritigern. the defeat of Athanaric and after the invention of Gothic alphabets by Ulfilas, Nicetas worked intensely among the Goths.[2 He was condemned to the stake in 372. According to his Passio, the devil, shaped as an angel, induced Nicetas to sacrifice to the pagan gods for saving his life; Nicetas, however, put him to flight by means of prayer and assisted by archangel Michael. His body was buried it in Cilicia, and later transferred to Constantinople. Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, and Cyprus there are several churches and monasteries named after St Nicetas. See Church of Saint Nicetas. Nicetas is prayed to for the preservation of children from birth defects.[2] Byzantine Period, Gothic Civil War, 376-382, Eastern Roman Empire; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15; Holy Great Martyr Nicetas was a Goth (a Germanic tribe). He was born and lived on the banks of the Danube River, suffering for Christ in the year 372. The Christian Faith was already spreading throughout the territory of the Goths at that time. Saint Nikḗtas believed in Christ and was baptized by the Gothic bishop Theophilos, who participated in the First Ecumenical Council. Pagan Goths started to oppose the spread of Christianity, which resulted in a civil war. Fritigern, at the head of a Christian army, defeated the pagan Athanaric, the Christian Faith continued to spread among the Goths. The Arian bishop Ulfilas, the successor to Bishop Theophilos, created a Gothic alphabet and translated many priestly books into the Gothic language. Saint Nicetas worked tirelessly among his fellow Goths to teach them about Christ. Through his personal example and inspired words, he brought many of them to the Christian Faith. his defeat, however, Athanaric managed to regroup his forces. He returned to his own country and regained his former power. Since he remained a pagan, he continued to hate the Christians and persecuted them, seeking revenge for the humiliation he had endured at their hands. Nikḗtas had to contend against both visible and invisible enemies. In opposing these invisible enemies, he converted many pagans to Christ, and strengthened the faithful for the contest of martyrdom. Filled with zeal for God, the Saint denounced the persecutor Athanaric for his cruelty and impiety, because he subjected the Christians to severe torments. Nicetas prevailed against both of these enemies. He trampled the devil underfoot, and defeated Athanaric in battle. The cruel tormentor was troubled because he was unable to convert Saint Nikḗtas to his own impiety, and so he resolved to capture the Saint and put him to death. Nicetas endured many tortures, and then he was thrown into a fire. Although his body was not burnt by the fire, he surrendered his soul to God, and his relics were illumined by a radiant light. By night, a Christian named Marianus, took the body of Saint Nicetas, and buried it in Cilicia. Afterward, it was transferred to Constantinople. Part of the relics of the Great Martyr Nicetas were later given to the monastery of Vysokie Dechani in Serbia. Thus Saint Nicetas received an unfading crown of glory from Christ on September 15, 372. pray to Saint Nicetas for the preservation of children from birth defects. AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397);

Constantinople, 342-412, Theodosius of Antioch, Syria, conquered passions, labored plaiting ropes, waves calmed at his name
Syria, 342-412, Theodosius of Antioch, Syria, prostrations, lying on ground, hairshirt, iron chains, long hair, continuious fasting and prayer, much labor, conquered passions, labored much, plaiting ropes, waves calmed at his name, Marathon; Antioch (Orontes River 7); St Theodosius of Antioch, Commemorated Janaury 11; Theodosius of Antioch in his early years left the rich home of his illustrious parents and entered upon the straight and arduous path of asceticism. settled into a small cell on the shore of the Gulf of Isska, near the city of Ossos. saint weakened his body with prostrations and by lying upon the bare ground. also wore a hairshirt and heavy iron chains. His hair grew so long that it covered his feet. continuous feats of fasting and prayer he conquered his fleshly and spiritual passions, he quieted his temper, and drove away unclean thoughts. labored much, tilling his garden and occupying himself with plaiting ropes. his native land Saint Theodosius founded a monastery (Skupela). He imparted to the monks a love for physical toil and for spiritual deeds. Saint Theodosius had a special concern for strangers. sublime life of the saint was known even beyond the confines of the monastery. Both Christians and pagans knew him. Seafarers in time of peril called out for help to “the God of Theodosius.” happened that at the mere mention of Saint Theodosius, the waves of the sea were calmed. feared and respected him, and sought his prayers. the praise of people, the saint settled near the village of Maraton, founding here the Maratonia monastery. There the great ascetic peacefully finished the days of his God-pleasing life (412).

Constantinople, 349-389, Gregory tTheologian, Grt Teacher, defeated heretic majority with devine lit gift, his only treasure
Armenia, 349-389, Gregory tTheologian, Archbishop oConstantinople, Great Father & Teacher otChurch, fArianzos near Nazianzos, his father also named Gregory Jan 1, but Son G is G oN in Patristic theology, was bishop oN, his mother Nonna Aug 5 childless prayed for a Son & dedicated him after prayer answered, gave him Holy Scripture when learned to read, complete ed, warked with uncle Amphilochius Nov 23, teacher oRhetoric, then studied aNazianzos, Caesarea, Alexandria, he decided then go to Athens with terrible 20 day storm on the way, vowed dedication, saved when used Name of the Lord, 6yrs in Athens studying Rhetoric, poetry, geometry, astronomy, from renouned pagan rhetoricians, close friend Basil oCaesarea Jan 1 later Archbishop there also, with Apostate Julian, Emperor 361-63, G taught Rhetoric iAthens till 358 returned Nazianzus, baptized a33 by his father, now bishop oN, G ordained priest against his will, fled to Basil's monastery in Pontus several yrs to avoid becoming bishop oN, returned home when brother Caesarius Mar9 died, Arian heresy there, condemned by locals, his father had signed ambiguous faith interpretation, son G convinced father G Arianism pernicious nature, fake orthodox Anthimus became Met of Tyana, so Basil made Gregory Bishop oSasima between Caesarea & Tyana, but G remained in Nazianzos helping dying father, 378 G invited tC tFight heretics there, Basil consented, 379 pastored small church called Anastasis or Resurrection, Heretics in majority (Arians, Macedonians, Appolinarians), like fighting Philistines with a sling, but successful, 379 while baptizing, wounded by heretics, worthy truth preacher, lit gift, offered to God, only this my treasure, I give up everything else at command otSpirit, to obtain pearl great price, comforted by it, companion of my life, good councilor, converser, guide, fervent co-ascetic, To preach he carefully prepared and revised his works, Hi five sermons, Orations, first defines character of a theologian: experienced, successful at contemplation, pure oSoul&body, utterly selfless, ferver&reverence, God has concealed his essence from mankind & logic only, mind and reason have to become godlike and divine, the image must ascend to the Archetype, OT patriarchs&prophets NT Apostles demo essence of God is incomprehensible for mortal man, much more like this, need theosis; Nazianzos; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 25; Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople, a great Father and teacher of the Church, was born into a Christian family of eminent lineage in the year 329, Arianzos (not far from the city of Cappadocian Nazianzos). father, also named Gregory (January 1), was Bishop of Nazianzus. The son is the Saint Gregory Nazianzus encountered in Patristic theology. pious mother, Saint Nonna (August 5), prayed to God for a son, vowing to dedicate him to the Lord. Her prayer was answered, and she named her child Gregory. the child learned to read, his mother presented him with the Holy Scripture. Gregory received a complete and extensive education: working at home with his uncle Saint Amphilochius (November 23), an experienced teacher of rhetoric, then studied in the schools of Nazianzos, Caesarea in Cappadocia, and Alexandria. the saint decided to go to Athens to complete his education. the way from Alexandria to Greece, a terrible storm raged for many days. Saint Gregory, who was just a catechumen at that time, feared that he would perish in the sea before being cleansed in the waters of Baptism. Gregory lay in the ship’s stern for twenty days, beseeching the merciful God for salvation. He vowed to dedicate himself to God, was saved when he invoked the name of the Lord. Gregory spent six years in Athens studying rhetoric, poetry, geometry, and astronomy. teachers were the renowned pagan rhetoricians Gymorias and Proeresias. Basil, the future Archbishop of Caesarea (January 1) also studied in Athens with Saint Gregory. were such close friends that they seemed to be one soul in two bodies. the future emperor (361-363) and apostate from the Christian Faith, was studying philosophy in Athens at the same time. completing his education, Saint Gregory remained for a certain while at Athens as a teacher of rhetoric. was also familiar with pagan philosophy and literature. 358 Saint Gregory quietly left Athens and returned to his parents at Nazianzus. thirty-three years of age, he received Baptism from his father, who had been appointed Bishop of Nazianzus. his will, Saint Gregory was ordained to the holy priesthood by his father. when the elder Gregory wished to make him a bishop, he fled to join his friend Basil in Pontus. Saint Basil had organized a monastery in Pontus and had written to Gregory inviting him to come. Gregory remained with Saint Basil for several years. his brother Saint Caesarius (March 9) died, he returned home to help his father administer his diocese. local church was also in turmoil because of the Arian heresy. Gregory had the difficult task of reconciling the bishop with his flock, who condemned their pastor for signing an ambiguous interpretation of the dogmas of the faith. Gregory convinced his father of the pernicious nature of Arianism, and strengthened him in Orthodoxy. this time, Bishop Anthimus, who pretended to be Orthodox but was really a heretic, became Metropolitan of Tyana. Basil had been consecrated as the Archbishop of Caesarea, Cappadocia. wished to separate from Saint Basil and to divide the province of Cappadocia. Basil the Great made Saint Gregory bishop of the city of Sasima, a small town between Caesarea and Tyana. Saint Gregory remained at Nazianzos in order to assist his dying father, he guided the flock of this city for a while after the death of his father in 374. the death of Patriarch Valentus of Constantinople in the year 378, a council of bishops invited Saint Gregory to help the Church of Constantinople, which at this time was ravaged by heretics. the consent of Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory came to Constantinople to combat heresy. the year 379 he began to serve and preach in a small church called “Anastasis” (“Resurrection”). David fighting the Philistines with a sling, Saint Gregory battled against impossible odds to defeat false doctrine. were in the majority in the capital: Arians, Macedonians, and Appolinarians. more he preached, the more did the number of heretics decrease, and the number of the Orthodox increased. the night of Pascha (April 21, 379) when Saint Gregory was baptizing catechumens, a mob of armed heretics burst into the church and cast stones at the Orthodox, killing one bishop and wounding Saint Gregory. the fortitude and mildness of the saint were his armor, and his words converted many to the Orthodox Church. Gregory’s literary works (orations, letters, poems) show him as a worthy preacher of the truth of Christ. had a literary gift, and the saint sought to offer his talent to God the Word: “I offer this gift to my God, I dedicate this gift to Him. Only this remains to me as my treasure. I gave up everything else at the command of the Spirit. I gave all that I had to obtain the pearl of great price. Only in words do I master it, as a servant of the Word. I would never intentionally wish to disdain this wealth. I esteem it, I set value by it, I am comforted by it more than others are comforted by all the treasures of the world. It is the companion of all my life, a good counselor and converser; a guide on the way to Heaven and a fervent co-ascetic.” order to preach the Word of God properly, the saint carefully prepared and revised his works. five sermons, or “Theological Orations,” Saint Gregory first of all defines the characteristics of a theologian, and who may theologize. those who are experienced can properly reason about God, those who are successful at contemplation and, most importantly, who are pure in soul and body, and utterly selfless. reason about God properly is possible only for one who enters into it with fervor and reverence. that God has concealed His Essence from mankind, Saint Gregory demonstrates that it is impossible for those in the flesh to view mental objects without a mixture of the corporeal. about God in a positive sense is possible only when we become free from the external impressions of things and from their effects, when our guide, the mind, does not adhere to impure transitory images. the Eunomians, who would presume to grasp God’s Essence through logical speculation, the saint declared that man perceives God when the mind and reason become godlike and divine, i.e. when the image ascends to its Archetype. (Or. 28:17). the example of the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets and also the Apostles has demonstrated, that the Essence of God is incomprehensible for mortal man. Gregory cited the futile sophistry of Eunomios: “God begat the Son either through His will, or contrary to will. If He begat contrary to will, then He underwent constraint. If by His will, then the Son is the Son of His intent.” such reasoning, Saint Gregory points out the harm it does to man: “You yourself, who speak so thoughtlessly, were you begotten voluntarily or involuntarily by your father? involuntarily, then your father was under the sway of some tyrant. Who? You can hardly say it was nature, for nature is tolerant of chastity. it was voluntarily, then by a few syllables you deprive yourself of your father, for thus you are shown to be the son of Will, and not of your father” (Or. 29:6). Gregory then turns to Holy Scripture, with particular attention examining a place where it points out the Divine Nature of the Son of God. Gregory’s interpretations of Holy Scripture are devoted to revealing that the divine power of the Savior was actualized even when He assumed an impaired human nature for the salvation of mankind. first of Saint Gregory’s Five Theological Orations is devoted to arguments against the Eunomians for their blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. examining everything that is said in the Gospel about the Third Person of the Most Holy Trinity, the saint refutes the heresy of Eunomios, which rejected the divinity of the Holy Spirit. comes to two fundamental conclusions. in reading Holy Scripture, it is necessary to reject blind literalism and to try and understand its spiritual sense. in the Old Testament the Holy Spirit operated in a hidden way. “Now the Spirit Himself dwells among us and makes the manifestation of Himself more certain. was not safe, as long as they did not acknowledge the divinity of the Father, to proclaim openly that of the Son; as long as the divinity of the Son was not accepted, they could not, to express it somewhat boldly, impose on us the burden of the Holy Spirit” (Or. 31:26). divinity of the Holy Spirit is a sublime subject. “Look at these facts: Christ is born, the Holy Spirit is His Forerunner. is baptized, the Spirit bears witness to this... works miracles, the Spirit accompanies them. ascends, the Spirit takes His place. great things are there in the idea of God which are not in His power? titles appertaining to God do not apply also to Him, except for Unbegotten and Begotten? tremble when I think of such an abundance of titles, and how many Names they blaspheme, those who revolt against the Spirit!” (Or. 31:29). Orations of Saint Gregory are not limited only to this topic. He also wrote (public praise) on Saints, Orations, invectives against Julian the Apostate, “two pillars, on which the impiety of Julian is indelibly written for posterity,” various orations on other topics. all, forty-five of Saint Gregory’s orations have been preserved. letters of the saint compare favorably with his best theological works. All of them are clear, yet concise. his poems as in all things, Saint Gregory focused on Christ. “If the lengthy tracts of the heretics are new Psalters at variance with David, and the pretty verses they honor are like a third testament, we also shall sing Psalms, and begin to write much and compose poetic meters,” said the saint. his poetic gift the saint wrote: “I am an organ of the Lord, and sweetly... do I glorify the King, all a-tremble before Him.” fame of the Orthodox preacher spread through East and West. the saint lived in the capital as though he still lived in the wilderness: “his food was food of the wilderness; clothing was whatever necessary. made visitations without pretense, though in proximity of the court, he sought nothing from the court.” saint received a shock when he was ill. whom he considered as his friend, the philosopher Maximus, was consecrated at Constantinople in Saint Gregory’s place. by the ingratitude of Maximus, the saint decided to resign the cathedral, his faithful flock restrained him from it. people threw the usurper out of the city. November 24, 380 the holy emperor Theodosius arrived in the capital and, in enforcing his decree against the heretics, the main church was returned to the Orthodox, Saint Gregory making a solemn entrance. attempt on the life of Saint Gregory was planned, instead the assassin appeared before the saint with tears of repentance. the Second Ecumenical Council in 381, Saint Gregory was chosen as Patriarch of Constantinople. the death of Patriarch Meletius of Antioch, Saint Gregory presided at the Council. Hoping to reconcile the West with the East, he offered to recognize Paulinus as Patriarch of Antioch. who had acted against Saint Gregory on behalf of Maximus, Egyptian and Macedonian bishops, late for the Council. did not want to acknowledge the saint as Patriarch of Constantinople, since he was elected in their absence. Gregory decided to resign his office for the sake of peace in the Church: “Let me be as the Prophet Jonah! was responsible for the storm, I would sacrifice myself for the salvation of the ship. me and throw me... was not happy when I ascended the throne, and gladly would I descend it.” telling the emperor of his desire to quit the capital, Saint Gregory appeared again at the Council to deliver a farewell address (Or. 42) to be allowed to depart in peace. his return to his native region, Saint Gregory turned his attention to the incursion of Appolinarian heretics into the flock of Nazianzus, he established the pious Eulalius there as bishop, he himself withdrew into the solitude of Arianzos so dear to his heart. saint, zealous for the truth of Christ, continued to affirm Orthodoxy through his letters and poems, while remaining in the wilderness. died on January 25, 389, and is honored with the title “Theologian,” given to the holy Apostle and Evangelist John. his works Saint Gregory, like that other Theologian Saint John, directs everything toward the Pre-eternal Word. John of Damascus (December 4), in the first part of his book An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, followed the lead of Saint Gregory the Theologian. Gregory was buried at Nazianzos. In the year 950, his holy relics were transferred to Constantinople into the church of the Holy Apostles. on, a portion of his relics was transferred to Rome. appearance, the saint was of medium height and somewhat pale. He had thick eyebrows, and a short beard. contemporaries already called the archpastor a saint. Orthodox Church, honors Saint Gregory as a second Theologian and insightful writer on the Holy Trinity. GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389) ;

Constantinople, 349-390, GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, the Theologian, converted C from Arianism
Byzantine Saint, 349-390, Gregory of Nazianzus; Martyr Patermuthius of Egypt, Commemorated on July 9 ; Venerable Patermuthius the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on July 9; Martyr Emilian of Silistria in Bulgaria, Commemorated on July 18; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Macrina the Sister of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on July 19 ; Martyr John the Soldier at Constantinople, Commemorated on July 30; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Venerable Horus of the Thebaid, Egypt, Commemorated on August 7; Martyr Juventinus the Soldier at Antioch, Commemorated on September 5 ; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; JEROME, SCHOLAR, TRANSLATOR, AND THEOLOGIAN (30 SEP 420); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; Martyr Gemellus of Paphlagonia, Commemorated on December 10; St Niphon the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 23; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28; Venerable Publius of Egypt, Commemorated on April 5; Martyr Dometius of Persia, Commemorated on August 7; MOSES THE BLACK, DESERT FATHER & MARTYR, 28 August 405; Venerable Moses the Black of Scete, Commemorated on August 28; Martyr Porphyrius the Actor, Commemorated on September 15 ; Martyr Juventinus at Antioch, Commemorated on October 9 ; St Publia the Confessor and Deaconess of Antioch, Commemorated on October 9; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated on October 20; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Hieromartyr Cyriacus the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on October 28 ; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2; Martyr Melasippus with his wife and son at Ancyra, Commemorated on November 7; Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers, Commemorated on November 8; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on November 11; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397); Martyr Elpidius who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on November 15; Martyr Theodore of Antioch, Commemorated on November 23; St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Timothy at Tiberiopolis, Commemorated on November 28; Venerable Karion (Cyrion) and his son in Egypt, Commemorated on December 5 ; Venerable Zachariah of Egypt, Commemorated on December 5; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); Martyr Basil of Ancyra, Commemorated on January 1; Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Sts Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; St Gregory the Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, Commemorated on January 30; GREGORY OF NYSSA, (9 MAR 395); Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on April 9; St Eulogius the Hospitable of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 27 ; Martyr Theognes at Cyzicus, Commemorated on April 29 ; St Athanasius the Great the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on May 2 ; Martyr Barbarus the Soldier in Morea, Commemorated on May 6; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5; Hieromartyr Timothy the Bishop of Prusa, Commemorated on June 10; Venerable Theophanes of Antioch, Commemorated on June 10; BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379); Martyr Manuel of Persia, Commemorated on June 17; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or 'œthe Roman'Â, Commemorated on June 26;

Constantinople, 344-347, 120 Martyrs of Persia, Kerman (high point, home of Shapur II), consigned to flames, 10 virgins
Persia, 344-347, 120 Martyrs of Persia, Kerman (high point, home of Shapur II the Great), consigned to the flames, 10 virgins; Shapur II the Great; Kerman, Persia (high point, home of Shapur II the Great); 120 Martyrs of Persia, Commemorated on April 6; Holy 120 Martyrs suffered under the Persian emperor Sapor. were taken into captivity during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Constantios (337-361). were consigned to the flames after firmly confessing their faith (c.344-347). Shandulios (November 3) concealed their relics from desecration by the pagans. the holy martyrs were ten virgins, who had dedicated themselves to the service of God.

Constantinople, 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;

Constantinople, 350&450, Fathers slain at Sinai &Raithu, same day 100yrs later, God intervened w fire at top of mt, eyewitness
Egypt, 350&450, Fathers slain at Sinai and Raithu, Sinai Penninsula, Egypt, same day, 40 and 39, God intervened w fire at top of mt, 100 yrs later eyewitness, description of ascetics lives; Raithu; Fathers slain at Sinai and Raithu, Commemorated January 14 ; were two occasions when the monks and hermits at Sinai and Raithu were murdered by the barbarians. The first took place in the fourth century when forty Fathers were killed at Mt. Sinai, and thirty-nine were slain at Raithu on the same day. Sinai, where the Ten Commandments had been given to Moses, was also the site of another miracle. Ammonios, an Egyptian monk, witnessed the murder of the forty holy Fathers at Sinai. He tells of how the Saracens attacked the monastery and would have killed them all, if God had not intervened. A fire appeared on the summit of the peak, and the whole mountain smoked. The barbarians were terrified, and fled, while the surviving monks thanked God for sparing them. day, the Blemmyes (an Arab tribe) killed thirty-nine Fathers at Raithu (on the shores of the Red Sea). Igumen Paul of Raithu exhorted his monks to endure their suffering with courage and a pure heart. second massacres occurred nearly a hundred years later, and was also recorded by an eyewitness who miraculously escaped: Saint Nilus the Faster (November 12). Arabs permitted some of the monks to run for their lives. They crossed the valley and climbed up a mountain. From this vantage point, they saw the bedouin kill the monks and ransack their cells. Sinai and Raithu ascetics lived a particularly strict life: they spent the whole week at prayer in their cells. On Saturday they gathered for the all-night Vigil, and on Sunday they received the Holy Mysteries. Their only food was dates and water. Many of the ascetics of the desert were glorified by the gift of wonderworking: the Elders Moses, Joseph and others. Mentioned in the service to these monastic Fathers are: Isaiah, Savva, Moses and his disciple Moses, Jeremiah, Paul, Adam, Sergius, Domnus, Proclus, Hypatius, Isaac, Macarius, Mark, Benjamin, Eusebius and Elias. St Joseph Analytinus of Raithu, Commemorated January 14 ; Joseph Analytinus of Raithu was a strict ascetic. attained such a high degree of perfection in the spiritual life that a light shone upon him while he prayed. foretold the time of his death to his disciple Gelasius, and died in peace, before the slaughter of the Sinai Fathers. Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; Theodulus was the son of Saint Nilus the Faster (November 12), and he recorded the slaughter of the holy Fathers at Raithu in the fifth century. While still a child, Saint Theodulus left the world and went to Mount Sinai with his father. a barbarian assault on the desert dwellers, the saint fell into the hands of brigands, who decided to offer the youth as a sacrifice to the morning dawn, which they worshipped in place of God. But the Lord saved the boy through the prayers of his father, Saint Nilus. The barbarians slept past sunrise, and giving up on the idea of making him a sacrificial offering, they took the youth with them. by the brigands to the city of Eluza, Saint Theodulus was ransomed by the local bishop, in whose house he was later found by his grateful father. Blessed by the bishop and presbyters, Saints Theodulus and Nilus returned to Mount Sinai, where they served the Lord until the end of their days. Their incorrupt relics were transferred to Constantinople under Emperor Justin the Younger (565-578) and placed in the church of the holy Apostles at Orphanotrophia.

Constantinople, 350&450, Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, they recorded slaughter, Arabs slept past sacrifice
Egypt, 350&450, Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, recorded the slaughter, slept past sunrise so not sacrificed, back to Sinai; Raithu; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; Theodulus was the son of Saint Nilus the Faster (November 12), and he recorded the slaughter of the holy Fathers at Raithu in the fifth century. While still a child, Saint Theodulus left the world and went to Mount Sinai with his father. a barbarian assault on the desert dwellers, the saint fell into the hands of brigands, who decided to offer the youth as a sacrifice to the morning dawn, which they worshipped in place of God. But the Lord saved the boy through the prayers of his father, Saint Nilus. The barbarians slept past sunrise, and giving up on the idea of making him a sacrificial offering, they took the youth with them. by the brigands to the city of Eluza, Saint Theodulus was ransomed by the local bishop, in whose house he was later found by his grateful father. Blessed by the bishop and presbyters, Saints Theodulus and Nilus returned to Mount Sinai, where they served the Lord until the end of their days. Their incorrupt relics were transferred to Constantinople under Emperor Justin the Younger (565-578) and placed in the church of the holy Apostles at Orphanotrophia.

Constantinople, 350, 4th Century, Elias the Hermit, of Egypt, monk, mountain cave dweller, ascetic 75 yrs till age 110
Egypt, 350, 4th Century, Elias the Hermit, of Egypt, monk, mountain cave dweller, ascetic 75 yrs till age 110; Venerable Elias the Hermit, of Egypt, Commemorated on January 8; Elias the Egyptian became a monk and pursued asceticism for seventy-five years on a desolate mountain in a cave. died in the fourth century at the age of 110.

Constantinople, 350-379, Macrina the Younger (on Iris River near Pontus and Neocaserea) of the 5
Byzantium, 350-379, Macrina the Younger (somewhere on Iris River); MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ;

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

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

Constantinople, 350-401, Julius of Aegina, studied wBasil&Gregory iAthens, pGospel wJulius biAengina, bMany Gentiles, longLife
Greece, 350-401, Julius of Aegina Island (between Athens and Corinth), wealth, Athens study w Basil&Gregory, preached w Deacon Julian back in Aegina, apostolic staves, ordained Priest, proclaimed Gospel, Baptized many Gentiles, Withdrew to Kousion on Lake Orta, died age 71; Aegina Island; Saint Julius of Aegina, Commemorated on January 31; Julius was born in 330 on the island of Aegina to wealthy and pious parents who nurtured him in the discipline and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). learned to read and write, and then he studied in Athens with Saints Basil (January 1) and Gregory (January 25). returning to Aegina, he and Deacon Julian decided to emulate Saint Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, and to preach Christ. two Saints took up their apostolic staves (Mark 6:8) offered themselves to the Lord. was ordained as a priest by the Bishop of Athens. with the grace of the priesthood, he set off with Deacon Julian to proclaim the Gospel and to baptize many Gentiles. the end of his life he withdrew to Kousion on Lake Orta, after a life of asceticism and prayer, he reposed peacefully in 401 at the age of 71.

Constantinople, 350-400, Palladius tHermit, oBlack Mountains Desert, Wonderworker, Writer, Raised dead man to name his murderers
Syria, 350-400, Palladius tHermit, oBlack Mountains or Wonderful Mountain West, near Antioch, Wonderworker, Writer, Raised the dead man to name his murderers, Levitation, desert dweller, ascetic, mountain cave near Syrian Antioch, accused of murdering merchant near his cave, raised him to name murders, died end of 4th C, left several edifyiing works; Black Mountains or Wonderful Mountain, East or West, near Antioch; Venerable Palladius the Hermit, of Antioch, Commemorated on January 28; Palladius the Desert Dweller led an ascetical life in a certain mountain cave near Syrian Antioch. of his struggles, he received from the Lord a gift of wonderworking. a merchant was found murdered by robbers near his cave. People accused Saint Palladius of the murder, through the prayer of the saint, the dead man rose up and named his murderers. saint died at the end of the fourth century, leaving behind several edifying works.

Constantinople, 350-410, Eusebius tHermit oSyria, extreme ascetic, open sky, heat&cold, skins, pea&bean pods, 15 figs f40day fst
Syria, 350-410, Eusebius tHermit oSyria, Greater Syria (The Fertile Crescent, a country without a nation), lived iAsceticism on Mt near Asicha, Syria, open sly, summer heat, winter cold, skins fClothing, pea and bean pods fFood, only 15 figs during 40 day great fast, people flocked so he went nearby monestery, built small enclosure at monastery walls, lived there until death, died at 90 after 400; Greater Syria (The Fertile Crescent); Venerable Eusebius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 15; Eusebius the Hermit lived in the fourth century lived in asceticism on a mountain near the village of Asicha in Syria. led a very strict life under the open sky, patiently enduring the summer heat and winter cold. wore skins for clothing, and nourished himself on the pods of peas and beans. he was elderly and infirm, he ate only fifteen figs during the Great Forty day Fast. many people began to flock to Saint Eusebius, went to a nearby monastery, built a small enclosure at the monastery walls and lived in it until his death. Eusebius died at the age of ninety, sometime after the year 400.

Constantinople, 350&450, St Joseph Analytinus of Raithu, strict ascetic, light shone o him as he prayed, fortold time of death
Egypt, 350&450, St Joseph Analytinus of Raithu, strict ascetic, light shone on him as he prayed, fortold time of death; Raithu; St Joseph Analytinus of Raithu, Commemorated January 14 ; Joseph Analytinus of Raithu was a strict ascetic. attained such a high degree of perfection in the spiritual life that a light shone upon him while he prayed. foretold the time of his death to his disciple Gelasius, and died in peace, before the slaughter of the Sinai Fathers. Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; Theodulus was the son of Saint Nilus the Faster (November 12), and he recorded the slaughter of the holy Fathers at Raithu in the fifth century. While still a child, Saint Theodulus left the world and went to Mount Sinai with his father. a barbarian assault on the desert dwellers, the saint fell into the hands of brigands, who decided to offer the youth as a sacrifice to the morning dawn, which they worshipped in place of God. But the Lord saved the boy through the prayers of his father, Saint Nilus. The barbarians slept past sunrise, and giving up on the idea of making him a sacrificial offering, they took the youth with them. by the brigands to the city of Eluza, Saint Theodulus was ransomed by the local bishop, in whose house he was later found by his grateful father. Blessed by the bishop and presbyters, Saints Theodulus and Nilus returned to Mount Sinai, where they served the Lord until the end of their days. Their incorrupt relics were transferred to Constantinople under Emperor Justin the Younger (565-578) and placed in the church of the holy Apostles at Orphanotrophia.

Constantinople, 351, Jerusalem Vision of the Cross, brighter than sun, 51/2mi wide and tall, Golgotha to Mt Olives, whole week
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).

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

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

Constantinople, 355-395,Gregory of Nyssa,Cappadocia,Armenia,Father of Fathers,2nd E Council on Nicene Creed, of the 5
Armenia, 355-395, Gregory of Nyssa, Cappadocia, Armenia, Father of Fathers, anti arian, bishop 372, deposed twice, restored 378, b basil died 379, completed his work on first 6 days, Hexaemeron, Antioc council on MOG, 2nd E Council on Nicene Creed, of the 5; Saint Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, was a younger brother of Saint Basil the Great (January 1). birth and upbringing came at a time when the Arian disputes were at their height. Having received an excellent education, he was at one time a teacher of rhetoric. the year 372, he was consecrated by Saint Basil the Great as bishop of the city of Nyssa in Cappadocia. Gregory was an ardent advocate for Orthodoxy, and he fought against the Arian heresy with his brother Saint Basil. was persecuted by the Arians, by whom he was falsely accused of improper use of church property, and thereby deprived of his See and sent to Ancyra. the following year Saint Gregory was again deposed in absentia by a council of Arian bishops, but he continued to encourage his flock in Orthodoxy, wandering about from place to place. the death of the emperor Valens (378), Saint Gregory was restored to his cathedra and was joyously received by his flock. His brother Saint Basil the Great died in 379. with difficulty did Saint Gregory survive the loss of his brother and guide. He delivered a funeral oration for him, and completed Saint Basil’s study of the six days of Creation, the Hexaemeron. same year Saint Gregory participated in the Council of Antioch against heretics who refused to recognize the perpetual virginity of the Mother of God. Others at the opposite extreme, who worshipped the Mother of God as being God Herself, were also denounced by the Council. visited the churches of Arabia and Palestine, which were infected with the Arian heresy, to assert the Orthodox teaching about the Most Holy Theotokos. On his return journey Saint Gregory visited Jerusalem and the Holy Places. the year 381 Saint Gregory was one of the chief figures of the Second Ecumenical Council, convened at Constantinople against the heresy of Macedonius, who incorrectly taught about the Holy Spirit. At this Council, on the initiative of Saint Gregory, the Nicean Symbol of Faith (the Creed) was completed. with the other bishops Saint Gregory affirmed Saint Gregory the Theologian as Archpastor of Constantinople. the year 383, Saint Gregory of Nyssa participated in a Council at Constantinople, where he preached a sermon on the divinity of the Son and the Holy Spirit. In 386, he was again at Constantinople, and he was asked to speak the funeral oration in memory of the empress Placilla. Again in 394 Saint Gregory was present in Constantinople at a local Council, convened to resolve church matters in Arabia. Gregory of Nyssa was a fiery defender of Orthodox dogmas and a zealous teacher of his flock, a kind and compassionate father to his spiritual children, and their intercessor before the courts. He was distinguished by his magnanimity, patience and love of peace. reached old age, Saint Gregory of Nyssa died soon after the Council of Constantinople. Together with his great contemporaries, Saints Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian, Saint Gregory of Nyssa had a significant influence on the Church life of his time. His sister, Saint Macrina, wrote to him: “You are renowned both in the cities, and gatherings of people, and throughout entire districts. Churches ask you for help.” Saint Gregory is known in history as one of the most profound Christian thinkers of the fourth century. Endowed with philosophical talent, he saw philosophy as a means for a deeper penetration into the authentic meaning of divine revelation. Gregory left behind many remarkable works of dogmatic character, as well as sermons and discourses. He has been called “the Father of Fathers.” Martyr Patermuthius of Egypt, Commemorated on July 9 ; Venerable Patermuthius the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on July 9; Martyr Emilian of Silistria in Bulgaria, Commemorated on July 18; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Macrina the Sister of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on July 19 ; Martyr John the Soldier at Constantinople, Commemorated on July 30; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Venerable Horus of the Thebaid, Egypt, Commemorated on August 7; Martyr Juventinus the Soldier at Antioch, Commemorated on September 5 ; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; Martyr Gemellus of Paphlagonia, Commemorated on December 10; St Niphon the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 23; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28; Venerable Publius of Egypt, Commemorated on April 5; Martyr Dometius of Persia, Commemorated on August 7; MOSES THE BLACK, DESERT FATHER & MARTYR, 28 August 405; Venerable Moses the Black of Scete, Commemorated on August 28; Martyr Porphyrius the Actor, Commemorated on September 15 ; Martyr Juventinus at Antioch, Commemorated on October 9 ; St Publia the Confessor and Deaconess of Antioch, Commemorated on October 9; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated on October 20; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Hieromartyr Cyriacus the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on October 28 ; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2; Martyr Melasippus with his wife and son at Ancyra, Commemorated on November 7; Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers, Commemorated on November 8; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on November 11; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397); Martyr Elpidius who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on November 15; Martyr Theodore of Antioch, Commemorated on November 23; St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Timothy at Tiberiopolis, Commemorated on November 28; Venerable Karion (Cyrion) and his son in Egypt, Commemorated on December 5 ; Venerable Zachariah of Egypt, Commemorated on December 5; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); Martyr Basil of Ancyra, Commemorated on January 1; Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Sts Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; St Gregory the Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, Commemorated on January 30; GREGORY OF NYSSA, (9 MAR 395); Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on April 9; St Eulogius the Hospitable of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 27 ; Martyr Theognes at Cyzicus, Commemorated on April 29 ; St Athanasius the Great the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on May 2 ; Martyr Barbarus the Soldier in Morea, Commemorated on May 6; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5; Hieromartyr Timothy the Bishop of Prusa, Commemorated on June 10; Venerable Theophanes of Antioch, Commemorated on June 10; BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379); Martyr Manuel of Persia, Commemorated on June 17; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or œthe Roman, Commemorated on June 26;

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

Constantinople, 357-381, Meletius oAntioch, Syria, lightning like fire surrounded him after he raised 3 fingers, withdrawing 2
Syria, 357-381, Meletius of Antioch, Syria, lightning like fire surrounded him after he raised three fingers, withdrawing two, explaining three hypostaties and one nature,381 led 2nd EC and passed away there, 357 Bishop oSebaste, Armenia, summoned to Antioch bConstantius tCombat Arians, C then became Arian, and deposed M twice, M extraordinary gentle, led by example, virtue&kind disposition, so true teaching would sprout, M ordained Basil tGreat, baptized John Chrysostom, Julian tApostate expelled M, 363 Jovian and M wrote his "Exposition oFaith" treatise, it converted many Arians, 381 Theodosius convened 2nd EC aConstantinople, presided by M, before it began m explained 3 hypostases and 1 nature with his fingers, and lightening fire, M died during the council, Gregory oNyssa eulogy, M's treatises on consubstantiality of Jesus with his father, letter tJovian about Trinity, Relics tansferred to Antioch; Syria, 357-381, Syrian Saint, Meletius of Antioch; St. Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 12; Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch, Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia (ca. 357), afterwards he was summoned to Antioch by the emperor Constantius to help combat the Arian heresy, and was appointed to that See. Meletius struggled zealously against the Arian error, through the intrigues of the heretics he was thrice deposed from his cathedra by the Emperor Constantius had become surrounded by the Arians and had accepted their position. all this Saint Meletius was distinguished by an extraordinary gentleness, he constantly led his flock by the example of his own virtue and kindly disposition, that the seeds of the true teaching sprout more readily on such soil. Meletius was the one who ordained the future hierarch Saint Basil the Great as deacon. Meletius also baptized and encouraged another of the greatest luminaries of Orthodoxy, Saint John Chrysostom, later eulogized his former archpastor. Constantius, the throne was occupied by Julian the Apostate, the saint again was expelled, to hide himself in secret places for his safety. under the emperor Jovian in the year 363, Saint Meletius wrote his theological treatise, “Exposition of the Faith,” which facilitated the conversion of many of the Arians to Orthodoxy. the year 381, under the emperor Theodosius the Great (379-395), the Second Ecumenical Council was convened. the year 380 the saint had set off on his way to the Second Ecumenical Council at Constantinople, came to preside over it. the start of the Council, Saint Meletius raised his hand displaying three fingers, then withdrawing two fingers and leaving one extended he blessed the people, proclaiming: “We understand three hypostases, and we speak about a single nature.” this declaration, fire surrounded the saint like lightning. the Council Saint Meletius fell asleep in the Lord. Gregory of Nyssa honored the memory of the deceased with a eulogy. Meletius has left treatises on the consubstantiality of the Son of God with the Father, a letter to the emperor Jovian concerning the Holy Trinity. relics of Saint Meletius were transferred from Constantinople to Antioch.

Constantinople, 358-405, Zeno tHermit oAntioch, fPontus, Basil tGreat's disciple, also rich, served Emperor, then 40 yr Antioch Cave
Armenia, 358-405, Zeno tHermit oAntioch, fPontus (Eupatoria, a crossroads, Isis and Kelkit Rivers), Basil tGreat's disciple, fRich family, served Emperor Valens, delivered imperial edicts, left world tAntioch cave upon V's death, 40 yrs there sloitude cleansing soul, church each Sunday, no bed fireplace or lamp, old rags, bread&water, tedious tWell in city, borrowed holy books fSpiritual counciled, filled wSpiritual Grace but considered self poor in Spirit, died beginning 5th C; Eupatoria (Pontus); Venerable Zeno the Hermit of Antioch the Disciple of St Basil the Great, Commemorated January 30 ; Zeno, the disciple of Saint Basil the Great, born in the city of Pontus into a rich family. served at the court of the emperor Valens (364-378), among the soldiers who were sent out to deliver the imperial edicts. the death of Valens, Saint Zeno left the world and settled in a cave near the city of Antioch. forty years he lived in this cave, and he lived an austere life in complete solitude, cleansing his soul, and meditating on God. Zeno went to church each Sunday and received the Holy Mysteries of Christ. his cell he had neither bed, nor fireplace, nor lamp. The ascetic wore old rags, and ate only bread and water, for which he had to make a tedious journey into the city to the well. Zeno was particularly fond of holy books, which he borrowed from those who came to him for spiritual counsel. his deep humility the blessed ascetic, filled with the gifts of grace, considered himself poor in spirit. Zeno died at the beginning of the fifth century.

Constantinople, 359-405, John the Short or Dwarf, Sketes, Pimen's monastery, obedience, water on dry stick, author Paisius' life
Egypt, 359-405, Egyptian Saint, John the Short, or the Dwarf, Sketes; John the Dwarf (c. 339 - c. 405), also called Saint John Colobus, Saint John Kolobos or Abba John the Dwarf,[2] was a Coptic Desert Father of the early Christian church. Venerable John the Short, of Egypt, Commemorated on November 9; John the Dwarf of Egypt struggled in the Egyptian desert in the fifth century in the monastery of Saint Pimen the Great (August 27). It was to this monastery that the young John came with his brother Daniel. Saint John told his elder brother that he did not want to be concerned about clothing and food, and that he wished to live like the angels in Paradise. Daniel allowed him to go to a deserted place, so that he would be afflicted. John went out from the cell and removed his clothing. It was very cold at night, and after a week John became hungry. night John went back to the monastery and began to knock on the door of the cell. “Who is it?” Daniel asked. “It is I, your brother John.” Daniel replied, “John has become an angel, and is no longer among men.” continued to knock, but Daniel would not let him in until morning. Then he said, “You are a man and must work again if you want to eat.” Saint John wept bitterly, asking for forgiveness. being brought to his senses Saint John went to Saint Pimen, known for his firm and steadfast will, and having asked guidance, he promised to be obedient in all things. Testing the patience of the young monk, Saint Pimen gave him an unusual obedience. For three years Saint John carried water and poured it on a dry stick, until it became covered with leaves and bore abundant fruit. His Elder took the fruit to the brethren saying, “Take and eat the fruit of obedience.” Abba John himself became a guide of many people on the way of salvation, among whom were Saint Arsenius the Great (May 8) and Saint Thais (May 10). John was the author of the Life of Saint Paisius the Great (June 19).

Constantinople, 359-405, Egyptian Saint, John the Short, or the Dwarf, Sketes, Tree oObedience story, friend, teacher
Egypt, 359-405, Egyptian Saint, John the Short, or the Dwarf, Sketes, fThebes, Tree oObedience story, igumen there, Pambo's disciple, Pishoy's friend, taught Arsenius, Wrote Paisius' story; Egypt, 359-405, Egyptian Saint, John the Short, or the Dwarf, Sketes; the Dwarf ( c. 339 – c. 405), also called John Colobus, John Kolobos or Abba John the Dwarf,[2] was a Coptic Desert Father of the early Christian church. the Dwarf was born in the town of Thebes in Egypt[3] to poor Christian parents. At the age of eighteen, he and an elder brother, moved to the desert of Scetes[4] where he became a disciple of Pambo and a good friend of Pishoy. He lived a life of austerity and taught several other monks his way of life, among them was Arsenius the Great. the departure of Pambo, John was ordained a priest by Pope Theophilus and became abbot of the monastery he founded around the Tree of Obedience. When the Mazices invaded Scetes in 395, John fled the Nitrian Desert and went to live on Mount Colzim, near the present city of Suez, where he died. 515, the relics of John the Dwarf were moved to the Nitrian Desert. His feast is celebrated on October 17 in the Roman Catholic Church, on 20 Paopi at the Coptic Orthodox Church and on November 9 in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Monastery of Saint John the Dwarf in Scetes is now recognized by the Coptic orthodox church. lived on only flatbread and vegetables his entire life and could eat one meal a day.[5] the Dwarf is best known for his obedience. The most famous story about his obedience is that one day Pambo gave John a piece of dry wood and ordered him to plant and water it. John obeyed and went on watering it twice a day even though the water was about 12 miles from where they lived. After three years, the piece of wood sprouted and grew into a fruitful tree. Pambo took some of this tree's fruits and went around to all the elder monks, saying "take, eat from the fruit of obedience". Postumian, who was in Egypt in 402, assured that he was shown this tree which grew in the yard of the monastery and which he saw covered with shoots and green leaves. a monk of Scetes and a saint of the Coptic Church, is the subject of a long biography attributed in manuscript form to John the Dwarf. The manuscript has yet to be translated into English. Venerable John the Short, of Egypt, Commemorated on November 9; John the Dwarf of Egypt struggled in the Egyptian desert in the fifth century the monastery of Saint Pimen the Great (August 27). It was to this monastery that the young John came with his brother Daniel. Saint John told his elder brother that he did not want to be concerned about clothing and food, and that he wished to live like the angels in Paradise. allowed him to go to a deserted place, so that he would be afflicted. went out from the cell and removed his clothing. It was very cold at night, and after a week John became hungry. night John went back to the monastery and began to knock on the door of the cell. “Who is it?” Daniel asked. “It is I, your brother John.” replied, “John has become an angel, and is no longer among men.” continued to knock, but Daniel would not let him in until morning. he said, “You are a man and must work again if you want to eat.” Saint John wept bitterly, asking for forgiveness. being brought to his senses Saint John went to Saint Pimen, known for his firm and steadfast will, having asked guidance, he promised to be obedient in all things. the patience of the young monk, Saint Pimen gave him an unusual obedience. three years Saint John carried water and poured it on a dry stick, until it became covered with leaves and bore abundant fruit. Elder took the fruit to the brethren saying, “Take and eat the fruit of obedience.” Abba John himself became a guide of many people on the way of salvation, among whom were Saint Arsenius the Great (May 8) and Saint Thais (May 10). John was the author of the Life of Saint Paisius the Great (June 19).

Constantinople, 360-370, Eudoxius of Antioch, Byzantine Archbishop, influencial arian, liar, to get position
Byzantine Archbishop, 360-370, Eudoxius of Antioch; (died 370) was the eighth bishop of Constantinople from January 27, 360 to 370, previously bishop of Germanicia and of Antioch. Eudoxius was one of the most influential Arians. was from Arabissos of Asia Minor.[1] Eudoxius came to Eustathius, bishop of Antioch between 324 and 331, seeking holy orders. However, Eustathius found his doctrine unsound and refused him. Nevertheless, when Eustathius was deposed, the Arians or Eusebians had everything their own way and admitted Eudoxius to orders and made him bishop of Germanicia, on the confines of Syria, Cilicia, and Cappadocia. This bishopric he held at least 17 years, the period of the principal intrigues against Athanasius, and of the reigns of Constantine the Great's sons.[2] 341 the council of the Dedication or Encaenia was held under Placillus at Antioch. Eudoxius of Germanicia attended. He was an Arian pure and simple, a disciple of Aetius, a friend of Eunomius. The council produced four creeds, in which the Eusebian party succeeded in making their doctrine as plausible as might be, and the second of these became known as the "Creed of the Dedication". Athanasius says that Eudoxius was sent with Martyrius and Macedonius to take the new creed of Antioch to Italy. This new creed may, however, have been the Macrostich, or Long Formula, drawn up at a later council of Antioch.[2] 343 or 347 the rival councils of Sardica and Philippopolis were held. At the latter was drawn up a creed more Arian than those of Antioch, and it was signed by Eudoxius. Between 355 and 359 Eudoxius was in attendance on the emperor in the West, when news came of the death of Leontius of Antioch.[3] Against the canons, he took over the see of Antioch.[1] Allegedly excusing himself on the plea that the affairs of Germanicia required his presence, Eudoxius hastened to Antioch, and, representing himself as nominated by the emperor, got himself made bishop, and sent Asphalus, a presbyter of Antioch, to make the best of the case at court. Emperor Constantius II wrote to the church of Antioch: "Eudoxius went to seek you without my sending him. . . . To what restraint will men be amenable, who impudently pass from city to city, seeking with a most unlawful appetite every occasion to enrich themselves?".[2] Nonetheless, the emperor confirmed the election.[1] the first year of his episcopate at Antioch Eudoxius held a council, which received the creed of Sirmium. An idea may be formed of the Homoousian reception of his sermons from three different sources. Hilary of Poitiers, then in the East, heard Eudoxius in his cathedral, and wished his ears had been deaf. Theodoret and Epiphanius of Cyprus reported him as boasting that he had the same knowledge about God as God had about Himself.[2] September 359, a Council of Seleucia was held at Seleucia Isauria, the orthodox forming a very small minority. The majority signed the "Creed of the Dedication"; Eudoxius who was present, was deposed by Basil of Ancyra's party, and appears to have sought the shelter of the court at Constantinople. Here, by the aid of the Acacians, he secured his appointment as bishop on the deposition of Macedonius, and on January 27, 360, took possession of his throne in the presence of 72 bishops. On February 15 the great church of Constantinople, Saint Sophia, begun in 342 by the emperor Constantius II, was dedicated.[2] it is claimed, mounting his episcopal throne before the expectant multitude of courtiers, ecclesiastics, and citizens, began with the words: "The Father is asebes, the Son is eusebes." A great tumult of indignation arose on all sides in St. Sophia. The orator, unabashed, explained: "The Father is asebes because He honours nobody; the Son is eusebes because He honours the Father." The new cathedral echoed with peals of uncontrollable laughter. Thus, says Socrates Scholasticus,[4] these tore the church to pieces by their captious subtilties.[2] consecrated his friend Eunomius to the see of Cyzicus; but such complaints were brought to the emperor Constantius II that he ordered Eudoxius to depose him. Eudoxius acquiesced to the emperor's command and quietly persuaded Eunomius to retire.[2] 365 an attack was made on Eudoxius by the semi-Arians, now called Macedonians. Holding a meeting at Lampsacus, they signed the "Creed of the Dedication," cited Eudoxius and his party before them, and, as they did not come, sentenced them to deprivation; but emperor Valens refused to confirm the proceedings.[2] 367 Valens, as he was setting out for the Gothic War, was induced by his wife Albia Dominica to receive baptism from Eudoxius. In the same year he issued, likely under the advice of Eudoxius, an order that such bishops as had been banished by Constantius and had returned under Julian should again be exiled.[2] years during which Eudoxius and Valens acted together were allegedly troubled by portents, which Homoousians attributed to the anger of Heaven at Valens' banishment of bishops who would not admit Eudoxius to their communion. Eudoxius died in 370.[2] Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro (œthe Recruit), Commemorated on February 17;

Constantinople, 360-381, Meletius, anti-arrian, deposed 3x, virtue, Basil t G and Chrysostom, writer, holy fire
Byzantine Saint, 360-381, Meletius of Antioch; St Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 12; Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch, was Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia (ca. 357), and afterwards he was summoned to Antioch by the emperor Constantius to help combat the Arian heresy, and was appointed to that See. Meletius struggled zealously against the Arian error, but through the intrigues of the heretics he was thrice deposed from his cathedra by the Emperor Constantius who had become surrounded by the Arians and had accepted their position. In all this Saint Meletius was distinguished by an extraordinary gentleness, and he constantly led his flock by the example of his own virtue and kindly disposition, supposing that the seeds of the true teaching sprout more readily on such soil. Meletius was the one who ordained the future hierarch Saint Basil the Great as deacon. Saint Meletius also baptized and encouraged another of the greatest luminaries of Orthodoxy, Saint John Chrysostom, who later eulogized his former archpastor. Constantius, the throne was occupied by Julian the Apostate, and the saint again was expelled, having to hide himself in secret places for his safety. Returning under the emperor Jovian in the year 363, Saint Meletius wrote his theological treatise, “Exposition of the Faith,” which facilitated the conversion of many of the Arians to Orthodoxy. the year 381, under the emperor Theodosius the Great (379-395), the Second Ecumenical Council was convened. In the year 380 the saint had set off on his way to the Second Ecumenical Council at Constantinople, and came to preside over it. the start of the Council, Saint Meletius raised his hand displaying three fingers, and then withdrawing two fingers and leaving one extended he blessed the people, proclaiming: “We understand three hypostases, and we speak about a single nature.” With this declaration, a fire surrounded the saint like lightning. During the Council Saint Meletius fell asleep in the Lord. Saint Gregory of Nyssa honored the memory of the deceased with a eulogy. Meletius has left treatises on the consubstantiality of the Son of God with the Father, and a letter to the emperor Jovian concerning the Holy Trinity. The relics of Saint Meletius were transferred from Constantinople to Antioch.

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

Constantinople, 360-390, Mausimas tSyrian,fCyrrhus, voluntarily embraced poverty, gave bread & oil to anyone, vessels never empty
Syria, 360-390, Mausimas tSyrian, lived at Cyrrhus, Syria (Afrin River 1), voluntarily embraced poverty, gave bread & oil to anyon who came, vessels never empty; Cyrrhus; Venerable Mausimas the Syrian, Commemorated January 23 ; Mausimas the Syrian lived in Syria, near the city of Cyrrhus. voluntarily embraced poverty and devoted his life to the service of his neighbor. doors of his hut were always open to anyone who had need of him. his hut there were two vessels: one with bread, and the other with oil. in need came to him and received the food from his hand. vessels never became empty. saint died at the end of the fourth century.

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

Constantinople, 360-397, AMBROSE OF MILAN, Northern Italy Governor, Milan bishop, theologian, against Arianism, c Augustine
Northern Italy, 360-397, AMBROSE OF MILAN, Northern Italy Governor, Milan bishop, theologian, against Arianism, c Augustine, Antiphonal Chant, doctor of unified Church, from Gaul, bees mouth honey on tongue, Bishop as a catachumen, fame, Persians, converted queen Fritigelda of the Markomanni; of Milan (c. 340 - 397), venerated as Saint Ambrose,[a] was the Bishop of Milan, a theologian, and one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century. was serving as the Roman governor of Aemilia-Liguria in Milan when he was unexpectedly made Bishop of Milan in 374 by popular acclamation. As bishop, he took a firm position against Arianism and attempted to mediate the conflict between the emperors Theodosius I and Magnus Maximus. Tradition credits Ambrose with promoting "antiphonal chant", a style of chanting in which one side of the choir responds alternately to the other, as well as with composing Veni redemptor gentium, an Advent hymn. He also had notable influence on Augustine of Hippo (354–430). Christianity identified Ambrose as one of its four traditional Doctors of the Church. He is considered a saint by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion, and various Lutheran denominations, and venerated as the patron saint of Milan. Milan; St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7 ; Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, was born in the year 340 into the family of the Roman prefect of Gaul (now France). Even in the saint’s childhood there appeared presentiments of his great future. Once, bees covered the face of the sleeping infant. They flew in and out of his mouth, leaving honey on his tongue. Soon they flew away so high that they could no longer be seen. Ambrose’s father said that the child would become something great when he reached manhood. the death of the father of the family, Ambrose journeyed to Rome, where the future saint and his brother Satyrius received an excellent education. About the year 370, upon completion of his course of study, Ambrose was appointed to the position of governor (consular prefect) of the districts of Liguria and Aemilia, though he continued to live at Mediolanum (now Milan). the year 374 Auxentius, the Arian Bishop of Mediolanum, died. This led to complications between the Orthodox and the Arians, since each side wanted to have its own bishop. Ambrose, as the chief city official, went to the church to resolve the dispute. he was speaking to the crowd, suddenly a child cried out, “Ambrose for bishop!” The people took up this chant. Ambrose, who at this time was still a catechumen, considered himself unworthy, and tried to refuse. He disparaged himself, and even tried to flee from Mediolanum. The matter went ultimately before the emperor Valentinian the Elder (364-375), whose orders Ambrose dared not disobey. He accepted holy Baptism from an Orthodox priest and, passing through all the ranks of the Church clergy in just seven days, on December 7, 374 he was consecrated Bishop of Mediolanum. dispersed all his possessions, money and property for the adornment of churches, the upkeep of orphans and the poor, and he devoted himself to a strict ascetic life. combined strict temperance, intense vigilance and work within the fulfilling of his duties as archpastor. Saint Ambrose, defending the unity of the Church, energetically opposed the spread of heresy. Thus, in the year 379 he traveled off to establish an Orthodox bishop at Sirmium, and in 385-386 he refused to hand over the basilica of Mediolanum to the Arians. preaching of Saint Ambrose in defense of Orthodoxy was deeply influential. Another noted Father of the Western Church, Saint Augustine (June 15), bore witness to this, having accepted holy Baptism in the year 387 by the grace of the preaching of the bishop of Mediolanum. Ambrose also actively participated in civil matters. Thus, the emperor Gracian (375-383), having received from him the “Exposition of the Orthodox Faith” (De Fide), removed, by decree of the saint, the altar of Victory from the halls of the Senate at Rome, on which oaths were wont to be taken. a pastoral boldness, Saint Ambrose placed a severe penance on the emperor Theodosius I (379-395) for the massacre of innocent inhabitants of Thessalonica. For him there was no difference between emperor and commoner. he released Theodosius from the penance, the saint would not permit the emperor to commune at the altar, but compelled him to do public penance. fame of Bishop Ambrose and his actions attracted to him many followers from other lands. From far away Persia learned men came to him to ask him questions and absorb his wisdom. Fritigelda (Frigitil), queen of the military Germanic tribe of the Markomanni, which often had attacked Mediolanum, asked the saint to instruct her in the Christian Faith. The saint in his letter to her persuasively stated the dogmas of the Church. And having become a believer, the queen converted her own husband to Christianity and persuaded him to conclude a treaty of peace with the Roman Empire. saint combined strictness with an uncommon kindliness. Granted a gift of wonderworking, he healed many from sickness. One time at Florence, while staying at the house of Decentus, he resurrected a dead boy. repose of Saint Ambrose, who departed to the Lord on the night of Holy Pascha, was accompanied by many miracles. He even appeared in a vision to the children being baptized that night. The saint was buried in the Ambrosian basilica in Mediolanum, beneath the altar, between the Martyrs Protasius and Gervasius (October 14). zealous preacher and valiant defender of the Christian Faith, Saint Ambrose received particular renown as a Church writer. In dogmatic compositions he set forth the Orthodox teaching about the Holy Trinity, the Sacraments, and Repentance: “Five Books on the Faith” (De Fide); “Explication of the Symbol of the Faith” (Explanatio Symboli); “On the Incarnation” (De Incarnationis); “Three Books on the Holy Spirit” (De Spiritu Sancto); “On the Sacraments” (De Sacramento); “Two Books on Repentance” (De Paenitentia). In writings about Christian morality, he explained the excellence of Christian moral teaching compared to pagan moral teaching. well-known work of Saint Ambrose, “On the Duties of the Clergy” (De Officiis Ministrorum) evidences his deep awareness of pastoral duty. He stresses that those who serve in the Church should have not only the proper knowledge of Church services, but also the proper knowledge of moral precepts. Ambrose was also a reformer of Church singing. He introduced antiphonal singing (along the Eastern or Syrian form) into the Western Church, which became known as “Ambrosian Chant.” He also composed twelve hymns which were used during his lifetime. The hymn, “Thee, O God, we praise” (Te Deum), attributed to Saint Ambrose, entered into the divine services of the Orthodox Church (Molieben). AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397) ; was governor of Northern Italy, with capital at Milan. When the see of Milan fell vacant, it seemed likely that rioting would result, since the city was evenly divided between Arians and Athanasians. Note: Athanasians affirm that the Logos or Word (John 1:1) is fully God in the same sense that the Father is, while Arians affirm that the Logos is a creature, the first being created by the Father. East Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Prebyterians, Reformed, Baptists, Methodists, etc. are Athanasians. The Watchtower Society (J's Witnesses), the Philippine group called the Iglesia ni Christi (spelling?), and some other groups are Arians. The Unitarians started out as Arians, and some of them still hold this position.) went to the meeting where the election was to take place, and appealed to the crowd for order and good will on both sides. He ended up being elected bishop with the support of both sides. He gave away his wealth, and lived in simplicity. By his preaching, he converted the diocese to the Athanasian position, except for the Goths and some members of the Imperial Household. The Arian emperor Constantius (son of Constantine the Great) had sent missionaries (Arians, of course) to convert the Gothic tribes. The Goths were the chief source of mercenary troops for the Empire. Thus for many years the Army was Arian although a majority of civilians were Athanasian.) one occasion, the Empress ordered him to turn over a church to the Arians so that her Gothic soldiers could worship in it. Ambrose refused, and he and his people occupied the church. Ambrose composed Latin hymns in the rhythm of "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow," and taught them to the people, who sang them in the church as the soldiers surrounded it. The Goths were unwilling to attack a hymn-singing congregation, and Ambrose won that dispute. subsequently won another dispute, when the Emperor, enraged by a crowd who defied him, ordered them all killed by his soldiers. he next appeared at church, Ambrose met him at the door and said, "You may not come in. There is blood on your hands." The emperor finally agreed to do public penance and to promise that thereafter he would never carry out a sentence of death without a forty-day delay after pronouncing it. creditable, to modern Christians, is Ambrose's dispute with the emperor when certain Christians burned a Jewish synagogue, and the emperor commanded them to make restitution. Ambrose maintained that no Christian could be compelled to provide money for the building of a non-Christian house of worship, no matter what the circumstances. was largely responsible for the conversion of St. Augustine. The hymn Te Deum Laudamus ("We praise Thee, O God") was long thought to have been composed by Ambrose in thanksgiving for that conversion. The current opinion is that Ambrose did not write it, but that he may well have written the Creed known as the Athanasian Creed. is perhaps the first writer of Christian hymns with rhyme and (accentual) meter, and northern Italy still uses his style of plainchant, known as Ambrosian chant, rather than the more widespread Gregorian chant. the negative side, many Christians will regret his contribution to increased preoccupation with the relics of martyrs. died 4 April 397, but (because this date so often falls in Holy Week or Easter Week) he is commonly remembered on the anniversary of his consecration as bishop, 7 December. is regarded as one of the Eight Great Doctors (=Teachers) of the Undivided Church. The list includes four Latin (Western) Doctors (Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, and Pope Gregory the Great), and four Greek (Eastern) Doctors (Athanasius, John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, and Gregory of Nazianzus -- not to be confused with Gregory of Nyssa, the brother of Basil). by James Kiefer Northern Italy, 360-397, Bishop of Milan, Ambrose, against Arianism, antiphonal chant, Augistine of H; (born Aurelius Ambrosius; c. 340 -“ 397), venerated as Saint Ambrose[a], was the Bishop of Milan, a theologian, and one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century. was serving as the Roman governor of Aemilia-Liguria in Milan when he was unexpectedly made Bishop of Milan in 374 by popular acclamation. As bishop, he took a firm position against Arianism and attempted to mediate the conflict between the emperor Theodosius I and the usurper Magnus Maximus. Tradition credits Ambrose with promoting "antiphonal chant", a style of chanting in which one side of the choir responds alternately to the other, as well as with composing Veni redemptor gentium, an Advent hymn. He also had notable influence on Augustine of Hippo (354-430). Christianity identified Ambrose as one of its four traditional Doctors of the Church. He is considered a saint by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion, and various Lutheran denominations, and venerated as the patron saint of Milan. 1 Life 1.1 Early life 1.2 Bishop of Milan 1.3 Arianism 1.4 Imperial relations 1.5 Attitude towards Jews 1.6 Attitude towards pagans 1.7 Later years and death 1.8 Character 2 Theology 2.1 Giving to the poor 2.2 Mariology 3 Writings 4 Church music 5 Augustine 5.1 Reading 6 Bibliography 7 See also 8 References 8.1 Notes 8.2 Citations 8.3 Works cited 9 External links life[edit] was born into a Roman Christian family about 340 and was raised in Gallia Belgica, the capital of which was Augusta Treverorum.[3] His father is sometimes identified with Aurelius Ambrosius,[4][5] a praetorian prefect of Gaul;[6] but some scholars identify his father as an official named Uranius who received an imperial constitution dated 3 February 339 (addressed in a brief extract from one of the three emperors ruling in 339, Constantine II, Constantius II, or Constans, in the Codex Theodosianus, book XI.5).[7][8][9] mother was a woman of intellect and piety[10] and a member of the Roman family Aurelii Symmachi,[11] and thus Ambrose was cousin of the orator Quintus Aurelius Symmachus. He was the youngest of three children, who included Marcellina and Satyrus (who is the subject of Ambrose's De excessu fratris Satyri), also venerated as saints.[12] There is a legend that as an infant, a swarm of bees settled on his face while he lay in his cradle, leaving behind a drop of honey. His father considered this a sign of his future eloquence and honeyed tongue. For this reason, bees and beehives often appear in the saint's symbology. the year 354 Ambrosius, the father, died, whereupon the family moved to Rome.[13] There he studied literature, law, and rhetoric. He then followed in his father's footsteps and entered public service. Praetorian Prefect Sextus Claudius Petronius Probus first gave him a place in the council and then in about 372 made him governor of Liguria and Emilia, with headquarters at Milan.[6] In 286 Diocletian had moved the capital of the Western Roman Empire from Rome to Mediolanum (Milan). was the Governor of Aemilia-Liguria in northern Italy until 374, when he became the Bishop of Milan. Ambrose was a very popular political figure, and since he had been the Governor in the effective capital in the Roman West, he was a recognizable figure in the court of Valentinian I. of Milan[edit] the late 4th century there was a deep conflict in the diocese of Milan between the Nicene Church and Arians.[14][15] In 374 the bishop of Milan, Auxentius, an Arian, died, and the Arians challenged the succession. Ambrose went to the church where the election was to take place, to prevent an uproar, which was probable in this crisis. His address was interrupted by a call, "Ambrose, bishop!", which was taken up by the whole assembly.[15] was known to be Nicene Christian in belief, but also acceptable to Arians due to the charity shown in theological matters in this regard. At first he energetically refused the office, for which he was in no way prepared: Ambrose was neither baptized nor formally trained in theology.[6] Upon his appointment, Ambrose fled to a colleague's home seeking to hide. Upon receiving a letter from the Emperor Gratian praising the appropriateness of Rome appointing individuals evidently worthy of holy positions, Ambrose's host gave him up. Within a week, he was baptized, ordained and duly consecrated bishop of Milan. bishop, he immediately adopted an ascetic lifestyle, apportioned his money to the poor, donating all of his land, making only provision for his sister Marcellina (who had become a nun). This raised his popularity even further, giving him considerable political leverage over even the emperor. Upon the unexpected appointment of Ambrose to the episcopate, his brother Satyrus resigned a prefecture in order to move to Milan, where he took over managing the diocese's temporal affairs.[3] 383 Gratian was assassinated at Lyon, France, and Paulinus of Nola, who had served as governor of Campania, went to Milan to attend the school of Ambrose.[16] of Saint Ambrose with a scourge in Museo del Duomo, Milan. Unknown Lombard author, early 17 century. studied theology with Simplician, a presbyter of Rome.[10] Using to his advantage his excellent knowledge of Greek, which was then rare in the West, he studied the Old Testament and Greek authors like Philo, Origen, Athanasius, and Basil of Caesarea, with whom he was also exchanging letters.[17] He applied this knowledge as preacher, concentrating especially on exegesis of the Old Testament, and his rhetorical abilities impressed Augustine of Hippo, who hitherto had thought poorly of Christian preachers. the confrontation with Arians, Ambrose sought to theologically refute their propositions, which were contrary to the Nicene creed and thus to the officially defined orthodoxy. The Arians appealed to many high level leaders and clergy in both the Western and Eastern empires. Although the western Emperor Gratian supported orthodoxy, the younger Valentinian II, who became his colleague in the Empire, adhered to the Arian creed.[18] Ambrose did not sway the young prince's position. In the East, Emperor Theodosius I likewise professed the Nicene creed; but there were many adherents of Arianism throughout his dominions,[10] especially among the higher clergy. this contested state of religious opinion, two leaders of the Arians, bishops Palladius of Ratiaria and Secundianus of Singidunum, confident of numbers, prevailed upon Gratian to call a general council from all parts of the empire. This request appeared so equitable that he complied without hesitation. However, Ambrose feared the consequences and prevailed upon the emperor to have the matter determined by a council of the Western bishops. Accordingly, a synod composed of thirty-two bishops was held at Aquileia in the year 381. Ambrose was elected president and Palladius, being called upon to defend his opinions, declined. A vote was then taken and Palladius and his associate Secundianus were deposed from their episcopal offices.[10] the increasing strength of the Arians proved a formidable task for Ambrose. In 385[18] or 386 the emperor and his mother Justina, along with a considerable number of clergy and laity, especially military, professed Arianism. They demanded two churches in Milan, one in the city (the Basilica of the Apostles), the other in the suburbs (St Victor's), be allocated to the Arians.[18] Ambrose refused and was required to answer for his conduct before the council.[6][page needed] He went, his eloquence in defense of the Church reportedly overawing the ministers of Valentinian, so he was permitted to retire without making the surrender of the churches. The day following, when he was performing divine service in the basilica, the prefect of the city came to persuade him to give up at least the Portian basilica in the suburbs. As he still refused, certain deans or officers of the court were sent to take possession of the Portian basilica, by hanging up in it imperial escutcheons[18] to prepare for the arrival of the emperor and his mother at the ensuing festival of Easter.[19] spite of Imperial opposition, Ambrose declared, "If you demand my person, I am ready to submit: carry me to prison or to death, I will not resist; but I will never betray the church of Christ. I will not call upon the people to succour me; I will die at the foot of the altar rather than desert it. The tumult of the people I will not encourage: but God alone can appease it."[19] 386 Justina and Valentinian received the Arian bishop Auxentius the younger, and Ambrose was again ordered to hand over a church in Milan for Arian usage. Ambrose and his congregation barricaded themselves inside the church, and the imperial order was rescinded.[20 relations[edit] Ambrose barring Theodosius from Milan Cathedral by Anthony van Dyck. National Gallery, London. imperial court was displeased with the religious principles of Ambrose, though his aid was soon solicited by the Emperor. When Magnus Maximus usurped the supreme power in Gaul, and was meditating a descent upon Italy, Valentinian sent Ambrose to dissuade him from the undertaking, and the embassy was successful.[19] second later embassy was unsuccessful. The enemy entered Italy and Milan was taken. Justina and her son fled but Ambrose remained at his post and did good service to many of the sufferers by causing the plate of the church to be melted for their relief.[19] I, the emperor of the East, espoused the cause of Justina, and regained the kingdom. Theodosius was excommunicated by Ambrose for the massacre of 7,000 people at Thessalonica in 390,[19] after the murder of the Roman governor there by rioters.[6][page needed] - Ambrose told Theodosius to imitate David in his repentance as he had imitated him in guilt,[19] and he readmitted the emperor to the Eucharist only after several months of penance. This shows the strong position of a bishop in the western part of the empire, even when facing a strong emperor. The controversy of John Chrysostom with a much weaker emperor a few years later in Constantinople led to a crushing defeat of the bishop. 392, after the death of Valentinian II and the fall of Eugenius, Ambrose supplicated the emperor for the pardon of those who had supported Eugenius after Theodosius was eventually victorious.[19] of St. Ambrose Saint Ambrose with scourge and book, a painting in the church of San Giuseppe alla Lungara, Rome towards Jews[edit] his treatise on Abraham, Ambrose warns against intermarriage with pagans, Jews, or heretics.[21] 388, Emperor Theodosius the Great was informed that a crowd of Christians, led by their bishop, had destroyed the synagogue at Callinicum on the Euphrates. He ordered the synagogue rebuilt at the expense of the bishop,[22] but Ambrose persuaded Theodosius to retreat from this position.[23] He wrote to the Emperor, pointing out that he was thereby "exposing the bishop to the danger of either acting against the truth or of death"; in the letter "the reasons given for the imperial rescript are met, especially by the plea that the Jews had burnt many churches".[24] Ambrose, referring to a prior incident where Magnus Maximus issued an edict censuring Christians in Rome for burning down a Jewish synagogue, warned Theodosius that the people in turn exclaimed "the emperor has become a Jew", implying that if Theodosius attempted to apply the law to protect his Jewish subjects he'd be viewed similarly.[25] In the course of the letter Ambrose speaks of the clemency that the emperor had shown with regard to the many houses of wealthy people and churches that had been destroyed by unruly mobs, with many then still not restored and then adds: "There is, then, no adequate cause for such a commotion, that the people should be so severely punished for the burning of a building, and much less since it is the burning of a synagogue, a home of unbelief, a house of impiety, a receptacle of folly, which God Himself has condemned. For thus we read, where the Lord our God speaks by the mouth of the prophet Jeremiah: 'And I will do to this house, which is called by My Name, wherein ye trust, and to the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh, and I will cast you forth from My sight, as I cast forth your brethren, the whole seed of Ephraim. And do not thou pray for that people, and do not thou ask mercy for them, and do not come near Me on their behalf, for I will not hear thee. Or seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah?'[Jeremiah 7:14] God forbids intercession to be made for those."[24][26] Yet, Ambrose did not oppose punishing those who were directly responsible for destroying the synagogue. his exposition of Psalm 1, Ambrose says: "Virtues without faith are leaves, flourishing in appearance, but unproductive. How many pagans have mercy and sobriety but no fruit, because they do not attain their purpose! The leaves speedily fall at the wind's breath. Some Jews exhibit purity of life and much diligence and love of study, but bear no fruit and live like leaves."[27] towards pagans[edit] article: Anti-paganism influenced by Saint Ambrose his influence, emperors Gratian, Valentinian II and Theodosius I carried on a persecution of paganism;[28][b][30][31] Theodosius issued the 391 "Theodosian decrees," which with increasing intensity outlawed pagan practices.[29][32]The Altar of Victory was removed by Gratian. Ambrose prevailed upon Gratian, Valentinian and Theodosius to reject requests to restore the altar. years and death[edit] silver urn with the body of Ambrose (with white vestments) in the crypt of Sant'Ambrose, with the skeletons of Gervase and Protase. April 393 Arbogast, magister militum of the West and his puppet Emperor Eugenius, marched into Italy to consolidate their position in regard to Theodosius I and his son, Honorius, whom Theodosius had appointed Augustus to govern the western portion of the empire. Arbogast and Eugenius courted Ambrose's support by very obliging letters; but before they arrived at Milan, he had retired to Bologna, where he assisted at the translation of the relics of Saints Vitalis and Agricola. From there he went to Florence, where he remained until Eugenius withdrew from Milan to meet Theodosius in the Battle of the Frigidus in early September 394.[33] after acquiring the undisputed possession of the Roman Empire, Theodosius died at Milan in 395, and two years later (4 April 397) Ambrose also died. He was succeeded as bishop of Milan by Simplician.[19] Ambrose's body may still be viewed in the church of Saint Ambrogio in Milan, where it has been continuously venerated“ along with the bodies identified in his time as being those of Saints Gervase and Protase. Drawing based on a statue of Saint Ambrose circumstances in the history of Ambrose are characteristic of the general spirit of the times. The chief causes of his victory over his opponents were his great popularity and the reverence paid to the episcopal character at that period. He used several indirect means to obtain and support his authority with the people.[19] was his custom to comment severely in his preaching on the public characters of his times; and he introduced popular reforms in the order and manner of public worship. It is alleged, too, that at a time when the influence of Ambrose required vigorous support, he was admonished in a dream to search for, and found under the pavement of the church, the remains of two martyrs, Gervasius and Protasius. The saints, although they would have had to have been hundreds of years old, looked as if they had just died. The applause of the people was mingled with the derision of the court party.[19] joins Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great as one of the Latin Doctors of the Church. Theologians compare him with Hilary, who they claim fell short of Ambrose's administrative excellence but demonstrated greater theological ability. He succeeded as a theologian despite his juridical training and his comparatively late handling of Biblical and doctrinal subjects.[19] intense episcopal consciousness furthered the growing doctrine of the Church and its sacerdotal ministry, while the prevalent asceticism of the day, continuing the Stoic and Ciceronian training of his youth, enabled him to promulgate a lofty standard of Christian ethics. Thus we have the De officiis ministrorum, De viduis, De virginitate and De paenitentia.[19] displayed a kind of liturgical flexibility that kept in mind that liturgy was a tool to serve people in worshiping God, and ought not to become a rigid entity that is invariable from place to place. His advice to Augustine of Hippo on this point was to follow local liturgical custom. "When I am at Rome, I fast on a Saturday; when I am at Milan, I do not. Follow the custom of the church where you are."[34][35] Thus Ambrose refused to be drawn into a false conflict over which particular local church had the "right" liturgical form where there was no substantial problem. His advice has remained in the English language as the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." interpretation of Ambrose's writings is that he was a Christian universalist.[36] It has been noted that Ambrose's theology was significantly influenced by that of Origen and Didymus the Blind, two other early Christian universalists.[36] quotation cited in favor of this belief is: Our Savior has appointed two kinds of resurrection in the Apocalypse. 'Blessed is he that hath part in the first resurrection,' for such come to grace without the judgment. As for those who do not come to the first, but are reserved unto the second resurrection, these shall be disciplined until their appointed times, between the first and the second resurrection.[37] could interpret this passage as being another example of the mainstream Christian belief in a general resurrection (that both those in heaven and in hell undergo a bodily resurrection), or an allusion to purgatory (that some destined for heaven must first undergo a phase of purification). Several other works by Ambrose clearly teach the mainstream view of salvation. For example: "The Jews feared to believe in manhood taken up into God, and therefore have lost the grace of redemption, because they reject that on which salvation depends."[38] to the poor[edit] was also interested in the condition of contemporary Italian society.[39] Ambrose considered the poor not a distinct group of outsiders, but a part of the united, solidary people. Giving to the poor was not to be considered an act of generosity towards the fringes of society but a repayment of resources that God had originally bestowed on everyone equally and that the rich had usurped.[40] The theological treatises of Ambrose of Milan would come to influence Popes Damasus, Siricius and Leo XIII. Central to Ambrose is the virginity of Mary and her role as Mother of God.[41] virgin birth is worthy of God. Which human birth would have been more worthy of God, than the one in which the Immaculate Son of God maintained the purity of his immaculate origin while becoming human?[42] confess that Christ the Lord was born from a virgin, and therefore we reject the natural order of things. Because she conceived not from a man but from the Holy Spirit.[43] is not divided but one. If we adore him as the Son of God, we do not deny his birth from the virgin. ... But nobody shall extend this to Mary. Mary was the temple of God but not God in the temple. Therefore, only the one who was in the temple can be worshiped.[44] truly blessed for having surpassed the priest (Zechariah). While the priest denied, the Virgin rectified the error. No wonder that the Lord, wishing to rescue the world, began his work with Mary. Thus she, through whom salvation was being prepared for all people, would be the first to receive the promised fruit of salvation.[45] viewed celibacy as superior to marriage and saw Mary as the model of virginity.[46] St Monica, Commemorated on May 4; Saint Bassian, Bishop of Lodi in Lombardy, Commemorated on June 10; AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430);

Constantinople, 360-397, Anthusa oRome, Roman official's wife, baptized bAmbrose, refused Arian baptizm, committed tFire martyr
Rome, 360-397, Anthusa oRome (Aniene River, Tiber River 5), Roman official's wife, baptized bAmbrose oMilan, perfect's wife suggested Arian baptizm, refused, committed tFire martyrdom; Rome; Martyr Anthusa at Rome, Commemorated on December 8 ; Holy Martyr Anthusa, wife of a Roman official, baptized by Saint Ambrose of Milan (December 7). the city prefect’s wife Sunilda suggested that Saint Anthusa be baptized by an Arian, she refused. she was committed to the fire, and received the crown of martyrdom.

Constantinople, 360-400, Salamanes tSilent, honored by Orthodox Church first saint complete silence maintained until death
Syria, 360-400, Salamanes tSilent, honored by Orthodox Church first saint complete silence maintained until death, fKapersana on west bank Euphrates River 9. iSyria or Mesopotamia, loved solitary life, towns bishop wanted him for Priest, Archpastor ordered him dismantel part wall for his entry, spoke about priesthood grace, but S quiet, bishop departed with order to rebuild wall, S content wSilence, prayer, Word study, thus comforted bGod, led souls tChrist, both hometown people&P across the river wanted him&moved him, S did not complain or agree, still silent, dead to this world, seeking obey God's will, praying for himself&Other servants oGod, so he could say like Paul, no longer I who live but Christ in me, so I live by faith in Son oGod, who loved me and died for me, still silent, speaking only to God; Kapersana (Euphrates River 9) Venerable Salamanes the Silent of the Euphrates, Commemorated January 23 ; Salamanēs (Σαλαμάνης) was from the town of Kapersana (Καπερσανά) in Syria, on the west bank of the Euphrates River. he loved the solitary life, he followed the path of monasticism, building his cell near the Euphrates River. Bishop of the town, who was informed of the virtue of the venerable one, to see him in order to ordain him to the priesthood. at the Saint's cell, the Archpastor ordered him to dismantle part of the wall so that he might enter. Bishop spoke to him about the grace of the priesthood, during the time he was in the cell, the Hierarch did not hear a single word from the Saint. he departed, after ordering him to rebuild the wall. Salamanēs was content with his silence, prayer, and study of the Word of God. comforted by God, he led people's souls to Christ. the Synaxarion it is said that people from the place where Saint Salamanēs was born went to his cell because they wanted him to live near them. did not protest their actions, nor agree to them, but maintained his silence. they picked him up and brought him to their town, they built a cell similar to the other one and enclosed him within. Saint also remained in this cell in silence and prayer. few days later, some people went there by night from a town on other side of the river, took the Saint and brought him to their town. did not object when they took him away, neither opposing nor agreeing to it. the inhabitants of the village on the other side of the river came at night to his new dwelling heard him say this prayer: "O Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and all the servants of Thy name, and those who worship Thee, our true God." Salamanēs was dead to this world, seeking only to obey the will of God. he could say with Saint Paul: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me" (Galatians 2:20). ascetic did not interrupt his feat of silence, speaking only to God. Orthodox Church honors him as the first Saint to embrace complete silence, he maintained until his death († ca. 400).

Constantinople, 360-410, Marcarius tRoman oMesopotamia, weeping, entreatd God, well dressed Angel Gabriel, great sin but g repent
Mesopotamis, 360-410, Marcarius tRoman oMesopotamia (Land of the Rivers), Senator's son, betrothed against will, fled pious widow, 7days weeping entreating God, Tobias' guide well dressed Angel Gabriel led him to a cave, beautiful girl decieved him, first time carnal desire, she disappeared, devil rejoiced, he wept bitterly, Gabe kept him from leaving, severe ascetic many years, great sin but great repentence, presence angels&saints; Mesopotamia; Saint Macarius the Roman of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on October 23 ; day, the cave where holy ascetic Makarios lived was found by three monks the Monastery of Saint Asclepius in Mesopotamia. Hyginos and Theophilos had left the monastery in order to wander through the world, seeking a sign from God which would be beneficial for their salvation. as they approached the cave, they noticed a marvelous fragrance issuing forth from it. they saw an old man walking toward them, covered only by his hair and a beard which reached his knees. threw himself to the ground and remained there for several minutes, until he was sure the three strangers were not really demons. When he was satisfied that he was not experiencing some sort of delusion, he invited them into his cave. oldest monk asked him to relate his story, which he did. Makarios told them that he was born in Rome was the son of a wealthy Senator named John. he was old enough to be married, his parents betrothed him against his will. There was a celebration following the wedding, instead of entering the bridal chamber, he fled to the home of a pious widow, he spent seven days secretly weeping and entreating God to help him. he left her house, Makarios met a well-dressed old man of noble demeanor. This man ordered Makarios to accompany him. Makarios did follow him for three years, until one day they came to a cave, and then the old man vanished. appeared to Makarios in a dream soon afterward and revealed that he was the Archangel Raphael, who had guided Tobias in his travels. he vanished, the Archangel entrusted him to God’s mercy. after he first moved into the cave, Makarios saw a most beautiful young woman standing before him, who said that she also had fled from an unwanted marriage in Rome. spite of his caution, Saint Makarios did not have sufficient discernment to escape the devil’s snare, and so he allowed the girl to spend the night in his cave. the first time in his life, he was assaulted by the fiery darts of carnal desire, and he sinned with the girl. Suddenly she disappeared, and the devil rejoiced because he had tempted the ascetic to sin. that moment Saint Makarios realized the seriousness of his fall. bitterly, he decided to leave the cave and find another place where he might do penance. the way, the Archangel Raphael appeared to him once again and urged him to return. told him that God would hear his prayers if he remained in the cave. So he went back and subjected his flesh to severe fasting, vigils and absolute self-denial for many years, so that he might recover the purity of his soul in order to contemplate God. he had edified the three brethren with the story of his struggles, Saint Makarios sent them on their way in peace. sin was very great, but so was his repentance; therefore, he fell asleep in the Lord in the presence of the angels and the saints. precise date of the saint’s repose is not known, but it was probably at the end of the fourth century, or the beginning of the fifth.

Constantinople, 361, Martyr Porphyrius the Actor, saved while mocking baptism, then martyred
Ephesus, 361, Martyr Porphyrius the Actor, saved while mocking baptism, then martyred; Holy Martyr Porphyrius suffered during the reign of Julian the Apostate (361-363). Porphyrius was an actor and on the emperor’s birthday he was performing a role at the theater, where he was supposed to mock the mystery of holy Baptism. the play Porphyrius was immersed in water and said: “The servant of God, Porphyrius, is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Through divine grace, he emerged from the water and confessed himself a Christian. Julian ordered him to be tortured, and after the torments, to be beheaded. This took place in the city of Ephesus in the year 361. Ephesus; Revelation 2: 1-7, The Message to Ephesus; Martyr Porphyrius the Actor, Commemorated on September 15 ;

Constantinople, 361, Theodoritus of Antioch, sacred vessel keeper, Golder Chapel, predicted both Julian's deaths
Syria, 361, Theodoritus of Antioch, Syria (Orontes River 7), sacred vessel keeper, Constantine's Golder Chapel, apostate Julian closed churches, valuables to treasurery, Theodoritus tortured and predicted both Julian's death ; Antioch (Orontes River 7); Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; Theodoritus was a presbyter and keeper of sacred vessels at the cathedral church in Antioch. This church was built and richly adorned by the emperor Saint Constantine the Great (May 21) and his son Constantius, and the people called it “the Golden church.” Having occupied the throne after the death of the emperor Constantius (337-361), Julian the Apostate (361-363) decided to restore paganism throughout the Roman Empire. emperor appointed his uncle, also named Julian, as prefect of Antioch. He ordered him to close the Christian churches, and to send the valuables within them to the imperial treasury. Wanting to please the emperor, the prefect, also an apostate from Christianity, set about his impious task with zeal. at Antioch with the dignitary Felix, he gave orders to lock up the priest Theodoritus under guard, and he began his plundering, defiling the altar and the holy altar table. One of those present, Euzoios, tried to admonish him for his impiety, and for this he was killed. Julian accused Theodoritus of hiding the church valuables, but the venerable keeper of vessels denied the accusation and openly denounced Julian for his apostasy. beastly tortures, the holy martyr maintained his faith in Christ the Savior, and predicted a speedy death for Julian and the emperor for their sacrilege. soldiers torturing the faithful presbyter were struck by his firmness and endurance, and by the power of the Word of God. They were converted to Christ, for which they were drowned in the sea. holy confessor was beheaded. The mockery and sacrilege of the pagans did not go unpunished, and the predictions of Saint Theodoritus were soon fulfilled. The prefect Julian died in agony from a grievous illness, and the emperor Julian perished in a campaign against the Persians.

Constantinople, 361, Timothy at Tiberiopolis, Phrygia (Sakarya River 4), with 15 others, imprisoned by Apostate Julian, martyred
Phrygia, 361, Timothy at Tiberiopolis, Phrygia (Sakarya River 4), with 15 others, imprisoned by Apostate Julian, martyred; Tiberiopolis; Martyr Timothy at Tiberiopolis, Commemorated on November 28 ; Timothy was a bishop who was imprisoned by Julian the Apostate (331-363) with his fellow bishop Theodore; the priests Timothy, Peter, John, Sergius, Theodore, Nikephoros; the deacons Basil and Thomas; the monks Hierotheus, Daniel, Chariton, Socrates, Comasius; and Etymasius. all suffered martyrdom in Tiberiopolis in 361.

Byzantium, 361-363, Emperor, Julian the Apostate, Constantine's Step Brother
Byzantine Emperor, 361-363, Julian the Apostate ; (331 - 26 June 363) was Roman emperor from 361 to 363, as well as a notable philosopher and author in Greek.[4] His rejection of Christianity, and his promotion of Neoplatonic Hellenism in its place, caused him to be remembered as Julian the Apostate by the Christian Church.[5][6] member of the Constantinian dynasty, Julian was orphaned as a child. He was raised by the Gothic slave Mardonius, who had a profound influence on him, providing Julian with literary education.[7] Julian became caesar over the western provinces by order of Constantius II in 355, and in this role he campaigned successfully against the Alamanni and Franks. Most notable was his crushing victory over the Alamanni at the Battle of Argentoratum (Strasbourg) in 357, leading his 13,000 men against a Germanic army three times larger. In 360, Julian was proclaimed Augustus by his soldiers at Lutetia (Paris), sparking a civil war with Constantius. However, Constantius died before the two could face each other in battle, and named Julian as his successor. 363, Julian embarked on an ambitious campaign against the Sasanian Empire. The campaign was initially successful, securing a victory outside Ctesiphon in Mesopotamia.[8] However, he did not attempt to besiege the capital and moved into Persia's heartland, but soon faced supply problems and was forced to retreat northwards while ceaselessly being harassed by Persian skirmishes. During the Battle of Samarra, Julian was mortally wounded under mysterious circumstances.[9][7] He was succeeded by Jovian, a senior officer in the imperial guard, who was obliged to cede territory, including Nisibis, in order to save the trapped Roman forces.[10] was a man of unusually complex character: he was "the military commander, the theosophist, the social reformer, and the man of letters".[11] He was the last non-Christian ruler of the Roman Empire, and he believed that it was necessary to restore the Empire's ancient Roman values and traditions in order to save it from dissolution.[12] He purged the top-heavy state bureaucracy, and attempted to revive traditional Roman religious practices at the expense of Christianity. His attempt to build a Third Temple in Jerusalem was probably intended to harm Christianity rather than please Jews.[7] Julian also forbade the Christians from teaching and learning classical texts.[13] Martyr Patermuthius of Egypt, Commemorated on July 9 ; Venerable Patermuthius the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on July 9; Martyr Emilian of Silistria in Bulgaria, Commemorated on July 18; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Macrina the Sister of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on July 19 ; Martyr John the Soldier at Constantinople, Commemorated on July 30; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Venerable Horus of the Thebaid, Egypt, Commemorated on August 7; Martyr Juventinus the Soldier at Antioch, Commemorated on September 5 ; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; Martyr Gemellus of Paphlagonia, Commemorated on December 10; St Niphon the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 23; HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Salamanes the Silent of the Euphrates, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28; St Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 12; Venerable Publius of Egypt, Commemorated on April 5; Martyr Dometius of Persia, Commemorated on August 7; MOSES THE BLACK, DESERT FATHER & MARTYR, 28 August 405; Venerable Moses the Black of Scete, Commemorated on August 28; Martyr Porphyrius the Actor, Commemorated on September 15 ; Martyr Juventinus at Antioch, Commemorated on October 9 ; St Publia the Confessor and Deaconess of Antioch, Commemorated on October 9; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated on October 20; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Hieromartyr Cyriacus the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on October 28 ; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2; Martyr Melasippus with his wife and son at Ancyra, Commemorated on November 7; Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers, Commemorated on November 8; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on November 11; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397); Martyr Elpidius who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on November 15; Martyr Theodore of Antioch, Commemorated on November 23; St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Timothy at Tiberiopolis, Commemorated on November 28; Venerable Karion (Cyrion) and his son in Egypt, Commemorated on December 5 ; Venerable Zachariah of Egypt, Commemorated on December 5; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); Martyr Basil of Ancyra, Commemorated on January 1; Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Sts Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; St Gregory the Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Athanasius the Great the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Marcian of Cyrrhus in Syria, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Macarius of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 19; Venerable Macarius the Great of Egypt, Commemorated on January 19; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25; St Simeon œthe AncientÂ of Mt. Sinai, Commemorated on January 26; Venerable Palladius the Hermit, of Antioch, Commemorated on January 28; St Aphraates of Persia, Commemorated on January 29; Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Zeno the Hermit of Antioch the Disciple of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Hieromartyr Abramius the Bishop of Arbela in Assyria, Commemorated on February 4; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Eusebius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 15; Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro (œthe RecruitÂ), Commemorated on February 17; St Eugene the Presbyter and Confessor at Antioch, Commemorated on February 19; Hieromartyr Sadoc (Sadoth) the Bishop of Persia, Commemorated on February 20; Venerable Arcadius of Cyprus, Commemorated on March 6; Venerable Paul the Simple and Disciple of the Venerable Anthony the Great, Commemorated on March 7; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; GREGORY OF NYSSA, (9 MAR 395); Icon œNot Made by HandsÂ from Lydda, Commemorated on March 12; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18; Hieromartyr Basil of Ancyra, Commemorated on March 22 ; St Malchus of Chalcis in Syria, Commemorated on March 26 ; Venerable John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 27; Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29; Martyr Cyril the Deacon of Heliopolis, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29 ; Venerable Apollonius, Ascetic, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 31; Venerable Publius of Egypt, Commemorated on April 5 ; Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on April 9; Hieromartyr Zeno the Bishop of Verona, Commemorated on April 12; St Eulogius the Hospitable of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 27 ; Martyr Theognes at Cyzicus, Commemorated on April 29 ; St Athanasius the Great the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on May 2 ; Martyr Barbarus the Soldier in Morea, Commemorated on May 6; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5; Hieromartyr Timothy the Bishop of Prusa, Commemorated on June 10; Venerable Theophanes of Antioch, Commemorated on June 10; BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379); Martyr Manuel of Persia, Commemorated on June 17; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or œthe RomanÂ, Commemorated on June 26;

Constantinople, 361-363, Basil tLayman oAncyra, tortured iA, and Constantinople incl furnace but not harmed, Lions end iCaesarea
Phrygia, 361-363, Basil of Ancyra, Phrygia, the layman, tortured iAncyra, tConstantinople, suspended fTree, stretched oRack, beaten, stabbed wRed-hot needles, thrown into fiery furnace, but not harmed, sent tCaesarea&Torn to pieces bLions iArena.; Ancyra; Martyr Basil of Ancyra, Commemorated on January 1; Basil lived in the time of Julian the Apostate (331-363), confessed his faith in Christ before the governor Saturninus. was tortured in Ancyra, sent to Constantinople, he was suspended from a tree, stretched on a rack, beaten, then stabbed with red-hot needles. was also thrown into a fiery furnace, but was not harmed. was sent to Caesarea and was torn to pieces by lions in the arena. saint, a layman, should not be confused with the other Saint Basil of Ancyra, who was a priest (March 22). Hieromartyr Basil of Ancyra, Commemorated on March 22; Basil was a presbyter in Ancyra, Galatia. against the Arian heresy, he urged his flock to cling firmly to Orthodoxy. Because of this Saint Basil was deposed from his priestly rank by a local Arian council, but a Council of 230 bishops in Palestine reinstated him. Basil openly continued to preach and denounce the Arians. Therefore, he became the victim of persecution and was subjected to punishment as a man dangerous to the state. Two apostates, Elpidios and Pegasios, were ordered to turn Saint Basil from Orthodoxy. The saint remained unshakable, and was again subjected to tortures. the emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363) arrived in the city of Ancyra, Saint Basil bravely confessed Christ before him at the trial, and denounced the emperor for his apostasy. Julian ordered that strips of skin be cut from the saint’s back. Saint Basil endured the gruesome torture with great patience. they began to beat his shoulders and stomach with red-hot rods, he fell down upon the ground from the torments and cried out, “O Christ, my Light! O Jesus, my Hope! Quiet Haven from the stormy sea. I thank You, O Lord God of my fathers, that You have snatched my soul from the pit of Hell and preserved Your Name in me unstained! Let me finish my life a victor and inherit eternal life according to the promise You gave my fathers. Now accept my soul in peace, remaining steadfast in this confession! For You are merciful and great is Your mercy, You Who live and sojourn throughout all the ages. Amen.” made such prayer, and lacerated all over by the red-hot rods, the saint fell into a sweet slumber, giving up his soul into the hands of God. The Hieromartyr Basil died June 29, 362. His commemoration was transferred to March 22 because of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. saint should not be confused with Saint Basil of Ancyra (January 1), a layman.

Constantinople, 361-363, Martyr Elpidius, Senator, Imperial Palace, Burned, Jesus appeared, resurrected him, burned again
Constantinople, 361-363, Martyr Elpidius, Senator, Imperial Palace, Burned, Jesus appeared, resurrected him, tortured again, idols crumbled, 6,000 converted, burned again ; Imperial Palace, Constantinople, 330; Martyrs Elpidius, Marcellus, and Eustochius, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on November 15; Holy Martyrs Elpidius, Marcellus and Eustochius suffered under the emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363). Elpidius was a senator. They tried him before the imperial judge on charges of being a Christian. martyrs endured many terrible torments, and they died after being thrown into a fire. At the place where Christians buried the relics of the saints, Christ appeared with an host of angels and resurrected Elpidius. Then the emperor gave orders to arrest the holy martyr again. the torture, idols standing nearby crumbled into dust through the prayer of the saint. More than six thousand pagans witnessed this miracle and were converted to Christ. Saint Elpidius was burned again.

Constantinople, 361-363, Hieromartyr Mark, Arethusa Bishop, destroyed p temple, rebuild demanded, tortured, no pain, set free
Greece, 361-363, Hieromartyr Mark, Bishop of Arethusa (Mygdonia, Axios River Mouth), destroyed pagan temple, Apostate Julian, demanded rebuild payment, foot-press, torn hair, slashed body, swamp, cut w knives, cut off ears, honey and greece for bees wasps hornets, did not notice the pain, set free, christians came back ; Arethusa (Mygdonia); Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29 ; Mark, Bishop of Arethusa, suffered for his faith in Christ under the emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363). order of the emperor Constantine (May 21), Saint Mark had once destroyed a pagan temple and built a Christian church. Julian came to the throne, he persecuted Christians and tried to restore paganism. Some citizens of Arethusa renounced Christianity and became pagans. Then Saint Mark’s enemies decided to take revenge on him. The old bishop hid himself from the persecutors at first, but then gave himself up when he learned that the pagans had tortured many people in their search for him. holy Elder was led through the city and given over to torture. They tore out his hair, slashed his body, dragged him along the street, dumped him in a swamp, tied him up, and cut him with knives. pagans demanded that the holy bishop pay them a large sum of money to rebuild the pagan temple, and he refused to do so. The persecutors invented several new torments: they squeezed the Elder in a foot-press, and they cut off his ears with linen cords. Finally, they smeared the holy martyr’s body with honey and grease, then hung him up in a basket in the hot mid-day sun to be eaten by bees, wasps, and hornets. Saint Mark did not seem to notice the pain, and this irritated the tormentor all the more. pagans kept lowering the price he had to pay for their temple, but Saint Mark refused to give them a single coin. Admiring him for his courage and endurance, the pagans stopped asking him for money and set him free. Many of them returned to Christ after hearing his talks. Gregory the Theologian (January 25) describes the sufferings of Saint Mark in his First Oration against Julian. Theodoritus of Cyrrhus also mentions him in his Church History (Book 3, Ch. 6)

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

Constantinople, 361-363, Eugene tPresbyter oAntioch, wMacarius, refused orgies, tortured, exiled, prayer lightning killed bSnake
Syria, 361-363, Eugene tPresbyter&Confessor oAntioch, Syria (Orontes River 7), with presbyter Macarius, tortured by Julian tApostate, refused pagan orgies, fierce tortures, prayer and spiritual rejoicing, exile aOasim, Arabian Desert, on hill, giant snake there, in a cave, warned by local people, asked point him out, prayer brought lightning to hit cave and kill snake, they then lived in the cave, They prayed to die together, they did in 363.; Antioch (Orontes River 7); St Eugene the Presbyter and Confessor at Antioch, Commemorated February 19 ; Holy Confessors Eugene and Macarius were presbyters of the Antiochian Church. the reign of Julian the Apostate (361-363) they were brought to the emperor for trial for their refusal to participate in pagan orgies. presbyters boldly denounced him for his apostasy and they were given over to fierce tortures, which they underwent with prayer and spiritual rejoicing. the tortures, they sent them off to exile at Oasim, an oasis in the Arabian desert, they intended to settle there upon a hill. local people warned the saints that they should immediately abandon the place, since an enormous snake lived there. holy martyrs asked them to point out this place, and through their prayer a lightning bolt struck the cave, reducing the monster to ashes. Eugene and Macarius began to live in this cave. The confessors prayed that they might die together. Lord heard their prayer, and they died in 363 at the same time.

Constantinople, 361-420, Theodore of Antioch, tortured at 15 for transfering relics, angel relieved suffering, lived to 80
Constantinople, 361-420, Theodore of Antioch, tortured at 15 for transfering relics, angel relieved suffering, lived to 80; Antioch (Orontes River 7); Martyr Theodore of Antioch, Commemorated on November 23 ; Holy Martyr Theodore of Antioch, a fifteen-year-old youth, was condemned to fierce torments by the emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363). Because he was responsible for the translation of the relics of Saint Babylas (September 4) from Daphne to Antioch, he was arrested and tortured. The executioners were dismayed that the saint could rejoice during the torture, and didn’t seem to feel any pain. They reported this miracle to the emperor, and he gave orders to release the saint. Theodore later said that when they were tormenting him, an angel appeared and relieved his suffering. When the angel left after the torture, the saint began to feel the pain. The holy Martyr Theodore lived to old age and peacefully fell asleep in the Lord.

Constantinople, 362, Basil t Presbyter of Ancyra, fighting Arian heresy, deposed, dangerous to State, strips of skin, hot rods
Phrygia, 362, Basil t Presbyter of Ancyra, Galatia, Phrygia (Ankara River 2), fighting Arian heresy, deposed, dangerous to the State, unshakable, tortured, J the Apostate, strips of skin, red hot rods, prayer of patience, sweet slumber; Ancyra; Hieromartyr Basil of Ancyra, Commemorated on March 22; Basil was a presbyter in Ancyra, Galatia. against the Arian heresy, he urged his flock to cling firmly to Orthodoxy. Because of this Saint Basil was deposed from his priestly rank by a local Arian council, but a Council of 230 bishops in Palestine reinstated him. Basil openly continued to preach and denounce the Arians. Therefore, he became the victim of persecution and was subjected to punishment as a man dangerous to the state. Two apostates, Elpidios and Pegasios, were ordered to turn Saint Basil from Orthodoxy. The saint remained unshakable, and was again subjected to tortures. the emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363) arrived in the city of Ancyra, Saint Basil bravely confessed Christ before him at the trial, and denounced the emperor for his apostasy. Julian ordered that strips of skin be cut from the saint’s back. Saint Basil endured the gruesome torture with great patience. they began to beat his shoulders and stomach with red-hot rods, he fell down upon the ground from the torments and cried out, “O Christ, my Light! O Jesus, my Hope! Quiet Haven from the stormy sea. I thank You, O Lord God of my fathers, that You have snatched my soul from the pit of Hell and preserved Your Name in me unstained! Let me finish my life a victor and inherit eternal life according to the promise You gave my fathers. Now accept my soul in peace, remaining steadfast in this confession! For You are merciful and great is Your mercy, You Who live and sojourn throughout all the ages. Amen.” made such prayer, and lacerated all over by the red-hot rods, the saint fell into a sweet slumber, giving up his soul into the hands of God. The Hieromartyr Basil died June 29, 362. His commemoration was transferred to March 22 because of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. saint should not be confused with Saint Basil of Ancyra (January 1), a layman.

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

Constantinople, 363, Melasippus at Ancyra, Phrygia, son spits Julius' face, endures torture unharmed which converts 40 youths
Phrygia, 363, Martyr Melasippus with his wife and son at Ancyra, Galatia, Phrygia (Ankara River 2), suffered under Julius the Apostate, lacerated under iron hooks, exhausted, son spat in Julius' face, cruel tortures, unharmed, beheaded, which cause 40 youths to confess and endure; Ancyra; Martyr Melasippus with his wife and son at Ancyra, Commemorated on November 7 ; Martyrs Melasippus and Karina and their son Antoninus, and 40 children converted by their martyrdom at Ancyra during the reign of the emperor Julian the Apostate the city of Ancyra in Phrygia in the year 363. holy Martyrs Melasippus and Karina, lacerated by iron hooks and exhausted, died under torture. son Antoninus, whom the persecutor forced to watch the torture of his parents, in the face of the apostate emperor. this he was subjected to cruel tortures, but he remained unharmed, and then he was beheaded. other youths, seeing that the Lord had preserved His confessor Antoninus unharmed by tortures, believed in Christ, and they openly confessed their faith and endured martyrdom..

Constantinople, 363, Synaxis otAngels, Council oLaodicea, 35th Cannon denounced worship oAngels, but affirmed proper veneration
Ephesus, 363, Synaxis of the Angels, Council oLaodicea on the Lycus (Carian Laodicea, Lycus River 2, Caria near Ephesus), 35th Cannon denounced worship of angels, but affirmed proper veneration, 9ranks of angels so started 9th month, 8th day since Last Judgement called Eighth Day, after end of this day (7 days of Creation), then Son oMan shall come with all the angels, 3 hierarchies of angels (highest, middle, lowest), H Seraphim Cherubim Thrones, Seraphim closest to Holy Trinity, Many eyed Cherubim oWisdom they enlighten peoples minds, Thrones give authorities or kings righteous judgment, Middle three Ranks Dominions Powers Authorities, Dominions, D over angels, instruct earthly authorities, to rule wisely &Govern Lands well, they teach us to subdue sin impulses, tSubject flesh tSpirit, tMaster will, tConquer temptation, to be patient, to give spiritual strength & fortitude, Authorities over the Devil, protect people from d temptations, prevent d from harming as they would wish, they uphold astetics and guard them, Lowest Rank- Principalities Archangels & Angels, P-command lower angels, instructing them fulfill G's commands, they watch over the world protecting lands, nations, peoples, they instruct people honor authority, they teach authorities to use A to honor god not for advancement, they teach people to spread word of God for their own benefit, Archangels - are messengers of great things, they reveal prophecies&mistteries of the faith, they enlighten people will of God, they spread faith, they illuminating minds w Gospel, Angels- reveal lesser misteries, never abandon us, always prepared help us if we desire it, Archangel Michael chief commander over Angels, and appeared throughout history; Carian Laodicea (Lycus Rivier 2, Phrygia); Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers, Commemorated on November 8 ; Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts, Archangel Michael and the Other Heavenly Bodiless Powers: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel established at the beginning of the fourth century at the Council of Laodicea, which met several years before the First Ecumenical Council. 35th Canon of the Council of Laodicea condemned and denounced as heretical the worship of angels as gods and rulers of the world, but affirmed their proper veneration. Feastday was established in November, the ninth month after March (with which the year began in ancient times) since there are Nine Ranks of Angels. The eighth day of the month was chosen for the Synaxis of all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven since the Day of the Dread Last Judgment is called the Eighth Day by the holy Fathers. the end of this age (characterized by its seven days of Creation) will come the Eighth Day, and then “the Son of Man shall come in His Glory and all the holy Angels with Him” (Mt. 25:31). Angelic Ranks are divided into three Hierarchies: highest, middle, and lowest. Highest Hierarchy includes: the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. six-winged SERAPHIM (Flaming, Fiery) (Is 6:2) stand closest of all to the Most Holy Trinity. They blaze with love for God and kindle such love in others. many-eyed CHERUBIM (outpouring of wisdom, enlightenment) (Gen 3:24) stand before the Lord after the Seraphim. They are radiant with the light of knowledge of God, and knowledge of the mysteries of God. Through them wisdom is poured forth, and people’s minds are enlightened so they may know God and behold His glory. THRONES (Col 1:16) stand after the Cherubim, mysteriously and incomprehensibly bearing God through the grace given them for their service. They are ministers of God’s justice, giving to tribunals, kings, etc. the capacity for righteous judgment. Middle Angelic Hierarchy consists of three Ranks: Dominions, Powers, and Authorities: (Col 1:16) hold dominion over the angels subject to them. They instruct the earthly authorities, established by God, to rule wisely, and to govern their lands well. The Dominions teach us to subdue sinful impulses, to subject the flesh to the spirit, to master our will, and to conquer temptation. (1 Pet 3:22) fulfill the will of God without hesitation. They work great miracles and give the grace of wonderworking and clairvoyance to saints pleasing to God. The Powers assist people in fulfilling obediences. They also encourage them to be patient, and give them spiritual strength and fortitude. (1 Pet 3:22, Col 1:16) have authority over the devil. They protect people from demonic temptations, and prevent demons from harming people as they would wish. They also uphold ascetics and guard them, helping people in the struggle with evil thoughts. Lowest Hierarchy includes the three Ranks: Principalities, Archangels, and Angels: (Col 1:16) have command over the lower angels, instructing them in the fulfilling of God’s commands. They watch over the world and protect lands, nations and peoples. Principalities instruct people to render proper honor to those in authority, as befits their station. They teach those in authority to use their position, not for personal glory and gain, but to honor God, and to spread word of Him, for the benefit of those under them. (1 Thess 4:16) are messengers of great and wondrous tidings. They reveal prophecies and the mysteries of the faith. They enlighten people to know and understand the will of God, they spread faith in God among the people, illuminating their minds with the light of the Holy Gospel. (1 Pet 3:22) are in the lowest rank of the heavenly hierarchy, and closest to people. They reveal the lesser mysteries of God and His intentions, guiding people to virtuous and holy life. They support those who remain steadfast, and they raise up the fallen. They never abandon us and they are always prepared to help us, if we desire it. the Ranks of the Heavenly Powers are called angels, although each has its own name and position by virtue of their service. The Lord reveals His will to the highest ranks of the angels, and they in turn inform the others. all the Nine Ranks, the Lord appointed the Holy Archangel Michael (his name in Hebrew means “who is like unto God”), the faithful servitor of God, as Chief Commander. He cast down from Heaven the arrogantly proud Lucifer and the other fallen spirits when they rebelled against God. Michael summoned the ranks of angels and cried out, “Let us attend! Let us stand aright before our Creator and do not consider doing what is displeasing unto God!” to Church Tradition, and in the church services to the Archangel Michael, he participated in many other Old Testament events. the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt he went before them in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Through him the power of the Lord was made manifest, annihilating the Egyptians and Pharaoh who were in pursuit of the Israelites. The Archangel Michael defended Israel in all its misfortunes. appeared to Joshua Son of Navi and revealed the will of the Lord at the taking of Jericho (Josh 5:13-16). The power of the great Chief Commander of God was manifest in the annihilation of the 185,000 soldiers of the Assyrian emperor Sennacherib (4/2 Kings 19:35); also in the smiting of the impious leader Heliodorus (2 Macc. 3: 24-26); and in the protection of the Three Holy Youths: Ananias, Azarias and Misail, thrown into the fiery furnace for their refusal to worship an idol (Dan 3:22-25). the will of God, the Chief Commander Michael transported the Prophet Habbakuk (December 2) from Judea to Babylon, to give food to Daniel in the lions’ den (Dan. 14:33-37). Archangel Michael disputed with the devil over the body of the holy Prophet Moses (Jude 1:9). holy Archangel Michael showed his power when he miraculously saved a young man, cast into the sea by robbers with a stone about his neck on the shores of Mt Athos. This story is found in the Athonite Paterikon, and in the Life of Saint Neophytus of Docheiariou (November 9). ancient times the Archangel Michael was famed for his miracles in Rus. In the Volokolamsk Paterikon is a narrative of Saint Paphnutius of Borov with an account of Tatar tax-gatherers concerning the miraculous saving of Novgorod the Great: “Therefore Great Novgorod was never taken by the Hagarenes... when... for our sins the godless Hagarene emperor Batu devoured and set the Russian land aflame and came to Novgorod, and God and the Most Holy Theotokos shielded it with an appearance of Michael the Archangel, who forbade him to enter into it. He [Batu] was come to the Lithuanian city and came toward Kiev and saw the stone church, over the doors of which the great Archangel Michael had written and spoken to the prince his allotted fate, ‘By this we have forbidden you entry into Great Novgorod’.” for Russian cities by the Most Holy Queen of Heaven always involved Her appearances with the Heavenly Hosts, under the leadership of the Archangel Michael. Grateful Rus acclaimed the Most Pure Mother of God and the Archangel Michael in church hymns. Many monasteries, cathedrals, court and merchant churches are dedicated to the Chief Commander Michael. old Kiev at the time of the accepting of Christianity, a cathedral of the Archangel was built, and a monastery also was named for him. Archangel cathedrals are found at Smolensk, Nizhni Novgorod, Staritsa, at Great Ustiug (beginning of the thirteenth century), and a cathedral at Sviyazhsk. In Rus there was not a city where there was not a church or chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael. of the chief temples of the city of Moscow, the burial church in the Kremlin, is dedicated to him. Numerous and beautiful icons of the Chief Commander of the Heavenly Hosts are also in his Cathedral. One of these, the Icon “Blessed Soldiery,” was painted in the Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. The saintly soldiers, Russian princes, are depicted under the leadership of the Archangel Michael. invoke Saint Michael for protection from invasion by enemies and from civil war, and for the defeat of adversaries on the field of battle. He conquers all spiritual enemies. Scripture and Tradition give us the names of the Archangels: strength (power) of God, herald and servitor of Divine omnipotence (Dan 8:16, Luke 1:26). He announces the mysteries of God. the healing of God, the curer of human infirmities (Tobit 3:16, 12:15) the fire or light of God, enlightener (2 Esdras 5:20). We pray for him to enlighten those with darkened minds. the prayer of God, impelling to prayer (2 Esdras 5:15). He prays to God for mankind. the glorifying of God, encouraging exertion for the glory of the Lord and interceding for the reward of efforts. distributor of the blessings of God for good deeds, entreats the mercy of God for people. the raising up to God (2 Esdras 4:36) icons the Archangels are depicted in according to the character of their service: tramples the devil underfoot, and in his left hand holds a green date-tree branch, and in his right hand a spear with a white banner on which is outlined a scarlet cross, or sometimes a fiery sword. with a branch from Paradise, presented by him to the Most Holy Virgin, or with a shining lantern in his right hand and with a mirror made of jasper in his left. holds a vessel with healing medications in his left hand, and with his right hand leads Tobias, carrying a fish for healing (Tobit 5-8). in his raised right hand holds a naked sword at the level of his chest, and in his lowered left hand “a fiery flame.” in a prayerful posture, gazing downwards, hands folded on the chest. holds a golden crown in his right hand, in his left, a whip of three red (or black) thongs. is shown with a white rose on his breast. holds balance-scales in his hand. person has a guardian angel (Matt 18:10), and every nation also receives its own guardian angel from God (Dan. 10:13). When a church is consecrated, it also receives a guardian angel (Palladius, Dial. Ch. 10).

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

Byzantium, 363-364, Emperor, Jovian, Orthodox, after Julian, declared by his soldiers, only 8 mos
Byzantine Emperor, 363-364, Jovian, Christian; (331 – 17 February 364) was Roman emperor from June 363 to February 364. As part of the imperial bodyguard, accompanied Emperor Julian on his campaign against the Sasanian Empire and following the latter's death, Jovian was hastily declared Emperor by his soldiers. With the army exhausted, provisions running low, and unable to cross the Tigris, he sought peace with the Sasanids on humiliating terms. his arrival at Edessa, Jovian was petitioned by bishops over doctrinal issues concerning Christianity. His return to Constantinople would be cut short by his death at Dadastana. Jovian reigned eight months. MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Horus of the Thebaid, Egypt, Commemorated on August 7; MOSES THE BLACK, DESERT FATHER & MARTYR, 28 August 405; Venerable Moses the Black of Scete, Commemorated on August 28; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2; Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers, Commemorated on November 8; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397); St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on November 11; St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; St John of Egypt, Commemorated on December 2; Venerable Karion (Cyrion) and his son in Egypt, Commemorated on December 5 ; Venerable Zachariah of Egypt, Commemorated on December 5; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; St Niphon the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 23; Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Sts Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; St Gregory the Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Athanasius the Great the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Marcian of Cyrrhus in Syria, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Macarius of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 19; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Salamanes the Silent of the Euphrates, Commemorated on January 23; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25; St Simeon œthe AncientÂ of Mt. Sinai, Commemorated on January 26; Venerable Palladius the Hermit, of Antioch, Commemorated on January 28; St Aphraates of Persia, Commemorated on January 29; Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Zeno the Hermit of Antioch the Disciple of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Hieromartyr Abramius the Bishop of Arbela in Assyria, Commemorated on February 4; St Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 12; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Eusebius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 15; Hieromartyr Sadoc (Sadoth) the Bishop of Persia, Commemorated on February 20; Venerable Paul the Simple and Disciple of the Venerable Anthony the Great, Commemorated on March 7; GREGORY OF NYSSA, (9 MAR 395); CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18; Hieromartyr Basil of Ancyra, Commemorated on March 22 ; St Malchus of Chalcis in Syria, Commemorated on March 26 ; Venerable John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 27; Venerable Apollonius, Ascetic, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 31; Hieromartyr Zeno the Bishop of Verona, Commemorated on April 12; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22;

Constantinople, 363-365, Council of Laodicea 363-364, Biblical Cannon, Astrology, and other rules
Council of Laodicea 363-364; Council of Laodicea was a regional synod of approximately thirty clerics from Asia Minor which assembled about 363–364 AD in Laodicea, Phrygia Pacatiana. 1 Historical context 2 Major concerns 3 Biblical canon 4 Astrology 5 References 6 External links context[edit] council took place soon after the conclusion of the war between the Roman Empire and the Persian Empire, waged by Emperor Julian. Julian, the last Constantinian emperor, attempted a revival of paganism and resumed discrimination against Christians. After his death in battle on 26 June 363, officers of the army elected the Christian Jovian as his successor. Jovian, in a precarious position, far from supplies, ended the war with Persia unfavorably for Rome. He was soon succeeded by Valentinian I, who named his brother Valens Emperor of the East. concerns[edit] major concerns of the Council involved regulating the conduct of church members. The Council expressed its decrees in the form of written rules or canons. Among the sixty canons decreed, several aimed at: Maintaining order among bishops, clerics and laypeople (canons 3–5, 11–13, 21–27, 40–44, 56–57) Enforcing modest behaviour of clerics and laypeople (4, 27, 30, 36, 53–55) Regulating approach to heretics (canons 6–10, 31–34, 37), Jews (canons 16, 37–38) and pagans (canon 39) Outlawing the keeping of the Sabbath (Saturday), and encouraging rest on Sunday (canon 29) Outlining liturgical practices (canons 14–20, 21–23, 25, 28, 58–59) Restrictions during Lent (canons 45, 49–52) Admission and instruction of catechumens and neophytes (canons 45–48) Specifying a Biblical canon (canons 59–60) canon[edit] 59th canon forbade the readings in church of uncanonical books. The 60th canon listed Canonical books, with the New Testament containing 26 books, omitting the Book of Revelation, and the Old Testament including the 22 books of the Hebrew Bible plus the Book of Baruch and the Epistle of Jeremiah; but excluding all the deuterocanonical books proper. It is also believed that they may have demonized the "Second Book of Enoch", which led to its degeneration.[1] authenticity of the 60th canon is doubtful,[2] as it is missing from various Greek manuscripts and may have been added later[1] to specify the extent of the preceding 59th canon. The Latin version of the canons of Laodicea consistently omit the canon list. Around 350 AD, Cyril of Jerusalem produced a list matching that from the Council of Laodicea.[3] council marks the first occasion in Christianity of the explicit condemnation of astrology, a matter on which theologians and legislators had not yet reached consensus.[4][5] Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers, Commemorated on November 8 ;

Constantinople, 363-423, Maron, Hermit oSyria, Prayer, vigil, ascetical works, strict fasting, Healing&Delivernce, m monasteries
Syria, 363-423, Maron, Hermit oSyria, fCyrrhus, Syria (Afrin River 1), time spend open sky iPrayer, vigil, ascetical works, strict fasting, obtaine fGod gift oHealing and deliverance, counciled, be temperate, salvation concern, guard against avarice (extreme greed for wealth) and anger, advanced age, Chrysostom's friend, his disciples, James tHermit, Limnius, Domnina, founded many monasteries near Cyrrhus, near Antioch converted pagan temple to church; Cyrrhus; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated February 14 ; Maron was born in the fourth century near the city of Cyrrhus in Syria. spent almost all his time beneath the open sky in prayer, vigil, ascetical works and strict fasting. obtained from God the gift of healing the sick and casting out demons. counselled those who turned to him for advice be temperate, to be concerned for their salvation, and to guard against avarice and anger. Maron, a friend of Saint John Chrysostom, died before 423 at an advanced age. of Saint Maron’s disciples were James the Hermit (November 26), Limnius (February 23), and Domnina (March 1). Maron founded many monasteries around Cyrrhus, converted a pagan temple near Antioch into a Christian church.

Constantinople, 363-423, Limnaeus, syrian desert hermit, virtues, wonderworking, wanderers home, giving spiritual nourishment
Syria, 363-423, Limnaeus, hermit oDesert of Chalcis, southeast of Antioch, dwelt suffient time to acquire virtues oThalassius, simplicity oManner, genrtleness, humility, then joined Maron on a hill, built stone cell without a roof, through small hole he conversed with people who came to him, compassionate heart, built wanderers home with admirers help, a dwelling for poor and crippled, sacrificing his solitude, took responsibility for their spiritual nourishment, inducing them to pray, glorify the Lord, for this granted wonderworking gift and cured himself oSnakebite; Desert of Chalcis, southeast of Antioch Venerable Limnaeus, Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Limnaeus began his efforts under the guidance of Saint Thalassius and dwelt with him for a sufficient time to acquire the virtues of his teacher: simplicity of manner, gentleness and humility. Saint Limnaeus joined Saint Maron (February 14). a hill he built a small stone enclosure without a roof, through a small aperture, he conversed with those who came to see him. heart was full of compassion for people. to help all the destitute, he built a wanderers’ home on the hillside with the help of his admirers, dwelling for the poor and the crippled, and he fed them with what pious people brought him. holy ascetic even sacrificed his own quiet and solitude for these poor brethren, took upon himself the responsibility for for their spiritual nourishment, them to pray and glorify the Lord. his holy life he was granted the gift of wonderworking. once cured himself of a snakebite through prayer. St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; Desert of Chalcis, southeast of Antioch

Byzantium, 364-378, Emperor, Valens, Arian, faced Persia in Armenia, burned alive at A by Goths, bad g, good a
Byzantine Emperor, 364-378, Valens, Arian ; Valens (328 - 9 August 378) was Roman emperor from 364 to 378. He was the younger brother of the emperor Valentinian I, who gave Valens the eastern half of the Roman Empire to rule. Before 364, Valens had a largely unremarkable military career. In 378, Valens was defeated and killed at the Battle of Adrianople against the invading Goths, which astonished contemporaries and marked the beginning of barbarian encroachment into Roman territory. emperor Valens continually faced threats both internal and external.[4] He defeated, after some dithering, the usurper Procopius in 366, and campaigned against the Goths across the Danube in 367 and 369. In the following years, Valens focused on the eastern frontier, where he faced the perennial threat of Persia, particularly in Armenia, as well as additional conflicts with the Saracens and Isaurians. Domestically, he inaugurated the Aqueduct of Valens in Constantinople, which was longer than all the aqueducts of Rome. In 376–77, the Gothic War broke out, following a mismanaged attempt to settle the Goths in the Balkans. Valens returned from the east to fight the Goths in person, but lack of coordination with his nephew, the western emperor Gratian (Valentinian I's son), as well as poor battle tactics, led to Valens and much of the eastern Roman army dying at a battle near Adrianople in 378. Valens is described as indecisive, impressionable, a mediocre general and overall "utterly undistinguished", he was also a conscientious and capable administrator,[5] and a notable achievement of his was to significantly relieve the burden of taxation on the population.[6] At the same time, his suspicious and fearful disposition, and excessive concern for personal safety, resulted in numerous treason trials and executions, which heavily stained his reputation. Valens was a fanatic Arian Christian – the last Roman emperor to profess this denomination – and discriminated against trinitarian Christians while interfering little in the affairs of the pagans.[7][6][8] MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Horus of the Thebaid, Egypt, Commemorated on August 7; St Barses the Confessor, Commemorated on August 25 ; AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430) ; MOSES THE BLACK, DESERT FATHER & MARTYR, 28 August 405; Venerable Moses the Black of Scete, Commemorated on August 28; Martyr Urban and 79 Companions at Nicomedia, Commemorated September 5 ; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; Repose of St John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 14; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397); St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on November 11; St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 13; St Amphilochius the Bishop of Iconium, Commemorated on November 23; St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated on November 26; St John of Egypt, Commemorated on December 2; Venerable Karion (Cyrion) and his son in Egypt, Commemorated on December 5 ; Venerable Zachariah of Egypt, Commemorated on December 5; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; St Niphon the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 23; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31; St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1; Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Sts Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; St Gregory the Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Athanasius the Great the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Marcian of Cyrrhus in Syria, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Macarius of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 19; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Mausimas the Syrian, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Salamanes the Silent of the Euphrates, Commemorated on January 23; St Macedonius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on January 24; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25; St Publius the Ascetic of Syria, Commemorated on January 25 ; St Simeon œthe AncientÂ of Mt. Sinai, Commemorated on January 26; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 27; Venerable Palladius the Hermit, of Antioch, Commemorated on January 28; St Aphraates of Persia, Commemorated on January 29; Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Zeno the Hermit of Antioch the Disciple of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Hieromartyr Abramius the Bishop of Arbela in Assyria, Commemorated on February 4; St Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 12; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Eusebius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 15; Hieromartyr Sadoc (Sadoth) the Bishop of Persia, Commemorated on February 20; St Porphyrius the Bishop of Gaza, Commemorated on February 26; St Germanus of Dacia Pontica, Commemorated on February 29; Venerable Paul the Simple and Disciple of the Venerable Anthony the Great, Commemorated on March 7; GREGORY OF NYSSA, (9 MAR 395); CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on March 22; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26 ; St Malchus of Chalcis in Syria, Commemorated on March 26 ; Venerable John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 27; Venerable Apollonius, Ascetic, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 31; Hieromartyr Zeno the Bishop of Verona, Commemorated on April 12; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on May 30 ; Venerable Theophanes of Antioch, Commemorated on June 10; BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379); St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22; Venerable Sisoes the Great, Commemorated on July 6;

Constantinople, 364-378, Commemoration Gregory"s Miracle, Nicaea, Bithynia, after Ariens failed, Orthodox Prayers open doors
Bithynia, , Commemoration Gregory"s Miracle, Nicaea, Bithynia (on Lake Ascanius in Lower Sakarya), Valens took Cathedral away fOrthodox for Ariens, Basil tGreat shows up, goes to Valens, Valens said return &Judge without favoritism, Basil returned to judge as V had decreed. Locked the doors, allowed Ariens 3 days prayer and Orthodox one, O complained. Ariens first, failed after 4days, Orthodox pray one day causing earthquake that opened doors. Many Ariens converted, Valens dies in fire.; Nicea (Nicaea); Commemoration of the miracle of Saint Basil the Great at Nicaea, Commemorated on January 19; the Church remembers a great miracle in Nicaea, when Saint Basil the Great, by his prayers, opened the doors of the Cathedral Church. a visit to Nicaea, Emperor Valens, at the request of some prominent Arians, took the Cathedral away from the Orthodox by force and allowed the Arians to occupy it. Orthodox were grief stricken by this terrible calamity. when Saint Basil happened to arrive in Nicaea, the faithful wept and told him what the Emperor had done. saint went to Constantinople and criticized Valens for his unjust action. Emperor was furious, but knew that he had been wrong in giving the Cathedral to the heretics. said, “Return to Nicaea and judge between the parties, but do not show any favoritism to your side.” Basil went back to Nicaea with an imperial decree and called the Arians together. He said, “The Emperor has given me authority to decide whether you or the Orthodox should have the church.” replied, “Very well, but judge the way that the Emperor would judge if he were here.” Basil ordered the Arians and the Orthodox to lock the doors of the church, affix their seals, and appoint some men to guard it. he told the Arians to go and pray for three days and nights, and then return. If the doors opened because of their prayers, they would be allowed to retain possession of the church. said, “If the doors do not open for you, then we shall pray for just one night, and then return. If the doors open for us, then we shall own the building again. If they do not open for us, then it will be yours.” Arians accepted this proposal, but the Orthodox thought that Saint Basil was giving an unfair advantage to the heretics because he feared the Emperor. the church was locked and sealed, and guards were stationed there. After three days and nights, the Arians’ prayers had achieved nothing, so they continued praying until noon of the fourth day. When the doors still failed to open, they hung their heads in shame and went away. Basil led the Orthodox to the church of Saint Diomedes outside the city, and served an All-Night Vigil. next morning, the hierarch led a procession back to the Cathedral as the people chanted “Holy God.” Halting before the doors of the church, he ordered them to lift their hands to Heaven and to cry, “Lord, have mercy.” Then they prayed, and Saint Basil made the Sign of the Cross over the doors three times and shouted, “Blessed is the God of the Christians, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.” there was an earthquake which broke the locks, threw the bars on the floor, and split the seals, and then the doors flew open. Basil entered the building with all the Orthodox. After celebrating the divine service, he dismissed the faithful. Arians who came to see what would happen renounced their heresy and became Orthodox. for Valens, he was amazed when he heard of this great miracle, but he did not convert to Orthodoxy. he was wounded in a battle and he hid in a barn which was filled with straw. His enemies surrounded the barn and set it on fire. The evil tyrant perished in the flames and his soul departed to the everlasting fire.

Constantinople, 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.

Constantinople, 367-397, John Chrysostom, in Syria, ascetic, silence, monastic, writer, Preacher 12yrs and Public Speaker
Syrian Saint, 367-407, St John Chrysostom ; St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 13; John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, one of the Three Hierarchs [January 30], was born at Antioch in about the year 347 into the family of a military commander. father, Secundus, died soon after the birth of his son. mother, Anthusa, widowed at twenty years of age, did not seek to remarry but rather devoted all her efforts to the raising of her son in Christian piety. youth studied under the finest philosophers and rhetoricians. scorning the vain disciplines of pagan knowledge, the future hierarch turned himself to the profound study of Holy Scripture and prayerful contemplation. Meletius, Bishop of Antioch (February 12), loved John like a son, guided him in the Faith, and in the year 367 baptized him. three years John was tonsured as a Reader. When Saint Meletius had been sent into exile by the emperor Valens in the year 372, John and Theodore (afterwards Bishop of Mopsuestia) studied under the experienced instructors of ascetic life, the presbyters Flavian and Diodorus of Tarsus. highly refined Diodorus had particular influence upon the youth. John’s mother died, he embraced monasticism, which he called the “true philosophy.” John and his friend Basil were being considered as candidates for the episcopal office, and they decided to withdraw into the wilderness to avoid this. While Saint John avoided the episcopal rank out of humility, he secretly assisted in Basil’s consecration. this period Saint John wrote his “Six Discourses on the Priesthood,” a great work of Orthodox pastoral theology. saint spent four years struggling in the wilderness, living the ascetic life under the guidance of an experienced spiritual guide. here he wrote three books entitled, “Against the Opponents of Those Attracted to the Monastic Life”, and a collection entitled, “A Comparison of the Monk with the Emperor” (also known as “Comparison of Imperial Power, Wealth and Eminence, with the True and Christian Wisdom-Loving Monastic Life”), both works which are marked by a profound reflection of the worthiness of the monastic vocation. two years, the saint lived in a cave in complete silence, but was obliged to return to Antioch to recover his health. Meletius, the Bishop of Antioch, ordained him deacon in the year 381. following years were devoted to work on new theological writings: “Concerning Providence” (“To the Ascetic Stagirios”), “Book Concerning Virginity,” “To a Young Widow” (2 discourses), and the “Book of Saint Babylos, and Against Julian and the Pagans.” the year 386 Saint John was ordained presbyter by Bishop Flavian of Antioch. John was a splendid preacher, and his inspired words earned him the name “Golden-Mouthed” (“Chrysostom”). twelve years the saint preached in church, usually twice a week, but sometimes daily, deeply stirring the hearts of his listeners. his pastoral zeal to provide Christians with a better understanding of Holy Scripture, Saint John employed hermeneutics, an interpretation and analysis of the Word of God (i.e. exegesis). Among his exegetical works are commentaries on entire books of the Holy Scripture (Genesis, the Psalter, the Gospels of Matthew and John, the Epistles of the Apostle Paul), and also many homilies on individual texts of the Holy Bible, but also instructions on the Feastdays, laudations on the Saints, and also apologetic (i.e. defensive) homilies (against Anomoeans, Judaizers and pagans). a priest, Saint John zealously fulfilled the Lord’s command to care for the needy. Under Saint John, the Antiochian Church provided sustenance each day to as many as 3,000 virgins and widows, not including in this number the shut-ins, wanderers and the sick. John began his commentary on Genesis at the beginning of Great Lent in 388, preaching thirty-two homilies during the forty day period. During Holy Week he spoke of how Christ was betrayed, and about the Cross. During Bright Week, his pastoral discourse was devoted to the Resurrection. His exegesis of the Book of Genesis was concluded only at the end of October (388). Pascha in the following year (389) the saint began his homilies on the Gospel of John, and toward the end of the year 389 he took up the Gospel of Matthew. the year 391 the Christians of Antioch listened to his commentary on the Epistles of the holy Apostle Paul to the Romans and to the Corinthians. 393 he explained the Epistles to the Galatians, the Ephesians, Timothy, Titus, and the Psalms. In his homily on the Epistle to the Ephesians, Saint John denounced a schism in Antioch, “I tell you and I witness before you, that to tear asunder the Church means nothing less than to fall into heresy. The Church is the house of the heavenly Father, one Body and one Spirit.” fame of the holy preacher grew, and in the year 397 with the death of Archbishop Nectarius of Constantinople, successor to Saint Gregory the Theologian, Saint John Chrysostom was summoned from Antioch, and elected to the See of Constantinople. the capital, the holy archpastor was not able to preach as often as he had at Antioch. Many matters awaited the saint’s attention, and he began with the most important -- the spiritual perfection of the priesthood. He himself was the best example of this. The financial means apportioned for the archbishop were channeled by the saint into the upkeep of several hospices for the sick and two hostels for pilgrims. He fasted strictly and ate very little food, and usually refused invitations to dine because of his delicate stomach. saint’s zeal in spreading the Christian Faith extended not only to the inhabitants of Constantinople, but also to Thrace to include Slavs and Goths, and to Asia Minor and the Pontine region. established a bishop for the Bosphorus Church in the Crimea. John sent off zealous missionaries to Phoenicia, to Persia, and to the Scythians, to convert pagans to Christ. also wrote letters to Syria to bring back the Marcionites into the Church, and he accomplished this. Preserving the unity of the Church, the saint would not permit a powerful Gothic military commander, who wanted the emperor to reward his bravery in battle, to open an Arian church at Constantinople. saint exerted much effort in enhancing the splendor of the church services: he compiled a Liturgy, he introduced antiphonal singing for the all-night Vigil, and he wrote several prayers for the rite of anointing the sick with oil. saintly hierarch denounced the dissolute morals of people in the capital, especially at the imperial court, irrespective of person. When the empress Eudoxia connived to confiscate the last properties of the widow and children of a disgraced dignitary, the saint rose to their defense. The arrogant empress would not relent, and nursed a grudge against the archpastor. ’s hatred of the saint blazed forth anew when malefactors told her that the saint apparently had her in mind during his sermon on vain women. A court was convened composed of hierarchs who had been justly condemned by Chrysostom: Theophilus of Alexandria, Bishop Severian of Gabala, who had been banished from the capital because of improprieties, and others. court of judgment declared Saint John deposed, and that he be executed for his insult to the empress. The emperor decided on exile instead of execution. An angry crowd gathered at the church, resolved to defend their pastor. In order to avoid a riot, Saint John submitted to the authorities. very night there was an earthquake at Constantinople. The terrified Eudoxia urgently requested the emperor to bring the saint back, and promptly sent a letter to the banished pastor, beseeching him to return. Once more, in the capital church, the saint praised the Lord in a short talk, “For All His Ways.” slanderers fled to Alexandria. But after only two months a new denunciation provoked the wrath of Eudoxia. In March 404, an unjust council was convened, decreeing the exile of Saint John. Upon his removal from the capital, a fire reduced the church of Hagia Sophia and also the Senate building to ashes. Devastating barbarian incursions soon followed, and Eudoxia died in October 404. Even pagans regarded these events as God’s punishment for the unjust judgment against the saint. Armenia, the saint strove all the more to encourage his spiritual children. In numerous letters (245 are preserved) to bishops in Asia, Africa, Europe and particularly to his friends in Constantinople, Saint John consoled the suffering, guiding and giving support to his followers. In the winter of 406 Saint John was confined to his bed with sickness, but his enemies were not to be appeased. From the capital came orders to transfer Saint John to desolate Pityus in Abkhazia on the Black Sea. Worn out by sickness, the saint began his final journey under military escort, traveling for three months in the rain and frost. He never arrived at his place of exile, for his strength failed him at Comana. the crypt of Saint Basiliscus (May 22), Saint John was comforted by a vision of the martyr, who said, “Despair not, brother John! Tomorrow we shall be together.” After receiving the Holy Mysteries, the hierarch fell asleep in the Lord on September 14, 407. His last words were, “Glory to God for all things!” holy relics of Saint John Chrysostom were solemnly transferred to Constantinople in the year 438. The disciple of Saint John, the venerable Isidore of Pelusium (February 4), wrote: “The house of David is grown strong, and the house of Saul enfeebled. He is victor over the storms of life, and has entered into heavenly repose.” he died on September 14, Saint John’s celebration was transferred to this day because of the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Saint John Chrysostom is also celebrated on January 27 and January 30. St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20 ; Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated on November 26;

Constantinople, 367-420, Porphyrios, Porphyry of Gaza, Archbishop
Byzantium, 367-420, Byzantine Saint, Porphyrios, Porphyry of Gaza; St. Porphyrius the Bishop of Gaza, Commemorated on February 26;

Constantinople, 367-420, Roman Saint, Jerome, scholar, translator, theologian
Roman Saint, 367-420, Jerome ; AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430); JEROME, SCHOLAR, TRANSLATOR, AND THEOLOGIAN (30 SEP 420); was the foremost biblical scholar of the ancient Church. His translation of the Bible, along with his commentaries and homilies on the biblical books, have made him a major intellectual force in the Western Church. was born in about 347, and was converted and baptized during his student days in Rome. a visit to Trier, he found himself attracted to the monastic life, which he tested in a brief but unhappy experience as a hermit in the deserts of Syria. Antioch, he continued his studies in Hebrew and Greek. In 379, he went to Constantinople where he studied under Gregory of Nazianzus. 382 to 384 he was secretary to Pope Damasus I, and spiritual director of many noble Roman ladies who were becoming interested in the monastic life. It was Damasus who set him the task of making a new translation of the Bible into Latin -- into the popular form of the language, hence the name of the translation: the Vulgate. the death of Damasus, Jerome returned to the East, and established a monastery at Bethlehem, where he lived and worked until his death on 30 September 420. is best known as the translator of the Bible into Latin. A previous version (now called the Old Latin) existed, but Jerome's version far surpassed it in scholarship and in literary quality. was well versed in classical Latin (as well as Greek and Hebrew), but deliberately translated the Bible into the style of Latin that was actually spoken and written by the majority of persons in his own time. This kind of Latin is known as Vulgate Latin (meaning the Latin of the common people), and accordingly Jerome's translation is called the Vulgate. Vulgate Latin is classical Latin in the first stages of evolving into such modern languages as Spanish, French, and Italian. It has begun the process of changing from an inflected language (in which words have various endings, or inflections, which are used to show the relation of the word to other words in the sentence) to a separate-word language like English (in which additional words, such as prepositions, are used, along with word order, to show the function of the word). Thus, in classical Latin, "He spoke to me," is dix it mihi or mihi dixit, but in Vulgate Latin it is dixit ad me. In the second century BC, Jewish scholars in Alexandria, Egypt, had translated the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek. Tradition had it that this translation was the work of 70 (or 72) scholars, and accordingly the result was known as the Septuagint (often written as LXX). The LXX contains six or more books (there is some leeway here) not found in the standard Hebrew text, known as the Masoretic Text (or MT), and sometimes reads differently from the MT in particular verses. New Testament writers, except for Matthew, when they are quoting the Old Testament, usually quote from the LXX. The differences in readings between the MT and the LXX were formerly explained by assuming that the LXX translators were sometimes not very good translators. very ancient Hebrew manuscripts of the Bible, recently found at Qumran and elsewhere, often agree with the LXX against the MT. Accordingly, it is now generally supposed that the LXX is a fairly accurate translation of Hebrew manuscripts available at the time, and that sometimes the manuscripts that the LXX translators worked from differed from the manuscripts that became the basis for the standardized Hebrew text that we know today. The early Christians, most of whom knew Greek but not Hebrew, were accustomed to use the LXX as their version of the Old Testament Scriptures. (So, for that matter, did most Jews living in the Roman Empire outside of the land of Israel itself.) Old Latin translation had been made from the Greek. But Jerome was determined to make his translation from the Hebrew, partly because he considered it to be more accurate, and partly because he wanted a text that he could use as a basis for argument with Jewish opponents, without having them object, "But that is not what the Hebrew text says." a translation from the Hebrew, he ran into a difficulty with the Psalms. They were used regularly in public and private worship, and many Christians knew them well enough to notice and resent any radical changes from the wording they had always used. So Jerome translated the Psalms from the Greek, and salved his scholarly feelings by publishing a translation of the Psalms from the Hebrew in an Appendix. The history of the Psalms in English is in some ways similar. 1611, the King James Version of the Bible was published, and generally accepted by English-speakers. However, the Psalms in English were already an established part of public worship in the Coverdale translation of 1536 or thereabouts. For roughly 75 years worshippers in England had been reading, saying, singing, or chanting the Psalms in the Coverdale translation (also called the Prayer Book Version). Their response to the Psalms in the King James Version was: "What is this nonsense! Take away this new-fangled modern translation, and leave me to recite the Psalms in the good old-fashioned version that I learned at the knee of my dear old silver-haired mother, the most magnificent version that the pen of man has ever written, the version that has comforted and sustained me all the days of my life." So, when you attend an Anglican funeral, and you hear the choir chanting, The LORD is my shepherd, therefore can I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture, and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. are hearing the Coverdale Psalter. And for some of us, at least, it is a great tree, deeply rooted in the soil of English Christianity, and full of complex associations that make reading it a deeply moving experience. (I have heard rumors that there are versions of the Psalter used in some circles, that are even more modern and trendy than the King James. Hmmph!) was intemperate in controversy, and any correspondence with him tended to degenerate into a flame war. (His friendship with Augustine, conducted by letter, nearly ended before it began. Fortunately Augustine sized him up correctly, soothed his feelings, and was extremely tactful thereafter.) His hot temper, pride of learning, and extravagant promotion of asceticism involved him in many bitter controversies over questions of theology and of Bible interpretation. However, he was candid at times in admitting his failings, and was never ambitious for either worldly or churchly honors. He was a militant champion of orthodoxy, a tireless worker, and a scholar of rare gifts. by James Kiefer Martyr Pamphilius the Presbyter at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 16; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; Jerome of Stridon was born into a Christian family in the city of Stridon located on the border between Dalmatia and Pannonia. full name is Eusebius Hieronymos Sophronius. His parents sent him to Rome, where he studied the secular sciences. At the beginning of his life in the capital, the youth was captivated by worldly vanities and fell into temptation. At the end of his time in Rome, Jerome resolved to change his life and to live in goodness and purity. the youth was about 20 years old, he accepted holy Baptism. After this he visited in Gaul (France). Then Saint Jerome decided to dedicate himself totally to God, and to become a monk. about the year 372 Saint Jerome returned to his native city, but his parents had already departed this life. On him fell the responsibility of raising his younger sisters and his brother Paulinian. These cares forced him to put aside his plans to enter a monastery, at least for a time. made arrangements for the care of his siblings, he journeyed to the East with several of his friends. 374, he decided to dwell in the desert of Chalcis southeast of Antioch. There he remained for about 5 years, combining work on the Holy Scriptures with austere ascetic deeds. Besides this, Saint Jerome mastered the Hebrew and Chaldean languages. this period he began his correspondence with numerous persons upon a variety of questions. About 120 letters, considered as authentically written by Saint Jerome, have been preserved. the beginning of the 360s there arose a controversy between the proponents of bishops Meletius, Paulinos and Vitalis. The controversy also reached the monastery where Saint Jerome toiled. In consequence, the disputes caused him to leave the monastery and go to Antioch. Here Bishop Paulinos ordained him to the priesthood. Saint Jerome visited Constantinople and conversed with the holy hierarchs Gregory the Theologian and Gregory of Nyssa the year 381 he set off for Rome. At Rome he continued his studies. The holy Pope Damasus I (366-384), who also devoted much of his time to the study of Holy Scripture, made Jerome his secretary. because the saint denounced the morals of the contemporary Christian society, a whole party of those bearing malice towards the saint came forward to spread slanders about him. a three year stay at Rome, Saint Jerome felt compelled to abandon this city for good. Together with his brother Paulinian and friends, Saint Jerome visited the Holy Land, and also the monks of the Nitria wilderness monastery. the year 386 he settled into a cave at Bethlehem near the cave where Christ was born, and there he began a life of austere asceticism. was the period of blossoming of his creative activity. Attending to the studies of his time, Saint Jerome left to the Church a rich written legacy: collections of dogmatic-polemic works, moral-ascetic works, commentaries on Scripture, and historical works. the most important of his works was a new translation the books of the Old and New Testaments into the Latin language. This Latin translation is called the “Vulgate,” and it passed into general use throughout the Western Church. Jerome lived through the fall of his beloved city Rome, which was sacked by the Goths in the year 410. In the year 411 a new ordeal beset the saint, Bethlehem was invaded by wild Bedouin Arabs. Only through the mercy of God was the community of the aged ascetic saved from complete destruction. He finished his life at the cave in Bethlehem. Saint Jerome is believed to have reposed in 420. relics were transferred from Bethlehem to Rome in 642, but their present location is unknown. His hand is enshrined in a church near Rome’s Piazza Farnese.

Constantinople, 369-382, Gothic General, Athanaric, Pagan, Loser
Byzantine Period, Gothic General, 369-382, Athanaric, Pagan, Loser; Byzantine Period, Gothic Civil War, 376-382, Eastern Roman Empire; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397);

Constantinople, 370, Aphraates fPersia, tEdessa&Antioch, disavvowed illustrious lineage, attracted many to his holy life
Armenia, 370, Aphraates fPersia, tEdessa&Antioch, disavvowed illustrious lineage, attracted many to his holy life, preached word of God to them, died 370; Edessa, Syria; St Aphraates of Persia, Commemorated on January 29 ; Aphraates, a Persian who came to believe in Christ, disavowed his illustrious lineage and left his pagan countrymen by going to Edessa, and then to Antioch. attracted many by his holy life, and preached the Word of God to them. He died in the year 370.

Constantinople, 370-380, Patriarch, Lupus aka Demophilus of Constantinople
Constantinople Patriarch, 370-380, Lupus aka Demophilus of Constantinople; St Barses the Confessor, Commemorated on August 25;

Constantinople, 370-405, Germanus of Dacia Pontica, kin John Cassian, J's spiritual father, friend&teacher, monastic perfection
Romania, 370-405, Germanus of Dacia Pontica (Romania, Dacia (Transylvania) to Pontus), fTomis, older than kin John Cassian, tonsured, J's spiritual father, friend&teacher, monastic perfection, t Bethlehem 380-385, t Egypt, cenobitic monasteries, tNitria&Sinai, 399 tConstantinople fChrysostom, priesthood, 404 tRome &Innocent, d 405; Dacia Pontica: from Transylvania thru Lesser Scythia to Pontus Dacia; Pontica; Saint Germanus of Dacia Pontica (Dobrogea), Commemorated on February 28; Germanus the Daco-Roman was born in the mid-fourth century, probably on the borders of Cassian and the Caves in the diocese of Tomis (in what is now Romania), was related to Saint John Cassian (February 29). Germanus, who was older than Saint John, was tonsured at one of the local monasteries when he was still a young man. holy bishop Saint Theotimus I (April 20) may have been his Spiritual Father. turn, Saint Germanus became the Spiritual Father, friend, and teacher of Saint John Cassian, instructing him in monastic perfection. both lived at one of the monasteries of Dacia Pontica for a short time, then worked together in Bethlehem from 380-385. they traveled to Egypt and visited some of its cenobitic monasteries. also visited the hermits of Nitria and Mount Sinai, seeking to benefit from their holy example and wise counsel. Germanus and John went to Constantinople in 399 in order to be near Saint John Chrysostom (November 13), around this time Germanus was deemed worthy of ordination to the holy priesthood. Chrysostom was deposed and exiled in 404, the two saints journeyed to Rome in order to plead his case before Pope Innocent I. Germanus completed the course of his life in the early fifth century, perhaps at the monastery estabished by Saint John Cassian at Marseilles, or in one of the monasteries of Dacia Pontica. inscription on the saint’s scroll is an abbreviated quotation from Psalm 17/18:1. It reads: The Lord is my strength and deliverer.

Constantinople, 370-420, Macedonius tHermit, began ascetic wanderer, 45yrs deep uncovered pit, shunned human glory, barley eater
Syria, 370-420, Macedonius tHermit oSyria, fNear Cyrrhus (a small town near Antioch), Syria (Orontes River 7), began ascetic life as wanderer, Phoenecia, Cilicia, Syria, then 45 yrs in deep wilderness pit, open sky no roof, shunning human glory (fool for christ), called pit (Gouvas), crowds visited, spiritual advise, ate only barley&water, called barley eater, old age moved to cell & ate baked bread, lived advance age 70; Antioch (Orontes River 7); Saint Macedonius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on January 24; Macedonius, a Syrian hermit, lived during the end of the fourth century and the beginning of the fifth. he first embarked upon the path of asceticism, he led the life of a wanderer, roaming through the cities of Phoenicia, Cilicia, and Syria. he spent forty-five years in the wilderness, in a deep pit, living under the open sky with no roof over his head, shunning human glory. he was called "Gouvas," which means "pit" in Syrian. of people visited him, seeking spiritual help and guidance. in his old age did he accede to the requests of those who begged him to live in a narrow cell they built for him. his life Saint Macedonius ate just barley and water. Therefore, he was called “Krithophagos" (Κριθοφάγος), or "Barley-Eater." as he felt his strength fading did he agree to eat baked bread. of his ascetical life, God granted him the power to cast out demons, and to heal the sick. also healed the mother of the historian Theodoret of Cyrrhus (a small town near Antioch), who had been barren for a long time before she conceived. labor, however, something went wrong, and she feared that she would lose the child. Saint traced the Sign of the Cross in a vessel of water with his fingers, and told her to drink it. The child was born without any further difficulty. Macedonius performed many other miracles. lived to an advanced age and reposed in peace around the year 420, after reaching his seventieth year.

Constantinople, 370-422, Martinian, Zoe and Photina, Caesarea, Palestine, M's fire convicts Zoe, M's dolphins inspires Photina
Palestine, 370-422, Caesarea, Palestine (Phonecia, Dor, Way of the Sea 8), wilderness at 18, 25 yrs, ascetic, silence, healing, deliverence, temptations, prostitute Zoe to topple his virtue with her beauty, chose to burn in fire to escape fires of Hell, Zoe realized her sin, repented, asked him to guide her, sent to Bethlehem, Paula's convent, M burns healed, to rocky island, open sky, wove baskets for sailor who brought provisions, Photina floated to island, remain here for ship, M jumped into sea, carried by 2 dolphins, became wanderer, to Athens, sensed death, died in a church 422, Photina stayed island 6 yrs, men's clothing, bread water and wool to make clothes for captain's wife, incorrupt relics; Caesarea, Palestine ; Venerable Martinian of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 13 ; Martinian went to live in the wilderness at the age of eighteen, not far from the city of Caesarea in Palestine. twenty-five years, he devoted himself to ascetic deeds and silence, and he was granted the gift of healing illnesses and casting out demons. However, the Enemy of the human race would not stop troubling the holy ascetic with various temptations. day a prostitute overheard some citizens of Caesarea speaking of Saint Martinian's virtuous life, so she asked them why they were amazed by it. She said that he went to live in the desert because he could not endure the temptations of the flesh in the city. Furthermore, she made a wager with them that she could topple this pillar of virtue with her beauty and seduce him. came to him one night, dressed in shabby clothes, pretending that she had lost her way in the storm, and asking for shelter. Reluctantly, the saint allowed her to enter his cell, because he did not wish to be the cause of her death. He went into the inner room of his cell, telling her she would have to leave in the morning. After chanting Psalms according to his Rule, he went to sleep on the floor, but he was disturbed by carnal thoughts. Meanwhile, the wicked guest opened the bag she had been carrying and changed into her beautiful clothes and adorned herself with jewels. morning came, Saint Martinian came out to send the woman away. Though he was tempted by the woman’s beauty, he was determined not to fall into sin. Lighting a fire, he stepped into it, saying, “You want me to burn with temptation, but I will not give in to it.. Instead, I choose to burn in this fire in order to preserve my purity and to escape the unquenchable fires of Hell." Saint Zoe woman was astonished at the lengths Saint Martinian was willing to go, and she realized how evil she was. She repented and asked the saint to guide her onto the way of salvation. He told her to go to Bethlehem, and enter the convent founded by Saint Paula (January 26). There she lived as a nun for twelve years in strict asceticism until her blessed repose. The woman’s name was Zoe. his burns healed, Saint Martinian went to an uninhabited rocky island, and lived on it under the open sky for several years, nourished by the provisions brought by a certain sailor from time to time. In return the monk wove baskets for him. day a ship was wrecked by a powerful storm, and a woman named Photina floated to the island on pieces of the wreckage Saint Martinian helped her to survive on the island. “Remain here,” he told her, “for I am leaving you bread and water, and in two months a boat will come and return you to the mainland." Martinian refused to stay on the island with the woman, believing that it would be better to drown than to burn with lust. He jumped into the sea and swam away, and a pair of dolphins carried him to dry land. Thereafter, Saint Martinian led the life of a wanderer. Later, he came to Athens and fell ill. Sensing the approach of death, he went into a church and lay upon the floor. God revealed to the Bishop of Athens who Saint Martinian was, and the hierarch buried his body with honor. This occurred around the year 422. for Saint Photina, she did not board the ship when it came to the island, electing to stay there by herself. She asked the captain of the ship to have his wife bring her men's clothing and some wool, promising to make clothes for his family. She also asked the woman to bring her bread and water in addition to the other supplies. Photina lived on the island for six years, and then she went to the Lord. Two months after her repose, the captain and his wife found her incorrupt relics and brought them to Caesarea in Palestine. He had a vision which revealed many details of Saint Photina's life, which he shared with the bishop. Then they buried her with great honor and reverence.

Constantinople, 370-430, Alexander, founder 2 Unsleeping Ones Monasteries, prayed 3yrs to make sure, preached tOriginal gospel
Armenia, 370-430, Alexander, founder Unsleepinge Ones Monastery, Edessa, Armenia, (Euphrates River 3), educated iConstantinople, some military service, called to desert monastery near Antioch, under Elias, monastic obedience, blessed to dwell wilderness, took only Holy Gospel with him, not the Gospels?, then Lord summoned him to preach tPagans, converted local leader who became bishop oEdessa 30 years, Alex settled not far from Euphrates, Monks gathered, monastery o400 monks, A decided offer never ceasing prayer, but first prayed 3yrs to make sure, divine revelation God said yes, Monks divided 24 watches oPrayer, shifts each hour, 2 Choirs sang Psams both Day and Night, except for divine services time, named Unsleeping Ones, unceasing praise tGod, A guided this monastery 12yrs, left Trphimus as igumen, left to preach Gospel to cities on Persian border, with chosen brothers, arrives at Constantinople and established another Unsleeping monastery with rule of unceasing praise, died 430 after 50 yrs a monk; Venerable Alexander, founder of the Monastery of the “Unsleeping Ones”, Commemorated on February 23; Alexander, Founder of the Monastery of the “Unsleeping Ones,” was born in Asia and received his education at Constantinople. spent some time in military service sensing a calling to other service, he left the world and received monastic tonsure in one of the desert monasteries near Antioch under the guidance of Igumen Elias. advanced through all the degrees of monastic obedience, he received a blessing from the igumen to dwell in the wilderness. saint lived an ascetical life in the wilderness, taking only the Holy Gospel with him. the Lord summoned him to preach to pagans. converted to the faith the local city-head Rabbul, who afterwards prospered in the service of the Church, attaining the rank of bishop, and for thirty years, he occupied the bishop’s cathedra in the city of Edessa. Saint Alexander settled not far from the Euphrates River. Monks gathered around him, attracted by the loftiness of his prayerful asceticism and spiritual experience. monastery of 400 monks eventually sprang up there. the holy igumen in his prayerful zeal decided to offer never-ceasing praise to the Lord at the monastery both by day and by night. three years the holy abba prayed that God might reveal to him whether it was pleasing to Him to establish such a monastic rule. received an answer by divine revelation. the monks were divided into twenty-four watches of prayer. Changing shifts each hour, two choirs sang the holy Psalms both day and night, except when divine services were celebrated in church. the name “Monastery of Unsleeping Ones,” since the ascetics offered unceasing praise to God. Alexander guided the monastery on the Euphrates for twelve years. having left the experienced Elder Trophimus as igumen, he set off with some chosen brethren through the cities bordering on Persia, to preach the Gospel. arrived at Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire, he also established a monastery there with his Rule of unceasing praise. abba died at a great old age after fifty years of monastic struggles. death occurred in the year 430. Saint Alexander is also commemorated on July 3.

Constantinople, 372, Novoniketa Icon, Dacia, appeared on boy' chest in the night, Niketas baptised right away
Temple of St. Nicetas the Martyr on Shvivaya Hill beyond Yauza; Icon of the Mother of God of Novoniketa, Commemorated on September 15; is one of the most ancient icons of the Mother of God. It appeared to the holy martyr Nikḗtas (+ September 15, 372). Saint Nikḗtas, a former soldier, was a disciple of Bishop Theophilos of the Goths. Even before he was baptized, he saw a Child in a dream, holding a Cross in His hand. When he awakened, he thought about this for a long time, but was unable to understand what this vision signified. A Christian girl named Juliana, who had a special revelation from God, told him to look down at his chest. his unspeakable surprise, Nikḗtas found an Icon of the Mother of God on his chest. She held her divine Child on her lap, and He was holding a Cross in His hand. "This is the same Icon I saw in my dream," the startled Nikḗtas cried. The appearance of the Icon made such an impression on him that he was baptized right away. afterward, the persecution of Christians began, and Saint Nikḗtas received the crown of martyrdom along with many other confessors. When he was being led to the place of execution, he had on his chest, under his clothes, the Icon of the Mother of God which had appeared to him. was established that the Novonikḗta Icon of the Mother of God should be commemorated on the day of Saint Nikḗtas's martyrdom. list of miracles from this Icon is in Moscow, in the court cathedral, which is dedicated to the All-Merciful Savior, at the Gate of Saint Nikḗtas.

Constantinople, 372-422, Maruthas, Bishop oMartyropolis, tPersian Shah twice, persuaded favorable Christn disposition, much more
Mesopotamia, 372-422, Maruthas, Bishop oMartyropolis, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Armenia (Tigris River 2), Bishop oTagrith (Martyropolis), city he founded, between Byzantine Empire and Persia, knowledge&piety fame, wrote about martyrs, suffered under Sapor, Syrian Language Commentary otGospel, Verses oMaruthas, 73 Cannons ot 325 EC at Nicea, Acts otCouncil, 381 2nd EC participant aConstantinople, against Macedonius, 383 attended Council oAntioch against Messalians, 403-404 off to Constantinople, plead Arcadius protect Persian Christians, two times sent by Theodosius tYounger to Shah in Izdegerd to secure peace, 414 persuaded Shah favorable disposition tChristians, for freedom Christians iPersia, located Persian saints relics, transferred them tMartyropolis, rebuilt Churches razed by Sapor, died iPersia 422, relics trans tEgypt, skete Monastery otMOG; Martyropolis; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; Maruthas was Bishop of Tagrith (Martyropolis), city which he founded between the Byzantine Empire and Persia. was famed for his knowledge and his piety, wrote about the martyrs, he suffered for his faith in Christ under the Persian emperor Sapor. also left behind other works in the Syrian language, which the most famous are: “Commentary on the Gospel,” “Verses of Maruthas,” “Liturgy of Maruthas” “The 73 Canons of the Ecumenical Council at Nicea” (325) with an account of the acts of the Council. the year 381 Saint Maruthas participated in the Second Ecumenical Council at Constantinople, against the heresy of Macedonius. 383, he attended the Council of Antioch against the Messalians. the years 403-404 Saint Maruthas set off to Constantinople plead with the emperor Arcadius to protect Persian Christians. was twice sent by the emperor Theodosius the Younger to the Shah Izdegerd to secure the peace between the Empire and Persia. the year 414 Saint Maruthas, having done his duty as envoy to the court of Izdegerd, the Shah to a favorable disposition towards Christians, and he assisted greatly in the freedom of Christians in Persia. rebuilt Christian churches razed during the persecution by the Persian ruler Sapor. also located relics of saints who had suffered martyrdom and transferred them to Martyropolis. died there in 422. relics of Saint Maruthas were later transferred to Egypt placed in a skete monastery of the Mother of God.

Constantinople, 373, Beret Icon, Beret Phoenecia, Biblos, Lebanon, Jesus icon, Jews, spear, blood and water, healing for all
Beret, Phoenecia Biblos; Commemoration of the Miracle of the Icon of Our Lord Jesus Christin Beret , Commemorated October 11 ; of the Miracle of the Icon of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Beret: At the fourth session of the Seventh Ecumenical Council (in 787), Saint Peter, Bishop of Nicomedia, in defending the necessity of icon veneration, presented an account of Saint Athanasius about a miracle which occurred in the city of Beret, Phoenecia. this city, near the Jewish synagogue, lived a certain Christian. When he moved to another place, he left behind an icon of the Lord Jesus Christ. A Jew, who moved into the house, paid no attention to the icon. Once, his friend noticed of the image of Jesus Christ on the wall and said to the homeowner, “Why do you, a Jew, have an icon in your house?” He then went to the synagogue and reported this transgression of Jewish law. Jews expelled the owner of the house from the synagogue. took the icon from the wall and began to scoff at it, “As once our fathers mocked Him, so we also mock Him.” They spit at the face of the Lord. Hurling abuses, they lashed at the icon, they placed thorns around the head, nailed it to a tree, and put a sponge with vinegar to the mouth. Finally, they took a spear, and one of the Jews thrust it into the side of the Savior. from the hole in the icon made by the spear, blood and water flowed. The Jewish rabbis, seeing the miracle, said, “The followers of Jesus Christ say that He could heal the sick. Let us take this blood and water into the synagogue and anoint those afflicted with infirmities. Then we shall see whether what is spoken of Him is true.” vessel with the blood was put in the synagogue. The inhabitants of Beret, once they learned of the miracle, began to bring those suffering from various illnesses into the synagogue. all were healed, after being anointed with the blood from the icon of the Savior. the Jewish people believed in Christ and exclaimed, “Glory to You, O Christ, Whom our fathers crucified, Whom we also crucified in the form of Your icon. Glory to You, O Son of God, for having worked such a miracle! We believe in You, therefore be merciful to us and receive us!” Jews went to the Bishop of Beret. After showing him the wonderworking icon and the blood and water that flowed from it, they told him of their misdeed. The bishop, seeing their sincere repentance, accepted them, catechized them for many days and then baptized them. he consecrated the synagogue into a church of our Savior Jesus Christ. At the request of the Jews, he also consecrated other synagogues into churches dedicated to the holy martyrs. There was great joy in that city, not only because many people were healed, but because many were baptized due to the miracles worked by the icon of the Savior. St Rabulas of Samosata, Commemorated February 19 ; Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Syria, Commemorated on June 13 ;

Constantinople, 373-431, Paulinus oNola, Roman Senator, Baptized a25, gave all, adopted orphans, ransomed Vandal captives, poet
Naples, 373-431, Paulinus tMerciful oNola, Campagna (on plain between Mt Vesuvius and the Apennines), fBordeaux, France, Roman Senator a20, counsul, Governor oCampagna, Italy, Baptized wWife at 25, changed life, gave property, scorn fServants&friends, adopted poor orphans, raised them tFear God, secluded tBarcelona, ascetic, soon tNola, elected Bishop, ransomed Vandal Italian captives, fAfrica, all but one poor son of a widow, Paulinus replaced him, served Vandal King aGardener, idenity revealed tKing in a dream, sent back home tCamania with all captives, also known as Church builder and Poet, 32 poems 51 letters survive, Relics iRome; Nola, Campagna (on plain between Mt Vesuvius and the Apennines) ; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated January 23 ; Paulinus the Merciful, Bishop of Nola, descended from an aristocratic and wealthy family of Bordeaux (France). virtue of his extensive education and upbringing, twenty-year-old youth was chosen to become a Roman senator, he became consul finally, governor of the region of Campagna in Italy. twenty-five years of age, he and his wife were converted to Christ and were baptized. this he completely changed his manner of life. disposed of all his property, distributed the money to the needy, which he endured the scorn of his friends and servants. having children of their own, the pious couple adopted poor orphans and raised them in the fear of God. his searchings for a secluded life, Saint Paulinus went to the Spanish city of Barcelona. of his ascetic life spread about, and in 393 they asked him to be ordained as a priest. he left Spain and went on to the city of Nola in Italy, where he was elected bishop. the Vandal barbarians invaded Italy and carried off many people to Africa in captivity, Saint Paulinus used church funds to ransom the captives. he did not have enough money to ransom the son of a certain poor widow from slavery in the household of the Prince of the Vandals. he volunteered to take his place. Dressed as a slave, Saint Paulinus began to serve the Vandal prince as a gardener. his identity was revealed to the ruler, King Riga, in a dream. only did he receive his own freedom, he also won the release of all the other prisoners from Campania, and returned home with them. Paulinus is known both as a builder of churches and as a Christian poet. his many virtues, his love for mankind and his compassion for the poor and needy deserve special mention. died at seventy-eight years of age on June 22, 431. of his poems and fifty-one of his letters survive. contain various moral discourses filled with deep piety. relics are in Rome, in the church of the holy Apostle Bartholomew.

Constantinople, 374-430, Saint Augustine of Hippo, Bishop and Theologian, Latin church
Rome, 374-430, Saint Augustine of Hippo; Roman Saint, 367-420, Jerome ; AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430); JEROME, SCHOLAR, TRANSLATOR, AND THEOLOGIAN (30 SEP 420); Martyr Pamphilius the Presbyter at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 16; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Constantinople, 374-430, AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, Algeria, bishop and theologian, combated Donatist, Manichaean &Pelagian h, reason
Africa, North Africa, 374-430, AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, Algeria, North Africa, bishop and theologian, wrote many works devoted to combating the Donatist, Manichaean and Pelagian heresies; Hippo; St Augustine the Bishop of Hippo, Commemorated on June 15 ; Augustine was born in the city of Thagaste in northern Africa. was raised by his mother, Saint Monica (May 4), and he received his education at Carthage. the capacity of professor of rhetoric, Augustine arrived at Milan, Italy where Saint Ambrose (December 7) was bishop. the guidance of Saint Ambrose, Augustine studied the Holy Scriptures. The Word of God produced in his soul a radical crisis; he accepted holy Baptism, gave all his wealth to the poor and was tonsured as a monk. the year 391 Valerian, Bishop of Hippo, ordained Saint Augustine a priest, and in 395, appointed him vicar bishop of the see of Hippo. After the death of Bishop Valerian, Saint Augustine took his place. his 35 years as bishop, Saint Augustine wrote many works devoted to combating the Donatist, Manichaean and Pelagian heresies. Augustine wrote many works (according to his student and biographer Possidias, the number approached 1030). Of his works the best known are: The City of God (De civitate Dei), The Confessions, 17 Books against the Pelagians and Handbook of Christian Knowledge (The Enchiridion). Augustine was concerned above all else that his writings be intelligent and edifying. “It is better,” he said, “for them to condemn our grammar, than for people not to understand.” Saint Augustine died on August 28, 430. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430); (Aurelius Augustinus) was one of the greatest theologians of Western Christianity. his day the Mediterranean world consisted of an Eastern, Greek-speaking half and a Western, Latin-speaking half, with different ways of looking at things, and different habits of thought.) was born 13 November 354 in North Africa, about 45 miles south of the Mediterranean, in the town of Tagaste in Numidia (now Souk-Ahras in Algeria), near ancient Carthage (modern Tunis). mother, Monnica, was a Christian (see 4 May), and his father for many years a pagan (although he became a Christian before his death). mother undertook to bring him up as a Christian, and on one level he always found something attractive about Christ, but in the short run he was more interested in the attractions of sex, fame, and pride in his own cleverness. a moderate amount of running around as a teen-ager, he took a mistress, who bore him a son when he was about eighteen. was a long-term relationship, apparently with faithfulness on both sides, and the modern reader is left wondering why he did not simply marry the girl. He never tells us this (and in fact never tells us her name), so that we can only guess. It seems likely that she was a freedwoman, and the laws forbade marriage between a free-born Roman citizen and a slave, or an ex-slave. he was 19 and a student at Carthage, he read a treatise by Cicero that opened his eyes to the delights of philosophy. was from the beginning a brilliant student, with an eager intellectual curiosity, he never mastered Greek -- he tells us that his first Greek teacher was a brutal man who constantly beat his students, and Augustine rebelled and vowed never to learn Greek. By the time he realized that he really needed to know Greek, it was too late; and although he acquired a smattering of the language, he was never really at home in it. his mastery of Latin was another matter. He became an expert both in the eloquent use of the language and in the use of clever arguments to make his points. became a teacher of rhetoric in Carthage, but was dissatisfied. It was the custom for students to pay their fees to the professor on the last day of the term, and many students attended faithfully all term, and then did not pay. In his late twenties, Augustine decided to leave Africa and seek his fortune in Rome. Augustine teaching in Rome, by Gozzoli Augustine teaching in Rome, by Gozzoli a long time Augustine was attracted by the teachings of Manicheeism, named for Mani, a Persian who had preached kind of synthesis of Christianity with Zoroastrianism, the dominant religion of Persia. had taught the existence of a power of light, God, the supreme Creator, and of a dark and evil power that opposed him. the Zoroastrian (Parsi) view, the dark power was a rebel against his creator, and doomed to ultimate defeat. on the other hand, was a thoroughgoing dualist, who taught that there are two gods of equal power and eternity, and that the universe is the scene of an unending battle between light and darkness, good and evil, knowledge and ignorance, soul and body, etc. Manichees as they moved west into the Roman Empire adopted many traits of what is generically called Gnosticism. In particular, they advertised themselves as being not an alternative to Christianity but as the advanced version of Christianity, as the faith for the spiritually mature, the intellectually gifted. claimed that their beliefs were based on reason rather than authority, and that they had answers for everything, at least as soon as the learner was sufficiently advanced to comprehend them. differed from the classical Gnostics by not contrasting spirit with matter. On their view, everything was composed of material particles, but these were either light or dark. the mind was composed of light particles, imprisoned in the body, a cage made of dark particles, something like the Gnostic contrast between spirit and matter was there. were divided into an inner circle, the "elect," who were expected to be celibate and vegetarian, so as to avoid all those dark particles, the "learners," of whom considerably less was expected. signed up as a learner. He was at first completely captivated, but then met with a series of disappointments. rank and file of the movement did not seem to be very clear thinkers. He met the leaders, who were advertised as the Towering Intellects of the Ages, and was not impressed. prospered in Rome, and was eventually appointed chief professor of rhetoric for the city of Milan, at that time the capital city of the Empire in the West. should be noted that this was an extremely prestigious appointment. In classical times, when laws were often made and issues voted on by huge public assemblies, when even juries typically had several hundred members, and when a man's public influence, or even on occasion his life, depended on his ability to sway large audiences, rhetoric -- the art of manipulating an audience -- was a skill that few men thought they could afford to neglect. was one of the few, and we know what happened to him!) art, at first intensely practical, had by Augustine's day become a display form admired for its own sake. However, the admiration was there. Every lawyer, arguing a case, was expected to give an eloquent speech, full of classical allusions and standard rhetorical flourishes. And Augustine was at the top of the field. St. Augustine entering Milan, by Gozzoli St. Augustine entering Milan, by Gozzoli Milan Augustine met the bishop Ambrose, and was startled to find in him a reasonableness of mind and belief, a keenness of thought, and an integrity of character far in excess of what he had found elsewhere. For the first time, Augustine saw Christianity as a religion fit for a philosopher. after his arrival in Milan, Augustine was plunged into two crises. First, his mother arrived from Africa, and persuaded him that he ought to give up his mistress and get married. He agreed to a betrothal to a suitable young lady; but his betrothed was too young for immediate marriage, and so the actual wedding was postponed for two years. Meanwhile the mistress had been sent back to Africa. Augustine, not ready for two years of sexual abstinence, lapsed back into promiscuity. The second crisis was that Augustine became a neo-Platonist. Plato, as interpreted by his later spokesmen, in particular by Plotinus, taught that only God is fully real, and that all other things are degenerations in varying degrees from the One--things are progressively less good, less spiritual, and less real as one goes rung by rung down the cosmic ladder. By contemplating spiritual realities, directing one's attention first to one's own mind and then moving up the ladder rung by one to the contemplation of God, one acquires true wisdom, true self-fulfilment, true spirituality, and union with God, or the One. Augustine undertook this approach, and believed that he had in fact had an experience of the presence of God, but found that this only made him more aware of the gulf between what he was and what he realized that he ought to be. he continued to hear Bishop Ambrose. And finally, partly because Ambrose had answers for his questions, partly because he admired Ambrose personally, and chiefly (or so he believed) because God touched his heart, he was converted to Christianity in 386 and was baptised by Ambrose at Easter of 387. 12 years later he wrote an account of his life up to a time shortly after his conversion, a book called the Confessions, a highly readable work available in English. Ostensibly an autobiography, it is more an outpouring of penitence and thanksgiving. "Take and Read", by Gozzoli "Take and Read", by Gozzoli a well-known chapter, Augustine describes his conversion. His intellectual objections had lost their force, and he was at a point where the difficulty was that he seemed unable to make a commitment to living chastely, or unable to make a commitment, period. He heard of a group of young men, Christians, one of whom decided to become a desert hermit, whereupon the others, one at a time, made the same commitment, encouraged and inspired by the examples of those in the group who had already done so. (In many circles at that time, becoming a desert hermit had the same overtones as joining the Peace Corps did for many young persons in the 1960's, or joining the armed forces for many in the weeks immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor.) Augustine went aside to ponder the question, "How is it that these young men can make so drastic a commitment, and I cannot take even the first step of declaring myself a Christian?" He heard what seemed to be a child's voice coming from next door, saying over and over, "Tolle, lege; tolle, lege," or, "Pick up and read; pick up and read." Since he could not think of any reason why a child would be saying that, he took it as an omen, and picked up a copy of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. As he opened it, his eye fell on the end of the thirteenth chapter: The night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. he read, he experienced this as God speaking directly to him, convicting him of his past sins, and offering him forgiveness; calling him to amend his life, and promising him the grace and power to do it. He burst into tears, and surrendered. Later, he wrote: Late have I loved Thee, O Lord; and behold, Thou wast within and I without, and there I sought Thee. Thou was with me when I was not with Thee. Thou didst call, and cry, and burst my deafness. Thou didst gleam, and glow, and dispell my blindness. Thou didst touch me, and I burned for Thy peace. For Thyself Thou hast made us, and restless our hearts until in Thee they find their ease. Late have I loved Thee, Thou Beauty ever old and ever new. Thou hast burst my bonds asunder; unto Thee will I offer up an offering of praise. written as an account of his life, the Confessions keeps digressing into speculations about the nature of time, the nature of causality, the nature of free will, the motives of human action, etc. deWohl has written a novel about Augustine, based mostly on the Confessions, called The Restless Flame. It is an excellent introduction to the man. his conversion, Augustine went back to his native Africa in 387, where he was ordained a priest in 391 and consecrated bishop of Hippo in 396. It was not his intention to become a priest. He was visiting the town of Hippo (or Hippo Regius, now Annaba, 36:55 N 7:47 E), was in church hearing a sermon, and the bishop, without warning, said, "This congregation is in need of more priests, and I believe that the ordination of Augustine would be to the glory of God." Willing hands dragged Augustine forward, and the bishop together with his council of priests laid hands on Augustine and ordained him to the priesthood. (The experience may have colored Augustine's perception of such questions as, "Does a man come to God because he has chosen to do so, or because God has chosen him, and drawn him to Himself?") A few years later, when the Bishop of Hippo died, Augustine was chosen to succeed him. was a diligent shepherd of his flock, but he also found time to write extensively. He was an admirer of Jerome, and wrote him a letter hoping to establish a friendship, but the letter went astray. (In those days there was no public post office, and if you wanted to send a letter to a friend in Athens, you entrusted it to someone you knew who was travelling to Athens, or at least in that general direction, with instructions to deliver it or pass it on to someone else who would oblige.) Jerome did not get the letter, and the contents became public knowledge before he heard of it. Augustine, in addition to saying how much he admired Jerome, had offered some criticisms of something Jerome had written. Jerome was furious, and came close to writing Augustine off altogether. However, Augustine wrote him a second letter, apologizing and explaining what had happened, and Jerome was mollified. They had a long and intellectually substantial correspondence. written output was vast, and largely responsible for the fact that the entry for him in the index of the Encyc. Brit. is more than a column long. His surviving works (and it is assumed that the majority did not survive) include 113 books and treatises, over 200 letters, and over 500 sermons. His work greatly influenced Luther and Calvin, to the point where for a while Roman Catholic speakers and writers were wary of quoting him lest they be suspected of Protestant tendencies. have already mentioned his Confessions. A second great work of his is the book, De Civitatae Dei (The City of God). This was written after Rome had been sacked by invaders led by Alaric the Visigoth. It is a reply to those who said that the Roman Empire was falling apart because the Christians had taken over; he discusses the work of God in history, and the relation between the Christian as citizen of an earthly commonwealth and the Christian as citizen of Heaven. third great work is his De Trinitate (On the Trinity). Here, he discusses the doctrine of the Trinity by undertaking to compare the mind of man with the mind of God, since man is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Augustine begins by pointing out a Trinitarian structure in the act of knowing something. He continues by pointing out a Trinitarian structure in the act of self-awareness. He concludes by pointing out a Trinitarian structure in the act of religious contemplation by which man sees himself as made in the image of God. AND THE DONATISTS a century before Augustine was born, the Church in Africa had been torn apart by the Donatist controversy. For a brief account of this controversy (and the Pelagian and other controversies of the day), but a longer one than I am prepared to give here, I refer the reader to the relevant section of the book, Sketches of Church History, by Canon Robertson. the persecution of the Church by the Emperor Decius, some Christian clergymen in Africa, or so it was alleged, had stood firm against threat of torture, imprisonment and death more consistently and nobly than others. The Donatists maintained that their clergy derived their ordinations from clergy with very good records of constancy under persecution, and that they were the Church of the Martyrs, as opposed to the Church of the Sell-outs, which was everybody else. They further held that sacraments received at the hands of unworthy ministers were of no value. Or at least it seems that they held this. Augustine had a long correspondence and controversy with them, and at one point they apparently replied that they did not hold this, to which Augustine replied, "In that case, will you kindly tell me what the controversy is all about, and what you and I have been debating for the last eighteen months, and what your bishops and ours have been out of fellowship with each other about for the last century?" The controversy dragged on, with part of the dispute historical (whether Bishop so-and-so, now seventy years dead, had really done what he was accused of doing), and part theological. It seems clear that the Donatists, at least most of the time, argued that the holiness of the Church depended on the holiness of its members, especially its clergy. Against them, Augustine maintained that the holiness of the Church is not derived from the average level of virtue of its individual members, but is derived from the Holiness of its Head, who is Christ. AND THE PELAGIANS Augustine's day, a man from Britain named Morgan, or in Latin Pelagius (means "islander" -- consider the words "pelagic" and "archipelago"), began to preach, denouncing what he saw as a slackening of moral standards. He saw professed Christians living less than exemplary lives, and offering human frailty as an excuse. His reply was: "Nonsense. God has given you free will. You can choose to follow the example of Adam, or you can choose to follow the example of Christ. God has given everyone the grace he needs to be good. If you are not good, you simply need to try harder." Augustine asked him about original sin, and he replied that there is no such thing. Augustine asked him why, in that case, it was the universal custom to baptize infants, and he had no answer. Augustine saw the teaching of Pelagius as totally undermining the doctrine that God is the ultimate source of all good, and encouraging the virtuous and well-behaved Christian to feel that he had earned God's approval by his own efforts. Pelagius was condemned by Pope Innocent I, and then re-instated by Pope Zosimus. Augustine refused to accept the judgement of Zosimus, and ultimately won the day. the end of his life, the Vandals, a barbarian people with a reputation for wanton destructiveness (hence our modern term "vandal"), who had earlier invaded Spain from the north and settled down there (hence the province of Spain called "Andalusia"), became involved in a civil war in Northern Africa, and their troops invaded Africa in huge numbers. The leader of the losing side took refuge in the town of Hippo, and the Vandals were besieging the town (which they ultimately captured) when Augustine, bishop of Hippo, died 28 August 430, aged 75. by James Kiefer [Several of Augustine's works can also be found online at the Christian Classics Ethereal Library.] MONNICA, MOTHER OF AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (4 MAY 387); know about Monnica almost entirely from the autobiography (the Confessions) of her son Augustine, a major Christian writer, theologian and philosopher (see 28 August). was born in North Africa, near Carthage, in what is now Tunisia, perhaps around 331, of Christian parents, and was a Christian throughout her life. Her name has usually been spelled "Monica," but recently her tomb in Ostia was discovered, and the burial inscription says "Monnica," a spelling which all AC (Archaeologically Correct) persons have hastened to adopt. (On the other hand, it may simply be that the artisan who carved the inscription was a bad speller.) As a girl, she was fond of wine, but on one occasion was taunted by a slave girl for drunkenness, and resolved not to drink thereafter. She was married to a pagan husband, Patricius, a man of hot temper, who was often unfaithful to her, but never insulted or struck her. It was her happiness to see both him and his mother ultimately receive the Gospel. soon recognized that her son was a man of extraordinary intellectual gifts, a brilliant thinker and a natural leader of men (as a youngster he was head of a local gang of juvenile delinquents), and she had strong ambitions and high hopes for his success in a secular career. Indeed, though we do not know all the circumstances, most Christians today would say that her efforts to steer him into a socially advantageous marriage were in every way a disaster. However, she grew in spiritual maturity through a life of prayer, and her ambitions for his worldly success were transformed into a desire for his conversion. He, as a youth, rejected her religion with scorn, and looked to various pagan philosophies for clues to the meaning of life. He undertook a career as an orator and teacher of the art of oratory (rhetoric), and moved from Africa to Rome and thence to Milan, at that time the seat of government in Italy. His mother followed him there a few years later. In Milan, Augustine met the bishop Ambrose, from whom he learned that Christianity could be intellectually respectable, and under whose preaching he was eventually converted and baptised on Easter Eve in 387, to the great joy of Monnica. his baptism, Augustine and a younger brother Navigius and Monnica planned to return to Africa together, but in Ostia, the port city of Rome, Monnica fell ill and said, "You will bury your mother here. All I ask of you is that, wherever you may be, you should remember me at the altar of the Lord. Do not fret because I am buried far from our home in Africa. Nothing is far from God, and I have no fear that he will not know where to find me, when he comes to raise me to life at the end of the world." by James Kiefer

Constantinople, 374-450, Arsenius t Great, Egyptian, Roman, Byzantine St, Theodosius' sons, Sketis, Silence, Flame, tears
Constantinople, 374-450, Arsenius t Great, Egyptian, Roman, Byzantine St, Theodosius' sons, Sketis, Silence, Flame, baskets, tears; Venerable Arsenius the Great, Commemorated on May 8 ; Arsenius the Great was born in the year 354 at Rome into a pious Christian family, which provided him a fine education and upbringing. He studied rhetoric and philosophy, and mastered the Latin and Greek languages. Saint Arsenius gave up philosophy and the vanity of worldly life, seeking instead the true wisdom praised by Saint James “pure, peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits” (Jas. 3:17). He entered the ranks of the clergy as a deacon in one of the Roman churches, dedicating himself to the service of God. emperor Theodosius (379-395), who ruled the eastern half of the Roman Empire, heard about his erudition and piety, and he wished to entrust Arsenius with the education of his sons Arcadius and Honorius. Arsenius, however, protested that he had given up secular studies in order to serve God. Against his will, but in obedience to the will of Pope Damasus (December 11), Saint Arsenius agreed to teach the imperial children, hoping to teach them Christian piety as well. he arrived at Constantinople, Arsenius was received with great honor by the emperor Theodosius, who charged him to educate his sons not only in wisdom, but also in piety, guarding them from the temptations of youth. “Forget that they are the emperor’s sons,” said Theodosius, “for I want them to submit to you in all things, as to their father and teacher.” fervor the saint devoted himself to the education of the youths, but the high esteem in which he was held troubled his spirit, which yearned for the quietude of monastic life. Saint Arsenius entreated the Lord to show him the way to salvation. The Lord heard his prayer and one time he heard a voice telling him, “Arsenius, flee from men, and you shall be saved.” And then, removing his rich clothing and replacing it with old and tattered garments, he secretly left the palace, boarded a ship for Alexandria, and he made his way to Sketis, a monastery in the midst of the desert. at the church, he asked the priests to accept him into the monastic brotherhood, calling himself a wretched wanderer, though his very manner betrayed him as a cultivated man. The brethren led him to Abba John the Dwarf (November 9), famed for his holiness of life. He, wishing to test the newcomer’s humility, did not seat Arsenius with the monks for the trapeza meal. He threw him a piece of dry bread saying, “Eat if you wish.” Saint Arsenius got down on his hands and knees, and picked up the bread with his mouth. Then he crawled off into a corner and ate it. Seeing this, Elder John said, “He will be a great ascetic!” Then accepting Arsenius with love, he tonsured him into monasticism. Arsenius zealously passed through his obediences and soon he surpassed many of the desert Fathers in asceticism. The saint again heard the Voice while he was praying, “Arsenius, hide from people and dwell in silence, this is the root of virtue.” From that moment Saint Arsenius settled in a solitary cell deep in the desert. taken on the struggle of silence he seldom left his seclusion. He came to church only on Sundays and Feast days, observing complete silence and conversing with no one. When Abba Moses asked him why he hid himself from people, Saint Arsenius replied, “God knows that I love you, but I cannot remain with God and with men at the same time. The Heavenly Powers all have one will and praise God together. On earth, however, there are many human wills, and each man has his own thoughts. I cannot leave God in order to live with people.” absorbed in constant prayer, the saint did not refuse visiting monks with his counsel and guidance, giving short, but perceptive answers to their questions. Once, a monk from Sketis saw the great Elder through a window standing at prayer, surrounded by a flame. handicraft of Saint Arsenius was to weave baskets, for which he used the fronds of date palms soaked in water. For a whole year Saint Arsenius did not change the water in the container, but merely added a little water to it from time to time. This caused his cell to be permeated with a foul stench. When asked why he did this, the saint replied that it was fitting for him to humble himself in this way, because in the world he had used incense and fragrant oils. He prayed that after death he would not experience the stench of hell. fame of the great ascetic spread far, and many wanted to see him, and they disturbed his tranquility. As a result, the saint was forced to move around from place to place. But those thirsting to receive his guidance and blessing still found him. Arsenius taught that many take upon themselves great deeds of repentance, fasting, and vigil, but it is rare for someone to guard his soul from pride, greed, jealousy, hatred of one’s brother, remembrance of wrongs, and judgment. In this they resemble graves which are decorated outwardly, but filled with stinking bones. certain monk once asked Saint Arsenius what he should do when he read the Holy Scriptures and did not comprehend their meaning. The Elder answered, “My child, you must study and learn the Holy Scriptures constantly, even if you do not understand their power... For when we have the words of the Holy Scriptures on our lips, the demons hear them and are terrified. Then they flee from us, unable to bear the words of the Holy Spirit Who speaks through His apostles and prophets.” monks heard how the saint often urged himself on in his efforts with the words, “Rouse yourself, Arsenius, work! Do not remain idle! You have not come here to rest, but to labor.” He also said, “I have often regretted the words I have spoken, but I have never regretted my silence.” great ascetic and keeper of silence was given the gift of tears with which his eyes were constantly filled. He spent fifty-five years at monastic labors and struggles. He spent forty years at Sketis, and ten years on the mountain of Troe near Memphis. Then he spent three years at Canopus, and two more years at Troe, where he fell asleep in the Lord. Our holy, God-bearing Father Arsenius reposed when he was nearly one hundred years old, in the year 449 or 450. only disciples seem to have been Alexander, Zoilos, and Daniel (June 7).

Constantinople, 375, Hieromartyr Marcellus of Apamea, permission to destroy Temple, Lesser Blessing of Water, temple destroyed
Syria, 375, Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Apamea, Syria (Orontes River 5), permission to destroy Temple, temporary wood woould not burn, Lesser Blessing of Water, wood burned, caught destroying another temple, thrown into fire; Apamea, Syria; Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Apamea, Commemorated August 14 ; Hieromartyr Marcellus, Bishop of Apamea, was born of illustrious parents on the island of Cyprus. received a fine education, he occupied a high civil office. marveled at his purity of life, mildness, kindness and eloquence. the year 375, the saint left his wife and children, and devoted himself to a monastic life in Syria. people of Apamea, having him come to the city on some practical matter, elected him as bishop. the account of Theodoret of Cyrrhus we learn that Saint Marcellus received permission from the emperor Saint Theodosius the Great (379-395) to destroy a strongly built temple of Jupiter at Apamea, the saint didn’t know how to accomplish this. certain worker promised to help him. He undermined three of the huge columns, propping them up temporarily with olive wood. he tried to set them afire, but the wood would not burn. Saint Marcellus learned of this, he performed the Lesser Blessing of Water, he commanded that this water be faithfully sprinkled around the wood. this, the wood burned quickly, the columns fell down and the whole pagan temple collapsed in upon itself. soldiers near Aulona in the Apamea district demolished another pagan temple, the saint, watching from a distance, was seized by pagans and thrown into a fire. killers were found, and the saint’s sons wanted to take revenge. local Council forbade them to do this, decreeing that it would be wrong to avenge such a death as the saint had received. Instead, they ought to give thanks to God.

Byzantium, 375-383, Emperor, Gratian, Christian, in the West
Byzantine Emperor, 375-383, Gratian ; Venerable Horus of the Thebaid, Egypt, Commemorated on August 7; AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430) ; MOSES THE BLACK, DESERT FATHER & MARTYR, 28 August 405; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397); St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on November 11; St Amphilochius the Bishop of Iconium, Commemorated on November 23; St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated on November 26; St John of Egypt, Commemorated on December 2; Venerable Karion (Cyrion) and his son in Egypt, Commemorated on December 5 ; Venerable Zachariah of Egypt, Commemorated on December 5; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31; St Peter the Bishop of Sebaste, in Armenia, Commemorated on January 9; Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Sts Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; St Gregory the Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; St Theodosius of Antioch, Commemorated on January 11 ; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; Venerable Marcian of Cyrrhus in Syria, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Macarius of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 19; Venerable Macarius the Great of Egypt, Commemorated on January 19; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Mausimas the Syrian, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Salamanes the Silent of the Euphrates, Commemorated on January 23; St Macedonius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on January 24; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25; St Publius the Ascetic of Syria, Commemorated on January 25 ; St Simeon "œthe Ancient" of Mt. Sinai, Commemorated on January 26; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 27; Venerable Palladius the Hermit, of Antioch, Commemorated on January 28; Venerable Zeno the Hermit of Antioch the Disciple of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Venerable Isidore of Pelusium, Commemorated on February 4; St Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 12; Venerable Martinian of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 13; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Eusebius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 15; St Porphyrius the Bishop of Gaza, Commemorated on February 26; St Germanus of Dacia Pontica, Commemorated on February 29; St Germanus of Dacia Pontica, Commemorated on February 29; Venerable John Cassian the Roman, Commemorated on February 29; Venerable Paul the Simple and Disciple of the Venerable Anthony the Great, Commemorated on March 7; GREGORY OF NYSSA, (9 MAR 395); CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on March 22; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26 ; Venerable John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 27; Venerable Apollonius, Ascetic, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 31; Venerable Hypatius the Abbot of Rufinus in Chalcedon, Commemorated on March 31; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; Venerable Theodore Trichinas "œthe Hair-Shirt Wearer"Â and Hermit Near Constantinople, Commemorated on April 20; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22;

Constantinople, 376-382, Gothic Civil War, Eastern Roman Empire, Roman Roads
Byzantine Period, Gothic Civil War, 376-382, Eastern Roman Empire; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7;

Constantinople, 376-382, Gothic General, Fritigern, Christian, Victor, Arian
Byzantine Period, Gothic General, 376-382, Fritigern, Christian, Victor Byzantine Period, Gothic Civil War, 376-382, Eastern Roman Empire; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397);

Constantinople, 378-423, Thalassius oTargala, Syria, 38yrs, no roof, nor cell, nor shelter, wonderworker, healing, cells fOthers
Syria, 378-423, Thalassius, Hermit oTargala in Byzantine Syria, near its Capital, Apamea, withdrew at young age, 38yrs, no roof, nor cell, nor shelter, for his simple disposition, gentleness, humility he was granted wonderworking and healing the sick, people wanted live under his guidance, he did not refuse them, built cells for them, died peacefully; Targala in Byzantine Syria, near its Capital Apamea; Venerable Thalassius Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Thalassius of Syria lived during the fifth century. a young age he withdrew to a hill near the village of Targala and passed 38 years there in monastic deeds, having neither a roof over his head, nor any cell nor shelter. his simple disposition, gentleness and humility he was granted by the Lord the gift of wonderworking and healing the sick. wanted to live under his guidance, and the saint did not refuse those coming to him. himself built cells for them. He died peacefully, granted rest from his labors. Venerable Limnaeus Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22

Byzantium, 379-395, Emperor, Theodosis 1, the Great, with Christian Goths, anti Pagan
Byzantine Emperor, 379-395, Theodosis 1, the Great ; I (11 January 347-“ 17 January 395), also called Theodosius the Great, was Roman emperor from 379 to 395, during Late Antiquity. reign accelerated the Christianization of the Roman Empire, achieved military successes when the frontiers of the empire were threatened by the wars of the Migration Period, and defeated two rival emperors in successive civil wars. He was the first emperor of the Theodosian dynasty (r. 379-“457), and married into the ruling Valentinianic dynasty (r. 364-“455). His decrees made Nicene Christianity the state church of the Roman Empire and punished Roman paganism, Hellenistic religion, and Arianism. his capital Constantinople he commissioned the honorific Column of Theodosius, the Theodosian Walls, and the Golden Gate, among the greatest works of ancient Roman architecture. a military career and a governorship under his father Theodosius the Elder he became magister equitum and was then elevated to the imperial rank of augustus by the emperor Gratian (r. 367-“383). He replaced the latter's uncle and senior augustus Valens (r. 364-“378), who had been killed in the Battle of Adrianople. Theodosius married Gratian's half-sister Galla, daughter of Valentinian the Great (r. 364-“375), and defeated the rebellion of Magnus Maximus (r. 383-“388) on behalf of his new brother-in-law, Valentinian II (r. 375-“392). When Valentinian II died, Theodosius became the senior emperor, having already made his eldest son Arcadius his co-augustus. Theodosius then defeated the usurper Eugenius (r. 392-“394). accepting his elevation, he campaigned against Goths and other barbarians who had invaded the Empire. His resources were not sufficient to destroy them or drive them out, which had been Roman policy for centuries in dealing with invaders. By treaty, which followed his indecisive victory at the end of the Gothic War, they were established as foederati, autonomous allies of the Empire, south of the Danube, in Illyricum, within the Empire's borders. They were given lands and allowed to remain under their own leaders, not assimilated as had been normal Roman practice. issued decrees that effectively made Nicene Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire, including the Edict of Thessalonica.[4][5] neither prevented nor punished the destruction of prominent Hellenistic temples of classical antiquity, including the Temple of Apollo in Delphi and the Serapeum in Alexandria. He dissolved the order of the Vestal Virgins in Rome's Temple of Vesta. In 393, he banned the pagan rituals of the Olympic Games. his death, Theodosius's young and incapable sons were the two augusti. Arcadius (r. 383-“408) inherited the eastern empire and ruled from Constantinople and Honorius (r. 393-“423) the western empire, an administrative division that endured until the fall of the western Roman empire in the late 5th century. fought two destructive civil wars, successively defeating the usurpers Magnus Maximus in 387-“388 and Eugenius in 394, at great cost to the power of the Empire. His management of the empire was marked by heavy tax exactions, by the compulsory establishment of Christianity, and by a court in which according to Peter Brown "everything was for sale".[6] is considered a saint by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches, and his feast day is on January 17.[7] life[edit] to Polemius Silvius, Theodosius the Great was born on 11 January 347 or 346.[8] The epitome de Caesaribus places his birthplace at Cauca (Coca, Segovia) in Hispania.[8] According to the traditional texts of the chronicle of Hydatius and Zosimus, he was born at "Cauca in Gallaecia".[9][10][11] These texts are probably corrupted with interpolations, as Cauca was in fact not part of the province of Gallaecia, while according to Themistius, Claudius Claudianus, and Marcellinus Comes, he was born at Italica in Hispania Baetica.[11] These claims were probably fictitious and intended to connect Theodosius with the lineage of his distant predecessor Trajan (r. 98-“117), who had came from Italica.[8] Thedosius's father was Theodosius the Elder and his mother was Thermantia.[8] Theodosius had a brother named Honorius, a sister referred to in Aurelius Victor's De caesaribus but whose name is unknown, and a niece, Serena.[8] career[edit] accompanied his father, the comes rei militaris, on his 368-“369 campaign against the Franks, Scots, and Saxons to restore order and the rule of the emperors Valentinian I (r. 364-“375) and Valens (r. 364-“378) in Roman Britain, which had been threatened in 367 by the Great Conspiracy.[12][13][8] They also defeated the usurpation in Britain by Valentinus.[13] Previous to this in 366, Theodosius the Elder attacked and defeated the Alamanni in Roman Gaul; the defeated prisoners had been resettled in the Po Valley.[14][15] the Elder was made magister equitum in 369, and retained the post until 375.[8] Theodosius and his father son campaigned against the Alamanni 370.[8] The two Theodosi campaigned against Sarmatians in 372/373.[8] The emperors' rule in Roman Africa was disrupted by the revolt of Firmus in 373.[16] Theodosius the Elder moved to defeat the usurpation.[16] In about 373, Theodosius was made dux of the province of Moesia Prima.[17] In 374, the Quadi and their allies the Sarmatians overran the province of Valeria in the praetorian prefecture of Illyricum.[18] Theodosius drove the Sarmatians out of the Roman territory and then defeated the Quadi.[19][20] He is reported to have defended his province with marked ability and success.[19] the Elder fell from power in 375, and Theodosius the dux of Moesia Prima retired to his estates in the Iberian Peninsula, where he married Aelia Flaccilla in 376.[8] Their first child, Arcadius, was born around 377.[8] Pulcheria, their daughter, was born in 377 or 378.[8] Theodosius had returned to the Danube frontier by 378, when he was appointed magister equitum.[8] the death of his uncle Valens (r. 364-“378), Gratian, now the senior augustus, sought a candidate to nominate as Valens's successor. On 19 January 379, Theodosius I was made augustus over the eastern provinces at Sirmium.[8][21] His wife, Aelia Flaccilla, was accordingly raised to augusta.[8] The new augustus's territory spanned the Roman praetorian prefecture of the East, including the Roman diocese of Thrace, and the additional dioceses of Dacia and of Macedonia. Theodosius the Elder, who had died in 375, was then deified as: Divus Theodosius Pater, lit. 'the Divine Father Theodosius'.[8] administrative divisions of the Roman Empire in 395, under Theodosius I. of Valentinian II showing Valentinian and Theodosius I on the reverse, each holding a mappa reign: 379-“383[edit] October 379 the Council of Antioch was convened.[8] On 27 February 380 Theodosius issued the Edict of Thessalonica, making Nicene Christianity the state church of the Roman Empire.[8] In 380, Theodosius was made Roman consul for the first time and Gratian for the fifth; in September the augusti Gratian and Theodosius met, returning the Roman diocese of Dacia to Gratian's control and that of Macedonia to Valentinian II.[21][8] In autumn Theodosius fell ill, and was baptized.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Theodosius arrived at Constantinople and staged an adventus, a ritual entry to the capital, on 24 November 380.[8] issued a decree against Christians deemed heretics on 10 January 381.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, on the 11 January, Athanaric, king of the Gothic Thervingi arrived in Constantinople; he died and was buried in Constantinople on 25 January.[8] 8 May 381, Theodosius issued an edict against Manichaeism.[8] In mid-May, Theodosius convened the First Council of Constantinople, the second ecumenical council after Constantine's First Council of Nicaea in 325; the Constantinopolitan council ended on 9 July.[8] According to Zosimus, Theodosius won a victory over the Carpi and the Scirii in summer 381.[8] On 21 December, Theodosius decreed the prohibition of sacrifices with the intent of divining the future.[8] 21 February 382, the body of Theodosius's father in law Valentinian the Great was finally laid to rest in the Church of the Holy Apostles.[8] Another Council of Constantinople was held in summer 382.[8] to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, a treaty of foedus was reached with the Goths, and they were settled between the Danube and the Balkan Mountains.[8] settlement of the Gothic Wars[edit] Goths and their allies (Vandals, Taifals, Bastarnae and the native Carpians) entrenched in the provinces of Dacia and eastern Pannonia Inferior consumed Theodosius's attention. Gothic crisis was so dire that his co-Emperor Gratian relinquished control of the Illyrian provinces and retired to Trier in Gaul to let Theodosius operate without hindrance. major weakness in the Roman position after the defeat at Adrianople was the recruiting of barbarians to fight against other barbarians. In order to reconstruct the Roman Army of the East, Theodosius needed to find able bodied soldiers and so he turned to the most capable men readily at hand: the barbarians recently settled in the Empire. This caused many difficulties in the battle against barbarians since the newly recruited fighters had little or no loyalty to Theodosius. It did not help that Theodosius himself was dangerously ill during many months after his elevation, being confined to his bed in Thessalonica during much of 379.[22] suppressed the incursions into dioceses of Illyria (Pannonia and Dalmatia) by Alathaeus and Saphrax in 380.[23] He succeeded in convincing both to agree to a treaty and be settled in Pannonia.[24] was able finally to enter Constantinople in November 380, after two seasons in the field, having ultimately prevailed by offering highly favorable terms to the Gothic chiefs.[23] His task was rendered much easier when Athanaric, an aged and cautious leader, accepted Theodosius's invitation to a conference in the capital, Constantinople, and the splendor of the imperial city reportedly awed him and his fellow-chiefs into accepting Theodosius' offers.[25] himself died soon after, but his followers were impressed by the honorable funeral arranged for him by Theodosius, and agreed to defending the border of the empire.[25] The final treaties with the remaining Gothic forces, signed 3 October 382, permitted large contingents of barbarians, primarily Thervingian Goths, to settle in Thrace south of the Danube frontier.[26] The Goths now settled within the Empire would largely fight for the Romans as a national contingent, as opposed to being fully integrated into the Roman forces.[26] provinces along the Ister (Danube), showing the Roman dioceses of Thrace, Dacia, Pannonia and Italia Annonaria on the empire's northern frontier civil war: 383-“384[edit] of Theodosius, showing both he and his co-augustus Valentinian II (r. 375-“392) enthroned on the reverse, each crowned by Victory and together holding an orb victoria augg ("the Victory of the Augusti") to the Chronicon Paschale, Theodosius celebrated his quinquennalia on 19 January 383 at Constantinople; on this occasion he raised his eldest son Arcadius to co-augustus.[8] Early 383 saw the acclamation of Magnus Maximus as augustus in Britain and the appointment of Themistius as praefectus urbi in Constantinople.[8] On 25 July, Theodosius issued a new edict against gatherings of Christians deemed heretics.[8] unable to do much about Maximus due to his still inadequate military capability, opened negotiations with the Persian emperor Shapur III (r. 383-“388) of the Sasanian Empire.[27] In an attempt to curb Maximus's ambitions, Theodosius appointed Flavius Neoterius as praetorian prefect of Italy.[28] in 383, Gratian's wife Constantia died.[21] Gratian remarried, wedding Laeta, whose father was a consularis of Roman Syria.[29] On the 25 August 383, according to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Gratian was killed at Lugdunum (Lyon) by Andragathius, the magister equitum of the rebel augustus during the rebellion of Magnus Maximus .[21] Constantia's body arrived in Constantinople on 12 September that year and was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles on 1 December.[21] Gratian was deified as Latin: Divus Gratianus, lit. 'the Divine Gratian'.[21] 21 January 384 all those deemed heretics were expelled from Constantinople.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Theodosius received in Constantinople an embassy from the Sasanian Empire in 384.[8] In summer 384, Theodosius met his co-augustus Valentinian II in northern Italy.[30][8] Theodosius brokered a peace agreement between Valentinian and Magnus Maximus which endured for several years.[31] of Theodosius, found in 1847 in Almendralejo, Spain reign: 384-“387[edit] second son Honorius was born on 9 December 384 and titled nobilissimus puer (or nobilissimus iuvenis).[8] The death of Aelia Flaccilla, Theodosius's first wife and the mother of Arcadius, Honorius, and Pulcheria, occurred by 386.[8] She died at Scotumis in Thrace and was buried at Constantinople, her funeral oration delivered by Gregory of Nyssa.[8][32] A statue of her was dedicated in the Byzantine Senate.[32] In 384 or 385, Theodosius's niece Serena was married to the magister militum, Stilicho.[8] On 25 May 385, Theodosius repeated the ban on sacrifices that were done in order to predict the future.[8] the beginning of 386, Theodosius's daughter Pulcheria also died.[8] That summer more Goths were defeated, and many were settled in Phrygia.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, a Roman triumph over the Gothic Greuthungi was then celebrated at Constantinople.[8] The same year, work began on the great triumphal column in the Forum of Theodosius in Constantinople, the Column of Theodosius.[8] On 19 January 387, according to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Arcadius celebrated his quinquennalia in Constantinople.[8] By the end of the month, there was an uprising or riot in Antioch (Antakya).[8] With a peace agreement with Persia in the Roman-“Persian Wars came a division of Armenia.[8] civil war: 387-“388[edit] peace with Magnus Maximus was broken in 387, and Valentinian escaped the west with Justina, reaching Thessalonica (Thessaloniki) in summer or autumn 387 and appealing to Theodosius for aid; Valentinian II's sister Galla was then married to the eastern augustus at Thessalonica in late autumn.[30][8] Theodosius may still have been in Thessalonica when he celebrated his decennalia on 19 January 388.[8] Theodosius was consul for the second time in 388.[8] Galla and Theodosius's first child, a son named Gratian, was born in 388 or 389.[8] 10 March 388, Christians deemed heretics were forbidden from residing in cities.[8] On 14 March, Theodosius banned the intermarriage of Jews and Christians.[8] In summer 388, Theodosius recovered Italy from Magnus Maximus for Valentinian, and in June, the meeting of Christians deemed heretics was banned by Valentinian.[30][8] armies of Theodosius and Maximus fought at the Battle of Poetovio in 388, which saw Maximus defeated. On 28 August 388 Maximus was executed.[33] Now the de facto ruler of the Western empire as well, Theodosius celebrated his victory in Rome on June 13, 389 and stayed in Milan until 391, installing his own loyalists in senior positions including the new magister militum of the West, the Frankish general Arbogast.[33] July, Magnus Maximus was defeated by Theodosius at the Battle of Save; on 28 August, Magnus Maximus was executed by Theodosius.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Arbogast killed Flavius Victor (r. 384-“388), Magnus Maximus's young son and co-augustus, in Gaul in August/September that year. Damnatio memoriae was pronounced against them, and inscriptions naming them were erased.[8] affairs: 388-“391[edit] Ambrose barring Theodosius from Milan Cathedral, Anthony van Dyck, c. 1620 came into conflict with Ambrose, bishop of Mediolanum (Milan), in October 388 over the persecution of Jews at Callincium-on-the-Euphrates (Raqqa).[8] As mentioned in the Panegyrici Latini and in a panegyric of Claudian's on the sixth consulship of Honorius, Theodosius then received another embassy from the Persians in 389.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Theodosius staged an adventus on entering Rome on 13 June 389.[8] On 17 June, he issued a decree against Manichaeism.[8] Theodosiushad left Valentinian under the protection of the magister militum Arbogast, who then defeated the Franks in 389.[31][30] 390 the population of Thessalonica rioted in complaint against the presence of the local Gothic garrison. The garrison commander was killed in the violence, so Theodosius ordered the Goths to kill all the spectators in the circus as retaliation, an event known as the Massacre of Thessalonica; Theodoret, a contemporary witness to these events, reports: the anger of the Emperor rose to the highest pitch, and he gratified his vindictive desire for vengeance by unsheathing the sword most unjustly and tyrannically against all, slaying the innocent and guilty alike. It is said seven thousand perished without any forms of law, and without even having judicial sentence passed upon them; but that, like ears of wheat in the time of harvest, they were alike cut down.[34] was excommunicated by the bishop of Milan, Ambrose, for the massacre.[35] Ambrose told Theodosius to imitate David in his repentance as he had imitated him in guilt; Ambrose readmitted the emperor to the Eucharist only after several months of penance.[citation needed] spring 390, possibly in April, the Massacre of Thessalonica was perpetrated by Theodosius's army, leading to a confrontation with Ambrose.[8] Ambrose demanded that the emperor do penance for the massacre.[8] According to the 5th-century church historian Theodoret, on 25 December 390 (Christmas), Ambrose received Theodosius back into the Christian Church in his bishopric of Mediolanum.[8] According to the Chronicon Paschale, on 18 February 391, the head of John the Baptist was translated to Constantinople.[8] On the 24 February, attendance at pagan sacrifices and temples was forbidden by law.[8] In early summer 391, an uprising in Alexandria was suppressed, and the Serapeum of Alexandria was destroyed.[8] On 16 June, pagan worship was prohibited by law.[8] In 391, a delegation from the Roman Senate was snubbed in Gaul because of the reappearance of the Altar of Victory in the Curia Julia.[30] to Zosimus, Theodosius then campaigned against marauding barbarian bandits in Macedonia in autumn 391.[8] Eventually, he came to Constantinople, where according to Socrates Scholasticus's Historia Ecclesiastica he held an adventus, entering the city on 10 November 391.[8] of Eugenius (r. 392-“394), showing both he and Theodosius enthroned on the reverse, each crowned by Victory and together holding an orb. Marked: victoria augg ("the Victory of the Augusti") of the Theodosian emperors from the Hoxne Hoard: portraits of Theodosius I (top), Arcadius (left), and Honorius (right) civil war: 392-“394[edit] 15 May 392, Valentinian II died at Vienna in Gaul (Vienne), either by suicide or as part of a plot by the magister militum Arbogast.[30] Valentinian had quarrelled publicly with Arbogast, and was found hanged in his room.[36] Arbogast announced that this had been a suicide.[36] He was deified with the consecratio: Divae Memoriae Valentinianus, lit. 'the Divine Memory of Valentinian'.[30] was then sole adult emperor, reigning with his son Arcadius. Arbogast was unable to assume the role of emperor because of his non-Roman background.[36] Instead, on 22 August at the behest of Arbogast, a magister scrinii and vir clarissimus, Eugenius, was acclaimed augustus at Lugdunum.[8] Eugenius made some limited concessions to the Roman religion; like Maximus he sought Theodosius's recognition in vain.[36] On 8 November 392, all cult worship of the gods was forbidden by Theodosius.[8] to Polemius Silvius, Theodosius raised his second son Honorius to augustus on 23 January 393.[8] He cited Eugenius's illegitimacy.[36] 393 was the year of Theodosius's third consulship.[8] On 29 September 393, Theodosius issued a decree for the protection of Jews.[8] According to Zosimus, at the end of April 394, Theodosius's wife Galla died.[8] On 1 August, a colossal statue of Theodosius was dedicated in Constantinople's Forum of Theodosius, an event recorded in the Chronicon Paschale.[8] the last years of Theodosius's reign, one of the emerging leaders of the Goths, named Alaric, participated in Theodosius's campaign against Eugenius in 394, only to resume his rebellious behavior against Theodosius's son and eastern successor, Arcadius, shortly after Theodosius' death. had gathered a large army, including the Goths whom he had settled in the eastern empire as foederati, as well as Caucasian and Saracen auxiliaries, and marched against Eugenius.[37] According to Socrates Scholasticus, Theodosius defeated Eugenius at the Battle of the Frigidus (the Vipava) on 6 September 394.[8] battle began on 5 September 394, with Theodosius' full frontal assault on Eugenius's forces.[citation needed] Theodosius was repulsed on the first day, and Eugenius thought the battle to be all but over.[citation needed] In Theodosius's camp, the loss of the day decreased morale.[citation needed] It is said[by whom?] that Theodosius was visited by two "heavenly riders all in white" who gave him courage.[citation needed] The next day, the battle began again and Theodosius's forces were aided by a natural phenomenon known as the Bora, which produces cyclonic winds.[38] The Bora blew directly against the forces of Eugenius and disrupted the line.[citation needed] Eugenius's camp was stormed; Eugenius was captured and soon after executed.[38] On 8 September, Arbogast killed himself.[8] to Socrates, on 1 January 395, Honorius arrived in Mediolanum and a victory celebration was held there.[8] suffered from a disease involving severe edema, in Milan.[39] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Theodosius died in Mediolanum on 17 January 395.[8] His funeral was held there on 25 February.[8] Ambrose delivered a panegyric titled De obitu Theodosii in the presence Stilicho and Honorius in which Ambrose praised the suppression of paganism by Theodosius.[39] body transferred to Constantinople, where according to the Chronicon Paschale he was buried on 8 November 395 in the Church of the Holy Apostles.[8] He was deified as: Divus Theodosius, lit. 'the Divine Theodosius'.[8] He was interred in a porphyry sarcophagus that was described in the 10th century by Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus in his work De Ceremoniis.[40] offers a laurel wreath to the victor, on the marble base of the Obelisk of Thutmosis III at the Hippodrome of Constantinople. patronage[edit] section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) oversaw the removal in 390 of an Egyptian obelisk from Alexandria to Constantinople.[41] It is now known as the obelisk of Theodosius and still stands in the Hippodrome of Constantinople,[41] the long Roman circus that was the centre of Constantinople's public life and scene of political turmoil. Re-erecting the monolith was a challenge for the technology that had been honed in the construction of siege engines. The obelisk, still recognizably a solar symbol, had been moved from Karnak to Alexandria with what is now the Lateran obelisk by Constantius II. Lateran obelisk was shipped to Rome soon afterwards, but the other one then spent a generation lying at the docks due to the difficulty involved in attempting to ship it to Constantinople. Eventually, the obelisk was cracked in transit. The white marble base is entirely covered with bas-reliefs documenting the imperial household and the engineering feat of removing it to Constantinople. Theodosius and the imperial family are separated from the nobles among the spectators in the imperial box, with a cover over them as a mark of their status. The naturalism of traditional Roman art in such scenes gave way in these reliefs to conceptual art: the idea of order, decorum and respective ranking, expressed in serried ranks of faces. This is seen as evidence of formal themes beginning to oust the transitory details of mundane life, celebrated in Roman portraiture. Forum Tauri in Constantinople was renamed and redecorated as the Forum of Theodosius, including a column and a triumphal arch in his honour.[42] of Nazianzus takes his leave of the emperor Theodosius in a miniature from the Paris Gregory, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript of the Homilies of Gregory policy[edit] 325, Constantine I convened the Council of Nicaea, which affirmed the doctrine that Jesus, the Son, was equal to God the Father and "of one substance" with the Father (homoousios in Greek). The Council condemned the teachings of Arius, who believed Jesus to be inferior to the Father. the council's ruling, controversy continued for decades, with several christological alternatives to the Nicene Creed being brought forth. Theologians attempted to bypass the Christological debate by saying that Jesus was merely like (homoios in Greek) God the father, without speaking of substance (ousia). These non-Nicenes were frequently labelled as Arians (i.e., followers of Arius) by their opponents, though not all would necessarily have identified themselves as such.[43] Emperor Valens had favored the group who used the homoios formula; this theology was prominent in much of the East and had under Constantius II gained a foothold in the West, being ratified by the Council of Ariminum, though it was later abjured by a majority of the western bishops (after Constantius II's death in 361). The death of Valens damaged the standing of the Homoian faction, especially since his successor Theodosius steadfastly held to the Nicene Creed which was the interpretation that predominated in the West and was held by the important Alexandrian church. of orthodoxy[edit] Barocci, Saint Ambrose forces Emperor Theodosius I to make penance for the Thessaloniki massacre (1603), left-side nave, Saint Ambrose Altar, Milan Cathedral. 27 February 380, together with Gratian and Valentinian II, Theodosius issued the decree "Cunctos populos", the so-called Edict of Thessalonica, recorded in the Codex Theodosianus xvi.1.2. This declared the Nicene Trinitarian Christianity to be the only legitimate imperial religion and the only one entitled to call itself Catholic; non-Christian religions or those who did not support the Trinity, he described as "foolish madmen".[44] He also ended official state support for the traditional polytheist religions and customs.[45] 26 November 380, two days after he had arrived in Constantinople, Theodosius expelled the Homoian bishop, Demophilus of Constantinople, and appointed Meletius patriarch of Antioch, and Gregory of Nazianzus, one of the Cappadocian Fathers from Cappadocia (today in Turkey), patriarch of Constantinople. Theodosius had just been baptized, by bishop Ascholius of Thessalonica, during a severe illness.[citation needed] May 381, Theodosius summoned a new ecumenical council at Constantinople to repair the schism between East and West on the basis of Nicene orthodoxy.[46] The council went on to define orthodoxy, including the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, as equal to the Father and 'proceeding' from Him, whereas the Son was 'begotten' of Him.[47] The council also "condemned the Apollonarian and Macedonian heresies, clarified jurisdictions of the bishops according to the civil boundaries of dioceses and ruled that Constantinople was second in precedence to Rome."[47] of pagan religion[edit] article: Persecution of pagans under Theodosius I persecution of pagans under Theodosius I began in 381, after the first couple of years of his reign in the Eastern Roman Empire. In the 380s, Theodosius I reiterated Constantine's ban on some practices of Roman religion, prohibited haruspicy on pain of death, decreed magistrates who did not enforce laws against polytheism were subject to criminal prosecution, broke up some pagan associations and tolerated attacks on Roman temples. 391 and 392 Theodosius promulgated three laws restricting pagan religious practices. The first, issued in June 391 and addressed to the urban prefect of Rome, banned ritual sacrifice and access to temples, with heavy fines for infractors. A similar measure was addressed to Alexandria in June 392. These two laws were apparently aimed at public officials specifically and not binding on the population at large.[48] The third and more extreme law, issued in November 392, prohibited pagan worship in every form, including animal sacrifice and offerings of incense and wine, again threatening offenders with confiscation of property.[49] This measure was addressed specifically to the praetorian prefect of the East, the staunchly Christian Rufinus, and there is seemingly no evidence of its application in the West, where Theodosius himself appointed several pagans to high office to mollify them.[50] He turned pagan holidays into workdays, closed temples, confiscated Temple endowments and disbanded the Vestal Virgins.[51] The practices of taking auspices and witchcraft were punished. Theodosius refused to restore the Altar of Victory in the Senate House, as asked by non-Christian senators.[52]:115 392 until his death in 395, while non-Christians continued to request toleration,[53][54] he ordered, authorized, or at least failed to punish, the closure or destruction of many temples, holy sites, images and objects of piety throughout the empire.[55][56][57][58][59] 393 he issued a comprehensive law that prohibited any public non-Christian religious customs,[60] and was particularly oppressive to Manicheans.[61] He is likely to have discontinued the ancient Olympic Games, whose last record of celebration was in 393, though archeological evidence indicates that some games were still held after this date.[62] Icon of the Mother of God of Cyprus, Commemorated July 9 ; Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Phocas the Bishop of Sinope, Commemorated on July 22 ; Virginmartyr Eupraxia of Tabenna, Commemorated on July 25; Venerable Isaac the Ascetic of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on August 3; Venerable Horus of the Thebaid, Egypt, Commemorated on August 7; Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Apamea, Commemorated on August 14; AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430) ; MOSES THE BLACK, DESERT FATHER & MARTYR, 28 August 405; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; Repose of St John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 14; NINIAN OF GALLOWAY, BISHOP, MISSIONARY TO SCOTLAND (16 SEP 430) ; St Paul the Confessor the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 6; St Amphilochius the Bishop of Iconium, Commemorated on November 23; St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated on November 26; St John of Egypt, Commemorated on December 2; Venerable Karion (Cyrion) and his son in Egypt, Commemorated on December 5 ; Venerable Zachariah of Egypt, Commemorated on December 5; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31; Venerable Domnica of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 8; St Peter the Bishop of Sebaste, in Armenia, Commemorated on January 9; Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Sts Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; St Gregory the Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; St Theodosius of Antioch, Commemorated on January 11 ; Venerable Eupraxia of Tabenna, in Egypt, Commemorated on January 12; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; Emperor Theodosius the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Venerable Marcian of Cyrrhus in Syria, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Macarius of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 19; Venerable Macarius the Great of Egypt, Commemorated on January 19; Icon of the Mother of God ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂœComfortÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ or ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂœConsolationÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on January 21; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Mausimas the Syrian, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Salamanes the Silent of the Euphrates, Commemorated on January 23; St Macedonius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on January 24; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25; St Publius the Ascetic of Syria, Commemorated on January 25 ; St Simeon ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚Âœthe AncientÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ of Mt. Sinai, Commemorated on January 26; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 27; Venerable Palladius the Hermit, of Antioch, Commemorated on January 28; Venerable Zeno the Hermit of Antioch the Disciple of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Venerable Isidore of Pelusium, Commemorated on February 4; Venerable Martinian of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 13; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Eusebius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 15; St Flavian, Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 16; Icon of the Mother of God of Cyprus, Commemorated on February 19; St Porphyrius the Bishop of Gaza, Commemorated on February 26; St Germanus of Dacia Pontica, Commemorated on February 29; St Germanus of Dacia Pontica, Commemorated on February 29; Venerable John Cassian the Roman, Commemorated on February 29; Venerable Agathon of Egypt, Commemorated on March 2; Venerable Paul the Simple and Disciple of the Venerable Anthony the Great, Commemorated on March 7; GREGORY OF NYSSA, (9 MAR 395); St Patrick the Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on March 22; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26 ; Venerable John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 27; Venerable Apollonius, Ascetic, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 31; Venerable Hypatius the Abbot of Rufinus in Chalcedon, Commemorated on March 31; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; St Theotimus the Bishop of Lesser Scythia, Commemorated on April 20; Venerable Theodore Trichinas ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Âœthe Hair-Shirt WearerÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ and Hermit Near Constantinople, Commemorated on April 20; St Donatus the Bishop of Euroea in Epirus, Commemorated on April 30; MONNICA, MOTHER OF AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (4 MAY 387); St Monica, Commemorated on May 4 ; Venerable Arsenius the Great, Commemorated on May 8 ; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Second Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on May 22; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on May 30 ; BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379); St Augustine the Bishop of Hippo, Commemorated on June 15 ; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂœUnsleeping OnesÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on July 3; Venerable Sisoes the Great, Commemorated on July 6;

Byzantium, 379-395, Theodosis 1, tGreat, his edict decisive blow tPaganism, service tPagan gods unlawful, his 2nd EC 381
Byzantium, 379-395, Emperor, Theodosis 1, the Great, because his edict was decisive blow to paganism, service to pagan gods unlawful, he convened 2nd EC 381; Emperor Theodosius the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Holy Emperor Theodosius the Great during his reign (379-395) delivered a decisive blow to paganism by issuing an edict, which any sort of service to the pagan gods was considered a violation of the law. zealous proponent of Orthodoxy promulgated many laws in defense of the Church and against heretics. convened the Second Ecumenical Council (381). ended his life in Milan in 395 at the age of fifty. Theodosius often said that he was more fortunate to be a member of Christ’s holy Church than an emperor. Byzantine Emperor, 379-395, Theodosis 1, the Great ; I (11 January 347-“ 17 January 395), also called Theodosius the Great, was Roman emperor from 379 to 395, during Late Antiquity. reign accelerated the Christianization of the Roman Empire, achieved military successes when the frontiers of the empire were threatened by the wars of the Migration Period, and defeated two rival emperors in successive civil wars. He was the first emperor of the Theodosian dynasty (r. 379-“457), and married into the ruling Valentinianic dynasty (r. 364-“455). His decrees made Nicene Christianity the state church of the Roman Empire and punished Roman paganism, Hellenistic religion, and Arianism. his capital Constantinople he commissioned the honorific Column of Theodosius, the Theodosian Walls, and the Golden Gate, among the greatest works of ancient Roman architecture. a military career and a governorship under his father Theodosius the Elder he became magister equitum and was then elevated to the imperial rank of augustus by the emperor Gratian (r. 367-“383). He replaced the latter's uncle and senior augustus Valens (r. 364-“378), who had been killed in the Battle of Adrianople. Theodosius married Gratian's half-sister Galla, daughter of Valentinian the Great (r. 364-“375), and defeated the rebellion of Magnus Maximus (r. 383-“388) on behalf of his new brother-in-law, Valentinian II (r. 375-“392). When Valentinian II died, Theodosius became the senior emperor, having already made his eldest son Arcadius his co-augustus. Theodosius then defeated the usurper Eugenius (r. 392-“394). accepting his elevation, he campaigned against Goths and other barbarians who had invaded the Empire. His resources were not sufficient to destroy them or drive them out, which had been Roman policy for centuries in dealing with invaders. By treaty, which followed his indecisive victory at the end of the Gothic War, they were established as foederati, autonomous allies of the Empire, south of the Danube, in Illyricum, within the Empire's borders. They were given lands and allowed to remain under their own leaders, not assimilated as had been normal Roman practice. issued decrees that effectively made Nicene Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire, including the Edict of Thessalonica.[4][5] neither prevented nor punished the destruction of prominent Hellenistic temples of classical antiquity, including the Temple of Apollo in Delphi and the Serapeum in Alexandria. He dissolved the order of the Vestal Virgins in Rome's Temple of Vesta. In 393, he banned the pagan rituals of the Olympic Games. his death, Theodosius's young and incapable sons were the two augusti. Arcadius (r. 383-“408) inherited the eastern empire and ruled from Constantinople and Honorius (r. 393-“423) the western empire, an administrative division that endured until the fall of the western Roman empire in the late 5th century. fought two destructive civil wars, successively defeating the usurpers Magnus Maximus in 387-“388 and Eugenius in 394, at great cost to the power of the Empire. His management of the empire was marked by heavy tax exactions, by the compulsory establishment of Christianity, and by a court in which according to Peter Brown "everything was for sale".[6] is considered a saint by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches, and his feast day is on January 17.[7] life[edit] to Polemius Silvius, Theodosius the Great was born on 11 January 347 or 346.[8] The epitome de Caesaribus places his birthplace at Cauca (Coca, Segovia) in Hispania.[8] According to the traditional texts of the chronicle of Hydatius and Zosimus, he was born at "Cauca in Gallaecia".[9][10][11] These texts are probably corrupted with interpolations, as Cauca was in fact not part of the province of Gallaecia, while according to Themistius, Claudius Claudianus, and Marcellinus Comes, he was born at Italica in Hispania Baetica.[11] These claims were probably fictitious and intended to connect Theodosius with the lineage of his distant predecessor Trajan (r. 98-“117), who had came from Italica.[8] father was Theodosius the Elder and his mother was Thermantia.[8] had a brother named Honorius, a sister referred to in Aurelius Victor's De caesaribus but whose name is unknown, and a niece, Serena.[8] career[edit] accompanied his father, the comes rei militaris, on his 368-“369 campaign against the Franks, Scots, and Saxons to restore order and the rule of the emperors Valentinian I (r. 364-“375) and Valens (r. 364-“378) in Roman Britain, which had been threatened in 367 by the Great Conspiracy.[12][13][8] They also defeated the usurpation in Britain by Valentinus.[13] Previous to this in 366, Theodosius the Elder attacked and defeated the Alamanni in Roman Gaul; the defeated prisoners had been resettled in the Po Valley.[14][15] the Elder was made magister equitum in 369, and retained the post until 375.[8] Theodosius and his father son campaigned against the Alamanni 370.[8] The two Theodosi campaigned against Sarmatians in 372/373.[8] The emperors' rule in Roman Africa was disrupted by the revolt of Firmus in 373.[16] Theodosius the Elder moved to defeat the usurpation.[16] about 373, Theodosius was made dux of the province of Moesia Prima.[17] In 374, the Quadi and their allies the Sarmatians overran the province of Valeria in the praetorian prefecture of Illyricum.[18] Theodosius drove the Sarmatians out of the Roman territory and then defeated the Quadi.[19][20] He is reported to have defended his province with marked ability and success.[19] the Elder fell from power in 375, and Theodosius the dux of Moesia Prima retired to his estates in the Iberian Peninsula, where he married Aelia Flaccilla in 376.[8] Their first child, Arcadius, was born around 377.[8] Pulcheria, their daughter, was born in 377 or 378.[8] Theodosius had returned to the Danube frontier by 378, when he was appointed magister equitum.[8] the death of his uncle Valens (r. 364-“378), Gratian, now the senior augustus, sought a candidate to nominate as Valens's successor. On 19 January 379, Theodosius I was made augustus over the eastern provinces at Sirmium.[8][21] His wife, Aelia Flaccilla, was accordingly raised to augusta.[8] The new augustus's territory spanned the Roman praetorian prefecture of the East, including the Roman diocese of Thrace, and the additional dioceses of Dacia and of Macedonia. Theodosius the Elder, who had died in 375, was then deified as: Divus Theodosius Pater, lit. 'the Divine Father Theodosius'.[8] administrative divisions of the Roman Empire in 395, under Theodosius I. of Valentinian II showing Valentinian and Theodosius I on the reverse, each holding a mappa reign: 379-“383[edit] October 379 the Council of Antioch was convened.[8] On 27 February 380 Theodosius issued the Edict of Thessalonica, making Nicene Christianity the state church of the Roman Empire.[8] In 380, Theodosius was made Roman consul for the first time and Gratian for the fifth; in September the augusti Gratian and Theodosius met, returning the Roman diocese of Dacia to Gratian's control and that of Macedonia to Valentinian II.[21][8] In autumn Theodosius fell ill, and was baptized.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Theodosius arrived at Constantinople and staged an adventus, a ritual entry to the capital, on 24 November 380.[8] issued a decree against Christians deemed heretics on 10 January 381.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, on the 11 January, Athanaric, king of the Gothic Thervingi arrived in Constantinople; he died and was buried in Constantinople on 25 January.[8] 8 May 381, Theodosius issued an edict against Manichaeism.[8] In mid-May, Theodosius convened the First Council of Constantinople, the second ecumenical council after Constantine's First Council of Nicaea in 325; the Constantinopolitan council ended on 9 July.[8] According to Zosimus, Theodosius won a victory over the Carpi and the Scirii in summer 381.[8] On 21 December, Theodosius decreed the prohibition of sacrifices with the intent of divining the future.[8] 21 February 382, the body of Theodosius's father in law Valentinian the Great was finally laid to rest in the Church of the Holy Apostles.[8] Another Council of Constantinople was held in summer 382.[8] to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, a treaty of foedus was reached with the Goths, and they were settled between the Danube and the Balkan Mountains.[8] settlement of the Gothic Wars[edit] Goths and their allies (Vandals, Taifals, Bastarnae and the native Carpians) entrenched in the provinces of Dacia and eastern Pannonia Inferior consumed Theodosius's attention. Gothic crisis was so dire that his co-Emperor Gratian relinquished control of the Illyrian provinces and retired to Trier in Gaul to let Theodosius operate without hindrance. major weakness in the Roman position after the defeat at Adrianople was the recruiting of barbarians to fight against other barbarians. In order to reconstruct the Roman Army of the East, Theodosius needed to find able bodied soldiers and so he turned to the most capable men readily at hand: the barbarians recently settled in the Empire. This caused many difficulties in the battle against barbarians since the newly recruited fighters had little or no loyalty to Theodosius. It did not help that Theodosius himself was dangerously ill during many months after his elevation, being confined to his bed in Thessalonica during much of 379.[22] suppressed the incursions into dioceses of Illyria (Pannonia and Dalmatia) by Alathaeus and Saphrax in 380.[23] He succeeded in convincing both to agree to a treaty and be settled in Pannonia.[24] was able finally to enter Constantinople in November 380, after two seasons in the field, having ultimately prevailed by offering highly favorable terms to the Gothic chiefs.[23] His task was rendered much easier when Athanaric, an aged and cautious leader, accepted Theodosius's invitation to a conference in the capital, Constantinople, and the splendor of the imperial city reportedly awed him and his fellow-chiefs into accepting Theodosius' offers.[25] himself died soon after, but his followers were impressed by the honorable funeral arranged for him by Theodosius, and agreed to defending the border of the empire.[25] The final treaties with the remaining Gothic forces, signed 3 October 382, permitted large contingents of barbarians, primarily Thervingian Goths, to settle in Thrace south of the Danube frontier.[26] The Goths now settled within the Empire would largely fight for the Romans as a national contingent, as opposed to being fully integrated into the Roman forces.[26] provinces along the Ister (Danube), showing the Roman dioceses of Thrace, Dacia, Pannonia and Italia Annonaria on the empire's northern frontier civil war: 383-“384[edit] of Theodosius, showing both he and his co-augustus Valentinian II (r. 375-“392) enthroned on the reverse, each crowned by Victory and together holding an orb victoria augg ("the Victory of the Augusti") to the Chronicon Paschale, Theodosius celebrated his quinquennalia on 19 January 383 at Constantinople; on this occasion he raised his eldest son Arcadius to co-augustus.[8] Early 383 saw the acclamation of Magnus Maximus as augustus in Britain and the appointment of Themistius as praefectus urbi in Constantinople.[8] On 25 July, Theodosius issued a new edict against gatherings of Christians deemed heretics.[8] unable to do much about Maximus due to his still inadequate military capability, opened negotiations with the Persian emperor Shapur III (r. 383-“388) of the Sasanian Empire.[27] In an attempt to curb Maximus's ambitions, Theodosius appointed Flavius Neoterius as praetorian prefect of Italy.[28] in 383, Gratian's wife Constantia died.[21] Gratian remarried, wedding Laeta, whose father was a consularis of Roman Syria.[29] On the 25 August 383, according to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Gratian was killed at Lugdunum (Lyon) by Andragathius, the magister equitum of the rebel augustus during the rebellion of Magnus Maximus .[21] Constantia's body arrived in Constantinople on 12 September that year and was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles on 1 December.[21] Gratian was deified as Latin: Divus Gratianus, lit. 'the Divine Gratian'.[21] 21 January 384 all those deemed heretics were expelled from Constantinople.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Theodosius received in Constantinople an embassy from the Sasanian Empire in 384.[8] In summer 384, Theodosius met his co-augustus Valentinian II in northern Italy.[30][8] Theodosius brokered a peace agreement between Valentinian and Magnus Maximus which endured for several years.[31] of Theodosius, found in 1847 in Almendralejo, Spain reign: 384-“387[edit] second son Honorius was born on 9 December 384 and titled nobilissimus puer (or nobilissimus iuvenis).[8] The death of Aelia Flaccilla, Theodosius's first wife and the mother of Arcadius, Honorius, and Pulcheria, occurred by 386.[8] She died at Scotumis in Thrace and was buried at Constantinople, her funeral oration delivered by Gregory of Nyssa.[8][32] A statue of her was dedicated in the Byzantine Senate.[32] In 384 or 385, Theodosius's niece Serena was married to the magister militum, Stilicho.[8] On 25 May 385, Theodosius repeated the ban on sacrifices that were done in order to predict the future.[8] the beginning of 386, Theodosius's daughter Pulcheria also died.[8] That summer more Goths were defeated, and many were settled in Phrygia.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, a Roman triumph over the Gothic Greuthungi was then celebrated at Constantinople.[8] The same year, work began on the great triumphal column in the Forum of Theodosius in Constantinople, the Column of Theodosius.[8] On 19 January 387, according to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Arcadius celebrated his quinquennalia in Constantinople.[8] By the end of the month, there was an uprising or riot in Antioch (Antakya).[8] With a peace agreement with Persia in the Roman-“Persian Wars came a division of Armenia.[8] civil war: 387-“388[edit] peace with Magnus Maximus was broken in 387, and Valentinian escaped the west with Justina, reaching Thessalonica (Thessaloniki) in summer or autumn 387 and appealing to Theodosius for aid; Valentinian II's sister Galla was then married to the eastern augustus at Thessalonica in late autumn.[30][8] Theodosius may still have been in Thessalonica when he celebrated his decennalia on 19 January 388.[8] Theodosius was consul for the second time in 388.[8] Galla and Theodosius's first child, a son named Gratian, was born in 388 or 389.[8] 10 March 388, Christians deemed heretics were forbidden from residing in cities.[8] On 14 March, Theodosius banned the intermarriage of Jews and Christians.[8] In summer 388, Theodosius recovered Italy from Magnus Maximus for Valentinian, and in June, the meeting of Christians deemed heretics was banned by Valentinian.[30][8] armies of Theodosius and Maximus fought at the Battle of Poetovio in 388, which saw Maximus defeated. On 28 August 388 Maximus was executed.[33] Now the de facto ruler of the Western empire as well, Theodosius celebrated his victory in Rome on June 13, 389 and stayed in Milan until 391, installing his own loyalists in senior positions including the new magister militum of the West, the Frankish general Arbogast.[33] July, Magnus Maximus was defeated by Theodosius at the Battle of Save; on 28 August, Magnus Maximus was executed by Theodosius.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Arbogast killed Flavius Victor (r. 384-“388), Magnus Maximus's young son and co-augustus, in Gaul in August/September that year. Damnatio memoriae was pronounced against them, and inscriptions naming them were erased.[8] affairs: 388-“391[edit] Ambrose barring Theodosius from Milan Cathedral, Anthony van Dyck, c. 1620 came into conflict with Ambrose, bishop of Mediolanum (Milan), in October 388 over the persecution of Jews at Callincium-on-the-Euphrates (Raqqa).[8] As mentioned in the Panegyrici Latini and in a panegyric of Claudian's on the sixth consulship of Honorius, Theodosius then received another embassy from the Persians in 389.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Theodosius staged an adventus on entering Rome on 13 June 389.[8] On 17 June, he issued a decree against Manichaeism.[8] Theodosiushad left Valentinian under the protection of the magister militum Arbogast, who then defeated the Franks in 389.[31][30] 390 the population of Thessalonica rioted in complaint against the presence of the local Gothic garrison. The garrison commander was killed in the violence, so Theodosius ordered the Goths to kill all the spectators in the circus as retaliation, an event known as the Massacre of Thessalonica; Theodoret, a contemporary witness to these events, reports: the anger of the Emperor rose to the highest pitch, and he gratified his vindictive desire for vengeance by unsheathing the sword most unjustly and tyrannically against all, slaying the innocent and guilty alike. It is said seven thousand perished without any forms of law, and without even having judicial sentence passed upon them; but that, like ears of wheat in the time of harvest, they were alike cut down.[34] was excommunicated by the bishop of Milan, Ambrose, for the massacre.[35] Ambrose told Theodosius to imitate David in his repentance as he had imitated him in guilt; Ambrose readmitted the emperor to the Eucharist only after several months of penance.[citation needed] spring 390, possibly in April, the Massacre of Thessalonica was perpetrated by Theodosius's army, leading to a confrontation with Ambrose.[8] Ambrose demanded that the emperor do penance for the massacre.[8] According to the 5th-century church historian Theodoret, on 25 December 390 (Christmas), Ambrose received Theodosius back into the Christian Church in his bishopric of Mediolanum.[8] According to the Chronicon Paschale, on 18 February 391, the head of John the Baptist was translated to Constantinople.[8] On the 24 February, attendance at pagan sacrifices and temples was forbidden by law.[8] In early summer 391, an uprising in Alexandria was suppressed, and the Serapeum of Alexandria was destroyed.[8] On 16 June, pagan worship was prohibited by law.[8] In 391, a delegation from the Roman Senate was snubbed in Gaul because of the reappearance of the Altar of Victory in the Curia Julia.[30] to Zosimus, Theodosius then campaigned against marauding barbarian bandits in Macedonia in autumn 391.[8] Eventually, he came to Constantinople, where according to Socrates Scholasticus's Historia Ecclesiastica he held an adventus, entering the city on 10 November 391.[8] of Eugenius (r. 392-“394), showing both he and Theodosius enthroned on the reverse, each crowned by Victory and together holding an orb. Marked: victoria augg ("the Victory of the Augusti") of the Theodosian emperors from the Hoxne Hoard: portraits of Theodosius I (top), Arcadius (left), and Honorius (right) civil war: 392-“394[edit] 15 May 392, Valentinian II died at Vienna in Gaul (Vienne), either by suicide or as part of a plot by the magister militum Arbogast.[30] Valentinian had quarrelled publicly with Arbogast, and was found hanged in his room.[36] Arbogast announced that this had been a suicide.[36] He was deified with the consecratio: Divae Memoriae Valentinianus, lit. 'the Divine Memory of Valentinian'.[30] was then sole adult emperor, reigning with his son Arcadius. Arbogast was unable to assume the role of emperor because of his non-Roman background.[36] Instead, on 22 August at the behest of Arbogast, a magister scrinii and vir clarissimus, Eugenius, was acclaimed augustus at Lugdunum.[8] Eugenius made some limited concessions to the Roman religion; like Maximus he sought Theodosius's recognition in vain.[36] On 8 November 392, all cult worship of the gods was forbidden by Theodosius.[8] to Polemius Silvius, Theodosius raised his second son Honorius to augustus on 23 January 393.[8] He cited Eugenius's illegitimacy.[36] 393 was the year of Theodosius's third consulship.[8] On 29 September 393, Theodosius issued a decree for the protection of Jews.[8] According to Zosimus, at the end of April 394, Theodosius's wife Galla died.[8] On 1 August, a colossal statue of Theodosius was dedicated in Constantinople's Forum of Theodosius, an event recorded in the Chronicon Paschale.[8] the last years of Theodosius's reign, one of the emerging leaders of the Goths, named Alaric, participated in Theodosius's campaign against Eugenius in 394, only to resume his rebellious behavior against Theodosius's son and eastern successor, Arcadius, shortly after Theodosius' death. had gathered a large army, including the Goths whom he had settled in the eastern empire as foederati, as well as Caucasian and Saracen auxiliaries, and marched against Eugenius.[37] According to Socrates Scholasticus, Theodosius defeated Eugenius at the Battle of the Frigidus (the Vipava) on 6 September 394.[8] battle began on 5 September 394, with Theodosius' full frontal assault on Eugenius's forces.[citation needed] Theodosius was repulsed on the first day, and Eugenius thought the battle to be all but over.[citation needed] In Theodosius's camp, the loss of the day decreased morale.[citation needed] It is said[by whom?] that Theodosius was visited by two "heavenly riders all in white" who gave him courage.[citation needed] The next day, the battle began again and Theodosius's forces were aided by a natural phenomenon known as the Bora, which produces cyclonic winds.[38] The Bora blew directly against the forces of Eugenius and disrupted the line.[citation needed] Eugenius's camp was stormed; Eugenius was captured and soon after executed.[38] On 8 September, Arbogast killed himself.[8] to Socrates, on 1 January 395, Honorius arrived in Mediolanum and a victory celebration was held there.[8] suffered from a disease involving severe edema, in Milan.[39] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Theodosius died in Mediolanum on 17 January 395.[8] His funeral was held there on 25 February.[8] Ambrose delivered a panegyric titled De obitu Theodosii in the presence Stilicho and Honorius in which Ambrose praised the suppression of paganism by Theodosius.[39] body transferred to Constantinople, where according to the Chronicon Paschale he was buried on 8 November 395 in the Church of the Holy Apostles.[8] He was deified as: Divus Theodosius, lit. 'the Divine Theodosius'.[8] He was interred in a porphyry sarcophagus that was described in the 10th century by Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus in his work De Ceremoniis.[40] offers a laurel wreath to the victor, on the marble base of the Obelisk of Thutmosis III at the Hippodrome of Constantinople. patronage[edit] section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) oversaw the removal in 390 of an Egyptian obelisk from Alexandria to Constantinople.[41] It is now known as the obelisk of Theodosius and still stands in the Hippodrome of Constantinople,[41] the long Roman circus that was the centre of Constantinople's public life and scene of political turmoil. Re-erecting the monolith was a challenge for the technology that had been honed in the construction of siege engines. The obelisk, still recognizably a solar symbol, had been moved from Karnak to Alexandria with what is now the Lateran obelisk by Constantius II. Lateran obelisk was shipped to Rome soon afterwards, but the other one then spent a generation lying at the docks due to the difficulty involved in attempting to ship it to Constantinople. Eventually, the obelisk was cracked in transit. The white marble base is entirely covered with bas-reliefs documenting the imperial household and the engineering feat of removing it to Constantinople. Theodosius and the imperial family are separated from the nobles among the spectators in the imperial box, with a cover over them as a mark of their status. The naturalism of traditional Roman art in such scenes gave way in these reliefs to conceptual art: the idea of order, decorum and respective ranking, expressed in serried ranks of faces. This is seen as evidence of formal themes beginning to oust the transitory details of mundane life, celebrated in Roman portraiture. Forum Tauri in Constantinople was renamed and redecorated as the Forum of Theodosius, including a column and a triumphal arch in his honour.[42] of Nazianzus takes his leave of the emperor Theodosius in a miniature from the Paris Gregory, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript of the Homilies of Gregory policy[edit] 325, Constantine I convened the Council of Nicaea, which affirmed the doctrine that Jesus, the Son, was equal to God the Father and "of one substance" with the Father (homoousios in Greek). The Council condemned the teachings of Arius, who believed Jesus to be inferior to the Father. the council's ruling, controversy continued for decades, with several christological alternatives to the Nicene Creed being brought forth. Theologians attempted to bypass the Christological debate by saying that Jesus was merely like (homoios in Greek) God the father, without speaking of substance (ousia). These non-Nicenes were frequently labelled as Arians (i.e., followers of Arius) by their opponents, though not all would necessarily have identified themselves as such.[43] Emperor Valens had favored the group who used the homoios formula; this theology was prominent in much of the East and had under Constantius II gained a foothold in the West, being ratified by the Council of Ariminum, though it was later abjured by a majority of the western bishops (after Constantius II's death in 361). The death of Valens damaged the standing of the Homoian faction, especially since his successor Theodosius steadfastly held to the Nicene Creed which was the interpretation that predominated in the West and was held by the important Alexandrian church. of orthodoxy[edit] Barocci, Saint Ambrose forces Emperor Theodosius I to make penance for the Thessaloniki massacre (1603), left-side nave, Saint Ambrose Altar, Milan Cathedral. 27 February 380, together with Gratian and Valentinian II, Theodosius issued the decree "Cunctos populos", the so-called Edict of Thessalonica, recorded in the Codex Theodosianus xvi.1.2. This declared the Nicene Trinitarian Christianity to be the only legitimate imperial religion and the only one entitled to call itself Catholic; non-Christian religions or those who did not support the Trinity, he described as "foolish madmen".[44] He also ended official state support for the traditional polytheist religions and customs.[45] 26 November 380, two days after he had arrived in Constantinople, Theodosius expelled the Homoian bishop, Demophilus of Constantinople, and appointed Meletius patriarch of Antioch, and Gregory of Nazianzus, one of the Cappadocian Fathers from Cappadocia (today in Turkey), patriarch of Constantinople. Theodosius had just been baptized, by bishop Ascholius of Thessalonica, during a severe illness.[citation needed] May 381, Theodosius summoned a new ecumenical council at Constantinople to repair the schism between East and West on the basis of Nicene orthodoxy.[46] The council went on to define orthodoxy, including the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, as equal to the Father and 'proceeding' from Him, whereas the Son was 'begotten' of Him.[47] The council also "condemned the Apollonarian and Macedonian heresies, clarified jurisdictions of the bishops according to the civil boundaries of dioceses and ruled that Constantinople was second in precedence to Rome."[47] of pagan religion[edit] article: Persecution of pagans under Theodosius I persecution of pagans under Theodosius I began in 381, after the first couple of years of his reign in the Eastern Roman Empire. In the 380s, Theodosius I reiterated Constantine's ban on some practices of Roman religion, prohibited haruspicy on pain of death, decreed magistrates who did not enforce laws against polytheism were subject to criminal prosecution, broke up some pagan associations and tolerated attacks on Roman temples. 391 and 392 Theodosius promulgated three laws restricting pagan religious practices. The first, issued in June 391 and addressed to the urban prefect of Rome, banned ritual sacrifice and access to temples, with heavy fines for infractors. A similar measure was addressed to Alexandria in June 392. These two laws were apparently aimed at public officials specifically and not binding on the population at large.[48] The third and more extreme law, issued in November 392, prohibited pagan worship in every form, including animal sacrifice and offerings of incense and wine, again threatening offenders with confiscation of property.[49] This measure was addressed specifically to the praetorian prefect of the East, the staunchly Christian Rufinus, and there is seemingly no evidence of its application in the West, where Theodosius himself appointed several pagans to high office to mollify them.[50] He turned pagan holidays into workdays, closed temples, confiscated Temple endowments and disbanded the Vestal Virgins.[51] The practices of taking auspices and witchcraft were punished. Theodosius refused to restore the Altar of Victory in the Senate House, as asked by non-Christian senators.[52]:115 392 until his death in 395, while non-Christians continued to request toleration,[53][54] he ordered, authorized, or at least failed to punish, the closure or destruction of many temples, holy sites, images and objects of piety throughout the empire.[55][56][57][58][59] 393 he issued a comprehensive law that prohibited any public non-Christian religious customs,[60] and was particularly oppressive to Manicheans.[61] He is likely to have discontinued the ancient Olympic Games, whose last record of celebration was in 393, though archeological evidence indicates that some games were still held after this date.[62]

Constantinople, 379-390, Patriarch, Gregory the Theologian, of Nazianzus
Constantinople Patriarch, 379-390, Gregory the Theologian; Righteous Nonna the mother of St Gregory the Theologian, Commemorated on August 5 ; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25;

Constantinople, 379-395, Eupraxia tElder oTabenna, Eupraxia oTabennisi's mom, Senator's wife, Theodosius tG's kin, charity
Egypt, 379-395, Eupraxia tElder oTabenna, Upper Egypt (Nile River 12), Eupraxia oTabennisi's mom, Senator Antigonus's wife, Theodosius tG's relative, decided live bro&sis from daughter's birth, gave all to poor, tTabennisi m aWiddowed, Theodula's strict rule, brought 8yrOld E tYounger, who desired tDedicate tGod, tMom's joy, Theodula kept daughter, tonsured, Elder continued charity fasting prayer, clairvoyant Theodula told her impending end, she rejoiced gave thanks, bid farewell tConvent&daughter, parting words, 1. Love Lord & Respect Sisters 2. Never think they serve you 3. Be poor iThoughts to profit by spiritual treasurers 4. Remember Father&Me &pray fSalvation our souls; Tabenna, in Upper Egypt; Venerable Eupraxia of Tabenna, in Egypt, Commemorated January 12 ; Eupraxia the Elder was the mother of Saint Eupraxia, maiden of Tabennisi (July 25). was the wife of the pious senator Antigonus, was related to the emperor Theodosius the Great (379-395). the birth of their daughter, the couple decided to live from that time forward as brother and sister. distributed alms to the poor, hoping to inherit the heavenly Kingdom. she was widowed, Saint Eupraxia devoted herself completely to the service of the Lord. visiting several monastic establishments and bestowing liberal alms, came to the Tabennisi monastery in Egypt, where the abbess was the nun Theodula, known for her strict rule. moved by the pure way of monastic life, Eupraxia came often to this monastery and always brought her eight-year-old daughter with her. virtues and prayers of her parents bestowed a particular grace of God upon the child, desired to dedicate herself to God. her mother’s great joy, the abbess Theodula kept the younger Eupraxia at the convent and blessed her to receive monastic tonsure. Eupraxia the elder continued her works of charity, and increased her fasting and prayer. Theodula, possessing the gift of clairvoyance, told her of her impending end. of her imminent death, Eupraxia gave thanks to the Lord for His great mercy towards her. bid farewell to the sisters of the convent and to her daughter. left her with these parting words: “Love the Lord Jesus Christ, and respect the sisters. dare to think that they are below you and should serve you. poor in your thoughts in order to profit by spiritual treasures. remember your father and me, and pray for the salvation of our souls.” three days the saint surrendered her soul to the Lord (+ 393) and was buried at the monastery, where her daughter continued her ascetic struggles.

Constantinople, 379-417, Ismaelite Saint Agabbas, silence, loin chains, always standing or kneeling, constant prayer, peace
Arabs, 379-417, Ismaelite Saint Agabbas of Syria, Saracens, Arabs, Land of the Saracens (Syrian Desert, Pre Islamic Arabia), inner prayer & silence, hermit 38 yrs, barefoot, loin chains, never sat or lay down, always standing or kneeling, constant prayer, died in peace; Saracens; Saint Agabbas of Syria, Commemorated on November 22; Agabbas was by birth an Ishmaelite (Arab) and pursued asceticism in Syria. was a novice under the Monk Eusebius, from whom he learned inner prayer and silence, he lived thirty-eight years as a hermit. saint always went barefoot, wore chains on his loins and never sat nor lay down. Agabbas spent both day and night standing or kneeling, constantly at prayer. finished his ascetic life in peace.

Constantinople, 379-429, Domnica oConstantinople, fCarthage, miracles moved people tLife eternal, old age spotless life
Africa, North Africa, 379-429, Domnica oConstantinople, fCarthage, North Africa, monastic, high spiritual perfection, healing, power over nature, prophecy, miracles moved people tLife eternal, tSoul, old age spotless life; Carthage; Venerable Domnica of Constantinople, Commemorated January 8 ; Domnica came from Carthage to Constantinople in the time of the holy Emperor Theodosius the Great. she was baptized by Patriarch Nectarius and entered a women’s monastery. strict and prolonged ascetic effort she attained to high spiritual perfection. saint healed the sick, demonstrated power over the natural elements, and predicted the future. her miracles the saint moved inhabitants of the capital towards concerns about life eternal and the soul. by virtues, the saint departed this life a spotless virgin in her old age.

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

Constantinople, 379-446, Dalmatius of Constantinople, desired asceticism, no food 40days GLent, Divine vision, 3rd EC
Constantinople, 379-446, Dalmatius of Constantinople, in Theo tGreat's army, desired asceticism, wSonFaustus, tonsured bIsaac, no food 40days GLent, Igumen, Divine vision, 3rd EC; Byzantium, 364-440, Byzantine Saint, Dalmatius of Constantinople; Dalmatius, Dalmatus, or Dalmatos (died AD 440) archimandrite of the Dalmatian Monastery in Constantinople. also held the title Archimandrite of the Monasteries, making him the city's chief monk.[1] served in the second company of Guards under Theodosius the Great. was married with a family. a call to monastic life, he received instruction from Isaac of Dalmatia.[2] most of the city's monks, he was an opponent of the Nestorian heresy, and he played an important role in the downfall of Nestorius. Cyril of Alexandria's instructions, Dalmatius led an army of monks to the palace of Theodosius II, and shouted abuse against him, he had sided with the Nestorians and annulled the First Council of Ephesus.[3] this was the first time Dalmatius had left his monastery in 48 years, the emperor was astonished to see the holy man abroad and granted his request to hear Cyril's case, which led ultimately to Cyril's vindication.[4] feast day of St Dalmatius is August 3. Venerable Dalmatus the Ascetic of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on August 3; Dalmatus served in the army of the holy emperor Theodosius the Great (379-395) and attracted his notice. saint was soon filled with the desire to dedicate himself to his Lord and Creator. sometime between the years 381-383, he left the service of an earthly ruler in order to serve the King of Heaven. went with his son Faustus to Saint Isaac’s monastery near Constantinople in order to speak with him. Isaac (May 30) tonsured both father and son into monasticism, and they both began to lead a strict ascetic life. Dalmatus excelled all the other monks in virtue. during Great Lent, Saint Dalmatus did not eat any food for the forty days. he regained his strength and was found worthy of a divine vision. holy ascetic was chosen to be the igumen after the death of the most devout Isaac. fact, at the Third Ecumenical Council which met in Ephesus in 431 A. D. which condemned the heresy of Nestorius, Saint Dalmatus was honored for his defense of the Orthodox Faith. the Council the holy Fathers elevated Saint Dalmatus to be the archimandrite of his monastery, where he died peacefully at the age of ninety (after 446). was succeeded by his son Faustus, who proved to be a worthy successor of his father.

Constantinople, 379-446, Faustus of Constantinople, Dalmatius' son, desired asceticism, excelled at Fasting, replaced father
Constantinople, 379-446, Faustus of Constantinople, Dalmatius' son, desired asceticism, excelled at Fasting, replaced father as igumen; Venerable Faustus the Ascetic of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on August 3; Faustus and his father Dalmatus received the monastic tonsure from Saint Isaac (May 30) at his monastery near Constantinople. Faustus, like his father, had attained the heights of monasticism, and excelled at fasting. the death of his father, he succeeded him as igumen of the monastery. details of his ascetical life are not known. Venerable Dalmatus the Ascetic of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on August 3; Dalmatus served in the army of the holy emperor Theodosius the Great (379-395) and attracted his notice. saint was soon filled with the desire to dedicate himself to his Lord and Creator. sometime between the years 381-383, he left the service of an earthly ruler in order to serve the King of Heaven. went with his son Faustus to Saint Isaac’s monastery near Constantinople in order to speak with him. Isaac (May 30) tonsured both father and son into monasticism, and they both began to lead a strict ascetic life. Dalmatus excelled all the other monks in virtue. during Great Lent, Saint Dalmatus did not eat any food for the forty days. he regained his strength and was found worthy of a divine vision. holy ascetic was chosen to be the igumen after the death of the most devout Isaac. fact, at the Third Ecumenical Council which met in Ephesus in 431 A. D. which condemned the heresy of Nestorius, Saint Dalmatus was honored for his defense of the Orthodox Faith. the Council the holy Fathers elevated Saint Dalmatus to be the archimandrite of his monastery, where he died peacefully at the age of ninety (after 446). was succeeded by his son Faustus, who proved to be a worthy successor of his father.

Constantinople, 380-420, Pelagia tPenitent , dance troupe head, Nonnus prayed for her, she repented, adorned her soul
Palestine, 380-420, Pelagia tPenitent oAntioch of Palestine, Gaza, Gaza Strip, Way of the Sea 5, Palestine, dance troupe head iPalestinian Antioch, frivolity&prostitution, elegantly dressed passed Nonnus' church, believers faced away but Nonnus glanced after her, struck by her beauty, foreseen spiritual greatness in her, prayed long time for her in his cell, he told fellow bishops that she put them to shame, explained she took great care to adorn her body to appear beautiful in eyes of men, while we take no thought to adorn our souls, Next day Pelagia came to hear his preaching about last judgement, tremendous impression on her, fear oGod and tears oRepentance, asked Nonnus for baptism, seeing full repentance, he baptized her, devil appeared at night but she prayed and signed herself wThe Cross, devil vanished, 3days aBaptism P gathered up valuables gave them tNonnus for distribution tPoor, and went to cell on Mt oOlives Jerusalem, there she lived iCell disguised as monk Pelagius, attaining great spiritual gifts, buried in her cell; Gaza City; Venerable Pelagia the Penitent, Commemorated on October 8; Pelagia the Penitent was converted to Christianity by Saint Nonnus, Bishop of Edessa (Saturday of Cheesefare Week). her acceptance of Christianity through Baptism, Pelagia was head of a dance troupe in Palestinian Antioch, a life of frivolity and prostitution. day Pelagia, elegantly dressed, was making her way past a church where Saint Nonnus was preaching a sermon. Believers turned their faces away from the sinner, but the bishop glanced after her. by the outer beauty of Pelagia and having foreseen the spiritual greatness within her, saint prayed in his cell for a long time to the Lord for the sinner. He told his fellow bishops that the prostitute put them all to shame. explained that she took great care to adorn her body in order to appear beautiful in the eyes of men. “We... take no thought for the adornment of our wretched souls,” he said. pelagia Saint Pelagia with Saint Nonnus the following day, when Saint Nonnus was teaching in the church about the dread Last Judgment and its consequences, Pelagia came. teaching made a tremendous impression upon her. the fear of God and weeping tears of repentance, she asked the saint for Baptism. her sincere and full repentance, Bishop Nonnus baptized her. night the devil appeared to Pelagia, urging her to return to her former life. saint prayed, signed herself with the Sign of the Cross, and the devil vanished. days after her baptism, Saint Pelagia gathered up her valuables and took them to Bishop Nonnus. bishop ordered that they be distributed among the poor saying, “Let this be wisely dispersed, so that these riches gained by sin may become a wealth of righteousness.” this Saint Pelagia journeyed to Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives. lived there in a cell, disguised as the monk Pelagius, living in ascetic seclusion, and attaining great spiritual gifts. she died, she was buried in her cell.

Constantinople, 380-435, John Cassian LScythian, years studying Jerusalem&Egypt monasticism, then writings teaching west
Mongol, Scythia, 380-435, Saint John Cassian the Roman, well educated, Tomis Monastery, Germanus' relative, tJerusalem&Bethlehem 5yrs, tThebaid&Sketis f7rrs, CONFERENCES WITH THE FATHERS i24Chap, back Bethlehem 3yrs, back Egypt til 399, A Theopilus Nile M disturbances, tConstantnople to see Chrysostom, J C accepted John as disciple, o Deadon, in C 5yrs, 404 JC exiled & they went to Rome for Innocent case, priesthood, tGaul, Marselles G, 415 estab 2 Cenobic Monasteries, men&women, Castor of Aptia Julia requests THE INSTITUTES OF CENOBITIC LIFE 12 books, 431 final work ON THE INCARNATION OF THE LORD, AGAINST NESTORIUS, criticized Augustine's abstract reasoning, died 435, relics in Marselles; Romania, 380-435, Saint John Cassian the Roman; Venerable John Cassian the Roman, Commemorated on February 28; John Cassian the Roman was born around 360, probably in Lesser Scythia (in Dacia Pontica). His pious Christian parents gave him an excellent classical education, and also instructed him in the Holy Scriptures and in the spiritual life. John entered a monastery in the diocese of Tomis, where his friend and relative Saint Germanus labored as an ascetic. 380, desiring to venerate the Holy Places, Saint John went to Jerusalem with his sister and his friend Saint Germanus. The two monks stayed at a Bethlehem monastery, not far from where the Savior was born. five years at the monastery, Saints John and Germanus traveled through the Thebaid and the desert monasteries of Sketis for seven years, drawing upon the spiritual experience of countless ascetics. Egyptian monks taught them many useful things about spiritual struggles, prayer, and humility. Like honeybees they journeyed from place to place, gathering the sweet nectar of spiritual wisdom. notes Saint John made formed the basis of his book called CONFERENCES WITH THE FATHERS in twenty-four chapters. to Bethlehem for a brief time, the spiritual brothers lived for three years in complete solitude. they went back to Egypt and lived there until 399. of the disturbances caused by Archbishop Theophilus of Alexandria to the monasteries along the Nile, they decided to go to Constantinople, after hearing of the virtue and holiness of Saint John Chrysostom. The great hierarch ordained Saint John Cassian as a deacon and accepted him as a disciple. John and Germanus remained with Saint John Chrysostom for five years, learning many profitable things from him. Chrysostom was exiled from Constantinople in 404, Saints John Cassian and Germanus went to Rome to plead his case before Innocent I. was ordained to the holy priesthood in Rome, or perhaps later in Gaul. Chrysostom’s death in 407, Saint John Cassian went to Massilia [Marseilles] in Gaul (now France). There he established two cenobitic monasteries in 415, one for men and another for women, based on the model of Eastern monasticism. the request of Bishop Castor of Aptia Julia (in southern Gaul), Cassian wrote THE INSTITUTES OF CENOBITIC LIFE (De Institutis Coenobiorum) in twelve books, describing the life of the Palestinian and Egyptian monks. between 417-419, the volume included four books describing the clothing of the monks of Palestine and Egypt, their schedule of prayer and services, and how new monks were received into the monasteries. last eight books were devoted to the eight deadly sins and how to overcome them. his writings, Saint John Cassian provided Christians of the West with examples of cenobitic monasteries, and acquainted them with the asceticism of the Orthodox East. speaks as a spiritual guide about the purpose of life, about attaining discernment, about renunciation of the world, about the passions of the flesh and spirit, about the hardships faced by the righteous, and about prayer. John Cassian also wrote CONFERENCES WITH THE FATHERS (Collationes Patrum) in twenty-four books in the form of conversations about the perfection of love, about purity, about God’s help, about understanding Scripture, about the gifts of God, about friendship, about the use of language, about the four levels of monasticism, about the solitary life and cenobitic life, about repentance, about fasting, about nightly meditations, and about spiritual mortification. This last has the explanatory title “I do what I do not want to do.” 1-10 of the CONFERENCES describe Saint John’s conversations with the Fathers of Sketis between 393-399. Books 11-17 relate conversations with the Fathers of Panephysis, and the last seven books are devoted to conversations with monks from the region of Diolkos. 431 Saint John Cassian wrote his final work, ON THE INCARNATION OF THE LORD, AGAINST NESTORIUS (De Incarnationem Domini Contra Nestorium). In seven books he opposed the heresy, citing many Eastern and Western teachers to support his arguments. his works, Saint John Cassian was grounded in the spiritual experience of the ascetics, and criticized the abstract reasoning of Saint Augustine (June 15). John said that “grace is defended less adequately by pompous words and loquacious contention, dialectic syllogisms and the eloquence of Cicero (i.e. Augustine), than by the example of the Egyptian ascetics.” the words of Saint John of the Ladder (March 30), “great Cassian reasons loftily and excellently.” His writings are also praised in the Rule of Saint Benedict. John Cassian lived in the West for many years, but his spiritual homeland was the Orthodox East. He fell asleep in the Lord in the year 435. His holy relics rest in an underground chapel in the Monastery of Saint Victor in Marseilles. His head and right hand are in the main church.

Constantinople, 381, Second Ecumenical Council 381, consolidated 325 victory, over new Nicene Creed heresys
Constantinople, 381, Second Ecumenical Council 381, consolidated 325 victory, over new Nicene Creed heresys, after 325 new Arian offshoots, macedonius's similar not same essence, plus Holy Spirit not of same essence, A second heretic, Acetius said Father has a completely different essence from Son, Eunomios taught hierarchical subordination Son to Father & Holy Spirit to Son. Everyone who came to him was rebaptized into œdeath of Christ, denying Baptism in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, which is commanded us by the Savior Himself (Mt. 28:19). A third heresy Valentius and Ursacius at the Arimonian Council. They attempted to deceive the Orthodox bishops, proclaiming that the Son of God is from God, and is in the likeness of God the Father, and is not a created being as the Arians taught; Constantinople, 381, Second Ecumenical Council 381, First Council of Constantinople; of the Holy Fathers of the Second Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on May 22; Second Ecumenical Council was convened in the year 381 and consolidated the victory of Orthodoxy attained in the year 325 at the First Ecumenical Council. the difficult years which passed after the acceptance of the Nicene Symbol of Faith (Creed), the Arian heresy developed new offshoots. Under the guise of struggle against the Sabellian heresy, which taught about a blending of the Hypostatic Persons of the Father and the Son [as mere aspects or modalities within the Trinity], Macedonius began to employ the word “homoiousiosâ€ “of similar essenceâ€ [in contrast to the Orthodox teaching of “homoousiosâ€, “of the same essenceâ€] regarding the essence of the Son and that of the Father. formula still presented a danger because Macedonius presented himself as a struggler against the Arians, who used the term “like the Father.â€ Besides this, the Macedonians, being semi-Arians, depending on conditions and advantages of the moment, sometimes inclined towards Orthodoxy, sometimes towards Arianism. They blasphemed the Holy Spirit by suggesting that He was not “of the same essenceâ€ with the Father and the Son. second heretic, Aetius, introduced the concept “anomoionâ€ (“different in essence.â€) He said that the Father has a completely different essence from that of the Son. His disciple Eunomios taught a hierarchical subordination of the Son to the Father, and of the Holy Spirit to the Son. Everyone who came to him was rebaptized into the “death of Christ,â€ denying Baptism in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, which is commanded us by the Savior Himself (Mt. 28:19). third heresy arose from the teachings of Valentius and Ursacius at the Arimonian Council. They attempted to deceive the Orthodox bishops, proclaiming that the Son of God is from God, and is in the likeness of God the Father, and is not a created being as the Arians taught. The heretics did not wish to use the term “one in essenceâ€ in describing the relation of the Son to the Father, saying that the word “essenceâ€ is not found within the Holy Scripture. Besides these three main heresies, there were also many other false teachings. The heretic Apollinarios said, “The flesh of the Savior did not have a human soul or reason. The Word of God took the place of the absent soul; and Divinity remained dead for three days.â€ order to refute these heretical opinions, the holy Emperor Theodosius the Great (379-395) convened an Ecumenical Council at Constantinople, at which 150 bishops were present. Upon investigation by the Holy Fathers it was proposed that a Creed which holy Pope Damasus had sent to Bishop Paulinus of Antioch should be read. This appears to be the so-called Sirmean Creed, drawn up by Potamius of Lisbon, who participated in a pro-Arian Council at Sirmium in 357, but changed his opinions two years later. The document was a vain attempt to please everyone by not mentioning the terms ousia (essence, or substance), homoousios (identical in essence, or substance), and homoiousion (similar in essence, or substance), "by which the minds of many are perturbed." It said that there "ought to be no mention of any of them at all, nor any exposition of them in the Church." By not defining the Church's teaching clearly, the document is ambiguous, neither endorsing the various heresies it contained, nor the teaching of the Church. Ecumenical Synod is convened primarily to deal with false teachings and refute them by proclaiming the faith handed down to us by the Apostles and the Holy Fathers. To use the definition of St. Vincent of Lérins: "that which has been believed everywhere, always, by everyone." There can be no compromise between truth and falsehood. the document was aloud, the Holy Fathers rejected the false teaching of Macedonius, and unanimously affirmed the Apostolic teaching that the Holy Spirit is not a creature, but is rather the Life-Creating Lord, Who proceeds from the Father, and is worshipped and glorified with the Father and the Son. In order to combat other heresies, of the Eunomians, Arians and Semi-Arians, the Holy Fathers reaffirmed the Nicene Symbol of Faith. the Symbol (Creed), accepted by the First Ecumenical Council, the divine nature of the Holy Spirit was not addressed, since at that earlier time [in 325] heresies against the Holy Spirit had not become widespread. Therefore, the holy Fathers of the Second Ecumenical Council added to the Nicean Symbol its eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth sections. They definitively formulated and affirmed the Nicene-Constantinople Symbol of Faith, which is used even now by all the Orthodox Churches. Second Ecumenical Council also established the norms for ecclesiastical courts [Canon VI], and it decided to receive those repentant heretics who were properly baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity through Chrismation, but those baptized with a single immersion were to be received as pagans. Holy Woman Olympias (Olympiada) the Deaconess of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 25 ; St Amphilochius the Bishop of Iconium, Commemorated November 23 ; St Peter the Bishop of Sebaste, in Armenia, Commemorated January 9 ; St Gregory the Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated January 10; Emperor Theodosius the Great, Commemorated January 17 ; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 25 ; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25; St Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated February 12; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; St Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 21; GREGORY OF NYSSA, (9 MAR 395); St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386) ; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; ATHANASIUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, THEOLOGIAN, DOCTOR (2 MAY 373); MONNICA, MOTHER OF AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (4 MAY 387); Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Second Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on May 22; BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379);

Constantinople, 381-397, Nectarius, Patriarch, catechumen apptmt , good prelate, Church Fathers' testimonies
Constantinople Patriarch, 381-397, Holy Patriarch Nectarius; (died 17 September 397) was the archbishop of Constantinople from AD 381 until his death, the successor to Saint Gregory Nazianzus [1] and predecessor to St. John Chrysostom. at Tarsus in Cilicia of a noble family, he was widely known for his admirable character. When Gregory resigned as Archbishop of Constantinople, Nectarius was praetor of Constantinople.[1] Preparing for a journey to Tarsus, he called on the Bishop of Tarsus, Diodore, who was attending the First Council of Constantinople (one of the ecumenical councils), to ask if he could take letters for him; his appearance and manners struck Diodorus so forcibly that he at once determined that he should be advanced as a candidate for Bishop; making an excuse of attending to some other business, he took Nectarius to see Meletius.[2] unexpected appointment[edit] the Emperor Theodosius I wanted the Bishops at the Council to suggest new candidates and reserving to himself the right of making the choice, the Bishop of Antioch put at the bottom of his list, Nectarius' name. The Emperor having read the lists, declared Nectarius to be his choice. This caused some amazement amongst the Fathers who wanted to know who and what this Nectarius was. He was still only a catechumen. There was much astonishment at the emperor's unexpected choice, but the people of Constantinople were delighted at the news as was the whole council.[1] was duly baptized and his clothes were changed for the robes of a Bishop of the Imperial city and became at once president of the Second Ecumenical Council.[1] ruled the church for upwards of 16 years, and is thought of as having been a good prelate. His name heads the 150 signatures to the canons of the Second Ecumenical Council. The 3rd canon declares that, "...the Bishop of Constantinople shall hold the first rank after the bishop of Rome, because Constantinople is the new Rome." threatens[edit] the Bishops of the West opposed the election result and asked for a common synod of East and West to settle the succession and so the Emperor Theodosius, soon after the close of the second council, summoned the Imperial Bishops to a fresh synod at Constantinople; nearly all of the same bishops who had attended the earlier second council were assembled again in early summer of 382. On arrival they received a letter from the synod of Milan, inviting them to a great general council at Rome; however they indicated that they must remain where they were, because they had not made any preparations for such long a journey. However, they sent three --Syriacus, Eusebius and Priscian—with a synodal letter to Pope Damasus I, archbishop Saint Ambrose and the other bishops assembled in the council at Rome.[1] Roman synod to which this letter was addressed was the fifth under Damasus. No formal account remains of its proceedings, nor of how its members treated the question of Nectarius. Theodosius, did however, send commissaries to Rome in support of his synod.[1] his 15th letter (to the bishops of Illyria) he indicated that the church in Rome had finally agreed to recognize both Nectarius and Flavian.[1] letters from Nectarius remain extant in the files of his predecessor Gregory Nazianzus. In the first he expresses his hearty good wishes for his episcopate. The last is of great importance, urging him not to be too liberal in tolerating the Apollinarians.[1] 383 a third synod at Constantinople was held. In spite of the decrees of bishops and emperor, the Arians and Pneumatomachians continued to spread their doctrines. Theodosius summoned all parties to the Imperial city for a great discussion in June, hoping to reconcile all differences. Before this he had sent for the Archbishop and told him that all questions should be fully debated.[1] this, Nectarius returned home, full of anxiety and consulted the Novatianist Bishop Agelius, who felt himself unsuited to arbitrate on such a controversy. However he did have a reader, Sisinnius, a philosopher and theologian, to whom he referred the argument with the Arians. Sisinnius suggested that they should produce the testimonies of the old Fathers of the Church on the doctrine of the Son, and first ask the heads of the several parties whether they accepted these authorities or desired to anathematize them.[1] the Archbishop and the Emperor agreed to this suggestion and when the Bishops met, the Emperor asked whether they respected "...the teachers who lived before the Arian division?" They confirmed that they did and he then asked if they acknowledged, "...them sound and trustworthy witnesses of the true Christian doctrine?".[1] question however produced divisions and so the emperor ordered each party to draw up a written confession of its doctrine. When this was done, the Bishops were summoned to the Imperial palace, where the emperor received them with kindness and retired to his study with their written confessions. Theodosius however rejected and destroyed all except that of the orthodox, because he felt that the others introduced a division into the Holy Trinity.[1] this, Theodosius forbade all sectaries, except the Novatianists, to hold divine services or to publish their doctrines or to ordain clergy, under threat of severe civil penalties.[1] 385 the emperor's wife Aelia Flaccilla (or Placilla) and their daughter Pulcheria died. The archbishop asked Gregory of Nyssa to preach the funeral sermons for both of them.[1] the close of his episcopate, Nectarius abolished the office of presbyter penitentiary, whose duty appears to have been to receive confessions before communion. His example was followed by nearly all other Bishops. The presbyter penitentiary was added to the ecclesiastical roll about the time of the Novatianist schism, when that party declined to communicate with those who had lapsed in the Decian persecution. Gradually there were fewer lapsed to reconcile, and his duties became more closely connected with preparation for communion. Nectarius abolished the office due to a scandal that had occurred in connection with it.[3] died in office on 17 September 397[4] (Butler says 27 September) and was succeeded by Saint John Chrysostom.[3] Holy Woman Olympias (Olympiada) the Deaconess of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 25 ;

Constantinople, 383, Saturninus, consul, christian roman officer and politician, Goths, Thrace, Haemus pass, plains, exiled
Byzantium, 383, Saturninus (consul 383); Saturninus (fl. 377–400) was a Roman army officer and politician. was probably a Christian: it is known that he hosted a bishop, that he donated to a monastery and that he was in touch for a short time with Gregory of Nazianzus. followed the military career, and in 377/378 he fought against the Goths. After the inconclusive Battle of the Willows, the Eastern Emperor Valens, who was in the Eastern frontier, appointed Saturninus temporary commander of cavalry and sent him to Thrace with a cavalry unit, to support the magister peditum Traianus.[1] Saturninus and Traianus blocked the Goths near the passes of the Haemus, building a line of fortifications that repulsed the Gothic attacks. The two generals hoped to force the Goths to suffer through the cold winter and the scarcity of food in order to force them into submission; alternatively, the two generals planned to call back the sentinels, luring the Goths of Fritigern into an open-field battle in the plains between the Haemus and the Danube, where they were confident of winning.[2] Fritigern did not accept battle, but enlisted Hunnic and Alan reinforcements. Saturninus realised that he could no longer fight the enemy with his troops, lifted the block on the mountain passes, and retired.[3] magister militum per Thracias, Emperor Theodosius I, who had succeeded Valens after his death in the Battle of Adrianople, entrusted Saturninus to negotiate peace with the Goths: in October 382 he signed a treaty according to which the Goths were to live in the Low Danube as foederati. successful negotiation guaranteed Saturninus the imperial favour, and he was appointed consul for the year 383. Themistius dedicated to him a panegyric. 400 Saturninus was serving under the Eastern Emperor Arcadius, when the magister militum Gainas deposed and exiled him. Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on May 30 ;

Constantinople, 384, 10,000 Martyred Fathers of Deserts & Caves of Scete by Impious Patriarch Theophilus
Egypt, 384, 10,000 Martyred Fathers of the Deserts and Caves of Scete by the Impious Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, Scetes monasteries, Egyptian Desert, 330, 360 of them, falsely accused of Origenism, for giving Isidore shelter; Scetes monestary; 10,000 Martyred Fathers of the Deserts and Caves of Scete by the Impious Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, Commemorated on July 10; holy martyrs of Christ, who lived in the deserts and caves of the Nitrian desert, were delivered up by Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria to face a bitter death. falsely accused them of Origenism, but in fact they incurred the patriarch’s anger by giving shelter to the priest Isidore.

Constantinople, 384-412, Impious Pope Theophilus of Alexandria
Egyptian Patriarch, 384-412, Pope Theophilus of Alexandria; 10,000 Martyred Fathers of the Deserts and Caves of Scete by the Impious Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, Commemorated on July 10; holy martyrs of Christ, who lived in the deserts and caves of the Nitrian desert, were delivered up by Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria to face a bitter death. He falsely accused them of Origenism, but in fact they incurred the patriarch’s anger by giving shelter to the priest Isidore. Venerable Hellius of Egypt, Commemorated on July 14; Holy Woman Olympias (Olympiada) the Deaconess of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 25; Theophilus of Alexandria (385-412), had repeatedly benefited from the generosity of Saint Olympias, but turned against her for her devotion to Saint John Chrysostom. She had also taken in and fed monks, arriving in Constantinople, whom Patriarch Theophilus had banished from the Egyptian desert. He levelled unrighteous accusations against her and attempted to cast doubt on her holy life. St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on June 9;

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

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

Constantinople, 387-436, Isidore oPelusium, tPelusium as a youth fMonastecism, devoted tPreaching, wisdom, logic, contemplation
Egypt, 386-436, Isidore of Pelusium, Egypt (Way of the Sea 2), fAlexandria, Archbishops Theophilus&Cyril's relative, tPelusium as a youth, fMonastic efforts, won respect in short time, like Chrystom devoted to preaching, practical wisdom, the edificace, logic its embellishment, contemplation its crown, Isadore a vital&inspired pillar monastic rules&divine vision, and imags oSpiritual teaching; Pelusium; Venerable Isidore of Pelusium, Commemorated February 4 ; Isidore of Pelusium lived during the fourth-fifth centuries. was a native of Alexandria, and was raised among pious Christians. was a relative of Theophilus, Archbishop of Alexandria, and of his successor, Saint Cyril (January 18). still a youth he quit the world and withdrew to Egypt to Mount Pelusium, which became the site of his monastic efforts. Isidore’s spiritual wisdom and strict asceticism, combined with his broad learning and innate knowledge of the human soul, him to win the respect and love of his fellow monks in a short time. chose him as their head and had him ordained a priest (the earliest sources for his life, however, say nothing of him being an igumen). the example of Saint John Chrysostom, whom he had managed to see and hear during a trip to Constantinople, Isidore devoted himself primarily to Christian preaching, “practical wisdom” which, in his own words, is both “the foundation of the edifice and the edifice itself”, while logic is “its embellishment, and contemplation its crown”. was a teacher and a willingly provided counsel for anyone who turned to him for spiritual encouragement, whether it was a simple man, a dignitary, a bishop, the Patriarch of Alexandria, or even the emperor. left behind about 10,000 letters, of which 2,090 have survived. large portion of these letters reveal profound theological thought and contain morally edifying interpretations of Holy Scripture. Photius (February 6) calls Isidore a model of priestly and ascetical life, and also a master of style. Isidore’s love for Saint John Chrysostom resulted in his support of Saint John when he was persecuted by the empress Eudoxia and Archbishop Theophilus. the death of Saint John, Saint Isidore persuaded Theophilus’ successor Saint Cyril to inscribe the name of Saint John Chrysostom into the Church diptychs as a confessor. the initiative of Saint Isidore the Third Ecumenical Council was convened at Ephesus (431), which the false teaching of Nestorius concerning the person of Jesus Christ was condemned. Isidore lived into old age and died around the year 436. Church historian Evagrius (sixth century) writes of Saint Isidore, “his life seemed to everyone the life of an angel upon the earth.” historian, Nikēphóros Callistus (ninth century), praises Saint Isidore thus: “He was a vital and inspired pillar of monastic rules and divine vision, and as such he presented a very lofty image of most fervent example and spiritual teaching.”

Constantinople, 386-446, Saint, Hypatius of Bithynia
Byzantium, 386-446, Saint, Hypatius of Bithynia; Venerable Hypatius the Abbot of Rufinus in Chalcedon, Commemorated on March 31;

Constantinople, 390-430, Nilus, Ascetic&Faster of Sinai, Chrysostom's disciple, Constantinople perfect, t cave monastic in 390
Egypt, 390-430, Venerable Nilus Ascetic & Faster of Sinai, Chrysostom's disciple, perfect of Constantinople, then cave monastic in 390, fasting virgil prayer to spiritual perfection, counciled farmers&emperor, wrote soul-profiting works, saracens captured son, prayer freed him through Emessa bishop's ransom, who ordained them bishops; Mount Sinai - Horeb in Egypt, Saint Helena, Constantine's Mother made a mistake as to the location of the Desert of Sin and therefor Sinai and Mount Horeb. She put Horeb in Egypt and not in Midian. Many miracles still happened in this mistaken location; Venerable Nilus the Faster of Sinai, Commemorated on November 12 ; Neilos the Ascetic of Sinai, a native of Constantinople, during the V century was a disciple of Saint John Chrysostom, exerted a tremendous influence upon their lives and their spiritual struggles.1 receiving a fine education, the Saint was appointed to the important post of prefect of the capital while still a young man. this period, Neilos was married and had children, but the couple found courtly life distasteful. the year 390, by mutual consent, they decided to abandon the world and entered monasteries. Neilos's wife and daughter went to one of the women’s monasteries in Egypt, while he and his son Theódoulos went to Mount Sinai, where they settled in a cave, which they dug out with their own hands. forty years this cave served as the abode of Saint Neilos. fasting, vigil, and prayer, he attained a high degree of spiritual perfection. began coming to him from every occupation and social rank, from the Emperor down to the farmer, and all of them received counsel and comfort from the Saint. Sinai, Saint Neilos wrote many soul-profiting works to guide Christians on the path of salvation. In one of his letters there is an angry denunciation of the Emperor Arkadios, who had unjustly exiled Saint John Chrysostom. ascetical writings of Saint Neilos are widely known: they are perfectly executed in form, profoundly Orthodox in content, and are clear and lucid in expression. His Ascetic Discourse is found in Volume I of the English Philokalia. Neilos suffered many misfortunes in the wilderness. Saracens captured his son Theódoulos, whom they intended to offer as a sacrifice to their pagan gods. By the Saint's prayers the Lord rescued Theódoulos, his father found him with the Bishop of Emessa, who had ransomed the young man from the barbarians. bishop ordained both of them as presbyters. ordination they returned to Sinai, where they lived as ascetics together until Saint Neilos reposed. holy relics were transferred to Constantinople in the reign of Justin II (565-578), and were placed in the church of the Holy Apostles. Greek Philokalia has a quote from Saint Neilos beneath his icon: "The state of prayer is a passionless, settled disposition of the soul which, by supreme love, transports the wisdom-loving mind to spiritual heights." (See the English Philokalia, 153 Sections. Concerning Prayer, # 53). In earlier editions of the Synaxaristes and the Menaion, it was erroneously stated that Saint Neilos lived during the reign of Emperor Maurikios (582-602). This was corrected in later editions, since he was a disciple of Saint John Chrysostom, and was esteemed by Emperor Arkadios because of his virtues.

Constantinople, 390-450, Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, they recorded slaughter, Arabs slept past sacrifice
Egypt, 390-450, Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, recorded the slaughter, slept past sunrise so not sacrificed, back to Sinai; Raithu; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; Theodulus was the son of Saint Nilus the Faster (November 12), and he recorded the slaughter of the holy Fathers at Raithu in the fifth century. While still a child, Saint Theodulus left the world and went to Mount Sinai with his father. a barbarian assault on the desert dwellers, the saint fell into the hands of brigands, who decided to offer the youth as a sacrifice to the morning dawn, which they worshipped in place of God. But the Lord saved the boy through the prayers of his father, Saint Nilus. The barbarians slept past sunrise, and giving up on the idea of making him a sacrificial offering, they took the youth with them. by the brigands to the city of Eluza, Saint Theodulus was ransomed by the local bishop, in whose house he was later found by his grateful father. Blessed by the bishop and presbyters, Saints Theodulus and Nilus returned to Mount Sinai, where they served the Lord until the end of their days. Their incorrupt relics were transferred to Constantinople under Emperor Justin the Younger (565-578) and placed in the church of the holy Apostles at Orphanotrophia.

Constantinople, 390-450, Domnica oVeria in Syria, a Syrian nun, companion oMarana and Kyra, went without eating for long periods
Syria, 390-450, Domnica (Domnina) oVeria (or Berea) in Syria (Queig (Aleppo) River 2), a Syrian nun, companion oMarana and Kyra, who went without eating for long periods oTime; Beroea in Syria, modern day Aleppo; Venerable Domnica (Domnina) of Syria, Commemorated on February 28; Domnica (Domnina) a Syrian nun, a companion of Saints Marana and Kyra. Venerable Marana of Syria, Commemorated on February 28 ; Marina (Marana) and Kyra (Cyra), sisters by birth, during the fourth century in the city of Veria (or Berea) in Syria. parents were illustrious and rich, the sisters left home and departed the city when they had reached maturity. cleared off a small plot of land, the holy virgins sealed up the entrance to their refuge with rocks and clay, leaving only a narrow opening through which food was passed to them. little hut had no roof, and so they were exposed to the elements. their bodies they wore heavy iron chains and patiently endured hunger. a three year period, they ate food only once every forty days. former servants came to them, wanting to join their ascetic life. saints put them in a separate hut next to their own enclosure and they spoke to them through a window, exhorting them to deeds of prayer and fasting. The life of the holy ascetics Marana and Kyra was described by Bishop Theodoret of Cyrrhus in his Religiosa Historica. of respect for his hierarchical dignity, the holy virgins allowed him into their dwelling. conversed with them and persuaded them to remove the heavy chains they wore under their clothing. who was weak in body, was always stooped under their weight and was unable to sit upright. he left, however, they resumed wearing the chains. they lived in asceticism for forty years. disturbed their solitude only to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to pray at the Sepulchre of the Lord. their journey (which took twenty days) they ate no food until they had prayed at the Holy Places. the way back, they also went without eating. did the same thing at another time, when they journeyed to the grave of the Protomartyr Thekla (September 24) at Seleucia, Isauria. Marana and Kyra died in about the year 450. ascetical life equaled that of the great male ascetics of the desert, they received the same crown of victory from Christ the Savior.

Constantinople, 390-450, Marana and Kyra oVeria in Syria, a Syrian nun, companion oMarana&Kyra, went without eating long periods
Syria, 390-450, Marana and Kyra oVeria in Syria, a Syrian nun, companion oMarana and Kyra, went without eating for long periods; Beroea in Syria, modern day Aleppo; Venerable Marana of Syria, Commemorated on February 28 ; Marina (Marana) and Kyra (Cyra), sisters by birth, during the fourth century in the city of Veria (or Berea) in Syria. parents were illustrious and rich, the sisters left home and departed the city when they had reached maturity. cleared off a small plot of land, the holy virgins sealed up the entrance to their refuge with rocks and clay, leaving only a narrow opening through which food was passed to them. little hut had no roof, and so they were exposed to the elements. their bodies they wore heavy iron chains and patiently endured hunger. a three year period, they ate food only once every forty days. former servants came to them, wanting to join their ascetic life. saints put them in a separate hut next to their own enclosure and they spoke to them through a window, exhorting them to deeds of prayer and fasting. The life of the holy ascetics Marana and Kyra was described by Bishop Theodoret of Cyrrhus in his Religiosa Historica. of respect for his hierarchical dignity, the holy virgins allowed him into their dwelling. conversed with them and persuaded them to remove the heavy chains they wore under their clothing. who was weak in body, was always stooped under their weight and was unable to sit upright. he left, however, they resumed wearing the chains. they lived in asceticism for forty years. disturbed their solitude only to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to pray at the Sepulchre of the Lord. their journey (which took twenty days) they ate no food until they had prayed at the Holy Places. the way back, they also went without eating. did the same thing at another time, when they journeyed to the grave of the Protomartyr Thekla (September 24) at Seleucia, Isauria. Marana and Kyra died in about the year 450. ascetical life equaled that of the great male ascetics of the desert, they received the same crown of victory from Christ the Savior. Venerable Domnica (Domnina) of Syria, Commemorated on February 28; Domnica (Domnina) a Syrian nun, a companion of Saints Marana and Kyra.

Constantinople, 392&1841, Cyprus Icon, Lazarus tomb, Arab arrow hit knee, A struck d
Cyprus, 392 & 841, Cyprus Icon, appeared at Lazarus' tomb, copies at Moscow&Stromyn, Triumph of Orthodoxy Week the first sunday of lent, Arab shot arrow, hit her knee, he struck dead, 1841 Stromyn Icon girl healed by voice from icon, then more miracles; Cyprus; Icon of the Mother of God of Cyprus, Commemorated February 19; Cyprus Icon of the Mother of God. this icon the Mother of God is depicted sitting on a throne with the Divine Infant in Her arms. There is an angel on either side of Her. prototype of this holy icon manifested itself in the year 392 on the island of Cyprus at the tomb of Righteous Lazarus, the friend of Christ (October 17), and is kept there in a monastery. copies of the Cyprus Icon are at the Moscow’s Dormition Cathedral, and in the Nikolo-Golutvin church in the village of Stromyn, Moscow diocese (Commemorated on the Sunday of Orthodoxy). the week of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, the Greek Synaxarion has an account of an icon which is probably the Cyprus Icon. the island of Cyprus a certain Arab was passing by a church dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos. order to display his hatred for Christianity, the man shot an arrow at an icon of the Mother of God which hung by the gate. The arrow struck the Virgin’s knee, from which blood began to flow. Overcome with fear, the Arab spurred his horse and rode for home, but was struck dead before he could get there. In this way, he was punished for his impiety. days commemorating the Cyprus Icon are the Day of the Holy Spirit, April 20, and July 9. Some copies of the Cyprus Icon have additional names such as “Cleansing,” “Knife,” and “Hawk.” “Stromyn” Cyprus Icon became famous in 1841. An eighteen-year-old girl from Stromyn, a village not far from Moscow, was close to death from an illness. In a dream she saw the Cyprus Icon standing over the entrance to the church, and a voice came from the icon: “Take me into your home and have the priest serve a Molieben with the Blessing of Water, and you will be cured.” sick girl was brought to the church and finally located the icon after a long search. The girl obeyed the command of the Most Holy Theotokos, and after the Molieben she felt strong enough to carry the icon back to the church herself. Shortly thereafter, she was completely healed. The “Stromyn” Cyprus Icon continued to work miracles of healing, which the rector of the church reported to the holy Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow (November 19).

Constantinople, 393-430, Mares tSinger, fCyrrhus, lived iHut, ascetic 37yrs, rough food, skins, handsome, pleasant singng voice
Syria, 393-430, Mares tSinger, fNear Cyrrhus, Syria (Afrin River 1), lived in hut, fasting&prayer, 37yrs, rough food, wild goat skins, handsome, pleasant singing voice; Cyrrhus; St Mares the Singer in Syria, Commemorated January 25 ; Mares the Singer lived in a hut in fasting and prayer for thirty-seven years in the village of Homeron, not far from the city of Cyrrhus in Syria. ate rough food, and wore clothes made from the hide of wild goats. was handsome, and had a pleasant singing voice. Mares reposed in the year 430.

Byzantium, 395-408, Emperor, Arcadius in the East, weak, Eudoxia, Alaric, Chrysostom
Byzantine Emperor, 395-408, Arcadius in the East; Arcadius ( 1 January 377 – 1 May 408) was Roman emperor from 383 to 408. He was the eldest son of the augustus Theodosius I (r. 379–395) and his first wife Aelia Flaccilla, and the brother of Honorius (r. 393–423). Arcadius ruled the eastern half of the empire from 395, when their father died, while Honorius ruled the west. A weak ruler, his reign was dominated by a series of powerful ministers and by his wife, Aelia Eudoxia.[2] Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Phocas the Bishop of Sinope, Commemorated on July 22 ; Venerable Cherimon (Chaeremon) of Egypt, Commemorated on August 16; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated on September 10; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; Repose of St John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 14; Venerable John the Short, of Egypt, Commemorated on November 9; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397); St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated on November 26; St John of Egypt, Commemorated on December 2; St Theodoulus the Eparch of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 3 ; Venerable Karion (Cyrion) and his son in Egypt, Commemorated on December 5 ; Venerable Zachariah of Egypt, Commemorated on December 5; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31; St Theodosius of Antioch, Commemorated on January 11 ; Venerable John Calabytes "œthe Hut-Dweller"Â, Commemorated on January 15; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Icon of the Mother of God "œComfort or œConsolation"Â, Commemorated on January 21; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Mausimas the Syrian, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Salamanes the Silent of the Euphrates, Commemorated on January 23; St Macedonius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on January 24; St Mares the Singer in Syria, Commemorated on January 25 ; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 27; Venerable Palladius the Hermit, of Antioch, Commemorated on January 28; Venerable Zeno the Hermit of Antioch the Disciple of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Venerable Isidore of Pelusium, Commemorated on February 4; Venerable Martinian of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 13; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 14; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; St Porphyrius the Bishop of Gaza, Commemorated on February 26; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable Marana of Syria, Commemorated on February 28; St Germanus of Dacia Pontica, Commemorated on February 29; Venerable Agathon of Egypt, Commemorated on March 2; St Patrick the Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Hypatius the Abbot of Rufinus in Chalcedon, Commemorated on March 31; Venerable George of Mt. Maleon in the Peloponnesus, Commemorated on April 4; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; St Theotimus the Bishop of Lesser Scythia, Commemorated on April 20; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 17 ; St Bassian the Bishop of Lodi in Lombardy, Commemorated on June 10; St Augustine the Bishop of Hippo, Commemorated on June 15 ; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; Martyr Tigrius the Presbyter of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 16; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the "œUnsleeping Ones"Â, Commemorated on July 3; Venerable Sisoes the Great, Commemorated on July 6;

Byzantium, 395-404, Empress, Aelia Eudoxia in the East, conflict with John Chrysostom
Byzantium, 395-404, Emperess Aelia Eudoxia in the East ; Eudoxia (died 6 October 404) was a Roman Empress consort by marriage to the Roman Emperor Arcadius. marriage was the source of some controversy, as it was arranged by Eutropius, one of the eunuch court officials, who was attempting to expand his influence. Empress, she came into conflict with John Chrysostom, the Patriarch of Constantinople, who was popular among the common folk for his denunciations of imperial and clerical excess. She had five children, four of whom survived to adulthood, including her only son and future emperor Theodosius II, but she had two additional pregnancies that ended in either miscarriages or stillbirths and she died as a result of the latter one. Byzantine Emperess, 395-408, Eudoxia in the East; Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Phocas the Bishop of Sinope, Commemorated on July 22 ; Venerable Cherimon (Chaeremon) of Egypt, Commemorated on August 16; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated on September 10; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; Repose of St John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 14; Venerable John the Short, of Egypt, Commemorated on November 9; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397); St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated on November 26; St John of Egypt, Commemorated on December 2; St Theodoulus the Eparch of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 3 ; Venerable Karion (Cyrion) and his son in Egypt, Commemorated on December 5 ; Venerable Zachariah of Egypt, Commemorated on December 5; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31; St Theodosius of Antioch, Commemorated on January 11 ; Venerable John Calabytes œthe Hut-DwellerÂ, Commemorated on January 15; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Mausimas the Syrian, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Salamanes the Silent of the Euphrates, Commemorated on January 23; St Macedonius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on January 24; St Mares the Singer in Syria, Commemorated on January 25 ; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 27; Venerable Palladius the Hermit, of Antioch, Commemorated on January 28; Venerable Zeno the Hermit of Antioch the Disciple of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Isidore of Pelusium, Commemorated on February 4; Venerable Martinian of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 13; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 14; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; St Porphyrius the Bishop of Gaza, Commemorated on February 26; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable Marana of Syria, Commemorated on February 28; St Germanus of Dacia Pontica, Commemorated on February 29; Venerable John Cassian the Roman, Commemorated on February 29; Venerable Agathon of Egypt, Commemorated on March 2; St Patrick the Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Hypatius the Abbot of Rufinus in Chalcedon, Commemorated on March 31; Venerable George of Mt. Maleon in the Peloponnesus, Commemorated on April 4; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; St Theotimus the Bishop of Lesser Scythia, Commemorated on April 20; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 17 ; St Bassian the Bishop of Lodi in Lombardy, Commemorated on June 10; St Augustine the Bishop of Hippo, Commemorated on June 15 ; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; Martyr Tigrius the Presbyter of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 16; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on July 3; Venerable Sisoes the Great, Commemorated on July 6;

Byzantium, 395-423, Emperor, Honorius in the West, weak, Rome sacked
Byzantine Emperor, 395-423, Honorius in the West; Venerable Cherimon (Chaeremon) of Egypt, Commemorated on August 16; MARTIN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (11 NOV 397); St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated on November 26; St Theodosius of Antioch, Commemorated on January 11 ; Venerable John Calabytes œthe Hut-DwellerÂ, Commemorated on January 15; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Salamanes the Silent of the Euphrates, Commemorated on January 23; St Macedonius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on January 24; St Mares the Singer in Syria, Commemorated on January 25 ; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 27; Venerable Palladius the Hermit, of Antioch, Commemorated on January 28; Venerable Zeno the Hermit of Antioch the Disciple of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Martinian of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 13; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 14; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; St Porphyrius the Bishop of Gaza, Commemorated on February 26; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable Marana of Syria, Commemorated on February 28; St Germanus of Dacia Pontica, Commemorated on February 29; Venerable John Cassian the Roman, Commemorated on February 29; Venerable Agathon of Egypt, Commemorated on March 2; St Patrick the Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Hypatius the Abbot of Rufinus in Chalcedon, Commemorated on March 31; Venerable George of Mt. Maleon in the Peloponnesus, Commemorated on April 4; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; Blessed Child Musa of Rome, Commemorated on May 16 ; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 17 ; St Bassian the Bishop of Lodi in Lombardy, Commemorated on June 10; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; Translation of the relics of the Holy and Wonderworking Unmercenary John, Commemorated on June 28 ;

Constantinople, 396-444, Cyril of Alexandria, presided in the 3rd E Council 431, winning the day for orthodoxy
Constantinople, 396-444, Cyril of Alexandria, presided in the 3rd E Council 431, winning the day for orthodoxy, teachers oTruth, defenders oChrist's Church, Dogmatic writings which, affirm Truth, interpret sctipture, censure heretics, Cyril wTheophilus' nephew who educated him, 412 C replaced T as Patriarch, but deposed Nestorian intrigues, later resumed, 431 presided 3rd EC, censured N blasphemy against Theotokos, departed 444; Egypt, 396-444, Cyril of Alexandria, presided in the 3rd E Council 431, winning the day for orthodoxy; Alexandria; Saint Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandriam Commemorated on January 18; Athanasius and Cyril were Archbishops of Alexandria. wise teachers of truth and defenders of Christ’s Church share a joint Feast in recognition of their dogmatic writings which the truth of the Orthodox Faith, interpret the Holy Scripture, censure the delusions of the heretics. Cyril was the nephew of Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, who educated him from his youth. succeeded to his uncle’s position in 412, was deposed through the intrigues of the Nestorian heretics. later resumed his See, however. Cyril presided at the Third Ecumenical Council in 431, censured the Nestorian blasphemy against the Most Holy Theotokos. wise words demonstrated the error of their false doctrine. Cyril departed to the Lord in the year 444, is also commemorated on June 9 (the day of his repose). Saint Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Athanasius and Cyril were Archbishops of Alexandria. These wise teachers of truth and defenders of Christ’s Church share a joint Feast in recognition of their dogmatic writings which affirm the truth of the Orthodox Faith, correctly interpret the Holy Scripture, and censure the delusions of the heretics. Athanasius took part in the First Ecumenical Council when he was still a deacon. He surpassed everyone there in his zeal to uphold the teaching that Christ is consubstantial (homoousios) with the Father, and not merely a creature, as the Arians proclaimed. radiant beacon of Orthodoxy spent most of his life in exile from his See, because of the plotting of his enemies. He returned to his flock as he was approaching the end of his life. Like an evening star, he illumined the Orthodox faithful with his words for a little while, then reposed in 373. He is also commemorated on May 2 (the transfer of his holy relics).

Constantinople, 396-444, Cyril, dogmatic writings, Orthodox truth, interpret Scripture, censure heretics
Byzantine Saint, 396-444, Cyril of Alexandria; St Athanasius the Great the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Athanasius and Cyril were Archbishops of Alexandria. These wise teachers of truth and defenders of Christ’s Church share a joint Feast in recognition of their dogmatic writings which affirm the truth of the Orthodox Faith, correctly interpret the Holy Scripture, and censure the delusions of the heretics. Cyril was the nephew of Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, who educated him from his youth. He succeeded to his uncle’s position in 412, but was deposed through the intrigues of the Nestorian heretics. He later resumed his See, however. Cyril presided at the Third Ecumenical Council in 431, which censured the Nestorian blasphemy against the Most Holy Theotokos. His wise words demonstrated the error of their false doctrine. Cyril departed to the Lord in the year 444, and is also commemorated on June 9 (the day of his repose).

Constantinople, 397-407, John Chrysostom in C, Priest's p, s Liturgy, Exodia's hatred, 3 exiles, earthquake, fire, barbarians
Byzantine Saint, 369-407, John Chrysostom; Holy Woman Olympias (Olympiada) the Deaconess of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 25; JEROME, SCHOLAR, TRANSLATOR, AND THEOLOGIAN (30 SEP 420); Venerable Nilus the Faster of Sinai, Commemorated on November 12; St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 13; John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, one of the Three Hierarchs [January 30], was born at Antioch in about the year 347 into the family of a military commander. father, Secundus, died soon after the birth of his son. mother, Anthusa, widowed at twenty years of age, did not seek to remarry but rather devoted all her efforts to the raising of her son in Christian piety. youth studied under the finest philosophers and rhetoricians. scorning the vain disciplines of pagan knowledge, the future hierarch turned himself to the profound study of Holy Scripture and prayerful contemplation. Meletius, Bishop of Antioch (February 12), loved John like a son, guided him in the Faith, and in the year 367 baptized him. three years John was tonsured as a Reader. When Saint Meletius had been sent into exile by the emperor Valens in the year 372, John and Theodore (afterwards Bishop of Mopsuestia) studied under the experienced instructors of ascetic life, the presbyters Flavian and Diodorus of Tarsus. highly refined Diodorus had particular influence upon the youth. John’s mother died, he embraced monasticism, which he called the “true philosophy.” John and his friend Basil were being considered as candidates for the episcopal office, and they decided to withdraw into the wilderness to avoid this. While Saint John avoided the episcopal rank out of humility, he secretly assisted in Basil’s consecration. this period Saint John wrote his “Six Discourses on the Priesthood,” a great work of Orthodox pastoral theology. saint spent four years struggling in the wilderness, living the ascetic life under the guidance of an experienced spiritual guide. here he wrote three books entitled, “Against the Opponents of Those Attracted to the Monastic Life”, and a collection entitled, “A Comparison of the Monk with the Emperor” (also known as “Comparison of Imperial Power, Wealth and Eminence, with the True and Christian Wisdom-Loving Monastic Life”), both works which are marked by a profound reflection of the worthiness of the monastic vocation. two years, the saint lived in a cave in complete silence, but was obliged to return to Antioch to recover his health. Meletius, the Bishop of Antioch, ordained him deacon in the year 381. following years were devoted to work on new theological writings: “Concerning Providence” (“To the Ascetic Stagirios”), “Book Concerning Virginity,” “To a Young Widow” (2 discourses), and the “Book of Saint Babylos, and Against Julian and the Pagans.” the year 386 Saint John was ordained presbyter by Bishop Flavian of Antioch. John was a splendid preacher, and his inspired words earned him the name “Golden-Mouthed” (“Chrysostom”). twelve years the saint preached in church, usually twice a week, but sometimes daily, deeply stirring the hearts of his listeners. his pastoral zeal to provide Christians with a better understanding of Holy Scripture, Saint John employed hermeneutics, an interpretation and analysis of the Word of God (i.e. exegesis). Among his exegetical works are commentaries on entire books of the Holy Scripture (Genesis, the Psalter, the Gospels of Matthew and John, the Epistles of the Apostle Paul), and also many homilies on individual texts of the Holy Bible, but also instructions on the Feastdays, laudations on the Saints, and also apologetic (i.e. defensive) homilies (against Anomoeans, Judaizers and pagans). a priest, Saint John zealously fulfilled the Lord’s command to care for the needy. Under Saint John, the Antiochian Church provided sustenance each day to as many as 3,000 virgins and widows, not including in this number the shut-ins, wanderers and the sick. John began his commentary on Genesis at the beginning of Great Lent in 388, preaching thirty-two homilies during the forty day period. During Holy Week he spoke of how Christ was betrayed, and about the Cross. During Bright Week, his pastoral discourse was devoted to the Resurrection. His exegesis of the Book of Genesis was concluded only at the end of October (388). Pascha in the following year (389) the saint began his homilies on the Gospel of John, and toward the end of the year 389 he took up the Gospel of Matthew. the year 391 the Christians of Antioch listened to his commentary on the Epistles of the holy Apostle Paul to the Romans and to the Corinthians. 393 he explained the Epistles to the Galatians, the Ephesians, Timothy, Titus, and the Psalms. In his homily on the Epistle to the Ephesians, Saint John denounced a schism in Antioch, “I tell you and I witness before you, that to tear asunder the Church means nothing less than to fall into heresy. The Church is the house of the heavenly Father, one Body and one Spirit.” fame of the holy preacher grew, and in the year 397 with the death of Archbishop Nectarius of Constantinople, successor to Saint Gregory the Theologian, Saint John Chrysostom was summoned from Antioch, and elected to the See of Constantinople. the capital, the holy archpastor was not able to preach as often as he had at Antioch. Many matters awaited the saint’s attention, and he began with the most important -- the spiritual perfection of the priesthood. He himself was the best example of this. The financial means apportioned for the archbishop were channeled by the saint into the upkeep of several hospices for the sick and two hostels for pilgrims. He fasted strictly and ate very little food, and usually refused invitations to dine because of his delicate stomach. saint’s zeal in spreading the Christian Faith extended not only to the inhabitants of Constantinople, but also to Thrace to include Slavs and Goths, and to Asia Minor and the Pontine region. established a bishop for the Bosphorus Church in the Crimea. John sent off zealous missionaries to Phoenicia, to Persia, and to the Scythians, to convert pagans to Christ. also wrote letters to Syria to bring back the Marcionites into the Church, and he accomplished this. Preserving the unity of the Church, the saint would not permit a powerful Gothic military commander, who wanted the emperor to reward his bravery in battle, to open an Arian church at Constantinople. saint exerted much effort in enhancing the splendor of the church services: he compiled a Liturgy, he introduced antiphonal singing for the all-night Vigil, and he wrote several prayers for the rite of anointing the sick with oil. saintly hierarch denounced the dissolute morals of people in the capital, especially at the imperial court, irrespective of person. When the empress Eudoxia connived to confiscate the last properties of the widow and children of a disgraced dignitary, the saint rose to their defense. The arrogant empress would not relent, and nursed a grudge against the archpastor. ’s hatred of the saint blazed forth anew when malefactors told her that the saint apparently had her in mind during his sermon on vain women. A court was convened composed of hierarchs who had been justly condemned by Chrysostom: Theophilus of Alexandria, Bishop Severian of Gabala, who had been banished from the capital because of improprieties, and others. court of judgment declared Saint John deposed, and that he be executed for his insult to the empress. The emperor decided on exile instead of execution. An angry crowd gathered at the church, resolved to defend their pastor. In order to avoid a riot, Saint John submitted to the authorities. very night there was an earthquake at Constantinople. The terrified Eudoxia urgently requested the emperor to bring the saint back, and promptly sent a letter to the banished pastor, beseeching him to return. Once more, in the capital church, the saint praised the Lord in a short talk, “For All His Ways.” slanderers fled to Alexandria. But after only two months a new denunciation provoked the wrath of Eudoxia. In March 404, an unjust council was convened, decreeing the exile of Saint John. Upon his removal from the capital, a fire reduced the church of Hagia Sophia and also the Senate building to ashes. Devastating barbarian incursions soon followed, and Eudoxia died in October 404. Even pagans regarded these events as God’s punishment for the unjust judgment against the saint. Armenia, the saint strove all the more to encourage his spiritual children. In numerous letters (245 are preserved) to bishops in Asia, Africa, Europe and particularly to his friends in Constantinople, Saint John consoled the suffering, guiding and giving support to his followers. In the winter of 406 Saint John was confined to his bed with sickness, but his enemies were not to be appeased. From the capital came orders to transfer Saint John to desolate Pityus in Abkhazia on the Black Sea. Worn out by sickness, the saint began his final journey under military escort, traveling for three months in the rain and frost. He never arrived at his place of exile, for his strength failed him at Comana. the crypt of Saint Basiliscus (May 22), Saint John was comforted by a vision of the martyr, who said, “Despair not, brother John! Tomorrow we shall be together.” After receiving the Holy Mysteries, the hierarch fell asleep in the Lord on September 14, 407. His last words were, “Glory to God for all things!” holy relics of Saint John Chrysostom were solemnly transferred to Constantinople in the year 438. The disciple of Saint John, the venerable Isidore of Pelusium (February 4), wrote: “The house of David is grown strong, and the house of Saul enfeebled. He is victor over the storms of life, and has entered into heavenly repose.” he died on September 14, Saint John’s celebration was transferred to this day because of the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Saint John Chrysostom is also celebrated on January 27 and January 30. St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20 ; Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated on November 26; Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Sts Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; St Gregory the Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated on January 10; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 27; Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Isidore of Pelusium, Commemorated on February 4; St Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 12; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 14; St Flavian, Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 16; St Germanus of Dacia Pontica, Commemorated on February 29; St Theotimus the Bishop of Lesser Scythia, Commemorated on April 20; Venerable Theodore Trichinas "œthe Hair-Shirt Wearer"Â and Hermit Near Constantinople, Commemorated on April 20;

Constantinople, 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.

Constantinople, 399-420, Saint, Maruthas of Martyropolis, pius writer, envoy, marytr
Byzantine Saint, 399-420, Maruthas of Martyropolis; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; Maruthas was Bishop of Tagrith (Martyropolis), a city which he founded between the Byzantine Empire and Persia. He was famed for his knowledge and his piety, he wrote about the martyrs, and he suffered for his faith in Christ under the Persian emperor Sapor. He also left behind other works in the Syrian language, among which the most famous are: “Commentary on the Gospel,” “Verses of Maruthas,” “Liturgy of Maruthas” and “The 73 Canons of the Ecumenical Council at Nicea” (325) with an account of the acts of the Council. the year 381 Saint Maruthas participated in the Second Ecumenical Council at Constantinople, convened against the heresy of Macedonius. In 383, he attended the Council of Antioch against the Messalians. the years 403-404 Saint Maruthas set off to Constantinople to plead with the emperor Arcadius to protect Persian Christians. He was twice sent by the emperor Theodosius the Younger to the Shah Izdegerd to secure the peace between the Empire and Persia. the year 414 Saint Maruthas, having done his duty as envoy to the court of Izdegerd, persuaded the Shah to a favorable disposition towards Christians, and he assisted greatly in the freedom of Christians in Persia. He rebuilt Christian churches razed during the persecution by the Persian ruler Sapor. He also located relics of saints who had suffered martyrdom and transferred them to Martyropolis. He died there in 422. The relics of Saint Maruthas were later transferred to Egypt and placed in a skete monastery of the Mother of God.

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

Constantinople, 400-499, 5th Century, Folder, Nestorius, Nestorianism

Constantinople, 401, Kathariotissa Icon, Epirus shepherds flee w Luke's birth icon, lost, clearing fire, not b
Ithaka Island; Icon of the Mother of God Kathariotissa, Commemorated September 8 ; wonderworking icon depicting the Nativity of the Theotokos is venerated on the Greek island of Ithaca. Monastery of Kathara; Monastery of the Kathara, pilgrimage and reference point for all inhabitants of Ithaca, built on the south-eastern peak of the Homeric Mount Nirito in a nice corner, 600m from the sea and 15 km. from Vathy. history of the monastery begins in 1696. history of the image of the Virgin is even older, reported by Father Theodosius Dendrinos in the second edition of his book 'The Monastery of Our Lady of Kathara, Ithaca'. local dialect the name “Kathara” means the twigs and small shrubs which are cut and burned to clear some place. says that shepherds from Epirus were persecuted by the Albanians so they had to leave their homes and flee to Ithaca where they settled on Mount Nirito at Mazos location, 400 approximately opposite the current monastery. realized that the miraculous picture depicting the Genesis of the Virgin was missing. night they saw a blinding light at the location where there is now the church of the monastery. all the research they never found anything there. same phenomenon was repeated for several nights, so they decided to cut and burn the bushes and twigs to clean the place to see what is going on there. the fire was extinguished they saw a picture that was not burned. was the painting of Genesis of the Virgin. They decided to built a small church so they could place the painting inside. version of how the church got its name is that it was founded by followers of the Catholic heresy of the Cathars. According to archaeologist-author W. Gell in his book "The geography and antiquities of Ithaca," the site was dedicated to Apollo. theory concerning the name comes from author Ms. Rita Tsintili- Vlisma who says that there used to be a pagan temple (probably of Goddess Athena) at the location where the church is today. One of the many nicknames of the Goddess was ''Kathara”. little further from the monastery there is a bell tower and the chapel of Saints Constantine and Helen. During the years of occupation and mainly because of the earthquakes of 1953, the bell tower was destroyed and rebuilt. The view from the bell tower is breathtaking: You can see the southern part of the island, part of eastern Kefalonia, in the far left you can see Echinades Islands, the west coast of Aitoloakarnania, and far in the distance when visibility is good you can see the Peloponnese and Zakynthos on the right. painting of the Virgin is attributed to St. Luke and represents the birth of the Virgin. early 1993 monk Theodosius (aka Elias Vlismas) comes to the monastery and offers his services to the grace of Mary. is a patron and protector of the island and is celebrated on September 8th every year. Bibliography: 'The Monastery of Our Lady of Kathara Ithaca' (second edition) Father Theodosius Dendrinos. Source: Municipality of Ithaca Website

Constantinople, 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.

Constantinople, 401-460, Domnina tYounger oCyrrhus, she envied holy ascetics, and emulated St Maron, shack in mother's garden
Syria, 401-460, Domnina the Younger oCyrrhus, Syria (Afrin River 1), story from Theodoret oCyrrhus' History oMonks oSyria, containing lives of 30 ascetics, born in Cyrrhus, God loving parents, she envied holy ascetics, she emulated St Maron (Feb 14), built shack in corner mother's garden, ate only lentils soaked in water, went to church both early morning and at night, to glorify God, so no one could see her face she covered self with a cloak, T says she spoke softly and indistinctly, her words always accompanied by tears, reposed after long life of severe asceticism in 460; Cyrrhus; Virginmartyr Domnina of Syria, Commemorated on March 1 ; Life of Saint Domnina the Younger1 was written by Theodoret of Cyrrhus in his Historia Religiosa (English title: A History of the Monks of Syria), containing the Lives of thirty ascetics. holy virgin Domina was born in the city of Cyrrhus in Syria, to pious and God-loving parents. a young age she envied the life of the holy ascetics and emulated Saint Maron († February 14) by building a shack in a corner of her mother's garden. only food was lentils soaked in water. in the morning, and again at night, she went to the church, in order to pray and glorify the name of God. always covered herself with a cloak so that no one would see her face. says she spoke "softly and indistinctly, and her words were always accompanied by tears.” a long life of austere asceticism, the Venerable Domnina reposed in peace around the year 460. Not to be confused with another Saint Domnina commemorated on October 4.

Constantinople, 401-485, Marcellus, Apamea, Syria, monastic schema, spiritual talents, clairvoyance, angels encircling, igumen
Syria, 401-485, Marcellus, Apamea, Syria, monastic schema, spiritual talents, clairvoyance, angels encircling, igumen Unsleeping Ones Monastery, fApamea, wealthy parents died early, ed aAntioch&Ephesus, distributed tPoor, tUnsleeping M Constantinople & Alexander, monk, great spiritual talents incl clairvoyance, left before he knew A would die tAvoid igumen, returned aJohn named igumen, John's assistant, after J's death Igumen for 60 yrs, many people came rich&poor, many times angels encircling him, attending&guarding him, many monks came, built Church, hospital, &hostel fHomeless, treated sick, cast devils, worked miracles, example ill monk called out mentally fAnkara, M heard at once prayed monk healed at once, same for ship wMonks on Black Sea, fire raging aConstantinople he stopped from his monastery by prayer, another example, servant John unjustly accused hid at the monastery, his lord Ardaburios demanded him back, refused, sent detachment, soldiers surrounded m threatening kill anyone, brethern wanted to fold, Marcellus signed cross went out alone, lightning, thunder, & Cross appeared brighter than the sun, soldiers ran, Ardaburios pardoned servant, departed 485, 5days later appreared to disciple Lukian conforting him fortelling L's death; Apamea, Syria; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the "Unsleeping Ones", Commemorated December 29 ; Marcellus, igumen of the Monastery called “the Unsleeping Ones,” was a native of the city of Apamea in Syria. parents were wealthy, but died when he was young. received his education first at Antioch, and then at Ephesus. his possessions left him by his parents he distributed to the poor, thereby sundering his ties to the world. the guidance of an experienced elder at Ephesus, Marcellus entered upon the path of asceticism. later went on to Byzantium to Saint Alexander, igumen of the monastery named “the Unsleeping.” The monastery received its name because in it psalmody was done constantly, both day and night, by alternating groups of monks. Alexander accepted Marcellus and tonsured him into the monastic schema. in the works of watchfulness, fasting and prayer, the saint received great spiritual talents and the gift of clairvoyance. foresaw the day of Abba Alexander’s death and his own election as igumen. However, since he was still young, he did not want to rule others. So he slipped out of the monastery to visit other provinces and other monasteries, where he received edification from the monks who lived there. the death of Saint Alexander, when Abba John had already been chosen as igumen, Marcellus returned to the great joy of the brethren. Abba John made Marcellus his own closest assistant. After John’s death, Saint Marcellus was chosen igumen of the monastery in spite of his own wishes, and in this position he remained for sixty years. of his saintly life spread far. People came to Marcellus from afar, both the illustrious and the common, rich and the poor. times they saw angels encircling the saint, attending and guarding him. the help of God, the monastery of “the Unsleeping Ones” flourished. many monks came to place themselves under the direction of Saint Marcellus that it became necessary to enlarge the monastery and the church. Marcellus received donations from believers for expansion, and built a beautiful large church, a hospital, and a hostel for the homeless. his prayers the monk treated the sick, cast out devils and worked miracles. example, one of the monks was sent to Ankara and fell ill. near death, he called out mentally to his abba. that very hour Saint Marcellus heard his disciple in the monastery, and he began to pray for him. He who was sick recovered at once. a ship with his monks came into danger on the Black Sea, the saint calmed the tempest by his prayers. time, when they told him that a fire was raging at Constantinople, he prayed tearfully for the city, and the fire subsided as if extinguished by the tears of the monk. the servant of a certain Arian nobleman named Ardaburios, was unjustly accused of something, and he hid out at the monastery to escape his master’s wrath. twice demanded that Saint Marcellus hand John over to him, but he refused. then sent out a detachment of soldiers, who surrounded the monastery, threatening to slay anyone who interfered with their mission. brethren went to the abba, asking him to surrender John and save the monastery. Marcellus signed himself with the Sign of the Cross, then boldly went out alone through the monastery gate towards the soldiers. flashed in the sky, thunder rumbled, and the Cross appeared shining brighter than the sun. soldiers threw down their weapons and took to flight. Ardaburios, learning from the soldiers what had happened, was frightened, and because of Saint Marcellus he pardoned the servant. Marcellus peacefully departed to the Lord in the year 485. His faithful disciple Lukian grieved terribly over him, but on the fifth day after the death Saint Marcellus appeared to him and comforted him, foretelling his own impending end.

Constantinople, 403, Synod of the Oak, Constantinople, against Chrysostom
Synod of the Oak (403) illegally condemned Saint John Chrysostrom ; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12;

Constantinople, 403-439, Melania the Younger, wealth, chasity, visited prison and mine convicts, helped monasteries, much more
Rome, 403-439, Melania the Younger of Rome, wealth, chasity, children died, new life dedicated to God, visited sick , debtors prison, and mine convicts, sold estates italy and spain, helped monasteries in Mesopotamia, Syria, Egypt, Phoenicia and Palestine, to Africa, storm, ransom for city on the way, 7 yrs in Carthage, Cyril and Nestorius, to Jerusalem, distributed rest of gold, poverty and prayer, short egypt visit, desert fathers, Melania's cell on mt of olives, later founded monastery, 90 virgins, husband Apinianus died, 4 more yrs fasting and p, benefactor sent for Mount of the Assension Chapel; Melania the Younger (born in Rome c. 383, died in Jerusalem on 31 December 439) is a Christian saint and Desert Mother who lived during the reign of Emperor Honorius, son of Theodosius I. She is the paternal granddaughter of Melania the Elder. Feast of Melania the Younger is held on 31 December (the Julian calendar's 31 December falls on 13 January on the Gregorian calendar). In Ukraine, by Orthodox Christians, Malanka ("Melania's Day") is celebrated on 13 January, and on 31 December by other Christians. Mount of the Assension, Chapel of the Assension; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31; Melania was born in Rome into a devout Christian family. Her parents, people of property and wealth, hoped that their daughter would marry and have children who would inherit their wealth. fourteen years of age Melania was married to the illustrious youth Apinianus. From the very beginning of their married life, Saint Melania asked her husband to live with her in chastity or else release her from the marriage. Apinianus answered, “I cannot agree to this right now. When we have two children to inherit the property, then we shall both renounce the world.” Melania gave birth to a daughter, whom the young parents dedicated to God. Continuing to live together in marriage, Melania secretly wore a hair shirt and spent her nights in prayer. The second child, a boy, was premature and had severe complications. They baptized him, and he departed to the Lord. the suffering of his wife, Apinianus asked the Lord to preserve Saint Melania’s life, and he vowed to spend the rest of their life together in chastity. Recovering, Saint Melania stopped wearing her beautiful clothing and jewelry. Soon their daughter also died. The parents of Saint Melania did not support the young couple’s desire to devote themselves to God. It was only when Saint Melania’s father became deathly ill, that he asked their forgiveness and permitted them to follow their chosen path, asking them to pray for him. saints then left the city of Rome, and began a new life completely dedicated to the service of God. Apinianus at this time was twenty-four years of age, and Melania twenty. They began to visit the sick, to take in wanderers, and to help the indigent. They visited those who were exiled, and mine-convicts, and the destitute, there in debtor’s prison. After selling their estates in Italy and Spain, they generously helped monasteries, hospitals, widows and orphans in Mesopotamia, Syria, Egypt, Phoenicia, and Palestine. churches and hospitals were built with their assistance. Churches of both West and East benefited from them. Leaving their native land, they set sail for Africa, and a strong storm arose while they were at sea. The sailors said that this was because of the wrath of God, but Saint Melania said that it was not God’s will that they should go directly to their destination. waves carried the ship to an island on which barbarians had landed. The besiegers demanded a ransom from the inhabitants, or else they threatened to lay waste the city. The saints supplied the necessary ransom, and thus saved the city and its people from destruction. their voyage, they landed in Africa and helped all the needy there. With the blessing of the local bishops, they made offerings to churches and monasteries. During this time Saint Melania continued to humble her flesh by strict fasting, and she fortified her soul by constantly reading the Word of God, making copies of the sacred books and distributing them to those who lacked them. She sewed a hairshirt for herself, put it on, and continued to wear it. saints spent seven years in Carthage, and then decided to visit Jerusalem. At Alexandria, they were welcomed by the bishop, Saint Cyril, and they met in church with the holy Elder Nestorius, who was possessed of the gift of prophecy and healing. The Elder turned to them and told them to have courage and patience in expectation of the Glory of Heaven. Jerusalem, the saints distributed their remaining gold to the destitute and then spent their days in poverty and prayer. After a short visit to Egypt, where the saints visited many of the desert Fathers, Saint Melania secluded herself in a cell on the Mount of Olives. Only occasionally did she see Saint Apinianus. she founded a monastery, where eventually ninety virgins lived in obedience to Saint Melania. Out of humility, she would not consent to be abbess, and lived and prayed in solitude as before. In her instructions, Saint Melania urged the sisters to be vigilant and to pray, to disdain their own opinions and cultivate first of all love for God and for one another, to keep the holy Orthodox Faith, and to guard their purity of soul and of body. particular, she exhorted them to be obedient to the will of God. Calling to mind the words of the Apostle Paul, she counselled them to keep the fasts “not with wailing, nor from compulsion, but in virtuous disposition with love for God”. her efforts an oratory and altar were built in the monastery, where they enshrined the relics of saints: the Prophet Zachariah, the holy Protomartyr Stephen, and the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. About this time Saint Apinianus fell asleep in the Lord. Saint Melania buried his relics and there spent another four years in fasting and unceasing prayer. Melania wanted to build a men’s monastery on the Mount of the Ascension of the Lord. The Lord blessed her intent by sending a benefactor who provided the means for the monastery. Joyfully accepting it, Saint Melania finished the great work in a single year. In this monastery, saintly men began to lift up unceasing prayer in the church of the Ascension of Christ. completed her tasks, the saint left Jerusalem for Constantinople, hoping to save the soul of her pagan uncle Volusianus who had traveled there from Rome. Along the way she prayed at the relics of Saint Laurence (August 10), at the place of his martyrdom, and received auspicious signs. Arriving in Constantinople, the saint found her uncle had fallen ill. Her demeanor and her inspired discourses had a profound influence on the sick man. He gave up pagan impiety and died a Christian. this time many inhabitants of the capital were deceived by the heretical teaching of Nestorius. Saint Melania accepted anyone who turned to her for proper explanation, converting many of them to Orthodoxy. Many miracles were worked through the prayers of the saint. to her own monastery, the saint sensed the approach of death, and told this to the priest and the sisters. They listened to her final instructions with deep sorrow and with tears. Having asked their prayers and commanding them to preserve themselves in purity, she received the Holy Mysteries with joy. Saint Melania peacefully gave up her soul to the Lord in the year 439.

Constantinople, 406-425, Atticus of Constantinople, Patriarch, Archbishop, Opposed J Chry, then
Constantinople Patriarch, 406-425, Archbishop Atticus of Constantinople; Venerable Dius the Abbot of Antioch, Commemorated on July 19; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17 ; St Maximian the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 21; Blessed Thais of Egypt, Commemorated on May 10; St Polybius the Bishop in Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on May 14; St Bassian the Bishop of Lodi in Lombardy, Commemorated on June 10; St Tikhon the Bishop of Amathus in Cyprus, Commemorated on June 16 ; St Julius the Presbyter of Novara, Commemorated on June 21; Jacob Riis of WALTER RAUSCHENBUSCH, WASHINGTON GLADDEN, and JACOB RIIS, PROPHETIC WITNESSES, 1918, 1918, 1914, Commemorated July 2 ; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the "œUnsleeping Ones"Â, Commemorated on July 3; Venerable Sisoes the Great, Commemorated on July 6;

Constantinople, 407-460, Kanides, Cappadocia, attracted tSolitary life as small child, age 7 lived iCave, one meal per week, a73
Armenia, 407-460, St Kanides, Cappadocia, Armenia (Central Anatolia), mother no fatty foods, attracted tSolitary life as small child, age 7 lived iCave, fasting Praying, one meal per week, uncooked vegetables, hair fell out dampness oCave, age 73 Cappadocia; Saint Kanides the Monk of Cappadocia, Commemorated on June 10; Kanides was born during the reign of Emperor Theodosios the Great (ca. 379). was the son of godly parents, Theodotos and Theophano, lived in Cappadocia. to Tradition, the Saint’s mother did not eat any fatty foods during the nine months when she was pregnant; and even when the saint was still a child, she was careful about what she ate. he was yet a small child, he became attracted to the solitary life, at the age of seven he went to a mountain where he lived in a cave, fasting and praying. is said that he ate only one meal of uncooked vegetables per week. of the great dampness of this cave, all the hair of his head and his beard fell out. living an ascetical and righteous life, he reposed in peace at the age of seventy-three, in the year 460.

Byzantium, 408-450, Emperor, Theodosius II, Younger, Eastern half, T Law Code, 2 heresies, University, Walls
Byzantine Emperor, 408-450, Theodosius II the Younger ; II (10 April 401 – 28 July 450), commonly called Theodosius the Younger[2] or the Calligrapher, was Roman emperor for most of his life, proclaimed augustus as an infant in 402 and ruling as the eastern Empire's sole emperor after the death of his father Arcadius in 408. His reign was marked by the promulgation of the Theodosian law code and the construction of the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople. He also presided over the outbreak of two great Christological controversies, Nestorianism and Eutychianism Venerable Dius the Abbot of Antioch, Commemorated on July 19; Emperor Theodosios the Younger, Commemorated on July 29; Finding of the relics of the Righteous St Gamaliel, Commemorated August 2 ; Finding of the relics of the Righteous St Nicodemus, Commemorated on August 2; Translation of the relics of the Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen from Jerusalem to Constantinople, Commemorated on August 2; 7 Holy Youths "Seven Sleepers" of Ephesus, Commemorated August 4; The Placing of the Cincture (Sash) of the Most Holy Mother of God, Commemorated on August 31; Venerable Theoctistus, Commemorated on September 3; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated on September 10; Venerable Andronicus of Egypt with his Wife, Commemorated on October 9 ; Martyr Nazarius of Milan, Commemorated on October 14; 7 Holy Youths œSeven SleepersÂ of Ephesus, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anthony of Apamea, Commemorated on November 9; Venerable John the Short, of Egypt, Commemorated on November 9; Venerable Matrona the Abbess of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9; St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20 ; St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25; Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated on November 26; Prophet Habakkuk, Commemorated on December 2; St John of Egypt, Commemorated on December 2; St Theodoulus the Eparch of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 3 ; Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen, Commemorated on December 27; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on December 29; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31; Virginmartyr Appolinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5; St Marcian the Presbyter in Constantinople, Commemorated on January 10; St Theodosius of Antioch, Commemorated on January 11 ; St Elian, Missionary to Cornwall, England, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable John Calabytes œthe Hut-DwellerÂ, Commemorated on January 15; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy and All-Glorious Apostle Peter, Commemorated on January 16; St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; St Macedonius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on January 24; St Philon, Bishop of Kolpasteia, Crete, Commemorated on January 24; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 27; Venerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; St Leo the Great the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 18; Venerable Alexander the founder of the Monastery, of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated on February 24; St Porphyrius the Bishop of Gaza, Commemorated on February 26; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8 ; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17 ; St Maximian the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 21; St Mares the Singer in Syria, Commemorated on January 25 ; Venerable Xenophon of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 26; Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Venerable Vendemianus the Hermit of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 1; Venerable Isidore of Pelusium, Commemorated on February 4; Venerable Martinian of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 13; Venerable Auxentius of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 14; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; St Flavian the Confessor the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 18; Venerable Baradates, Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Thalelaeus the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Hieromartyr Proterius the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 28; Venerable Marana of Syria, Commemorated on February 28; St Germanus of Dacia Pontica, Commemorated on February 29; Venerable John Cassian the Roman, Commemorated on February 29; Virginmartyr Domnina of Syria, Commemorated on March 1; Venerable Agathon of Egypt, Commemorated on March 2; St Mark the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on March 5 ; St Patrick the Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Hypatius the Abbot of Rufinus in Chalcedon, Commemorated on March 31; Venerable George of Mt. Maleon in the Peloponnesus, Commemorated on April 4; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on April 7 ; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8 ; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; St Theotimus the Bishop of Lesser Scythia, Commemorated on April 20; St Maximian the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 21; Blessed Thais of Egypt, Commemorated on May 10; St Polybius the Bishop in Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on May 14; Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt, Commemorated on June 6; St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on June 9; St Bassian the Bishop of Lodi in Lombardy, Commemorated on June 10; St Tikhon the Bishop of Amathus in Cyprus, Commemorated on June 16 ; St Julius the Presbyter of Novara, Commemorated on June 21; Jacob Riis of WALTER RAUSCHENBUSCH, WASHINGTON GLADDEN, and JACOB RIIS, PROPHETIC WITNESSES, 1918, 1918, 1914, Commemorated July 2 ; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on July 3; Venerable Sisoes the Great, Commemorated on July 6 ;

Constantinople, 408-450, Theodosius II, tYounger, Sister Pulcheria instructed him as defender Orthodox & 3rd E Council
Constantinople, 408-450, Theodosius II, tYounger, Reign at 7, Grandson oTheodosios tGreat, Sister Pulcheria instructed him as defender Orthodox & 3rd E Council; Emperor Theodosios the Younger, Commemorated on July 29; Emperor Theodosios II began his reign in the year 408 at the age of seven, succeeding his father, Arkadios. was called “the younger” in order to distinguish him from his grandfather Theodosios the Great. sister Pulcheria instructed him in Christian piety, and so he had a great reverence for the Orthodox Faith. Theodosios II assumed the throne, with the help of his sister Pulcheria, he was a strong supporter of the truth of the Orthodox Faith and defender of the Nicene Creed. his imperial decree of November 19, 430, the Third Ecumenical Synod met on June 22, 431 in Ephesus, condemned the heretical beliefs of Nestorius. of the fervent piety and great service to Orthodoxy of Theodosius II, the Church has numbered him among its Saints. Byzantine Emperor, 408-450, Theodosius II the Younger ; II (10 April 401 – 28 July 450), commonly called Theodosius the Younger[2] or the Calligrapher, was Roman emperor for most of his life, proclaimed augustus as an infant in 402 and ruling as the eastern Empire's sole emperor after the death of his father Arcadius in 408. His reign was marked by the promulgation of the Theodosian law code and the construction of the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople. He also presided over the outbreak of two great Christological controversies, Nestorianism and Eutychianism

Constantinople, 410, Lot oEgyptian desert, strove to be like flame in prayer, his sayings found in Paradise ot Fathers
Constantinople, 410, Lot oEgyptian desert, strove to be like flame in prayer, his sayings found in Paradise ot Fathers; Egyptian Desert (Nitrian Desert) ; There were three deserts in northern Egypt: the first was the Cells (the inner desert), so designated because of the many cells carved into the rocks. The second was called Skete (utter desert). The third was the Nitrian desert which reached the western bank of the Nile. Venerable Lot of Egypt, Commemorated on October 22; Lot was a wise ascetic of the desert who reposed in peace in the early fifth century. of his sayings are to be found in the "Paradise of the Fathers," which describes the life of the anchorites, recluses, monks, coenobites and ascetic Fathers of the deserts of Egypt compiled by Saint Athanasios of Alexandria, Saint Palladius, Bishop of Helenopolis, Saint Jerome and others. Nikodemos (Νikόdēmos) of the Holy Mountain writes: the Paradise of the Fathers, it is said that Saint Lot asked Abba Joseph of Panephysis the following question: 'Abba, as much as I am able, I pray a little, fast a little, study, and keep silent. According to my strength, I keep my mind free of evil thoughts. else should I do?' " Abba Joseph stood up and lifted his hands to heaven. And - O the miracle - the ten fingers of his hands became like ten lit candles, then he said to Abba Lot. "Strive, if you will, so that in prayer you may become entirely like a flame." Greek usage Abba Lot is commemorated on October 22. He is also commemorated with the Holy God-bearing Fathers who shone forth in the ascetic life, on Cheesefare Saturday at Matins (Ode 4 of the Canon).

Constantinople, 412-444, Cyril of Alexandria, Egyptian Patriarch, C of Ephesus 431, anti Nestor, Novat and Jew
Egyptian Patriarch, 412-444, Cyril of Alexandria; of Alexandria (c. 376 – 444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. was enthroned when the city was at the height of its influence and power within the Roman Empire. wrote extensively and was a leading protagonist in the Christological controversies of the late-4th and 5th centuries. was a central figure in the Council of Ephesus in 431, which led to the deposition of Nestorius as Patriarch of Constantinople. is counted among the Church Fathers and also as a Doctor of the Church, and his reputation within the Christian world has resulted in his titles Pillar of Faith and Seal of all the Fathers. Roman Emperor Theodosius II, however, condemned him for behaving like a "proud pharaoh", and the Nestorian bishops at their synod at the Council of Ephesus declared him a heretic, labelling him as a "monster, born and educated for the destruction of the church."[1] is well known for his dispute with Nestorius and his supporter Patriarch John of Antioch whom Cyril excluded from the Council of Ephesus for arriving late. is also known for his expulsion of Novatians and Jews from Alexandria and for inflaming tensions that led to the murder of the Hellenistic philosopher Hypatia by a Christian mob. Historians disagree over the extent of his responsibility in this. tried to oblige the pious Christian emperor Theodosius II (AD 408-450) to himself by dedicating his Paschal table to him.[2] It is also important to note that Cyril's Paschal table was provided with a Metonic basic structure in the form of a Metonic 19-year lunar cycle adopted by him around AD 425, which was very different from the first Metonic 19-year lunar cycle invented around AD 260 by Anatolius, but exactly equal to the similar lunar cycle which had been introduced around AD 412 by Annianus; the julian equivalent of this Alexandrian lunar cycle adopted by Cyril and nowadays referred to as the 'classical (Alexandrian) 19-year lunar cycle' would only much later emerge again: a century later in Rome as the basic structure of Dionysius Exiguus’ Paschal table (AD 525) and two more centuries later in England as the one of Beda's Easter table (AD 725).[3] Catholic Church did not commemorate Saint Cyril in the Tridentine Calendar: it added his feast only in 1882, assigning to it the date of 9 February. This date is used by the Western Rite Orthodox Church. Yet the 1969 Catholic Calendar revision moved it to 27 June, considered to be the day of the saint's death, as celebrated by the Coptic Orthodox Church.[4] The same date has been chosen for the Lutheran calendar. The Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic Churches celebrate his feast day on 9 June and also, together with Pope Athanasius I of Alexandria, on 18 January. St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on June 9; St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Athanasius and Cyril were Archbishops of Alexandria. These wise teachers of truth and defenders of Christ’s Church share a joint Feast in recognition of their dogmatic writings which affirm the truth of the Orthodox Faith, correctly interpret the Holy Scripture, and censure the delusions of the heretics. Cyril was the nephew of Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, who educated him from his youth. He succeeded to his uncle’s position in 412, but was deposed through the intrigues of the Nestorian heretics. He later resumed his See, however. Cyril presided at the Third Ecumenical Council in 431, which censured the Nestorian blasphemy against the Most Holy Theotokos. His wise words demonstrated the error of their false doctrine. Cyril departed to the Lord in the year 444, and is also commemorated on June 9 (the day of his repose). 10,000 Martyred Fathers of the Deserts and Caves of Scete by the Impious Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria, Commemorated on July 10; Venerable Hellius of Egypt, Commemorated on July 14;

Byzantium, 414-453, Empress, Pulcheria, Theodosius' sister, Virgin, significant influence, ecumenical councils
Byzantine Emperess, 414-453, Pulcheria ; Pulcheria (19 January 398 or 399 – July 453)[1] was an empress who advised her brother Theodosius II during his minority and then became wife to Marcian from November 450 to her death in 453. was the second (and oldest surviving) child of Eastern Roman Emperor Arcadius and Empress Aelia Eudoxia. In 414, the fifteen-year old Pulcheria became the chief guardian of her younger brother Theodosius II[2] and was also proclaimed "augusta". had significant, though changing, influence and political power during her brother's reign. When Theodosius II died on 26 July 450, Pulcheria married Marcian on 25 November 450, while simultaneously not violating her vow of virginity. She died three years later, in July 453. greatly influenced the Christian Church and its theological development by guiding two of the most important ecumenical councils in ecclesiastical history, namely those of Ephesus and Chalcedon, in which the Church ruled on christological issues. The Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church subsequently recognized her as a saint.[3] 7 Holy Youths "Seven Sleepers" of Ephesus, Commemorated August 4; The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on August 15; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated on September 10; Venerable Matrona the Abbess of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9; St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20 ; Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen, Commemorated on December 27; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31; Virginmartyr Appolinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5; St Marcian the Presbyter in Constantinople, Commemorated on January 10; Venerable John Calabytes œthe Hut-DwellerÂ, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20; St Macedonius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on January 24; St Philon, Bishop of Kolpasteia, Crete, Commemorated on January 24; Venerable Xenophon of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 26; Venerable Vendemianus the Hermit of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 1; Venerable Auxentius of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 14; St Leo the Great the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 18; Venerable Baradates, Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Venerable Alexander the founder of the Monastery, of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated on February 24; St Porphyrius the Bishop of Gaza, Commemorated on February 26; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable Thalelaeus the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Hieromartyr Proterius the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 28; Venerable Marana of Syria, Commemorated on February 28; St Germanus of Dacia Pontica, Commemorated on February 29; Venerable John Cassian the Roman, Commemorated on February 29; Virginmartyr Domnina of Syria, Commemorated on March 1; Venerable Agathon of Egypt, Commemorated on March 2; St Mark the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on March 5 ; St Patrick the Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable George of Mt. Maleon in the Peloponnesus, Commemorated on April 4; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on April 7 ; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8 ; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; St Theotimus the Bishop of Lesser Scythia, Commemorated on April 20; Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt, Commemorated on June 6;

Constantinople, 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).

Constantinople, 415, Uncovering Stephen's relics, S appeared 3 times, 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.

Constantinople, 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).

Constantinople, 420-450, Xenia oRome, tAvoid marriage, sailed tMilas, Roman senator's daughter, she bought land, built monastery
Ephesus, 420-450, Xenia oRome, avoiding marriage, sailed tMilas, Caria, Near Ephesus, Roman senator's daughter, met Milas Monastery head on ship, through God, he took her and her 2 servants there, she bought land, built church, founded woman's monastery, Milas Bishop made her Deaconess, helped everyone, for destitute a benefactress, forgrief-stricken a comforter, for sinners a guide to repentence, She deeply humble, she reported self most sinfull of all, Guided by Euthymius oPalestine, many souls tChrist, died 450 wPraying; Milas, Caria, Near Ephesus; Venerable Xenia of Rome, and her two female servants, Commemorated on January 24; Xenia of Rome, in the world Eusebia, was the only daughter of an eminent Roman senator. her youth she loved God, and wished to avoid the marriage arranged for her. secretly left her parental home with two servants devoted to her, and set sail upon a ship. the Providence of God she met the head of the monastery of the holy Apostle Andrew in Milassa, a town of Caria (Asia Minor). besought him to take her and her companions to Milassa. also changed her name, calling herself Xenia [which means “stranger” or “foreigner” in Greek]. Milassa she bought land, built a church dedicated to Saint Stephen, and founded a woman’s monastery. after this, Bishop Paul of Milassa made Xenia a deaconess, because of her virtuous life. saint helped everyone: the destitute, she was a benefactress; the grief-stricken, a comforter; sinners, a guide to repentance. possessed a deep humility, accounting herself the worst and most sinful of all. her ascetic deeds she was guided by the counsels of the Palestinian ascetic, Saint Euthymius. sublime life of Saint Xenia drew many souls to Christ. holy virgin died in 450 while she was praying. her funeral, a luminous wreath of stars surrounding a radiant cross appeared over the monastery in the heavens. sign accompanied the body of the saint when it was carried into the city, remained until the saint’s burial. of the sick received healing after touching the relics of the saint. the death of Saint Xenia, first one of her former servants died, then the other. were buried at the saint’s feet.

Constantinople, 420-425, John tHut Dweller, rich p, monk, homesick, pauper aParents gate, 3days, Fancy Gospel ID's him, buried t
Bythinia, 420-425, John Calabytes, tHut Dweller, son rich illustrious, born 401 Constantinople, fine ed, mastered rhetoric philosoply by 12, loved spiritual books, parents gave him fancy gospel, read it constantly, monk came back to take him, tBithynia secretly, Unsleeping Ones M, monk tonsure, ascetic zeal: unceasing prayer, obedience, abstinence, work perseverance, after 6yrs temptations, regretted leaving parents, burning desire see them, returned as beggar, settled parents gates, father gave him food, oppressed insulted by servants, cold frost, unceasingly conversing wLord&Holy Angels, Lord appeared before his death told him 3days to go Heavenly Kingdom, askes steward give mother message come to him, curious but did not want to go, another message saying he die 3days, thanked her for charity, told her God would reward her, made her promise bury him beneath his hut in his rags, only then gave her his Gospel, tConsole in this life & guide to next life, Husband said it the one he commissioned, he admitted he was their child, they embraced him wTears oJoy, church built on place of hut, beside it a hostel fStrangers, they buried in that church, 12th C crusaders took head to Besancon France, other relics tRome; Bithyninum, Bithynia ; Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy, Commemorated on September 12; Venerable John Calabytes “the Hut-Dweller”, Commemorated on January 15; John the Hut-Dweller was the son of rich and illustrious parents, was born in Constantinople in the early fifth century. received a fine education, and he mastered rhetoric and philosophy by the age of twelve. also loved to read spiritual books. the vanity of worldly life, he chose the path that was narrow and extremely difficult. with longing to enter a monastery, he confided his intention to a passing monk. made him promise to come back for him when he returned from his pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and take him to his monastery. asked his parents for a Gospel so that he might study the words of Christ. John’s parents hired a calligrapher to copy the text, and had the volume bound in a golden cover studded with gems. read the Gospel constantly, delighting in the Savior’s words. monk kept his promise to come back for John, and they went secretly to Bithynia. At the monastery of the “Unsleeping” (Akoimitoi), he received monastic tonsure. The young monk began his ascetical labors with zeal, astonishing the brethren with his unceasing prayer, humble obedience, strict abstinence, and perseverance at work. six years, he began to undergo temptations. He remembered his parents, how much they loved him, and what sorrow he caused them. He regretted leaving them, and was filled with a burning desire to see them again. John explained his situation to the igumen Saint Marcellus (December 29) and he asked to be released from the monastery. He begged the igumen for his blessing and prayers to return home. He bid farewell to the brethren, hoping that by their prayers and with the help of God, he would both see his parents and overcome the snares of the devil. The igumen then blessed him for his journey. John returned to Constantinople, not to resume his former life of luxury, but dressed as a beggar, and unknown to anyone. settled in a corner by the gates of his parents’ home. father noticed the “pauper,” and began to send him food from his table, for the sake of Christ. lived in a small hut for three years, oppressed and insulted by the servants, enduring cold and frost, unceasingly conversing with the Lord and the holy angels. his death, the Lord appeared to the monk in a vision, revealing that the end of his sorrows was approaching, and that in three days he would be taken into the Heavenly Kingdom. he asked the steward to give his mother a message to come to him, for he had something to say to her. first, she did not wish to go, but she was curious to know what this beggar had to say to her. he sent her another message, saying that he would die in three days. thanked her for the charity he had received, and told her that God would reward her for it. then made her promise to bury him beneath his hut, dressed in his rags. then did the saint give her his Gospel, which he always carried with him, saying, “May this console you in this life, and guide you to the next life.” showed the Gospel to her husband, saying that it was similar to the one they had given their son. He realized that it was, in fact, the very Gospel they had commissioned for John. went back to the gates, intending to ask the pauper where he got the Gospel, and if he knew anything about their son. to restrain himself any longer, he admitted that he was their child. tears of joy they embraced him, weeping because he had endured privation for so long at the very gates of his parental home. saint died in the mid-fifth century, when he was not quite twenty-five years old. the place of his burial the parents built a church, and beside it a hostel for strangers. they died, they were buried in the church they had built. the twelfth century the head of the saint was taken by Crusaders to Besançon (in France), other relics of the saint were taken to Rome.

Constantinople, 420-458, Euphrosyne oAlexandria, she wanted monastic, entered father's monastery, counciled him incognito
Egypt, 420-458, Egyptian Saint, Euphrosyne of Alexandria, only child of rich illustrious parents, raised by her father, a deeply believing and pious christian, Igumen was his spiritual father, at 18 father wanted her to marry, so he went to his Igumen for blessing, Igumen talked with Euphrosyne, gave blessing, but E wanted monastic life, she accepted tonsure from wandering monk, left her house, decided enter monastery, father would find her in woman's so she entered father's monastery as Smaragdos, not knowing, her father sent to S, 38 yrs, death approaching she told her father and asked him to by himself prepare her for burial, after burial Paphnutius gave his wealth and became monk in her cell; Egypt, 420-458, Egyptian Saint, Euphrosyne of Alexandria; - Venerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15: Euphrosyne of Alexandria was born at the beginning of the fifth century in the city of Alexandria. was the only child in her family of illustrious and rich parents. her mother died early, she was raised by her father, Paphnutius, a deeply believing and pious Christian. frequented a monastery, the igumen of which was his spiritual guide. Euphrosyne turned eighteen, her father wanted her to marry. went to the monastery to his spiritual guide to receive his blessing for the planned wedding of his daughter. igumen conversed with the daughter and gave her his blessing, but Saint Euphrosyne yearned for the monastic life. secretly accepted tonsure from a wandering monk, left her father’s house and decided to enter a monastery in order to lead her life in solitude and prayer. feared, however, that in a women’s monastery her father would find her. herself the eunuch Smaragdos, she went to the very same men’s monastery which she had visited with her father since childhood. monks did not recognize Euphrosyne dressed in men’s garb, and so they accepted her into the monastery. in a solitary cell, Saint Euphrosyne spent 38 years in works, fasting and prayer, and attained a high level of spiritual accomplishment. father grieved over the loss of his beloved daughter and more than once, on the advice of the igumen, he conversed with the monk Smaragdos, revealing his grief and receiving spiritual comfort. her death, the nun Euphrosyne revealed her secret to her grieving father and asked that no one but he should prepare her body for burial. buried his daughter, Paphnutius distributed all his wealth to both the poor and to the monastery, and then he accepted monasticism. ten years right up to his own death, he labored in the cell of his daughter. Euphrosyne is also commemorated on September 25. Venerable Paphnutius and Euphrosynē of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; Story as above venerable Mother Euphrosynē was born at the beginning of the fifth century in the city of Alexandria. was the only child of illustrious and wealthy parents. she was twelve years old, her mother reposed, and so the girl was raised by her Father, Paphnutios, was a very devout Christian. was in the habit of visiting a certain monastery, where the Igoumen was his Spiritual Father. Euphrosynē turned eighteen, her father wanted her to marry. went to the monastery to obtain the Igoumen's blessing for his daughter's wedding. Igoumen talked with her and gave her his blessing, Saint Euphrosynē longed for the monastic life. day, she gave away her possessions to the poor, and then she snuck out of the house. Saint had decided to enter a monastery in order to spend her life in solitude and prayer, she was afraid that her father was apt to find find her in a women’s monastery. she disguised herself as a man and entered the same men's monastery which she had visited with her father from her childhood, herself Smaragdos. monks did not recognize Euphrosynē dressed in men’s clothes, and so they received her into the monastery. monks were impressed by her spiritual struggles and by her willingness to serve everyone. in a solitary cell, Saint Euphrosynē spent 38 years in spiritual endeavors, fasting and prayer, thereby attaining a high level of spiritual accomplishment. was deeply saddened by the loss of his beloved daughter; than once, on the advice of his Spiritual Father, he spoke to the "monk" Smaragdos, disclosing his grief and receiving spiritual comfort. her death, Saint Euphrosynē revealed her secret to her grieving parent insisted that no one but he should prepare her body for burial. he buried his daughter, Paphnutios distributed all his wealth to the poor and to the monastery, then he was tonsured. ten years, until the time of his own repose, he labored in his daughter's cell. her life, Saint Euphrosynē reminds us that we must renounce "worldly passions and live soberly, uprightly, and devoutly" (Titus 2:12). is, after rejecting the desires of this vain and sinful world, we ought to live abstemiously, with justice toward our fellow human beings, and with piety toward God. Euphrosynē and her father are also commemorated on September 25.

Constantinople, 420-458, Euphrosyne oAlexandria, virtuous father, E rejected his desire for htMarry, E became accomplished monk
Egypt, 420-458, Euphrosyne of Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, only child wealthy parents, at 12 mother reposed, raised by devout father Paphnutios, who often visited spiritual father igumen at monastery, at 18 her father wanted her to marry, got igumen's blessing, igumen talked tE amd blessed her, but E longed for monastic spiritual life, she gave possessions and snuck out, to avoid capture at woman's monastery she went to her father's favorite m, to spend life in solitude and prayer, disguised as a man, calling self Smaragdos, monks impressed by her spiritual struggles, willingness to serve, spent 38 yrs, spiritual endeavors fasting prayer, high level spiritual accomplishment, Paphnutions deeply saddened, more than once P spoke with S receiving spiritual comfort, before her death E spoke with her father revealing secret, insisting he prepare her body, after burial P distributed wealth and was tonsured, monk 10 yrs in daughter's cell, Euphrosyne reminds us we must renounce worldly passions, live soberly, uprightly, devoutly (Titus 2:12), rejecting desires of vain sinful world; Alexandria; Venerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria, Commemorated on September 25 ; venerable Mother Euphrosyne (Euphrosynē) was born at the beginning of the fifth century in the city of Alexandria. was the only child of illustrious and wealthy parents. she was twelve years old, her mother reposed, and so the girl was raised by her Father, Paphnutios, who was a very devout Christian. was in the habit of visiting a certain monastery, where the Igoumen was his Spiritual Father. Euphrosyne turned eighteen, her father wanted her to marry. went to the monastery to obtain the Igoumen's blessing for his daughter's wedding. Igoumen talked with her and gave her his blessing, Saint Euphrosyne longed for the monastic life. day, she gave away her possessions to the poor, and then she snuck out of the house. Saint had decided to enter a monastery in order to spend her life in solitude and prayer, she was afraid that her father was apt to find find her in a women’s monastery. she disguised herself as a man and entered the same men's monastery which she had visited with her father from her childhood, herself Smaragdos. monks did not recognize Euphrosyne dressed in men’s clothes, so they received her into the monastery. monks were impressed by her spiritual struggles and by her willingness to serve everyone. in a solitary cell, Saint Euphrosyne spent 38 years spiritual endeavors, fasting and prayer, thereby attaining a high level of spiritual accomplishment. was deeply saddened by the loss of his beloved daughter; than once, on the advice of his Spiritual Father, he spoke to the "monk" Smaragdos, disclosing his grief and receiving spiritual comfort. her death, Saint Euphrosyne revealed her secret to her grieving parent insisted that no one but he should prepare her body for burial. he buried his daughter, Paphnutios distributed all his wealth to the poor and to the monastery, and then he was tonsured. ten years, until the time of his own repose, he labored in his daughter's cell. her life, Saint Euphrosyne reminds us that we must renounce "worldly passions and live soberly, uprightly, and devoutly" (Titus 2:12). is, after rejecting the desires of this vain and sinful world, ought to live abstemiously (not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking), justice toward our fellow human beings, and with piety toward God. Paphnutios and his daughter Saint Euphrosyne are both commemorated today, and once again on February 15.

Constantinople, 420-458, Paphnutius, Euphrosyne's Father, she counciled him incognito, He buried her then was monk in her cell
Egypt, 420-458, Egyptian Saint, Euphrosyne of Alexandria, only child of rich illustrious parents, raised by her father, a deeply believing and pious christian, Igumen was his spiritual father, at 18 father wanted her to marry, so he went to his Igumen for blessing, Igumen talked with Euphrosyne, gave blessing, but E wanted monastic life, she accepted tonsure from wandering monk, left her house, decided enter monastery, father would find her in woman's so she entered father's monastery as Smaragdos, not knowing, her father sent to S, 38 yrs, death approaching she told her father and asked him to by himself prepare her for burial, after burial Paphnutius gave his wealth and became monk in her cell; Egypt, 420-458, Egyptian Saint, Euphrosyne of Alexandria; - Venerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15: Euphrosyne of Alexandria was born at the beginning of the fifth century in the city of Alexandria. was the only child in her family of illustrious and rich parents. her mother died early, she was raised by her father, Paphnutius, a deeply believing and pious Christian. frequented a monastery, the igumen of which was his spiritual guide. Euphrosyne turned eighteen, her father wanted her to marry. went to the monastery to his spiritual guide to receive his blessing for the planned wedding of his daughter. igumen conversed with the daughter and gave her his blessing, but Saint Euphrosyne yearned for the monastic life. secretly accepted tonsure from a wandering monk, left her father’s house and decided to enter a monastery in order to lead her life in solitude and prayer. feared, however, that in a women’s monastery her father would find her. herself the eunuch Smaragdos, she went to the very same men’s monastery which she had visited with her father since childhood. monks did not recognize Euphrosyne dressed in men’s garb, and so they accepted her into the monastery. in a solitary cell, Saint Euphrosyne spent 38 years in works, fasting and prayer, and attained a high level of spiritual accomplishment. father grieved over the loss of his beloved daughter and more than once, on the advice of the igumen, he conversed with the monk Smaragdos, revealing his grief and receiving spiritual comfort. her death, the nun Euphrosyne revealed her secret to her grieving father and asked that no one but he should prepare her body for burial. buried his daughter, Paphnutius distributed all his wealth to both the poor and to the monastery, and then he accepted monasticism. ten years right up to his own death, he labored in the cell of his daughter. Euphrosyne is also commemorated on September 25. Venerable Paphnutius and Euphrosynē of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; Story as above venerable Mother Euphrosynē was born at the beginning of the fifth century in the city of Alexandria. was the only child of illustrious and wealthy parents. she was twelve years old, her mother reposed, and so the girl was raised by her Father, Paphnutios, was a very devout Christian. was in the habit of visiting a certain monastery, where the Igoumen was his Spiritual Father. Euphrosynē turned eighteen, her father wanted her to marry. went to the monastery to obtain the Igoumen's blessing for his daughter's wedding. Igoumen talked with her and gave her his blessing, Saint Euphrosynē longed for the monastic life. day, she gave away her possessions to the poor, and then she snuck out of the house. Saint had decided to enter a monastery in order to spend her life in solitude and prayer, she was afraid that her father was apt to find find her in a women’s monastery. she disguised herself as a man and entered the same men's monastery which she had visited with her father from her childhood, herself Smaragdos. monks did not recognize Euphrosynē dressed in men’s clothes, and so they received her into the monastery. monks were impressed by her spiritual struggles and by her willingness to serve everyone. in a solitary cell, Saint Euphrosynē spent 38 years in spiritual endeavors, fasting and prayer, thereby attaining a high level of spiritual accomplishment. was deeply saddened by the loss of his beloved daughter; than once, on the advice of his Spiritual Father, he spoke to the "monk" Smaragdos, disclosing his grief and receiving spiritual comfort. her death, Saint Euphrosynē revealed her secret to her grieving parent insisted that no one but he should prepare her body for burial. he buried his daughter, Paphnutios distributed all his wealth to the poor and to the monastery, then he was tonsured. ten years, until the time of his own repose, he labored in his daughter's cell. her life, Saint Euphrosynē reminds us that we must renounce "worldly passions and live soberly, uprightly, and devoutly" (Titus 2:12). is, after rejecting the desires of this vain and sinful world, we ought to live abstemiously, with justice toward our fellow human beings, and with piety toward God. Euphrosynē and her father are also commemorated on September 25.

Byzantium, 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 (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] life Eudocia was born circa 400 in Athens into a family of Greek descent.[2][3][4][5][6] 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. given name was Athenais, chosen by her parents in honour of the city's protector, the pagan goddess Pallas Athena.[8] 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. taught her the Socratic virtue of knowledge of moderation, and predicted that she would have a great destiny.[9] 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] 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.

Constantinople, 420-473, Auxentius, oMt St Auxentius, Near Chalcedon, 4th EC Confessor, spiritual sight, many monasteries
Bithynia, 420-473, Saint Auxentius, Mt St Auxentius of Bithynia, served Theodosius tYounger's court, virtuous learned wise man, moreover friend many pious men, distressed by worldly vanity, became priest and monk, then tSolitary place Mt Oxia near Chalcedon, shepherds discovered him spread tNews, people came fHealing, healed many, invited to 4th EC 451, denounced Eutychian&Nestorian heresies, easily bested opponents because knew scripture and theology, returned to solitary cell, with spiritual sight saw repose st simeon tStylite long distance, died 470 leaving disciplese & many monasteries in Bithynia, buried at Rufiananas, syria, Hypatius's monastery; Mt St Auxentius of Bithynia; Venerable Auxentius of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 14; Auxentius, by origin a Syrian, served at the court of the emperor Theodosius the Younger (418-450). was known as a virtuous, learned and wise man, he was, moreover, a friend of many of the pious men of his era. by worldly vanity, Saint Auxentius was ordained to the holy priesthood, and then received monastic tonsure. this he went to Bithynia and found a solitary place on Mount Oxia, not far from Chalcedon, there he began the life of a hermit (this mountain was afterwards called Mt. Auxentius). place of the saint’s efforts was discovered by shepherds seeking their lost sheep. They told others about him, and people began to come to him for healing. Auxentius healed many of the sick and the infirm in the name of the Lord. the year 451 Saint Auxentius was invited to the Fourth Ecumenical Council at Chalcedon, he denounced the Eutychian and Nestorian heresies. with Holy Scripture and learned in theology, Saint Auxentius easily bested those opponents who disputed with him. the end of the Council, Saint Auxentius returned to his solitary cell on the mountain. his spiritual sight he saw the repose of Saint Simeon the Stylite (459) from a great distance. Auxentius died about the year 470, leaving behind him disciples many monasteries in the region of Bithynia. was buried in the Monastery of Saint Hypatius at Rufiananas, Syria.

Constantinople, 420-480, Daniel t Stylite, Samosata, Armenia, Stylite Simeon visited, prophecy his S, Thrace w
Syria, 420-480, Daniel the Stylite, Samosata, Armenia (Euphrates River 3), mother dedicated him, after 5 yrs received name, left for manastery at 12, angelic garb, Stylite Simeon visited, prophecy his S, ascetic life, S place vision, Thrace wilderness, on p 33 yrs, healing, prayers for B Emperors, great fire prophecy, gracious words, 80 yrs; Samosata; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11 ; Daniel the Stylite was born in the village of Bethara, near the city of Samosata in Mesopotamia. mother Martha was childless for a long while and in her prayers she vowed that if she had a child, she would dedicate him to the Lord. Her prayers were heard, and Martha soon gave birth to a son, who was without a name until he was five years of age. boy’s parents desired that since he was born through the good-will of God, he should also receive his name from God. took their son to a monastery located nearby and approached the igumen. The igumen gave orders to take down one of the service books, and unrolled it at random. He found the Prophet Daniel (December 17) mentioned in it. Thus did the boy receive his name. parents asked that he might remain at the monastery, but the igumen would not accept him, since he was still only a small boy. At twelve years of age, saying nothing to anyone, the child left home for the monastery. parents were happy when they learned where their son was, and they went to the monastery. Seeing that he was still going about in his worldly clothes, they besought that the igumen should clothe him in the angelic garb. That Sunday the igumen fulfilled their request, but permitted them often to visit their son. The brethren of the monastery were astonished at the saint’s ascetical efforts. Saint Simeon the Stylite (September 1) visited the monastery. He foretold to the young monk that he too would undertake the feat of pillar-dwelling. Daniel continued with his ascetic life in seclusion. the place of a new exploit was revealed to him in a vision, he withdrew into the Thracian wilderness together with two disciples. They set up a pillar, upon which Saint Daniel dwelt for 33 years. thronged to the pillar, the unfortunate and those who were sick, and all received help and healing from Saint Daniel. emperors also sought the prayers of the holy ascetic. most notable of the saint’s predictions was about a great fire in Constantinople. Saint Daniel possessed also the gift of gracious words. He guided many onto the path of correcting their lives. The monk reposed in his eightieth year.

Constantinople, 420-480, Romanos o Cilicia, cave near Antioch, fasting, hair shirt chains, no fire, miracles grace, h infertile
Cilicia, 420-480, Venerable Romanos of Cilicia of Asia Minor, cave near Antioch, Syria, fasting, heavy chains under hair shirt, no fire, miracles grace, crowds, healed infertility; Cilicia Region of Asia Minor ; Cilicia (Roman province); Cilicia; Venerable Romanos of Cilicia, Commemorated on November 27; Romanos was from the city of Roson in Cilicia, he spent his anchoritic life in strict fasting in a cave near Antioch during the V century. at the foot of a mountain, he built a small cell, in which he struggled as an ascetic. He wore heavy chains under his hair shirt, and for many years he did not light a fire in his cell. of his most holy life, God granted him the grace of working miracles. of his holiness attracted great crowds of the faithful to him, who asked for his blessing. Saint healed several persons who suffered from grave illnesses, and through his prayers, many infertile women were able to give birth to healthy children. charisma1 of working miracles did not make him proud. Quite the contrary! The Saint often quoted the words of Saint Paul: "Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall" (I Corinthians 10:12). also said that it is no great thing to perform miracles, but rather to do works of righteousness and to keep God's commandments. after leading a God-pleasing life, Saint Romanos reposed in peace. He is also commemorated on February 9. Romanos is one of many Saints whose intercession we seek for deliverance from childlessness and barreness. of the others are: Saint Stylianos (November 26), Saint Hypatios the Igoumen of Rufinianus in Chalcedon († March 31, 446), Saints Theodore and John (July 12). χάρισματα = Extraordinary powers given to certain individuals by God, enabling them to serve the Church by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Constantinople, 420-480, Romanos oCilicia, lived iCave near Antioch, great miracles but, right works tBig Deal
Cilicia, 450, 5th Century, Romanos oCilicia, Region of Asia Minor, lived in cave near Antioch, from Roson, heavy chains, hair shirt, no fire for many years, grace of working miracles, great crowds, healed grave ilnesses, healed infertility, not proud for miracles, think stand take heed lest fall, miracles no big deal, righteousness the big deal Antioch (Orontes River 7); Cilicia Region of Asia Minor ; Venerable Romanós of Cilicia, Commemorated on February 9; Romanós was from the city of Rosón in Cilicia, but he spent his anchoritic life in strict fasting in a cave near Antioch during the V century. at the foot of a mountain, he built a small cell, in which he struggled as an ascetic. He wore heavy chains under his hair shirt, and for many years he did not light a fire in his cell. of his most holy life, God granted him the grace of working miracles. of his holiness attracted great crowds of the faithful to him, who asked for his blessing. The Saint healed several persons who suffered from grave illnesses, and through his prayers, many infertile women were able to give birth to healthy children. charisma1 of working miracles did not make him proud. Quite the contrary! The Saint often quoted the words of Saint Paul: "Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall" (I Corinthians 10:12). also said that it is no great thing to perform miracles, but rather to do works of righteousness and to keep God's commandments. after leading a God-pleasing life, Saint Romanós reposed in peace. He is also commemorated on November 27. Romanós is one of many Saints whose intercession we seek for deliverance from childlessness and barreness. Some of the others are: Saint Stylianos (November 26), Saint Hypatios the Igoumen of Rufinianus in Chalcedon († March 31, 446), Saints Theodore and John (July 12). χάρισματα = Extraordinary powers given to certain individuals by God, enabling them to serve the Church by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Constantinople, 420-500, Matrona tConstantinople Abbess, left hubby, igumen iHoms&Beriut&Constan, miraculous gifts, paradise v
Lykaonia, 420-500, Matrona tConstantinople Abbess, fPerge (Pergamum), Pamphylia, Lykaonia, left marriage, hid in men's monastery, discovered by pierced ear&dreams, to women's m in emesa aka Homs, became igumen, miraculous healing gifts, husband coming, tJerusalem, tMt Sinai, t abandoned Temple in Beriut, converted local pagans, formed monastery there, God's will fulfilled per Dream, tConstantinople, husband had died, founded monastery strict rule virtuous life, vision in extreme old age 100 of her place in Paradise Perge; Venerable Matrona the Abbess of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Matrona, Abbess of Constantinople was born in the city of Perge Pamphylia (Asia Minor) in the fifth century. gave her in marriage to a wealthy man named Dometian. her daughter Theodota was born, they resettled in Constantinople. twenty-five-year-old Matrona loved to walk to the temple of God. She spent entire days there, ardently praying to the Lord and weeping for her sins. the church the saint met two pious Eldresses, Eugenia and Susanna, who from their youth lived there in asceticism, work and prayer. began to imitate the God-pleasing life of an ascetic, humbling her flesh by abstinence and fasting, which she had to endure criticism by her husband. soul yearned for a full renunciation of the world. long hesitation, Saint Matrona decided to leave her family entreated the Lord to reveal whether her intent was pleasing to Him. The Lord heard the prayer of His servant. during a light sleep, she had a dream that she had fled from her husband, who was in pursuit of her. The saint concealed herself in a crowd of monks approaching her, and her husband did not notice her. accepted this dream as a divine directive to enter a men’s monastery, where her husband would not think to look for her. gave her fifteen-year-old daughter to be raised by the Eldress Susanna, having cut her own hair and disguised herself in men’s attire, she went to the monastery of Saint Bassion (October 10). the Nun Matrona passed herself off as the eunuch Babylos and was accepted as one of the brethren. lest the monks learn that she was a woman, the saint passed her time in constant quietude and much work. The brethren marveled at the great virtue of Babylos. time the saint was working in the monastery vineyard with the other monks. The novice monk Barnabas noted that her ear-lobe was pierced and asked about it. “It is necessary, brother, to till the soil and not watch other people, which is not proper for a monk,” answered the saint. a certain while it was revealed in a dream to Saint Bassion, the igumen of the monastery, that the eunuch Babylos was a woman. was also revealed to Acacius, igumen of the nearby Abraham monastery. Bassion summoned Saint Matrona and asked in a threatening voice why she had entered the monastery: to corrupt the monks, or to shame the monastery. tears the saint told the igumen about all her past life, about her husband, hostile to her efforts and prayers, and about the vision directing her to go to the men’s monastery. that her intent was pure and chaste, Saint Bassion sent Saint Matrona to a women’s monastery in the city of Emesa. In this monastery the saint dwelt for many years, inspiring the sisters by her high monastic achievement. When the Abbess died, by the unanimous wish of the nuns the Nun Matrona became head of the convent. fame of her virtuous activities, and miraculous gift of healing, which she acquired from the Lord, spread far beyond the walls of the monastery. also heard about the deeds of the nun. Saint Matrona learned that her husband was coming to the monastery and wanted to see her, she secretly went off to Jerusalem, and then to Mount Sinai, from there to Beirut, where she settled in an abandoned pagan temple. local inhabitants learned of her seclusion, and began to come to her. The holy ascetic turned many from their pagan impiety and converted them to Christ. and girls began to settle by the dwelling of the nun and soon a new monastery was formed. fulfilled the will of God, revealed to her in a dream, the saint left Beirut and journeyed to Constantinople where she learned that her husband had died. the blessing of her spiritual Father, Saint Bassion, the ascetic founded a women’s monastery in Constantinople, to which sisters from the Beirut convent she founded also transferred. Constantinople monastery of Saint Matrona was known for its strict monastic rule and the virtuous life of its sisters. extreme old age Saint Matrona had a vision of the heavenly Paradise and the place prepared for her there after 75 years of monastic labor. At the age of one hundred, Saint Matrona blessed the sisters,and quietly fell asleep in the Lord.

Constantinople, 421, Hodegetria Icon, tFirst icon, bLuke, grace of Jesus with it, rescued fPalestine, bEudokia, gift fPoulkheri
Constantinople, 421, Hodegetria Icon, Monastery of the Guides or Hodegon Monastery, Hodegetria Icon, the first icon, by Luke, Megalynarion 1, grace of Jesus with it, rescued fPalestine, bEudokia, gift fPoulkheria, Guides Monastery, tBlachernae Church, countless miracles, like 717 Arab rescue, destroyed 1453 C Fall; Monastery of the Guides or Hodegon Monastery; Hodegetria Icon of the Mother of God (Παναγία Οδηγήτρια), Commemorated on June 20; Hodegetria (Hodēgḗtria) Icon of the Mother of God is historically the first icon of the Church, by the Holy Evangelist Luke, we sing in the Megalynarion1 of the Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos: the lips of all the ungodly who do not venerate your sacred Hodegetria Icon, which the Holy Evangelist Luke has depicted for us, be silenced." to the tradition of the Synaxaristés, Luke painted the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos from life, and she received it with great joy and blessed it saying, the grace of Him Who was bBorn of me be with this Icon." Icon, which was rescued from Palestine, sent to Constantinople, during the reign of Theodosios II the Younger Empress Eudokίa, a gift to the Emperor's sister, Saint Poulkherίa,2 placed it in the Monastery of the Guides (Μονή των Οδηγών), which she founded. it was moved to the Blachernae church. Icon performed countless miracles, as the rescue of Constantinople from the Arabs in the year 717. was destroyed by the Ottomans during the Fall of Constantinople in 1453. copy of the Icon can be found in the Monastery of Xenophontos on Mount Athos. Mother of God holds her Divine Child with her left hand, with her right hand she indicates that the way we must follow on our earthly pilgrimage is that which leads us to Christ, said: "I am the way (οδός), and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, except through me" (John 14:6). 1 Chanted after Ode 9. 2 Saint Poulkherίa is commemorated on February 17 in Greek usage, and on September 10 by the Slavic churches.

Byzantium, 423-455, Emperor, Valentian III, Western half, weak, dominated by generals, civil wars, Atilla
Byzantine Emperor, 423-455, Valentian III ; III (Latin: Placidus Valentinianus; 2 July 419 – 16 March 455) was Roman emperor in the West from 425 to 455. emperor in childhood, his reign over the Roman Empire was one of the longest, but was dominated by powerful generals vying for power amid civil wars and the invasions of Late Antiquity's Migration Period, including the campaigns of Attila the Hun. was the son of Galla Placidia and Constantius III, and as the great-grandson of Valentinian the Great (r. 364–375) he was the last emperor of the Valentinianic dynasty. As a grandson of Theodosius the Great (r. 379–395), Valentinian was also related to the Theodosian dynasty, to which his wife, Licinia Eudoxia, also belonged. A year before assuming the rank of augustus, Valentinian was given the imperial rank of caesar by his half-cousin and co-emperor Theodosius II (r. 402–450). The augusta Galla Placidia had great influence during her son's rule. During his early reign Aetius, Felix, and the comes africae, Bonifacius all competed for power within the western empire. Eventually Aetius would defeat Felix and Bonifacius. Aetius would go on to campaign against the many Germanic tribes invading the empire. Valentinian's reign the Huns invaded the Roman Empire. Eventually Aetius would defeat the Huns at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains. Once the Huns returned, Pope Leo I and two other senators convinced Attila to leave. Valentinian himself killed Aetius, and in response Aetius's bodyguards assassinated Valentinian. Valentinian's reign was marked by the ongoing collapse of the western empire. Translation of the relics of the Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen from Jerusalem to Constantinople, Commemorated on August 2; Venerable Theoctistus, Commemorated on September 3; St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20 ; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11; Virginmartyr Appolinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5; St Marcian the Presbyter in Constantinople, Commemorated on January 10; St Elian, Missionary to Cornwall, England, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable John Calabytes œthe Hut-DwellerÂ, Commemorated on January 15; Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy and All-Glorious Apostle Peter, Commemorated on January 16; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable Vendemianus the Hermit of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 1; Venerable Auxentius of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; St Leo the Great the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 18; Venerable Baradates, Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Venerable Alexander the founder of the Monastery, of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated on February 24; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable Thalelaeus the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Hieromartyr Proterius the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 28; Venerable Marana of Syria, Commemorated on February 28; Venerable John Cassian the Roman, Commemorated on February 29; Virginmartyr Domnina of Syria, Commemorated on March 1; Venerable Agathon of Egypt, Commemorated on March 2; St Mark the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on March 5 ; St Patrick the Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on April 7 ; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8 ; Blessed Child Musa of Rome, Commemorated on May 16 ; Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt, Commemorated on June 6; St Bassian the Bishop of Lodi in Lombardy, Commemorated on June 10;

Byzantium, 423-455, Empress, Honoraria, V III's sister, promiscuous, loved Attila, so he claimed empire
Rome, 423-455, Emperess, Honoraria; Grata Honoria, commonly referred to during her lifetime as Honoria,[1] was the older sister of the Western Roman Emperor Valentinian III. She is famous for her plea of love and help to Attila the Hun, which led to his proclamation of his claim to rule the Western Roman Empire. Coins attest that she was granted the title of Augusta not long after the accession of her brother in 426.[2] Roman Emperor, 423-455, Valentinian III; St. Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12;

Constantinople, 425-474, Marcian tPresbyter, built, renovated, embellished Churches, meek silence, wonderworking, deliverance
Rome, -474, Marcian tPresbyter iConstantinople, fRome (Aniene River, Tiber River 5), ed aC, built, renovated, embellishment oChurches, fInheritance, moral purity strict asceticism resented, but meekness silence won the day, tPatriarch attention, named presbyter, appointed treasurer Constantinople Church, distributed generous alms, non-covetous, denying self, only one set clothes, gift oWonderworking, deliverance, died 474, buried Forerunner's Monastery iC; Rome; St Marcian the Presbyter in Constantinople, Commemorated January 10 ; Marcian, Presbyter of the Great Church, born at Rome in his youth he received a first-rate education in Constantinople. the death of his parents, Saint Marcian used his inheritance on the building, renovation and embellishment of churches. he built a church dedicated to the holy Martyr Anastasia (December 22), richly adorned it, and had the holy relics of the saint transferred to it. also built a church of the Great Martyr Irene (May 5), the church of Saint Isidore. moral purity and strict asceticism were resented by those who were slothful and avaricious, for they regarded his life as an unspoken criticism of their own lack of virtue. his meekness and silence overcame their slanders and brought him to the attention of the Patriarch, ordained Saint Marcian a presbyter appointed him treasurer of the Church of Constantinople. his wealth Saint Marcian distributed generous alms, and distinguished himself by non-covetousness, denying himself in everything. accord with the command of the Savior, he did not even have an extra set of clothes, which he might need should he be caught in inclement weather. received a gift of wonderworking, Saint Marcian healed the sick and cast out devils. Marcian died between 472-474 was buried at the monastery of Saint John the Forerunner at Constantinople.

Constantinople, 426-427, Patriarch, Sisinius, virtues, piety, charity, 4 month recession because of Chrysostom
Constantinople Patriarch, 426-427, Sisinius ; I (died December 24, 427) was the Archbishop of Constantinople from 426 to 427.[1] the election, Sisinnius was priest in the area of Elaea (modern-day Cihangir) and had become known for his virtues and piety, as well as for acts of charity. the death of Archbishop Atticus of Constantinople, the patriarch's throne was vacant for some time, as there was controversy about the choice of a successor. According to the dominant view, this period was about four months and ended with the election of Sisinnius on February 426. the consecration and its establishment, the Emperor Theodosius II convened a meeting chaired by the Theodotus of Antioch. the days of the patriarch was in recession the question of the attitude of the followers of John Chrysostom, which occurred when he was exiled. St Maximian the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 21; St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20 ;

Constantinople, 428-431, Patriarch, Nestorius and Nestorianism
Constantinople Patriarch, 428-431, Nestorius ; St Maximian the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 21;

Constantinople, 431, Third Ecumenical Council, Ephesus, condemned Nestorius and his Christotokos, confirmed Theotokos
Third Ecumenical Council ; Council of Ephesus was a council of Christian bishops convened in Ephesus (near present-day Selçuk in Turkey) in AD 431 by the Roman Emperor Theodosius II. third ecumenical council, an effort to attain consensus in the church through an assembly representing all of Christendom,[1] confirmed the original Nicene Creed,[2] and condemned the teachings of Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who held that the Virgin Mary may be called the Christotokos, "Christ-bearer" but not the Theotokos, "God-bearer". It met in June and July 431 at the Church of Mary in Ephesus in Anatolia. Venerable Isaac the Ascetic of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on August 3 ; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated November 25 ; St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18 ; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20 ; Venerable Isidore of Pelusium, Commemorated February 4 ; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on June 9 ; St Juvenal the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on July 2; St Anatolius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 3;

Constantinople, 431-434, Patriarch, Maximian, pure and virtuous, ordained by Sisinius, replaced Nestorius
Constantinople Patriarch, 431-434, Maximian ; St Maximian the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 21; Maximian, Patriarch of Constantinople, was born in Rome from wealthy and pious parents. Upon receiving his inheritance, he provided tombs to bury those who led holy lives. Maximian was a plain man and he preferred to live far from worldly vanity. Because of his pure and virtuous life, Patriarch Sisinius of Constantinople (426-427) ordained him presbyter. When the heretic Nestorius (428-431) was deposed as Patriarch of Constantinople, Saint Maximian replaced him on the patriarchal throne on October 25, 431, during the reign of the holy emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450). holy Patriarch Maximian died peacefully on April 12, 434, on Great and Holy Thursday.

Constantinople, 434-446, Proclus, Patriarch of Constantinople, disciple of J Chry, boy to heaven story, trisagion prayer
Constantinople, 434-446, Proclus, Patriarch of Constantinople, disciple of J Chry, boy to heaven story, trisagion prayer, early devoted all time prayer&scripture, witnessed appearance Apostle Paul, elucidated his thoughts wPolish, bishop oKyzikos, Nestorian' expelled him, preacher aC, defended Theotokos title bNestorius, patriarch aSisinius, transferred J Chry's relics fComana time of Theodosius II, earthquakes several months Bithynai, Hellespont, Phrygia devastated, rivers disappeared, terrible flooding iDry places, people camed out of city wPatriarch&emperor &offered prayers, Boy snatched up out of sight then returned reported hearing seeing angels singing Holy God Holy Mighty Holy Immortal, people sang Trisagion Prayer adding it tRefrain, then earthquakes stopped, many works survived, orthodox teaching, established decorum iChurch affairs, universal respect; Constantinople Patriarch, 434-446, Proclus of Constantinople; St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20; Proclus, Archbishop of Constantinople, from his early years devoted all his time to prayer and the study of Holy Scripture. Lord granted him the great good fortune to be a disciple of Saint John Chrysostom (November 13), who at first ordained him as a deacon, and then to the holy priesthood. witnessed the appearance of the Apostle Paul to Saint John Chrysostom. Saint Proclus received from his teacher a profound understanding of Holy Scripture, and learned to elucidate his thoughts in a polished form. the exile and death of Saint John Chrysostom, the holy Patriarch of Constantinople Sisinius (426-427) consecrated Saint Proclus as bishop of the city of Kyzikos, but under the influence of Nestorian heretics he was expelled by his flock there. Proclus then returned to the capital and preached the Word of God in the churches of Constantinople, strengthening listeners in the Orthodox Faith and denouncing the impiety of the heretics. once preached a sermon before Nestorius in which he fearlessly defended the title “Theotokosâ€ in speaking of the holy Virgin. the death of the Patriarch Saint Sisinius, Saint Proclus was chosen to take his place. Having thus been made Patriarch of Constantinople, he guided the Church over the course of twelve years (434-447). By the efforts of Saint Proclus, the relics of Saint John Chrysostom were transferred from Comana to Constantinople in the time of the holy emperor Saint Theodosius II (408-450). Saint Proclus was Patriarch, the Empire suffered destructive earthquakes, lasting for several months. At Bithynia, in the Hellespont, and in Phrygia cities were devastated, rivers disappeared from the face of the earth, and terrible flooding occurred in previously dry places. people of Constantinople came out of the city with the patriarch and emperor at their head and offered prayers for an end to the unprecedented calamities. one prayer service, a boy from the crowd was snatched up into the air by an unseen force and carried up to such a height that he was no longer to be seen by human eyes. Then, whole and unharmed, the child was lowered to the ground and he reported that he heard and he saw the angels glorifying God singing: œHoly God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal. the people began to sing this Trisagion Prayer, adding to it the refrain, œHave mercy on us Then the earthquakes stopped. The Orthodox Church sings still this prayer at divine services to this very day. Constantinople flock esteemed their Patriarch for his ascetic life, for his concern about the downtrodden, and for his preaching. works of the saint have survived to the present day. Best known are his discourses against the Nestorians, two tracts of the Saint in praise of the Mother of God, and four tracts on the Nativity of Christ, setting forth the Orthodox teaching about the Incarnation of the Son of God. activity of the holy patriarch in establishing decorum in all the church affairs gained him universal esteem. Surrounded by love and respect, Saint Proclus departed to the Lord after serving as Patriarch for twenty years. St Flavian the Confessor the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 18;

Constantinople, 434-446, Proclus, Constantinople Archbishop, p s understndng, polished speech, d title Theotokos, earthquakes
Constantinople, 434-446, Proclus, Patriarch of Constantinople, disciple of J Chry, boy to heaven story, trisagion prayer, early devoted all time prayer&scripture, witnessed appearance Apostle Paul, elucidated his thoughts wPolish, bishop oKyzikos, Nestorian' expelled him, preacher aC, defended Theotokos title bNestorius, patriarch aSisinius, transferred J Chry's relics fComana time of Theodosius II, earthquakes several months Bithynai, Hellespont, Phrygia devastated, rivers disappeared, terrible flooding iDry places, people camed out of city wPatriarch&emperor &offered prayers, Boy snatched up out of sight then returned reported hearing seeing angels singing Holy God Holy Mighty Holy Immortal, people sang Trisagion Prayer adding it tRefrain, then earthquakes stopped, many works survived, orthodox teaching, established decorum iChurch affairs, universal respect; Constantinople, 434-446, St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinopl (Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn), Chrysostom disciple, witnessed appearance of Paul, profound scripture understanding, polished speech, defended title Theotokos, earthquakes, boy to heaven and back story,trisagion prayer; Constantinople; St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20 ; Proclus, Archbishop of Constantinople, from his early years devoted all his time to prayer and the study of Holy Scripture. Lord granted him the great good fortune to be a disciple of Saint John Chrysostom (November 13), who at first ordained him as a deacon, and then to the holy priesthood. witnessed the appearance of the Apostle Paul to Saint John Chrysostom. Proclus received from his teacher a profound understanding of Holy Scripture, learned to elucidate his thoughts in a polished form. the exile and death of Saint John Chrysostom, the holy Patriarch of Constantinople Sisinius (426-427) consecrated Saint Proclus as bishop of the city of Kyzikos, under the influence of Nestorian heretics he was expelled by his flock there. Proclus then returned to the capital and preached the Word of God in the churches of Constantinople, strengthening listeners in the Orthodox Faith and denouncing the impiety of the heretics. once preached a sermon before Nestorius in which he fearlessly defended the title “Theotokos” in speaking of the holy Virgin. the death of the Patriarch Saint Sisinius, Saint Proclus was chosen to take his place. thus been made Patriarch of Constantinople, he guided the Church over the course of twelve years (434-447). the efforts of Saint Proclus, the relics of Saint John Chrysostom were transferred from Comana to Constantinople in the time of the holy emperor Saint Theodosius II (408-450). Saint Proclus was Patriarch, the Empire suffered destructive earthquakes, lasting for several months. Bithynia, in the Hellespont, and in Phrygia cities were devastated, rivers disappeared from the face of the earth, and terrible flooding occurred in previously dry places. people of Constantinople came out of the city with the patriarch and emperor at their head and offered prayers for an end to the unprecedented calamities. one prayer service, a boy from the crowd was snatched up into the air by an unseen force and carried up to such a height that he was no longer to be seen by human eyes. whole and unharmed, the child was lowered to the ground and he reported that he heard and he saw the angels glorifying God singing: “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal.” the people began to sing this Trisagion Prayer, adding to it the refrain, “Have mercy on us!” Then the earthquakes stopped. The Orthodox Church sings still this prayer at divine services to this very day. Constantinople flock esteemed their Patriarch for his ascetic life, for his concern about the downtrodden, and for his preaching. works of the saint have survived to the present day. Best known are his discourses against the Nestorians, two tracts of the Saint in praise of the Mother of God, and four tracts on the Nativity of Christ, setting forth the Orthodox teaching about the Incarnation of the Son of God. activity of the holy patriarch in establishing decorum in all the church affairs gained him universal esteem. Surrounded by love and respect, Saint Proclus departed to the Lord after serving as Patriarch for twenty years.

Constantinople, 434-446, Patriarch, Proclus of Constantinople, disciple of J Chry
Constantinople, 434-446, Patriarch, Proclus of Constantinople, disciple of J Chry, witnessed appearance oPaul tChrysostom, received fChrysostom profound understanding oScripture, learned elucidate iPolished form, after Chrysostom died he became Bishop oKyzikos, expelled bNestorian's there, then preached iConstantinople, denouncing heretics, strengthening orthodox faith, Once preached before Nestorius, fearlesly defended title Theotokos, Succeeded Sisinius, for 12 yrs, Relics of Chrysostom transferred from comana Theodosius II time, destructive earthquakes, several months, Bithynia and Phrygia Cities devastated, rivers disappeared, terrible flooding, previously dry places, prayer service outside the city, boy snatched up into air by unseen force, could not see him, unharmed lowered to ground, reported heard saw angles singing Holy God Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, people sang plus Have Mercy on Us, then earthquakes stopped, esteemed for his ascetic life, his concern about the downtrodden, his preaching, Many works have survived, Best known: discourses against the Nestorians, two tracts of the Saint in praise of the Mother of God, & four tracts oNativity oChrist, setting forth Orthodox teaching oIncarnation of the Son of God, Patiarch 20yrs before death; Constantinople Patriarch, 434-446, Proclus of Constantinople; St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20; Proclus, Archbishop of Constantinople, his early years devoted all his time to prayer and the study of Holy Scripture. Lord granted him the great good fortune to be a disciple of Saint John Chrysostom (November 13), at first ordained him as a deacon, then to the holy priesthood. witnessed the appearance of the Apostle Paul to Saint John Chrysostom. Proclus received from his teacher a profound understanding of Holy Scripture, learned to elucidate his thoughts in a polished form. the exile and death of Saint John Chrysostom, holy Patriarch of Constantinople Sisinius (426-427) consecrated Saint Proclus as bishop of the city of Kyzikos, under the influence of Nestorian heretics he was expelled by his flock there. Proclus then returned to the capital and preached the Word of God in the churches of Constantinople, listeners in the Orthodox Faith and denouncing the impiety of the heretics. once preached a sermon before Nestorius which he fearlessly defended the title “Theotokos” in speaking of the holy Virgin. the death of the Patriarch Saint Sisinius, Saint Proclus was chosen to take his place. thus been made Patriarch of Constantinople, he guided the Church over the course of twelve years (434-447). the efforts of Saint Proclus, the relics of Saint John Chrysostom were transferred from Comana to Constantinople in the time of the holy emperor Saint Theodosius II (408-450). Saint Proclus was Patriarch, the Empire suffered destructive earthquakes, lasting for several months. Bithynia, in the Hellespont, and in Phrygia cities were devastated, rivers disappeared from the face of the earth, and terrible flooding occurred in previously dry places. people of Constantinople came out of the city with the patriarch and emperor at their head and offered prayers for an end to the unprecedented calamities. one prayer service, a boy from the crowd was snatched up into the air by an unseen force carried up to such a height that he was no longer to be seen by human eyes. whole and unharmed, the child was lowered to the ground he reported that he heard and he saw the angels glorifying God singing: “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal.” the people began to sing this Trisagion Prayer, adding to it the refrain, “Have mercy on us!” the earthquakes stopped. Orthodox Church sings still this prayer at divine services to this very day. Constantinople flock esteemed their Patriarch his ascetic life, his concern about the downtrodden, for his preaching. works of the saint have survived to the present day. known are his discourses against the Nestorians, two tracts of the Saint in praise of the Mother of God, and four tracts on the Nativity of Christ, setting forth the Orthodox teaching about the Incarnation of the Son of God. activity of the holy patriarch in establishing decorum in all the church affairs gained him universal esteem. by love and respect, Saint Proclus departed to the Lord after serving as Patriarch for twenty years.

Constantinople, 434-446, Devastating Earthquakes, boy lifted up, Trisagion Prayer
Constantinople, 434-446, Devastating Earthquakes throughout B. Empire, Trisagion Prayer; Constantinople Patriarch, 434-446, Proclus of Constantinople; St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20;

Constantinople, 438, Translation Chrysostom relics, Comana, Armenia to Constantinople, due to Proclus' homily at Hagia Sophia
Armenia, 438, Translation relics of Chrysostom, Comana, Armenia to Constantinople, due to Proclus' homily at Hagia Sophia after 30 yrs.; Comana (Cappadocia); Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 27 ; John Chrysostom, the great ecumenical teacher and hierarch, died in the city of Comana in the year 407 on his way to a place of exile. He had been condemned by the intrigues of the empress Eudoxia because of his daring denunciation of the vices of those ruling over Constantinople. The transfer of his venerable relics was made in the year 438, thirty years after the death of the saint, during the reign of Eudoxia’s son emperor Theodosius II (408-450). John Chrysostom had the warm love and deep respect of the people, and grief over his untimely death lived on in the hearts of Christians. Saint John’s disciple, Saint Proclus, Patriarch of Constantinople (434-447), during services in the Church of Hagia Sophia, preached a sermon praising Saint John. He said, “O John, your life was filled with sorrow, but your death was glorious. Your grave is blessed and reward is great, by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ O graced one, having conquered the bounds of time and place! Love has conquered space, unforgetting memory has annihilated the limits, and place does not hinder the miracles of the saint.” who were present in church, deeply touched by the words of Saint Proclus, did not allow him even to finish his sermon. With one accord they began to entreat the Patriarch to intercede with the emperor, so that the relics of Saint John might be brought back to Constantinople. emperor, overwhelmed by Saint Proclus, gave his consent and gave the order to transfer the relics of Saint John. But those he sent were unable to lift the holy relics until the emperor realized that he had sent men to take the saint’s relics from Comana with an edict, instead of with a prayer. He wrote a letter to Saint John, humbly asking him to forgive his audacity, and to return to Constantinople. After the message was read at the grave of Saint John, they easily took up the relics, carried them onto a ship and arrived at Constantinople. coffin with the relics was placed in the Church of Holy Peace (Hagia Eirene). When Patriarch Proclus opened the coffin, the body of Saint John was found to be incorrupt. The emperor approached the coffin with tears, asking forgiveness for his mother, who had banished Saint John. All day and night people did not leave the coffin. the morning the coffin was brought to the Church of the Holy Apostles. The people cried out, “Father, take up your throne.” Then Patriarch Proclus and the clergy standing by the relics saw Saint John open his mouth and say, “Peace be to all.” Many of the sick were healed at his tomb. celebration of the transfer of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom was established in the ninth century.

Constantinople, 438, Ignatius relics transfer, back to Rome from Syria because Persia took Antioch
Syria, 108, 438, 540 or 637, Ignatius relics transfer, Rome tAntioch, Syria (Orontes River 7), Trajan had him thrown to the lions in 107, Christians gathered his bons at Rome, 108 his relics buried at Gate oDaphne, Antioch, 43i8 transferred tRome because Persians captured A, 540 placed Clement's church Rome, or 637, Ignatius introduced antiphonal singing, he left 7 arcpastoral epistles with instructions faith, love, good works, he also urged preservation unity otFaith, beware heretics, hono&obey bishops, regard as Lord himself, example letter to Polycarp, listen to your bishop ifyou want God to listen to you; Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch ; Transfer of the Relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer: (See December 20). the holy hieromartyr Ignatius was thrown to the lions in the year 107 on the orders of the emperor Trajan, gathered up his bones and preserved them at Rome. in the year 108, the saint’s relics were collected and buried outside the gate of Daphne at Antioch. second transfer, to the city of Antioch itself, took place in the year 438. the capture of Antioch by the Persians, the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius were returned to Rome and placed into the church of the holy Hieromartyr Clement in the year 540 (in 637, according to other sources). Ignatius introduced antiphonal singing into Church services. has left us seven archpastoral epistles in which he provided instructions on faith, love and good works. also urged his flock to preserve the unity of the faith and to beware of heretics. He encouraged people to honor and obey their bishops, “We should regard the bishop as we would the Lord Himself.” (To the Ephesians 6) his Letter to Polycarp, Saint Ignatius writes: “Listen to the bishop, if you want God to listen to you... let your baptism be your shield, your faith a helmet, your charity a spear, your patience, like full armor.” (Compare Eph. 6:14-17 and the Wisdom of Solomon 5:17-20. Also The Ladder 4:2)

Constantinople, 439&42, Peter's Precious Prison Chains Veneration Jan 16 iRome&Constantinople, Kept 300 for Jerusalem healings
Jerusalem, 42 & 439, Peter's Precious Prison Chains Veneration, opened by Angel otLord, saved by christians, precious keepsakes, kept iJerusalem 300yrs, where they healed when approached in faith, 439 presented tEudokia by Patriarch Juvenal who transfered them tConstantinople, E send one chain tDaughter Eudoxia, Valerian's wife, in Rome, V built church on Esquiline hill, chain placed there with other of Peter's Roman chains, all Peter's chains venerated January 16; Jerusalem; Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy and All-Glorious Apostle Peter, Commemorated on January 16; Veneration of the Honorable Chains of the Holy and All-Praised Apostle Peter: about the year 42, on the orders of Herod Agrippa, the Apostle Peter was thrown into prison for preaching about Christ the Savior. prison he was held secure by two iron chains. the night before his trial, an angel of the Lord removed these chains from the Apostle Peter led him out from the prison (Acts 12:1-11). who learned of the miracle took the chains and kept them as precious keepsakes. three centuries the chains were kept in Jerusalem, and those who were afflicted with illness and approached them with faith received healing. Juvenal (July 2) presented the chains to Eudokia, wife of the emperor Theodosius the Younger, she in turn transferred them from Jerusalem to Constantinople in either the year 437 or 439. sent one chain to Rome to her daughter Eudoxia (the wife of Valentinian), built a church on the Esquiline hill dedicated to the Apostle Peter and placed the chain in it. were other chains in Rome, with which the Apostle Peter was shackled before his martyrdom under the emperor Nero. were also placed in the church. January 16, the chains of Saint Peter are brought out for public veneration.

Constantinople, 440-461, Roman Pope, Pope Leo I, LEO THE GREAT, met Attila the Hun in 452, Tone of Leo, 451 Council Document
Roman Pope, 440-461, Pope Leo I; I (c. 400 – 10 November 461), also known as Leo the Great, was Bishop of Rome from 29 September 440 until his death. Pope Benedict XVI said that Leo's papacy "was undoubtedly one of the most important in the Church's history."[1] was a Roman aristocrat, and was the first pope to have been called "the Great". He is perhaps best known for having met Attila the Hun in 452 and allegedly persuaded him to turn back from his invasion of Italy. He is also a Doctor of the Church, most remembered theologically for issuing the Tome of Leo, a document which was a major foundation to the debates of the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon. The Council of Chalcedon, the fourth ecumenical council, dealt primarily with Christology, and elucidated the orthodox definition of Christ's being as the hypostatic union of two natures, divine and human, united in one person, "with neither confusion nor division". It was followed by a major schism associated with Monophysitism, Miaphysitism and Dyophysitism.[2] LEO THE GREAT, BISHOP OF ROME, DOCTOR (10 NOV 461); St Leo the Great the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 18;

Constantinople, 443-529, Saint Theodosius the Great, Judea, Cenobiarch, from Cappadocia, Armenia
Jerusalem, 443-529, Saint Theodosius the Great, Judea; St. Christopher of Palestine, Commemorated on August 30;

Constantinople, 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.

Constantinople, 446-449, Patriarch, Archbishop Flavian, excommunicated Eutyches, Robber Council, beaten by Dioscorus
Constantinople Patriarch, 446-449, Archbishop Flavian of Constantinople ; St Flavian the Confessor the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 18; Flavian the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople, occupied the patriarchal throne of Constantinople under the holy Emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450) and his sister the holy Empress Pulcheria (September 10). first he was a presbyter and caretaker of church-vessels in the cathedral. He became Patriarch after the death of holy Patriarch Proclus (November 20). During this time, various disturbances and heresies threatened church unity. the year 448, Saint Flavian convened a local Council at Constantinople to examine the heresy of Eutyches, which admitted only one nature (the divine) in the Lord Jesus Christ. Persisting in his error, the heretic Eutyches was excommunicated from the Church and deprived of dignity, but Eutyches had a powerful patron in the person of Chrysathios, a eunuch close to the emperor. intrigue Chrysathios brought Bishop Dioscorus of Alexandria over to the side of Eutyches, and obtained permission from the emperor to convene a church council at Ephesus, afterwards known as the “Robber Council.” presided at this council, gaining the acquittal of Eutyches and the condemnation of Patriarch Flavian by threats and force. Saint Flavian was fiercely beaten up during the sessions of this council by impudent monks led by a certain Barsumas. the impious president of the Robber Council, the heretic Dioscorus, took part in these beatings. After this heavy chains were put upon Saint Flavian, and he was sentenced to banishment at Ephesus. The Lord, however, ended his further suffering, by sending him his death (+ August 449). The holy Empress Pulcheria withdrew from the imperial court. Soon the intrigues of Chrysathios were revealed. The emperor dismissed him, and restored his sister Saint Pulcheria. Through her efforts, the relics of holy Patriarch Flavian were reverently transferred from Ephesus to Constantinople.

Constantinople, 446-449, Patriarch, Flavian tConfessor of Constantinople, tortured&Exiled bEutyches' Bishop
Constantinople, 446-449, Patriarch, Flavian tConfessor of Constantinople, under Theodosius tYounger & sister Emperess Pulcheria, first caretaker Cathedral Vessels, succeeded Prolus, various heresies, 448 local council exam Eutyches, only one nature, excommunicated, but E had poweful patron eunuch Chrysathios close to Emperor Theodosius tYounger, through lies C brought Alexandrian Bishop Dioscorus over to E's side, Emperors permission to convene Robbers Council, D presided, E's acquittal, Flavian's condemnation, D and others fiercely beat Flav, Heavy chains, banishment to Ephesus, Lord ended his suffering by death 449, Empress Pulcheria withdrew fImperial Court, Chrysathios' intrigues revealed so Emperor dismissed him, restored Pulcheria, her efforts got Flavian's relics transferred from Ephesus to Constantinople; Flavian of Constantinople; St Flavian the Confessor the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 18; Flavian the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople, the patriarchal throne of Constantinople under the holy Emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450) and his sister the holy Empress Pulcheria (September 10). first he was a presbyter and caretaker of church-vessels in the cathedral. became Patriarch after the death of holy Patriarch Proclus (November 20). this time, various disturbances and heresies threatened church unity. the year 448, Saint Flavian convened a local Council at Constantinople to examine the heresy of Eutyches, admitted only one nature (the divine) in the Lord Jesus Christ. in his error, the heretic Eutyches was excommunicated from the Church deprived of dignity, Eutyches had a powerful patron in the person of Chrysathios, a eunuch close to the emperor. intrigue Chrysathios brought Bishop Dioscorus of Alexandria over to the side of Eutyches, obtained permission from the emperor to convene a church council at Ephesus, afterwards known as the “Robber Council.” presided at this council, gaining the acquittal of Eutyches and the condemnation of Patriarch Flavian by threats and force. Flavian was fiercely beaten up during the sessions of this council by impudent monks led by a certain Barsumas. the impious president of the Robber Council, the heretic Dioscorus, took part in these beatings. this heavy chains were put upon Saint Flavian, he was sentenced to banishment at Ephesus. Lord, however, ended his further suffering, by sending him his death (+ August 449). holy Empress Pulcheria withdrew from the imperial court. the intrigues of Chrysathios were revealed. emperor dismissed him, and restored his sister Saint Pulcheria. her efforts, the relics of holy Patriarch Flavian were reverently transferred from Ephesus to Constantinople.

Constantinople, 447, Commemoration ot Earthquake o447, Boy to heaven, pray this way, Holy G, Holy M, Holy I, have mercy on us
Constantinople, 447, Commemoration of the Earthquake of 447, barefoot procession, young boy lifted up into heaven, God to people, supplicate this way, without adding to it, Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us, They did, earthquake stopped, boy reposed; Commemoration of the Earthquake of 447, Commemorated on September 25; the reign of Emperor Theodsios II (402-450) the city of Constantinople was shaken by earthquakes for nearly four months. that time several churches, houses, and the city's stone walls collapsed and were destroyed. All the inhabitants of the city were terrified. Proclus (November 20) organized a barefoot Cross Procession and solemnly prayed for God to protect them. this was taking place, the tremors increased dramatically, and a young boy in the crowd was lifted up into Heaven by some invisible power, and the people, cried out, "Lord, have mercy." returning to earth, the boy told the people that he had heard the Angels glorifying God by singing "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us," and that a voice had commanded him to tell Patriarch Proclus that henceforth the people should supplicate God in this way, without adding anything to it. Patriarch instructed the people to sing this hymn, whereupon the ground stopped shaking and the child reposed. that time the hymn was inserted into the Divine Liturgy, just as it was sung by the people during the earthquake, and as it is still sung up to the present day. Constantinople, 434-446, Devastating Earthquakes throughout B. Empire, Trisagion Prayer; Constantinople Patriarch, 434-446, Proclus of Constantinople; St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20;

Constantinople, 447-502, King Vakhtang Gorgasali (wolf's head), 7'10", unity f faith motherland, Ossetia v, Byz v, autocephalous
Georgia, 447-502, King Vakhtang Gorgasali (wolf's head), Kartli (town, Tbilisi), K at 15, 7'10", unity selflessness for faith motherland, Ossetia v, Caucasian mt tribe treaties, Byz v in west, life to God, warhorse cary up mt, outrun deer, stress calm, autocephalous c, first catholicos peter, Jerusalem monastery, G forts churches diocese monasteries strongholds royal residence capital Tiblisi, political creed church union w Byz, independence, church nation union, died 502 Pesia battle; Kartli; Saint Vakhtang Gorgasali, King of Georgia, Commemorated on November 30; holy and right-believing king Vakhtang I ascended the throne of Kartli at the age of fifteen. that time Kartli was continually being invaded by the Persians from the south and by the Ossetians from the north. situation was no better in western Georgia: the Byzantines had captured all the lands from Egrisi to Tsikhegoji. his coronation, the young King Vakhtang summoned his court and addressed his dedicated servants with great wisdom. said that the sorrowful circumstances in which the nation had found itself were a manifestation of God’s anger at the sins of the king and the people. called upon everyone to struggle in unity and selflessness on behalf of the Faith and motherland. Vakhtang led a victorious campaign against the Ossetians, freed the captive princess (his older sister), and signed several treaties with the Caucasian mountain tribes to secure their cooperation in the struggle against foreign conquerors. he carried out another campaign in western Georgia, freed that region from the Byzantines, reinforced the authority of King Gubaz, and returned in triumph to Kartli. Vakhtang was remarkable in faith, wisdom, grace, virtue, and appearance (he towered above all others at a stately seven feet ten inches). spent many nights in prayer and distributed alms to the poor, in this way dedicating his life to God. Vakhtang could fight tirelessly in battle. in armor and fully armed, he could carry a war-horse on his shoulders and climb from Mtskheta to the Armazi Fortress in the mountains outside the city. foot he could outrun a deer. holy king was judicious in politics, displayed great composure, and preserved a sense of calm even when critical decisions needed to be made. the brow of Vakhtang’s military helmet was depicted a wolf, and on the back, a lion. a glimpse of the helmet with the wolf and lion, the Persians would cry out to one another: “Dar’ az gurgsar!” (“Beware of the wolf’s head!”) This was the source of King Vakhtang’s appellation “Gorgasali.” King Vakhtang’s reign the Georgian Church was first recognized as autocephalous. the holy king banished the pagan fire-worshippers from Georgia, he also sent a certain Bishop Michael—who was inclined to the Monophysite heresy, which had been planted in Georgia by the Persians—to Constantinople to be tried by the patriarch. bishop had disgracefully cursed the king and his army for rising up against the Monophysites. In fact, he was so infuriated that when King Vakhtang approached him to receive his blessing, he kicked him in the mouth and broke several of his teeth. patriarch of Constantinople subsequently defrocked Bishop Michael and sent him to a monastery to repent. importantly perhaps, the patriarch and the Byzantine emperor then sent to the patriarch of Antioch several clergymen whom King Vakhtang had chosen for consecration. Antioch the patriarch consecrated twelve of these clergymen as bishops and enthroned a certain Petre as the first Catholicos of Georgia. fulfilled the will of Holy King Mirian by founding the Georgian Holy Cross Monastery in Jerusalem. addition, he replaced a wooden church that had been built in Mtskheta at the time of Saint Nino with a church made of stone. his reign several new dioceses were founded. Vakhtang built a cathedral in Nikozi (Inner Kartli) and established a new diocese there, to which he translated the holy relics of the Protomartyr Razhden. Vakhtang built fortresses at Tukhari, Artanuji, and Akhiza; monasteries in Klarjeti at Artanuji, Mere, Shindobi, and Akhiza; established many other strongholds, churches, and monasteries as well. built a new royal residence in Ujarma laid the foundations of the new Georgian capital, Tbilisi. political creed consisted of three parts: an equal union of the Georgian Church with the Byzantine Church, national independence, and the unity of the Church and nation. the year 502 the sixty-year-old King Vakhtang was obliged to defend his country for the last time. In a battle with the Persians he was fatally wounded when a poisoned arrow pierced him under the arm. Before he died, King Vakhtang summoned the clergy, his family and his court and urged them to be strong in the Faith and to seek death for Christ’s sake in order to gain eternal glory. of Georgia mourned the passing of the king. His body was moved from the royal residence in Ujarma to Mtskheta, to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which he had himself built. There he was buried with great honor. fifteen centuries later, with the blessing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, an addition was built onto the Sioni Patriarchal Cathedral in Holy King Vakhtang Gorgasali’s name, and a cathedral in his honor was founded in the city of Rustavi.

Constantinople, 449-458, Patriarch, Anatolius of Constantinople, 451 Council, Orthodox, Euphemia's scroll choice
Constantinople Patriarch, 449-458, Anatolius of Constantinople; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11; the year 451 in the city of Chalcedon, in the very church where the glorified relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia rested, the sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 16) took place. prolonged discussions the two sides could not come to a decisive agreement. holy Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople proposed that the Council submit the decision of the Church dispute to the Holy Spirit, through His undoubted bearer Saint Euphemia the All-Praised, whose wonderworking relics had been discovered during the Council’s discussions. The Orthodox hierarchs and their opponents wrote down their confessions of faith on separate scrolls and sealed them with their seals. They opened the tomb of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia and placed both scrolls upon her bosom. Then, in the presence of the emperor Marcian (450-457), the participants of the Council sealed the tomb, putting on it the imperial seal and setting a guard to watch over it for three days. During these days both sides imposed upon themselves strict fast and made intense prayer. After three days the patriarch and the emperor in the presence of the Council opened the tomb with its relics: the scroll with the Orthodox confession was held by Saint Euphemia in her right hand, and the scroll of the heretics lay at her feet. Saint Euphemia, as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch. After this miracle many of the hesitant accepted the Orthodox confession, while those remaining obstinant in the heresy were consigned to the Council’s condemnation and excommunication. Miracle of Saint Euphemia the All-Praised: The holy Great Martyr Euphemia (September 16) suffered martyrdom in the city of Chalcedon in the year 304, during the time of the persecution against Christians by the emperor Diocletian (284-305). One and a half centuries later, at a time when the Christian Church had become victorious within the Roman Empire, God deigned that Euphemia the All-Praised should again be a witness and confessor of the purity of the Orthodox teaching. the year 451 in the city of Chalcedon, in the very church where the glorified relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia rested, the sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 16) took place. The Council was convened for determining the precise dogmatic formulae of the Orthodox Church concerning the nature of the God-Man Jesus Christ. This was necessary because of the widespread heresy of the Monophysites [“mono-physisâ€ meaning “one natureâ€], who opposed the Orthodox teaching of the two natures in Jesus Christ, the Divine and the Human natures (in one Divine Person). The Monophysites falsely affirmed that in Christ was only one nature, the Divine [i.e. that Jesus is God but not man, by nature], causing discord and unrest within the Church. At the Council were present 630 representatives from all the local Christian Churches. On the Orthodox side Anatolius, Patriarch of Constantinople (July 3), Juvenal, Patriarch of Jerusalem (July 2), and representatives of Saint Leo, Pope of Rome (February 18) participated in the conciliar deliberations. The Monophysites were present in large numbers, headed by Dioscorus, the Patriarch of Alexandria, and the Constantinople archimandrite Eutychius. prolonged discussions the two sides could not come to a decisive agreement. holy Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople proposed that the Council submit the decision of the Church dispute to the Holy Spirit, through His undoubted bearer Saint Euphemia the All-Praised, whose wonderworking relics had been discovered during the Council’s discussions. The Orthodox hierarchs and their opponents wrote down their confessions of faith on separate scrolls and sealed them with their seals. They opened the tomb of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia and placed both scrolls upon her bosom. Then, in the presence of the emperor Marcian (450-457), the participants of the Council sealed the tomb, putting on it the imperial seal and setting a guard to watch over it for three days. During these days both sides imposed upon themselves strict fast and made intense prayer. After three days the patriarch and the emperor in the presence of the Council opened the tomb with its relics: the scroll with the Orthodox confession was held by Saint Euphemia in her right hand, and the scroll of the heretics lay at her feet. Saint Euphemia, as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch. After this miracle many of the hesitant accepted the Orthodox confession, while those remaining obstinant in the heresy were consigned to the Council’s condemnation and excommunication. an invasion by the Persians during the seventh century, the relics of Saint Euphemia were transferred from Chalcedon to Constantinople, into a newly built church dedicated to her. Many years later, during the period of the Iconoclast heresy, the reliquary with the relics of the saint was cast into the sea by order of the Iconoclast emperor Leo the Isaurian (716-741). The reliquary was rescued from the sea by the ship-owning brothers Sergius and Sergonos, who gave it over to the local bishop. The holy bishop ordered that the relics be preserved in secret, beneath a crypt, since the Iconoclast heresy was continuing to rage. A small church was built over the relics, and over the reliquary was put a board with an inscription stating whose relics rested within. When the Iconoclast heresy was finally condemned at the holy Seventh Ecumenical Council (in the year 787), during the time of Saint Tarasius, Patriarch of Constantinople (784-806) and the emperor Constantine VI (780-797) and his mother Saint Irene (797-802), the relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia were once again solemnly transferred to Constantinople. St Anatolius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 3;

Constantinople, 449&249, Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, Lord revealed resurection through 7 Sleepers 200 yr in cave, no decay
Ephesus, 249 & 449, Seven Sleepers of Ephesus (Ephesus River Mouth and Great Road Ephesus to the Euphrates), Lord revealed resurection of dead through 7 Sleepers 200 yr in cave, no decay; Ephesus; Revelation 2: 1-7, The Message to Ephesus; 7 Holy Youths "Seven Sleepers" of Ephesus, Commemorated August 4; Seven Youths of Ephesus: Maximilian, Iamblicus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Exacustodianus (Constantine) and Antoninus, in the third century. Maximilian was the son of the Ephesus city administrator, and the other six youths were sons of illustrious citizens of Ephesus. youths were friends from childhood, and all were in military service together. the emperor Decius (249-251) arrived in Ephesus, he commanded all the citizens to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Torture and death awaited anyone who disobeyed. seven youths were denounced by informants, and were summoned to reply to the charges. Appearing before the emperor, the young men confessed their faith in Christ. military belts and insignia were quickly taken from them. permitted them to go free, however, hoping that they would change their minds while he was off on a military campaign. The youths fled from the city and hid in a cave on Mount Ochlon, where they passed their time in prayer, preparing for martyrdom. youngest of them, Saint Iamblicus, dressed as a beggar and went into the city to buy bread. On one of his excursions into the city, he heard that the emperor had returned and was looking for them. Saint Maximilian urged his companions to come out of the cave and present themselves for trial. where the young men were hidden, the emperor ordered that the entrance of the cave be sealed with stones so that the saints would perish from hunger and thirst. of the dignitaries at the blocked entrance to the cave were secret Christians. to preserve the memory of the saints, they placed in the cave a sealed container containing two metal plaques. On them were inscribed the names of the seven youths and the details of their suffering and death. Lord placed the youths into a miraculous sleep lasting almost two centuries. In the meantime, the persecutions against Christians had ceased. the reign of the holy emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450) there were heretics who denied that there would be a general resurrection of the dead at the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. of them said, “How can there be a resurrection of the dead when there will be neither soul nor body, since they are disintegrated?” affirmed, “The souls alone will have a restoration, since it would be impossible for bodies to arise and live after a thousand years, when even their dust would not remain.” the Lord revealed the mystery of the Resurrection of the Dead and of the future life through His seven saints. owner of the land on which Mount Ochlon was situated, discovered the stone construction, and his workers opened up the entrance to the cave. Lord had kept the youths alive, and they awoke from their sleep, unaware that almost two hundred years had passed. Their bodies and clothing were completely undecayed. to accept torture, the youths once again asked Saint Iamblicus to buy bread for them in the city. Going toward the city, the youth was astonished to see a cross on the gates. Hearing the name of Jesus Christ freely spoken, he began to doubt that he was approaching his own city. he paid for the bread, Iamblicus gave the merchant coins with the image of the emperor Decius on it. He was detained, as someone who might be concealing a horde of old money. took Saint Iamblicus to the city administrator, who also happened to be the Bishop of Ephesus. Hearing the bewildering answers of the young man, the bishop perceived that God was revealing some sort of mystery through him, and went with other people to the cave. the entrance to the cave the bishop found the sealed container and opened it. He read upon the metal plaques the names of the seven youths and the details of the sealing of the cave on the orders of the emperor Decius. into the cave and seeing the saints alive, everyone rejoiced and perceived that the Lord, by waking them from their long sleep, was demonstrating to the Church the mystery of the Resurrection of the Dead. the emperor himself arrived in Ephesus and spoke with the young men in the cave. Then the holy youths, in sight of everyone, lay their heads upon the ground and fell asleep again, this time until the General Resurrection. emperor wanted to place each of the youths into a jeweled coffin, but they appeared to him in a dream and said that their bodies were to be left upon the ground in the cave. In the twelfth century the Russian pilgrim Igumen Daniel saw the holy relics of the seven youths in the cave. is a second commemoration of the seven youths on October 22. According to one tradition, which entered into the Russian Prologue (of Saints’ Lives), the youths fell asleep for the second time on this day. The Greek Menaion of 1870 says that they first fell asleep on August 4, and woke up on October 22. is a prayer of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus in the Great Book of Needs (Trebnik) for those who are ill and cannot sleep. The Seven Sleepers are also mentioned in the service for the Church New Year, September 1.

Constantinople, 449&249, Seven Sleepers, wealthy, m belts, hid in cave, entrance sealed, sleep, owner resurection
Ephesus, 250, Seven Sleepers; 7 Holy Youths œSeven Sleepers of Ephesus, Commemorated on August 4; Seven Youths of Ephesus: Maximilian, Iamblicus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Exacustodianus (Constantine) and Antoninus, lived in the third century. Saint Maximilian was the son of the Ephesus city administrator, and the other six youths were sons of illustrious citizens of Ephesus. The youths were friends from childhood, and all were in military service together. the emperor Decius (249-251) arrived in Ephesus, he commanded all the citizens to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Torture and death awaited anyone who disobeyed. The seven youths were denounced by informants, and were summoned to reply to the charges. Appearing before the emperor, the young men confessed their faith in Christ. military belts and insignia were quickly taken from them. Decius permitted them to go free, however, hoping that they would change their minds while he was off on a military campaign. The youths fled from the city and hid in a cave on Mount Ochlon, where they passed their time in prayer, preparing for martyrdom. youngest of them, Saint Iamblicus, dressed as a beggar and went into the city to buy bread. On one of his excursions into the city, he heard that the emperor had returned and was looking for them. Saint Maximilian urged his companions to come out of the cave and present themselves for trial. where the young men were hidden, the emperor ordered that the entrance of the cave be sealed with stones so that the saints would perish from hunger and thirst. Two of the dignitaries at the blocked entrance to the cave were secret Christians. Desiring to preserve the memory of the saints, they placed in the cave a sealed container containing two metal plaques. On them were inscribed the names of the seven youths and the details of their suffering and death. Lord placed the youths into a miraculous sleep lasting almost two centuries. In the meantime, the persecutions against Christians had ceased. During the reign of the holy emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450) there were heretics who denied that there would be a general resurrection of the dead at the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some of them said, “How can there be a resurrection of the dead when there will be neither soul nor body, since they are disintegrated?” Others affirmed, “The souls alone will have a restoration, since it would be impossible for bodies to arise and live after a thousand years, when even their dust would not remain.” Therefore, the Lord revealed the mystery of the Resurrection of the Dead and of the future life through His seven saints. owner of the land on which Mount Ochlon was situated, discovered the stone construction, and his workers opened up the entrance to the cave. The Lord had kept the youths alive, and they awoke from their sleep, unaware that almost two hundred years had passed. Their bodies and clothing were completely undecayed. to accept torture, the youths once again asked Saint Iamblicus to buy bread for them in the city. Going toward the city, the youth was astonished to see a cross on the gates. Hearing the name of Jesus Christ freely spoken, he began to doubt that he was approaching his own city. he paid for the bread, Iamblicus gave the merchant coins with the image of the emperor Decius on it. He was detained, as someone who might be concealing a horde of old money. They took Saint Iamblicus to the city administrator, who also happened to be the Bishop of Ephesus. Hearing the bewildering answers of the young man, the bishop perceived that God was revealing some sort of mystery through him, and went with other people to the cave. the entrance to the cave the bishop found the sealed container and opened it. He read upon the metal plaques the names of the seven youths and the details of the sealing of the cave on the orders of the emperor Decius. Going into the cave and seeing the saints alive, everyone rejoiced and perceived that the Lord, by waking them from their long sleep, was demonstrating to the Church the mystery of the Resurrection of the Dead. the emperor himself arrived in Ephesus and spoke with the young men in the cave. Then the holy youths, in sight of everyone, lay their heads upon the ground and fell asleep again, this time until the General Resurrection. emperor wanted to place each of the youths into a jeweled coffin, but they appeared to him in a dream and said that their bodies were to be left upon the ground in the cave. In the twelfth century the Russian pilgrim Igumen Daniel saw the holy relics of the seven youths in the cave. is a second commemoration of the seven youths on October 22. According to one tradition, which entered into the Russian Prologue (of Saints’ Lives), the youths fell asleep for the second time on this day. The Greek Menaion of 1870 says that they first fell asleep on August 4, and woke up on October 22. is a prayer of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus in the Great Book of Needs (Trebnik) for those who are ill and cannot sleep. The Seven Sleepers are also mentioned in the service for the Church New Year, September 1.

Constantinople, 450&350, Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, they recorded slaughter, Arabs slept past sacrifice
Egypt, 350&450, Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, recorded the slaughter, slept past sunrise so not sacrificed, back to Sinai; Raithu; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; Theodulus was the son of Saint Nilus the Faster (November 12), and he recorded the slaughter of the holy Fathers at Raithu in the fifth century. While still a child, Saint Theodulus left the world and went to Mount Sinai with his father. a barbarian assault on the desert dwellers, the saint fell into the hands of brigands, who decided to offer the youth as a sacrifice to the morning dawn, which they worshipped in place of God. But the Lord saved the boy through the prayers of his father, Saint Nilus. The barbarians slept past sunrise, and giving up on the idea of making him a sacrificial offering, they took the youth with them. by the brigands to the city of Eluza, Saint Theodulus was ransomed by the local bishop, in whose house he was later found by his grateful father. Blessed by the bishop and presbyters, Saints Theodulus and Nilus returned to Mount Sinai, where they served the Lord until the end of their days. Their incorrupt relics were transferred to Constantinople under Emperor Justin the Younger (565-578) and placed in the church of the holy Apostles at Orphanotrophia.

Constantinople, 450, Church otLife-giving Fountain, MOG appeared to Leo, heal blind man wClay, church d&rebuilt mTimes, exiles
Constantinople, 450, Church of the Life-giving Fountain at Constantinople, MOG appeared to Leo for healing blind man, important Orthodox Pilgrimage site, water from spring and clay from site will heal his eyes, plus MOG prophecy Leo become emperor, church destroyed and rebuilt many times, place of exile outside the city; church of the Life-giving Fountain at Constantinople; Church of the Life-Giving Font of the Theotokos (Istanbul); Church of the Life-Giving Font of the Theotokos is the latest church, built in 1835, that bears the same dedication as the shrine erected in this place between the end of the fifth and beginning of the sixth centuries, for the wonderworking holy spring located there. Emperor Leo I the Thracian (457-474) oversaw the building of the church that was named in honour of the Most Holy Theotokos. For almost fifteen hundred years, this sanctuary has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Greek Orthodoxy.[1] Main article: Life-Giving Spring site was chosen by Leo due to a divine experience the emperor went through earlier in his life. Leo was walking in a forested area when he saw a blind man who asked him for water to quench his thirst. It was then that Leo heard a message from a voice saying that there was water deep within the woods that the man could drink. The clay from its waters would be able to heal the man's eyes. The Theotokos also prophesied at this time that Leo would one day become emperor of Constantinople. Leo listened to the voice, quenched the man's thirst, and allowed him to gain sight just as the Mother of God proclaimed. site was the place where Emperor Leo decided to build the church in her name. The blessed water continued to work miracles for others and earned the name "The Life-Giving Spring." of the Church its history, the church at the fountain had been destroyed and then rebuilt on many occasions, at the request of the Virgin Mother. era Byzantine times the sanctuary was one of the most important in Constantinople. On Ascension Day, the Emperor arrived by boat to the small harbor of the Golden Gate. He rode up to the sanctuary, where he was acclaimed by the factions, who offered him a cross and garlands. Later, he dressed in his ceremonial robe, and after receiving the Patriarch, the two entered the church hand-in-hand. Ascension, the Marriage at Cana (January 8), and the anniversary of the Miracle of Leo I on 16 August were celebrated here.[1] Each future Empress coming to Constantinople for her wedding was received by her future spouse in the Monastery of the Spring. to earthquakes, the building was rebuilt in 790, under Empress Irene, and after the great earthquake of 869, under Basil I (867–886).[1] On 7 September 924 Tsar Simeon I of Bulgaria burned the complex, which was at once restored by Romanos I Lekapenos (920–944).[2] Three years later the son of Simeon, Peter was married to Maria, the niece of Lekapenos.[1][2] to its position outside the city, the monastery was often used as place of exile. In 1078 Georgios Monomachos was banished there. In 1084, Emperor Alexios I Komnenos confined the philosopher John Italus to the monastery, because of his neoplatonic theories.[1] the Latin invasion of 1204, the church was occupied by the Latin clergy and, according to Byzantine sources, this caused the end of the so called "habitual miracle" (to synetés thauma).[1] 1328 Andronikos III Palaiologos used the monastery as base to attack Constantinople. Two years later, as he lay dying in the town of Didymoteicho, he drank water from the spring and recovered at once.[1] the Ottoman siege of Constantinople in 1422, Sultan Murad II camped in the sanctuary. It is unknown whether the Byzantines restored the building before the conquest of the city in 1453. Russian pilgrims of the fifteenth century do not mention the church, only the spring.[1] era serving the Christian people at Constantinople for about 1,000 years, Muslim invaders tore down the church in 1453 after taking over the city of Constantinople. The Church of the Life-giving Spring was destroyed and its building materials were used to construct the Bayezid II Mosque for the Sultan. The church site was covered with earth and crushed stone, so that the very foundations of the church disappeared from sight. The beautiful surrounding areas were turned into a Muslim cemetery. A Turkish sentinel, placed at the ruins of the church, forbade Christians not only to gather at the site, but even to approach there. 16th-century French scholar Pierre Gilles writes that in 1547 the church did not exist anymore, but the sick continued to attend the spring.[1] by little, the strictness of this ban eased, and Christians were permitted to build a small church there. In 1727 Metropolitan Nikodemos of Dercos and Neochorion, built a small chapel above the Hagiasma. Twenty-five steps led down into the chapel, which had a window in the roof to let the light in. The holy Spring was still there, surrounded by a railing. An icon, discovered in the foundations of the old church, was worshiped in the chapel. The Armenians tried to take possession of the spring, but several firmans secured the possession to the Greeks. The complex was controlled by Turkish guardians, who collected from the pilgrims a tax that they used for the maintenance of the prisons. Later the complex came into the possession of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. after the onset of Greek War of Independence in 1821, even this little chapel was destroyed by the Janissaries, who poisoned the spring and buried it under the rubble. the latter part of the reign of Sultan Mahmoud II (1808-39), the Orthodox received a measure of freedom to conduct religious services. In 1833, a firman allowed Patriarch Constantius I of Constantinople (1830-34) to rebuild the church. For the third time, a large and prestigious church was erected above the sacred Life-giving Spring, with work beginning in July of 1833. While workmen were clearing the ground, they uncovered the foundations of the earlier church.[note 1] The Sultan allowed them to build not just a chapel, but a new and beautiful church on the foundations of the old one. Construction began on September 14, 1833, and was completed on December 30, 1834. February 2, 1835, with great pomp, the Ecumenical Patriarch Constantius II of Constantinople (1834-35), celebrating with 12 bishops and an enormous flood of the faithful, consecrated the church which stands to this day, dedicating it to the Most Holy Theotokos. was built a hospital and alms-house. Even the Muslims spoke with great respect of the Life-giving Spring, and of the Theotokos, who through it pours out her grace-filled power. "Great among women Holy Mary" is how they refer to the Most Holy Virgin. The water from the Life-giving Spring they call the "water of Holy Mary." era September 6, 1955, during the anti-Greek Istanbul Pogrom, the church was one of the targets of the fanatic mob. The building was burned to the ground while the abbot was lynched and the 90 year-old Archimandrite Chrisanthos Mantas was assasinated by the mob.[3] small chapel has been rebuilt on the site, but the church has not yet been restored to its former size. Today, in addition to the church, the compound includes the underground shrine of the Zoodochos Pigi with the holy spring which has golden fish in it. The spring still flows to this day and is considered by the faithful to have wonderworking properties. sanctuary is directed by a titular bishop and is one of the most popular among the Orthodox of Istanbul, who visit it especially during the Friday after Easter, and on the feast day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross on September 14. On these two days, a great feast, both popular and religious takes place there.[1] Funerals of people to be buried in the nearby cemetery are also celebrated in the church. one kilometer south of the church an important Greek hospital is active, the “Balikli Greek Hospital Foundation” (Balikli Rum Hastanesi Vakf). of Churches and Monasteries Life-Giving Spring gave origin to many churches and monasteries bearing the same name in the Greek world. Most of them were erected after the end of the Byzantine Empire. Monasteries Original monastery in Constantinople. Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring -- Dunlap, California. Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring -- Kastri, Pellana municipality, Laconia prefecture, Greece.[note 2] Churches The Life-Giving Spring Acadimias, Athens Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring Russian Orthodox Mission -- Bryan, Texas See also Life-Giving Spring Panagia Blachernitissa Holy water The Life Giving Fountain of the Mother of God, Commemorated on April 4; appearance of the Mother of God to Emperor Leo Marcellus occurred on April 4, 450. addition to this day, on Friday of Bright Week, the Church remembers the rebuilding of the church of the Life-giving Fountain at Constantinople, and the great miracles which took place in that church in the past.

Constantinople, 450, Protection oMOG vision aBlachernae, tVirgin wSaints prays tGod fUs, w Angels&Bishops Prophets&Apostles
Constantinople, 450, mid 5th C, Protection of MOG and Ever-Virgin Mary, vision aBlachernae church, Constantinople, today tVirgin stands iMiddle otChurch, and wSaints she invisibly prays tGod fUs, Angels&Bishops venerate her, Apostles&Prophets rejoice together, since for our sake she prays tThe Eternal God, this miraculous appearance occured mid 10th C, where her robe, veil, and part of her Belt were preserved after transfer from Palestine in 5th C, it happened on Sunday Oct 1st during the All Night Vigil, church was overflowing with those at prayer, Fool-FC Andrew at 4th hour, noticed Theotokos coming through the air, resplendant with heavenly light, surrounded by saints, John tBaptist, John tTheologian, for example, She tearfully prayed on bended knees for Christians for a long time, then coming near Bishop's throne she continued her prayer, after completing her prayer she spread her veil over the people praying in the church, protecting them from enemies both visible and invisible, tMOG was resplendent wGlory and protecting veil gleamed more than rays otSun, Andrew gazed trembling at the Vision, and asked his disciple Epiphanius do you see, I do see, and I am in awe, MOG implored Jesus tAccept prayers otPeople calling on his holy name, and to respond speedily, do not let them go away from my Icon unheard, A&E were worthy to see MOG at prayer and for long time observed Protecting Veil spread over tPeople and shining wFlashes oGlory, if MOG was there then Veil was visible, but when she departed it became invisible, but she left behing the Grace of her visitation, at Blachernae Church this miraculous appearance was remembered, in 14th C Russian Pilgrim Andrew saw in Blachernae the Icon depicting this event with MOG praying for the World and Andrew watching her, bye the way historian Nestor adds the intercession was needed because Pagan Russian fleet was attacking under Askole and Dir, the feast celebrates divine destruction otFleet in the 860's, Ironically feast considered important by Russians and Slavic Churches but not by Greeks, Nestor also notes the deliverance followed all-night vigil and dipping oMOG's garment into Sea aBlachernae, but no mention oA&E's vision oMOG aPrayer, ; Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (Istanbul); The Protection of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on October 1; Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos: “Today the Virgin stands in the midst of the Church, and with choirs of Saints she invisibly prays to God for us. and Bishops venerate Her, and prophets rejoice together, Since for our sake she prays to the Eternal God!” miraculous appearance of the Mother of God occurred in the mid-tenth century in Constantinople, in the Blachernae church her robe, veil, and part of her belt were preserved after being transferred from Palestine in the fifth century. Sunday, October 1, during the All Night Vigil, when the church was overflowing with those at prayer, Fool-for-Christ Saint Andrew (October 2), at the fourth hour, lifted up his eyes towards the heavens and beheld our most Holy Lady Theotokos coming through the air, with heavenly light and surrounded by an assembly of the Saints. Saint John the Baptist and the holy Apostle John the Theologian accompanied the Queen of Heaven. bended knees the Most Holy Virgin tearfully prayed for Christians for a long time. coming near the Bishop’s Throne, she continued her prayer. completing her prayer she took her veil and spread it over the people praying in church, them from enemies both visible and invisible. Most Holy Lady Theotokos was resplendent with heavenly glory, the protecting veil in her hands gleamed “more than the rays of the sun.” Andrew gazed trembling at the miraculous vision he asked his disciple, the blessed Epiphanius standing beside him, “Do you see, brother, the Holy Theotokos, praying for all the world?” Epiphanius answered, “I do see, holy Father, and I am in awe.” Ever-Blessed Mother of God implored the Lord Jesus Christ to accept the prayers of all the people calling on His Most Holy Name, to respond speedily to her intercession, “O Heavenly King, accept all those who pray to You and call on my name for help. Do not let them go away from my icon unheard.” Andrew and Epiphanius were worthy to see the Mother of God at prayer, “for a long time observed the Protecting Veil spread over the people and shining with flashes of glory. long as the Most Holy Theotokos was there, the Protecting Veil was also visible, with her departure it also became invisible. taking it with her, she left behind the grace of her visitation.” the Blachernae church, the memory of the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God was remembered. the fourteenth century, the Russian pilgrim and clerk Alexander, saw in the church an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos praying for the world, depicting Saint Andrew in contemplation of her. Primary Chronicle of Saint Nestor reflects that the protective intercession of the Mother of God was needed an attack of a large pagan Russian fleet under the leadership of Askole and Dir. feast celebrates the divine destruction of the fleet which threatened Constantinople itself, sometime in the years 864-867 or according to the Russian historian Vasiliev, on June 18, 860. this Feast is considered important by the Slavic Churches but not by the Greeks. Primary Chronicle of Saint Nestor also notes the miraculous deliverance followed an all-night Vigil the dipping of the garment of the Mother of God into the waters of the sea at the Blachernae church, does not mention Saints Andrew and Epiphanius and their vision of the Mother of God at prayer. latter elements, and the beginnings of the celebrating of the Feast of the Protection, seem to postdate Saint Nestor and the Chronicle. further historical complication might be noted under (October 2) dating Saint Andrew’s death to the year 936. year of death might not be quite reliable, or the assertion that he survived to a ripe old age after the vision of his youth, or that his vision involved some later pagan Russian raid which met with the same fate. suggestion that Saint Andrew was a Slav a Scythian according to other sources, such as S. V. Bulgakov) interesting, but not necessarily accurate. extent of Slavic expansion and repopulation into Greece is the topic of scholarly disputes. the PROLOGUE, a Russian book of the twelfth century, a description of the establishment of the special Feast marking this event states, “For when we heard, we realized how wondrous and merciful was the vision... and it transpired that Your holy Protection should not remain without festal celebration, O Ever-Blessed One!” in the festal celebration of the Protection of the Mother of God, the Russian Church sings, “With the choirs of the Angels, O Sovereign Lady, with the venerable and glorious prophets, with the First-Ranked Apostles and with the Hieromartyrs and Hierarchs, pray for us sinners, glorifying the Feast of your Protection in the Russian Land.” it would seem that Saint Andrew, contemplating the miraculous vision was a Slav, was taken captive, and became the slave of the local inhabitant of Constantinople named Theognostus. in honor of the Protection of the Mother of God began to appear in Russia in the twelfth century. known for its architectural merit is the temple of the Protection at Nerl, which was built in the year 1165 by holy Prince Andrew Bogoliubsky. efforts of this holy prince also established in the Russian Church the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, about the year 1164. Novgorod in the twelfth century there was a monastery of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos (the so-called Zverin monastery) Moscow also under Tsar Ivan the Terrible the cathedral of the Protection of the Mother of God was built at the church of the Holy Trinity (known as the church of Saint Basil the Blessed). the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos we implore the defense and assistance of the Queen of Heaven, “Remember us in your prayers, O Lady Virgin Mother of God, that we not perish by the increase of our sins. Protect us from every evil and from grievous woes, for in you do we hope, and venerating the Feast of your Protection, we magnify you.”

Constantinople, 450. 5th Century, Anthony, Apamea, stone mason building church, killed by pagan townspeople at night w sword
Syria, 450. 5th Century, Anthony, Apamea, stone mason building church, killed by pagan townspeople at night w sword, ; Syria, 450, Martyr Anthony, Apamea; Apamea, Syria; Martyr Anthony of Apamea, Commemorated on November 9 ; Holy Martyr Anthony, a Syrian, lived during the fifth century and was a stone-mason. With the blessing of the bishop of the Syrian city of Apamea, he started to build a church dedicated to the Holy Trinity. When the pagan townspeople learned of this, they rushed into his house by night and murdered him with a sword.

Constantinople, 450, 5th Century, Achilles, monk of Scetis, Egyptian Desert, wish eat sauce, Go Egypt, Peace Blood
Egypt, 450, 5th Century, Achilles, monk of Scetis, Egyptian Desert, A said: Tell Me What You are Eating, water and salt with Palm Leaves, Later A said: Come Brothers, see Isaiah eating, If you wish to eat sauce in Sketis, go to Egypt!, later Elder seeing A spitting Blood, asked what was wrong, A said: Word of Brother grieved me. I struggled not to tell him, I prayed God would remove rememberance of that Word. Then it became as blood in my mouth, and I spat it out. Now I am at peace, and I have forgotten my sorrow; Scetis ; Venerable Achilles, Commemorated on January 17; Akhillás (or Achilles) was an anchorite of the desert during the V century. Νikόdēmos of the Holy Mountain writes: "It is said of Saint Akhillás in the Evergetinós that he once went to Abba Isaiah, and found him eating something which he had mixed with salt and water on a plate. When the Elder saw that he was hiding it behind some plaited reeds, he said, "Tell me, what are you eating?" Isaiah replied, "Forgive me, Father. I was cutting palm leaves and I went out in the heat. I put some into my mouth, with some salt, but the heat burned my throat and I was unable to swallow. So I had to add some water to the salt in order to swallow. Forgive me, Father." Akhillás called the other monks and said, "Come here, Brothers, and behold Abba Isaiah eating sauce in Skḗtis. If you wish to eat sauce, go to Egypt!" Elder who came to see Abba Akhillás found him spitting out blood from his mouth. He asked him what was wrong, but he did not respond. he said, "The word of a brother grieved me. I struggled not to tell him so, thus I prayed that God would remove from me the remembrance of that word. the word became as blood in my mouth, and I spat it out. Now I am at peace, and I have forgotten my sorrow." Akhillás reposed in peace. the third Troparion of Ode One of the Canon for Saturday of Cheesefare Week, Saint Akhillás Is mentioned along with Saint Ammoun: "Achilles and Ammoun, the flowers of the desert."

Constantinople, 450, 5th Century, John, ascetic otSyrian Deserts, shelterless life, bread&salt, heavy chains, refused almond tree
Syria, 450, 5th Century, John, ascetic otSyrian Deserts (Land of the Saracens), shelterless life, on hill 25yrs, bread&salt only, heavy chains, refused almond tree to deny body respite ; Syrian Deserts; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated February 23 ; John, disciple of Saint Limnaeus (February 22), lived in Syria in the fifth century, and chose for himself the ascetic struggle of “a shelterless life.” settled on a hill, sheltered from the wind on all sides, and lived there for twenty-five years. He ate only bread and salt, and he exhausted his body under heavy chains. one of the nearby ascetics planted an almond tree on the hill so that Saint John could enjoy its shade and get out of the vicious heat, the saint told him to cut it down. This he did in order to deny his body any respite.

Constantinople, 450, 5th Century, Antiochus and Antoninus, ascetics otSyrian Deserts (Land of the Saracens) w John
Saints Antiochus & Antoninus also lived in asceticism w Saint John. They continued their ascetical struggles until they reached an advanced age, offering an example of spiritual strength, and overcoming every obstacle. ; Syrian Deserts; Venerable Antiochus and Antoninus, ascetics of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; Antiochus and Antoninus also lived in asceticism with Saint John. They continued their ascetical struggles until they reached an advanced age, offering an example of spiritual strength, and overcoming every obstacle.

Constantinople, 450, 5th Century, Zebinas, ascetic otSyrian Deserts (Land of the Saracens) uJohn,w Moses, never sat down
Syrian Deserts; Venerable Zebinas, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated February 23;; Zebinas lived in Syria during the fifth century. He lived an ascetical life on the same mountain as Saint Moses. He never sat down during his Rule of prayer, but sometimes he leaned on his staff. The neighboring inhabitants venerated Saint Zebinas, and they received great help in their sorrows and needs through his prayers. He reached a great old age, then departed to the Lord.

Constantinople, 450, 5th Century, Polychronius, ascetic otSyrian Deserts, underZebinas, heavy root on shoulders
Syrian Deserts; Venerable Polychronius, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated February 23; Polychronius lived in Syria in the fifth century. He was the disciple of Saint Zebinas, and imitated the life of his Elder, spending both day and night in fasting and vigil. Saint Polychronius had no chains, but he dug up a heavy oaken root from the earth and carried it on his shoulders when he prayed. Saint Polychronius asked God to send rain during a drought, and he filled up a stone vessel with oil for the needy.

Constantinople, 450, 5th Century, Moses, ascetic otSyrian Deserts (Land of the Saracens) wJohn under Polychroniius
Syrian Deserts; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; Moses lived in Syria in the fifth century. Imitating Saint John, he settled on a high mountain near the village of Rama. He was a disciple of Saint Polychronius, and lived with him. Emulating his Elder in everything, Saint Moses was the very model of an austere ascetical life. Saint Moses died in Syria in the fifth century.

Constantinople, 450, 5th Century, Damian, ascetic otSyrian Deserts, withdrew to Ieros, solitary, small box lentils
Syrian Deserts; Venerable Damian, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated February 23; Damian lived in Syria in the fifth century. He withdrew to a monastery named Ieros and lived there in asceticism. In his cell he had only a small box of lentils from which he ate.

Constantinople, 450, 5th C, Philon, Bishop oKolpasteia (Crete), wrote Pentateuch and Song of Songs commentaries
Crete; St Philon, Bishop of Kolpasteia, Crete, Commemorated January 24 ; Philon, Bishop of Kolpasteia (Crete) died peacefully in the fifth century. wrote a commentary on the Pentateuch, and on the Song of Songs.

Constantinople, 450, 5th C, Xenohon&Family oConstantinople, Sons lost &Separated at Sea, reunited aJerusalem, 4Monks, wonderwrkg
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.

Constantinople, 450, 5th C, Asclepius, never left his hermitage, spoke through angled wall cut, never kindled a lamp
Syria, 450, 5th C, Asclepius and James who copied him, Syrian Ascetics, Theodoret oCyrrhus speaks of them, A never left his hermitage, had many imitators and followers, A spoke to visitory through small aperture in the wall, cut at an angle so no one could see him, never kindled a lamp; Cyrrhus; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Asclepius and James were Syrian ascetics, and lived during the fifth century. of Cyrrhus speaks of them. Asclepius led an ascetic life of temperance in his native village and was not hindered by constant association with many people. had many imitators and followers. One of them was Saint James, who secluded himself in a small dwelling near the village of Nimuza. until the end of his life, the ascetic did not leave his hermitage, but spoke to visitors through a small aperture in the wall, cut at a angle so that no one was able to see him. never kindled a fire or lit a lamp.

Constantinople, 450 4th&5th C, Mark tAscetic oEgypt, Lived 120 Yrs, 90 as solitary, great writer, English PHILOKALIA, fAthens
Greece, 450 4th&5th C Folder, Mark tAscetic oEgypt, Lived 120 Yrs, fAthens, Greece, Nitrain Desert monk, it said he knew whole Bible by Heart, 9 of 30 discourses down to us, 3 in English PHILOKALIA, Byzantines said sell everything and buy Mark, noted for gentle pure soul, known as the "Ascetic" for abstinence, solitary 90 yrs, lived 120 yrs; Athens; St Mark the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on March 5; Mark the Ascetic was born in Athens during the fifth century, and became a monk in the Nitrian desert (Lower Egypt). his youth his fondest pursuit was the reading of Holy Scripture. It is said that he knew the whole Bible by heart. of his thirty discourses have come down to us. of them are in Volume I of the English PHILOKALIA. Byzantines had such a high regard for his writings that they said, “Sell everything and buy Mark.” was noted for his gentleness and purity of soul. was known as “the Ascetic” because of his abstinence. He lived for ninety years as a solitary, then surrendered his soul to God when he was one hundred and twenty years old.

Byzantium, 450-457, Emperor, Marcian, pious, married Emperor's sister Pulcheria, d Huns Atilla
Byzantine Emperor, 450-457, Marcian ; ( c. 392 – 26 January 457) was Roman emperor of the East from 450 to 457. little of his life before becoming emperor is known, other than that he was a domesticus (personal assistant) who served under the commanders Ardabur and his son Aspar for fifteen years. After the death of Emperor Theodosius II on 28 July 450, Marcian was made a candidate for the throne by Aspar, who held much influence because of his military power. a month of negotiations Pulcheria, Theodosius' sister, agreed to marry Marcian. Flavius Zeno, a military leader whose influence was similar to Aspar's, may have been involved in these negotiations, as he was given the high-ranking court title of patrician upon Marcian's accession. was elected and inaugurated on 25 August 450. reversed many of the actions of Theodosius II in the Eastern Roman Empire's relationship with the Huns under Attila and in religious matters. almost immediately revoked all treaties with Attila, ending all subsidy payments to him. 452, while Attila was raiding Italy, then a part of the Western Roman Empire, Marcian launched expeditions across the Danube into the Great Hungarian Plain, defeating the Huns in their own heartland. This action, accompanied by the famine and plague that broke out in northern Italy, allowed the Western Roman Empire to bribe Attila into retreating from the Italian peninsula. Attila's death in 453, Marcian took advantage of the resulting fragmentation of the Hunnic confederation by settling Germanic tribes within Roman lands as foederati ("federates" providing military service in exchange for benefits). also convened the Council of Chalcedon, which declared that Jesus had two "natures": divine and human. This led to the alienation of the population of the eastern provinces of Syria and Egypt, as many of them were miaphysites, rejecting the new official Christology. died on 26 January 457, leaving the Eastern Roman Empire with a treasury surplus of seven million solidi coins, an impressive achievement considering the economic ruin inflicted upon the Eastern Roman Empire by the Huns and Theodosius' tribute payments. his death, Aspar passed over Marcian's son-in-law, Anthemius, and had a military commander, Leo I, elected as emperor. Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on August 15 ; Venerable Theoctistus, Commemorated on September 3; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated on September 10; St Bassian of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 10 ; Martyr Anthony of Apamea, Commemorated on November 9; Venerable Matrona the Abbess of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9; Venerable Sava the Sanctified, Commemorated on December 5; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the ÃƒœUnsleeping Ones, Commemorated on December 29; Virginmartyr Appolinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5; St Marcian the Presbyter in Constantinople, Commemorated on January 10; Venerable Theodosius the Great, the Cenobiarch, Commemorated on January 11; St Elian, Missionary to Cornwall, England, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20; St Philon, Bishop of Kolpasteia, Crete, Commemorated on January 24; Venerable Xenophon of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 26; Venerable Vendemianus the Hermit of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 1; Venerable Auxentius of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; St Leo the Great the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 18; Venerable Baradates, Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable Thalelaeus the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Hieromartyr Proterius the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 28; Virginmartyr Domnina of Syria, Commemorated on March 1; Venerable Gerasimus of the Jordan, Commemorated on March 4; St Mark the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on March 5 ; St Patrick the Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on April 7 ; Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt, Commemorated on June 6;

Constantinople, 451-457, Proterius of Alexandria, Egyptian Patriarch, replaced Monophysite heretic Dioscorus
Egypt, 451-457, Egyptian Patriarch, Proterius of Alexandria; Hieromartyr Proterius the Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 28; Hieromartyr Proterius, Patriarch of Alexandria, and those with him. The priest Proterius lived in Alexandria during the patriarchal tenure of Dioscorus (444-451), an adherent of the Monophysite heresy of Eutyches. Proterius fearlessly denounced the heretics and confessed the Orthodox Faith. 451 at the Fourth Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon, the heresy of Eutyches was condemned and the teaching of Christ as Perfect God and Perfect Man, existing in these two natures “unconfusedly” and “indivisibly” [and “immutably” and “inseparably”] was set forth. The heretic Dioscorus was deposed and exiled, and Proterius, distinguished for his strict and virtuous life, was placed upon the patriarchal throne of Alexandria. many supporters of Dioscorus remained in Alexandria. Rebelling against the election of Proterius, they rioted and burned the soldiers who were sent out to pacify them. The pious emperor Marcian (450-457) deprived the Alexandrians of all the privileges they were accustomed to, and sent new and reinforced detachments of soldiers. The inhabitants of the city then quieted down and begged Patriarch Proterius to intercede with the emperor to restore their former privileges to them. The kindly saint consented and readily obtained their request. the death of Marcian the heretics again raised their heads. Presbyter Menignus (“the Cat”), himself striving for the patriarchal dignity, and taking advantage of the absence of the prefect of the city, was at the head of the rioters. Saint Proterius decided to leave Alexandria, but that night he saw in a dream the holy Prophet Isaiah, who said to him, “Return to the city, I am waiting to take you.” The saint realized that this was a prediction of his martyric end. He returned to Alexandria and concealed himself in a baptistry. insolent heretics broke into this refuge and killed the Patriarch and six men who were with him. The fact that it was Holy Saturday and the Canon of Pascha was being sung did not stop them. In their insane hatred they tied a rope to the body of the murdered Patriarch, and dragged it through the streets. They beat and lacerated it, and finally they burned it, scattering the ashes to the wind. Orthodox reported this to the holy Emperor Leo (457-474) and Saint Anatolius, Patriarch of Constantinople (July 3). An army arrived at Alexandria, the rebellion was crushed, and Menignus was brought to trial and exiled. the death of the Hieromartyr Proterius, four Thracian bishops of his time wrote: “We consider His Holiness Proterius to be in the ranks and choir of the saints, and we beseech God to be compassionate and merciful to us through his prayers.”

Constantinople, 452-32,330&452, 2 Findings otHead tForerunner, 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.

Constantinople, 452,330&452,1st&2nd finding Forerunner's Head,1st 330 M Olives F told f monks,2nd cave near Emesa452 F showed m
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.

Byzantium, 455-455, Emperor, Petronius Maximus. Vandals Sack Rome
Byzantine Emperor, 455-455, Petronius Maximus. Vandals Sack Rome; St Leo the Great the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 18; Venerable Baradates, Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable Thalelaeus the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Virginmartyr Domnina of Syria, Commemorated on March 1; Venerable Gerasimus of the Jordan, Commemorated on March 4; St Mark the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on March 5 ; St Patrick the Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Zosimas of Palestine, Commemorated on April 4; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on April 7 ; Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt, Commemorated on June 6;

Byzantium, 457-474, Emperor, Leo I the Thracian, the Great, recovered Western territories, Placing Robe at Blachernae
Byzantine Emperor, 457-474, Leo I the Thracian ; I (c. 401 – 18 January 474) was Eastern Roman emperor from 457 to 474. native of Dacia Aureliana near historic Thrace,[2] he was known as Leo the Thracian. He was called Leo the Great probably to distinguish him from his young grandson and co-augustus Leo II ("the Small").[3] the Eastern Empire for nearly 20 years, Leo proved to be a capable ruler. He oversaw many ambitious political and military plans, aimed mostly at aiding the faltering Western Roman Empire and recovering its former territories. is notable for being the first Eastern Emperor to legislate in Koine Greek rather than Late Latin.[4] is commemorated as a saint in the Orthodox Church, with his feast day on 20 January.[5][6] St Gennadius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 31; Venerable Theoctistus, Commemorated on September 3; Icon of the Mother of God "Jerusalem"Â, Commemorated on October 12 ; Venerable Matrona the Abbess of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9; Venerable Stylianus of Paphlagonia, Commemorated on November 26; Venerable Sava the Sanctified, Commemorated on December 5; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the "œUnsleeping Ones"Â, Commemorated on December 29; Virginmartyr Appolinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5; St Marcian the Presbyter in Constantinople, Commemorated on January 10; Venerable Theodosius the Great, the Cenobiarch, Commemorated on January 11; St Hilary the Bishop of Poitiers, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20; St Philon, Bishop of Kolpasteia, Crete, Commemorated on January 24; Venerable Xenophon of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 26; Venerable Vendemianus the Hermit of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 1; Venerable Auxentius of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; St Leo the Great the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 18; Venerable Baradates, Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Virginmartyr Domnina of Syria, Commemorated on March 1; Venerable Gerasimus of the Jordan, Commemorated on March 4; St Mark the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on March 5 ; St Patrick the Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Zosimas of Palestine, Commemorated on April 4; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on April 7 ; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on May 14; Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt, Commemorated on June 6; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Constantinople, 457-470, Saint Apollinaria, Marcarius Monastery, Sketis Desert
Egypt, 457-470, Saint Apollinaria, Marcarius Monastery, Sketis Desert, daughter oRoman Empire procounsul fThedosis tYounger during his minority, renouned beauty wiscom, fervent faith, inclined virginity till death, prayed for that, asked parents go Jerusalem, took servants &gold, distributed tPoor, venerated, freed servants, kept 1 plus old eunuch, tAlexandria, slipped away, monk garb, hid marsh, asceticism there, Angel appeared iDream, go Marcarius' Sketis monastery, call yourself Dorotheus, distinguished ascetical life, parents sent her sister possessed by spirit tMacarius, M brought sister tBro Dorotheus, sister healed, D returened to her cell, violent deamon made sister look pregnant, deamon through sisters lips said D responsible, D or A took blame & went home tRome, She reveals secret tParents, healed sister again, returned to Sketis, reposed 470, then monks discovered secret; Egypt, 380-457, Saint Apollinaria; Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great, Sketis Desert; Saint Apollinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5;

Constantinople, 457-470, Apollinaria, Sketis Desert, prayed fVirginity, entered mens m, her sister's demon accused Rape, rvld
Egypt, 457-470, Saint Apollinaria, Marcarius Monastery, Sketis Desert, daughter oRoman Empire procounsul fThedosis tYounger during his minority, renouned beauty wiscom, fervent faith, inclined virginity till death, prayed for that, asked parents go Jerusalem, took servants &gold, distributed tPoor, venerated, freed servants, kept 1 plus old eunuch, tAlexandria, slipped away, monk garb, hid marsh, asceticism there, Angel appeared iDream, go Marcarius' Sketis monastery, call yourself Dorotheus, distinguished ascetical life, parents sent her sister possessed by spirit tMacarius, M brought sister tBro Dorotheus, sister healed, D returened to her cell, violent deamon made sister look pregnant, deamon through sisters lips said D responsible, D or A took blame & went home tRome, She reveals secret tParents, healed sister again, returned to Sketis, reposed 470, then monks discovered secret; Egypt, 380-457, Saint Apollinaria; Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great, Sketis Desert; Saint Apollinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5; renowned Apollinaria lived during the reign of Leo the Great (‎457–474), was the daughter of Anthemius, a former proconsul of Rome during the minority of Theodosius the Younger (408-450). Apollinaria was renowned for her beauty and wisdom, well as for her fervent faith and whole-hearted devotion to Christ. a young age she was inclined to live a life of virginity, she prayed to God night and day that she might achieve her desire, which was to remain a virgin until death. this reason she entreated her parents to let her go to Jerusalem. they granted her permission, the blessed one took some male and female servants with her, as well as gold, silver and expensive clothes, and left for Jerusalem. she distributed everything to the poor. she venerated the Holy Places, she freed her servants, keeping just one old servant and a eunuch with her. them, she went to Alexandria. Arriving there at a level and even place, she decided to rest a little from her weary journey. away from her servants, she changed into monastic garb and hid in a marsh, she lived a life of asceticism for several years in strict fasting and prayer. day, an angel appeared to her in a dream and instructed her to go to the monastery of Sketis, was under the spiritual direction of Saint Macarius of Egypt (January 19), to call herself Dorotheus. Macarius accepted her as one of the brethren, and she quickly distinguished herself by her ascetical life. Apollinaria’s parents had another daughter who was possessed by an unclean spirit. sent her to Saint Macarius at Sketis, brought the afflicted girl to "Father Dorotheus." her prayers, and by divine grace, her sister was healed. wanted her to remain with them, but she bade all of them farewell and returned to her monastic cell. her sister was attacked by a violent demon, made her appear to be pregnant. demon spoke through the girl’s lips, saying that Dorotheus had forced himself on her. outraged parents sent soldiers to the monastery to find the monk who had defiled their daughter. Apollinaria took the blame and accompanied the envoys to the home of her parents in Rome. she revealed her secret to them, healed her sister, and returned to Sketis. reposed in the year 470, and was found worthy to dwell in the heavenly abodes (John 14:2). after her death, as the monks were preparing her body for burial, was it discovered that “he” was actually a woman. Saint was buried in a cave in the monastery church of Saint Macarius of Egypt. Apollinaria is commemorated on January 4 in Greek usage, while the Slavic churches honor her on January 5.

Constantinople, 458, Placing Mother of God's Honorable Robe at Blachernae, Constantinople
Blachernae; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae; Placing of the Venerable Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae: the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Leo the Great (457-474), the brothers Galbius and Candidus, associates of the emperor, set out from Constantinople to Palestine to venerate the holy places. a small settlement near Nazareth they stayed in the home of a certain old Jewish woman. In her house they noticed a room where many lamps were lit, incense burned, and sick people were gathered. When they asked her what the room contained, the pious woman did not want to give an answer for a long time. persistent requests, she said that she had a very precious sacred item: the Robe of the Mother of God, which performed many miracles and healings. Her Dormition the Most Holy Virgin bequeathed one of her garments to a pious Jewish maiden, an ancestor of the old woman, instructing her to leave it to another virgin after her death. the Robe of the Mother of God was preserved in this family from generation to generation. jewelled chest, containing the sacred Robe, was transferred to Constantinople. Saint Gennadius, Patriarch of Constantinople (August 31), and the emperor Leo, having learned of the sacred treasure, were convinced of the incorrupt state of the holy Robe, and they certified its authenticity. Blachernae, near the seacoast, a new church in honor of the Mother of God was constructed. On June 2, 458 Saint Gennadius transferred the sacred Robe into the Blachernae church with appropriate solemnity, placing it within a new reliquary. the maphorion (i.e., the outer robe) of the Mother of God, and part of Her belt were also put into the reliquary with Her Robe. This circumstance also influenced the Orthodox iconography of the Feast, in connecting the two events: the Placing of the Robe, and the Placing of the Belt of the Mother of God in Blachernae. The Russian pilgrim Stephen of Novgorod, visiting Constantinople in about the year 1350, testifies: “We arrived at Blachernae, where the Robe lies upon an altar in a sealed reliquary.â€ than once, during the invasion of enemies, the Most Holy Theotokos saved the city to which She had given Her holy Robe. Thus it happened during the time of a siege of Constantinople by the Avars in 626, by the Persians in 677, and by the Arabs in the year 717. Especially relevant for us are events of the year 860, intimately connected with the history of the Russian Church. June 18, 860 the Russian fleet of Prince Askold, a force comprising more than 200 ships, laid waste the coastal regions of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus, then entered into the Golden Horn and threatened Constantinople. The Russian ships sailed within sight of the city, setting ashore troops who “proceeded before the city, stretching forth their swords.â€ The emperor Michael III (842-867), interrupted his campaign against the Arabs and returned to the capital. All night he prayed prostrated upon the stone tiles of the church of the Mother of God at Blachernae. The holy Patriarch Photius spoke to his flock, calling for tears of repentance to wash away sins, and to seek the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos with fervent prayer. danger grew with each passing hour. “The city was barely able to stand against a spear,â€ says Patriarch Photius in another of his homilies. Under these conditions the decision was made to save the church’s sacred objects, especially the holy Robe of the Mother of God, which was kept in the Blachernae church, not far from the shore. serving an all-night Vigil, and taking it out from the Blachernae church, they carried the sacred Robe of the Mother of God in a procession around the city walls. They dipped its edge into the waters of the Bosphorus, and then they transported it to the center of Constantinople into the church of Hagia Sophia. The Mother of God protected the city and quelled the fury of the Russian warriors. An honorable truce was concluded, and Askold lifted the siege of Constantinople. June 25 the Russian army began to leave, taking with them a large tribute payment. A week afterwards, on July 2, the wonderworking Robe of the Mother of God was solemnly returned to its place in the reliquary of the Blachernae church. In remembrance of these events an annual feastday of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God was established on July 2 by holy Patriarch Photius. in October-November of the year 860, a Russian delegation arrived in Constantinople to conclude a treaty “in love and peace.â€ Some of the conditions of the peace treaty included articles concerning the Baptism of Kievan Rus, the payment of an annual tribute by the Byzantines to the Russians, permission for them to serve with the Byzantine army, an agreement to trade in the territory of the Empire (primarily in Constantinople), and to send a diplomatic mission to Byzantium. important was the point about the Baptism of Rus. The continuator of the Byzantine “Theophanes Chroniclesâ€ relates that “their delegation arrived in Constantinople with a request for them to receive holy Baptism, which also was fulfilled.â€ An Orthodox mission was sent to Kiev to fulfill this mutual wish of the Russians and the Greeks. Not very long before this (in 855) Saint Cyril the Philosopher (February 14 and May 11) had created a Slavonic alphabet and translated the Gospel. Saint Cyril was sent with his brother, Saint Methodius (April 6 and May 11), on a mission to Kiev with books translated into Slavonic. This was at the initiative of Saint Photius, whose student Saint Cyril was. The brothers spent the winter of 860/861 at Cherson, and in the spring of 861 they were at the River Dniepr, with Prince Askold. Askold was faced with a difficult choice, just as holy Prince Vladimir faced: both the Jews on the one hand, and the Moslems on the other, wanted him to accept their faith. But under the influence of Saint Cyril, the prince chose Orthodoxy. At the end of the year 861, Saints Cyril and Methodius returned to Constantinople and carried letters with them from Prince Askold to Emperor Michael III. Askold thanked the emperor for sending him “such men, who showed by both word and by example, that the Christian Faith is holy.â€ “Persuaded that this is the true Faith,â€ Askold further wrote, “we bid them to baptize in the hope that we may also attain sanctity. We are all friends of the Kingdom and prepared to be of service to you, as requested.â€ accepted holy Baptism with the name Nicholas, and many of his retinue were also baptized. Directly from Constantinople, the capital of Orthodoxy, through the efforts of the holy Apostles to the Slavs both the Slavonic divine services and the Slavonic written language arrived in Rus. Photius appointed Metropolitan Michael to Kiev, and the Russian metropolitan district was entered into the lists of dioceses of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Patriarch Photius in an encyclical of the year 867 called the Baptism of the Bulgarians and the Russians as among the chief accomplishments of his archpastoral service. “The Russians, who lifted their hand against the Roman might,â€ he wrote, almost quoting literally from the missive of Askold, “have now replaced the impious teaching which they held to formerly, with the pure and genuine Christian Faith, and with love having established themselves in the array of our friends and subjects.â€ (The Byzantines counted as “subjectsâ€ all accepting Baptism from Constantinople and entering into military alliance with the Empire.) “The desire and zeal of faith has flared up within them to such an extent, that they have accepted bishops and pastors, and they embrace Christian sanctity with great zeal and fervor.â€ Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos in Blachernae also marks the canonical establishment of the Russian Orthodox metropolitanate in Kiev. By the blessing of the Mother of God and by the miracle from Her holy Robe not only was the deliverence of Constantinople from the most terrible siege in all its history accomplished, but also the liberation of the Russians from the darkness of pagan superstition to life eternal. Together with this, the year 860 brought recognition to Kievan Rus from Byzantium, and signified the emergence of the young Russian realm into the arena of history. attempt of Prince Askold to renew the Christian evangelization begun by the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, which he intended as a religious and state reform, ended unsuccessfully. The time for the spread of Christianity in the Russian Land had not yet come. The adherents of the old paganism were too strong, and the princely power was too weak. In the clash of Askold with the pagan Oleg in 882 the Kievans betrayed their prince. Askold, lured into the camp of his enemies for talks, received a martyr’s death at the hand of hired killers. the deed of Blessed Askold (the Ioakimov Chronicle calls him such) was not extinguished in the Russian Church. Oleg the Sage, who killed Askold, occupied the Kiev princedom after him, and called Kiev the “Mother of Russian Cities.â€ most ancient chronicles of Kiev preserved the grateful memory of the first Kievan Christian prince: the church of the Prophet of God Elias, built by Askold and later mentioned in Igor’s Treaty with the Greeks (in 944), is on the site where the present church of this name now stands, and there is also the church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in the 950s by Saint Olga over Askold’s grave. most important achievement of Askold, entering forever into the Church inheritance not only of Rus, but of also all Orthodox Slavs, is the Slavonic Gospel and Slavonic services, translated by Saints Cyril and Methodius. Their apostolic activity among the Slavs began in Kiev at the court of Askold in 861, and continued afterwards in Moravia and Bulgaria. Following Blessed Askold, in the words of the ancient Alphabetic Prayers, “the Slavonic tribe now soars in flight, all striving toward Baptism.â€ outstanding works of Byzantine Church hymnology and homiletics are connected with the miracle of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae. There are two homilies of Saint Photius, one of which he preached within days of the siege of Constantinople, and the other soon after the departure of the Russian forces. Also associated with the campaign of Askold against Constantinople is the composition of a remarkable “Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos,â€ which certain Church histories ascribe also to holy Patriarch Photius. This Akathist forms an integral part of the services of Praise to the Most Holy Theotokos (i.e., the “Saturday of the Akathist,â€ Fifth Saturday of Great Lent). is not only Byzantine sources that relate the events of the year 860, but also Russian historical chronicles. Saint Nestor the Chronicler, stressing the significance of the Russian campaign against Constantinople, notes that from this time “it was begun to be called the Russian Land.â€ Certain of the chronicles, among them the Ioakimov and Nikonov, preserved accounts of the Baptism of Prince Askold and Kievan Rus after the campaign against Constantinople. The popular commemoration of this event is firmly associated with the names of the Kievan princes Askold and Dir, although in the opinion of historians, Dir was prince of Kiev somewhat earlier than Askold. veneration of the feast of the Placing of the Robe was long known in the Russian Church. Saint Andrew Bogoliubsky (July 4) built a church in honor of this feastday in the city of Vladimir at the Golden Gates. At the end of the fourteenth century, part of the Robe of the Mother of God was transferred from Constantinople to Rus by Saint Dionysius, Archbishop of Suzdal (June 26). holy Robe of the Mother of God, which previously saved Constantinople, later saved Moscow from hostilities. Tatars of the Horde of the princeling Mazovshi approached the walls of Moscow in the summer of 1451. Saint Jonah, Metropolitan of Moscow, with constant prayer and church services, encouraged the defenders of the capital. On the night of July 2, the Chronicle relates, great confusion occurred within the Tatar camp. The enemy abandoned their plundered goods and speedily departed in disarray. In memory of the miraculous deliverance of Moscow, Saint Jonah built the church of the Placing of the Robe in the Kremlin, making it his primary church. It burned, but in its place in the years 1484-1486 a new church, also dedicated to the Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God, was built thirty years later. This temple, standing at present, continued to serve as the primary church of Russian metropolitans and patriarchs until the cathedral of the Twelve Apostles was built under Patriarch Nikon. Venerable Romanus the Melodist, œSweet-SingerÂ, Commemorated on October 1 ; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectressÂ Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; Icon of the Mother of God of the Kiev Caves, Commemorated on August 17; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on September 2; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated on September 10; Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on October 1 ; Blessed Andrew the Fool-For-Christ at Constantinople, Commemorated October 2 ; Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, Commemorated October 12 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated October 29 ; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated on December 8 ; 12 Greeks who built the Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Lavra, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Stephen the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, and Bishop of Vladimir, in Volhynia, Commemorated on April 27 ; Prophet Isaiah, Commemorated on May 9 ; St Germanus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 12; Icon of the Mother of God œthe Unbreakable WallÂ, Commemorated on May 28; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2; Translation of the "Blachernae" Icon of the Mother of God to Russia, Commemorated July 7 ;

Constantinople, 458-471, Patriarch, Gennadius, Placing Robe at Blachernae
Constantinople Patriarch, 458-471, Gennadius; St Gennadius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 31; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Constantinople, 459-532, Saint Sabbas the Sanctified
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;

Constantinople, 460, Baradates, Hermit oSyrian Desert of Chalcis, southeast of Antioch, cramped then leather wNose&Mouth holes
Syria, 460, Baradates, Hermit oSyrian Desert of Chalcis, southeast of Antioch, cramped stone cell on a hill, stooped position, no window, no door, wind rain came in through cracks, not protected from heat, urged to leave after many years, covered in leather head to foot except for nose and mouth he prayed standing hands raised to heaven, grace of God strenghtened him, purified him, people came to him, he guided them, many spiritual gifts, died in peace 460; Desert of Chalcis, southeast of Antioch Venerable Baradates, Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Baradates the Syrian began to live as a desert-dweller in a hut near Antioch. then built a stone cell upon a hill, so cramped and low that the ascetic could stand in it only in a stooped position. had neither window nor door, and the wind, rain and cold came in through the cracks, and in summer he was not protected from the heat. many years Patriarch Theodoretos of Alexandria urged the monk to leave the cramped hut. the saint withdrew into a new seclusion: covered in leather from head to foot with a small opening for his nose and mouth, he prayed standing with hands upraised to heaven. grace of God strengthened him in his works and purified his heart from passions. began to flock to him for spiritual counsel, and Saint Baradates with deep humility guided them. acquired many spiritual gifts, Saint Baradates departed to the Lord in peace in 460. St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; Desert of Chalcis, southeast of Antioch

Constantinople, 460-505, Peter, 1st Georgia Catholicos, f Byz, close to Vakhtang I, autocephaly, harmony b church & state
Georgia, 460-505, Peter, first Catholicos of Georgia in Kartli (town, Tbilisi), Gregory's pupil in Byz, close to Vakhtang I, so Geo close w Byz, autocephaly, harmony between church and state, respect for king; Kartli; Hierarch Peter, first Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on November 30; Peter was the first catholicos of Georgia. He led the Church of Kartli from the 460s through the beginning of the 6th century. to God’s will, Saint Peter inaugurated the dynasty of the chief shepherds of Georgia. is written in the biography of Holy King Vakhtang IV Gorgasali that the king was introduced to Peter, a pupil of Saint Gregory the Theologian, during one of his visits to Byzantium, and he became very close to him. At that time he was also introduced to the future catholicos Samuel. close spiritual bond of the holy king and the catholicos, combined with their concerted efforts on behalf of the Church, contributed immeasurably to the establishment of friendly political relations between Georgia and Byzantium and the proclamation of the autocephaly of the Georgian Apostolic Church. returned to his own capital, King Vakhtang sent an envoy to Byzantium to find him a wife. He also sent a request that the hierarch Peter be elevated as catholicos and that the priest Samuel be consecrated bishop. He pleaded with the patriarch to hasten the arrival of Catholicos Peter and the twelve bishops with him. patriarch of Constantinople approved King Vakhtang’s request to institute the rank of catholicos of Georgia. Since the Georgian Church was still under the jurisdiction of Antioch, Peter and Samuel were sent to the Antiochian patriarch himself to be elevated. The autocephaly of the Georgian Church was proclaimed upon the arrival of the holy fathers in Georgia. Peter ruled the Church according to the principle of autocephaly and established a form of self-rule that would later help to increase the authority of the Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church. mutual respect and cooperation of the catholicos and the holy king laid the foundations for future, harmonious relations between secular and Church authorities in Georgia. Their example defined the authority of the Church and a national love and respect for the king. accompanied Holy King Vakhtang Gorgasali to war with the Persians in 502. It is written that “the fatally wounded king Vakhtang summoned the catholicos, the queen, his sons and all the nobility.” Saint Peter heard the king’s last confession, granted the remission of his sins, presided at his funeral service, and blessed the prince Dachi (502-514) to succeed him as king of Kartli. Catholicos Peter led the Georgian Church with great wisdom to the end of his days. Holy Synod of the Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church canonized the holy catholicos Peter and the holy catholicos Samuel on October 17, 2002.

Constantinople, 463-512, Vendemianus oBithynia, asceticism 42 yrs in Auxentius' cell cliff crevice, demon temptation, healing g
Ephesus, 463-512, Vendemianus, Hermit oBithynia, fMysia Rgion (Caicus River area, near Ephesus), Auxentius' disciple, who was a father 4th EC, tA's monastery on Mt Oxia, Chalcedon, asceticism 42 yrs, with A his cell, cliff crevice, fasting prayer, demon temptation, granted healing gift, died 512; Mysia or Myzia; Venerable Vendemianus the Hermit of Bithynia, Commemorated February 1 ; Vendemianus (Bendemianus) was born in Myzia. his youth he was a disciple of Saint Auxentius, one of the Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical He went to the monastery founded by Saint Auxentius (February 14) on Mount Oxia, not far from Chalcedon (Asia Minor), he lived in asceticism for forty-two years at the cell of his teacher in the crevice of a cliff. spent his life in fasting and prayer, and was tempted by demons. of his holy life and spiritual struggles, the saint was granted the gift of healing. died around the year 512.

Constantinople, 469, Battle of Bassianae (Byzantine (Gothic, Roman) victory over the Huns)
Battle of Bassianae (Byzantine (Gothic, Roman) victory over the Huns) 469; The war ended in 469. Marcellinus Comes shortly recorded "The head of Dinzic, son of Attila, king of the Huns, was brought to Constantinople".[14] The Chronicon Paschale recounts "Dinzirichus, Attila's son, was killed by Anagastes, general in Thrace. His head was brought to Constantinople, carried in procession through the Middle Street, and fixed on a pole at the Wooden Circus. The whole city turned out to look at it".[14] Jordanes recounts events in c. 468: "Now after firm peace was established between Goths and Romans, the Goths found that what they received from the emperor was not sufficient for them. Furthermore, they were eager to display their wonted valor, and so began to plunder the neighboring peoples around them, first attacking the Sadagis[nb 1] who held the interior of Pannonia. When Dintzic, king of the Huns, a son of Attila, learned this, he gathered to him the few who still seemed to have remained under his sway, namely, the Ultzinzures[nb 2] the Angisciri[nb 3] the Bittugures[nb 4] and the Bardores[nb 5] Coming to Bassianae (see Battle of Bassianae), a city of Pannonia, he beleaguered it and began to plunder its territory. When the Goths learned this, they abandoned the expedition they had planned against the Sadagis and turned upon the Huns and drove them so ingloriously from their own land that those who remained have been in dread of the arms of the Goths from that time down to the present day."[22] Dengizich, Atilla's Son; Icon of the Mother of God œJerusalem, Commemorated on October 12;

Constantinople, 469, Luke's Jerusalem Icon, war hero 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.

Constantinople, 470-520, Abraham, Bishop oCarrhae, Armenia (modern Harran, near Edessa), deep piety, taught priests by example
Armenia, 470-520, Abraham, Bishop oCarrhae, Armenia (modern Harran, near Edessa), fCyrrhus, tMonastery as youth, then hermit iLebanon, many pagans there, vexation because pagans not want him there, paid taxes for those beaten by collector, they accepted christ later, christians built church fervently besought Abe to pastor, he did, after encouraging them in the faith Abe left them another priest and went tMonastery, deep piety, Bishop oCharres, taught his pastors by his God-pleasing life, never used cooked food, EmperorTheodosis tYounger invited him tConstantinople, he died there, remains tCharres; Carrhae (modern Harran) ; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14 ; Abraham, Bishop of Charres, lived during the mid-fourth and early fifth centuries, was born in the city of Cyrrhus. his youth he entered a monastery. he became a hermit in Lebanon, a place where many pagans lived. Abraham suffered much vexation from the pagans, who wanted to expel him from their area. once saw tax-collectors beating those who were unable to pay. Moved to pity, he paid the taxes for them, and those people later accepted Christ. Christian inhabitants of this village built a church and they fervently besought Saint Abraham to accept the priesthood and become their pastor. monk fulfilled their wish. encouraged his flock in the faith, he left them another priest in place of himself, and he again retired to a monastery. his deep piety he was made bishop of Charres; saint constantly taught his pastors by his God-pleasing life. the time of his accepting of the priesthood, he never used cooked food. The emperor Theodosius the Younger wanted to meet the bishop and made him an invitation. he arrived in Constantinople, Saint Abraham soon died. remains were solemnly transferred to the city of Charres and there given over to burial.

Constantinople, 470-530, Rabulas oSamosata, Syria, monk iSyrian deserts, Phoenicia, spiritual gifts, monasteries, man oPrayer
Syria, 470-530, Rabulas oSamosata, Syria (Euphrates River 3), excellent ed, young monk struggling iDeserts&Mountains, like Elias&John tBaptist, later tPhoencia, long time asceticism, received spiritual gifts, Emperor Zeno gave him money to help build manastery with Bishop John oBeriut, monks of new monestery converted nearby pagans, Under Anastasius, Zeno's successor, Rabulas came to Constantinople, built several more monasteries in various places with A's help, one named Rabulas' m, Rabulas whole life at work, gentle, Kind, well-disposed towards people, man oGreat Prayer, lived to 80, to 530; Samosata; St Rabulas of Samosata, Commemorated February 19 ; Rabulas was born in the Syrian city of Samosata he received an excellent education. still young, he became a monk and struggled in the deserts and on the mountains, the example of the holy Prophet Elias (July 20) and Saint John the Baptist of the Lord (January 7, February 24, May 25, June 24, August 29, September 23, October 12). later, Saint Rabulas went to Phoenicia, for a long while he lived in asceticism and was glorified by spiritual gifts. emperor Zeno gave Saint Rabulas monetary help to build a monastery, with the assistance of Bishop John of Beruit. the new monastery lived many pagans, who were gradually converted to Christianity through the efforts of the monks. Xeno’s successor Anastasius (491-518), Saint Rabulas came to Constantinople, having received financial help from the emperor, he built several more monasteries in various places. One of them was named after the holy ascetic. Rabulas spent all his life at work, and he was gentle and kind and well-disposed towards people. was also a man of great prayer. lived to be eighty, before his death he heard a voice: “Come unto Me all ye who labor and are heavy laden” (Mt. 11:28). Rabulas fell asleep in the Lord around the year 530 after a short illness.

Constantinople, 470-530, Samson tHospitable, clinic fHis Roman estate, tConstantinople fAsceticism,bClinic needed, gift fMiracls
Rome, 470-530, Samson tHospitable oConstantinople, transformed Roman estate ionto clinic fSick, donated all wealth to clinic, lived in poverty, to Constantinople for asceticism in monastery but saw need for another clinic, bought modest home for clinic, received grace for miracles, healed sick by medicine and miracles, Patriarch Menas ordained him Priest, P Menas told Emperor Justinian about Samson when his physicians had failed to heal him, J offered gold and silver for healing but S refused because already gave wealth away, instead asked J build hospice for travelers, reposed 530, ripe old age, approx 470-530 if 80, miracles at his grave plus he continued watch over hospice, fire raged C but heavy rain over his hospice, ; Rome; St Sampson the Hospitable of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 27; Sampson (Σαμψών) was born in Rome, the son of wealthy, but devout and virtuous parents. received an excellent education, studying philosophy and medicine, among other subjects. his earliest childhood, he lived an exemplary Christian life. the death of his parents he transformed the family estate into a clinic for the sick. of his healing skills spread, and so many people came to him that he had to hire a staff to care for the increasing numbers of people who sought his help. he had an adequate staff, he donated all of his wealth to the clinic, and was content to live in poverty (Luke 12:33-34). Sampson went to Constantinople, where he hoped to spend the rest of his life in asceticism. found, however, that there was just as much need for his skill in Constantinople as there had been in Rome. bought a modest home and began to treat the sick. blessed Saint Sampson's work and gave him the grace of working miracles. healed the sick not only by his medical skill, but also as one filled with the grace of God. of Saint Sampson spread rapidly throughout the Queen of Cities. piety and love for his neighbor brought him to the attention of Patriarch Menas of Constantinople (August 25), who ordained him to the holy priesthood. Emperor Justinian became ill, and his physicians were unable to provide any relief for him, Patriarch Menas suggested that he send for Sampson, who healed the Emperor. offered him gold and silver to show his gratitude, but the saint refused, saying that he had already given all his wealth away. he asked Justinian to build a hospice for travelers. Life was written by Saint Symeon Metaphrastes. historian Procopius, however, implies that Sampson lived before the sixth century, and that the hospice had existed before his own time (Buildings, I, 2, 14). Sampson's hospice (xenon) was burnt and destroyed in 532, Justinian rebuilt it and endowed it with a generous annual income. was intended for the destitute, and those who suffered from serious illnesses, as well as those who had lost their property or their health. Sampson reposed quietly, following a brief illness, in the year 530 at a ripe old age. was buried in the church of Saint Mokios (Μώκιος), which was built by Saint Constantine the Great. miracles of healing took place at the tomb of Saint Sampson. after his death, the Saint continued to watch over his hospice. he appeared to a lazy worker, and chastised him for his negligence. the hospice became a church, and a new building for the homeless was constructed beside it. terrible fire once raged in Constantinople, but did not damage the church or the new building. the prayers of Saint Sampson, a heavy rain extinguished the flames. appointed Scriptural readings for his Feast are from Galatians 5:23-6:2 and from Luke 12:32-40. the prayers of Saint Sampson, may we also find the treasure which does not fail, in Heaven.

Byzantium, 474, Emperor, Leo II, May have been poisoned by his Mother
Byzantine Emperor, 474, Leo II ; St John the Silent of St Sabbas Monastery, Commemorated on December 3; Venerable Sava the Sanctified, Commemorated on December 5; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on December 29; Venerable Theodosius the Great, the Cenobiarch, Commemorated on January 11; Venerable Vendemianus the Hermit of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 1; St Leo the Great the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 18; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable Gerasimus of the Jordan, Commemorated on March 4; St Mark the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on March 5 ; Venerable John the Silent of St Sava'™s Monastery, Commemorated on March 30; Venerable Mary of Egypt, Commemorated on April 1 ; Venerable Zosimas of Palestine, Commemorated on April 4; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on April 7 ; St Isaac the Syrian, Abbot of Spoleto, Commemorated on April 12; Womanmartyr Thomais of Alexandria, Commemorated on April 13; Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt, Commemorated on June 6;

Constantinople, 474-477, Commander, Armatus, son of Basiliscus, Icon of Armatia
Byzantium, 474-477, Commander, Armatus, son of Basiliscus; Byzantium, 475-476, Emperor, Basiliscus; Icon of the Mother of God of Armatia, Commemorated on July 21;

Byzantium, 474-491, Emperor, Zeno, Leo II's Father, Stabilized Eastern Empire, only begotten son of (one) God
Byzantine Emperor, 474-491, Zeno ; Zeno (; Greek: ; c. 425 -“ 9 April 491) was Eastern Roman emperor from 474 to 475 and again from 476 to 491. Domestic revolts and religious dissension plagued his reign, which nevertheless succeeded to some extent in foreign issues. His reign saw the end of the Western Roman Empire following the deposition of Romulus Augustus and the death of Julius Nepos, but he contributed much to stabilising the Eastern Empire. ecclesiastical history, Zeno is associated with the Henotikon or "instrument of union", promulgated by him and signed by all the Eastern bishops, with the design of solving the monophysite controversy. 1 Biography 1.1 Rise to power 1.1.1 Early life 1.1.2 Son-in-law of Leo I 1.2 Reign 1.2.1 First reign and Basiliscus' revolt (475-“476) 1.2.2 End of the Western Empire 1.2.3 Revolt of Marcian (479) 1.2.4 Revolt of Illus (484-“488) 1.2.5 Affairs with the Goths (474-“487) 1.2.6 Promulgation of the Henotikon (482) 1.2.7 Suppressing the Samaritan revolt (484) 1.3 Death and succession 2 In popular culture 3 See also 4 Notes 5 Bibliography 5.1 Primary sources 5.2 Secondary sources 6 External links -----------------------------------Rise to power[edit] -----------------------------------Early life[edit] detail of the Missorium of Aspar, depicting the powerful magister militum Aspar and his elder son Ardabur (434 circa). caused Ardabur's fall, producing treacherous letters that linked him to the Sassanid King; Ardabur later bribed some of Zeno's soldiers into trying to kill him. original name was Tarasis, and more accurately Tarasikodissa in his native Isaurian language (Latin: Trascalissaeus).[2] was born in Isauria, at Rusumblada, later renamed Zenopolis in Zeno's honour.[3] His father was called Kodisa (as attested by his patronymic "Tarasicodissa"), his mother Lallis, his brother Longinus. had a wife, Arcadia, whose name indicates a relationship with the Constantinopolitan aristocracy, and whose statue was erected near the Baths of Arcadius, along the steps that led to Topoi.[4] Eastern and other Christian traditions maintain that Zeno had two daughters, Hilaria and Theopiste, who followed a religious life,[5] but historical sources attest the existence of only one son by Arcadia, called Zenon.[6] to ancient sources, Zeno's prestigious career ”he had fought against Attila in 447 to defend Constantinople and been consul the following year ”was the reason why another Isaurian officer, Tarasis, chose the Greek name Zeno when he married into the Imperial family, thus being known as Zeno when he rose to the throne.[7] Some modern historians suggest that the Isaurian general Zeno was the father of the emperor,[8] but there is no consensus about this, and other sources suggest that Tarasis was a member of Zeno's entourage. Isaurians were a people who lived inland from the Mediterranean coast of Anatolia, in the core of the Taurus Mountains (generally what is now the Konya/Bozkir area of Turkey). Like most borderland tribes, they were looked upon as barbarians by the Romans even though they had been Roman subjects for more than five centuries. However, being Orthodox Christians rather than Arians, as the Goths and other Germanic tribes were, they were not formally barred from the throne.[3] to some scholars, in the mid-460s, the Eastern Roman Emperor, Leo I, wanted to balance the weight of the Germanic component of the army, whose leader was the Alan magister militum Aspar. He thought that Tarasis and his Isaurians could be that counterweight, and called him, with many Isaurians, to Constantinople. This interpretation, however, has been contested.[9] the mid-460s, Arcadia and Zeno had been living at Constantinople for some time,[4] where Lallis and Longinus also lived, the latter married to a Valeria, possibly a woman of aristocrat rank.[9] to ancient sources, the earliest reference to Tarasis dates back to 464, when he put his hands on some letters written by Aspar's son, Ardabur, which proved that the son of the magister militum had incited the Sassanid King to invade Roman territory, promising to support the invasion. Through these letters, which Tarasis gave to Leo, the Emperor could dismiss Ardabur, who at the time was magister militum per Orientem and patricius, thus reducing Aspar's influence and ambition. reward for his loyalty, which Leo praised to Daniel the Stylite,[10] Tarasis was appointed comes domesticorum, an office of great influence and prestige.[4] This appointment could mean that Tarasis had been a protector domesticus, either at Leo's court in Constantinople, or attached at Ardabur's staff in Antioch.[9] 465, Leo and Aspar quarrelled about the appointment of consuls for the following year; it was on this occasion that Tarasis' position was strengthened, as he became friend and ally of the Emperor.[11] of Leo I[edit] of Ariadne, elder daughter of Emperor Leo I and wife of Zeno. make himself more acceptable to the Roman hierarchy and the population of Constantinople, Tarasis adopted the Greek name of Zeno and used it for the rest of his life. In mid-late 466, Zeno married Ariadne, elder daughter of Leo I and Verina; there is no reference to him divorcing Arcadia who evidently died prior to this. The next year their son was born, and Zeno became father of the heir apparent to the throne, as the only son of Leo I had died in his infancy; to stress his claim to the throne, the boy was called Leo.[12] however, was not present at the birth of his son, as in 467, he participated in a military campaign against the Goths.[9][13] I, father-in-law of Zeno, Eastern Roman Emperor from 457 to 474. as a member of the protectores domestici, did not take part in the disastrous expedition against the Vandals, led in 468 by Leo's brother-in-law Basiliscus. following year, during which he held the honour of the consulate, he was appointed magister militum per Thracias and led an expedition in Thrace. The sources do not clearly state what enemy he fought there, and historians had proposed either Goths or Huns, or the rebels of Anagastes. way, before leaving, Leo and Zeno asked for Daniel the Stylite's opinion about the campaign, and Daniel answered that Zeno would be the target of a conspiracy but would escape unharmed. Indeed, Leo sent some of his personal soldiers with Zeno to protect him, but they were bribed by Aspar to capture him instead. Zeno was informed of their intention and fled to Serdica, and, because of this episode, Leo grew even more suspicious of Aspar.[14] the attack, Zeno did not return to Constantinople, where Aspar and Ardabur were, still with considerable power. Instead, he moved to the "Long Wall" (the Long Wall of the Thracian Chersonese or, less probably, the Anastasian Wall), then to Pylai and from there to Chalcedon. While waiting here for an opportunity to return to the capital, he was appointed magister militum per Orientem. He took the monk Peter the Fuller with him and left for Antioch, his office's see, passing through Isauria, where he put down the rebellion of Indacus. Zeno stayed at Antioch for two years.[15] living in Antioch with his family, Zeno sympathised with the Monophysite views of Peter the Fuller, and supported him against his opponent, the Chalcedonian bishop Martyrius. allowed the arrival in Antioch of monks from nearby monasteries who increased the number of Peter's followers, and did not effectively repress their violence. Martyrius went to Constantinople to ask Leo for help, but, on returning to Antioch, he was informed that Peter had been elected bishop, and resigned (470). ----------------------------Leo reacted by ordering Peter into exile and addressing to Zeno a law that forbade the monks from leaving their monasteries or fomenting rebellion (1 June 471).[16] In 470/471, had also to deal with an invasion of Tzanni, who attacked Roman Armenia.[17] Zeno far from Constantinople, Aspar had increased his influence by having his son Patricius appointed Caesar and married to Leo I's younger daughter, Leontia (470). are contradictory on the causes, but clearly state that in 471, Leo I had Aspar and Ardabur treacherously killed. This certainly occurred with Zeno's and Basiliscus' approval, as, on the eve of the murders, the two generals had moved closer to Constantinople (Zeno was at Chalcedon). Thereafter, Zeno returned to Constantinople and was appointed magister militum praesentalis.[18] reign and Basiliscus' revolt (475-“476)[edit] of Leo II, minted in the name of "Leo and Zeno perpetual Augusti"; it belongs to the period when both Zeno and his son were joint emperors, between 9 February and 17 November 474. On 25 October 473, I appointed as Caesar his grandson Leo II, the son of Zeno and Ariadne. On 18 January 474, Leo I died; if Leo II had not already been proclaimed co-emperor by his grandfather, he would have become Augustus on that occasion. Leo II was seven years old (too young to rule himself) Ariadne and her mother Verina prevailed upon him to crown Zeno, his father, as co-emperor, which he did on 9 February 474. When Leo II became ill and died, Zeno became sole emperor. had to settle matters with the Vandal King, Genseric, who was conducting raids against the Empire's coastal cities, threatening key commercial sea routes. sent Genseric a high-ranking officer as ambassador, Severus, who succeeded in stipulating an "eternal" peace between the Vandals and the Empire, which allowed the Romans to pay ransoms for the prisoners in Vandal hands and which ended the Vandal persecution of Orthodox Christians in their territory.[19] this success, Zeno continued to be unpopular with the people and Senate because of his barbarian origins; his right to the throne was limited to his marriage with Ariadne and his relationship to Verina, the dowager Empress. he chose to draw support from the Isaurian component of the army, in particular, the Isaurian generals Illus and Trocundes, both brothers. Verina decided to overthrow her son-in-law Zeno and replace him with her lover, the ex-magister officiorum Patricius, with the help of her brother Basiliscus. conspirators fomented riots in the capital against the Isaurian emperor; Basiliscus succeeded also in convincing Illus, Trocundes and the Ostrogothic general Theodoric Strabo to join the plot.[19] of Basiliscus, who revolted against Zeno in January 475 and held power until Zeno's return in August 476. Basiliscus was Verina's brother; he took power after having Zeno flee from Constantinople, but alienated the people of Constantinople and was captured and put to death by Zeno. January 475, Zeno was forced to flee Constantinople to Isauria with his wife and mother,[20] some Isaurian fellows and the Imperial treasure. Illus and Trocundes were sent to chase him, and Zeno was compelled to shut himself up in a fortress, where Illus besieged him, capturing also Zeno's brother, Longinus and keeping him as an hostage.[19] the conspirators quickly fell in conflict with each other. Basiliscus took the throne for himself, putting to death Verina's lover and candidate, Patricius. He also allowed the mob to kill all of the Isaurians left in Constantinople, an episode that damaged relations with the Isaurian generals Illus and Trocundes. appointed his nephew Armatus magister militum, thus alienating Theodoric Strabo. Zeno had left no money, Basiliscus was forced to levy heavy taxes. he alienated the Church by supporting the Monophysites. people of Constantinople also put the blame on him for a great fire that burned several parts of the city. the secret support of the Senate, and bribes paid by Zeno, Illus agreed to switch sides and united his army with Zeno's, marching on Constantinople. Basiliscus tried to recover popular support and sent another army against Zeno, under his nephew Armatus' command. Zeno succeeded in bribing Armatus too, promising to confirm his rank of magister militum praesentalis for life and promoting his son (also called Basiliscus) to the rank of Caesar; Armatus' army failed to intercept Zeno's troops during their march on Constantinople.[19] August 476, Zeno besieged Constantinople. The Senate opened the gates of the city to the Isaurian, allowing the deposed emperor to resume the throne. Basiliscus fled with his family to the baptistery of Hagia Sophia.[21][22] Betrayed by the Patriarch Acacius, he surrendered himself and his family after extracting a solemn promise from Zeno not to shed their blood. Basiliscus and his family were sent to a fortress in Cappadocia, where Zeno had them enclosed in a dry cistern, to die from exposure.[21][23][24] his restoration, Zeno fulfilled his promises, letting Armatus keep his title of magister militum praesentalis (possibly even raising him to the rank of patricius) and appointing his son Basiliscus Caesar in Nicaea.[25] 477, however, Zeno changed his mind, probably at Illus' instigation, as the latter stood to gain from the fall of Armatus, and ordered Armatus' death. Zeno confiscated all of Armatus' properties, deposed his son Basiliscus, and had him ordained as a priest.[26][27][28] of the Western Empire[edit] solidus was minted by Odoacer in the name of Zeno. Odoacer ruled Italy under the formal patronage of the Eastern Emperor. western emperor Olybrius died in the autumn of 472. Gundobad, the western magister militum then proclaimed Glycerius, the comes domesticorum (commander of the Imperial guard) as western emperor in Ravenna. I refused to endorse Glycerius and elevated his nephew Julius Nepos to co-emperor for the west in 473. Expecting resistance, Nepos was forced by bad winter weather to delay his voyage until the next year; it was therefore left to Zeno, as Leo's successor, to support Julius Nepos' installation in Ravenna. Nepos arrived in Italy, quickly deposed Glycerius who offered no resistance, and was proclaimed emperor by the Roman Senate in June 474. Julius was on good terms with Zeno, and he even minted coins in the names of Zeno, Leo II and himself.[29] and the Mediterranean Basin at the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 August 475, during Basiliscus' reign, while Zeno was in Isauria blocked by Illus' army, Orestes, the western magister militum, revolted, forcing Nepos to flee Italy for Dalmatia; Orestes proclaimed his own son Romulus Augustus emperor, but was unable to gain the allegiance of the remnants of the Western Empire outside of Italy.[29] year later, while Zeno was entering Constantinople to end Basiliscus' brief usurpation, Romulus and Orestes were overthrown by the Chieftain Odoacer. the support of Odoacer, the Roman Senate sent an envoy to present the imperial insignia to the restored Zeno. They asked Zeno to dissolve the separation of the empire and rule as sole Emperor; also, to appoint Odoacer both patricius and official imperial governor of Italy. the same time, Zeno received another embassy, sent by Julius Nepos, who asked Zeno to give him the money and the army he needed to resume his control of Italy. Zeno answered that the Roman Senate should welcome back Julius Nepos, their rightful emperor, and that Odoacer should properly receive the patriciate from Nepos, although he allowed that he would also grant it.[30] Odoacer was officially recognised and left in possession of Italy, while Nepos kept his title and the other fragments of the empire's western holdings, but no army. in deference to Zeno, Odoacer recognised Nepos' de jure reign in Italy until his death, ruling and even minting coins in his name, but he never allowed his return. Nepos' assassination in 480, Odoacer invaded Dalmatia to pursue and punish the assassins (and also to take Dalmatia for himself). Zeno legitimised Odoacer's authority in Dalmatia; Odoacer recognised Zeno as sole emperor of the again unitary Empire, but increasingly started using the title of king for himself.[31] of Marcian (479)[edit] was the son of the Western Roman Emperor Anthemius (467-“472) and a grandson of Emperor Marcian (450-“457). He had married Ariadne's sister Leontia, and was therefore Zeno's brother-in-law; he was twice consul, in 467 and 472. 479 Marcian tried to overthrow Zeno and claim the throne for himself. With the help of his brothers Procopius Anthemius and Romulus, he gathered in Constantinople troops composed of both citizens and foreigners in the house of a Caesarius, south of the Forum of Theodosius, and from there they marched at the same time on the imperial palace and on the house of Illus, who was a supporter of Zeno. The emperor almost fell into the hands of the rebels, who, during the day, overwhelmed the imperial troops, who were also attacked by citizens from the roofs of their houses. During the night, however, Illus moved an Isaurian unit, quartered in nearby Chalcedonia, into Constantinople and also corrupted Marcian's soldiers, who allowed Zeno to flee. The following morning, Marcian, understanding that his situation was desperate and that reinforcements from Theodoric Strabo would not arrive in time, took refuge in the church of the Holy Apostles, but was arrested with his brothers.[32] sent Marcian and his brothers to Caesarea in Cappadocia. They tried to flee, but Marcian was captured and obliged to become a monk in Tarsus (Cilicia),[33] or imprisoned in Isauria, in the fortress of Papurius. He tried to escape a second time, and this time he succeeded, but, after gathering new troops and attacking Ancyra, he was defeated and captured by Trocundus, Illus' brother.[32] of Illus (484-“488)[edit] section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) commanding position and popular favour of Illus rendered him an object of suspicion, and Zeno in various ways sought to rid himself of him. Verina, the dowager Empress, plotted against his life. Verina's attempt was unsuccessful, and Zeno, equally jealous of her and of Illus, banished her at the suggestion of the latter, confining her in the fort of Papurius. There is some doubt as to the timing of these events. Candidus of Isauria places the banishment of Verina before the revolt of Marcian, and Theodore Lector assigns as the cause of it her share in the revolt of Basiliscus. It is not unlikely, indeed, that this turbulent woman was twice banished, once before Marcian's revolt, for her connection with Basiliscus, and again after Marcian's revolt, for her plot against Illus. her prison she managed to persuade her daughter Ariadne, the wife of Zeno, to attempt to obtain her release, first from Zeno, and then from Illus, to whom the Emperor referred her. Illus refused her request. Ariadne, like her mother, attempted to assassinate Illus. ascribes her hatred to another cause: he says that Illus had infused jealous suspicions into Zeno's mind which had led Zeno to attempt to end her life, and that her knowledge of these things stimulated her to revenge. The assassin whom she employed only wounded Illus; the assassin was taken prisoner and Zeno, who appears to have been privy to the affair, was unable to prevent his execution. ” with his friend Pamprepius, Leontius and his brother Trocundus “ now retired from court. They first went to Nicaea and then, on pretence of change of air and of procuring a cure for his wound, into the East where he was made magister militum. Having traversed Asia Minor, they raised the standard of revolt in 484, when Illus declared Leontius Emperor. sent an army to fight them, but Illus won, obtained possession of Papurius, released Verina, and induced her to crown Leontius at Tarsus. 485 Zeno sent against the rebels a fresh army, said to consist of Macedonians and Scythians (Tillemont conjectures, not unreasonably, that these were Ostrogoths) under John the Hunchback, or, more probably, John the Scythian, and Theoderic the Amal, who was at this time consul. John defeated the rebels near Seleucia and drove them into the fort of Papurius where he blockaded them. After a few months Trocundus died; the fort was taken only after four years of siege, by the treachery of Trocundus's brother-in-law, who had been sent for the purpose from Constantinople by Zeno. Illus and Leontius were beheaded (488) and their heads sent to the Emperor.[34] with the Goths (474-“487)[edit] weight with the name of Theoderic the Great, King of the Ostrogoths and ruler of Italy. served under Zeno, fighting against his opponent Theodoric Strabo (476-“481), and then was the leader of the army that besieged the fort of Papurius and captured and killed Illus' brother, Trocundus (484). aggressions of the two Ostrogothic leaders, Theoderic the Amal (Theoderic the Great), the son of Theodemir and leader of the Moesian Ostrogoths, and Theodoric Strabo, the leader of the Thracian Ostrogoths, had been a constant source of danger since 472. Although Zeno at times contrived to play them off against each other, they in turn were able to profit by his dynastic rivalries. It was only by offering them pay and high command that he kept them from attacking Constantinople itself. the death of Leo II, Theodoric Strabo rebelled against Zeno. His support was instrumental in overthrowing Zeno and raising Basiliscus to the Byzantine throne (475), but Theodoric and Basiliscus had a falling-out, so when Zeno returned to Constantinople in 476 and defeated Basiliscus, Strabo was reported to have not defended the city.[35][36] 476/477, Zeno allied himself with Strabo's rival, Theoderic the Amal, and ordered him to attack Strabo. The leader of the Thracian Goths sent an embassy to the Emperor, offering peace and blaming the Moesian Theodoric. Zeno understood that this offering was hiding further conspiracies, and convinced the Senate and army to declare Strabo a public enemy.[28] plan was to have the two Theoderics attack each other. He sent the Amal against Strabo, who supported the revolt of Marcian, with the promise of a huge Roman force as reinforcement (478). When Theoderic the Amal arrived through the mountains at Mount Soundis, he did not find the Roman reinforcement army he expected, but instead Theodoric Strabo's army, in a strongly fortified camp. The two Theoderics agreed to put forward a joint request to the Emperor, in order to extend to the south the settlement territory of the Ostrogoths in Moesia.[37] tried to divide the two Theoderics by bribing the Amal, but he refused the bribe. The Imperial army obtained some initial successes, but Zeno did not press his advantage, and allowed the Amal to move westward in Thrace, plundering territories as he went. With the Amal far away, Strabo accepted an agreement with Zeno: Strabo was to be given back his wealth, money to pay 13,000 soldiers, the command of two palatinae units, and the title once more of magister militum.[37] However, the army of Theodoric Strabo, 30,000-men strong was still a menace for Zeno, who convinced the Bulgars to attack the Thracian Goths in their own base. Strabo defeated the Bulgars in 480/481, and moved towards Constantinople, but he had to deal with problems with his own men, so he could not capitalise upon his victory and was forced to return to Greece. On his way back, he died in an accident.[37] Theodoric Strabo died in 481, the future Theoderic the Great became king of the entire Ostrogoth nation and continued to be a source of trouble in the Balkan peninsula. Zeno allied to Theoderic, whom he appointed magister militum praesentalis and even consul for the year 484, the first time a barbarian who was not a citizen of the Empire reached such a high distinction. Zeno had Theoderic fight against Illus and the usurper Leontius, besieging them at Papurius in 484-“488. However, in 486 Theoderic revolted again and attacked Constantinople, severing the city's water supply. Zeno bought a peace and agreed with Theoderic that the Ostrogoths should have gone to invade Italy to fight Odoacer, who had allegedly supported Leontius, and to establish his new kingdom there (487). This all but eliminated the Germanic presence in the east.[38] of the Henotikon (482)[edit] religious matters, Zeno is famous for his Henotikon, or "Act of Union", issued in 482 to mediate between Chalcedonian and Miaphysite views about the nature of Christ. The Chalcedonians recognised two natures (physis) in Christ, the Miaphysites only one; the Council of Chalcedon (451) had issued the Chalcedonian Creed and condemned the Miaphysite position, but the Miaphysites were still strong, especially in the Eastern provinces of the Empire, and the Patriarch of Alexandria, Peter Mongus, was a Miaphysite. Supporting the Miaphysites was one of the mistakes made by Basiliscus, as the people of Constantinople were Chalcedonian, but Zeno needed the support of the Miaphysite provinces ”Egypt, Syria, Palestine and Asia Minor; also, the Patriarch of Constantinople, Acacius, was interested in reducing the distance between the two positions. in 482 Zeno issued the Henotikon, a document he had developed with the support of Acacius and addressed to the factions in Egypt. The edict affirmed the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed (i.e., the Creed of Nicaea completed at Constantinople) as affording a common, final and united symbol or expression of faith. All other symbola or mathemata were excluded; Eutyches and Nestorius were unmistakably condemned in an anathema, while the twelve chapters of Cyril of Alexandria were accepted. The teaching of Chalcedon was not so much repudiated as passed over in silence; Jesus Christ was described as the "only-begotten Son of God [...] one and not two" and there was no explicit reference to the two natures.[39] bishop of Rome, Pope Felix III, refused to accept the document and excommunicated Acacius (484), thus beginning the Acacian schism, which lasted until 519.[40] 488 the patriarch of Antioch, Peter the Fuller, came to Constantinople to have his right to the Church of Cyprus confirmed. Zeno called the bishop of Cyprus, Anthemius, to answer the accusations. The bishop claimed that before his departure, he had had a vision of St. Barnabas, in which the position of the tomb of the apostle had been revealed to him. In the tomb, Anthemius had found the relics of the apostle and a copy of the Gospel of Matthew written in Hebrew by Barnabas himself. received the relics and the manuscript, and in exchange he proclaimed the autonomy of the Church of Cyprus.[41] 489 Zeno closed the Persian school of Edessa, Mesopotamia, by request of bishop Cyrus II of Edessa, because it promoted Nestorian teachings, and built a church in its place. The school relocated to its original home of Nisibis, becoming again the School of Nisibis, and leading to a wave of Nestorian immigration into Persia.[42] the Samaritan revolt (484)[edit] Gerizim, where Samaritan sources have Zeno buried. According to Samaritan sources, Zeno (whom the sources call "Zait the King of Edom") persecuted the Samaritans. The Emperor went to Sichem (Neapolis), gathered the elders and asked them to convert; when they refused, Zeno had many Samaritans killed, and converted the synagogue to a church. Zeno then took for himself Mount Gerizim, where the Samaritans worshipped God, and built several edifices, among which a tomb for his recently deceased son, on which he put a cross, so that the Samaritans, worshipping God, would prostrate in front of the tomb. According to these same sources, Zeno was buried on Mount Gerizim. in 484, the Samaritans revolted. rebels attacked Sichem, burnt five churches built on Samaritan holy places and cut off the fingers of bishop Terebinthus, who was officiating the ceremony of Whitsun. They elected Justa (or Justasa/Justasus) as their king and moved to Caesarea, where a significant Samaritan community lived. Here several Christians were killed and the church of St. Sebastian was destroyed. Justa celebrated the victory with games in the circus. to John Malalas, the dux Palestinae Asclepiades, whose troops were reinforced by the Caesarea-based Arcadiani of Rheges, defeated Justa, killed him and sent his head to Zeno.[43] According to Procopius of Caesarea, Terebinthus went to Zeno to ask for revenge; the Emperor personally went to Samaria to quell the rebellion.[44] historians believe that the order of the facts preserved by Samaritan sources should be inverted, as the persecution of Zeno was a consequence of the rebellion rather than its cause, and should have happened after 484, around 489. rebuilt the church of St. Procopius in Neapolis (Sichem) and the Samaritans were banned from Mount Gerizim, on whose top a signalling tower was built to alert in case of civil unrest.[45] and succession[edit] died on 9 April 491,[46] of dysentery[47] or of epilepsy,[48] after ruling for 17 years and 2 months. No sons were to succeed him: Leo had died in 474, Zenon, the first son, in his youth, while living at court.[6] then chose a favoured member of the Imperial court, Anastasius, to succeed Zeno, whose brother Longinus revolted, starting the Isaurian War. to a popular legend recorded by two 11th century and 12th century writers, Zeno was buried alive after becoming insensible due to drinking or an illness.[49] For three days cries of "have pity on me!" could be heard from within his verd antique sarcophagus, but because of the hatred of his wife and subjects, Ariadne refused to open the tomb.[50] This tale is not likely, as earlier and contemporary sources do not mention it, even though they too were hostile to his memory.[50] Icon of the Mother of God of Armatia, Commemorated on July 21; Icon of the Mother of God of Armatia, Commemorated on August 17; St John the Silent of St Sabbas Monastery, Commemorated on December 3; Venerable Sava the Sanctified, Commemorated on December 5; 62 Martyred Priests of Africa, martyred by the Arians, Commemorated on December 8; 300 Martyred laypeople of Africa, martyred by the Arians, Commemorated on December 8; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the "œUnsleeping Ones"Â, Commemorated on December 29; Venerable Theodosius the Great, the Cenobiarch, Commemorated on January 11; Martyr Speusippus in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 16; Venerable Xenophon of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 26; Venerable Vendemianus the Hermit of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 1; St Leo the Great the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 18; St Rabulas of Samosata, Commemorated on February 19 ; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable Gerasimus of the Jordan, Commemorated on March 4; St Mark the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on March 5 ; Venerable John the Silent of St Sava'™s Monastery, Commemorated on March 30; Venerable Mary of Egypt, Commemorated on April 1 ; Venerable Zosimas of Palestine, Commemorated on April 4; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on April 7 ; St Isaac the Syrian, Abbot of Spoleto, Commemorated on April 12; Womanmartyr Thomais of Alexandria, Commemorated on April 13; St Agapitus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 17; Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt, Commemorated on June 6;

Constantinople, 474-558, John tSilent, built church, Bishop a28, but bright star tSabbas, hides rank, silent sentence, Lion stry
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.

Byzantium, 475-476, Emperor, Basiliscus, Varina's b, barbarian successor to Leo, Miaphysite, k by Zeno coming back
Byzantium, 475-476, Emperor, Basiliscus; Basiliscus (died 476/477) was Eastern Roman emperor from 475 to 476. A member of the House of Leo, he came to power when Emperor Zeno was forced out of Constantinople by a revolt. Basiliscus was the brother of Empress Aelia Verina, who was the wife of Emperor Leo I (457-“474). His relationship with the Emperor allowed him to pursue a military career that, after minor initial successes, ended in 468, when he led the disastrous Roman invasion of Vandal Africa, in one of the largest military operations of Late Antiquity. succeeded in seizing power in 475, exploiting the unpopularity of Emperor Zeno, the barbarian successor to Leo, and a plot organised by Verina that had caused Zeno to flee Constantinople. However, during his short rule, Basiliscus alienated the fundamental support of the Church and the people of Constantinople, promoting the Miaphysite christological position in opposition to the Chalcedonian faith. Also, his policy of securing his power through the appointment of loyal men to key roles antagonised many important figures in the imperial court, including his sister Verina. So, when Zeno tried to regain his empire, he found virtually no opposition, triumphantly entering Constantinople, and capturing and killing Basiliscus and his family. struggle between Basiliscus and Zeno impeded the Eastern Roman Empire's ability to intervene in the fall of the Western Roman Empire, which happened in early September 476. When the chieftain of the Heruli, Odoacer, deposed Western Emperor Romulus Augustus, sending the imperial regalia to Constantinople, Zeno had just regained his throne, and was in no position to take any action but appoint Odoacer dux of Italy, thereby ending the Western Roman Empire. Icon of the Mother of God of Armatia, Commemorated on July 21;

Constantinople, 483-565 or 600, Barsanuphius&His disciple John tProphet, both wonderworking, raised the dead etc, humble
Palestine, 483-565 or 600, Barsanuphius tGreat &John tProphet, Abba Seridus Monastery, Gaza, Palestine (Way of the Sea 5), time oJustinian I, B fEgypt, ascetic from youth, built small cell, solitude, later his disciple John lived same cell 18yrs till death, J aClairvoyant prophet, B built another cell near monastery, which sent him 3 loaves bread per week, 50 years work&Ascetic deeds, Pat Eustochios oJerusalem heard &Wanted see for self, tried dig under wall tEnter Cell, flames burst forth, devoted to prayer, high degree spiritual perfection, manuscript accounts oB&J, accounts translated Moldavian&Slavonic languages, Paisius Velichkovsk lifetime 1740's-90's, publication 1800's by Optina Elders, B attained heights oHumility, reasoning, and fiery love, Lord gave him gifts oDiscernment, clairvoyance, and wonderworking, he raised the dead, cast out demons, healed incurable illnesses, things he blessed received divine power and grace, (for exampe: a weed took away monk's headache), even his name, when invoked mentally, gave help when called upon it, rain from his prayers, his predictions always came true, he got these gifts after many yrs patiently enduring great temptations and illness, following B's instructions, J became like B in all things, but out oHumility J sent questions to B, ; Abba Seridus is at Gaza, but that is all Wikipedia knows about it.; Venerable Barsanuphius the Great, Commemorated on February 6; Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet lived during the sixth century during the reign of the emperor Justinian I (483-565). lived in asceticism at the monastery of Abba Seridus in Palestine, near the city of Gaza. Barsanuphius was born in Egypt (the year of his birth is unknown). his youth, he began to lead an ascetic life. Arriving at the cenobitic monastery of Abba Seridus, built a small cell outside the monastery. Here he lived in solitude. Saint John, disciple of Saint Barsanuphius, lived in this cell for eighteen years until his death. John imitated his teacher in silence, ascetic deeds and in virtue. Because of his gift of clairvoyance, he was known as “the Prophet.” a certain time, Saint Barsanuphius built another cell near the monastery. the beginning of his solitude, the monastery sent him only three loaves of bread per week. He dwelt for fifty years in work and ascetic deeds. Patriarch Eustochios of Jerusalem heard about the ascetical life of Saint Barsanuphius, it seemed unbelievable to him. wanted to see Barsanuphius for himself, he and his companions tried to dig under the wall, and to enter the monk’s cell from beneath. attempting to enter were almost burned by flames suddenly bursting forth from the cell. his hermitage Saint Barsanuphius devoted himeself entirely to prayer, and he attained a high degree of spiritual perfection. have manuscript accounts about the life, the deeds and talents of Saints Barsanuphius and John. the lifetime of Saint Paisius Velichkovsky (November 15), they were translated into the Moldavian and Slavonic languages. publication of these manuscripts, and also their translation into the Russian language, was done in the nineteenth century by the Elders of Optina’s Entry of the Theotokos Monastery. precepts of Saints Barsanuphius and John clearly show the degree of their moral perfection, and their love for people, contain scant facts about their lives. do not know exactly when Saint Barsanuphius died. Some sources say the year of his death was 563, others say more cautiously before the year 600. spending a long time in seclusion, Saint Barsanuphius thereafter and until the death of Saint John the Prophet began to serve others by instructing them on the path to salvation, as Abba Dorotheus (June 5) testifies. Barsanuphius replied to questioners through Saint John, sometimes instructing him to give the answers, or even through Abba Seridus (August 13), who wrote down the saint’s answers. the answers of Saints Barsanuphius and John the Prophet, who were guides in the spiritual life not only for their contemporaries, but also for succeeding generations, it is clearly possible to see the monks’ gradual spiritual ascent “from strength to strength.” deeds of fasting, silence, guarding the heart, and unceasing prayer, Barsanuphius attained the heights of humility, reasoning and fiery love. Lord gave him the gifts of discernment, clairvoyance, and wonderworking. the power of his prayers, he was able to free the souls of people from sins. Sometimes, he took the sins of others upon himself. venerable one knew the dispositions of hearts, therefore he gave advice according to the spiritual state of each person. the Name of the Lord he raised the dead, cast out demons, healed incurable illnesses. that he blessed received divine power and grace (for example, kukol or furrow-weed took away a monk’s headache). the name of Abba Barsanuphius, when invoked mentally, gave help to those who called upon it. the prayers of Saint Barsanuphius, God sent rain upon the earth, withdrawing His wrath from the multitudes of the people. saint’s predictions always came true. he predicted that a certain monk, the Elder Euthymius the Silent, would be placed with him in a single grave, which indeed came to pass. Barsanuphius acquired these gifts after many years of patiently enduring great temptations and illness. the Orthodox ascetic Barsanuphius the Great, there was another Barsanuphius, a Monophysite heretic. Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem, anathematized him in his “Confession of Faith,” sent to the Sixth Ecumenical Council). do not know when Saint Barsanuphius arrived at the monastery of Abba Seridus, nor anything about the home and family of Saint John the Prophet. the instructions of Saint Barsanuphius, John attained the heights of perfection, and became like his teacher in all things. of humility, he sent those who came to him with questions to Abba Barsanuphius. John foresaw and predicted many things, even his own death a week after the death of Abba Seridus. Elian, the young igumen of this monastery, begged John to remain with him for two more weeks, in order to teach him the Rule and how to govern the monastery. John fulfilled his request and died after two weeks. Barsanuphius the Great survived his disciple and friend, but after St. John's death embraced complete silence and refused to give answers to anyone. two ascetics have left the soul-profiting book, GUIDANCE TOWARD SPIRITUAL LIFE: ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS OF DISCIPLES by the Holy Monastic Fathers Barsanuphius and John as their spiritual legacy. book was known to many saints who lived at a later time, as evidenced by the wrings of Saint Theodore the Studite (November 11 and January 26), the hieromonk Nikon Chernogorets (+ 1060), Saint Simeon the New Theologian (March 12), and other Orthodox ascetics and writers.

Byzantium, 491-518, Emperor, Anastasius I, better govrnmt, econ, but heratic
Byzantine Emperor, 491-518, Anastasius I ; Anastasius I (Greek:431 -“ 9 July 518) was Byzantine emperor from 491 to 518. He made his career as a government administrator. He came to the throne at the age of 61 after being chosen by the wife of his predecessor, Zeno. His religious tendencies caused tensions throughout his reign. He is often recognized as the first Byzantine emperor.[4] His reign was characterised by improvements in the government, economy, and bureaucracy in the Eastern Roman empire.[5] He is noted for leaving the imperial government with a sizeable budget surplus of 23,000,000 solidi due to minimisation of government corruption, reforms to the tax code, and the introduction of a new form of currency.[6] He is venerated as a saint by the Syriac Orthodox Church on 29 July. BENEDICT. FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); Restoration of the Temple of the 40 Martyrs, Commemorated on August 9; Return of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from Anastasiopolis to Lipari, Commemorated August 25 : By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon. ; St Christopher of Palestine, Commemorated on August 30; St John the Silent of St Sabbas Monastery, Commemorated on December 3; Venerable Sava the Sanctified, Commemorated on December 5; Venerable Theodosius the Great, the Cenobiarch, Commemorated on January 11; Venerable Vendemianus the Hermit of Bithynia, Commemorated on February 1; St Gobnata of Ballyvourney, Commemorated on February 11 ; St Rabulas of Samosata, Commemorated on February 19 ; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated on February 23; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; St James the Faster of Phoenicia, Syria, Commemorated on March 4; Venerable Gerasimus of the Jordan, Commemorated on March 4; St Mark the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on March 5 ; Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14 ; Venerable John the Silent of St Sava'™s Monastery, Commemorated on March 30; Venerable Mary of Egypt, Commemorated on April 1 ; Venerable Zosimas of Palestine, Commemorated on April 4; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on April 7 ; St Isaac the Syrian, Abbot of Spoleto, Commemorated on April 12; St Agapitus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 17; Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt, Commemorated on June 6; St Ephraim the Patriarch of Antioch, Commemorated on June 8; St David of Thessaloniki, Commemorated on June 26; St Severus the Presbyter of Interocrea in Italy, Commemorated on June 27;

Constantinople, 495-552, Gregory, Archbishop oHomer (Omrits), called tHomer bMiracles, Converted Jews bDebate&Jesus appearing
Arabs, 495-552, Gregory Archbishop oOmirits (Wadi Nejran), Bishop oHomer (Omrits), as a youth filled wGrace oGod Gifts Healing Wonderworking, Deacon aMilan, hermit gives him prophecy, confirmed bElder schemamonk oMountain, fiery column, was him, standing iAir, Go Rome Boniface Aglaida church, then Alexandria tbBishop, Then tNegran in Homer tPreach, felt unworthy, wished remain wElder, but Elder knew his secret, G had seen vision Peter Paul placing Bishop's robe on him, tCarchage, tRome, Boniface Aglaida church, Tomb St Peter, his vision told him walk virtue live God's will, Paul dream cup oOil, receive priesthood&Episcopacy, during this time Emperor Elesbaan' armies oEthiopia vanquished Himyarite Dunaan a Jew, Negran liberated, christianity restored, but no christians, E asked Alexandria fBishop&Clergy, while praying Apostle Mark appeared tPatriarch told him find Deacon named Gregory who tBe Priest&Bishop, send him to Elesbaan, miracle during the service, face shone wGrace Holy Spirit, vestments fragrance oMyrrh filling whole church, iHomer G preaching tPagans&Jews, after 3yrs E returned Ethiopia, leftAbramus as king, G crowned A, A ordered all baptized, Jews say better believe willingly, requested debate, Jews given 40 days prepare, debate lasted several days, G refuted all Jew arbuments using OT, Rabbi Ervan vision Moses worshiping Jesus, M saying E would be defeated being in oposition tTruth, Christian Truth prevaied iDebate but E needed to see Jesus, G said request impertinent but Lord can do to convince you, G prays aloud, recalling incarnation, miracles, 3day resurrection, ascention and invoked power oLife-creating Cross, Show thyself to these people, Glorify thy Holy Name, Earthquaked, heavens opened in East, iRadiant cloud oLight Jesus came down, Lords Voice, through G's prayer, He whom your fathers put to death will heal you, Jews struck blind, healed receiving baptism, Gregory guided Homer 30 more years til 552; Nejran or Negran; Wadi Najran; St Gregory the Archbishop of Omirits, Commemorated December 19 ; Gregory, Bishop of Homer (Omirits), the son of Agapius and Theodota, filled with the grace of God and possessed gifts of healing and wonderworking even in his youth. Providence of God led him to hierarchical service. still a deacon at Mediolanum (Milan) he heard the foretelling of his destiny from a hermit, then he received confirmation of these words from another spirit-bearing Elder who lived an ascetic life in the mountains. Gregory went to this holy schemamonk for guidance, a miracle occurred. he approached the mountain, he saw a fiery column in the air. He soon realized that the fiery column was actually the man of God coming toward him. That night he saw the Elder standing in the air above the ground. Elder revealed to Saint Gregory that he must go to Rome to pray in the church of Saints Boniface and Aglaida. he would go to Alexandria and to become a bishop. he would arrive in the city of Negran in the land of Homer (in southern Arabia) to proclaim the Gospel. Gregory felt himself unworthy of this, and wished to remain with the ascetic as his disciple. that Gregory should have no doubts of the veracity of his words, the Elder revealed that he knew a secret about him. In a vision, Gregory had seen the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul, and they had placed a bishop’s omophorion upon him. Gregory stayed a short time in Carthage (North Africa) serving as a deacon, then arrived in Rome. went to the church of Saints Boniface and Aglaida, then to the tomb of Saint Peter. he was granted a vision of the holy Apostle, who told him to walk the path of virtue and to live according to God’s will. night he saw the Apostle Paul in a dream bringing to him a cup filled with oil, foretelling that he should receive the grace of the priesthood and the episcopacy. this time the armies of the Ethiopian emperor Elesbaan (October 24) vanquished the Himyarite king Dunaan, who was of Jewish background. city of Negran was liberated, and Christianity restored in the land of Homer. all the clergy had been cruelly exterminated by Dunaan, and therefore Elesbaan sent emissaries to the Patriarch of Alexandria asking him to send a bishop to Negran, and clergy for the churches. he was praying, the holy Apostle Mark appeared to the patriarch, bidding him to find a deacon named Gregory, who was to be ordained to the priesthood, consecrated as a bishop, and then to be sent to Elesbaan. patriarch did this. During the service a miracle took place. Saint Gregory’s face shone with the grace of the Holy Spirit, and from his vestments came a sweet fragrance like myrrh or incense, filling the whole church with the scent. in Homer, Saint Gregory began to set the Church in order, preaching to both pagans and Jews. three years Elesbaan returned to Ethiopia, leaving the noble Abramius behind as King of Homer. Gregory crowned and anointed Abramius as king. he issued a decree that all his subjects be baptized. certain prominent Jews turned to the emperor saying that it was better for people to believe willingly rather than under compulsion. requested that he should permit a debate on faith to be held between them and the Christians, vowing that if the Christians proved victorious in this debate, the Jews would then accept Baptism. Jews were given forty days to prepare for the debate, which lasted for several days. Gregory refuted all the arguments of the head Hebrew elder, Rabbi Ervan, using only texts from the Old Testament. a vision Ervan beheld the holy Prophet Moses, who worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophet told Ervan that Ervan was in opposition to the truth and would be defeated. the grace of God Christian truth prevailed in the debate, Ervan would not acknowledge his defeat. He made a last desperate attempt. He said, “If you want me to believe in your Christ, and to acknowledge that yours is the true God, then show Him to me, bishop!” saint replied: “Your request is impertinent. It is not with man that you contend now, but with God. However, the Lord can do what you have asked in order to convince you. waited to see what would happen. Saint Gregory, having steadfast faith in God and trusting in Him, began to pray aloud. recalled the mystery of the Incarnation of God the Word, the miracles of His earthly life, the Three-day Resurrection and the Ascension into Heaven, and he invoked the power of the Life-Creating Cross. “Show Thyself to these people, O Lord,” he prayed, “and glorify Thy holy Name!” he finished the prayer, the earth quaked, and in the east the heavens were opened, and in a radiant cloud of light the Lord Jesus Christ came down on earth, the Voice of the Lord was heard: “Through the prayers of Bishop Gregory, He Whom your fathers put to death will heal you.” Saul, who was struck blind by the Heavenly light on the road to Damascus, the Jews were struck blind. they believed in Christ and they implored the holy bishop to heal them. receiving holy Baptism, all of them were healed. Ervan received the Christian name Leo (meaning “lion”). this most extraordinary miracle, Saint Gregory guided the flock of Homer for another thirty years. reposed in the year 552 and was buried in a crypt in the cathedral of Afar.

Constantinople, 500-599, 6th Century, Folder, Monophysites

Constantinople, 501-547, BENEDICT, FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM, Monte Cassino, B's rule prayer reading labor eating sleep
Rome, 501-547, BENEDICT of Nursia (Nera River 1), Northeast of Rome, repelled by dissolute life, to Subiaco, asked to be abbot but too strict, again and 12 communities, Monte Cassino, impacted Totila, B's rule prayer reading labor eating sleep, vows of obedience stability conversion of life, preserved scriptures, windmills, waterwheels, crop rotation, dignity of labor, importance of order and planning; Nursia; BENEDICT, FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); was born at Nursia (Norcia) in Umbria, Italy, around 480 AD. was sent to Rome for his studies, but was repelled by the dissolute life of most of the populace, and withdrew to a solitary life at Subiaco. group of monks asked him to be their abbot, but some of them found his rule too strict, and he returned alone to Subiaco. other monks called him to be their abbot, and he agreed, founding twelve communities over an interval of some years. chief founding was Monte Cassino, an abbey which stands to this day as the mother house of the world-wide Benedictine order. of Monte CassinoTotila the Goth visited Benedict, and was so awed by his presence that he fell on his face before him. Benedict raised him from the ground and rebuked him for his cruelty, telling him that it was time that his iniquities should cease. Totila asked Benedict to remember him in his prayers and departed, to exhibit from that time an astonishing clemency and chivalry in his treatment of conquered peoples. drew up a rule of life for monastics, a rule which he calls "a school of the Lord's service, in which we hope to order nothing harsh or rigorous." Rule gives instructions for how the monastic community is to be organized, and how the monks are to spend their time. average day includes about four hours to be spent in liturgical prayer (called the Divinum Officium -- the Divine Office), five hours in spiritual reading and study, six hours of labor, one hour for eating, and about eight hours for sleep. The Book of Psalms is to be recited in its entirety every week as a part of the Office. Benedictine monk takes vows of "obedience, stability, and conversion of life. That is, he vows to live in accordance with the Benedictine Rule, not to leave his community without grave cause, and to seek to follow the teaching and example of Christ in all things. procedure today for a prospective monk is to spend a week or more at the monastery as a visitor. He then applies as a postulant, and agrees not to leave for six months without the consent of the Abbot. that time, he may suspect that he has made a mistake, and the abbot may say, "Yes, I think you have. Go in peace." Alternately, he may say, "It is normal to have jitters at this stage. I urge you to stick it out a while longer and see whether they go away." Many postulants leave before the six months are up.) six months, he may leave or become a novice, with vows for one year. the year, he may leave or take vows for three more years. three years, he may leave, take life vows, or take vows for a second three years. After that, a third three years. After that, he must leave or take life vows (fish or cut bait). he takes life vows after four and a half to ten and a half years in the monastery. At any point in the proceedings at which he has the option of leaving, the community has the option of dismissing him. St. Benedict, by Fra Angelico effect of the monastic movement, both of the Benedictine order and of similar orders that grew out of it, has been enormous. owe the preservation of the Holy Scriptures and other ancient writings in large measure to the patience and diligence of monastic scribes. purely secular terms, their contribution was considerable. Benedict's time, the chief source of power was muscle, whether human or animal. Ancient scholars apparently did not worry about labor-saving devices. The labor could always be done by oxen or slaves. monks were both scholars and workers. A monk, after spending a few hours doing some laborious task by hand, was likely to think, "There must be a better way of doing this." result was the systematic development of windmills and water wheels for grinding grain, sawing wood, pumping water, and so on. The rotation of crops (including legumes) and other agricultural advances were also originated or promoted by monastic farms. monks, by their example, taught the dignity of labor and the importance of order and planning. details, see The Mediaeval Machine: The Industrial Revolution of the Middle Age, by Jean Gimpel, (Holt Rinehart & Winston, 1976; Penguin, 1977, ISBN 0-14-00-4514-7). by James Kiefer Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14; Benedict, founder of Western monasticism, was born in the Italian city of Nursia in the year 480. he was fourteen years of age, the saint’s parents sent him to Rome to study. by the immorality around him, he decided to devote himself to a different sort of life. first Saint Benedict settled near the church of the holy Apostle Peter in the village of Effedum, news of his ascetic life compelled him to go farther into the mountains. he encountered the hermit Romanus, who tonsured him into monasticism and directed him to live in a remote cave at Subiaco. From time to time, the hermit would bring him food. three years the saint waged a harsh struggle with temptations and conquered them. soon began to gather to him, thirsting to live under his guidance. number of disciples grew so much, that the saint divided them into twelve communities. community was comprised of twelve monks and was a separate skete. The saint gave each skete an igumen from among his experienced and only the novice monks remained with Saint Benedict for instruction. strict monastic Rule Saint Benedict established for the monks was not accepted by everyone, and more than once he was criticized and abused by dissenters. he settled in Campagna and on Mount Cassino he founded the Monte Cassino monastery, for a long time was a center of theological education for the Western Church. monastery possessed a remarkable library. Benedict wrote his Rule, based on the experience of life of the Eastern desert-dwellers and the precepts of Saint John Cassian the Roman (February 29). Rule of Saint Benedict dominated Western monasticism for centuries (by the year 1595 it had appeared in more than 100 editions). Rule prescribed the renunciation of personal possessions, as well as unconditional obedience, and constant work. was considered the duty of older monks to teach the younger and to copy ancient manuscripts. This helped to preserve many memorable writings from the first centuries of Christianity. new monk was required to live as a novice for a year, to learn the monastic Rule and to become acclimated to monastic life. deed required a blessing. head of this cenobitic monastery is the igumen. He discerns, teaches, and explains. The igumen solicits the advice of the older, experienced brethren, but he makes the final decisions. the monastic Rule was strictly binding for everyone and was regarded as an important step on the way to perfection. Benedict was granted by the Lord the gift of foresight and wonderworking. He healed many by his prayers. The monk foretold the day of his death in 547. The main source for his Life is the second Dialogue of Saint Gregory. Benedict’s sister, Saint Scholastica (February 10), also became famous for her strict ascetic life and was numbered among the saints.

Constantinople, 501-547, Benedict of Nursia, founded 12 monasteries, his Rule, f of western monasticism, windmills&waterwheels
Roman Saint, 500-547, Benedict of Nursia; of Nursia (c. 2 March 480 - c. 21 March 547 AD) is a Christian saint venerated in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Anglican Communion and Old Catholic Churches.[3] He is a patron saint of Europe.[4] founded twelve communities for monks at Subiaco, Lazio, Italy (about 65 kilometres (40 mi) to the east of Rome), before moving to Monte Cassino in the mountains of southern Italy. The Order of Saint Benedict is of later origin and, moreover, not an "order" as commonly understood but merely a confederation of autonomous congregations.[5] main achievement, his "Rule of Saint Benedict", contains a set of rules for his monks to follow. Heavily influenced by the writings of John Cassian, it shows strong affinity with the Rule of the Master, but it also has a unique spirit of balance, moderation and reasonableness, which persuaded most Christian religious communities founded throughout the Middle Ages to adopt it. As a result, his Rule became one of the most influential religious rules in Western Christendom. For this reason, Giuseppe Carletti regarded Benedict as the founder of Western Christian monasticism.[6] BENEDICT. FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14;

Constantinople, 501-550, St Gobnata oBallyvourney, Angel ordered leave Islands till see 9 white deer, land fWomen's m, set bees
Ireland, Saint, 500-550, St Gobnata of Ballyvourney, f Claire, tAran Islands, Angel appeared, commanded leave till see 9 white deer, 3 in Clondrohid, 6 at Ballymakeera, finally 9 at Ballyvourney, there given land for women's monastery, by Abban oKilabban, installed as abbas, healing gift, 1951 excavations proved monastery there, Kept plague from Ballyvourney, bee-keeping, invading chieftan, she sent bees to attack, they left without their plunder, patron saint oBallyvourney but revered throuout Ireland and Scotland; Ireland, Saint, 500-550, St Gobnata of Ballyvourney; St Gobnata of Ballyvourney, Commemorated on February 11 ; Gobnata was born in Co.Clare at the end of the fifth, or the beginning of the sixth century. she fled to the Aran Islands to escape from some enemy. angel appeared to her one day and told her to leave that place and to keep walking until she found nine white deer. saw three white deer at Clondrohid, Co. Cork, and decided to follow them. at Ballymakeera, she saw six white deer. at Ballyvourney she came upon nine white deer grazing in a wood. she was given land for a women’s monastery by her spiritual Father Saint Abban of Kilabban, Co. Laois (March 16), he installed her as abbess. in 1951 proved that indeed there had been an early Christian settlement on the site. Gobnata was renowned for her gift of healing, there is a story of how she kept the plague from Ballyvourney. is also famous for her skill as a bee-keeper. day, Saint Gobnata was watching from a hill overlooking a valley as an invading chieftain and his army came through, destroying crops and driving off cattle. sent the bees to attack them, and they were thrown into such confusion that they left without their plunder. holy virgin Saint Gobnata fell asleep in the Lord on February 11. exact year of her death is not known, but it probably occurred in the sixth century. she is regarded as the patron saint of Ballyvourney, she is venerated throughout southern Ireland. are churches dedicated to her in Waterford and Kerry, for example, and she is also revered in Scotland.

Constantinople, 501-555, Gregory of Homer, m d accurate prophecies&visions, m travels, Ethiopia, converts fourfold people
Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, 501-555, Saint Gregory of Homer or Omrits was the purported archbishop of Ẓafar, the capital of the kingdom of Ḥimyar, in the mid-6th century, according to a hagiographical dossier compiled in the 10th century. This compilation is essentially legendary and fictitious, although a few parts of it are of historical value. Written in Greek, it survives also in a Slavonic translation.[2] The three works in the dossier are conventionally known as the Bios (Life), Nomoi (Laws) and Dialexis (Debate).[3] The whole dossier is sometimes known as the Acts of Gregentios.[4] name Gregentios is unknown apart from the Bios and related texts. According to the Bios, he received his name from a local holy man. Several later scribes, encountering an unheard of name, changed it to Gregorios (Gregory).[5] This is the name that appears in all the Slavonic versions, as well as an Arabic translation of the Dialexis.[2][5] It also appears in the fresco depicting Gregentios in the monastery of Koutsovendis on Cyprus, painted between 1110 and 1118.[6] Other scribal emendations are Gregentinos and Rhegentios.[5] name has a Latin ending, which may indicate a western origin for the name, but such suffixes had entered vernacular Greek by the time the Bios was written. The name may be derived from Agrigentius, "man from Agrigento", or from a combination of the name Gregory with either Agrigentius or the name of Saint Vincentius. The biography of Gregory of Agrigento was a major source used by the author of the Bios, and an itinerary of Vincentius may also have been used.[5] only known persons named after Gregentios are two 19th-century monks of Mount Athos. The first was the archimandrite of Vatopedi in April 1842 and the second a monk of the Skete of Saint Anne who died in 1879 aged 69. Both monastic communities had copies of the Bios and Dialexis of Gregentios.[5] Bios, which Jean-Marie Sansterre called a "hagiographical romance", is divided into nine chapters. While the first eight are vague in their chronology and geography, the ninth draws on superior historical sources and contains more precise details.[7] The early part, which includes an Avar raid on his hometown, may also reflect authentic conditions in the northern Balkans during the later 6th century.[8] The Bios was completed either at Constantinople in the 10th century or in Rome in the 9th century.[7] The Nomoi and Dialexis are later additions. The whole collection, which presents as a unity, was not brought together before the 10th century. The Nomoi may contain some authentic information, since it shares characteristics with legal inscriptions from pre-Islamic South Arabia.[2] The Dialexis, which is a debate between Gregentios and a Jew named Herban, was the most popular part of the work and circulated independently into modern times.[4] life in Avaria start of the Bios of Gregentios, from a copy made in 1180 and now in Saint Catherine's Monastery, Sinai[9] to his Bios, Gregentios was born on 6 December in the late 5th century in the town of Lyplianes (Ljubljana) in the land of the Avars.[2][7][10] father was named Agapios and his mother Eusebia. At his baptism, he was named after a sage who lived on a nearby mountain. His schooling begins at the age of seven. At the age of ten, he is pushed into a river by a deer. Miraculously saved from drowning, he retires to the desert, where he receives instruction and prophecies about his future from a holy man.[11] his mother dies, Gregentios is placed in the custody of the married but childless priest who baptised him. During a barbarian invasion, the townspeople flee to the fortress of Korada. Gregentios, who was in the vineyards at the time, manages to sneak in through the Rhomanesios gate while the fortress is besieged. After the barbarians retreat, both Gregentios and his foster mother have prophetic dreams about him. At the urging of a certain Sergios, his foster mother tells her dream to an elder named Niketas, who interprets it as saying that Gregentios will one day convert a fourfold people.[11] next traveled extensively in northern and central Italy and Sicily before sailing to Alexandria in Egypt.[2][7] The Bios presents him as travelling from Lyplianes to Moryne (Murano), Antenora (Padua) and Agrigento, then by boat to Pavia, then to Milan and Carthage, then by foot to Rome, then to Augustopolis (either Augusta or Koper) and finally Alexandria. In its order, timing and means of travel, this itinerary is absurd.[12] and Sicily first departs with the holy man from the desert. They reach Moryne in a single day. There they stay with a man named Sabbatios, where a holy fool named Peter informs Gregentios that his foster parents are searching for him. The holy man and Gregentios leave Moryne after the local bishop learns of the latter's spiritual gifts. In Antenora, they stay in the house of Theodoretos, while the bishop of Moryne searches for him. Bishop Eulogios of Antenora makes Gregentios a deacon and lector. A holy woman named Theodora informs him again of his foster parents' search.[10] the holy man, Gregentios moves on to Agrigento, leaving the bishop of Antenora also to send searchers after him. He is hosted by the priest Stephanos in the church of the Mother of God outside the walls. He visits the grave of the hermit Eirene, who appears to him and talks to him. He visits two churches in the city, and a woman preaching to a crowd from a balcony predicts that he will go to Egypt and Ḥimyar. The holy man then appears and whisks Gregentios away to Milan. Going by boat, they pass Rome on the way.[10] Milan, Gregentios stays with one Niketas, while the holy man moves on to Largention (Piacenza). He visits the grave of Saint Ambrose and begins reading his works. He takes on as a disciple a boy of fourteen named Leon, who later becomes governor of Melike (either Ravenna or the land of the Melingoi) and is assassinated. Gregentios has a vision of the underworld in which he sees Leon among those who died before their time awaiting the Last Judgement. The holy man then returns and the two travel to Carthage, where they stay with one Constantine.[10] and Rome Carthage, Gregentios meets a woman named Philothea who is regarded as a mute who only barks and sighs. The holy man reveals that this is merely a gift God gave her to ward off a man who tried to seduce her. She speaks to Gregentios clearly and lucidly. his time in Carthage, he befriends a young man named George and they visit a church dedicated to Saint Anastasia. There, a holy woman identifies Gregentios by name and birthplace. When George asks for the same treatment, she reproaches and names the women he has been sinning with. young man, a Thracian named Pothetos, asks Gregentios for spiritual advice. Gregentios writes sixteen homilies that make Pothetos regret his marriage, but Gregentios convinces him to go home to his wife.[10] Carthage, the holy man takes Gregentios to Rome. On the way, he has a vision of the devil in the valley of Patherolymna. Rome, they stay with a man named Benedict near the Great Portico. He owns a slave named Elizabeth, who is sexually abused by a demon every night. After Gregentios writes a formula on a piece of papyrus and gives it to her, she is freed from the demon.[10] day, Gregentios is visited by Saint Peter, who had been absent from his grave when Gregentios visited it, for he had gone to give comfort to the persecuted Christians of Negra (Najrān). tells Gregentios that the time has not yet come for the holy man's identity to be revealed. a woman identifies Gregentios by name as the prophet of the Ḥimyarites. He is also identified by name by the monk Abramios. At the request of a beggar named Zacharias, he heals the eye of a youth named Basil. In ecstasy at the tomb of Saint Paul, he sees a vision of the saint bringing him a pallium.[10] visits a church dedicated to Saint Boniface, whose feast day he will come to share. He meets a fool for Christ named John who throws stones at passersby. visits a hermit named Michael, who sends him on to a hermit named Artados, who lives atop a mountain beyond the Dry Lakes. Artados prophesies in detail about Gregentios' future in Egypt and Ḥimyar, where he will convert four peoples: pagans, Jews, Ḥimyarites and Maurousians. a stay of two days, Gregentios returns to Rome, where he meets Pope Felix IV (526–530). The holy man rejoins him and they go to Augustopolis.[10] Augustopolis, Gregentios stays with a widow named Euphemia. In the market, he meets an Armenian from Artazat (Artaxata), who prophesies his future. a few days, the holy man and Gregentios board a ship from Leukas for Alexandria. There, Gregentios is greeted by name by a female slave, whose prophesies how the patriarch will call him to be an archbishop. He stays in the house of one Leontios. In Alexandria, he visits a monastery led by a eunuch-abbot named Epiphanios. His prayers chase away a devil who throws stones at a monk named Kosmas. A woman named Archontia greets him by name.[10] in South Arabia last part of the Bios "contains the only clear historical information scattered through the whole" of the Gregentios materials.[13] 523, the Ḥimyarite king Dhū Nuwās massacres the Christians of Najrān and its leader, Arethas. Emperor Justin I asks the Ethiopian (Aksumite) king Elesboam (Caleb) to lead an expedition against Dhū Nuwās. writes to the patriarch of Alexandria, Proterios, for a bishop to evangelize the Ḥimyarites.[14] (The actual patriarch at this time was Timothy IV.[2]) Mark informs Proterios of Gregentios in a dream. The patriarch consecrates Gregentios as bishop and send him back with the Ethiopian envoys.[14] This takes place after the successful Ethiopian conquest of Ḥimyar (525).[2] Ethiopia, Gregentios stays for a time in the capital, Amlem (Aksum), before crossing the sea to Medekion (Maddaban) and then heading to Taphar (Ẓafār) and finally Najrān, where he meets the king. consecrates the churches that the kings has built and installs priests in them at Najrān, Ẓafār, Akana, Atarph, Legmia , Azaki and Iouze.[14][15] Bios describes Elesboam's retirement to a monastery and the miraculous invocation of his name. Gregentios threatens the Ḥimyarites with the death penalty for all those who do not convert, whereupon the hole country becomes Christian. The Dialexis is interposed here, and the end of the Bios follows.[14] remains in Ḥimyar for thirty years, assisting Elesboam's appointed viceroy, Abraha, in building churches. Shortly after Abraha dies and is succeeded by his son Seridos (Masrūq), Gregentios dies on 19 December. He is buried in the cathedral.[16] He is commemorated in the Synaxarion of Constantinople on 19 December.[2] Start of the Nomoi in a manuscript copied in Gaza in 1487[17] Nomoi ton Homeriton, also known in Latin as Leges Homeritarum,[18] is usually regarded as a fictional law code containing some amount of authentic pre-Islamic South Arabian material. The laws are not arranged thematically, but may be subsumed under eight headings: (1) morals, marriage and family; (2) slavery; (3) right of employment; (4) culture and social life; (5) cruelty against animals; (6) rental laws; (7) officeholders; and (8) miscellaneous. Within the last class are laws concerning sorcery, poisoning, perjury, theft, extrajudicial punishments, infringing ecclesiastical asylum, workhouses for criminals and prohibitions on begging. The Nomoi do not come near to being a comprehensive law code. There is, for example, no law of inheritance.[19] Nomoi prescribes harsh punishments for transgressions, often mutilation, and mitigating factors are nowhere admitted. Its strong prohibitions of wife-beating and cruelty to animals stand out, however, since Byzantine law knew no restriction on the treatment of animals. The laws seem concerned strictly with an urban community like Najrān. Administration and taxation are governed in a clearly Byzantine manner. The prohibitions on dancing, singing, gambling and gaming may be taken from the canons of the Quinisext Council (691/692). On the whole, the influence of canon law is limited, but Christian theological justifications are provided for the laws. Although the Nomoi is a civil law code, it presents itself as having been promulgated by a supernatural force to the geitoniarchai (administrators of Najrān's 36 districts). It bears the unmistakable stamp of a Christian monk of a strong ascetic spirit. In the words of J. B. Bury, the laws "illustrate the kind of legislation at which the ecclesiastical spirit, unchecked, would have aimed."[20] and authorship authenticity of the Nomoi was first put in doubt by Cardinal Jean-Baptiste-François Pitra in 1864. He was followed by many, including Louis Duchesne, but in 1969 Nina Pigulevskaya defended a 6th-century origin. She thought the code was written in the Byzantine Empire and never actually came into force in Ḥimyar. Irfan Shahîd and A. K. Irvine have also defended the authenticity of the code.[21] Garth Fowden considers that it contains some authentic material.[18] It mentions a slave market at a place called Trikanos or Trikanon, a place not attested anywhere else.[21] features of the Nomoi that would be unusual in 6th-century Byzantium have been ascribed to South Arabian influence. They may, however, reflect a later date of composition. Mutilation was an uncommon punishment in Byzantine law prior to Leo III's Ecloga (741). One of the most unusual and cruel punishments in the Nomoi—suspending a convict upside down and smoking him to death with burning hay—is actually attested in an 8th-century Byzantine source (Nikephoros's Breviarium). Some prescriptions regarding marriage in the Nomoi became a part of Byzantine law during the reign Leo VI (886–912).[22] Similarities between the Najrān of the Nomoi and Constantinople under the Macedonian dynasty suggest that the Nomoi was probably written at Constantinople in the 10th century.[23] The Nomoi may be compared with other pseudepigraphal texts of supposed supernatural origin from Byzantium, such as the Didascalia Apostolorum and Letter of Christ Fallen from Heaven.[24] earliest manuscript witness to the Nomoi, a copy made in 1180 on Cyprus, shows some Western influence in its terminology. It is probable that it was copied from a manuscript made shortly before in Crusader Syria. Some of its terminology does not appear in Greek again until the Assizes of Cyprus in the 14th century.[24] Dialexis purports to be a record written around 550 or 560 of a debate between Gregentios and a Jew named Herban that took place before the royal court of Ḥimyar around 520 or 530. The author does not claim to have been present or to have known Gregentios, but does claim to have had access to a record of the proceedings written at the time by the notary Palladios. [25] The text, however, shows clear evidence of having been composed after the start of the controversies over monothelitism (7th century), iconoclasm (8th century) and the filioque clause, which only became a live controversy in the Byzantine Empire after 860.[26] is a treatise against the Azymites in the form of a letter that is ascribed to Gregentios in one manuscript. Given the issue it discusses, it can have no connection to the time in which Gregentios supposedly lived. In 1660, some "letters of Gregentios"—possibly the same treatise—were catalogued as part of the library of Denis Pétau that had been purchased after his death by Queen Christina of Sweden. There is no further record of these letters and they appear to be lost.[27] Afar, Ethiopia (Semara) ; St Gregory the Archbishop of Omirits, Commemorated on December 19 ; Gregory, Bishop of Homer (Omirits), the son of Agapius and Theodota, was filled with the grace of God and possessed gifts of healing and wonderworking even in his youth. Providence of God led him to hierarchical service. While still a deacon at Mediolanum (Milan) he heard the foretelling of his destiny from a hermit, and then he received confirmation of these words from another spirit-bearing Elder who lived an ascetic life in the mountains. Gregory went to this holy schemamonk for guidance, a miracle occurred. As he approached the mountain, he saw a fiery column in the air. He soon realized that the fiery column was actually the man of God coming toward him. That night he saw the Elder standing in the air above the ground. Elder revealed to Saint Gregory that he must go to Rome to pray in the church of Saints Boniface and Aglaida. he would go to Alexandria and to become a bishop. he would arrive in the city of Negran in the land of Homer (in southern Arabia) to proclaim the Gospel. Gregory felt himself unworthy of this, and wished to remain with the ascetic as his disciple. that Gregory should have no doubts of the veracity of his words, the Elder revealed that he knew a secret about him. In a vision, Gregory had seen the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul, and they had placed a bishop’s omophorion upon him. Gregory stayed a short time in Carthage (North Africa) serving as a deacon, then arrived in Rome. He went to the church of Saints Boniface and Aglaida, then to the tomb of Saint Peter. There he was granted a vision of the holy Apostle, who told him to walk the path of virtue and to live according to God’s will. That night he saw the Apostle Paul in a dream bringing to him a cup filled with oil, foretelling that he should receive the grace of the priesthood and the episcopacy. this time the armies of the Ethiopian emperor Elesbaan (October 24) vanquished the Himyarite king Dunaan, who was of Jewish background. city of Negran was liberated, and Christianity restored in the land of Homer. But all the clergy had been cruelly exterminated by Dunaan, and therefore Elesbaan sent emissaries to the Patriarch of Alexandria asking him to send a bishop to Negran, and clergy for the churches. he was praying, the holy Apostle Mark appeared to the patriarch, bidding him to find a deacon named Gregory, who was to be ordained to the priesthood, consecrated as a bishop, and then to be sent to Elesbaan. patriarch did this. During the service a miracle took place. Saint Gregory’s face shone with the grace of the Holy Spirit, and from his vestments came a sweet fragrance like myrrh or incense, filling the whole church with the scent. in Homer, Saint Gregory began to set the Church in order, preaching to both pagans and Jews. After three years Elesbaan returned to Ethiopia, leaving the noble Abramius behind as King of Homer. Gregory crowned and anointed Abramius as king. he issued a decree that all his subjects be baptized. certain prominent Jews turned to the emperor saying that it was better for people to believe willingly rather than under compulsion. requested that he should permit a debate on faith to be held between them and the Christians, vowing that if the Christians proved victorious in this debate, the Jews would then accept Baptism. Jews were given forty days to prepare for the debate, which lasted for several days. Gregory refuted all the arguments of the head of the Hebrew elder, Rabbi Ervan, using only texts from the Old Testament. a vision Ervan beheld the holy Prophet Moses, who worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophet told Ervan that Ervan was in opposition to the truth and would be defeated. the grace of God Christian truth prevailed in the debate, but Ervan would not acknowledge his defeat. made a last desperate attempt. He said, “If you want me to believe in your Christ, and to acknowledge that yours is the true God, then show Him to me, bishop!” saint replied: “Your request is impertinent. It is not with man that you contend now, but with God. However, the Lord can do what you have asked in order to convince you. waited to see what would happen. Saint Gregory, having steadfast faith in God and trusting in Him, began to pray aloud. He recalled the mystery of the Incarnation of God the Word, the miracles of His earthly life, the Three-day Resurrection and the Ascension into Heaven, and he invoked the power of the Life-Creating Cross. “Show Thyself to these people, O Lord,” he prayed, “and glorify Thy holy Name!” he finished the prayer, the earth quaked, and in the east the heavens were opened, and in a radiant cloud of light the Lord Jesus Christ came down on earth, and the Voice of the Lord was heard: “Through the prayers of Bishop Gregory, He Whom your fathers put to death will heal you.” Saul, who was struck blind by the Heavenly light on the road to Damascus, the Jews were struck blind. Then they believed in Christ and they implored the holy bishop to heal them. Upon receiving holy Baptism, all of them were healed. Rabbi Ervan received the Christian name Leo (meaning “lion”). this most extraordinary miracle, Saint Gregory guided the flock of Homer for another thirty years. He reposed in the year 552 and was buried in a crypt in the cathedral of Afar.

Constantinople, 501-555, Elesbaan of Ethiopia, E lost Dunaan war, recluse visit, revenge, vow, victory, crown to J
Africa, East Africa, 501-555, Elesbaan of Ethiopia, Dunaan ruled Arabia & killed christians, E unsuccessful war against D, revelation to visit recluse, lost because unrighteous revenge, vow to serve then victory, then abdication, service, and crown to Jerusalem Christ's Tomb; Ethiopia; Blessed Elesbaan the King of Ethiopia, Commemorated on October 24 ; Elesbaan1 was the Emperor of what is now Ethiopia, lived when Arabia was ruled by Dunaan, an oppressor of Christians. pious Elesbaan was unable to stand by while those who believed in Christ were being massacred. declared war on Dunaan, but his first military campaign was not successful. to learn the reason for his defeat, Elesbaan, inspired by a revelation from above, visited a recluse named Zenon. revealed to the Emperor that he had acted unrighteously in his desire to take revenge against Dunaan, for the Lord has said, “Vengeance is mine, I shall repay!” (Hebrews 10:30). holy ascetic urged Elesbaan to promise that he would devote the rest of his life to God, if he wished to escape His wrath for his self-willed revenge, and then he would defeat Dunaan. Elesbaan made that vow to the Lord, in 520 he and his army confronted the enemy. This time, he defeated, captured, and executed Dunaan. to the Roman Martyrology, after Elesbaan defeated the enemies of Christ, he sent his royal diadem to Jerusalem to be hung near the Life-Giving tomb of Christ, during the reign of Emperor Justin. his victory, the Saint kept his word and abdicated as Emperor, himself in a monastery. the next fifteen years he lived a life of strict fasting and asceticism. Elesbaan reposed around 553-555. His name is given as Kaleb on his coins and inscriptions.

Constantinople, 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;

Constantinople, 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

Constantinople, 510-520, Mary oAlexandria, stayed wFather at Men's monastery as Marinus , did well, blamed for fathering child
Egypt, 510-520, Mary aka Marinus oAlexandria, Goshen, Egypt, beginning of 6th C, iBithynia, after mother died followed her father to men's monastery, did not want separate from dad, donned men's clothes, entered manastery near Alexandria, tonsured as Marinus, distinguished humility obedience, excelled virtues, father reposed, intensified ascetic labors, gift of healing & deliverance, one day out of m on business, repulsed humiliated pregnant inkeepers daughter accused mary of seduction, named him father of her child, then possessed by demon, inkeeper complained , Igumen kicked her out, Mary not deny, Inkeeper gave child to Marinus, raised him as own, after 3 yrs Mary brought back to monastery, most onerous obediences, 3 more years she dies and discovered, Igumen, inkeeper, daughter all ask forgiveness, dauthter confessed and delivered, boy becomes monk, her relics tConstantinople then Venice;; Alexandria; Venerable Mary (who was called Marinus), and her father at Alexandria, Commemorated February 12 ; Venerable Mary (called Marinus) and her father Eugene, lived at the beginning of the VI century in Bithynia (Bithynίa - in the northwestern region of Asia Minor). Maria's mother died, her father decided to enter a monastery, Maria also wished to betroth herself to Christ . Mary could not bear to be separated from her father, so she donned male clothing. they entered a monastery, not far from Alexandria, she was tonsured with the name Marinus. Marinus excelled in the virtues, was distinguished by humility and obedience. a few years later, Saint Mary's father reposed, intensified her ascetical labors received from the Lord the gift of healing those possessed by unclean spirits. day the "monk" Marinus, along with some other brethren, was sent out on monastery business, on the way they had to spend the night at an inn. innkeeper's daughter, who had sinned with a soldier, and became pregnant, believed that Mary was a man, and burned with desire for the young "monk." daughter humiliated herself when Mary repulsed her, and the wanton woman sought revenge. she accused the "monk" of seducing her, naming "him" as the father of her child. she became possessed by a demon. innkeeper complained to the Igoumen of the monastery, expelled the "brother" who had sinned. did not deny the false accusation, but went out to live near the monastery wall. a boy was born to the sinful daughter, the innkeeper brought him to the "monk" Marinus, leaving his grandson with her and departed. Saint took the infant and raised him as her own. three years, the brethren begged the Igoumen to accept the "monk" Marinus into the monastery again. reluctantly the Igoumen gave in to their requests, assigning to "Brother Marinus" the most onerous obediences, which the nun fulfilled with the utmost zeal, continuing to bring up her supposed son. years later, the Saint peacefully departed to the Lord in her cell. brethren who came saw the deceased "monk" and the boy weeping over "him." they began to prepare her body for burial, her secret was revealed. Igoumen tearfully begged forgiveness from the deceased, and the innkeeper followed his example. Saint's body was reverently buried in the monastery. daughter of the innkeeper came to the Saint's tomb and openly confessed her sin, which she was immediately healed of her demonic possession. the boy who was brought up by the nun, became a monk. Saint's relics were transferred to Constantinople, and from there they were taken to Venice in 1113.

Constantinople, 510-556, Saint Romanos the Melodist
Byzantium, 510-556, Saint Romanos the Melodist; Venerable Romanus the Melodist, "œSweet-Singer"Â, Commemorated on October 1;

Constantinople, 518-520, John tCappadocian, Patriarch of Constantinople, remembered for reunion oEast&West
Constantinople, 518-520, John tCappadocian, Patriarch of Constantinople; II, surnamed Cappadox or the Cappadocian (? – 19 January 520) was Patriarch of Constantinople in 518–520, the reign of Byzantine emperor Anastasius I an enforced condemnation of the Council of Chalcedon. short patriarchate is memorable for the celebrated Acclamations of Constantinople, and the reunion of East and West after a schism of 34 years. the death of Timothy I, John of Cappadocia, whom he had designated his successor, was presbyter and chancellor of the Church of Constantinople.[1] July 9, 518, the long reign of Anastasius came to a close, the orthodox Justin succeeding. Sunday July 15, the new emperor entered the cathedral, and the patriarch, accompanied by twelve prelates, was making his way through the throngs that crowded every corner. he came near the raised dais where the pulpit stood shouts arose, "Long live the patriarch! Long live the emperor! Why do we remain excommunicated? Why have we not communicated these many years? You are Catholic, what do you fear; worthy servant of the Trinity? Cast out Severus the Manichee! O Justin, our emperor, you win! This instant proclaim the synod of Chalcedon, because Justin reigns".[1] and other cries continued. procession passed into the inclosure, but the excited congregation went on shouting outside the gates of the choir in similar strains: "You shall not come out unless you anathematize Severus",[1] to the heretical patriarch of Antioch. patriarch John, having meanwhile gained time for thought and consultation, came out and mounted the pulpit, saying, is no need of disturbance or tumult; nothing has been done against the faith; we recognize for orthodox all the councils which have confirmed the decrees of Nicaea, and principally these three - Constantinople, Ephesus, and the great council of Chalcedon".[1] people were determined to have a more formal decision, and continued shouting for several hours, mingling with their former cries such as these: a day for a festival in honour of Chalcedon!" the holy synod this very morrow!".[1] people being thus firm, the deacon Samuel was instructed to announce the desired festival. the people continued to shout with all their might, "Severus is now to be anathematized; anathematize him this instant, or there's nothing done!".[1] patriarch, seeing that something must be settled, took counsel with the twelve attendant prelates, who agreed to the curse on Severus. extemporaneous and intimidated council then carried a decree by acclamation: is plain to all that Severus in separating himself from this church condemned himself. therefore, the canons and the Fathers, we hold him alien and condemned by reason of his blasphemies, and we anathematize him".[1] domes of St. Sophia rang with shouts of triumph and the crowd dispersed. It was a day long remembered in Constantinople.[1] next day the promised commemoration of Chalcedon took place. as the patriarch made his processional entrance and approached the pulpit clamours arose: the relics of Macedonius to the church! Restore those exiled for the faith! Let the bones of the Nestorians be dug up! Let the bones of the Eutychians be dug up! Cast out the Manichees! Place the four councils in the diptychs! Place Leo, bishop of Rome, in the diptychs! Bring the diptychs to the pulpit!".[1] kind of cry continuing, the patriarch replied, "Yesterday we did what was enough to satisfy my dear people, and we shall do the same to-day. We must take the faith as our inviolable foundation; it will aid us to reunite the churches. Let us then glorify with one mouth the holy and consubstantial Trinity".[1] the people went on crying madly, "This instant, let none go out! I abjure you, shut the doors! You no longer fear Amantius the Manichee! Justin reigns, why fear Amantius?".[1] they continued. The patriarch tried in vain to bring them to reason. It was the outburst of enthusiasm and excitement long pent up under heterodox repression. It bore all before it. patriarch was at last obliged to have inserted in the diptychs the four councils of Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalcedon, and the names of Euphemius and Macedonius, patriarchs of Constantinople, and Leo, bp. of Rome. the multitude chanted for more than an hour, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and redeemed His people!".[1] The choir assembled on the raised platform, and, turning eastwards, sang the Trisagion, the whole people listening in silence. When the moment arrived for the recitation of the names of the defunct bishops from the diptychs, the multitude closed in silence about the holy table; and when the deacon had read the new insertions, a mighty shout arose, "Glory be to Thee, O Lord!".[1] authenticate what had been done, John assembled on July 20 a council of 40 bishops, who happened to be at the capital. The four general councils and the name of Pope Leo were inscribed in the diptychs. Severus of Antioch was anathematized after an examination of his works in which a distinct condemnation of Chalcedon was discovered. wrote to John III of Jerusalem and to Epiphanius of Tyre, telling them the good news of the acclamations and the synod. His letters were accompanied by orders from Justin to restore all who had been banished by Anastasius, and to inscribe the council of Chalcedon in the diptychs. At Jerusalem and at Tyre there was great joy. Many other churches declared for Chalcedon, and during the reign of Justin 2,500 bishops gave their adhesion and approval. came the reconciliation with Rome. The emperor Justin wrote to the pope a fortnight after the scene of the acclamations, begging him to further the desires of the patriarch John for the reunion of the churches. John wrote saying that he received the four general councils, and that the names of Leo and of Hormisdas himself had been put in the diptychs. A deputation was sent to Constantinople with instructions that Acacius was to be anathematized by name, but that Euphemius and Macedonius might be passed over in silence.[1] deputies arrived at Constantinople on March 25, 519. received the pope's letters with great respect, and told the ambassadors to come to an explanation with the patriarch, who at first wished to express his adherence in the form of a letter, but agreed to write a little preface and place after it the words of Hormisdas, which he copied out in his own handwriting. Two copies were sent by the legates to Rome, one in Greek, the other in Latin. Emperor, senate, and all present were overjoyed at this ratification of peace.[1] sting of the transaction still remained; they had now to efface from the diptychs the names of five patriarchs - Acacius, Fravitta, Euphemius, Macedonius, and Timothy - and two emperors - Zeno and Anastasius I. the bishops at Constantinople gave their consent in writing; so did all the abbots, after some discussion. Easter Day the pacification was promulgated. The court and people, equally enthusiastic, surged into St. Sophia. The vaults resounded with acclamations in praise of God, the emperor, St. Peter, and the Pope of Rome. who had prophesied sedition and tumult, were signally disappointed. Never within memory had so vast a number communicated. emperor sent an account of the proceedings throughout the provinces and the ambassadors forwarded their report to Rome, saying that there only remained the negotiations with the Patriarch of Antioch. wrote to Hormisdas to congratulate him on the great work, and to offer him the credit of its success. Soon after, on January 19, 520, John died.[1] Saint John the Cappadocian, Patriarch of Constantinople,Commemorated on August 25; John the Cappadocian, Patriarch of Constantinople, occupied the patriarchal throne from 518-520. The holy Patriarch Photius (857-867) termed him “a habitation of virtues.”

Byzantium, 518-527, Emperor, Justin I, elected at 70, Justinian dynasty, no pagan symbols
Byzantine Emperor, 518-527, Justin I ; BENEDICT. FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); St John the Silent of St Sabbas Monastery, Commemorated on December 3; Venerable Sava the Sanctified, Commemorated on December 5; Venerable Theodosius the Great, the Cenobiarch, Commemorated on January 11; St Gobnata of Ballyvourney, Commemorated on February 11 ; St Rabulas of Samosata, Commemorated on February 19 ; St James the Faster of Phoenicia, Syria, Commemorated on March 4; Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14 ; Venerable John the Silent of St Sava'™s Monastery, Commemorated on March 30; Venerable Mary of Egypt, Commemorated on April 1 ; Venerable Zosimas of Palestine, Commemorated on April 4; St Isaac the Syrian, Abbot of Spoleto, Commemorated on April 12; St Agapitus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 17; St Ephraim the Patriarch of Antioch, Commemorated on June 8; Venerable Zosimus of Phoenicia, Syria, Commemorated on June 8; St David of Thessaloniki, Commemorated on June 26; Venerable Martha the Mother of the Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger, Commemorated on July 4 ;

Byzantium, 518-527, Holy Emperess Markiane, buried, Church of Holy Apostles, and monastery, Phanar, pious ascetic, philanthropy
Byzantium, 518-527, Righteous Emperess Markiane, buried, Church of the Holy Apostles, and monastery, Phanar, Constantinople, pious ascetic, philanthropy ; Church of the Holy Apostles; Holy Empress Markianḗ, Commemorated on January 27; Saint Markianḗ was the wife of Emperor Justin I the Elder (reigned 518 - 527). was distinguished for her piety, her ascetical life, and her philanthropy. righteous death was peaceful, and she was buried in the church of the Holy Apostles at Constantinople.

Constantinople, 519-601, David of Wales, Mynyw, West Wales, Chief's son, under Germanu, founded monastery, extreme austerity
England, 519-601, DEWI of WALES, Mynyw in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, Chief's son, disciple oMissionary Germanus, founded monastery, extreme austerity like Egyptian desert fathers; Saint David; David (Welsh: Dewi Sant; Latin: Davidus; c. 500 – c. 589) was a Welsh bishop of Mynyw (now St Davids) during the 6th century. is the patron saint of Wales. was a native of Wales, and tradition has preserved a relatively large amount of detail about his life. birth date, however, is uncertain: suggestions range from 462 to 512.[1] is traditionally believed to be the son of Saint Non and the grandson of Ceredig ap Cunedda, king of Ceredigion.[2] Welsh annals placed his death 569 years after the birth of Christ,[3] but Phillimore's dating revised this to 601.[4] Saint David, Bishop of Wales, Commemorated on March 1; David, Patron of Wales, said to have been the son of a Welsh chieftain, in the latter half of the sixth century. to the priesthood, he studied under the tutorship of a disciple of Saint Germanus, who later became Bishop of the Isle of Man, and engaged in missionary work and the building of churches in many places. he settled in the southwest corner of Wales, at Menevia. he founded a monastery known for its extreme austerity, in imitation of the desert fathers. he was consecrated Bishop of the primatial See of Wales, Menevia, afterwards known as Saint David’s in his honor. reposed in the Lord about the year 601 AD and, through the years, has been venerated as one of the greatest and most beloved saints of the British Isles. England, 519-589, DEWI of WALES, Mynyw in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, apostle of W, St. David's Cathedral, 4 territories Bangor, Llandaff, St Asaph, St Davids, Celtic ties, 1066 south wales roman, 1300 W highlands in North roman; Mynyw (Menevia in English) in Pembrokeshire; DAVID (DEWI) OF WALES, (1 MAR 544) ; the pagan Anglo-Saxons invaded Britain in the fifth and sixth centuries, many British Christians sought refuge in the hill country of Wales. they developed a style of Christian life devoted to learning, asceticism, and missionary fervor. there were no cities, the centers of culture were the monasteries, and most abbots were bishops as well. (David in English) was the founder, abbot, and bishop of the monastery of Mynyw (Menevia in English) in Pembrokeshire. was responsible for much of the spread of Christianity in Wales, and his monastery was sought out by many scholars from Ireland and elsewhere. He is commonly accounted the apostle of Wales, as Patrick is of Ireland. His tomb is in St. David's cathedral, on the site of ancient Mynyw, now called Ty-Dewi (House of David). of St. David, at St. David's CathedralThe ancient custom in Wales, as throughout Celtic Christendom, was to have bishops who were abbots of monasteries, and who had no clear territorial jurisdiction, simply traveling about as they were needed. however, the bishops of Bangor, Llandaff, St. Asaph, and St. Davids became the heads of four territorial dioceses, to which the diocese of Monmouth and the diocese of Swansea and Brecon have been added in this century. many centuries the Church in Wales had closer ties with the Celtic Churches in Scotland, Ireland, and Brittany than with the Church in Anglo-Saxon England. after the Norman conquest of Britain (1066 and after), the Anglo-Norman Kings began to contemplate the conquest of Wales. William the Conqueror began with the subjugation of South Wales as far as Carmathen, but the Welsh uplands remained independent far longer, and the conquest was not complete until about 1300, under Edward I. But eventually all of Wales came under English control, and the Church in Wales was placed under the jurisdiction of Canterbury, and thus became identified in the minds of many with the English supremacy. 1920 the Church in Wales (Eglwys yng Nghymru) became independent of outside jurisdiction (though still in communion with other Anglican Churches, in England and elsewhere) and clear of all ties with the government. It is bilingual and active in the preservation of the Welsh language and culture. by James Kiefer

Constantinople, 520-535, Epiphanius, Patriarch of Constantinople, laws fBishop elections&duties, offered first seat to Rome Pope
Constantinople, 520-535, Epiphanius, Patriarch of Constantinople; (died June 5, 535) was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from February 25, 520 to June 5, 535, succeeding John II Cappadocia. Byzantine Empire was now rising to great splendour through the victories of its generals, Belisarius and Narses. was universally suppressed, pagan books were burnt and images destroyed, the professors of the old religion imprisoned and flogged. Constantinople the zeal of Justinian I for a church policy was shown during the patriarchate of Epiphanius by laws (e.g. in 528 and 529) regulating episcopal elections and duties. enactments, and the passivity of Epiphanius and his clergy, show the absence as yet for exclusively clerical legislation for the spirituality.[1] first conspicuous office of Epiphanius was the charge of the catechumens at Constantinople. In 519, the year before his election, he was sent with John II and count Licinius to Macedonia to receive the documents "libellos," or subscriptions of those who wished reunion with the Catholic Church, at the request of the apocrisiarius of Dorotheus, bishop of Thessalonica.[1] 25 February 520, he was elected bishop by the Byzantine Emperor Justin I, with the consent of bishops, monks, and people. He is described in the letter of the synod of Constantinople to Pope Hormisdas as "holding the right faith, and maintaining a fatherly care for orphans".[2] accepted the conditions of peace between East and West concluded by his predecessor, Patriarch John II with Pope Hormisdas; ratifying them at a council at Constantinople, where he accepted also the decrees of Chalcedon. agent of Hormisdas at Constantinople, writes of his fair promises, but adds, "What he can fulfil we don't know. He has not yet asked us to communion".[3] letters remain of Epiphanius to Hormisdas, telling him of his election, sending him his creed, and declaring that he condemned all those whose name the pope had forbidden to be recited in the diptychs.[1] adopted the symbol of Nicaea, the decrees of Ephesus, Constantinople, and Chalcedon, and the letters of Pope Leo I in defence of the faith. second letter was accompanied by a chalice of gold surrounded with precious stones, a patina of gold, a chalice of silver, and two veils of silk, which he presented to the Roman church. order to make the peace general, he advised the pope not to be too rigorous in exacting the extrusion of the names of former bishops from diptychs. His excuse for the bishops of Pontus, Asia, and the East is composed in very beautiful language. answers of Hormisdas are given in the Acts of the Council of Constantinople held under Mennas, in which he states his trust in the prudence and experience of Epiphanius, and recommends lenity towards the returning, severity to the obdurate. is to complete the reunion himself.[4] severe measures by which Justin was establishing the supremacy of the Catholics in the East were arousing Theodoric the Great, the Ostrogothic and Arian master of Italy, to retaliation in the West. John I, the successor of Hormisdas, became alarmed; and in 525, at the demand of Theodoric, proceeded to Constantinople to obtain the revocation of the edict against the Arians and get their churches restored to them (Marcellinus Comes).[5] honor was paid to pope John in the eastern capital. The people went out twelve miles to receive him, bearing ceremonial tapers and crosses. The emperor Justin prostrated himself before him, and wished to be crowned by his hand. patriarch Epiphanius invited him to perform Mass; the pope, mindful of the traditional policy of encroachment, refused to do so until they had offered him the first seat. high solemnity he said the office in Latin on Easter Day, communicating with all the bishops of the East except Patriarch Timothy of Alexandria, the declared enemy of Chalcedon.[6] 531 the dispute between Rome and Constantinople was revived by the appeal of Stephen, metropolitan of Larissa, to Pope Boniface II, against the sentence of Epiphanius. Stephen was eventually deposed, notwithstanding his appeal.[1] died after an episcopate of 14 years and 3 months.[7] All that is known of him is to his advantage. Besides his letters to Hormisdas, we have the sentence of his council against Severus of Antioch and Peter Mongus.[8] Forty-five canons are attributed to him.[9] Saint Epiphanius, Patriarch of Constantinople,Commemorated on August 25; Epiphanius, Patriarch of Constantinople, occupied the cathedra from 520 to 535. He died peacefully in the year 535.

Constantinople, 520-540, Elesbaan, King, Ethiopia, pious christian, took revenge, defeated, vow, victory, monastery
Ethiopian King, 520-540, Elesbaan (Caleb or Kaleb), Christian Kingdom of Axum (100-940); Blessed Elesbaan, King of Ethiopia, Commemorated on October 24; Elesbaan, King of what is now Ethiopia lived when Arabia was ruled by Dunaan, the oppressor of Christians. pious Elesbaan was unable to look on indifferently as believers in Christ were being massacred. He declared war on Dunaan, but his military campaign was unsuccessful. to learn the reason for his defeat, Elesbaan, with prompting from above, turned to a certain hermit. He revealed to the emperor that he had proceeded unrighteously in deciding to take revenge against Dunaan, since the Lord had said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay!” (Heb 10:30). hermit counseled Saint Elesbaan make a vow to devote his final days of life to God, to escape the wrath of God for his self-willed revenge, and then to defeat Dunaan. Elesbaan made a vow to the Lord, and marching off with his army against the enemy, he defeated, captured and executed him. After the victory the saint resigned as emperor, secluded himself within a monastery and for fifteen years he dwelt in strict fasting and asceticism. Elesbaan reposed around 553-555. St Gregory the Archbishop of Omirits, Commemorated on December 19 ;

Constantinople, 520-571, Menas of Sinai monastery, est 565, ascetic 50yrs+, wonderful, Myrrh flowed from relics, itLadder
Egypt, 520-571, Menas of Sinai monastery, Egypt, est 565, ascetic more than 50yrs, wonderful, Myrrh flowed from his relics, mentioned itLadder; Sinai monastery; Venerable Menas of Sinai, Commemorated January 5 ; Menas lived in asceticism for more than fifty years in the monastery of Sinai, he died peacefully in the second half of the sixth century. flowed from his holy relics. John Climacus speaks of this wonderful man in The Ladder of Divine Ascent (Step 4:34).

Constantinople, 523-540, Saint Gregory of Homer, during this time Gregory with Elesbaan, Ethiopia, Jesus revealed to Jews
Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, 523-540, Saint Gregory of Homer, during time Gregory with Elesbaan ; -------------------During this time the armies of the Ethiopian emperor Elesbaan (October 24) vanquished the Himyarite king Dunaan, who was of Jewish background. city of Negran was liberated, and Christianity restored in the land of Homer. But all the clergy had been cruelly exterminated by Dunaan, and therefore Elesbaan sent emissaries to the Patriarch of Alexandria asking him to send a bishop to Negran, and clergy for the churches. he was praying, the holy Apostle Mark appeared to the patriarch, bidding him to find a deacon named Gregory, who was to be ordained to the priesthood, consecrated as a bishop, and then to be sent to Elesbaan. patriarch did this. During the service a miracle took place. Saint Gregory’s face shone with the grace of the Holy Spirit, and from his vestments came a sweet fragrance like myrrh or incense, filling the whole church with the scent. in Homer, Saint Gregory began to set the Church in order, preaching to both pagans and Jews. After three years Elesbaan returned to Ethiopia, leaving the noble Abramius behind as King of Homer. Gregory crowned and anointed Abramius as king. he issued a decree that all his subjects be baptized. certain prominent Jews turned to the emperor saying that it was better for people to believe willingly rather than under compulsion. requested that he should permit a debate on faith to be held between them and the Christians, vowing that if the Christians proved victorious in this debate, the Jews would then accept Baptism. Jews were given forty days to prepare for the debate, which lasted for several days. Gregory refuted all the arguments of the head of the Hebrew elder, Rabbi Ervan, using only texts from the Old Testament. a vision Ervan beheld the holy Prophet Moses, who worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophet told Ervan that Ervan was in opposition to the truth and would be defeated. the grace of God Christian truth prevailed in the debate, but Ervan would not acknowledge his defeat. made a last desperate attempt. He said, “If you want me to believe in your Christ, and to acknowledge that yours is the true God, then show Him to me, bishop!” saint replied: “Your request is impertinent. It is not with man that you contend now, but with God. However, the Lord can do what you have asked in order to convince you. waited to see what would happen. Saint Gregory, having steadfast faith in God and trusting in Him, began to pray aloud. He recalled the mystery of the Incarnation of God the Word, the miracles of His earthly life, the Three-day Resurrection and the Ascension into Heaven, and he invoked the power of the Life-Creating Cross. “Show Thyself to these people, O Lord,” he prayed, “and glorify Thy holy Name!” he finished the prayer, the earth quaked, and in the east the heavens were opened, and in a radiant cloud of light the Lord Jesus Christ came down on earth, and the Voice of the Lord was heard: “Through the prayers of Bishop Gregory, He Whom your fathers put to death will heal you.” Saul, who was struck blind by the Heavenly light on the road to Damascus, the Jews were struck blind. Then they believed in Christ and they implored the holy bishop to heal them. Upon receiving holy Baptism, all of them were healed. Rabbi Ervan received the Christian name Leo (meaning “lion”). this most extraordinary miracle, Saint Gregory guided the flock of Homer for another thirty years. He reposed in the year 552 and was buried in a crypt in the cathedral of Afar. Gregory, Bishop of Homer (Omirits), the son of Agapius and Theodota, was filled with the grace of God and possessed gifts of healing and wonderworking even in his youth. Providence of God led him to hierarchical service. While still a deacon at Mediolanum (Milan) he heard the foretelling of his destiny from a hermit, and then he received confirmation of these words from another spirit-bearing Elder who lived an ascetic life in the mountains. Gregory went to this holy schemamonk for guidance, a miracle occurred. As he approached the mountain, he saw a fiery column in the air. He soon realized that the fiery column was actually the man of God coming toward him. That night he saw the Elder standing in the air above the ground. Elder revealed to Saint Gregory that he must go to Rome to pray in the church of Saints Boniface and Aglaida. he would go to Alexandria and to become a bishop. he would arrive in the city of Negran in the land of Homer (in southern Arabia) to proclaim the Gospel. Gregory felt himself unworthy of this, and wished to remain with the ascetic as his disciple. that Gregory should have no doubts of the veracity of his words, the Elder revealed that he knew a secret about him. In a vision, Gregory had seen the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul, and they had placed a bishop’s omophorion upon him. Gregory stayed a short time in Carthage (North Africa) serving as a deacon, then arrived in Rome. He went to the church of Saints Boniface and Aglaida, then to the tomb of Saint Peter. There he was granted a vision of the holy Apostle, who told him to walk the path of virtue and to live according to God’s will. That night he saw the Apostle Paul in a dream bringing to him a cup filled with oil, foretelling that he should receive the grace of the priesthood and the episcopacy. this time the armies of the Ethiopian emperor Elesbaan (October 24) vanquished the Himyarite king Dunaan, who was of Jewish background. city of Negran was liberated, and Christianity restored in the land of Homer. But all the clergy had been cruelly exterminated by Dunaan, and therefore Elesbaan sent emissaries to the Patriarch of Alexandria asking him to send a bishop to Negran, and clergy for the churches. he was praying, the holy Apostle Mark appeared to the patriarch, bidding him to find a deacon named Gregory, who was to be ordained to the priesthood, consecrated as a bishop, and then to be sent to Elesbaan. patriarch did this. During the service a miracle took place. Saint Gregory’s face shone with the grace of the Holy Spirit, and from his vestments came a sweet fragrance like myrrh or incense, filling the whole church with the scent. in Homer, Saint Gregory began to set the Church in order, preaching to both pagans and Jews. After three years Elesbaan returned to Ethiopia, leaving the noble Abramius behind as King of Homer. Gregory crowned and anointed Abramius as king. he issued a decree that all his subjects be baptized. certain prominent Jews turned to the emperor saying that it was better for people to believe willingly rather than under compulsion. requested that he should permit a debate on faith to be held between them and the Christians, vowing that if the Christians proved victorious in this debate, the Jews would then accept Baptism. Jews were given forty days to prepare for the debate, which lasted for several days. Gregory refuted all the arguments of the head of the Hebrew elder, Rabbi Ervan, using only texts from the Old Testament. a vision Ervan beheld the holy Prophet Moses, who worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophet told Ervan that Ervan was in opposition to the truth and would be defeated. the grace of God Christian truth prevailed in the debate, but Ervan would not acknowledge his defeat. made a last desperate attempt. He said, “If you want me to believe in your Christ, and to acknowledge that yours is the true God, then show Him to me, bishop!” saint replied: “Your request is impertinent. It is not with man that you contend now, but with God. However, the Lord can do what you have asked in order to convince you. waited to see what would happen. Saint Gregory, having steadfast faith in God and trusting in Him, began to pray aloud. He recalled the mystery of the Incarnation of God the Word, the miracles of His earthly life, the Three-day Resurrection and the Ascension into Heaven, and he invoked the power of the Life-Creating Cross. “Show Thyself to these people, O Lord,” he prayed, “and glorify Thy holy Name!” he finished the prayer, the earth quaked, and in the east the heavens were opened, and in a radiant cloud of light the Lord Jesus Christ came down on earth, and the Voice of the Lord was heard: “Through the prayers of Bishop Gregory, He Whom your fathers put to death will heal you.” Saul, who was struck blind by the Heavenly light on the road to Damascus, the Jews were struck blind. Then they believed in Christ and they implored the holy bishop to heal them. Upon receiving holy Baptism, all of them were healed. Rabbi Ervan received the Christian name Leo (meaning “lion”). this most extraordinary miracle, Saint Gregory guided the flock of Homer for another thirty years. He reposed in the year 552 and was buried in a crypt in the cathedral of Afar. Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, 523-540, Saint Gregory of Homer or Omrits was the purported archbishop of Ẓafar, the capital of the kingdom of Ḥimyar, in the mid-6th century, according to a hagiographical dossier compiled in the 10th century. This compilation is essentially legendary and fictitious, although a few parts of it are of historical value. Written in Greek, it survives also in a Slavonic translation.[2] The three works in the dossier are conventionally known as the Bios (Life), Nomoi (Laws) and Dialexis (Debate).[3] The whole dossier is sometimes known as the Acts of Gregentios.[4] name Gregentios is unknown apart from the Bios and related texts. According to the Bios, he received his name from a local holy man. Several later scribes, encountering an unheard of name, changed it to Gregorios (Gregory).[5] This is the name that appears in all the Slavonic versions, as well as an Arabic translation of the Dialexis.[2][5] It also appears in the fresco depicting Gregentios in the monastery of Koutsovendis on Cyprus, painted between 1110 and 1118.[6] Other scribal emendations are Gregentinos and Rhegentios.[5] name has a Latin ending, which may indicate a western origin for the name, but such suffixes had entered vernacular Greek by the time the Bios was written. The name may be derived from Agrigentius, "man from Agrigento", or from a combination of the name Gregory with either Agrigentius or the name of Saint Vincentius. The biography of Gregory of Agrigento was a major source used by the author of the Bios, and an itinerary of Vincentius may also have been used.[5] only known persons named after Gregentios are two 19th-century monks of Mount Athos. The first was the archimandrite of Vatopedi in April 1842 and the second a monk of the Skete of Saint Anne who died in 1879 aged 69. Both monastic communities had copies of the Bios and Dialexis of Gregentios.[5] Bios, which Jean-Marie Sansterre called a "hagiographical romance", is divided into nine chapters. While the first eight are vague in their chronology and geography, the ninth draws on superior historical sources and contains more precise details.[7] The early part, which includes an Avar raid on his hometown, may also reflect authentic conditions in the northern Balkans during the later 6th century.[8] The Bios was completed either at Constantinople in the 10th century or in Rome in the 9th century.[7] The Nomoi and Dialexis are later additions. The whole collection, which presents as a unity, was not brought together before the 10th century. The Nomoi may contain some authentic information, since it shares characteristics with legal inscriptions from pre-Islamic South Arabia.[2] The Dialexis, which is a debate between Gregentios and a Jew named Herban, was the most popular part of the work and circulated independently into modern times.[4] life in Avaria start of the Bios of Gregentios, from a copy made in 1180 and now in Saint Catherine's Monastery, Sinai[9] to his Bios, Gregentios was born on 6 December in the late 5th century in the town of Lyplianes (Ljubljana) in the land of the Avars.[2][7][10] father was named Agapios and his mother Eusebia. At his baptism, he was named after a sage who lived on a nearby mountain. His schooling begins at the age of seven. At the age of ten, he is pushed into a river by a deer. Miraculously saved from drowning, he retires to the desert, where he receives instruction and prophecies about his future from a holy man.[11] his mother dies, Gregentios is placed in the custody of the married but childless priest who baptised him. During a barbarian invasion, the townspeople flee to the fortress of Korada. Gregentios, who was in the vineyards at the time, manages to sneak in through the Rhomanesios gate while the fortress is besieged. After the barbarians retreat, both Gregentios and his foster mother have prophetic dreams about him. At the urging of a certain Sergios, his foster mother tells her dream to an elder named Niketas, who interprets it as saying that Gregentios will one day convert a fourfold people.[11] next traveled extensively in northern and central Italy and Sicily before sailing to Alexandria in Egypt.[2][7] The Bios presents him as travelling from Lyplianes to Moryne (Murano), Antenora (Padua) and Agrigento, then by boat to Pavia, then to Milan and Carthage, then by foot to Rome, then to Augustopolis (either Augusta or Koper) and finally Alexandria. In its order, timing and means of travel, this itinerary is absurd.[12] and Sicily first departs with the holy man from the desert. They reach Moryne in a single day. There they stay with a man named Sabbatios, where a holy fool named Peter informs Gregentios that his foster parents are searching for him. The holy man and Gregentios leave Moryne after the local bishop learns of the latter's spiritual gifts. In Antenora, they stay in the house of Theodoretos, while the bishop of Moryne searches for him. Bishop Eulogios of Antenora makes Gregentios a deacon and lector. A holy woman named Theodora informs him again of his foster parents' search.[10] the holy man, Gregentios moves on to Agrigento, leaving the bishop of Antenora also to send searchers after him. He is hosted by the priest Stephanos in the church of the Mother of God outside the walls. He visits the grave of the hermit Eirene, who appears to him and talks to him. He visits two churches in the city, and a woman preaching to a crowd from a balcony predicts that he will go to Egypt and Ḥimyar. The holy man then appears and whisks Gregentios away to Milan. Going by boat, they pass Rome on the way.[10] Milan, Gregentios stays with one Niketas, while the holy man moves on to Largention (Piacenza). He visits the grave of Saint Ambrose and begins reading his works. He takes on as a disciple a boy of fourteen named Leon, who later becomes governor of Melike (either Ravenna or the land of the Melingoi) and is assassinated. Gregentios has a vision of the underworld in which he sees Leon among those who died before their time awaiting the Last Judgement. The holy man then returns and the two travel to Carthage, where they stay with one Constantine.[10] and Rome Carthage, Gregentios meets a woman named Philothea who is regarded as a mute who only barks and sighs. The holy man reveals that this is merely a gift God gave her to ward off a man who tried to seduce her. She speaks to Gregentios clearly and lucidly. his time in Carthage, he befriends a young man named George and they visit a church dedicated to Saint Anastasia. There, a holy woman identifies Gregentios by name and birthplace. When George asks for the same treatment, she reproaches and names the women he has been sinning with. young man, a Thracian named Pothetos, asks Gregentios for spiritual advice. Gregentios writes sixteen homilies that make Pothetos regret his marriage, but Gregentios convinces him to go home to his wife.[10] Carthage, the holy man takes Gregentios to Rome. On the way, he has a vision of the devil in the valley of Patherolymna. Rome, they stay with a man named Benedict near the Great Portico. He owns a slave named Elizabeth, who is sexually abused by a demon every night. After Gregentios writes a formula on a piece of papyrus and gives it to her, she is freed from the demon.[10] day, Gregentios is visited by Saint Peter, who had been absent from his grave when Gregentios visited it, for he had gone to give comfort to the persecuted Christians of Negra (Najrān). tells Gregentios that the time has not yet come for the holy man's identity to be revealed. a woman identifies Gregentios by name as the prophet of the Ḥimyarites. He is also identified by name by the monk Abramios. At the request of a beggar named Zacharias, he heals the eye of a youth named Basil. In ecstasy at the tomb of Saint Paul, he sees a vision of the saint bringing him a pallium.[10] visits a church dedicated to Saint Boniface, whose feast day he will come to share. He meets a fool for Christ named John who throws stones at passersby. visits a hermit named Michael, who sends him on to a hermit named Artados, who lives atop a mountain beyond the Dry Lakes. Artados prophesies in detail about Gregentios' future in Egypt and Ḥimyar, where he will convert four peoples: pagans, Jews, Ḥimyarites and Maurousians. a stay of two days, Gregentios returns to Rome, where he meets Pope Felix IV (526–530). The holy man rejoins him and they go to Augustopolis.[10] Augustopolis, Gregentios stays with a widow named Euphemia. In the market, he meets an Armenian from Artazat (Artaxata), who prophesies his future. a few days, the holy man and Gregentios board a ship from Leukas for Alexandria. There, Gregentios is greeted by name by a female slave, whose prophesies how the patriarch will call him to be an archbishop. He stays in the house of one Leontios. In Alexandria, he visits a monastery led by a eunuch-abbot named Epiphanios. His prayers chase away a devil who throws stones at a monk named Kosmas. A woman named Archontia greets him by name.[10] in South Arabia last part of the Bios "contains the only clear historical information scattered through the whole" of the Gregentios materials.[13] 523, the Ḥimyarite king Dhū Nuwās massacres the Christians of Najrān and its leader, Arethas. Emperor Justin I asks the Ethiopian (Aksumite) king Elesboam (Caleb) to lead an expedition against Dhū Nuwās. writes to the patriarch of Alexandria, Proterios, for a bishop to evangelize the Ḥimyarites.[14] (The actual patriarch at this time was Timothy IV.[2]) Mark informs Proterios of Gregentios in a dream. The patriarch consecrates Gregentios as bishop and send him back with the Ethiopian envoys.[14] This takes place after the successful Ethiopian conquest of Ḥimyar (525).[2] Ethiopia, Gregentios stays for a time in the capital, Amlem (Aksum), before crossing the sea to Medekion (Maddaban) and then heading to Taphar (Ẓafār) and finally Najrān, where he meets the king. consecrates the churches that the kings has built and installs priests in them at Najrān, Ẓafār, Akana, Atarph, Legmia , Azaki and Iouze.[14][15] Bios describes Elesboam's retirement to a monastery and the miraculous invocation of his name. Gregentios threatens the Ḥimyarites with the death penalty for all those who do not convert, whereupon the hole country becomes Christian. The Dialexis is interposed here, and the end of the Bios follows.[14] remains in Ḥimyar for thirty years, assisting Elesboam's appointed viceroy, Abraha, in building churches. Shortly after Abraha dies and is succeeded by his son Seridos (Masrūq), Gregentios dies on 19 December. He is buried in the cathedral.[16] He is commemorated in the Synaxarion of Constantinople on 19 December.[2] Start of the Nomoi in a manuscript copied in Gaza in 1487[17] Nomoi ton Homeriton, also known in Latin as Leges Homeritarum,[18] is usually regarded as a fictional law code containing some amount of authentic pre-Islamic South Arabian material. The laws are not arranged thematically, but may be subsumed under eight headings: (1) morals, marriage and family; (2) slavery; (3) right of employment; (4) culture and social life; (5) cruelty against animals; (6) rental laws; (7) officeholders; and (8) miscellaneous. Within the last class are laws concerning sorcery, poisoning, perjury, theft, extrajudicial punishments, infringing ecclesiastical asylum, workhouses for criminals and prohibitions on begging. The Nomoi do not come near to being a comprehensive law code. There is, for example, no law of inheritance.[19] Nomoi prescribes harsh punishments for transgressions, often mutilation, and mitigating factors are nowhere admitted. Its strong prohibitions of wife-beating and cruelty to animals stand out, however, since Byzantine law knew no restriction on the treatment of animals. The laws seem concerned strictly with an urban community like Najrān. Administration and taxation are governed in a clearly Byzantine manner. The prohibitions on dancing, singing, gambling and gaming may be taken from the canons of the Quinisext Council (691/692). On the whole, the influence of canon law is limited, but Christian theological justifications are provided for the laws. Although the Nomoi is a civil law code, it presents itself as having been promulgated by a supernatural force to the geitoniarchai (administrators of Najrān's 36 districts). It bears the unmistakable stamp of a Christian monk of a strong ascetic spirit. In the words of J. B. Bury, the laws "illustrate the kind of legislation at which the ecclesiastical spirit, unchecked, would have aimed."[20] and authorship authenticity of the Nomoi was first put in doubt by Cardinal Jean-Baptiste-François Pitra in 1864. He was followed by many, including Louis Duchesne, but in 1969 Nina Pigulevskaya defended a 6th-century origin. She thought the code was written in the Byzantine Empire and never actually came into force in Ḥimyar. Irfan Shahîd and A. K. Irvine have also defended the authenticity of the code.[21] Garth Fowden considers that it contains some authentic material.[18] It mentions a slave market at a place called Trikanos or Trikanon, a place not attested anywhere else.[21] features of the Nomoi that would be unusual in 6th-century Byzantium have been ascribed to South Arabian influence. They may, however, reflect a later date of composition. Mutilation was an uncommon punishment in Byzantine law prior to Leo III's Ecloga (741). One of the most unusual and cruel punishments in the Nomoi—suspending a convict upside down and smoking him to death with burning hay—is actually attested in an 8th-century Byzantine source (Nikephoros's Breviarium). Some prescriptions regarding marriage in the Nomoi became a part of Byzantine law during the reign Leo VI (886–912).[22] Similarities between the Najrān of the Nomoi and Constantinople under the Macedonian dynasty suggest that the Nomoi was probably written at Constantinople in the 10th century.[23] The Nomoi may be compared with other pseudepigraphal texts of supposed supernatural origin from Byzantium, such as the Didascalia Apostolorum and Letter of Christ Fallen from Heaven.[24] earliest manuscript witness to the Nomoi, a copy made in 1180 on Cyprus, shows some Western influence in its terminology. It is probable that it was copied from a manuscript made shortly before in Crusader Syria. Some of its terminology does not appear in Greek again until the Assizes of Cyprus in the 14th century.[24] Dialexis purports to be a record written around 550 or 560 of a debate between Gregentios and a Jew named Herban that took place before the royal court of Ḥimyar around 520 or 530. The author does not claim to have been present or to have known Gregentios, but does claim to have had access to a record of the proceedings written at the time by the notary Palladios. [25] The text, however, shows clear evidence of having been composed after the start of the controversies over monothelitism (7th century), iconoclasm (8th century) and the filioque clause, which only became a live controversy in the Byzantine Empire after 860.[26] is a treatise against the Azymites in the form of a letter that is ascribed to Gregentios in one manuscript. Given the issue it discusses, it can have no connection to the time in which Gregentios supposedly lived. In 1660, some "letters of Gregentios"—possibly the same treatise—were catalogued as part of the library of Denis Pétau that had been purchased after his death by Queen Christina of Sweden. There is no further record of these letters and they appear to be lost.[27] Afar, Ethiopia (Semara) ; St Gregory the Archbishop of Omirits, Commemorated on December 19 ; Gregory, Bishop of Homer (Omirits), the son of Agapius and Theodota, was filled with the grace of God and possessed gifts of healing and wonderworking even in his youth. Providence of God led him to hierarchical service. While still a deacon at Mediolanum (Milan) he heard the foretelling of his destiny from a hermit, and then he received confirmation of these words from another spirit-bearing Elder who lived an ascetic life in the mountains. Gregory went to this holy schemamonk for guidance, a miracle occurred. As he approached the mountain, he saw a fiery column in the air. He soon realized that the fiery column was actually the man of God coming toward him. That night he saw the Elder standing in the air above the ground. Elder revealed to Saint Gregory that he must go to Rome to pray in the church of Saints Boniface and Aglaida. he would go to Alexandria and to become a bishop. he would arrive in the city of Negran in the land of Homer (in southern Arabia) to proclaim the Gospel. Gregory felt himself unworthy of this, and wished to remain with the ascetic as his disciple. that Gregory should have no doubts of the veracity of his words, the Elder revealed that he knew a secret about him. In a vision, Gregory had seen the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul, and they had placed a bishop’s omophorion upon him. Gregory stayed a short time in Carthage (North Africa) serving as a deacon, then arrived in Rome. He went to the church of Saints Boniface and Aglaida, then to the tomb of Saint Peter. There he was granted a vision of the holy Apostle, who told him to walk the path of virtue and to live according to God’s will. That night he saw the Apostle Paul in a dream bringing to him a cup filled with oil, foretelling that he should receive the grace of the priesthood and the episcopacy. this time the armies of the Ethiopian emperor Elesbaan (October 24) vanquished the Himyarite king Dunaan, who was of Jewish background. city of Negran was liberated, and Christianity restored in the land of Homer. But all the clergy had been cruelly exterminated by Dunaan, and therefore Elesbaan sent emissaries to the Patriarch of Alexandria asking him to send a bishop to Negran, and clergy for the churches. he was praying, the holy Apostle Mark appeared to the patriarch, bidding him to find a deacon named Gregory, who was to be ordained to the priesthood, consecrated as a bishop, and then to be sent to Elesbaan. patriarch did this. During the service a miracle took place. Saint Gregory’s face shone with the grace of the Holy Spirit, and from his vestments came a sweet fragrance like myrrh or incense, filling the whole church with the scent. in Homer, Saint Gregory began to set the Church in order, preaching to both pagans and Jews. After three years Elesbaan returned to Ethiopia, leaving the noble Abramius behind as King of Homer. Gregory crowned and anointed Abramius as king. he issued a decree that all his subjects be baptized. certain prominent Jews turned to the emperor saying that it was better for people to believe willingly rather than under compulsion. requested that he should permit a debate on faith to be held between them and the Christians, vowing that if the Christians proved victorious in this debate, the Jews would then accept Baptism. Jews were given forty days to prepare for the debate, which lasted for several days. Gregory refuted all the arguments of the head of the Hebrew elder, Rabbi Ervan, using only texts from the Old Testament. a vision Ervan beheld the holy Prophet Moses, who worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophet told Ervan that Ervan was in opposition to the truth and would be defeated. the grace of God Christian truth prevailed in the debate, but Ervan would not acknowledge his defeat. made a last desperate attempt. He said, “If you want me to believe in your Christ, and to acknowledge that yours is the true God, then show Him to me, bishop!” saint replied: “Your request is impertinent. It is not with man that you contend now, but with God. However, the Lord can do what you have asked in order to convince you. waited to see what would happen. Saint Gregory, having steadfast faith in God and trusting in Him, began to pray aloud. He recalled the mystery of the Incarnation of God the Word, the miracles of His earthly life, the Three-day Resurrection and the Ascension into Heaven, and he invoked the power of the Life-Creating Cross. “Show Thyself to these people, O Lord,” he prayed, “and glorify Thy holy Name!” he finished the prayer, the earth quaked, and in the east the heavens were opened, and in a radiant cloud of light the Lord Jesus Christ came down on earth, and the Voice of the Lord was heard: “Through the prayers of Bishop Gregory, He Whom your fathers put to death will heal you.” Saul, who was struck blind by the Heavenly light on the road to Damascus, the Jews were struck blind. Then they believed in Christ and they implored the holy bishop to heal them. Upon receiving holy Baptism, all of them were healed. Rabbi Ervan received the Christian name Leo (meaning “lion”). this most extraordinary miracle, Saint Gregory guided the flock of Homer for another thirty years. He reposed in the year 552 and was buried in a crypt in the cathedral of Afar.

Constantinople, 525-620, Byzantine Saint, Dorotheus of Gaza
Byzantine Saint, 525-620, Dorotheus of Gaza; Venerable Dositheus of Palestine, the Disciple of the Venerable Abba Dorotheus, Commemorated on February 19;

Constantinople, 526-597, Saint, Simeon Stylites the Younger
Syrian Saint, 526-597, Simeon Stylites the Younger; Syria - 526 Antioch earthquake; Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger of Wonderful Mountain, Commemorated on May 24; Venerable Zosimus of Phoenicia, Syria, Commemorated on June 8;

Byzantium, 527-565, Emperor, Justinian 1, t Great, Restore of E o Vandals&OGoths,Persia, Orthodox
Byzantium, 527-565, Emperor, Justinian 1, t Great, Restore of E o Vandals&OGoths,Persia, Orthodox, major Byzantine figure, champion oOrthodoxy, church builder, writer, fIllyricum, military victories Persia Africa Italy, pagaism Vandals&Visigoths routed, closed pagan schools iAthens, sent John oEphesus to Asia Minor tBaptize 70,000, ordered 90 churches for them, supported church construction in Empire, Hagia Sophia&St Catherines iSinai, educated clergy&monks, rhetoric, philosophy, theology, Origenist struggle, who revived Nestorian heresy, commanded hymn sung in church, Only-Begotten Son and Immortal Word, now sung before small entrance Divine Liturgy, convened 5th EC i553 censuring Origen, affirming 4th EC aChalcedon, unsuccessful dialogues wNon-Chalcedonians, complete Roman Law compendium Justinian Codex, Church Laws oJustinian, died 565 ; Byzantine Emperor, 527-565, Justinian 1 (the Great) ; St Justinian the Emperor, Commemorated on November 14; Justinian, a major figure in the history of the Byzantine state, was also a great champion of Orthodoxy, a builder of churches and a Church writer. was born in the Roman province of Illyricum. his reign (527-565), Byzantium won glory with military victories in Persia, Africa, and Italy, as a result of which paganism was decisively routed among the Germanic Vandals and Visigoth tribes. command of the emperor Justinian the pagan schools in Athens were closed. sent John, the Bishop of Ephesus, throughout the regions of Asia Minor with the aim of spreading Christianity. John baptized more than 70,000 pagans. emperor gave orders to build ninety churches for the newly-converted, and he generously supported church construction within the Empire. finest structures of the time are considered to be St. Catherine's Monastery at Sinai, and the church of Hagia Sophia at Constantinople. Saint Justinian many churches were built dedicated to our Most Holy Lady Theotokos. he had received a broad education, Saint Justinian assiduously concerned himself with the education of clergy and monks, ordering them to be instructed in rhetoric, philosophy and theology. right-believing sovereign devoted much attention and effort to the struggle with the Origenists of his time, who then were reviving the Nestorian heresy. To counter their heretical speculations, the Church hymn “Only-Begotten Son and Immortal Word of God, Who for our salvation...” was composed, and Justinian commanded that it be sung in the churches. that time to the present day, this hymn is sung at the Divine Liturgy before the Small Entrance after the second Antiphon. the command of the sovereign, the Fifth Ecumenical Council was convened in the year 553, censuring the teachings of Origen and affirming the definitions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council at Chalcedon. He also attempted to secure religious unity within the Empire through his (unsuccessful) dialogues with the non-Chalcedonians. holy Emperor Justinian wished to have orderly rule and law within the realm. Under his guidance and supervision a complete compendium of Roman law was compiled. It has come down to us as a law codex known as “the Justinian Codex.” The “Church laws” of Justinian are included in all the variants of the Russian collections of Canon Law. his personal life, Saint Justinian was strictly pious, and he fasted often. During Great Lent he would not eat bread nor drink wine. He is also remembered for promoting the idea of “symphony” between church and state. The holy Emperor Justinian died in the year 565. BENEDICT. FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); Venerable Simeon of Emessa the Fool-For-Christ, Commemorated on July 21; Dormition of the Righteous Anna, the Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos, Commemorated on July 25; Venerable Cosmas the Eunuch and Hermit of Palestine, Commemorated on August 3; St Eutychius of Nursia, Commemorated on August 23; St Menas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 25; St Peter the Tax-Collector, Commemorated on September 22; Venerable Romanus the Melodist, "œSweet-Singer"Â, Commemorated on October 1; Venerable Hesychius of Mt. Horeb, Commemorated on October 3 ; St Justinian the Emperor, Commemorated on November 14; St Gregory the Bishop of Agrigentum, Commemorated on November 23; Venerable Acacius of Sinai, who is mentioned in the Ladder, Commemorated on November 29; St John the Silent of St Sabbas Monastery, Commemorated on December 3; Venerable Sava the Sanctified, Commemorated on December 5; Venerable Pardus the Hermit, of Palestine, Commemorated on December 15 ; Venerable Menas of Sinai, Commemorated on January 5; St Dometian the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on January 10; St Isaac the Syrian the Bishop of Nineveh, Commemorated on January 28; Venerable Barsanuphius the Great, Commemorated on February 6 ; St Gobnata of Ballyvourney, Commemorated on February 11 ; Venerable Conan, Abbot of the Pethukla Monastery, Commemorated on February 19; St James the Faster of Phoenicia, Syria, Commemorated on March 4; Saint Anastasia the Patrician of Alexandria, Commemorated on March 10; Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14 ; Venerable John the Silent of St Sava'™s Monastery, Commemorated on March 30; Venerable Mary of Egypt, Commemorated on April 1 ; St Isidore the Bishop of Seville, Commemorated on April 4 ; Venerable Zosimas of Palestine, Commemorated on April 4; St Eutychius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 6 ; St Isaac the Syrian, Abbot of Spoleto, Commemorated on April 12; St Agapitus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 17; St Theodore the Sykeote the Bishop of Anastasiopolis, Commemorated on April 22; St Elizabeth the Wonderworker of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 24; Venerable Thomas the Fool of Syria, Commemorated on April 24; Blessed Isidora the Fool of Tabenna in Egypt, Commemorated on May 10; Venerable Comgall of Bangor, Commemorated on May 10; Venerable Abba Dorotheus of Palestine, Commemorated on June 5; Venerable Theodore the Wonderworker and Hermit of the Jordan, Commemorated on June 5; Translation of the relics of St Theodore the Sykeote, Commemorated on June 15; St John the Solitary of Jerusalem, Commemorated on June 19; St David of Thessaloniki, Commemorated on June 26; St Sampson the Hospitable of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 27; Venerable Martha the Mother of the Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger, Commemorated on July 4 ;

Byzantium, 527-548, Empress, Theodora, Wife of Justinian I, chief adviser, Miaphysite, Orthodox, repentent Monophysite
Byzantium, 527-548, Empress, Theodora, Wife of Justinian I, chief adviser, Miaphysite, Orthodox, repentent Monophysite harlot actress; Saint Theodora the Empress, Commemorated on November 14; Theodora was the wife of Saint Justinian the emperor, and lived during the sixth century. Empress Theodora was at first a notorious harlot and actress, and an adherent of the Monophysite heresy, but then she repented. becoming empress, she led a virtuous life, maintaining purity of both soul and body. provided wise counsel for her husband during his reign, she also saved his throne during the Nika riots of 532 through her political intelligence and expertise. Theodora died in 548. Byzantine Emperor, 527-548, Empress Theodora, Wife of Justinian I; ( c. 500 -28 June 548) was an Eastern Roman empress by marriage to emperor Justinian. She became empress upon Justinian's accession in 527 and was one of his chief advisers, albeit from humble origins. Along with her spouse, Theodora is a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and in the Oriental Orthodox Church, commemorated on 14 November and 28 June respectively. main historical sources for her life are the works of her contemporary Procopius. The historian offered three contradictory portrayals of the empress. The Wars of Justinian, largely completed in 545, paints a picture of a courageous and influential empress who saved the throne for Justinian. he wrote the Secret History, which survives in only one manuscript suggesting it was not widely read during the Byzantine era. The work has sometimes been interpreted as representing a deep disillusionment with the emperor Justinian, the empress, and even his patron Belisarius. is depicted as cruel, venal, prodigal and incompetent; as for Theodora, the reader is given a detailed portrayal of vulgarity and underage sex, combined with shrewish and calculating mean-spiritedness; even claims both are demons whose heads were seen to leave their bodies and roam the palace at night. Alternatively, scholars versed in political rhetoric of the era have viewed these statements from the Secret History as formulaic expressions within the tradition of invective. Buildings of Justinian, written about the same time as the Secret History, is a panegyric which paints Justinian and Theodora as a pious couple and presents particularly flattering portrayals of them. Besides her piety, her beauty is praised within the conventional language of the text's rhetorical form. Although Theodora was dead when this work was published, Justinian was alive, and perhaps commissioned the work.[1] contemporary John of Ephesus writes about Theodora in his Lives of the Eastern Saints and mentions an illegitimate daughter.[2] other historians presented additional information on her life. Theophanes the Confessor mentions some familial relations of Theodora to figures not mentioned by Procopius. Victor Tonnennensis notes her familial relation to the next empress, Sophia. the Syrian, the Chronicle of 1234 and Bar-Hebraeus place her origin in the city of Daman, near Kallinikos, They contradict Procopius by making Theodora the daughter of a priest, trained in the pious practices of Miaphysitism since birth. These are late Miaphysite sources and record her depiction among members of their creed. The Miaphysites have tended to regard Theodora as one of their own and the tradition may have been invented as a way to improve her reputation and is also in conflict with what is told by the contemporary Miaphysite historian John of Ephesus.[3] These accounts are thus usually ignored in favor of Procopius.[2] years[edit] according to Michael Grant, was of Greek Cypriot descent.[4] There are several indications of her possible birthplace. According to Michael the Syrian, her birthplace was in Mabbug, Syria;[5] Nicephorus Callistus Xanthopoulos names Theodora a native of Cyprus, while the Patria, attributed to George Codinus, claims Theodora came from Paphlagonia. was born c. 500 AD. Her father, Acacius, was a bear trainer of the hippodrome's Green faction in Constantinople. Her mother, whose name is not recorded, was a dancer and an actress.[6] Her parents had two more daughters, the eldest named Comito and the youngest Anastasia.[7] her father's death, when Theodora was four,[8] her mother brought her children wearing garlands into the hippodrome and presented them as suppliants to the Blue faction. From then on, Theodora would be their supporter. to Procopius, (in his Secret History) Theodora followed her sister Comito's example from an early age and worked in a Constantinople brothel serving low-status customers; later, she performed on stage.[9] Theodora, in Procopius's account, made a name for herself with her salacious portrayal of Leda and the Swan.[10] Employment as an actress at the time would include both "indecent exhibitions on stage" and providing sexual services off stage. During this time, she met the future wife of Belisarius, Antonina, who would become a part of the women's court led by Theodora. the age of 16, Theodora traveled to North Africa as the concubine of a Syrian official named Hecebolus when he went to the Libyan Pentapolis as governor.[11] She stayed with him for almost four years before returning to Constantinople. ---------------------------------------------Abandoned and maltreated by Hecebolus, on her way back to the capital of the Byzantine Empire, she settled for a while in Alexandria, Egypt. is speculated by some to have met Patriarch Timothy III in Alexandria, who was Miaphysite, and it may be at that time that she converted to Miaphysite Christianity. Alexandria, she went to Antioch, where she met a Blue faction's dancer, Macedonia, who was perhaps an informer of Justinian. Justinian sought to marry Theodora, he could not: a Roman law from Constantine's time prevented anyone of senatorial rank from marrying actresses. In 524, Justin passed a new law, which decreed that reformed actresses could thereafter legally marry outside their rank if approved by the emperor. The same law stated that daughters of these actresses would also be free to marry a man of any rank, which would have allowed her illegitimate daughter (whose name has been lost) to marry one of the previous emperor Anastasius' relatives. Soon thereafter, Justinian married Theodora.[11] as Empress[edit] of Justinian from a contemporary portrait mosaic in the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna Justinian succeeded to the throne in 527, two years after the marriage, Theodora was crowned Augusta and became empress of the Eastern Roman Empire. She shared in his plans and political strategies, participated in state councils, and Justinian called her his "partner in my deliberations."[12] This was in Novel 8.1 (AD 535), an anti-corruption legislation, where provincial officials had to take an oath to her as well as the emperor. She had her own court and official entourage. She was often present when the emperor held court. The emperor sought her views on many matters before issuing orders. Nika riots[edit] were two rival political factions in the Empire, the Blues and the Greens, who started a [[riot in January 532 during a chariot race in the hippodrome. The riots stemmed from many grievances, some of which had resulted from Justinian's and Theodora's own actions.[13] rioters set many public buildings on fire, and proclaimed a new emperor, Hypatius, the nephew of former emperor Anastasius I. Unable to control the mob, Justinian and his officials prepared to flee. At a meeting of the government council, Theodora spoke out against leaving the palace and underlined the significance of someone who died as a ruler instead of living as an exile or in hiding, reportedly saying, "royal purple is the noblest shroud".[14] the emperor and his counsellors were still preparing their project, Theodora interrupted them and claimed: lords, the present occasion is too serious to allow me to follow the convention that a woman should not speak in a man's council. Those whose interests are threatened by extreme danger should think only of the wisest course of action, not of conventions. In my opinion, flight is not the right course, even if it should bring us to safety. It is impossible for a person, having been born into this world, not to die; but for one who has reigned it is intolerable to be a fugitive. May I never be deprived of this purple robe, and may I never see the day when those who meet me do not call me empress. If you wish to save yourself, my lord, there is no difficulty. We are rich; over there is the sea, and yonder are the ships. Yet reflect for a moment whether, when you have once escaped to a place of security, you would not gladly exchange such safety for death. As for me, I agree with the adage that the royal purple is the noblest shroud."[15] determined speech convinced them all, including Justinian himself, who had been preparing to run. As a result, Justinian ordered his loyal troops, led by the officers, Belisarius and Mundus, to attack the demonstrators in the hippodrome, killing (according to Procopius) over 30,000 rebels. Despite his claims that he was unwillingly named emperor by the mob, Hypatius was also put to death, apparently at Theodora's insistence.[16] that Justinian never forgot that it was Theodora who had saved his throne depend on seeing Procopius' account as a straightforward report, and not framed to impugn Justinian with the implication that he was more cowardly than his wife. The wording of her famous speech is devised by Procopius, changing the term "tyranny" from an ancient saying to "royal purple", which likely reflects Procopius' desire to link Justinian to ancient tyrants. life[edit] the Nika revolt, Justinian and Theodora rebuilt and reformed Constantinople, building or rebuilding aqueducts, bridges and more than twenty five churches. The most famous of these is Hagia Sophia, considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. was punctilious about court ceremony. According to Procopius, the Imperial couple made all senators, including patricians, prostrate themselves before them whenever they entered their presence, and made it clear that their relations with the civil militia were those of masters and slaves. even the government officials could approach the Empress without expending much time and effort. They were treated like servants and kept waiting in a small, stuffy room for an endless time. After many days, some of them might at last be summoned, but going into her presence in great fear, they very quickly departed. They simply showed their respect by lying face down and touching the instep of each of her feet with their lips; there was no opportunity to speak or to make any request unless she told them to do so. The government officials had sunk into a slavish condition, and she was their slave-instructor. also carefully supervised the magistrates, possibly to reduce bureaucratic corruption. also created her own centers of power. The eunuch Narses, who in old age developed into a brilliant general, was her close ally, as was the praetorian prefect Peter Barsymes. John the Cappadocian, Justinian's chief tax collector, was identified as her enemy, because of his independent and great influence, and was brought down by a plot devised by Theodora and Antonina. She engaged in matchmaking, forming a network of alliances between the old powers, represented by emperor Anastasius' family and the pre-existing nobility, and the new, who were Justinian's and her relatives. According to Secret History, she attempted to marry her grandson Anastasius to Joannina, Belisarius' and Antonina's daughter and heiress, against her parents' will, although the couple would eventually fall in love with each other. The marriages of her sister Comito to general Sittas and her niece Sophia to Justinian's nephew Justin II, who would succeed to the throne, are suspected to have been engineered by Theodora. gave reception and sent letters and gifts to Persian and foreign ambassadors and the sister of Khosrow I.[17] involvement in helping underprivileged women was substantial, being "known for buying girls who had been sold into prostitution, freeing them, and providing for their future."[18] She closed brothels and made pimping a criminal offense. She created a convent on the Asian side of the Dardanelles called the Metanoia (Repentance), where the ex-prostitutes could support themselves.[11] Procopius' Secret History maintained that instead of preventing forced prostitution (as in Buildings 1.9.3ff), Theodora is said to have 'rounded up' 500 prostitutes, confining them to a convent. They sought to escape 'the unwelcome transformation' by leaping over the walls (SH 17). On the other hand, chronicler John Malalas who wrote positively about the court, declared she "freed the girls from the yoke of their wretched slavery."[19] A century later, John of Nikiu observed its positive impact, noting that Theodora "put an end to the prostitution of women, and gave orders for their expulsion from every place." legislations also expanded the rights of women in divorce and property ownership, instituted the death penalty for rape, forbade exposure of unwanted infants, gave mothers some guardianship rights over their children, and forbade the killing of a wife who committed adultery. Though her specific involvement in these legal reforms is not recorded,[20] Procopius, in Wars, mentioned that she was naturally inclined to assist women in misfortune, and according to Secret History, she championed the wives' causes when their husbands charged them with adultery (SH 17). policy[edit] Theodora Mosaic of Theodora - Basilica San Vitale (Ravenna, Italy).jpg Theodora and attendants (mosaic from Basilica of San Vitale, 6th century) in Orthodox Church Catholicism Orthodox Church shrine of the Holy Apostles, Constantinople modern day Istanbul, Turkey November in the Eastern Orthodox Church, 28 June in the Syriac Orthodox Church Vestment worked against her husband's support of Chalcedonian Christianity in the ongoing struggle for the predominance of each faction.[21] As a result, she was accused of fostering heresy and thus undermined the unity of Christendom. spite of Justinian being Chalcedonian, Theodora founded a Miaphysite monastery in Sykae and provided shelter in the palace for Miaphysite leaders who faced opposition from the majority of Chalcedonian Christians, like Severus and Anthimus. Anthimus had been appointed Patriarch of Constantinople under her influence, and after the excommunication order he was hidden in Theodora's quarters for twelve years, until her death. When the Chalcedonian Patriarch Ephraim provoked a violent revolt in Antioch, eight Miaphysite bishops were invited to Constantinople and Theodora welcomed them and housed them in the Hormisdas Palace adjoining the Great Palace, which had been Justinian and Theodora's own dwelling before they became emperor and empress. Egypt, when Timothy III died, Theodora enlisted the help of Dioscoros, the Augustal Prefect, and Aristomachos the duke of Egypt, to facilitate the enthronement of a disciple of Severus, Theodosius, thereby outmaneuvering her husband, who had intended a Chalcedonian successor as patriarch. But Pope Theodosius I of Alexandria, even with the help of imperial troops, could not hold his ground in Alexandria against Justinian's Chalcedonian followers. When he was exiled by Justinian along with 300 Miaphysites to the fortress of Delcus in Thrace, Theodora rescued him and brought him to the Hormisdas Palace. He lived under her protection and, after her death in 548, under Justinian's. Pope Silverius refused Theodora's demand that he remove the anathema of Pope Agapetus I from Patriarch Anthimus, she sent Belisarius instructions to find a pretext to remove Silverius. When this was accomplished, Pope Vigilius was appointed in his stead. Nobatae, south of Egypt, the inhabitants were converted to Miaphysite Christianity about 540. Justinian had been determined that they be converted to the Chalcedonian faith and Theodora equally determined that they should be Miaphysites. Justinian made arrangements for Chalcedonian missionaries from Thebaid to go with presents to Silko, the king of the Nobatae. But on hearing this, Theodora prepared her own missionaries and wrote to the duke of Thebaid that he should delay her husband's embassy, so that the Miaphysite missionaries should arrive first. The duke was canny enough to thwart the easygoing Justinian instead of the unforgiving Theodora. He saw to it that the Chalcedonian missionaries were delayed. When they eventually reached Silko, they were sent away, for the Nobatae had already adopted the Miaphysite creed of Theodosius. death is recorded by Victor of Tonnena, with the cause uncertain but the Greek terms used are often translated as "cancer." The date was 28 June 548 at the age of 48.[22] Later accounts frequently attribute the death to breast cancer, although it was not identified as such in the original report where the use of the term "cancer" probably referred to "a suppurating ulcer or malignant tumor".[22] Other sources report that she died at 51.[23] Her body was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles, in Constantinople. During a procession in 559, Justinian visited and lit candles for her tomb.[24] Theodora and Justinian are represented in mosaics that exist to this day in the Basilica of San Vitale of Ravenna, Italy, which was completed a year before her death. influence[edit] Miaphysites believed her influence on Justinian to be so strong that after her death, when he worked to bring harmony between the Monophysites and the Chalcedonian Christians in the Empire, and kept his promise to protect her little community of Monophysite refugees in the Hormisdas Palace, the Miaphysites suspected Theodora's memory to be the driving factor. Theodora provided much political support for the ministry of Jacob Baradaeus, and apparently personal friendship as well. Diehl attributes the modern existence of Jacobite Christianity equally to Baradaeus and to Theodora.[25] in Cyrenaica renamed itself Theodorias after Theodora. (It was a common event that ancient cities renamed themselves to honor an emperor or empress.) The city, now called Qasr Libya, is known for its splendid sixth-century mosaics.

Byzantium, 527-548, Theodora tEmpress, repentent virtuous notorious harlot & actress, wise counsel
Byzantium, 527-548, Theodora tEmpress oJustinian I, at first a notorious harlot & actress, a Monophysite, repented, then led virtuous life. Wise counsel. saved his throne through political expertise.; Saint Theodora the Empress, Commemorated on November 14; Theodora was the wife of Saint Justinian the emperor, and lived during the sixth century. Empress Theodora was at first a notorious harlot and actress, and an adherent of the Monophysite heresy, but then she repented. After becoming empress, she led a virtuous life, maintaining purity of both soul and body. She provided wise counsel for her husband during his reign, and she also saved his throne during the Nika riots of 532 through her political intelligence and expertise. Theodora died in 548.

Constantinople, 527-565, Sophronius, wonderworker, Archbishop of Cyprus, during Justinian reign
Cyprus, 527-565, Sophronius, wonderworker, Archbishop of Cyprus, during Justinian reign; Cyprus; St Sophronius the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 9 ; Sophronius, Archbishop of Cyprus, was born into a Christian family on Cyprus, he studied many sciences, but most of all he devoted himself to the reading of Holy Scripture. He became so accomplished in piety and good works, that he was granted the gift of wonderworking by the Lord. the death of Saint Damian, bishop of Cyprus, Saint Sophronius was chosen to replace him. As bishop, he proved himself a true father to his flock.

Constantinople, 530-595, James tFaster oSyria, served Lord many yrs, then sin wGirl, so killed her, forgiven, Ww gift reacquired
Syria, 530-595, James the Faster of Phoenicia, Syria (coastal part of the Fertile Crescent, Lebanon to Gaza), 15yr cave monastic, wonderworking gift, converted many locals, left when became popular, new cave, 30 yrs, devil set terrible snares, healed young girl of demonic possession, into sin with her, to conceal his sin, killed her, threw her into river, distraught, repented, hid in wilderness long time, no shelter or peace, tormented conscience, almost returned to world, God's iommeasurable mercy desires salvation for all and prevails over sin, would not let this monk (who had toiled long for Him) be ruined, God led him to repentence and path of salvation, wandering in wilderness James entered a monastery, confessed his sin before igumen and brethren, igumen feared despair so urged him remain with them, but James again went away to wander wilderness long time, found desert dweller filled with grace and wisdom, lifted his burden, but again James did not remain with him, secluded in cave for 10yrs offering reepentence to God, weepiing wailing asking forgiveness for the sin, Lord heard and granted mercy, James reacquired wonderworking gift, remined in cave, buried there; Phoenicia was an ancient Semitic civilization situated on the western, coastal part of the Fertile Crescent and centered on the coastline of modern Lebanon.; St James the Faster of Phoenicia, Syria, Commemorated on March 4; James the Faster lived a life of asceticism near the Phoenician city of Porphyrion in the sixth century. fifteen years, he lived in a cave devoting himself to monastic deeds, he received the gift of wonderworking from the Lord. his influence many of the local inhabitants were converted to the Christian Faith. of the ascetic spread everywhere, and so went to another place so that he would not fall into temptation. found a new cave, and lived there for thirty years. devil set terrible snares for the ascetic. healed a young girl from demonic possession, but then fell into sin with her. order to conceal his sin, he killed the girl and threw her into a river. over this sin, he repented for what he had done. a long time he hid himself away in the wilderness, bereft of shelter and peace, tormented by the pricks of conscience, he was on the point of forsaking the monastic life and returning to the world. the immeasurable mercy of God, against which the sins of this world cannot prevail, and which desires salvation for all mankind, would not permit the ruin of this monk who had toiled so many years for the Lord. Lord thwarted the devil’s intent to destroy the ascetic, and returned him through repentance to the path of salvation. about the wilderness, James saw a monastery, and entering it, confessed his sin before the igumen and the brethren. igumen urged him to remain with them, fearing that he would ultimately fall into despair. James went off and again he wandered the wilderness for a long time. the All-Beneficent Providence of God brought him to a certain desert-dweller filled with grace and wisdom. the burden from him, the desert-dweller suggested that James remain with him. James would not remain with the Elder, though encouraged and given hope by him, he secluded himself in a cave and there for ten years offered repentance to God, weeping and wailing, and asking forgiveness for the sin he committed. Lord heard the prayers of the penitent monk and granted him His mercy. reacquired his gift of wonderworking. remained in the cave until the time of his death. He was also buried there.

Constantinople, 535-536, Anthimus I, Patriarch, heretic
Constantinople, 535-536, Patriarch, Anthimus I of Constantinople, heretic; St. Menas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 25;

Constantinople, 536-552, Menas, Patriarch, healed plague, excommunicated, Hagia Sophia, Jewish child oven story
Constantinople Patriarch, 536-552, Menas of Constantinople; (Minas) (? - 25 August 552) considered a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, was born in Alexandria, and enters the records in high ecclesiastical office as presbyter and director of the Hospital of Sampson in Constantinople, where tradition has him linked to Saint Sampson directly, and in the healing of Justinian from the bubonic plague in 542.[1] was appointed Patriarch of Constantinople by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I on 13 March, 536.[2] Pope Agapetus I consecrated him to succeed Anthimus, who was condemned as a monophysite. This was first time that a Pope consecrated a Patriarch of Constantinople. some date very soon after his election he received the order (keleusis) from the Emperor, whose text is not preserved, but which instructed him to call a synodos endemousa to examine the case of Anthimus, which would be heard at a series of five sessions, beginning on 2 May and ending 4 June 536. [3] This Synod condemned Anthimus, as noted in Novel XLII from Justinian, addressed directly to Menas.[4] Within this same effort from Justinian to seal the growing rift between the Patriarch in Constantinople and that of Jerusalem, Menas later took a position against Origen, a crisis merging into the Three-Chapter Controversy, an attempt to condemn the writings of certain Non-Chalcedonian figures. Because of these moves, he was excommunicated by Agapetus in 547 and in 551 for taking positions counter to those held by the Pope; but in both cases the sentence of excommunication was quickly lifted. patriarchy represents the greatest extent of papal influence in Constantinople. Almost immediately after the events of 536, which may be viewed as a Chalcedonian victory over monophysites, the ordination of an independent network of monophysite bishops would begin, leading eventually to the formation of a separate monophysite church, the still-existing Syrian Orthodox Church. Justinian and Mena’s efforts for Church doctrinal unity would meet with failure.[5] was during his patriarchate that emperor Justinian's church of Hagia Sophia, then the largest building in the world and the seat of the Patriarchs, was consecrated. Also, in 551 the Emperor compelled Menas to call what would be the Fifth Ecumenical Council, to reconcile the Western and Eastern Churches around the Three Chapter Controversy, to be chaired ultimately by his successor Patriarch Eutychius of Constantinople in 553. [6] died peacefully in 552. His feast day in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions is observed on August 25. St Menas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 25; Menas, Patriarch of Constantinople (536-552), was at first a presbyter at Constantinople and supervisor there of the Home of Saint Sampson the Hospitable for the poor and needy during the reign of Saint Justinian I (527-565). After the removal of the heretic Anthimus (535-536), the holy presbyter Menas was raised to the patriarchal throne of Constantinople as one worthy to be bishop, because of his profound virtue and firm confession of Orthodoxy. Agapitus, the Bishop of Rome (535-536), participated in the consecration of Saint Menas. He had come to Constantinople in order to depose the heretic Anthimus. During the patriarchate of Saint Menas a miracle occurred at Constantinople, which was known to the whole city. certain Jewish child went with other children to church and he partook of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. At home, he told his father about this. In a terrible rage, he seized the child and threw him into a red-hot oven (the father was a glass-blower). He said nothing to his wife. For three days, the mother tearfully searched for her son, calling loudly for him. On the third day, he emerged from the red-hot oven. When she pulled the child out, she found that he was unharmed. boy said that a most radiant Lady had come to him, cooling the fire and bringing him water and food. This incident became known to Saint Menas and the emperor Justinian I. The boy and his mother received Baptism, but the father of the child was obdurate and did not wish to repent, in spite of the great miracle that he had seen. Then the emperor ordered that the father be tried as a child-killer, and sentenced him to death. holy Patriarch Menas ruled the Church of Constantinople for sixteen years. During his patriarchate at Constantinople, the famous church of Hagia Sophia, the Wisdom of God, was consecrated. The saint died peacefully in the year 552. Venerable Romanus the Melodist, "œSweet-Singer"Â, Commemorated on October 1; St Gregory the Bishop of Agrigentum, Commemorated on November 23; Saint Sampson the Hospitable of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 27; Sampson was born in Rome, the son of wealthy, but devout and virtuous parents. He received an excellent education, studying philosophy and medicine, among other subjects. From his earliest childhood, he lived an exemplary Christian life. After the death of his parents he transformed the family estate into a clinic for the sick. Word of his healing skills spread, and so many people came to him that he had to hire a staff to care for the increasing numbers of people who sought his help. When he had an adequate staff, he donated all of his wealth to the clinic, and was content to live in poverty (Luke 12:33-34). Sampson went to Constantinople, where he hoped to spend the rest of his life in asceticism. He found, however, that there was just as much need for his skill in Constantinople as there had been in Rome. He bought a modest home and began to treat the sick. God blessed Saint Sampson's work and gave him the grace of working miracles. He healed the sick not only by his medical skill, but also as one filled with the grace of God. News of Saint Sampson spread rapidly throughout the Queen of Cities. piety and love for his neighbor brought him to the attention of Patriarch Menas of Constantinople (August 25), who ordained him to the holy priesthood. When Emperor Justinian became ill, and his physicians were unable to provide any relief for him, Patriarch Menas suggested that he send for Sampson, who healed the Emperor. Justinian offered him gold and silver to show his gratitude, but the saint refused, saying that he had already given all his wealth away. Instead, he asked Justinian to build a hospice for travelers. Life was written by St. Symeon Metaphrastes. The historian Procopius, however, implies that Sampson lived before the sixth century, and that the hospice had existed before his own time (Buildings, I, 2, 14). When Sampson's hospice (xenon) was burnt and destroyed in 532, Justinian rebuilt it and endowed it with a generous annual income. It was intended for the destitute, and those who suffered from serious illnesses, as well as those who had lost their property or their health. Sampson reposed quietly, following a brief illness, in the year 530 at a ripe old age. He was buried in the church of Saint Mokios (ÎœÏŽÎºÎ¹Î¿Ï‚), which was built by Saint Constantine the Great. Many miracles of healing took place at the tomb of Saint Sampson. after his death, the Saint continued to watch over his hospice. Twice he appeared to a lazy worker, and chastised him for his negligence. Later, the hospice became a church, and a new building for the homeless was constructed beside it. A terrible fire once raged in Constantinople, but did not damage the church or the new building. Through the prayers of Saint Sampson, a heavy rain extinguished the flames. appointed Scriptural readings for his Feast are from Galatians 5:23-6:2 and from Luke 12:32-40. the prayers of Saint Sampson, may we also find the treasure which does not fail, in Heaven.

Constantinople, 537, Niketas the Hidden, Niketas the Chartolarian had removed sin from both living and dead
Constantinople, 537, Niketas the Hidden, Niketas the Chartolarian; Hagia Sophia, 537; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 9; Niketas the Hidden lived at Constantinople and occupied the position of “chartolarium” (“letter-writer”). They call him “the Hidden,” because living in the world amid the bustle of the city, with secret exploits of faith, he attained spiritual perfection and was a great saint of God. His saintly life was revealed through unusual circumstances. friends, a certain priest and the deacon Sozon, had quarreled. The priest died, and the deacon grieved that they had not been able to be reconciled. He told an experienced Elder of the sin that tormented his conscience. He gave Sozon a letter and ordered him to give it to the first person whom he would meet at midnight at the temple of Hagia Sophia, the Wisdom of God. Niketas the Chartolarian appeared before him. Having read the letter, he began weeping and said, that it made him responsible for this, and that it was beyond his strength, but with the prayers of the Elder who had sent Sozon, he would strive to accomplish this. Making a prostration before the church doors, Saint Niketas said: “Lord, open to us the doors of Thy mercy,” and the doors of the temple flew open by themselves. Leaving the deacon at the threshold, Saint Niketas began to pray, and Sozon saw that he shone with a strange light. they went from the church, and the doors again closed. Approaching the church of the Blachernae Mother of God, Saint Nikḗtas again began praying and again the doors opened in front of them. In the church there shone a light, and from the altar came two rows of priests, among whom Deacon Sozon recognized his dead friend. Saint Nikḗtas quietly said: “Father, speak to your brother, and cease the enmity between you.” the priest and Deacon Sozon greeted each other. They embraced one another with love and were reconciled. The priest went back, and the doors closed by themselves. Saint Niketas said to the deacon: “Brother Sozon, save your soul both for your sake, and for my benefit. To the Father who sent you, say that the purity of his holy prayers and his trust in God made possible the return of the dead.” these words Saint Niketas became invisible to Sozon. Having returned to his spiritual Father and Elder, the deacon thanked him with tears, that through his prayers, the great hidden saint of God Niketas the Chartolarian had removed the sin from both the living and the dead.

Constantinople, 537, Niketas the Hidden, Hagia Sophia&Blachernae doors open by p, divine light, dead return, friends reconciled
Constantinople, 537, Niketas the Hidden, Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, hidden because spiritual perfection in city, friends unreconciled, one dies, elder sends other to Niketas, Hagia Sophia and Blachernae doors open by prayer, divine light, dead return; Hagia Sophia; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 9; Niketas the Hidden lived at Constantinople and occupied the position of “chartolarium” (“letter-writer”). call him “the Hidden,” because living in the world amid the bustle of the city, with secret exploits of faith, he attained spiritual perfection and was a great saint of God. saintly life was revealed through unusual circumstances. friends, a certain priest and the deacon Sozon, had quarreled. The priest died, and the deacon grieved that they had not been able to be reconciled. told an experienced Elder of the sin that tormented his conscience. gave Sozon a letter and ordered him to give it to the first person whom he would meet at midnight at the temple of Hagia Sophia, the Wisdom of God. Niketas the Chartolarian appeared before him. Having read the letter, he began weeping and said, that it made him responsible for this, and that it was beyond his strength, but with the prayers of the Elder who had sent Sozon, he would strive to accomplish this. a prostration before the church doors, Saint Niketas said: “Lord, open to us the doors of Thy mercy,” the doors of the temple flew open by themselves. Leaving the deacon at the threshold, Niketas began to pray, and Sozon saw that he shone with a strange light. they went from the church, and the doors again closed. the church of the Blachernae Mother of God, Saint Niketas again began praying and again the doors opened in front of them. the church there shone a light, and from the altar came two rows of priests, among whom Deacon Sozon recognized his dead friend. Niketas quietly said: “Father, speak to your brother, and cease the enmity between you.” the priest and Deacon Sozon greeted each other. They embraced one another with love and were reconciled. priest went back, and the doors closed by themselves. Niketas said to the deacon: “Brother Sozon, save your soul both for your sake, and for my benefit. the Father who sent you, say that the purity of his holy prayers and his trust in God made possible the return of the dead.” these words Saint Niketas became invisible to Sozon. returned to his spiritual Father and Elder, the deacon thanked him with tears, that through his prayers, the great hidden saint of God Niketas the Chartolarian had removed the sin from both the living and the dead.

Constantinople, 540's, 13 Assyrian Fathers (under St John of Zedazeni)
Georgia, 13 Assyrian Fathers, 6th Century; Thirteen Assyrian Fathers were, according to Georgian church tradition, a group of monastic missionaries who arrived from Mesopotamia to Georgia to strengthen Christianity in the country in the 6th century. They are credited by the Georgian church historians with the foundation of several monasteries and hermitages and initiation of the ascetic movement in Georgia.[1][2] lives of the Assyrian Fathers are related in a cycle of medieval Georgian hagiographic texts and are unattested beyond these sources. Some of these vitae are formalities composed for an 18th-century synaxary, but four of them exist in original form, as well a metaphrastic version. The dating as well as authorship of these texts is controversial. The Georgian Catholicoi Arsen I (830-87) and Arsen II (955-80) have been suggested as authors of some of the vitae. Other, unattributed, texts may have been composed earlier, in the late 7th century.[3] monasteries in modern Georgia are named after the Assyrian Fathers and are said to have been founded and led by them and their numerous disciples. In the Middle Ages, these religious foundations played an important role in forging Georgian Christian identity.[3] written and oral, names as many as 19 Assyrian monks active in Georgia in the 6th century and the number "13" seems to be largely symbolic. Modern scholarly opinion is divided as to whether they were Assyrians, Assyrian-educated Georgians, whether missionaries or refugees — monophysite or diophysite — from Syria, from which monophysitism had retreated while Georgia was still primarily monophysite at that time.[3] in Iberia where the fathers served Chief of the Assyrian Fathers were: Davit Garejeli / David of Gareja Ioane Zedazneli / John of Zedazeni Abibos Nekreseli / Abibos of Nekresi Shio Mgvimeli / Shio of Mgvime Ioseb Alaverdeli / Joseph of Alaverdi Anton Martkopeli / Anton of Martkopi Tadeoz Stepantsmindeli / Thaddeus of Stepantsminda Piros Breteli / Pyrrhus of Breti Iese Tsilkneli / Jesse of Tsilkani Stepane Khirseli / Stephen of Khirsa Isidore Samtavneli / Isidor of Samtavisi Mikael Ulumboeli / Michael of Ulumbo Zenon Ikaltoeli / Zenon of Ikalto Venerable Joseph, Abbot of Alaverdi, Georgia, Commemorated September 15 ; Hieromartyr Abibus, Bishop of Nekressi in Georgia, Commemorated on November 29; St Jesse, Bishop of Tsilkan in Georgia, Commemorated on December 2; St Anthony the Founder of Monasticism in Georgia, Commemorated on January 19; St Macarius the Stylite of Martkobsk, Georgia, Commemorated on January 19; Venerable Shio Mgvime, Commemorated on February 9 ; Venerable Shio Mgvime, Commemorated on March 3; Venerable Dodo of the St David-Gareji Monastery, Georgia, Commemorated on May 17; St. David Gareji, Commemorated on June 9 ;

Constantinople, 540's, Abibus, Nekressi Bishop, of 13 Fathers, Dagestani's also, watered fire god, Jesus sign, incorrupt r
Georgia, 540's, Abibus, Bishop of Nekressi , Georgia (Alazani River 2), of t 13 Armenian Fathers, converted Dagestani's also, Persian rule, fire altars everywhere, water on the fire, Stylite Simeon sign from Jesus, strengthened, declined escape, shattered skull, wild beasts, body guard, but Christian burial, incorrupt relics, relic miracles; Nekressi ; Hieromartyr Abibus, Bishop of Nekressi in Georgia, Commemorated on November 29 ; Abibus of Nekresi was one of the Thirteen Syrian Fathers who arrived in Georgia in the 6th century under the leadership of Saint John of Zedazeni. the blessing of his instructor, Saint Abibus began his apostolic activity in Nekresi, a village set among the hills in the eastern region of Kakheti. his virtuous deeds, Saint Abibus was soon consecrated bishop of his diocese. to the chronicle Life of Kartli, Saint Abibus converted not only Georgians but also most of the mountain tribes—including the Dagestani/Didoians—to the Christian Faith. with apostolic zeal, Saint Abibus journeyed throughout the villages of his diocese, preaching the Truth and calling upon all to strengthen the true Faith. time that Saint Abibus was serving as bishop coincided with a dark period of Persian rule in eastern Georgia. Persians exerted every effort to implant their faith—the worship of fire—and everywhere erected altars where the fire burned without ceasing. in the village of Rekhi the holy hierarch, finding a group of fire-worshipers forcing the Georgian faithful to worship the flame, poured water on their fire to extinguish it. enraged pagan priests bound Saint Abibus, beat him cruelly, locked him up, and reported the incident to the marzban. The marzban ordered that the bishop be brought to him at once. Abibus was a friend of the holy wonderworker Simeon the Stylite of the Wonderful Mountain. Simeon received a sign from God of the imminent martyrdom of Saint Abibus and, in order to console him, sent him a letter, an evlogia (a blessing—probably a piece of prosphoron or some other holy object) and a staff. Abibus was being escorted to the marzban, in the village of Ialdo he met a messenger from Antioch who presented him with Saint Simeon’s gifts. letter and gifts gladdened the holy hierarch and strengthened him for his martyrdom. Saint Abibus was approached by a group of Christians who offered to help him escape, but he graciously declined. arrived in Mtskheta, the saint prayed at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, requested that the guards permit him to meet with Saint Shio of Mgvime. Persians granted his request, and the spiritual brothers greeted one another with love and prayed together to the Lord. Abibus was brought before the dread marzban and asked how he could dare raise his hand against the Persian god. replied with complete composure, saying, “I did not kill any god; rather I extinguished a fire. Fire is not a god, but a part of nature, which is created by God. Your fire was burning wood, and a little water was enough to extinguish it. The water turned out to be stronger. Your fury amazes me. Isn’t it humiliating to call something a god which has no soul?” at this response, the marzban ordered the holy hierarch’s execution. executioners mercilessly beat the blessed Abibus and shattered his skull with stones. Then they dragged his body through the city, cast it to the beasts, and assigned a guard to ensure that the Christians did not come to steal it. that night the priests and monks of Rekhi came, took the body of the holy martyr, and buried it with great honor at Samtavisi Monastery (located midway between Mtskheta and Gori). miraculous healings have taken place over the grave of Saint Abibus. the rule of Prince Stepanoz of Kartli, the incorrupt relics of Saint Abibus were translated from Samtavisi to Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta, according to the decree of Catholicos Tabori. They were buried under the holy altar at Samtavro Church.

Constantinople, 540-590, Anthony, Monasticism iGeorgia Founder, oMartkopi, Georgia (Martkop River 1), of 13 Assryian Fathers
Georgia, 540-590, Anthony, Monasticism iGeorgia Founder, oMartkopi, Georgia (Martkop (Rutai)i River 1), of 13 Assryian Fathers. tPreach Gospel iKakheti wilderness, tPreach tGospel, deer visited every evening to feed him, one day arrived early, frightened, injured fawn, retracing he discovered nobleman, who feared him, ordered hands cut off, smith readying the sword fell down, arms like wood, became mute, Anthony's sign otCross healed him, nobleman perceived holiness, tell me what you need, only single piece oSalt, brought 2 large blocks, broke small piece, placed near deer, built monastery fMany who visited, attention burdensome, fled tMountain pea, fLast 15yrs, God revealed time oDeath to the day,gathered pupils, imparted wisdom, blessed them&reposed on his knees in front oHis icon, body taken down fPillar, burried iHis Monastery before Theotokis icon; Martkopi, Georgia; St Anthony the Founder of Monasticism in Georgia, Commemorated on January 19 ; holy father Anton of Martqopi arrived in Georgia in the 6th century with the rest of the Thirteen Syrian Fathers settled in Kakheti to preach the Gospel of Christ. always carried with him an icon of the Savior “Not-Made-By-Hands.” made his home in the wilderness, deer visited him every evening to nourish him with their milk. day the deer arrived earlier than expected, they were followed by a wounded fawn. Clearly something had frightened them. Anton retraced the animals’ path, he discovered a nobleman, the head of a nearby village, hunting in the fields. to see the old monk with his icon, standing amidst a gathering of deer, the nobleman, being a pagan, became convinced that he was dangerous and ordered his servants to take him to a smith and chop off his hands. was led at once to the smith, but when the craftsman heated his sword and drew it above the monk’s hands in preparation, fell down suddenly his arms became like wood. daunted smith fell mute, blessed Anton made the sign of the Cross over him he was immediately healed. heard about this miracle, the nobleman perceived that Abba Anton was truly holy, and he began to hold him in reverence. me what you need, and I will provide it for you,” he told Elder Anton. monk requested a single piece of salt, they brought him two large blocks. broke off a small piece and placed it near his cell for the deer. the incident at the smith’s, many people began to visit Anton, the holy father constructed a monastery for the faithful. before long their attention became burdensome, Elder Anton fled from the world to the peak of a mountain. he began to preach from the top of a pillar, he would remain the last fifteen years of his life. God revealed to Fr. Anton the day of his repose, monk-stylite gathered his pupils, imparted to them a few last words of wisdom, blessed them, and died on his knees in front of his beloved icon. Anton’s body was taken down from the pillar buried in the monastery that he had founded, the icon of the Theotokos.

Constantinople, 540-562, Persian Chosroes I war with Byzantine Empire after Antioch Earthquake
Persia, 540-562, Chosroes I war with Byzantine Empire after Antioch Earthquake; Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on January 29;

Constantinople, 541-597, Colomba, excommnctd but recognized by dLight&angels, w12 missions fTheir Iona Monastery 30yrs+4, + more
Ireland, 541-597, Saint, Colomba of Iona, noble birth, powerful Ui Néill clan, priest foster father, preached Ireland, Derry&Downs Monasteries, 100 churches, Battle oCul Dremhne 561, because Vulgate copy dispute, Pagan King decided against him, stirred relatives, caused christian deaths, remorse, decided gain as many souls, excommunicated aSynod oTeltown 562, Brendan kissing him approaching, Synod criticozed B, W k excommunicated, because God glorifies him, saw bright column light before him &holy angels, Synod dropped charges, 563 left Ireland w12, pilgrim fChrist, Island Iona, prayed for 30yrs there, then call tHeavenly Kingdom, cells&chapel then missionary activity, gospel converts churches, other islands&inland, Iona important for Northern England&Scotland, by 574 Hinba Is dependency, C maintained ties wIrish churches&others, 574 anointed Dalraida King first time European history, historian Adomnan pattern I prophetic II miracles III angels, Angels came for his soul a30yrs, joy&gladness, then sorrow moment later, 2Monks witnessed &asked him, No do not ask, begged him, b I love you must promise as long as I am alive, that day 30th yr, joy seeing angels come to get, then sorrow they returned b prayers mChurches, April 597 fulfilled prophecy remain 4yrs longer, after Pascal Joy till May, Angel sent recover loan watching blessing them in service, will take his soul between Sat eve&Sun morn, bless barn on Sat, yrs bread in case I go somewhere, tells servant Diarmait not to tell, I go tLord wHe calls me middle of night, Lord himself rThis, stop on way back halfway cross&milestone, White horse story Lord revealed brute his master going away, C went to copy psalms to Rich hBecome poor&hungry but those who seek diligently shall not want any good thing, here I must stop, Vespers then bead of stone stone pillow, last instructions to D Love one another follow Holy Fathers, God will help you I will intercede for you, 12th hr bell midnight office, D saw church filled Angelic light around C, at door light vanished, where are you, with head on D''s lap he saw Angels there to carry his soul away, D held up his hand to help bless monks then soul departed, two men far off separate visions soul departing by angels, one in the spirit the other while fishing, after repose Matins hymns&body tLodging, 3days&nights Funeral, 634 Miracle fOswald over Cadwallon, told him to march at night for C's deliverance into O's hands, O reported this himself; Ireland, Saint, 541-597, Colomba of Iona ; Saint Columba of Iona, Enlightener of Scotland, Commemorated on June 9; Columba (or Colum Cille, "the dove of the Church") was of noble birth, a member of the powerful Ui Néill clan, which traced its descent to Niall of the Nine Hostages, who died around the year 450. parents were Fedelmid mac Ferguso and Eithne. Although it is difficult to determine the date of Saint Columba's birth with any degree of certainty, is believed that he was born in County Donegal on December 7, 521. parents may have been pagans, and named their son Crimthann. was brought up by a foster-father, according to the custom of that time, a priest named Cruithnechan. do not know what happened in Saint Columba's life from the time he completed his studies until his departure from Ireland in 563. may have been baptized with the name Colum, which later became Columba (dove). sources state that after being ordained as a priest, Saint Columba preached in Ireland, and established monasteries at Derry and Durrow. It is said that he also founded one hundred churches. says (I: 7) that the Saint left Ireland two years after the Battle of Cúl Dreimhne (561), supposedly for causing the deaths of so many men. Adomnan does not explain why the Saint blamed himself. in a different Life of Saint Columba it is stated that there was a dispute between Saints Columba and Finnian of Moville (September 10), concerning the ownership of a copy of Saint Jerome’s Latin Vulgate version of the Bible (some sources say it was a Psalter). dispute involved the ownership of the copy. Finnian claimed that the copy was his, since he owned the original manuscript. Saint Columba maintained that the copy was his, since he had copied the original. High King Diarmait mac Cerbaill, who was a pagan, decided in favor of Finnian. He said, "To every cow belongs her calf, therefore to every book belongs its copy." Saint is said to have been so angry that he stirred up his relatives of the Uí Néill clan to make war against the High King. Battle of Cúl Dreimhne led to the loss of many Christian lives. In his remorse, Saint Columba decided that he must gain as many souls for Christ as had been slain on the battlefield. also mentions the Synod of Teltown in County Meath (III:3) which met in 562, one year after the battle, and one year before Saint Columba left Ireland. declares that "Saint Columba was excommunicated for some trivial and quite excusable offenses by a Synod which, as eventually became known, had acted wrongly. The Saint himself came to the assembly that had been convoked against him." Saint Brendan of Birr (November 29) saw Saint Columba approaching at a distance, after the Synod had excommunicated him in absentia, he ran out to meet him, kissing him with reverence. the members of the Synod saw this they criticized him, saying, "Why did you get up to kiss a man who has been excommunicated?” Brendan replied, “If you had seen what the Lord has deigned to reveal to me today, concerning this chosen one whom you refuse to honor, you would never have excommunicated him. God does not excommunicate in accordance with your erroneous judgement, but instead, He glorifies him more and more." they became incensed and said that they should like to know just how God had glorified Saint Columba, whom they had excommunicated, as they asserted, with good reason. Brendan replied, "I saw a very bright column of light going before the man of God, whom you despise, and holy angels as his companions traveling over the plain." hearing this, the Synod dropped the charges and honored Saint Columba with much reverence. 563, Saint Columba left Ireland, saying that he wished to be a pilgrim for Christ. twelve companions with him, the Saint settled on the island of Iona, off the southwestern coast of Mull. prayed that God would permit him to live there for thirty years more, and then call him to the heavenly Kingdom. is not known whether the island was inhabited when they arrived, but there is archaeological evidence of prehistoric occupation. building cells and a chapel, the monks began a period of missionary activity, proclaiming the Gospel, making converts, and founding churches. sailed to other islands, and even went inland in their labors to bring people to Christ. a result, Iona became an important center of Christianity for northern England and Scotland. 574, Abbot Columba had at least one dependency on the island of Hinba. There were others on the various islands, all under the authority of Iona. Columba also maintained ties with his churches in Ireland and people in other places. is an account of Saint Columba anointing Aedan mac Gabrain in 574 to succeed King Conall as the King of Dalriada, just as King Saul and King David had been anointed by Samuel. regard this as the first time in European history that Christian ritual was used to consecrate a King. There is much debate on the significance of this event, although Saint Columba did have a special relationship with the ruling dynasty of Dalriada. has not written a Saint's Life according to the traditional pattern. Rather than presenting a continuous narrative from birth to death, he describes Saint Columba's prophetic revelations in Book I; his miracles of power in Book II; and his visions of angels in Book III. Book III:22, Adomnan relates how Saint Columba beheld the angels who had come to receive his soul in the thirtieth year after his arrival on Iona. he raised his eyes to Heaven, and he was filled with great joy and gladness. a moment later, his joy had turned to sorrow. monks stood outside his hut when this occurred, and they asked him about it. told them to go in peace, and not to ask him to tell them the cause of his gladness, nor of his sorrow. fell to the ground with profuse tears and begged him to reveal what he had been told. their distress, the holy Elder said, "Because I love you, I do not wish to grieve you. First, you must promise not to betray to anyone, as long as I am alive, the mystery that you seek to know." they had given their word, Saint Columba said that day was exactly thirty years since he had begun to live "in pilgrimage in Britain." He had asked God to call him to Heaven at the end of thirty years. That is why he seemed so glad. He had seen the angels who had been sent to separate his soul from his body, now they seemed to be delayed. They were waiting on a rock across the Sound from Iona. It was as if they wished to accomplish their task, but they were not permitted to come any closer. Soon they would return to Heaven. though he desired to go with them, the prayers of many churches had caused this change in plans. "Even though I do not wish it, I must remain in this flesh four years longer. This sorrowful delay is the cause of my great distress today." the holy Abbot predicted that at the end of four years, he would die suddenly, and without pain, when the angels would come for him again, and he would depart to the Lord. is precisely what happened. April of 597, on the radiant Feast of Christ's Resurrection, Saint Columba was longing to depart from this life in order to be with Him. God would have granted his wish right then, but he did not want to turn the paschal joy of his disciples into sorrow, and so his death was delayed for the sake of the monks. May, as the brethren were working on the western side of Iona, Saint Columba was taken there in a cart, for he was then an old man of seventy-five. began to speak to them of his approaching death, so that they would be prepared. When he told them how his death had been merely postponed in April, they became very sorrowful. The Saint tried to console them as much as he could. Then he looked toward the east and blessed the island, and those who dwelt there. few days later, during the Sunday liturgy, Saint Columba looked up and his face became suffused with joy and exultation. he could see the angel hovering over them inside the church. Then the angel passed right through the roof of the church, leaving no trace of his passing. the monks noticed the Elder looking upward they asked him why he seemed so happy. told them that an angel had been sent to recover a loan, and had been watching and blessing them during the service. of the monks understood what sort of loan the angel had been sent to recover, but Saint Columba was referring to his soul, which the angel would take sometime between the following Saturday evening and Sunday morning. the end of the week, on Saturday, Saint Columba and his servant Diarmait went to bless the nearest barn. The venerable Elder said that he was glad to know that the monks would have enough bread to last for a year, in case he had to "go away somewhere." Diarmait was saddened by his words and said, "Father, this year you have made us sad too often by speaking frequently about your passing." Columba said that he would speak more plainly about his departure if Diarmait promised not to tell anyone until after he had reposed. When Diarmait had given his word, the Saint explained that the Sabbath is a day of rest, and on this Saturday he would go the way of his fathers. "I shall go to the Lord when He calls me, in the middle of this night. The Lord Himself has revealed this to me." these words, Diarmait began to weep. Then they started back to the monastery, but Saint Columba had to stop and rest when they reached the halfway point. a cross was set up on that spot and set in a millstone. a white horse, which used to carry pails of milk to the monastery, came and placed its head on the Saint's bosom. Tears fell from its eyes, and the horse mourned like a person. Diarmait would have driven the horse away, but the Elder stopped him saying, "Leave him alone! Let him who loves us pour out the tears of bitterest mourning here at my breast. though you have a man's rational soul, you would not know of my departure if I hadn't told you just now. to His will, the Creator has revealed to this brute and unreasoning animal that his master is going away." Then he blessed the horse as it turned away. he returned to the monastery, Saint Columba went to his hut to copy some Psalms. copied as far as Psalm 33/34:10: "The rich have become poor and hungry; but those who seek the Lord diligently shall not want any good thing." he said, "Here at the end of the page I must stop. Let Baithene write what follows." he finished writing, Saint Columba went to church for Vespers, and then he returned to his lodging and rested on his bed. of a bed of straw, he always slept upon bare rock, with a stone for his pillow. he gave his last instructions to Diarmait, commanding the brethren to love one another, and to follow the example of the Holy Fathers. continued, "God, Who strengthens the good, will help you, and I, dwelling with Him, shall intercede for you." the bell rang for the Midnight Office, Saint Columba hastened to the church before the others, and then he knelt before the altar in prayer. following at a distance, saw the church filled with angelic light around the Saint. he reached the door, the light vanished, although some of the brethren had seen it as well. entered the church and called out in a tearful voice, "Father, where are you?" lamps carried by the brethren had not yet been brought into the church. his way in the dark, Diarmait found the Elder lying before the altar. Raising him a little, he sat by his side and cradled his head on his bosom. other monks related that before Saint Cuthbert's soul had left his body, he opened his eyes and looked about with joy and gladness upon his face, for he saw angels coming to meet him. held up the Saint's right hand to bless the monks. The venerable Father, as much as he could, also moved his hand to bless the brethren, though he was unable to speak. Then at once his soul departed. men had separate visions of the Saint's soul being carried to Heaven by angels. mac Tailchain, "a just man and a sage," told a man named Fergnae of his vision. Although Lugaid had never been to Iona, he saw it, in the Spirit, bathed in a bright light. He beheld the radiance of countless angels who had been sent to carry the Saint's soul to Heaven, accompanied by the sweetest songs of the angelic hosts. soldier of Christ, Ernene moccu Fir Roide had a vision at the same hour. When he was an old man, he related it to Adomnan, who was then a young man. Ernene and some other men were fishing in the River Finn, when suddenly, the entire sky lit up. Looking toward the east, they saw a fiery pillar rising upwards and lighting the area like the summer sun at Noon. When the pillar passed out of sight, the darkness returned once more. Saint Columba's blessed repose, the Matins hymns were chanted, and his body was carried from the church to his lodging. three days and nights, the funeral rites were performed in a manner befitting one of his honor and rank. holy relics were wrapped in linen and placed in the grave with due reverence, from which he shall rise in bright, and everlasting light. following miracle is mentioned in Book I:1. In the year 634, at Heavenfield in Northumbria, on the eve of a battle, Saint Columba appeared to Saint Oswald (August 5), revealing his name to the King. He promised to help Saint Oswald, ordering him to march on his enemy Cadwallon that night. He said that the enemy would be put to flight, and that Cadwallon would be delivered into King Oswald's hands. Abbot Failbe, Adomnan's predecessor, told him of this vision, swearing that he had the story from the lips of Saint Oswald himself.

Constantinople, 542-618, Kevin oGlendalough, Kathleen story lPotiphar's wife, but repentd, assisted bAngels&Animals, incorrupt r
Ireland, 542-618, St Kevin oGlendalough, Kevin's Monastery (between coast and Barrow River 3), noble family, kings oLeinster, taught by Petroc a7, a12 under 3Elders, Kathleen Story like Potiphar's W but with repentence, Kath became Nun, imitating Egyptian desert dwellers&Gaul monks Celtic monks longed tbHermits, Elders not let him go, people came, left in secret, Angel led him tGlendalough (Vale otTwo Lakes), hollow oaTree upper lake shore, wild herbs and water, discovered in tree by cow licking his clothes gives more milk, trees bend down, K blesses forest, 3 Elders come to bring him back, but blessed him to leave monastery, nothing more to teach him, Bishop Lugidus ordained K as Priest, sent him start Cluainduach church, returned Glendalough, Angel led oWicklow Mts establish monastery two rivers, then returned upper valley 4-7yrs, wild animals come, blackbird lays egg in his hand, still till it hatched, cave known as Kevin's bed, Angel told him rock about to fall, stayed till Pascha, left, then fell, finding space fMonastery angel suggested flattening mountains but K declined to protect tAnimals, chosen spot rocky ground cleared by Angel & cleared of thistles by local Chieftain ; Glendalough, Kevin's Monastery; Saint Kevin of Glendalough, Commemorated on June 3; Kevin (Coemgen) was born in Leinster in the early decades of the sixth century, age of Saints Columba (June 9), Columbanus of Luxeuil (November 21), Comgall of Bangor (May 10), Finnian of Clonard (December 12), Kieran of Clonmacnoise (September 9), and many other great saints. holy ascetic belonged to a noble family which had included several Kings of Leinster. himself, however, was a model of humility and self-denial. There are several miraculous stories connected with his birth and childhood, but most are unreliable. holy youth was baptized by a priest named Cronan and was named Kevin, which means "fair-begotten." There are so many saints named Cronan that it is not clear which one baptized Saint Kevin. he was seven years old, his parents sent him to be taught by Saint Petroc (June 4), who happened to be visiting Ireland at the time. a boy of twelve, Saint Kevin was placed in the charge of three holy Elders: Eogoin of Ardstraw (August 23), Lochan, and Enna. is known of these teachers or where their establishment was located. secular studies were certainly enhanced by spiritual instruction. He learned to read the Holy Scriptures, and to profit from the example of the virtuous men and women of the Old and New Testaments. Kevin was so handsome that a young girl named Kathleen became inflamed with desire for him, the holy youth resisted all her allurements. She pestered him so much with her attentions that he fled from her, just as Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:12). Kathleen followed him and found him alone in a field, so she approached him and threw her arms around him. Arming himself with the Sign of the Cross, and filled with the Holy Spirit, Saint Kevin broke away from her and ran into the woods. She soon discovered him hiding in a bed of nettles. Grabbing a bunch of nettles, the saint struck her about the face, hands and feet. Wounded by the nettles, the girl's passion quickly cooled. She fell on her knees in repentance, begged forgiveness from God and from Saint Kevin, and promised to become a nun. successfully resisting the temptations of the flesh, Saint Kevin continued to devote himself to his studies, and longed to live the monastic life as a hermit. was a common practice in the Celtic Church, which was influenced by the lives of the Egyptian desert dwellers, and by monks who had come from Gaul. Kevin was anxious to leave the monastery, but his three Elders would not let him go. he had acquired a reputation for holiness, and people from the surrounding area came to seek his advice. to flee from such unwelcome attention, he left the monastery in secret and went into the wilderness. is said that an angel led him to Glendalough (the Vale of the Two Lakes) where he lived in the hollow of a tree somewhere by the shores of the Upper Lake. ascetic remained in this place for several days, living on wild herbs and water. A cow wandered off and came to the tree where the Saint was living, and began to lick his clothing. After some time had passed, the cow showed an unusual increase in its milk, so her owner told his herdsman follow the animal. She led him to Glendalough, and there the herdsman discovered Saint Kevin, weak with hunger, and hiding in the tree. herdsman had to remove Saint Kevin on a litter by force, since the holy ascetic did not wish to leave. As he was being carried off, the trees bent down to make way for them. Saint Kevin then bestowed his blessing on the forest. of Saint Kevin reached his three Elders, who came to bring him back to their monastery. Recognizing the holiness of his life, they understood that they had nothing more to teach him, so they blessed him to leave the monastery. certain Bishop Lugidus ordained Saint Kevin to the priesthood, and sent him and a few other monks to found a new church. He spent a little time converting people at Cluainduach, but later moved back to Glendalough. by an angel, Saint Kevin crossed the Wicklow Mountains and established a monastery in the lower part of the valley where two rivers flow together. Once the monastery was organized, he appointed one of the monks as abbot, and then he retired to the upper valley a mile away to resume his life of solitude. He built a small dwelling on a narrow place between the mountain and the lake, where there were dense woods and clear rivulets. Some sources say that Saint Kevin lived there for four years, while others say seven years. this period of his life, wild animals would come to drink water out of his hands. Once during Lent, Saint Kevin stood praying in his hut with his hand sticking out of the window. Just then a blackbird nested in his hand and laid an egg. So gentle and compassionate was the Saint that he remained in this position until the eggs hatched and the fledglings were able to fly away. is a small cave above the Upper Lake known as Saint Kevin's Bed. One year he retired there for Lent, and an angel came and told him he would have to move because a rock was about to fall on that spot. Saint Kevin told the angel he could not interrupt his Lenten struggles or leave that place. On the eve of Pascha the angel returned to take him away. The venerable one protested that he would like to remain there for the rest of his life. He was persuaded to go, however, by the angel's promise that great benefits would follow for all who would come there in the future, both to live in the monastic city and to be buried there. Just as he was leaving with the angel, the rock came tumbling down and landed on the very spot where he had been standing. over the lake, they discussed the problem of finding sufficient space for so many people. The angel said that if Saint Kevin wished, God could transform the four mountains surrounding the valley to level fields, fruitful and easy to work. The holy ascetic replied that he would not want God's creatures to perish on his account. All of the animals of those mountains were tame and humble toward him, and they would be saddened by this proposal. they arrived at the chosen spot, Saint Kevin saw that the ground was rocky and unsuitable for burial. The angel fixed that by clearing all the stones away. The site is to the east of the smaller (Lower) lake. Saint Kevin told the local chieftain Dimma and his sons to cut away the thorns and thistles, and to make this a beautiful spot. is not certain just where in the valley Saint Kevin fell asleep in the Lord. It was not at the hermitage, however, because he sent a party of monks there to pray for him. Local tradition says that Saint Kevin is buried in the church of the Mother of God in that vicinity. Kevin was succeeded as abbot by his nephew Molibba (Jan. 8), who seems to have been the first bishop there. According to the Annals of Ulster, the holy abbot and confessor Kevin departed to Christ on June 3, 618.

Constantinople, 546-630, Gregory oAgrigentum, 553 council, Pope chosen b, harlot lies, prison, gifts fame, delivers h for truth
Sicily, 546-630, Gregory the Bishop of Agrigentum, Sicily, gifted, message angel to Jerusalem, Mt Olives monastic 1 yr, desert elder 4 yrs, 553 council, Rome, Pope chosen bishop of A, did well but harlot lies, frenzied rage, sorcery charge, pope prison, prayer and wonderworking gifts became known, heals Marcian at prison, delivers harlot, she tells truth; Agrigentum; St Gregory the Bishop of Agrigentum, Commemorated on November 23 ; Gregory, Bishop of Agrigentum, was born on the island of Sicily, in the village of Pretorium, not far from the city of Agrigentum, of the pious parents Chariton and Theodota. infant Gregory was baptized by the bishop of Agrigentum, Pataimonus. ten years of age the studious boy mastered writing and was able to read, and to sing church hymns. twelve years of age Saint Gregory was given to the clergy, and he was put under the spiritual guidance of the archdeacon Donatus. Gregory spent the next ten years in the Agrigentum church. however, an angel of the Lord appeared to the holy youth, who had a fervent desire to visit Jerusalem, and said that God had blessed his intention. Jerusalem Saint Gregory was presented to Patriarch Macarius (563-574), who retained the pious youth for service in his own cathedral church, ordaining him deacon. soul of Saint Gregory thirsted for monastic labors, and the Patriarch gave his blessing, allowing him go to a monastery on the Mount of Olives. a year Saint Gregory departed this monastery for a desert Elder, who for four years taught him spiritual wisdom, humility and the principles of monastic life. ascetic, foreseeing in Saint Gregory a future great luminary of the Church, gave him a blessing to forsake the solitary life. left the Elder, Saint Gregory dwelt for a certain time at Jerusalem, and then went to Constantinople, where he was received with love by the brethren of the monastery of the holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus. ascetic efforts of Saint Gregory were noticed by Patriarch Eutychius of Constantinople (552-565), at whose insistence the saint participated in the Fifth Ecumenical Council (553). the completion of the Council Saint Gregory set off for Rome, to venerate the graves of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul. this time the bishop of Agrigentum died. The elder clergy and illustrious citizens of Agrigentum journeyed to Rome with a request for the Pope to determine a successor for their late hierarch from among a list of candidates they were presenting. Pope, however, declined their proposal through divine inspiration, and instead summoned Saint Gregory to serve them as bishop. a few years Saint Gregory peacefully guided the flock entrusted to him by God. He was a defender of the down-trodden, a wise preacher, and miraculous healer. archbishop, Saint Gregory led the life of an ascetic monk, fervently observing monastic vows. The flock loved their hierarch and trusted in him. there were also malicious people who had resolved to slander him. Saint Gregory was in church, these vicious people secretly led a bribed harlot into his chambers, and then in front of the crowd which accompanied the bishop to the doors of his house after services, they led her out and accused Saint Gregory of the deadly sin of fornication. placed the holy bishop under guard. The people attempted to defend their bishop, but were unsuccessful. the trial the harlot gave false testimony against Saint Gregory. Just as she pronounced the words of slander, she went into a fit of frenzied rage. judges accused the saint of sorcery. Saint Gregory was sent for judgment to the Roman bishop together with a report about his “crimes.” Pope, after reading the charges, did not want to see the accused, and gave orders to remand him to prison. The saint endured his humiliation humbly, dwelling in constant prayer. prayerful effort and wonderworking gifts quickly became known through the city and the surrounding region. Pious Romans began to gather at the prison, whom the imprisoned saint taught about the righteous life, and he implored the Lord to heal the sick. two years, a clairvoyant Elder named Mark, who had known Saint Gregory since youth, came to the Pope. The Elder did not believe the charges and he persuaded the Pope to convene a Council to decide Gregory’s case. the invitation of the Pope, many clergy from the city of Agrigentum came to the Council, together with all those making accusations against the saint, including the harlot. Constantinople three bishops and the imperial dignitary Marcian came to Rome. the way Marcian had fallen grievously ill. On the advice of many people who had received healing through the prayers of Saint Gregory, servants carried the dying man to the prison where the wonderworking saint languished. Through the prayers of Saint Gregory the Lord granted healing to Marcian. the Council the slanderers attempted to renew their accusations, and as their chief proof they presented the deranged harlot to the judge, declaring that Gregory had bewitched her. the saint prayed over her and cast out the devil. woman came to her senses and told the Council the whole truth. The slanderers were brought to shame and judged. Marcian even wanted to execute them, but Saint Gregory implored forgiveness for them. Gregory returned in honor to his own cathedral, and surrounded by the love of his flock, he guided the Church until his own peaceful demise.

Constantinople, 550, 6th C, 9 Martyred brothers of Kola, pagans no Church until baptism, 9 p children b, then stoned by parents
Georgia, 550 6th Century, 9 Martyred brothers of Kola, (Kura River Source) pagans not allowed in Church until baptism, 9 p children baptized, then stoned by their parents ; Kola; 9 Martyred brothers of Kola, Commemorated February 21 ; centuries ago, the village of Kola was located at the source of the Mtkvari River. There Christians and pagans dwelt together as neighbors. Christian and pagan children would play together, but when the Christian children heard church bells ringing, they recognized the call to prayer and dropped their games. pagan children—Guram, Adarnerse, Baqar, Vache, Bardzim, Dachi, Juansher, Ramaz, and Parsman—would follow the Christian children to church. the Christians always stopped them near the gates of the church and reprimanded them, saying, “You are children of pagans. You cannot enter God’s holy house.” They would return sorry and dejected. day the nine pagan children tried to enter the church forcibly, but they were cast out and scolded. “If you want to enter the church, you must believe in our Lord Jesus Christ and be baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” they were told. “You must receive Holy Communion and join the community of Christian believers.” great joy the youths promised the Christians that they would receive Holy Baptism. When the Christians of Kola related to their priest the good news of the pagan boys’ desire, he recalled the words of the Gospel: He that loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he that takes not his cross, and follows after Me, is not worthy of Me. (Matt. 10:37-38). was not afraid of the anger that would follow from the pagan community, but rather took the boys on a cold winter night and baptized them in the icy river. A miracle occurred while the Holy Sacrament was being celebrated: the water became warm and angelic hosts appeared to the youths. Greatly encouraged in their faith, the children decided to remain in the Christian community rather than return to their parents. their parents learned that they had been baptized in the Christian Faith, they dragged their children away from the church, abusing and beating them into submission all the way home. The heroic children endured the abuses and, though they went hungry and thirsty for seven days, repeated again and again, “We are Christians and will not eat or drink anything that was prepared for idols!” gentle flattery, nor costly clothing, nor promises of good things to come could tempt the God-fearing youths. Rather they asserted, “We are Christians and want nothing from you but to leave us alone and allow us to join the Christian community!” enraged parents went and reported to the prince everything that had happened. But the prince was of no help—he simply told them, “They are your children, do with them as you wish.” obstinate pagans asked the prince permission to stone the children. So a large pit was dug where the youths had been baptized, and the children were thrown inside. “We are Christians, and we will die for Him into Whom we have been baptized!” proclaimed the holy martyrs, the Nine Children of Kola, before offering up their souls to God. godless parents took up stones, and then others joined in, until the entire pit had been filled. They beat the priest to death, robbed him, and divided the spoils among themselves. martyric contest of the Nine Righteous Children of Kola occurred in the 6th century, in the historical region of Tao in southern Georgia.

Constantinople, 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.

Constantinople, 551-600, Florus, Bishop oAmisus, Armenia, Pontine, after family died small pox solitary life before c Bishop
Armenia, 551-600, Florus, Bishop oAmisus, Armenia, Pontine (near Iris River Mouth, on the shore of the sea), fine education, courtly service tEmperor, Patrician, wife childred died small pox, left world tSolitary life near Constantinople, chosen bishop Amisus, died peacefully;; Amisus; St Florus the Bishop of Amisus, Commemorated on December 18 ; Florus, Bishop of Amisus, was the son of the Christians Florus and Euphemia, provided him a fine education. entered courtly service for the Byzantine Emperor and was elevated to the rank of patrician; was also married and had children. his wife and children died from smallpox, he left the world and withdrew to the outskirts of Constantinople, he led a solitary and pious life. on he was chosen Bishop of Amisus (in Asia Minor). Florus wisely guided his flock and died peacefully at the beginning of the seventh century.

Constantinople, 552-565, Eutychius, Patriarch, against Justinian's Aphthartodocetae, exiled t Amasya, Pontine
Constantinople Patriarch, 552-565, Eutychius of Constantinople; St Gregory the Bishop of Agrigentum, Commemorated on November 23; St Eutychius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 6; Eutychius, Archbishop of Constantinople, was born in a village called “Divine” in the province of Phrygia. His father Alexander was a soldier, and his mother Synesia was the daughter of the priest Hesychius of Augustopolis. Saint Eutychius received the first rudiments of his education and a Christian upbringing from his grandfather the priest. while playing a childhood game, the boy wrote his own name with the title of Patriarch. By this he seemed to predict his future service. He was sent to Constantinople at age twelve for further education. The youth persevered in his study of science and realized that human wisdom is nothing in comparison to the study of divine Revelation. Therefore, he decided to dedicate himself to monastic life. Saint Eutychius withdrew into one of the Amasean monasteries and received the angelic schema. For his strict life he was made archimandrite of all the Amasean monasteries, and in 552 was appointed to the Patriarchal throne. the Fifth Ecumenical Council prepared to assemble during the reign of the holy emperor Justinian (527-565), the Metropolitan of Amasea was ill and he sent Saint Eutychius in his place. At Constantinople the aged Patriarch Saint Menas (August 25) saw Saint Eutychius and predicted that he would be the next Patriarch. After the death of the holy Patriarch Menas, the Apostle Peter appeared in a vision to the emperor Justinian and, pointing his hand at Eutychius, said, “Let him be made your bishop.” the very beginning of his patriarchal service, Saint Eutychius convened the Fifth Ecumenical Council (553), at which the Fathers condemned the heresies cropping up and anathematized them. However, after several years a new heresy arose in the Church: Aphthartodocetism [asartodoketai] or “imperishability” which taught that the flesh of Christ, before His death on the Cross and Resurrection, was imperishable and not capable of suffering. Eutychius vigorously denounced this heresy, but the emperor Justinian himself inclined toward it, and turned his wrath upon the saint. By order of the emperor, soldiers seized the saint in the church, removed his patriarchal vestments, and sent him into exile to an Amasean monastery (565). saint bore his banishment with meekness, and lived at the monastery in fasting and prayer, and he worked many miracles and healings. through his prayer the wife of a devout man, Androgenes, who had given birth only to dead infants, now gave birth to two sons who lived to maturity. Two deaf-mutes received the gift of speech; and two grievously ill children were restored to health. The saint healed a cancerous ulcer on the hand of an artist. The saint also healed another artist, anointing his diseased hand with oil and making over it the Sign of the Cross. saint healed not only bodily, but also spiritual afflictions: he banished the devil out of a girl that had kept her from Holy Communion; he expelled a demon from a youth who had fled from a monastery (after which the youth returned to his monastery); he healed a drunken leper, who stopped drinking after being cleansed of his leprosy. the Persian invasion of Amasea and its widespread devastation, they distributed grain to the hungry from the monastery granaries on the saint’s orders, and by his prayers, the stores of grain at the monastery were not depleted. Eutychius received from God the gift of prophecy. He revealed the names of two of Emperor Justinian’s successors: Justin (565-578) and Tiberias (578-582). the death of the holy Patriarch John Scholastikos, Saint Eutychius returned to the cathedra in 577 after his twelve year exile, and he again wisely ruled his flock. Four and a half years after his return to the Patriarchal throne, in 582, Saint Eutychius gathered together all his clergy on Thomas Sunday, blessed them, and peacefully fell asleep in the Lord.

Constantinople, 553, Commemoration of Holy 165 Fathers of Fifth EC, defined Orthodoxy without Nestorian Monophysite distortion
Constantinople, 553, Commemoration of the Holy 165 Fathers of the Fifth Ecumenical Council, Hagia Sophia, Patriarch's house, Downtown Constantinople, 3 dead bishops orthodoxy, Nestorian opinions, 3rd EC, Not condemned 4th EC, Accused of Nestorianism 4th EC by Monophysites, one condemned in 5th EC, 2 had repented so not condemned, Emperor Justinian issued edict the Three Chapters were condemned, but 5th EC convened to resolve issue Church wide, Pope did not participate, excommunicated until agreed, Istria&Aquilea bishops remained Nestorian 100yrs, Origen also for pre-existence human soul condemned, rejection universal resurrection of dead condemned, plus further definition Orthodoxy to preserve integrity definition God and Man without Nestorian Monophysite distortion; Hagia Sophia; Commemoration of the Holy 165 Fathers of the Fifth Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on July 25; Fifth Ecumenical Council (Constantinople II) was held at Constantinople, under the holy Emperor Saint Justinian I (527-565) in the year 553, determine the Orthodoxy of three dead bishops: Theodore of Mopsuetia, Theodoret of Cyrrhus and Ibas of Edessa, had expressed Nestorian opinions in their writings in the time of the Third Ecumenical Council (September 9). three bishops had not been condemned at the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 16), which condemned the Monophysites, in turn had been accused by the Monophysites of Nestorianism. to deprive the Monophysites of the possibility of accusing the Orthodox of sympathy for Nestorianism, also to dispose the heretical party towards unity with the followers of the Council of Chalcedon, emperor Saint Justinian issued an edict. it “the Three Chapters” (the three deceased bishops) were condemned. since the edict was issued on the emperor’s initiative, since it was not acknowledged by representatives of all the Church (particularly in the West, and in Africa), a dispute arose about the “Three Chapters.” Fifth Ecumenical Council was convened to resolve this dispute. bishops attended this Council. Pope Vigilius, though present in Constantinople, refused to participate in the Council, although he was asked three times to do so by official deputies in the name of the gathered bishops and the Emperor himself. Council opened with Saint Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople (552-565, 577-582), presiding. accordance with the imperial edict, the matter of the “Three Chapters” was carefully examined in eight prolonged sessions from May 4 to June 2, 553. was pronounced against the person and teachings of Theodore of Mopsuetia. the case of Theodore and Ibas, the condemnations were confined only to certain of their writings, while they personally had been cleared by the Council of Chalcedon, because of their repentance. they were spared from the anathema. measure was necessary because certain of the proscribed works contained expressions used by the Nestorians to interpret the definitions of the Council of Chalcedon for their own ends. the leniency of the Fathers of the Fifth Ecumenical Council, in a spirit of moderate economy regarding the persons of Bishops Theodore and Ibas, instead embittered the Monophysites against the decisions of the Council. which, the emperor had given the orders to promulgate the Conciliar decisions together with a decree of excommunication against Pope Vigilius, for being like-minded with the heretics. Pope afterwards concurred with the mind of the Fathers, and signed the Conciliar definition. bishops of Istria and all the region of the Aquilea metropolia, however, remained in schism for more than a century. the Council the Fathers likewise examined the errors of presbyter Origen, a renowned Church teacher of the third century. teaching about the pre-existence of the human soul was condemned. heretics, who did not admit the universal resurrection of the dead, were also condemned. pleased the Lord that the Holy Spirit should inspire the Fathers of the Council in a further definition of Orthodoxy preserves the integrity and dignity both of God and of mankind, without the distortion of either that occurs within the Nestorian or Monophysite heresies.

Constantinople, 553 and 787, Pisidia Icon, 6th Century Miracles, 8th C icon confessor
Sozopolis, Pisidia ; Greatmartyr Marina (Margaret) of Antioch in Pisidia, Commemorated July 17 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Pisidia, Commemorated September 3 ; Pisidia Icon of the Mother of God was glorified by miracles in the city of Sozopolis, but its origin is unknown. Saint Germanus, the Patriarch of Constantinople (May 12), mentions “the icon of the All-Pure Virgin Mother of God at Pisidian Sozopolis” in his letters on the veneration of icons which were read at the Seventh Ecumenical Council. He said that “myrrh flowed from the hands,” and described the icon as “ancient.” miracles of the icon date back to the sixth century. One of the miracles was reported by the presbyter Eustathius, who was a contemporary of Patriarch Eutychius (April 6). At Amasea, near Sozopolis, there was a certain married couple, whose children were all stillborn. Grieving over their misfortune, they turned to Patriarch Eutychius for advice. Saint Eutychius prayed and anointed them with holy oil from the Cross of the Lord and from the holy icon of the Mother of God saying, “In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” “Name your child Peter, and he will live,” he said to them. Soon the couple gave birth to a son whom they did indeed name Peter. Later, they had a second son, whom they named John. The people of the city glorified God when they heard of this miracle. about 600 years myrrh flowed from the Pisidian Icon of the Mother of God – Eleusius, a disciple of Saint Theodore the Sykeote (April 22), was a witness to this. A copy of this ancient wonderworking icon was made in Russia in 1608, at Moscow’s Novospassky (New Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior) monastery. The Mother of God is depicted with the Divine Infant on Her left arm, and with Her right hand She gives a blessing. St George the Confessor and Bishop of Antioch, in Pisidia, Commemorated on April 19;

Constantinople, 553, Fifth Ecumenical Council, against the Three Chapters (against Nestorianism)
Constantinople, Fifth Ecumenical Council (553), Second Council of Constantinople; Second Council of Constantinople is the fifth of the first seven ecumenical councils recognized by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. is also recognized by the Old Catholics and others. Protestant opinions and recognition of it are varied. Some Protestants, such as Calvinists, recognize the first four councils,[2] whereas Lutherans accept the first six, and most Anglo-Catholics accept all seven. II was convoked by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I under the presidency of Patriarch Eutychius of Constantinople. was held from 5 May to 2 June 553. Participants were overwhelmingly Eastern bishops—only sixteen Western bishops were present, including nine from Illyricum and seven from Africa, but none from Italy—out of the 152 total.[1][3] main work of the council was to confirm the condemnation issued by edict in 551 by the Emperor Justinian against the Three Chapters. These were the Christological writings and ultimately the person of Theodore of Mopsuestia (died 428), certain writings against Cyril of Alexandria's Twelve Anathemas accepted at the Council of Ephesus, written by Theodoret of Cyrrhus (died c. 466), and a letter written against Cyrillianism and the Ephesian Council by Ibas of Edessa (died 457).[4] purpose of the condemnation was to make plain that the Great Church, which followed a Chalcedonian creed, was firmly opposed to Nestorianism as supported by the Antiochene school which had either assisted Nestorius, the eponymous heresiarch, or had inspired the teaching for which he was anathematized and exiled. The council also condemned the teaching that Mary could not be rightly called the Mother of God (Greek: Theotokos) but only the mother of the man (anthropotokos) or the mother of Christ (Christotokos).[4] hoped that this would contribute to a reunion between the Chalcedonians and monophysites in the eastern provinces of the Empire. Various attempts at reconciliation between these parties within the Byzantine Empire were made by many emperors over the four centuries following the Council of Ephesus, none of them successful. Some attempts at reconciliation, such as this one, the condemnation of the Three Chapters and the unprecedented posthumous anathematization of Theodore—who had once been widely esteemed as a pillar of orthodoxy—causing further schisms and heresies to arise in the process, such as the aforementioned schism of the Three Chapters and the emergent semi-monophysite compromises of monoenergism and monotheletism. These propositions assert, respectively, that Christ possessed no human energy but only a divine function or principle of operation (purposefully formulated in an equivocal and vague manner, and promulgated between 610 and 622 by the Emperor Heraclius under the advice of Patriarch Sergius I of Constantinople) and that Christ possessed no human will but only a divine will, "will" being understood to mean the desires and appetites in accord with the nature (promulgated in 638 by the same and opposed most notably by Maximus the Confessor).[4] St Gregory the Bishop of Agrigentum, Commemorated on November 23 ; St Eutychius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 6; Venerable Comgall of Bangor, Commemorated on May 10;

Constantinople, 557-634, Modestus, Archbishop, his story important tTie 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.

Constantinople, 559-640, Alypius t Stylite Adrianopolis, Paphlagonia, Euphemia monastery vision, pillar t 57 yrs, 14yr igumen
Armenia, 559-640, Alypius the Stylite of Adrianopolis, Paphlagonia, Euphemia vision to build her monastery, done, pillar next to it, 57 yrs, then 14yrs igumen ; Paphlagonia Region; Venerable Alypius the Stylite of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on November 26 ; Alypius the Stylite was born in the city of Adrianopolis in Paphlagonia. mother, a Christian, was widowed early, and she sent her son to be educated by Bishop Theodore. She distributed her substance to the poor, then began to live an ascetic life near the church as a deaconess. Alypius, from his early years, wanted to devote his life to God and yearned for the solitary life, although Bishop Theodore would not give him permission to do so. when Saint Alypius was accompanying his bishop to Constantinople, the holy Martyr Euphemia (September 16) appeared to him in a vision, summoning Saint Alypius to return to Adrianopolis and found a church in her name. contributions offered by believers in Adrianopolis, Saint Alypius did build a church in the name of the holy Martyr Euphemia, on the site of a dilapidated pagan temple infested by legions of devils. the church, under the open sky, the saint erected a pillar over a pagan tomb. fifty-three years Saint Alypius struggled upon the pillar, praying to God and teaching those who came to him. demons which infested the pagan cemetery fell upon the ascetic by night and pelted him with stones. Saint Alypius, wanted nothing to stand in the way of the attacks of the spirits of darkness, then even took down the boards that served him as a roof, protecting him from the rain and wind. In the face of the saint’s conquering steadfastness, the demons forever fled the place, which had been sanctified by his deed of voluntary martyrdom. years before his death, Saint Alypius was no longer able to stand. He was compelled to lie on his side because of the weakness of his legs, and endured grievous sufferings with humble gratitude. the saint’s pillar two monasteries sprang up: a men’s monastery on the one side, and a women’s monastery on the other. Alypius introduced strict monastic rules for both monasteries and he directed both monasteries until his death. Saint Alypius reposed in the year 640, at age 118. The body of the venerable stylite was buried in the church he founded in honor of the holy Martyr Euphemia. The relics of the saint of God healed many of those who came in faith.

Constantinople, 560-604, Gregory Dialogus, Saint, Pope of Rome, Gregorian Mission to Britain, Monolingual to Latin
Byzantine Saint, 560-604, Gregory Dialogus, Pope of Rome; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 13; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ;

Constantinople, 560-610, St Theodore the Sykeote, Galatia, Greatmartyr G appearances & leading, Christ said Struggle, &much more
Phrygia, 560-610, St Theodore the Sykeote the Bishop of Anastasiopoli, Galatia (on trade route, Ankara Mouth, Sakarya 4), mothers vision bright star over womb, Greatmartyr George appearances and leading, Christ said Struggle, prayed and rain came, grace upon him, healing, deliverance, complete solitude, 2yrs, 17yr old priest, Chozeba monastic tonsure, returned, bretheren gathered around him, iron cage, cave, power over w animals, healed leprosy, locusts died at service, predicted emperor mauricius, bread each year, became bishop of A, Sabbas Larva, return led by G, poison try, MOG pieces of grain, Eucharist grace, purple light, floating Holy Lamb, sainthood while alive, crosses striking themselves, portent of iconoclasts, repose; Anastasiopolis, Galatia, a military fort on the trade route from Constantinople to Bagdad ; St Theodore the Sykeote the Bishop of Anastasiopolis, Commemorated on April 22; Theodore the Sykeote was born in the mid-sixth century in the village of Sykeon, not far from the city of Anastasiopolis (in Galatia, Asia Minor), into a pious family. his mother Maria conceived the saint, she had a vision of a bright star overshadowing her womb. A clairvoyant Elder, whom she consulted, explained that this was the grace of God being poured forth on the infant in her womb. the boy reached the age of six, his mother presented him with a golden belt, since she intended that her son should become a soldier. That night the Holy Great Martyr George (April 23) appeared to her in a dream, and he told her not to consider military service for her son, because the boy was destined to serve God. The saint’s father, Cosmas, had served as a messenger of the emperor Justinian the Great (527-565), and he died at an early age. The boy remained in the care of his mother, and his grandmother Elpis, his aunt Dispenia and his little sister Vlatta also lived with them. school, Saint Theodore displayed great apptitude in his studies, chief of which was an uncommon ability for reasoning and wisdom. He was quiet, mild, he always knew how to calm his comrades, and he did not permit fights or quarrels among them. pious Elder Stephen also lived at his mother’s house. Imitating him, Saint Theodore at the age of eight began to eat only a small morsel of bread in the evening during Great Lent. So that his mother should not force him to take supper with everyone, the boy returned home from school only toward evening, after he had partaken of the Holy Mysteries with Elder Stephen. At the request of his mother, the teacher began to send him home to supper at the end of his lessons. Saint Theodore, however, ran to the church of the Great Martyr George, where the saint appeared to him in the form of a youth, and ushered him into the church. Saint Theodore turned ten, he fell deathly ill. They brought him to the church of Saint John the Baptist and placed him in front of the altar. The boy was healed by two drops of water that fell from the face of the Savior in the dome of the temple. At this time the Great Martyr George began appearing to the boy at night, and also leading him to his own temple to pray until morning. His mother, fearing the dangers of the forest at night, urged her son not to go at night. when the boy had already gone, she angrily followed him to the church, and she dragged him out by the hair and tied him to his bed. But that very night the Great Martyr George appeared to her in a dream, and commanded her not to hinder the child from going to church. Both Elpis and Dispenia had the same vision. The women then understood Saint Theodore’s special calling, and they no longer hindered him. Even his little sister Vlatta began to imitate him. twelve years of age, the saint had a dream in which he saw Christ on the Throne of Glory, Who said to him, “Struggle, Theodore, so that you may obtain a perfect reward in the Kingdom of Heaven.” that time, Saint Theodore began to intensify his labors. He spent both the First Week of Great Lent and the Week of the Veneration of the Cross in complete silence. devil considered how to destroy him. He appeared to the saint in the form of his classmate Gerontius, and urged him to jump off a precipice, but the Great Martyr George saved the boy. time, the boy went into the desert to obtain the blessing of the Elder Glycerius. Then there was a terrible drought throughout the land, and the Elder said, “Child, let us pray to the Lord on bended knee, asking Him to send rain. Then we shall learn whether our prayers are pleasing to the Lord.” The old man and the boy began to pray, and immediately it began to rain. Then the Elder said to Saint Theodore, that the grace of God was upon him, and he blessed him to become a monk when the time came. he was fourteen, Saint Theodore left home and lived near the church of the Great Martyr George. His mother brought him food, but Saint Theodore left everything on the stones by the church, and he ate only a single prosphora each day. Even at such a young age, Saint Theodore was granted the gift of healing. Through his prayers a demon-possessed youth was restored to health. Theodore then fled human glory and he withdrew into complete solitude. Under a large boulder not far from the church of Saint George, he dug a cave and persuaded a certain deacon to cover over the entrance with earth, leaving only a small opening for air. The deacon brought him bread and water and he told no one where the monk had hidden himself. two years Saint Theodore lived in this seclusion and complete quiet. His relatives mourned for the saint, thinking that he had been devoured by wild beasts. deacon finally revealed the secret, since he was afraid that Saint Theodore would perish in the narrow cave, and moreover he pitied the weeping mother. They took Saint Theodore out of the cave barely alive. mother wanted to take her son home and nurse him back to health, but the saint remained near the church of Saint George, and after several days he was completely well. of the youth’s exploits reached the local bishop Theodosius, who ordained him to the diaconate, and later to the holy priesthood, although the saint was only seventeen years old at the time. a certain while Saint Theodore went to venerate the holy places in Jerusalem, and there at the Chozeba Lavra near Jordan, he received monastic tonsure. he returned to his native land, he again continued to live near the church of Saint George. His grandmother Elpis, his sister Vlatta and his mother entered a women’s monastery on the saint’s advice, and his aunt died in a good confession. ascetic life of the young hieromonk attracted to him people seeking salvation. The saint tonsured the youth Epiphanius, and later on a pious woman, healed by the saint from her sickness, brought him her son Philoumenus. Then the virtuous youth John also came to him. Thus brethren gradually gathered around the monk. Theodore continued in his harsh labors. At his request a blacksmith made him an iron cage without a roof, and so narrow that it was scarcely possible to stand. In this cage the monk stood in heavy chains from Holy Pascha until the Nativity of Christ. From the Baptism of the Lord until Holy Pascha he secluded himself in his cave, from which he emerged only for church services on Saturdays and Sundays. Throughout the whole of the forty-day Fast the saint ate only greens, and bread on Saturdays and Sundays. in such manner, he received from the Lord the power over wild animals. Bears and wolves came up to him and took food from his hand. the saint’s prayers, those afflicted with leprosy were healed, and demons were cast out from whole districts. In the nearby village of Magatia, when locusts threatened the crops, people turned to Saint Theodore for help. He sent them to church. After Divine Liturgy, which he served, the villagers returned home and learned that during the service all the locusts had died. the military commander Mauricius was returning to Constantinople by way of Galatia after a Persian war, the monk predicted that he would become emperor. The prediction came true, and the emperor Mauricius (582-602) fulfilled the saint’s request: he sent bread to the monastery each year for the multitude of people being fed there. small temple of Saint George could not accommodate all those who wanted to pray in it. Then through the efforts of the saint a beautiful new church was built. During this while the Bishop of Anastasiopolis happened to die. The people of the city requested Metropolitan Paul of Ancyra to install Saint Theodore as their bishop. that the saint would not resist, the messengers of the Metropolitan and the people of Anastasiopolis dragged him out of his cell by force and carried him into the city. bishop, Saint Theodore toiled much for the welfare of the Church, but his soul yearned for solitary communion with God. After several years he went to venerate the holy places in Jerusalem. And there, concealing his identity, he settled at the Lavra of Saint Savva, where he lived in solitude from the Nativity of Christ until Pascha. Then the Great Martyr George led him to return to Anastasiopolis. enemies tried to poison the saint, but the Mother of God gave him three small pieces of grain. The saint ate them and remained unharmed. Saint Theodore felt weighed down with the burden of being a bishop and he asked Patriarch Cyriacus of Constantinople (595-606) for a release to return to his own monastery and celebrate the services there. ’s sanctity was so evident that when he celebrated the Eucharist, the grace of the Holy Spirit appeared as a radiant purple light, overshadowing the Holy Gifts. One time, when the saint elevated the discus with the holy Lamb and proclaimed “Holy things are for the holy,” the holy Lamb floated up in the air, and then settled again upon the discus. Orthodox Church venerated Saint Theodore as a saint, even while he was still alive. one of the cities of Galatia, a terrible event occurred: during a church procession the wooden crosses being carried began to strike each other by themselves, with the result that Patriarch Thomas (607-610, March 21) summoned Saint Theodore, asking him the meaning of this terrible portent. Having the gift of foresight, Saint Theodore explained that this indicated coming misfortunes for the Church of God (he was prophetically indicating the future heresy of the Iconoclasts). In his grief the holy Patriarch Thomas begged the saint to pray that he would soon die, so that he would not witness the coming woe. the year 610 the holy Patriarch Thomas reposed, having asked the blessing of Saint Theodore. Saint Theodore also departed to the Lord.

Constantinople, 565, Acacius of Mount Sinai - Horeb in Egypt, Acacius, are you dead, no f, how possible obedient to die
Egypt, 565, Acacius of Mount Sinai - Horeb in Egypt, Acacius, are you dead? No, Father, how is it possible for an obedient man to die?; Mount Sinai - Horeb in Egypt, Saint Helena, Constantine's Mother made a mistake as to the location of the Desert of Sin and therefor Sinai and Mount Horeb. She put Horeb in Egypt and not in Midian. Many miracles still happened in this mistaken location; Venerable Acacius of Sinai, who is mentioned in the Ladder, Commemorated on November 29 ; Acacius of Sinai lived during the sixth century and was a novice at a certain monastery in Asia. humble monk distinguished himself by his patient and unquestioning obedience to his Elder, a harsh and dissolute man. He forced his disciple to toil excessively, starved him with hunger, and beat him without mercy. such treatment, Saint Acacius meekly endured the affliction and thanked God for everything. Saint Acacius died after suffering these torments for nine years. days after Acacius was buried, his Elder told another Elder about the death of his disciple. second Elder did not believe that the young monk was dead. They went to the grave of Acacius and the second Elder called out: “Brother Acacius, are you dead?” From the grave a voice replied, “No, Father, how is it possible for an obedient man to die?” The startled Elder of Saint Acacius fell down with tears before the grave, asking forgiveness of his disciple. this he repented, constantly saying to the Fathers, “I have committed murder.” He lived in a cell near the grave of Saint Acacius, and he ended his life in prayer and in meekness. Saint John Climacus (March 30) mentions Saint Acacius in The Ladder (Step 4:110) as an example of endurance and obedience, and of the rewards for these virtues. Saint Acacius is also commemorated on July 7.

Constantinople, 565, Zosima Bishop oBabylon Fortress, Egypt, Babyln prophecy, Alexandria errand, Bishop oB tOld age, returned tS
Egypt, 565, Zosima Bishop oBabylon Fortress, Egypt (Nile River & Pharonic Canal to Red Sea), fCilicia, Lebanon&Sinai Monastery 565, Babylon prophecy, Alexandria errand, Bishop oB into old age, returned tSinai; Babylon Fortress, Egypt; Venerable Father Zosima, Bishop of Babylon, Commemorated on June 4; Zosima, Bishop of Babylon, was born in Cilicia (Asia Minor). still a youth he left the world and settled on Mount Sinai, later he withdrew to a more solitary place in Lebanon. time he encountered an elderly ascetic, who foretold that he would be bishop in Babylon. Zosima returned to Sinai, he was sent on an errand to Alexandria. Patriarch of Alexandria made him Bishop of Babylon, and into old age he wisely guided his flock. the approach of death, he returned to Sinai and peacefully fell asleep in the Lord (5th century). St Zosimus of Cilicia the Bishop of Babylon in Egypt, Commemorated on June 4; Zosimus as above

Byzantium, 565-574, Emperor, Justin II, Younger, lost Italy, war w Sassanid Empire, mental breakdown
Byzantine Emperor, 565-574, Justin II, the Younger; II or Justin the Younger (c. 520 – 5 October 578) was Eastern Roman Emperor from 565 to 574. He was the nephew of Justinian I and the husband of Sophia, the niece of the Empress Theodora, and was therefore a member of the Justinian Dynasty. reign was marked by war with the Sassanid Empire, and the loss of the greater part of Italy. He presented the Cross of Justin II to Saint Peter's, Rome. Venerable Hesychius of Mt. Horeb, Commemorated on October 3 ; St Gregory the Bishop of Agrigentum, Commemorated on November 23; St Dometian the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on January 10; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; St Isaac the Syrian the Bishop of Nineveh, Commemorated on January 28; Venerable Barsanuphius the Great, Commemorated on February 6 ; St James the Faster of Phoenicia, Syria, Commemorated on March 4; Saint Anastasia the Patrician of Alexandria, Commemorated on March 10; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; St Isidore the Bishop of Seville, Commemorated on April 4 ; St Eutychius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 6 ; St Theodore the Sykeote the Bishop of Anastasiopolis, Commemorated on April 22; Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger of Wonderful Mountain, Commemorated on May 24; Venerable Abba Dorotheus of Palestine, Commemorated on June 5;

Constantinople, 565-577, John Scholasticus, Patriarch oConstantinople, from Antioch, Syria, Law & Hymn writer
Syria, 565-577, John Scholasticus, Patriarch of Constantinople, from Antioch, Syria (Orontes River 7), studied law, ordained priest, bishop, patriarch oC, writer, Church Rules, Church related Civil Laws, Church Admin Law Cannon, Cherubic Hymn, Of Thy Mystical Supper Antioch (Orontes River 7); Saint John “Scholasticus”, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 21; John Scholasticus, Patriarch of Constantinople, was born in Sirimion near Antioch, and studied law. was ordained a priest because of his great holiness and piety. he was elevated to the patriarchal throne, where he spent the years 565 to 577. still a presbyter, he compiled a collection of Church Rules in Fifty Chapters, later during his time as patriarch he made a Codex of civil laws relating to the Church. these collections was compiled the Nomocanon (i.e. “Law-canon”), used in church administration. John also composed the “Cherubic Hymn”, and “Of Thy Mystical Supper.”

Constantinople, 565-601, Dometian, Bishop oMelitene, Armenia, zealous fFaith, strong word&deed, giving, miracles before&after d
Armenia, 565-601, Dometian, Bishop oMelitene, Armenia (Intersection Roads from Ephesus and Euphrates River 2), time Justin II, married widowed, monk, Bishop a30, wise zealous fFaith, strong word&deed, famous pastor, Govt commissions iPersia for Greeks, distributed his rich gifts tPoor, miracles before&after death; Malatya; Saint Dometian, Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on January 10; Dometian, Bishop of Melitene, born and lived during the sixth century, in the time of the emperor Justin the Younger. was married but was widowed, and thereafter he became a monk and lived a strict and holy life. thirty years of age he was chosen bishop of the city of Melitene (in Armenia). and zealous in questions of faith, strong in word and deed, Saint Dometian quickly gained fame as a good and dedicated pastor. than once he carried out government commissions in Persia to avoid conflict with the Greeks. by all, Saint Dometian often received rich gifts, which he distributed to the poor. during his life and after his death in 601, Saint Dometian was glorified by God with miracles.

Constantinople, 567-608, Daniel oScetis, Egypt, killed wEscaping, conscience nResolved bPatriarchs, begged execution, acquitted
Egypt, 550 6th Century, Daniel oScetis, Egyptian Desert, monk as young boy, barbarian prisoner, bought by Christian, recapturedd, killed captor wEscaping, rtSketis, conscience burden, confessed to Alexandria Patriarch Roman Pope other patriarchs Constantinople Antioch Jerusalem but all no peace or penance, so he surrendered as murderer begged to be executed, into prison, trial gpvernor said go your way, Daniel resolved care for Lepers, renouned and mentioned in many saints stories, Anastasia, Mark the Fool, despised Ermopoleos Monastery nun, Thomais killed by her father-in-Law, Eulogios the Hospitable, Andronikos, Athanasia, and Douda; Scetis ; Venerable Daniel of Sketis, Commemorated on June 7; Daniel lived in the sixth century, becoming a monk at Sketis when he was a young boy. was taken prisoner when Sketis was attacked by barbarians, who held him captive for two years. Daniel was was bought by a devout Christian, but then he was recaptured. six months, while attempting to escape, he struck one of his captors with a stone and killed him, and then he made his escape and returned to Sketis. sin of murder was a heavy burden on his conscience. about what he ought to do, he went to Patriarch Timothy of Alexandria, and asked for his advice. Patriarch heard his Confession, but did not give him a penance. his conscience continued to trouble him, and he went to Rome to see the Pope. Pope gave him the same reply as the Patriarch had done. Abba Daniel visited the other Patriarchs in turn, going to Constantinople, Antioch and Jerusalem, confessing to each of them and asking for advice. found no peace, however. So he returned home to Alexandria and surrendered himself to the civil authorities as a murderer, was thrown into prison. his trial before the governor, Daniel told him all that had happened, and begged to be executed, so that his soul might be saved from the eternal fire. The governor was astonished by his story, and said to him, "Go your way, Father, and pray to God for me, and I wish you had killed seven more!" dissatisfied with this, Daniel resolved to take a leper into his cell and care for him until he died, and then he would find another. He did as he had resolved, and in this way brought peace to his conscience. as Abba Daniel and Abba Ammon were walking together, Abba Ammon said, "When will we sit in our own cell, Father?" Abba Daniel replied, "Who can separate us from God? God is in the cell, and God is also outside of it." became so renowned for his virtues that he was named Igoumen of Sketis and he was revered throughout Egypt as "a new Abraham, and the host of Christ." visited Saint Anastasia the Patrician (March 10) on the day of her death. She had disguised herself as a eunuch and lived in a men's monastery eighteen miles from Sketis. Daniel discovered that she was a woman when he prepared her body for burial. Daniel encountered saints who wished to remain hidden, such as the Mark the Fool of Alexandria, the nun at the Ermopoleos Monastery of Abba Jeremiah. She feigned drunkenness, earning the contempt of the other nuns. Daniel and his disciple sought shelter in the monastery, at night they saw that nun lifting her arms to Heaven, weeping copiously, and making prostrations. following night they had the Igoumeness watch with them so she could see how that despised nun spent her nights. her holy life became known, she left the monastery so that she would not be praised by the other nuns. Daniel is also mentioned in the Life of Saint Thomais, who was killed by her father-in-law because she wished to preserve her chastity (April 13 in Slavic usage, April 14 in Greek usage), in the Life of Saint Eulogios the Hospitable (April 27), the Life of Saints Andronikos and Athanasia (October 9), well as in the Life of Abba Doula.

Constantinople, 569-600, Leander oSeville, rich&royal, Byzantine Visigoth, yBishop, Visigoth Spain tOrthodoxy, great story
Spain and Portugal, 569-600, Leander oSeville, Spain (Guadalquivir River 2) rich&royal, Byzantine Visigoth, young Bishop, founded theological school for Orthodoxy&Science, barbaric kingdom, orthodox persecuton, Orthodox cousin Hermenegild king Levegild's son strangled by him 586, L tConstantinople&befriends gregory diaglos, Lev converts w ill, begs Lea bring new king Rekared to faith, inspired writings, Lea's bro suceeds him as bishop, Lea's sister founder 40 monasteries, Igumenes; Seville; Saint Leander of Seville, Commemorated on February 27; Leander, the Bishop of Seville, teacher of the Church, and enlightener of Spain, lived in the VI century, was the scion of an aristocratic family. father Severian was a duke and belonged to an illustrious Byzantine clan, his mother was the eldest daughter of the Visigoth King Levigid, who reigned in Seville, the capital of the Visigoth Kingdom. a young age he entered a monastery, and was distinguished for his education and virtues. Therefore, the Church made him a Bishop in the year 579. founded a theological school with the aim of spreading Orthodoxy, also for cultivating the sciences and the arts in general, for the people of that barbaric kingdom. two royal children Hermenegὶld and Rekared, his nephews on his mother's side, were among the disciples of Saint Leander. was raised in the wellsprings of Orthodoxy. His faith in the Church was strengthened, thanks to his pious wife Ingard, the daughter of Sigebert, the King of the Franks. his father transferred his capital to Toledo, he chose Seville as his home when a persecution of the Orthodox broke out. heretic Levegild came into conflict with the Orthodox son of Hermenegild. was the intensification of the persecution and the fury of the heretics, as it has been written, that it did not leave anyone free anywhere. men, and the land itself, lost their former fertility. heretical king besieged Seville and threw his son into a dark prison, where he strangled him on the Feast of Pascha in 586. this time, shortly before he was exiled along with other confessors of Orthodoxy, Saint Leander fled to Constantinople seeking the Emperor's help. was there that he met Saint Gregory Dialogus (March 12) and was united to him by strong ties of friendship. the persecution of the Orthodox reached its peak, King Levegild, afflicted with a fatal illness, changed his attitude, inviting Saint Leander to his deathbed and after he repented, he begged him to bring his successor Rekarὲd to the true Orthodox Faith. new king, who heeded his former teacher, was converted and immediately undertook to convene the Third Council of Toledo, where he read to everyone the confessions of faith and the decisions of the Ecumenical Synod of Nicaea, and announced that the united peoples of the Goths and Suevians were returning to the unity of the Church. Leander, who presided at the Council of Toledo, then decided to devote the remainder of his life to instructing his flock, first by his own example, and also through his inspired writings. also prepared his brother, Saint Isidore, to succeed him as Bishop of Seville, and the Church of Spain. even helped his sister, Saint Florentia, to become the founder and Igoumeness of forty monasteries and thousands of nuns, composing for them a monastic Typikon which was called "The Canons of Saint Leander." also organized the Divine Services of the Church of Spain, which were called "Mozarabic." Holy Bishop of Seville, after enduring many adversities and trials, surrendered his holy soul to the Lord on February 27, 600 (or 601). His scroll reads: "The Orthodox Faith defined by the Council of Nicea is the weapon of the Church against the thorns of heresy."

Byzantium, 574-582, Emperor, Tiberius II Constantine, adopted son, before breakdown,
Byzantine Emperor, 574-582, Tiberius II Constantine ; II Constantine (520 – 14 August 582) was Eastern Roman emperor from 574 to 582. rose to power in 574 when Justin II, prior to a mental breakdown, proclaimed Tiberius Caesar and adopted him as his own son. In 578, Justin II, before he died, gave him the title of Augustus, under which title he reigned until his death on 14 August 582. Venerable Hesychius of Mt. Horeb, Commemorated on October 3 ; Restoration of the Temple of the 40 Martyrs, Commemorated on August 9; Venerable Pimen of Palestine, Commemorated August 27 ; St Dometian the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on January 10; St Isaac the Syrian the Bishop of Nineveh, Commemorated on January 28; Venerable Barsanuphius the Great, Commemorated on February 6 ; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 13; Venerable Dositheus of Palestine, the Disciple of the Venerable Abba Dorotheus, Commemorated on February 19; 440 Martyrs slain by the Lombards in Sicily, Commemorated on March 2; St James the Faster of Phoenicia, Syria, Commemorated on March 4; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; St Isidore the Bishop of Seville, Commemorated on April 4 ; St Eutychius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 6 ; St Theodore the Sykeote the Bishop of Anastasiopolis, Commemorated on April 22; Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger of Wonderful Mountain, Commemorated on May 24;

Constantinople, 579, 440 Martyrs slain by the Lombards in Sicily, Southern Italy, including Sanctulus and Hospicius
Sicily, 579, 440 Martyrs slain by the Lombards in Sicily, Southern Italy, including Sanctulus and Hospicius; Sicily; 440 Martyrs slain by the Lombards in Sicily, Commemorated on March 2; Martyrs Slain by the Lombards in Sicily refused to participate in idol worship and were massacred by the Lombards (a Germanic tribe) in the year 579. those who perished, the names of the presbyter Sanctulus and the hermit Hospicius have been preserved. Gregory Dialogus (March 12) has written of them.

Constantinople, 579-608, Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria and Antioch
Byzantine Patriarch, 580-608, Eulogius of Alexandria; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 13;

Constantinople, 579-608, St Eulogius of Alexandria, Egypt, anti - Monophysitism Novatian Nestorian Eutyches, voice of truth
Egypt, 579-608, St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, enlightened, first at Antioch, 579 at A, Orthodox two natures theology, anti Monophysitism, friend of Pope Gregory the Great, anti Novatian, vindicated hypostatic union, anti Nestorian and Eutyches, voice of truth; of Alexandria was Greek Patriarch of that see from about 580 to 608. He is regarded as a saint, with a feast day of September 13. was first igumen of the monastery of the Mother of God in Antioch.[1] He was a successful combatant of various phases of Monophysitism.[2] He was a warm friend of Pope Gregory the Great, who corresponded with him, and received from that pope many flattering expressions of esteem and admiration.[3][4] refuted the Novatians, some communities of which ancient sect still existed in his diocese, and vindicated the hypostatic union of the two natures in Christ, against both Nestorius and Eutyches. Cardinal Baronius says that Gregory wished Eulogius to survive him, recognizing in him the voice of truth.[2] has been said that he restored for a brief period to the Church of Alexandria life and youthful vigour.[3] the above works and a commentary against various sects of Monophysites (Severans, Theodosians, Cainites and Acephali) he left eleven discourses in defence of Pope Leo I and the Council of Chalcedon, also a work against the Agnoetae, submitted by him before publication to Pope Gregory I, who after some observations authorized it unchanged. With exception of one sermon and a few fragments, all the writings of Eulogius have perished.[3] Alexandria; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated February 13 ; Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria, was one of the enlightened hierarchs of the sixth century. At first he was igumen of the monastery of the Mother of God in Antioch, and then in 579 he was chosen as Patriarch of Alexandria, where he served for twenty-seven years. his life, the saint struggled vigorously against heresies. He was also a friend of Saint Gregory Dialogus (March 12), and some of their correspondence has been preserved. Eulogius died in 607 or 608. Saint Photius quotes from his writings, which reveal an Orthodox theology of the two natures of our Lord Jesus Christ. Only one of his sermons, for Palm Sunday, has survived in complete form.

Byzantium, 582-602, Emperor, Mauricius, Orthodox, successful, Persia, Lombards, Danube
Byzantine Emperor 582-602, Mauricius ; Venerable Pimen of Palestine, Commemorated August 27 ; St John the Faster the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 2; JOHN MOTT, EVANGELIST AND ECUMENICAL PIONEER, 3 October 1955; St Eustolia of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9; Venerable George the Chozebite, Abbot, Commemorated on January 8; St Dometian the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on January 10; St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on January 21 ; Venerable Barsanuphius the Great, Commemorated on February 6 ; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 13; Venerable Dositheus of Palestine, the Disciple of the Venerable Abba Dorotheus, Commemorated on February 19; St Stephen of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 27 ; St James the Faster of Phoenicia, Syria, Commemorated on March 4; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of "œthe Ladder"Â, Commemorated on March 30; St Isidore the Bishop of Seville, Commemorated on April 4 ; St Theodore the Sykeote the Bishop of Anastasiopolis, Commemorated on April 22; Venerable Vitalius of Gaza, Commemorated on April 22 ; St Pausicacus the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 13 ; Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger of Wonderful Mountain, Commemorated on May 24; COLUMBA, ABBOT OF IONA AND MISSIONARY (9 JUNE 597);

Byzantium, 582-602, Emperor, Maurice, Orthodox, successful, with Chores II, Killed by Phocus
Byzantine Emperor 582-602, Mauricius ; Venerable Pimen of Palestine, Commemorated August 27 ; St John the Faster the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 2; JOHN MOTT, EVANGELIST AND ECUMENICAL PIONEER, 3 October 1955; St Eustolia of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9; Venerable George the Chozebite, Abbot, Commemorated on January 8; St Dometian the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on January 10; St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on January 21 ; Venerable Barsanuphius the Great, Commemorated on February 6 ; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 13; Venerable Dositheus of Palestine, the Disciple of the Venerable Abba Dorotheus, Commemorated on February 19; St Stephen of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 27 ; St James the Faster of Phoenicia, Syria, Commemorated on March 4; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of œthe LadderÂ, Commemorated on March 30; St Isidore the Bishop of Seville, Commemorated on April 4 ; St Theodore the Sykeote the Bishop of Anastasiopolis, Commemorated on April 22; Venerable Vitalius of Gaza, Commemorated on April 22 ; St Pausicacus the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 13 ; Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger of Wonderful Mountain, Commemorated on May 24; COLUMBA, ABBOT OF IONA AND MISSIONARY (9 JUNE 597);

Constantinople, 582-595, John IV the Faster, Patriarch, by example he taught restraint of desires, and self control
Constantinople Patriarch, 582-595, John IV the Faster ; St John the Faster the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 2; Holy Father John was born in Constantinople, the Queen of Cities. At first he worked as a goldsmith, and everyone expected him to continue in that occupation. From his youth, however, he was inclined toward the monastic life. He also possessed a rare gift for continence and a natural love for fasting, and thus he was known as “the Faster.” of his reputation for virtue, he was ordained as a deacon by Patriarch John III, and later he received the grace of the priesthood. Saint John was found worthy to behold a vision which showed that he would become be a worthy recipient of God’s grace, for the spiritual enlightenment of his flock. He read the Holy Scriptures and other ecclesiastical books every day, thereby enriching his knowledge. when he was a young man, John was walking with Eusebius, an old monk from Palestine. Suddenly, a bodiless voice spoke to Eusebius: “Abba, do not walk to the right of the great John.” It was the voice of God, foretelling the great service to which John would shortly be called. the death of Patriarch Eutychius, Saint John was chosen to succeed him. He did not want to accept the office, but he was frightened by a heavenly vision, and so he consented. the example of his own life he taught all believers to restrain their capricious desires and to control themselves. The hierarch was unable to abide his flock’s blatant disregard for the institutions of the Church. the citizens of Constantinople decided to give in to their passions by attending a horse show in the Hippodrome on eve of the Feast of Pentecost, the hierarch fell on his knees before God and fervently prayed that the Lord would thwart their impious intention. As soon as the people began to make their way to the Hippodrome, a terrible storm arose with thunder, rain and hailstones so that everyone dispersed in fear and came to realize the inappropriateness of such entertainment. John was Patriarch of Constantinople from 582 - 595, and was the first to use the title “Ecumenical Patriarch.” was a great faster, intercessor and wonderworker right up to the time of his death. Distinguished for his abstinence and prayer, Saint John had such a love for the poor that he refused them nothing from his estate. After his death, his only personal possessions were found to be a wooden spoon, a linen shirt and an old garment. His writings on repentance and Confession are well known. a virtuous life of piety, during which he performed many miracles, Saint John reposed on September 2, 595. His grace-filled relics were entombed in the Church of the Holy Apostles. Saint John is also commemorated on August 30. Saint John, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 30; John IV the Faster, Patriarch of Constantinople (582-595), is famed in the Orthodox Church as the compiler of a penitential Nomokanon (i.e. rule for penances), which has come down to us in several distinct versions, but their foundation is one and the same. These are instructions for priests on how to hear the confession of secret sins, whether these sins have been committed, or are merely sins of intention. Church rules address the manner and duration of public penances which were established for obvious and manifest sinners. But it was necessary to adapt these rules for the secret confession of things which were not evident. Saint John the Faster issued his penitential Nomokanon (or “Canonaria”), so that the confession of secret sins, unknown to the world, bore witness to the good disposition of the sinner and of his conscience in being reconciled to God, and so the saint reduced the penances of the ancient Fathers by half or more. the other hand, he set more exactly the character of the penances: severe fasting, daily performance of a set number of prostrations to the ground, the distribution of alms, etc. The length of penance is determined by the priest. The main purpose of the Nomocanon compiled by the holy Patriarch consists in assigning penances, not simply according to the seriousness of the sins, but according to the degree of repentance and the spiritual state of the person who confesses. the Greeks, and later in the Russian Church, the rules of Saint John the Faster are honored on a level “with other saintly rules,” and the Nomocanons of his book are accounted “applicable for all the Orthodox Church.” Saint Νikόdēmos of the Holy Mountain (July 14) included him in the Manual for Confession (Exomologitarion), first published in 1794, and in the Rudder (Pedalion), published in 1800. first Slavonic translation was done quite possibly by Saint Methodius, Equal of the Apostles, at the same time as he produced the Nomocanon in 50 Titles of the holy Patriarch John Scholastikos, whose successor on the throne of Constantinople was Saint John the Faster. This ancient translation was preserved in Rus in the “Ustiug Rudder” of the thirteenth century, which was published in 1902. the sixteenth century in the Russian Church the Nomocanon of Saint John the Faster was circulated in another redaction, compiled by the monks and clergy of Mount Athos. In this form it was repeatedly published at the Kiev Caves Lavra (in 1620, 1624, and 1629). Moscow, the Penitential Nomokanon was published in the form of a supplement to the Trebnik (Book of Needs): under Patriarch Joasaph in 1639, under Patriarch Joseph in 1651, and under Patriarch Nikon in 1658. The last edition since that time is that printed in the Great Book of Needs. A scholarly edition of the Nomocanon with parallel Greek and Slavonic texts and with detailed historical and canonical commentary was published by A. S. Pavlov (Moscow, 1897). John is also commemorated on September 2.

Constantinople, 582-614, Steven oConstantinople, wealthy courtier, left & founded hospice for elderly, devoted to strangers
Constantinople, 582-614, Steven oConstantinople (Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn), a courtier for Emperor Mauricius, left him, founded hospice for the elderly, Armatia, devoted totally to taking in strangers, died peacefully 614; Constantinople; St Stephen of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 27 ; Stephen, formerly a courtier under the emperor Mauricius (582-602), his service, founded a hospice for the elderly at Armatia [Constantinople], devoted himself totally to taking in strangers. died peacefully in 614.

Constantinople, 582-625. Sopatra, Emperor Maurice's Daigjter, Orthodox, Monastic, built Monastery iPalace building, strict rule
Constantinople, 582-625. Sopatra, Emperor Maurice's Daigjter, Orthodox, Monastic, built Monastery in Palace building, with strict rule; Byzantine Emperor 582-602, Mauricius ; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9; Sopatra of Constantinople was the daughter of the emperor Mauricius (582-602). was inclined towards monasticism, and met Saint Eustolia in the church of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae. speaking with the saint, Sopatra finally decided to leave the world and submit her will to her guide, Saint Eustolia. transformed the palace building, which her father had given her, into a monastery known for its strict monastic Rule. Sopatra died in the year 625.

Constantinople, 582-595, John IV the Faster, his rule oPenances for priests, how to hear confession oSecret Sins
Constantinople, 582-595, John IV the Faster, author rule oPenances for priests, how to hear confession oSecret Sins, reduced penances by half, clarified the character of the penances, severe fasting, daily prostrations, distribution of alms, etc, according degree of repentence &spiritual state, rules honored throughout Church, Kikodemos of Athos, Methodius' Slavs, John Scholastikos oConstantinople, Kiev Caves, Moscow Book of Needs 1639-58, Scholarly edition Moscow 1897 ; Constantinople Patriarch, 582-595, John IV the Faster ; Saint John, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 30; John IV the Faster, Patriarch of Constantinople (582-595), is famed in the Orthodox Church as the compiler of a penitential Nomokanon (i.e. rule for penances), which has come down to us in several distinct versions, but their foundation is one and the same. are instructions for priests on how to hear the confession of secret sins, whether these sins have been committed, or are merely sins of intention. Church rules address the manner and duration of public penances which were established for obvious and manifest sinners. it was necessary to adapt these rules for the secret confession of things which were not evident. John the Faster issued his penitential Nomokanon (or “Canonaria”), that the confession of secret sins, unknown to the world, bore witness to the good disposition of the sinner of his conscience in being reconciled to God, so the saint reduced the penances of the ancient Fathers by half or more. the other hand, he set more exactly the character of the penances: severe fasting, daily performance of a set number of prostrations to the ground, the distribution of alms, etc. length of penance is determined by the priest. main purpose of the Nomocanon compiled by the holy Patriarch consists in assigning penances, simply according to the seriousness of the sins, according to the degree of repentance the spiritual state of the person who confesses. the Greeks, and later in the Russian Church, the rules of Saint John the Faster are honored on a level “with other saintly rules,” the Nomocanons of his book are accounted “applicable for all the Orthodox Church.” Νikόdēmos of the Holy Mountain (July 14) included him in the Manual for Confession (Exomologitarion), first published in 1794, and in the Rudder (Pedalion), published in 1800. first Slavonic translation was done quite possibly by Saint Methodius, Equal of the Apostles, the same time as he produced the Nomocanon in 50 Titles of the holy Patriarch John Scholastikos, whose successor on the throne of Constantinople was Saint John the Faster. ancient translation was preserved in Rus in the “Ustiug Rudder” of the thirteenth century, which was published in 1902. the sixteenth century in the Russian Church the Nomocanon of Saint John the Faster was circulated in another redaction, compiled by the monks and clergy of Mount Athos. this form it was repeatedly published at the Kiev Caves Lavra (in 1620, 1624, and 1629). Moscow, the Penitential Nomokanon was published in the form of a supplement to the Trebnik (Book of Needs): Patriarch Joasaph in 1639, under Patriarch Joseph in 1651, and under Patriarch Nikon in 1658. last edition since that time is that printed in the Great Book of Needs. scholarly edition of the Nomocanon with parallel Greek and Slavonic texts and with detailed historical and canonical commentary was published by A. S. Pavlov (Moscow, 1897). John is also commemorated on September 2. St John the Faster the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 2; Holy Father John was born in Constantinople, the Queen of Cities. At first he worked as a goldsmith, and everyone expected him to continue in that occupation. From his youth, however, he was inclined toward the monastic life. He also possessed a rare gift for continence and a natural love for fasting, and thus he was known as “the Faster.” of his reputation for virtue, he was ordained as a deacon by Patriarch John III, and later he received the grace of the priesthood. Saint John was found worthy to behold a vision which showed that he would become be a worthy recipient of God’s grace, for the spiritual enlightenment of his flock. He read the Holy Scriptures and other ecclesiastical books every day, thereby enriching his knowledge. when he was a young man, John was walking with Eusebius, an old monk from Palestine. Suddenly, a bodiless voice spoke to Eusebius: “Abba, do not walk to the right of the great John.” It was the voice of God, foretelling the great service to which John would shortly be called. the death of Patriarch Eutychius, Saint John was chosen to succeed him. He did not want to accept the office, but he was frightened by a heavenly vision, and so he consented. the example of his own life he taught all believers to restrain their capricious desires and to control themselves. The hierarch was unable to abide his flock’s blatant disregard for the institutions of the Church. the citizens of Constantinople decided to give in to their passions by attending a horse show in the Hippodrome on eve of the Feast of Pentecost, the hierarch fell on his knees before God and fervently prayed that the Lord would thwart their impious intention. As soon as the people began to make their way to the Hippodrome, a terrible storm arose with thunder, rain and hailstones so that everyone dispersed in fear and came to realize the inappropriateness of such entertainment. John was Patriarch of Constantinople from 582 - 595, and was the first to use the title “Ecumenical Patriarch.” was a great faster, intercessor and wonderworker right up to the time of his death. Distinguished for his abstinence and prayer, Saint John had such a love for the poor that he refused them nothing from his estate. After his death, his only personal possessions were found to be a wooden spoon, a linen shirt and an old garment. His writings on repentance and Confession are well known. a virtuous life of piety, during which he performed many miracles, Saint John reposed on September 2, 595. His grace-filled relics were entombed in the Church of the Holy Apostles. Saint John is also commemorated on August 30.

Constantinople, 590-604, Gregory the Great, declared oecumenical (exclusive) popes the Antichrist
Roman Pope, 590-604, Gregory I, Gregory Dialogus, Byzantine Saint; Byzantine Saint, 560-604, Gregory Dialogus, Pope of Rome; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 13; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP AND MISSIONARY (26 MAY 605);

Constantinople, 590-604, Gregory I, Roman Pope, Gregory Dialogus, the Great, monolingual during his time
Roman Pope, 590-604, Gregory I, Gregory Dialogus, Byzantine Saint; Byzantine Saint, 560-604, Gregory Dialogus, Pope of Rome; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 13; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP AND MISSIONARY (26 MAY 605);

Constantinople, 595-605, Dorotheus, visited by Theotokos while looking at Dread Last Judgement picture, 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.

Constantinople, 595-606, Cyriacus II, Patriarch, used term oecumenical bishop, meaning exclusive
Constantinople Patriarch, 595-606, Cyriacus II of Constantinople; (? – 29 October 606) was the thirtieth Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (595–606). He was previously presbyter and steward, oikonomos, of the great church at Constantinople (Chronicon Paschale, p. 378). Gregory the Great received the legates bearing the synodal letters which announced his consecration, partly from a desire not to disturb the peace of the church, and partly from the personal respect which he entertained for Cyriac; but in his reply he warned him against the sin of causing divisions in the church, clearly alluding to the use of the term oecumenical bishop, which Gregory interpreted as meaning "universal" or even "exclusive" bishop (Gregory, Ep. lib. vii. 4, Patrologia Latina lxxvii. 853). The personal feelings of Gregory towards Cyriac appear most friendly. did not attend to Gregory's entreaties that he abstain from using the title, for Gregory wrote afterwards both to him and to the emperor Maurice, declaring that he could not allow his legates to remain in communion with Cyriac as long as he retained it. In the latter of these letters he compares the assumption of the title to the sin of Antichrist, since both exhibit a spirit of lawless pride. "Quisquis se universalem sacerdotem vocat, vel vocari desiderat, in elatione sua Antichristum praecurrit" (whosoever calls himself universal priest, or desires to be called so, is the forerunner of the Antichrist) (Gregory Ep. 28, 30). In a letter to Anastasius I of Antioch, who had written to him to remonstrate against disturbing the peace of the church, Gregory defends his conduct on the ground of the injury which Cyriac had done to all other patriarchs by the assumption of the title, and reminds Anastasius that not only heretics but heresiarchs had before this been patriarchs of Constantinople. He also deprecates the use of the term on more general grounds (Ep. 24). In spite of all this Cyriacus was firm in his retention of the title, and appears to have summoned, or to have meditated summoning, a council to authorize its use. For in 599 Gregory wrote to Eusebius of Thessalonica and some other bishops, stating that he had heard they were about to be summoned to a council at Constantinople, and most urgently entreating them to yield neither to force nor to persuasion, but to be steadfast in their refusal to recognize the offensive title (ib. lib. ix. 68 in Patr. Lat.). appears to have shared in that unpopularity of the emperor Maurice which caused his deposition and death (Theophanes Chronicle, A.M. 6094; Niceph. Callis. H. E. xviii. 40; Theophylact. Hist. viii. 9). still, however, had influence enough to exact from Phocas at his coronation a confession of the orthodox faith and a pledge not to disturb the church (Theophanes Chronicle, A.M. 6094). also nobly resisted the attempt of Phocas to drag the empress Constantina and her daughters from their sanctuary in a church of Constantinople (ibid., A.M. 6098). some resentment at this opposition to his will may have induced Phocas to accede more readily to the claims of Pope Boniface III that Rome should be considered to be the head of all the church, in exclusion of the claims of Constantinople to the oecumenical bishopric (Vita Bonifacii III, in Labbe, Acta Concil. t. v. 1615). died in 606, and was interred in the church of the Holy Apostles (Chronicon Paschale, p. 381). He appears to have been a man of remarkable piety and earnestness, able to win the esteem of all parties. He built a church dedicated to the theotokos in a street of Constantinople called Diaconissa (Theophanes Chronicle, A.M. 6090; Niceph. Callis. H. E. xviii. 42). St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; St Pausicacus the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 13 ;

Constantinople, 599, Miraculous Transfer Bartholomew's Relics Trebizond, Armenia, Black Sea to Lipari Island, Sicily
Lipari, Italy ; Return of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from Anastasiopolis to Lipari, Commemorated August 25 : By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon. ; Apostle Bartholomew of the Twelve, Commemorated on June 11;

Constantinople, 600, 7th Century-1453, Folder, Byzantine Period after Islam, Iconoclasts

Constantinople, 600-699, Folder, 7th Century, Monotheites

Constantinople, 601-649, Saint John of the Ladder, John Climacus, Sinai, Egypt
Egypt, 600-649, Saint John of the Ladder, John Climacus; Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of "œthe Ladder"Â; Commemorated on March 30;

Constantinople, 601-650, George tChozebite, Abbot, fCyprus, fasting, vigil, physical efforts example, angel oEarth, 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.

Constantinople, 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.

Constantinople, 601-662, Saint Maximus the Confessor, against Monotheism, tounge and right hand mutilated
Byzantium, 600-662, Saint Maximus the Confessor; the Confessor (Greek: ÎœÎ¬Î¾Î¹Î¼Î¿Ï‚ á½ á½‰Î¼Î¿Î»Î¿Î³Î·Ï„Î®Ï‚), also known as Maximus the Theologian and Maximus of Constantinople (c. 580 – 13 August 662), was a Christian monk, theologian, and scholar. his early life, Maximus was a civil servant, and an aide to the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius. He gave up this life in the political sphere to enter the monastic life. had studied diverse schools of philosophy, and certainly what was common for his time, the Platonic dialogues, the works of Aristotle, and numerous later Platonic commentators on Aristotle and Plato, like Plotinus, Porphyry, Iamblichus, and Proclus. When one of his friends began espousing the Christological position known as Monothelitism, Maximus was drawn into the controversy, in which he supported an interpretation of the Chalcedonian formula on the basis of which it was asserted that Jesus had both a human and a divine will. Maximus is venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches. He was eventually persecuted for his Christological positions; following a trial, his tongue and right hand were mutilated. was then exiled and died on 13 August 662, in Tsageri in present-day Georgia. However, his theology was upheld by the Third Council of Constantinople and he was venerated as a saint soon after his death. It is highly uncommon among the saints that he has two feast days: 13 August and 21 January. His title of "Confessor" means that he suffered for the Christian faith, but was not directly martyred. St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on January 21 ;

Constantinople, 601-662, Maximus tConfessor, most effective against Monothelite heresy, divine light candels over grave
Bithynia, 601-662, Maximus tConfessor, excellent ed, Heraclius first secretary but he Monothelite, resigned, went west because M rapid spread in East, fConstantinople tChrysopolis, Bithynia, simple monk Igumen, 638 edict Exposition oFaith, everyone must accept One will in two natures, Max successfully defended Orthodoxy tPeople, invisible attraction tHim, refuge in West, where Monothelitism rejected, Africa visit, 4th EC had condemned Monophysite's only one nature (divine), MThelite only one divine will &Energy, another path tMPhysite heresy, Armenia, Syria, Egypt heretics in East, fanned by Nationalism, unity threat, MTheites controlled Eastern Patriarchal thrones, Sergius iConstantinople, Athanasius iAntioch, Cyrus iAlexandria, Max tCrete tPreach, clashed w Nestorian & Severus Bishop, tAlexandria 6yrs, till 641 new Monothelite Emperor and Patriarch, intensified assaults tOrthodox, tCarthage preach 5yrs, Constantinople Patriarch Pyrrhus excaped there, debated Max, became Orthodox, wrote book, traveled Rome wMax, Pope Theodore received them, 647 Max returned Carthage, there Council condemned MTheletism as heracy, 648 new edict rrom Constans & Partiarch Paul, Pattern otFaith, forbid will debates, Max asked new Pope convene Latern Council, 649 150 Western & 37 Eastern reps, L council condemned Mthelitsm & Typos (faith pattern), false teachings anathematized, So Constans II arested Max and new Pope Mrtin, 654 Prison, 656 sent tTrace, later back to C Prison, Max & disciples tounge cut out Right hand cut off, exiled tSkemarum, Scythia, time of death revealed 662, 3 miracle candels burned over grave, many healings there; Chrysopolis; Chrysopolis Monastery Chrysopolis in Macedonia? Venerable Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on January 21 Maximus the Confessor was born in Constantinople around 580 raised in a pious Christian family. received an excellent education, studying philosophy, grammar, and rhetoric. was well-read in the authors of antiquity he also mastered philosophy and theology. Saint Maximus entered into government service, he became first secretary (asekretis) and chief counselor to the emperor Heraclius (611-641), was impressed by his knowledge and virtuous life. Maximus soon realized that the emperor and many others had been corrupted by the Monothelite heresy, was spreading rapidly through the East. resigned from his duties at court, went to the Chrysopolis monastery (at Skutari on the opposite shore of the Bosphorus), he received monastic tonsure. of his humility and wisdom, he soon won the love of the brethren and was chosen igumen of the monastery after a few years. in this position, he remained a simple monk. 638, the emperor Heraclius and Patriarch Sergius tried to minimize the importance of differences in belief, they issued an edict, the “Ekthesis” (“Ekthesis tes pisteos” or “Exposition of Faith),” decreed that everyone must accept the teaching of one will in the two natures of the Savior. defending Orthodoxy against the “Ekthesis,” Saint Maximus spoke to people in various occupations and positions, and these conversations were successful. only the clergy and the bishops, but also the people and the secular officials felt some sort of invisible attraction to him, as we read in his Life. Saint Maximus saw what turmoil this heresy caused in Constantinople and in the East, decided to leave his monastery and seek refuge in the West, Monothelitism had been completely rejected. the way, he visited the bishops of Africa, strengthening them in Orthodoxy, encouraging them not to be deceived by the cunning arguments of the heretics. Fourth Ecumenical Council had condemned the Monophysite heresy, which falsely taught that in the Lord Jesus Christ there was only one nature (the divine). by this erroneous opinion, Monothelite heretics said that in Christ there was only one divine will (“thelema”) only one divine energy (“energia”). of Monothelitism sought to return by another path to the repudiated Monophysite heresy. found numerous adherents in Armenia, Syria, Egypt. heresy, fanned also by nationalistic animosities, became a serious threat to Church unity in the East. struggle of Orthodoxy with heresy was particularly difficult in the year 630, three of the patriarchal thrones in the Orthodox East were occupied by Monothelites: by Sergius, by Athanasius, Alexandria by Cyrus. Maximus traveled from Alexandria to Crete, where he began his preaching activity. clashed there with a bishop, who adhered to the heretical opinions of Severus and Nestorius. saint spent six years in Alexandria and the surrounding area. Sergius died at the end of 638, the emperor Heraclius also died in 641. imperial throne was eventually occupied by his grandson Constans II (642-668), an open adherent of the Monothelite heresy. assaults of the heretics against Orthodoxy intensified. Maximus went to Carthage and he preached there for about five years. the Monothelite Pyrrhus, the successor of Patriarch Sergius, arrived there after fleeing from Constantinople because of court intrigues, and Saint Maximus spent many hours in debate. a result, Pyrrhus publicly acknowledged his error, and was permitted to retain the title of “Patriarch.” He even wrote a book confessing the Orthodox Faith. Maximus and Pyrrhus traveled to Rome to visit Pope Theodore, received Pyrrhus as the Patriarch of Constantinople. the year 647 Saint Maximus returned to Africa. at a council of bishops Monotheletism was condemned as a heresy. 648, a new edict was issued, commissioned by Constans and compiled by Patriarch Paul of Constantinople: “Typos” (“Typos tes pisteos” or “Pattern of the Faith”), forbade any further disputes about one will or two wills in the Lord Jesus Christ. Maximus then asked Saint Martin the Confessor (April 14), the successor of Pope Theodore, to examine the question of Monothelitism at a Church Council. Lateran Council was convened in October of 649. hundred and fifty Western bishops and thirty-seven representatives from the Orthodox East were present, among them Saint Maximus the Confessor. Council condemned Monothelitism, and the Typos. false teachings of Patriarchs Sergius, Paul and Pyrrhus of Constantinople, were also anathematized. Constans II received the decisions of the Council, he gave orders to arrest both Pope Martin and Saint Maximus. emperor’s order was fulfilled only in the year 654. Maximus was accused of treason and locked up in prison. 656 he was sent to Thrace, and was later brought back to a Constantinople prison. saint and two of his disciples were subjected to the cruelest torments. Each one’s tongue was cut out, and his right hand was cut off. they were exiled to Skemarum in Scythia, enduring many sufferings and difficulties on the journey. three years, the Lord revaled to Saint Maximus the time of his death (August 13, 662). candles appeared over the grave of Saint Maximus and burned miraculously. was a sign that Saint Maximus was a beacon of Orthodoxy during his lifetime, and continues to shine forth as an example of virtue for all. Many healings occurred at his tomb. the Greek Prologue, August 13 commemorates the Transfer of the Relics of Saint Maximus to Constantinople, but it could also be the date of the saint’s death. may be that his memory is celebrated on January 21 because August 13 is the Leavetaking of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Saint Maximus has left to the Church a great theological legacy. His exegetical works contain explanations of difficult passages of Holy Scripture, and include a Commentary on the Lord’s Prayer and on Psalm 59, various “scholia” or “marginalia” (commentaries written in the margin of manuscripts), on treatises of the Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite (October 3) and Saint Gregory the Theologian (January 25). Among the exegetical works of Saint Maximus are his explanation of divine services, entitled “Mystagogia” (“Introduction Concerning the Mystery”). The dogmatic works of Saint Maximus include the Exposition of his dispute with Pyrrhus, and several tracts and letters to various people. In them are contained explanations of the Orthodox teaching on the Divine Essence and the Persons of the Holy Trinity, on the Incarnation of the Word of God, and on “theosis” (“deification”) of human nature. “Nothing in theosis is the product of human nature,” Saint Maximus writes in a letter to his friend Thalassius, “for nature cannot comprehend God. It is only the mercy of God that has the capacity to endow theosis unto the existing... In theosis man (the image of God) becomes likened to God, he rejoices in all the plenitude that does not belong to him by nature, because the grace of the Spirit triumphs within him, and because God acts in him” (Letter 22). Saint Maximus also wrote anthropological works (i.e. concerning man). He deliberates on the nature of the soul and its conscious existence after death. Among his moral compositions, especially important is his “Chapters on Love.” Saint Maximus the Confessor also wrote three hymns in the finest traditions of church hymnography, following the example of Saint Gregory the Theologian. The theology of Saint Maximus the Confessor, based on the spiritual experience of the knowledge of the great Desert Fathers, and utilizing the skilled art of dialectics worked out by pre-Christian philosophy, was continued and developed in the works of Saint Simeon the New Theologian (March 12), and Saint Gregory Palamas (November 14).

Constantinople, 601-662, Anastasius, Maximus' Disciple, wrote his story, Right Hands &Tongues cut out and exiled to Schemarum Fortress
Georgia, 601-662, Anastasius, Maximus' Disciple, wrote his story, Right Hands &Tongues cut out and exiled to Schemarum Fortress, Tsageri, Georgia (Rioni River 2); Schemarum Fortress, Tsageri (in lower Svaneti); Tsageri (in lower Svaneti); St. Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on January 21; Maximus the Confessor was born in Constantinople around 580 raised in a pious Christian family. received an excellent education, studying philosophy, grammar, and rhetoric. was well-read in the authors of antiquity he also mastered philosophy and theology. Saint Maximus entered into government service, he became first secretary (asekretis) and chief counselor to the emperor Heraclius (611-641), was impressed by his knowledge and virtuous life. Maximus soon realized that the emperor and many others had been corrupted by the Monothelite heresy, was spreading rapidly through the East. resigned from his duties at court, and went to the Chrysopolis monastery (at Skutari on the opposite shore of the Bosphorus), he received monastic tonsure. of his humility and wisdom, he soon won the love of the brethren and was chosen igumen of the monastery after a few years. in this position, he remained a simple monk. 638, the emperor Heraclius and Patriarch Sergius tried to minimize the importance of differences in belief, they issued an edict, the “Ekthesis” (“Ekthesis tes pisteos” or “Exposition of Faith),” decreed that everyone must accept the teaching of one will in the two natures of the Savior. defending Orthodoxy against the “Ekthesis,” Saint Maximus spoke to people in various occupations and positions, and these conversations were successful. only the clergy and the bishops, but also the people and the secular officials felt some sort of invisible attraction to him, as we read in his Life. Saint Maximus saw what turmoil this heresy caused in Constantinople and in the East, decided to leave his monastery and seek refuge in the West, where Monothelitism had been completely rejected. the way, he visited the bishops of Africa, strengthening them in Orthodoxy, and encouraging them not to be deceived by the cunning arguments of the heretics. Fourth Ecumenical Council had condemned the Monophysite heresy, falsely taught that in the Lord Jesus Christ there was only one nature (the divine). by this erroneous opinion, the Monothelite heretics said that in Christ there was only one divine will (“thelema”) and only one divine energy (“energia”). of Monothelitism sought to return by another path to the repudiated Monophysite heresy. found numerous adherents in Armenia, Syria, Egypt. heresy, fanned also by nationalistic animosities, became a serious threat to Church unity in the East. struggle of Orthodoxy with heresy was particularly difficult because in the year 630, three of the patriarchal thrones in the Orthodox East were occupied by Monothelites: by Sergius, Antioch by Athanasius, and Alexandria by Cyrus. Maximus traveled from Alexandria to Crete, where he began his preaching activity. clashed there with a bishop, who adhered to the heretical opinions of Severus and Nestorius. saint spent six years in Alexandria and the surrounding area. Sergius died at the end of 638, and the emperor Heraclius also died in 641. imperial throne was eventually occupied by his grandson Constans II (642-668), an open adherent of the Monothelite heresy. assaults of the heretics against Orthodoxy intensified. Maximus went to Carthage and he preached there for about five years. the Monothelite Pyrrhus, the successor of Patriarch Sergius, arrived there after fleeing from Constantinople because of court intrigues, he and Saint Maximus spent many hours in debate. a result, Pyrrhus publicly acknowledged his error, and was permitted to retain the title of “Patriarch.” even wrote a book confessing the Orthodox Faith. Maximus and Pyrrhus traveled to Rome to visit Pope Theodore, received Pyrrhus as the Patriarch of Constantinople. the year 647 Saint Maximus returned to Africa. at a council of bishops Monotheletism was condemned as a heresy. 648, a new edict was issued, by Constans and compiled by Patriarch Paul of Constantinople: “Typos” (“Typos tes pisteos” or “Pattern of the Faith”), forbade any further disputes about one will or two wills in the Lord Jesus Christ. Maximus then asked Saint Martin the Confessor (April 14), the successor of Pope Theodore, to examine the question of Monothelitism at a Church Council. Lateran Council was convened in October of 649. hundred and fifty Western bishops and thirty-seven representatives from the Orthodox East were present, them Saint Maximus the Confessor. Council condemned Monothelitism, and the Typos. false teachings of Patriarchs Sergius, Paul and Pyrrhus of Constantinople, were also anathematized. Constans II received the decisions of the Council, he gave orders to arrest both Pope Martin and Saint Maximus. emperor’s order was fulfilled only in the year 654. Maximus was accused of treason and locked up in prison. 656 he was sent to Thrace, and was later brought back to a Constantinople prison. saint and two of his disciples were subjected to the cruelest torments. one’s tongue was cut out, and his right hand was cut off. they were exiled to Skemarum in Scythia, enduring many sufferings and difficulties on the journey. three years, the Lord revaled to Saint Maximus the time of his death (August 13, 662). candles appeared over the grave of Saint Maximus and burned miraculously. was a sign that Saint Maximus was a beacon of Orthodoxy during his lifetime, and continues to shine forth as an example of virtue for all. healings occurred at his tomb. the Greek Prologue, August 13 commemorates the Transfer of the Relics of Saint Maximus to Constantinople, it could also be the date of the saint’s death. may be that his memory is celebrated on January 21 because August 13 is the Leavetaking of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Maximus has left to the Church a great theological legacy. exegetical works contain explanations of difficult passages of Holy Scripture, and include a Commentary on the Lord’s Prayer and on Psalm 59, various “scholia” or “marginalia” (commentaries written in the margin of manuscripts), on treatises of the Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite (October 3) and Saint Gregory the Theologian (January 25). the exegetical works of Saint Maximus are his explanation of divine services, entitled “Mystagogia” (“Introduction Concerning the Mystery”). dogmatic works of Saint Maximus include the Exposition of his dispute with Pyrrhus, and several tracts and letters to various people. them are contained explanations of the Orthodox teaching on the Divine Essence and the Persons of the Holy Trinity, on the Incarnation of the Word of God, and on “theosis” (“deification”) of human nature. “Nothing in theosis is the product of human nature,” Saint Maximus writes in a letter to his friend Thalassius, “for nature cannot comprehend God. is only the mercy of God that has the capacity to endow theosis unto the existing... In theosis man (the image of God) becomes likened to God, he rejoices in all the plenitude that does not belong to him by nature, because the grace of the Spirit triumphs within him, and because God acts in him” (Letter 22). Maximus also wrote anthropological works (i.e. concerning man). deliberates on the nature of the soul and its conscious existence after death. his moral compositions, especially important is his “Chapters on Love.” Maximus the Confessor also wrote three hymns in the finest traditions of church hymnography, following the example of Saint Gregory the Theologian. theology of Saint Maximus the Confessor, based on the spiritual experience of the knowledge of the great Desert Fathers, and utilizing the skilled art of dialectics worked out by pre-Christian philosophy, continued and developed in the works of Saint Simeon the New Theologian (March 12), and Saint Gregory Palamas (November 14). Martyr Anastasius the Disciple of the Venerable Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on January 21; Holy Martyr Anastasius was a disciple of Saint Maximus the Confessor, with him suffered persecution under the Monothelites. Maximus and two of his disciples were subjected to the cruelest torments. one’s tongue was cut out, and his right hand was cut off. they were exiled to Skemarum in Scythia, enduring many sufferings and difficulties on the journey. Anastasius wrote the Life of his teacher, and died in the year 662.

Byzantium, 602-610, Emperor, Phocas, Rebel, Killed, then Killed by, incompetent
Byzantine Emperor 602-610, Phocas; Phocas (547-“ 5 October 610) was Eastern Roman emperor from 602 to 610. early life of Phocas is largely unknown, but he rose to prominence in 602, as a leader in the revolt against Emperor Maurice. captured Constantinople and overthrew Maurice on 23 November 602, and declared himself emperor on the same day. deeply mistrusted the elite of Constantinople, and therefore installed his relatives in high military positions, and brutally purged his opponents. is widely regarded as an incompetent leader, both of the administration and army. his reign the Byzantine Empire was threatened by multiple enemies, with frequent raids in the Balkans from the Avars and Slavs, and a Sassanid invasion of the eastern provinces. of Phocas' incompetence and brutality, the Exarch of Africa, Heraclius the Elder, rebelled against him. Heraclius the Elder's son, Heraclius, succeeded in taking Constantinople on 5 October 610, and executed Phocas on the same day, before declaring himself the emperor. St Eustolia of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9; Venerable George the Chozebite, Abbot, Commemorated on January 8; St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on January 21 ; Translation of the relics of St Anastasius the Persian, Commemorated on January 24; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 13; Venerable Dositheus of Palestine, the Disciple of the Venerable Abba Dorotheus, Commemorated on February 19; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author œthe LadderÂ, Commemorated on March 30; St Isidore the Bishop of Seville, Commemorated on April 4 ; Venerable Vitalius of Gaza, Commemorated on April 22 ;

Constantinople, 602-628, Byzantine-Persian War of 602-“628
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;

Constantinople, 606-616, John tMerciful oAlexandria, Patriarch, many examples of mercy, great story, against Monophysite h
Egyptian Patriarch, 606-616, John the Merciful of Alexandria ; Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 12; John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, was born on Cyprus in the seventh century into the family of the illustrious dignitary Epiphanius. the wish of his parents he entered into marriage and had children. the wife and the children of the saint died, he became a monk. He was zealous in fasting and prayer, and had great love for those around him. spiritual exploits won him honor among men, and even the emperor revered him. the Patriarchal throne of Alexandria fell vacant, the emperor Heraclius and all the clergy begged Saint John to occupy the Patriarchal throne. saint worthily assumed his archpastoral service, concerning himself with the moral and dogmatic welfare of his flock. As patriarch he denounced every soul-destroying heresy, and drove out from Alexandria the Monophysite Phyllonos of Antioch. considered his chief task to be charitable and to give help all those in need. the beginning of his patriarchal service he ordered his stewards to compile a list of all the poor and downtrodden in Alexandria, which turned out to be over seven thousand men. The saint ordered that all of these unfortunates be provided for each day out of the church’s treasury. during the week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, he emerged from the doors of the patriarchal cathedral, and sitting on the church portico, he received everyone in need. settled quarrels, helped the wronged, and distributed alms. times a week he visited the sick-houses, and rendered assistance to the suffering. was during this period that the emperor Heraclius led a tremendous army against the Persian emperor Chosroes II. The Persians ravaged and burned Jerusalem, taking a multitude of captives. The holy Patriarch John gave a large portion of the church treasury for their ransom. saint never refused suppliants. One day, when the saint was visiting the sick, he met a beggar and commanded that he be given six silver coins. The beggar changed his clothes, ran on ahead of the Patriarch, and again asked for alms. Saint John gave him six more silver coins. however, the beggar sought charity a third time, and the servants began to chase the fellow away, the Patriarch ordered that he be given twelve pieces of silver, saying, he is Christ putting me to the test. the saint gave money to a merchant that had suffered shipwreck, and a third time gave him a ship belonging to the Patriarchate and filled with grain, with which the merchant had a successful journey and repaid his obligations. John the Merciful was known for his gentle attitude towards people. the saint was compelled to excommunicate two clergymen for a certain time because of some offense. of them repented, but the other fellow became angry with the Patriarch and fell into greater sins. saint wanted to summon him and calm him with kind words, but it slipped his mind. he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy, the saint was suddenly reminded by the words of the Gospel: “If you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift before the altar ... first, be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Mt. 5:23-24). saint came out of the altar, called the offending clergyman to him, and falling down on his knees before him in front of all the people he asked forgiveness. cleric, filled with remorse, repented of his sin, corrected himself, and afterwards was found worthy to be ordained to the priesthood. was a time when a certain citizen insulted George, the Patriarch’s nephew. George asked the saint to avenge the wrong. The saint promised to deal with the offender so that all of Alexandria would marvel at what he had done. This calmed George, and Saint John began to instruct him, speaking of the necessity for meekness and humility. Then he summoned the man who insulted George. When Saint John learned that the man lived in a house owned by the church, he declared that he would excuse him from paying rent for an entire year. Alexandria indeed was amazed by such a “revenge,” and George learned from his uncle how to forgive offenses and to bear insults for God’s sake. John, a strict ascetic and man of prayer, was always mindful of his soul, and of death. He ordered a coffin for himself, but told the craftsmen not to finish it. Instead, he would have them come each feastday and ask if it was time to finish the work. John was persuaded to accompany the governor Nicetas on a visit to the emperor in Constantinople. While on his way to visit the earthly king, he dreamed of a resplendent man who said to him, “The King of Kings summons you.” He sailed to his native island of Cyprus, and at Amanthos the saint peacefully fell asleep in the Lord (616-620). Venerable Vitalius of Gaza, Commemorated on April 22;

Constantinople, 607-610, Thomas I, Patriarch, ominous portent, heavy crosses shake & strike each other, then disasters
Constantinople Patriarch, 607-610, Thomas I ; St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; Thomas, Patriarch of Constantinople, was at first a deacon, and later under the holy Patriarch John IV the Faster (582-595) he was made “sakellarios” [sacristan] in the Great Church (Hagia Sophia). After the death of holy Patriarch Cyriacus (595-606), Saint Thomas was elevated to the Patriarchal throne in 607. The saint concerned himself in every possible way about the spiritual needs of his flock. the patriarchate of Saint Thomas, an ominous portent appeared in the land of Galatia (Asia Minor). The heavy crosses which were carried during church processions began to shake and to strike against each other. The clairvoyant Elder, Saint Theodore Sykeotes (April 22), explained the meaning of this portent. He said that discords and disasters awaited the Church, and the state was in danger of barbarian invasion. Hearing this, the saint became terrified and asked Saint Theodore to pray that God would take his soul before these predictions were fulfilled. the death of the holy Patriarch Thomas in 610, disorders started in the Church. Saint Thomas’s successor, Patriarch Sergius (610-638), fell into the Monothelite heresy. Through God’s dispensation, war broke out with Persia, which proved grievous for Byzantium. The Greek regions of Asia Minor were completely devastated, Jerusalem fell, and the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord was captured and taken to Persia. Thus, all the misfortunes portended by the miracle during the church procession came to pass. St Theodore the Sykeote the Bishop of Anastasiopolis, Commemorated on April 22;

Constantinople, 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]

Constantinople, 610, St Eustolia, from Rome, C monastic, people came to her for advice and consolation, including laypeople
Rome, 610, St Eustolia, from Rome, Constantinople monastic, people came to her for advice and consolation, including laypeople; Rome; St Eustolia of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Eustolia, a native of Rome, had come to Constantinople and entered one of the women’s monasteries. virtuous and strict monastic life of the saint gained her the love and respect of the sisters. Not only monastics, but also many laypeople came to her for advice and consolation. Eustolia died in the year 610.

Byzantium, 610-641, Emperor Heraclius, Monothelite, K Phocus, Persia to C then 627, Muslim Cs
Byzantine Emperor 610-641, Heraclius ; (Greek: Iraklios; c. 575 - February 11, 641) was the Byzantine emperor from 610 to 641. His rise to power began in 608, when he and his father, Heraclius the Elder, the exarch of Africa, led a revolt against the unpopular usurper Phocas. reign was marked by several military campaigns. The year Heraclius came to power, the empire was threatened on multiple frontiers. Heraclius immediately took charge of the Byzantine-“Sasanian War of 602-“628. The first battles of the campaign ended in defeat for the Byzantines; the Persian army fought their way to the Bosphorus but Constantinople was protected by impenetrable walls and a strong navy, and Heraclius was able to avoid total defeat. Soon after, he initiated reforms to rebuild and strengthen the military. Heraclius drove the Persians out of Asia Minor and pushed deep into their territory, defeating them decisively in 627 at the Battle of Nineveh. The Persian king Khosrow II was overthrown and executed by his son Kavad II, who soon sued for a peace treaty, agreeing to withdraw from all occupied territory. This way peaceful relations were restored to the two deeply strained empires. lost many of his newly regained lands to the Muslim conquests. Emerging from the Arabian Peninsula, the Muslims quickly conquered the Sasanian Empire. In 634 the Muslims marched into Roman Syria, defeating Heraclius's brother Theodore. Within a short period of time, the Arabs conquered Mesopotamia, Armenia and Egypt. entered diplomatic relations with the Croats and Serbs in the Balkans. He tried to repair the schism in the Christian church in regard to the Monophysites, by promoting a compromise doctrine called Monothelitism. The Church of the East (commonly called Nestorian) was also involved in the process.[1] Eventually this project of unity was rejected by all sides of the dispute. Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; St Eumenius the Bishop of Gortyna, Commemorated on September 18; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9; St John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 12 ; Martyr Mirax of Egypt, Commemorated on December 11; St Antiochus, Commemorated on December 24; Venerable George the Chozebite, Abbot, Commemorated on January 8; Martyr Anastasius the Disciple of the Venerable Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on January 21; St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on January 21 ; Translation of the relics of St Anastasius the Persian, Commemorated on January 24; Venerable Dositheus of Palestine, the Disciple of the Venerable Abba Dorotheus, Commemorated on February 19; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; Martyred Holy Fathers who were slain at the Monastery of St Sava, Commemorated on March 20; Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of "œthe Ladder"Â, Commemorated on March 30; St Isidore the Bishop of Seville, Commemorated on April 4 ; Venerable Vitalius of Gaza, Commemorated on April 22 ; Venerable Priestmartyrs of St Sava Lavra, Commemorated on May 16;

Constantinople, 610-638, Patriarch, Sergius I, Monothelite
Constantinople Patriarch, 610-638, Sergius I, Monothelite ; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; Translation of the "Blachernae" Icon of the Mother of God to Russia, Commemorated July 7 ; holy icon is also called the HodÄ“gá¸—tria, or “She who leads the way.â€ It was with this icon that Patriarch Sergius (610-631) made the rounds of the walls of Constantinople in the year 626 with Moliebens during a siege of the capital by the Avars.

Constantinople, 610-641, Antiochus, Galatia, Phyriga, writer, Savva Martyrs, Pandect of Scriptures, sleep, repose both body&soul
Phyriga, 610-641, Antiochus, Galatia, Phyriga, writer, Savva Martyrs, Pandect of Scriptures, down to sleep, repose of both body and soul; Galatia; St Antiochus, Commemorated December 24 ; Antiochus was from Galatia, and lived during the reign of Heraclius (610-641). witnessed the martyrdom of the monks of Saint Savva’s Monastery (May 16) by the Saracens, and recorded their sufferings. also wrote another book, called Pandect of the Scriptures. Divided into 130 chapters, the book examines the moral teachings of the Holy Scriptures. quote attributed to Saint Antiochus is found in the Evergetinos (Book 3:39). One of his best-known prayers is recited during Compline, “And grant us, Master, as we lay down to sleep, repose of both body and soul....”

Constantinople, 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;

Constantinople, 614-622, Saint Anastasius of Persia, Stole the Cross, Became a Monk
Persia, 614-622, Saint Anastasius of Persia; Monkmartyr Anastasius the Persian, Commemorated on January 22; Persia, 614-622, Saint Anastasius of Persia; Anastasius of Persia, also known by his native name Magundat, was a Zoroastrian soldier in the Sasanian army later became a convert to Christianity and was martyred in 628. was born in the city of Ray. He was the son of a magus named Bau. He had a brother whose name is unknown. was a cavalryman in the army of Khosrow II (r. 590–628) participated in the capture of the True Cross in Jerusalem, was carried to the Sasanian capital Ctesiphon. occasion prompted him to ask for information about the Christian religion. then experienced a conversion of faith, left the army, became a Christian, and afterwards a monk at the monastery of Saint Savvas (Mar Saba) in Jerusalem[dubious – discuss]. He was baptized by Modestus, receiving the Christian name Anastasius to honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ ("Anástasis" in Greek). seven years of monastic observance, he was moved by the Holy Ghost to go in quest of martyrdom and went to Caesarea, then subject to the Sasanians. he interrupted and ridiculed the Zoroastrian priests for their religion, was as a result arrested by the local marzban,[1] taken prisoner, cruelly tortured to make him abjure, and finally carried down near the Euphrates, to a place called Barsaloe (or Bethsaloe according to the Bollandists), where his tortures were continued while at the same time the highest honors in the service of King Khosrow II as a magus were promised him if he would renounce Christianity. after refusing to abjure, with seventy others, he was strangled to death and decapitated on January 22, 628. body, which was thrown to the dogs left untouched by them, carried from the place of his martyrdom to Palestine, then to Constantinople, and finally to Rome where the relics were venerated at the Tre Fontane Abbey. Passio [2] written in Greek was devoted to the saint. adapted Latin translation, possibly by Archbishop Theodore of Canterbury, was available to the Anglo-Saxon church historian Bede, who criticized the result and took it upon himself to 'improve' it. There are no surviving manuscripts of Bede's revision, though one did survive as late as the 15th century.[3] feast day is 22 January. Translation of the relics of St Anastasius the Persian, Commemorated on January 24; uncovering of the relics of Saint Anastasios of Persia (January 22) took place in 638, ten years after his martyrdom. are three traditions regarding his relics; According to the first, which is also accepted by the English historian Saint Bede (May 27), the relics were transferred to Rome during the reign of Emperor Flavius Heraclius Augustus (reigned 610-645) deposited in the Greek Monastery of the Three Fountains (“Tre Fontane”). The second tradition states that the transfer of the relics to Constantinople, also during the reign of Heraclius, took place during the time of Pope Theodore I, who may have been from Jerusalem, of Greek descent (see May 18). The third tradition indicates that the relics were transferred to Venice from Constantinople in 1204 the Doge Henry Dandolos removed them and placed them in the church of the Holy Trinity in Venice. the Saint’s holy relics are in the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Francis in Venice. survive in the form of a headless body, clothed in the garments of his time. Sophronios Eustratiadis of Leontopolis declares that a Roman bishop transported the relics to Caesarea in Palestine, later they were moved to Constantinople. head is in Rome, where it is still kept. Translation of the relics of St Anastasius the Persian, Commemorated on January 24; uncovering of the relics of Saint Anastasios of Persia (January 22) took place in 638, ten years after his martyrdom. are three traditions regarding his relics; According to the first, which is also accepted by the English historian Saint Bede (May 27), the relics were transferred to Rome during the reign of Emperor Flavius Heraclius Augustus (reigned 610-645) deposited in the Greek Monastery of the Three Fountains (“Tre Fontane”). The second tradition states that the transfer of the relics to Constantinople, also during the reign of Heraclius, took place during the time of Pope Theodore I, who may have been from Jerusalem, of Greek descent (see May 18). The third tradition indicates that the relics were transferred to Venice from Constantinople in 1204 the Doge Henry Dandolos removed them and placed them in the church of the Holy Trinity in Venice. the Saint’s holy relics are in the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Francis in Venice. survive in the form of a headless body, clothed in the garments of his time. Sophronios Eustratiadis of Leontopolis declares that a Roman bishop transported the relics to Caesarea in Palestine, later they were moved to Constantinople. head is in Rome, where it is still kept.

Constantinople, 622, Caesarea, Maritima, Where Anastacios sought martyrdom 7or8 years after he helped Chozroes steal The Cross
Caesarea, Palestine ; Monkmartyr Anastasius the Persian, Commemorated January 22 ; Monk Martyr Anastasius the Persian was the son of a Persian sorcerer named Bavi. a pagan, he had the name Magundates and served in the armies of the Persian emperor Chozroes II, in 614 ravaged the city of Jerusalem and carried away the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord to Persia. miracles occurred from the Cross of the Lord, and the Persians were astonished. heart of young Magundates was inflamed with the desire to learn more about this sacred object. everyone about the Holy Cross, the youth learned that upon it the Lord Himself was crucified for the salvation of mankind. became acquainted with the truths of the Christian Faith in the city of Chalcedon, where the army of Chozroes was for a certain while. was baptized with the name Anastasius, and then became a monk and spent seven years in one of the Jerusalem monasteries, living an ascetical life. the Lives of the holy martyrs, Saint Anastasius was inspired with the desire to imitate them. mysterious dream, which he had on Great and Holy Saturday, the day before the Resurrection of Christ, urged him to do this. fallen asleep after his daily tasks, he beheld a radiant man giving him a golden chalice filled with wine, who said to him, “Take this and drink.” Draining the chalice, he felt an ineffable delight. Anastasius then realized that this vision was his call to martyrdom. went secretly from the monastery to Palestinian Caesarea. he was arrested for being a Christian, and was brought to trial. governor tried in every way to force Saint Anastasius to renounce Christ, threatening him with tortures and death, and promising him earthly honors and blessings. saint, however, remained unyielding. Then they subjected him to torture: they beat him with rods, they lacerated his knees, they hung him up by the hands and tied a heavy stone to his feet, they exhausted him with confinement, and then wore him down with heavy work in the stone quarry with other prisoners. the governor summoned Saint Anastasius and promised him his freedom if he would only say, “I am not a Christian.” holy martyr replied, “I will never deny my Lord before you or anyone else, neither openly nor even while asleep. No one can compel me to do this while I am in my right mind.” Then by order of the emperor Chozroes, Saint Anastasius was strangled, then beheaded. the death of Chozroes, the relics of the Monk Martyr Anastasius were transferred to Palestine, to the Anastasius monastery. Translation of the relics of St Anastasius the Persian, Commemorated on January 24; uncovering of the relics of Saint Anastasios of Persia (January 22) took place in 638, ten years after his martyrdom. are three traditions regarding his relics; According to the first, which is also accepted by the English historian Saint Bede (May 27), the relics were transferred to Rome during the reign of Emperor Flavius Heraclius Augustus (reigned 610-645) deposited in the Greek Monastery of the Three Fountains (“Tre Fontane”). The second tradition states that the transfer of the relics to Constantinople, also during the reign of Heraclius, took place during the time of Pope Theodore I, who may have been from Jerusalem, of Greek descent (see May 18). The third tradition indicates that the relics were transferred to Venice from Constantinople in 1204 the Doge Henry Dandolos removed them and placed them in the church of the Holy Trinity in Venice. the Saint’s holy relics are in the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Francis in Venice. survive in the form of a headless body, clothed in the garments of his time. Sophronios Eustratiadis of Leontopolis declares that a Roman bishop transported the relics to Caesarea in Palestine, later they were moved to Constantinople. head is in Rome, where it is still kept.

Constantinople, 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.

Constantinople, 630, Arab forces seize Edessa
Syria, 630, Arab forces seize Edessa; Translation of the Image œNot-Made-By-HandsÂ of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in AugustÂ, Commemorated on August 16;

Constantinople, 630, Caesarius, Adrian, Dacius, Savva, Sabinian, Agrippa, & Thomas suffered martyrdom at Damascus
Syria, 630, Caesarius, Adrian, Dacius, Savva, Sabinian, Agrippa, & Thomas suffered martyrdom at Damascus in the seventh century; Damascus (Barada River foothills); Martyr Caesarius at Damascus, Commemorated on November 1 ; Caesarius, Adrian, Dacius, Savva, Sabinian, Agrippa, and Thomas suffered martyrdom at Damascus in the seventh century.

Constantinople, 637, Arab Moslem Conquest of Antioch, Iron Bridge Battle
Syria, 637, Arab Moslem Conquest of Antioch; When the Moslems seized Antioch centuries later (in 637), a deacon Job brought the holy hand of the Forerunner from Antioch to Chalcedon. From there, on the eve of the Theophany of the Lord, it was transferred to Constantinople (956) and kept thereafter. named Battle of the Iron Bridge; In 637, during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Heraclius, Antioch was conquered by the Rashidun Caliphate during the Battle of the Iron Bridge.;

Constantinople, 638, Uncovering Anastasios' Relics, Ctesiphon, Persia l, transered to Greek Tre Fontane Monastery, Rome
Persia, 638, Uncovering Anastasios' Relics, Ctesiphon, Persia (Tigris River 7, Near Bagdad) Sassanian Capitol, 10 yrs after his martyrdom, uncovered when transferred to Rome's Greek Monastery Tre Fountains. ; Ctesiphon; Uncovering of the relics of Saint Anastasios the Persian, Commemorated on January 24; uncovering of the relics of Saint Anastasios of Persia (January 22) took place in 638, ten years after his martyrdom. There are three traditions regarding his relics. to the first, which is also accepted by the English historian Saint Bede (May 27), the relics were transferred to Rome during the reign of Emperor Flavius Heraclius Augustus (reigned 610-645) and deposited in the Greek Monastery of the Three Fountains (“Tre Fontane”). second tradition states that the transfer of the relics to Constantinople, also during the reign of Heraclius, took place during the time of Pope Theodore I, who may have been from Jerusalem, and of Greek descent (see May 18). third tradition indicates that the relics were transferred to Venice from Constantinople in 1204 when the Doge Henry Dandolos removed them and placed them in the church of the Holy Trinity in Venice. the Saint’s holy relics are in the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Francis in Venice. They survive in the form of a headless body, clothed in the garments of his time. Sophronios Eustratiadis of Leontopolis declares that a Roman bishop transported the relics to Caesarea in Palestine, and later they were moved to Constantinople. His head is in Rome, where it is still kept.

Constantinople, 638, Anastasios Relics uncovered, 3 tradns, head iRome, body iConstantinople, Stole Cross, Became aMonk, sMartyr
Persia, 638, Anastasios tPersian's Relics uncovered, 3 tradotopms, now head in Rome, body in Constantinople, Stole tCross, Became a Monk, 1 Relics tRome under Flavius Heraclius 610-645, tGreek monastery Three Fountains, Tre Fontain. 2. transfer tConstantinople under Heraculus and Pope Theodore I, Greek fJerusalem, 3. relics trans tVenice fConstantinople in 1204, Doge Henry Dandolos, Church Holy Francis iVenice, headless body, later moved to Constantinople, his head isin Rome; Persia, 614-622, Saint Anastasius of Persia; Anastasius of Persia, also known by his native name Magundat, was a Zoroastrian soldier in the Sasanian army later became a convert to Christianity and was martyred in 628. was born in the city of Ray. He was the son of a magus named Bau. He had a brother whose name is unknown. was a cavalryman in the army of Khosrow II (r. 590–628) participated in the capture of the True Cross in Jerusalem, was carried to the Sasanian capital Ctesiphon. occasion prompted him to ask for information about the Christian religion. then experienced a conversion of faith, left the army, became a Christian, and afterwards a monk at the monastery of Saint Savvas (Mar Saba) in Jerusalem[dubious – discuss]. He was baptized by Modestus, receiving the Christian name Anastasius to honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ ("Anástasis" in Greek). seven years of monastic observance, he was moved by the Holy Ghost to go in quest of martyrdom and went to Caesarea, then subject to the Sasanians. he interrupted and ridiculed the Zoroastrian priests for their religion, was as a result arrested by the local marzban,[1] taken prisoner, cruelly tortured to make him abjure, and finally carried down near the Euphrates, to a place called Barsaloe (or Bethsaloe according to the Bollandists), where his tortures were continued while at the same time the highest honors in the service of King Khosrow II as a magus were promised him if he would renounce Christianity. after refusing to abjure, with seventy others, he was strangled to death and decapitated on January 22, 628. body, which was thrown to the dogs left untouched by them, carried from the place of his martyrdom to Palestine, then to Constantinople, and finally to Rome where the relics were venerated at the Tre Fontane Abbey. Passio [2] written in Greek was devoted to the saint. adapted Latin translation, possibly by Archbishop Theodore of Canterbury, was available to the Anglo-Saxon church historian Bede, who criticized the result and took it upon himself to 'improve' it. There are no surviving manuscripts of Bede's revision, though one did survive as late as the 15th century.[3] feast day is 22 January. Translation of the relics of St Anastasius the Persian, Commemorated on January 24; uncovering of the relics of Saint Anastasios of Persia (January 22) took place in 638, ten years after his martyrdom. are three traditions regarding his relics; According to the first, which is also accepted by the English historian Saint Bede (May 27), the relics were transferred to Rome during the reign of Emperor Flavius Heraclius Augustus (reigned 610-645) deposited in the Greek Monastery of the Three Fountains (“Tre Fontane”). The second tradition states that the transfer of the relics to Constantinople, also during the reign of Heraclius, took place during the time of Pope Theodore I, who may have been from Jerusalem, of Greek descent (see May 18). The third tradition indicates that the relics were transferred to Venice from Constantinople in 1204 the Doge Henry Dandolos removed them and placed them in the church of the Holy Trinity in Venice. the Saint’s holy relics are in the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Francis in Venice. survive in the form of a headless body, clothed in the garments of his time. Sophronios Eustratiadis of Leontopolis declares that a Roman bishop transported the relics to Caesarea in Palestine, later they were moved to Constantinople. head is in Rome, where it is still kept.

Constantinople, 638-641, Patriarch, Pyrrhus of Constantinople, Monotheite converted to Othodox
Constantinople, 638-641, Patriarch, Pyrrhus of Constantinople; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13;

Constantinople, 639, Arab Muslim Conquest of Armenia, Dvin, Armenia
Dvin; Arab Muslim Conquest of Armenia 639;

Constantinople, 639- , Leo oCappadocia, Armenia, took sickly monks place, love thy neighbor, beheaded by Saracens
Armenia, 639-, Leo oCappadocia, Armenia (Central Anatolia), took sickly monks place, love thy neighbor, beheaded by Saracens; Cappadocia; St Leo of Cappadocia, Commemorated on February 28; Leo of Cappadocia fulfilled the commandment to love his neighbor by suggesting to the Saracens, who had captured three sickly monks, that he take the place of these infirm captives with himself, since he was healthy and able to work. journeying in the desert, Saint Leo weakened and was not able to go any farther. He was beheaded with the sword, thereby laying down his life for his neighbor.

Byzantium, 641-641, Emperor, Constantine III, tuberculosis
Byzantine Emperor 641-641, Constantine III; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; St Zosimus the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on March 30; Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of "œthe Ladder"Â, Commemorated on March 30;

Constantinople, 641, Mirax, Tanis, Egypt, raised christian, trampled on cross, became moslem, repented, tortured, beheaded
Egypt, 640, Mirax, Tanis, Egypt, raised christian, trampled on cross, became moslem, repented, tortured, beheaded; Tanis or Tathnis; Martyr Mirax of Egypt, Commemorated on December 11 ; Holy Martyr Mirax was born into a Christian family living in the city of Tanis (Egypt) during the seventh century. was raised in piety, but yielded to demonic temptation and trampled on a cross. went to the Emir, the ruler of Egypt, and taking his sword in hand, he declared himself a Moslem. parents, grieving over the terrible downfall of their son, incessantly prayed for him. And then the grace of God illumined the heart of the prodigal. deeply repented and returned home. His parents counselled him to acknowledge his fall into darkness and to show his repentance. Mirax obeyed them. He went before the Emir and announced that he had become a Christian once more. ruler condemned him to tortures, after which the saint was beheaded and cast into the sea (this occurred around the year 640). Prophet Jeremiah, Commemorated on May 1 ;

Constantinople, 641-668, St Christopher oGazara and Sumela Monastery, Mt Mela near Trebizond, founded by Athenian Monks
Sumela Monastery, Mt Mela near Trebizond; It is not known when the monastery was founded, but the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism places the date around AD 386, during the reign of the emperor Theodosius I (375–395).[7][8] According to William Miller, two Athenian monks named Barnabas and Sophronios founded the monastery. It became famous for an icon of the Theotokos known as the Panagia Gorgoepekoos, said to have been painted by the Apostle Luke.[9] Saint Christopher of Gazara, Commemorated on August 18; Christopher was born in Gazara, near Trebizond. He was the head of a monastery on Mount Mela in the second half of the seventh century (641-668).

Byzantium, 641-641, Emperor, Heraklonas, mutilated and exiled by a general
Byzantine Emperor 641-641, Heraklonas; Heraclius ( 626-“641), commonly known by the diminutive Heraklonas or Herakleonas. was the son of Heraclius and his niece Martina. father had stipulated in his will that both of his sons, Heraklonas and Constantine III, should rule jointly upon his death. Heraclius also specified that his wife, Martina, was to be called "Mother and Empress" insofar as she might have influence at court as well.[2] The emperor Heraclius died in February 641 from edema. Martina did make the late Emperor's will public she faced staunch resistance to her playing any active role in government, but both Heraklonas and Constantine were proclaimed joint-emperors in February 641 without incident. Constantine died of tuberculosis in April/May 641, Heraklonas became sole emperor, under the regency of his mother due to his young age. He reigned from April/May -“ September/October 641, when he was overthrown by Valentinus, a general and usurper of Armenian extract, who installed Constans II, the son of Constantine III. Valentinus had Heraklonas' nose cut off, then exiled him to Rhodes, where he is believed to have died in the same year. Byzantine Emperor 641-641, Constantine III; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; St Zosimus the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on March 30; Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of œthe LadderÂ, Commemorated on March 30;

Byzantium, 641-668, Emperor, Constans II, Monotheite
Byzantine Emperor 641-668, Constans II; II ( 7 November 630 – 15 September 668), also called Constantine the Bearded, was emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 641 to 668. was the last emperor to serve as consul, in 642.[1][2] is a nickname given to the Emperor, who had been baptized Herakleios and reigned officially as Constantine. The nickname established itself in Byzantine texts and has become standard in modern historiography. Martyr Anastasius the Disciple of the Venerable Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on January 21; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; St Zosimus the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on March 30; Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of "œthe Ladder"Â, Commemorated on March 30; St Martin the Confessor the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 14;

Constantinople, 641-654, Patriarch, Paul, Monothelite
Constantinople, 641-654, Patriarch, Paul, Monothelite; St. Martin the Confessor the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 14;

Constantinople, 650, Martyr Neophytus of Urbin, Persian, Omar, vision St Shio w angels, converted, stoned
Georgia, 650, Urbnisi, Martyr Neophytus of Urbin; Urbnisi; Martyr Neophytus of Urbin, Georgia, Commemorated October 28 ; holy hieromartyr Neophytus of Urbnisi descended from a line of Persian fire-worshippers. the 7th century, by order of the Saracen emir Mumni, the military leader Ahmad attacked Georgia with an enormous army. After overrunning the central part of Shida (Inner) Kartli, Ahmad dispatched two of his commanders, Omar and Burul, to the capital city of Mtskheta. At the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, across from the village of Tsikhedidi in the rocky Sarkineti region, the invaders discovered a group of caves and plotted to occupy them. They tried to cross the Mtkvari but were unable. suffered a setback, the enemies asked their captives what was located in those caves. They were told that this was the Shio-Mgvime Monastery, where dwelt God’s chosen, who had deprived themselves of every earthly blessing. at this reply, the commanders decided to pass this information on to Ahmad. Then, as though it were commonplace, Ahmad sent Omar to the monastery to ask the monks to pray for him and remember him at the grave of their abbot, Saint Shio. “Pray for me, O slaves of God, and accept these gifts of aloe and incense. Offer these as a sacrifice to your abbot,” he told them. the monastery caves, Omar sent a messenger to inform the monks that he was coming to them in peace and bearing gifts. Drawing near to the monastery gates, the commander saw an army of incorporeal hosts descending from the heavens and among them an elder, radiant with a great light. meek and modest behavior of the monks left a great impression on Omar. He soon understood that the strange armies he had seen on the steps of the monastery were angels of God and that the elder was Saint Shio of Mgvime, abbot of the monastery. He related his vision to the monks and vowed to return to them, receive the sacrament of Holy Baptism, be tonsured a monk, and remain there to join in their holy labors. Omar abandoned all his possessions, his military rank, and his wealth and was baptized in the Christian Faith at the Shio-Mgvime Monastery as he had promised. of his slaves were baptized with him as well. Omar received the new name Neophytus (Newly Planted / From the Greek word neophytos, which in I Tim. 3:6 refers to a new convert), and his slaves became Christodoulus (Christ’s Slave) and Christopher (Christ-bearer). to God’s will, Saint Neophytus was consecrated bishop of Urbnisi, and all were amazed at his wisdom and steadfastness. He was a true father to his flock: “He strengthened the weak, healed the sick, raised the fallen, cleansed the possessed, directed the lost and sought out those who were perishing, protecting them, and forbidding them to wander off again.” the enemy could not tolerate the native Persian’s apostolic activity, and he convinced the fire-worshippers to kill the Christian shepherd. So the unbelievers devised an ambush and attacked Neophytus’ isolated cell, then tied him up and began to mock, curse, and revile him. They knew that Saint Neophytus longed to become like the holy protomartyr Stephen, and they plotted to stone him to death. his time to depart this world had arrived, Saint Neophytus turned to his persecutors with a tender voice, saying, “Sweet is death to me, O unbelievers! Sweet it is to me. I desire to sunder the link between my mortal and immortal nature.... With my own blood I will confirm the Holy Church, which is founded upon the Precious Blood of the Son and Word of God, Whom I preach. May that which was foreordained for me by the Providence of God be fulfilled, for He has called me to His light from the depths of ungodliness!” furious pagans stoned the saint to death. With his last breath Holy Hieromartyr Neophytus cried out, “Lord Jesus Christ receive my soul!”

Constantinople, 650-700, John Bishop oPolybotum, Phrygia, denouced Leo III's iconoclasm, gifts healing deliverance
Phrygia, 650-700, John Bishop oPolybotum, Phrygia (Intersection, Great Road, Akarcay River 2) denounced Leo III's iconoclasm, gifts healing deliverance; Polybotum; St John the Bishop of Polybotum, Commemorated December 4 ; John, Bishop of Polybotum (in Phrygia), known as a denouncer of the heresy and impiety of Emperor Leo the Isaurian. John opposed Leo for his iconoclasm, and taught his flock the Orthodox doctrine of the veneration of icons. saint died at the beginning of the eighth century. Lord granted him the gift of healing the infirm and casting out evil spirits.

Byzantium, 668-685, Emperor, Constantine IV, checked islamic expansion, ended Monotheism, Orthodox
Byzantine Emperor 668-685, Constantine IV ; IV ( c. 652 -“ 14 September 685), called the Younger (Greek: )[1][2] and sometimes incorrectly Pogonatos (Greek: "the Bearded") out of confusion with his father,[3] was Byzantine Emperor from 668 to 685. reign saw the first serious check to nearly 50 years of uninterrupted Islamic expansion, while his calling of the Sixth Ecumenical Council saw the end of the monothelitism controversy in the Byzantine Empire. St Eumenius the Bishop of Gortyna, Commemorated on September 18; St Theodore the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 27 ; Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Sixth Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on January 23; St Agathon the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 20 ; Venerable Anastasius the Abbot of Sinai, Commemorated on April 20; St Germanus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 12 ;

Constantinople, 669-674, St John, Patriarch of Constantinople, during the reign of the emperor Constantine Pogonatos (668-685)
Constantinople, 669-674, St John, Patriarch of Constantinople; Saint John, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 18; John V was Patriarch of Constantinople from 669-674. lived during the reign of the emperor Constantine Pogonatos (668-685).

Constantinople, 674-678, First Arab Muslim Siege of Constantinople
Constantinople, 674-678, First Arab Muslim Siege of Constantinople ; St Theodore the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 27 ;

Constantinople, 676-679, 683-686, Theodore I , Patriarch, Arab seige of C
Constantinople Patriarch, 676-679, 683-686, Theodore I of Constantinople ; I (? -“ 28 January 687) was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 677 to 679. He had been preceded by Constantine I of Constantinople.[1] During this cataclysmic period, the Byzantine military overcame the Arab incursion against its walls in the Arab siege of Constantinople (674-678). He was emphatically succeeded by His All-Holliness Patriarch George I of Constantinople.[2] St Theodore the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 27 ;

Constantinople, 676-686, Theodore, Abishop oConstantinople, Priest&Vessel Keeper, Hagia Sophia, AB deposed, triumphed slander
Constantinople, 676-686, Theodore, Archbishop oConstantinople, Priest&Sacred Vessel Keeper, Hagia Sophia, Archbishop 676-678 then deposed, then triumphed slander 683-686; Hagia Sophia; St Theodore the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated December 27 ; Theodore, Archbishop of Constantinople, a native of Constantinople, a pious life, ordained as a priest served in the cathedral of Hagia Sophia, he was also the keeper of the sacred vessels. the year 676 he was chosen to be Patriarch of Constantinople, after two years he was deposed because of slander. truth triumphed, and Saint Theodore was restored to the Patriarchal throne in 683. then guided the Church of Constantinople to the very end of his life. died around the year 686.

Constantinople, 678-683, St George, Patriarch of Constantinople, during the reign of the emperor Constantine Pogonatos (668-685)
Constantinople, 678-683, St George, Patriarch of Constantinople, during the reign of the emperor Constantine Pogonatos (668-685); I (? – January or February 686) was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 679 to 686.[1] was succeeded, after a one-year bishopric and interlude of a reign by patriarch Theodore I of Constantinople, His All-Holiness Paul III of Constantinople.[2] Saint George, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 18; George I was Patriarch of Constantinople from 678-683. lived during the reign of the emperor Constantine Pogonatos (668-685).

Constantinople, 678-681, Pope, Agathon, Pope Agatho, heard Wilfrid of York, 6th Ecumenical Council, Monothelitism, two wills
St Agathon the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 20 ; Agathon, Pope of Rome, was the son of pious Christian parents, who provided him an excellent education. their death, Saint Agathon distributed his inheritance to the poor and became a monk. virtuous life could not remain concealed from people. 679, he was elected as the Bishop of Rome, he remained in this position until his death in 682. Pope, 678-681, Agathon, Pope Agatho; Agatho (died January 681) served as the bishop of Rome from 27 June 678 until his death.[2] heard the appeal of Wilfrid of York, who had been displaced from his See by the division of the Archdiocese ordered by Theodore of Canterbury. Agatho's tenure, the Sixth Ecumenical Council was convened which dealt with the monothelitism controversy. He is venerated as a saint by both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Constantinople, 681, Sixth Ecumenical Council, tCombat Monothelite heresy, 171 holy Fathers present, affirmed Jesus' 2 wills
Constantinople, 681, Sixth Ecumenical Council, Constantinople, tCombat Monothelite heresy, 171 holy Fathers present, affirmed Jesus' 2 wills doctrine, devine&human, then 691 Council oTruillo and 102 Canons promulgated; Sixth Ecumenical Council (680); Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Sixth Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on January 23 ; Sixth Ecumenical Council was convened by the emperor Constantine Pogonatos (668-685) at Constantinople in the year 681 combat the Monothelite heresy. At it 171 holy Fathers were present, who affirmed the doctrine of two wills in Jesus Christ, the divine and the human. Council was followed by another Council in the year 691, called the Council in Trullo. Council addressed certain practical matters, and 102 canons were promulgated.

Byzantium, 685-711, Emperor, Justinian II, deposed in 695, r 705, overthrown 711, lost nose, k by his army
Byzantine Emperor, 685-711, Justinian II; II (668/9 - 4 November 711), surnamed Rhinotmetos or Rhinotmetus (the slit-nosed), was the last Byzantine emperor of the Heraclian dynasty, reigning from 685 to 695 and again from 705 to 711. Justinian I, Justinian II was an ambitious and passionate ruler who was keen to restore the Roman Empire to its former glories, but he responded brutally to any opposition to his will and lacked the finesse of his father, Constantine IV.[4] he generated enormous opposition to his reign, resulting in his deposition in 695 in a popular uprising, and he only returned to the throne in 705 with the help of a Bulgar and Slav army. His second reign was even more despotic than the first, and it too saw his eventual overthrow in 711, abandoned by his army who turned on him before killing him. Dormition of the Righteous Anna, the Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos, Commemorated on July 25; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; St Theodore the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 27 ; Venerable Peter of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on June 12; St Andrew the Archbishop of Crete, Commemorated on July 4;

Constantinople, 692, Council of Trullo, pre christian religious practices, rituals, practices, Eucharist, liturgy
Council of Trullo; Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Sixth Ecumenical Council, Commemorated January 23 ;

Constantinople, 693-705, Callinicus I, Patriarch, resisted demolition of a Blachernae church, Justinian II lost his nose
Constantinople Patriarch, 693-705, Callinicus I of Constantinople; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Callinicus, Patriarch of Constantinople (693-705), was at first a presbyter in the temple of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae, but in 693 with the death of Patriarch Paul (686-693), he was elevated to the episcopal throne of Constantinople. The cruel Justinian II (685-695) reigned at this time. He undertook the construction of a palace very near the church of the Most Holy Theotokos and decided to demolish it. The emperor ordered Patriarch Callinicus to give his blessing for tearing it down. The patriarch replied that he had prayers only for the building of churches, not their destruction. When the church was demolished, he cried out with tears, “Glory to Thee, O Lord, in enduring all things.” the wrath of God befell Justinian. He was toppled from the throne and sent for imprisonment to Cherson, where they cut off his nose (from which he received the nickname “Short-nose”). Leontius (695-698) succeeded him on the throne.

Constantinople, 695, Boniface oFerentino (Florence), non-covetousness love fPoor, gave yrs grain supply, miraculously refilled
Northern Italy, , Boniface oFerentino (Firentium, Florence), non-covetousness love fPoor, example gave yrs grain supply, miraculously filled again, widowed mother upset he gave his clothes; Firentium (Florence); St Boniface the Merciful the Bishop of Ferentino, Commemorated on December 19 ; his very childhood, Saint Boniface was distinguished by his non-covetousness and love for the poor. he saw a destitute man on the street, he took his own clothes and gave them away to those in need, to the chagrin of his widowed mother. he gave away a year’s supply of grain, but the Lord worked a miracle through his prayer, and the family’s granary was filled again. Boniface became bishop of the city of Ferentino (Florence), north of Rome (in Tuscany). in his lofty position as bishop he remained completely non-covetous and merciful towards people, and he directed his flock wisely, exhorting them to attend to even the least among their neighbors.

Byzantium, 695-698, Emperor, Leonti, d Umyyds for J II, d by U's, jail by II till 695, d 697, cut nose and tongue, ex
Byzantine Emperor, 695-698, Leontios ; or Leontius (660 – August 705/February 706), sometimes enumerated as Leontius II,[n 1] was Byzantine emperor from 695 to 698. is known of his early life, other than that he was born in Isauria in Asia Minor. He was given the title of patrikios, and made strategos of the Anatolic Theme under Emperor Constantine IV. He led forces against the Umayyads during the early years of Justinian II's reign, securing victory and forcing the Umayyad caliph, Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, to sue for peace. 692, Justinian declared war upon the Umayyads again, and sent Leontios to campaign against them. However, he was defeated decisively at the Battle of Sebastopolis, and imprisoned by Justinian for his failure. was released in 695, and given the title of strategos of the Theme of Hellas in Southern Greece. After being released, he led a rebellion against Justinian, and seized power, becoming emperor in the same year. ruled until 697, when he was overthrown by Apsimar, a droungarios who had taken part in a failed expedition that had been launched by Leontios to recover Carthage. seizing Constantinople, Apsimar took the name Tiberius (III),[n 2] and had Leontios' nose and tongue cut off. He was sent to the Monastery of Dalmatou, where he remained until some time between August 705 and February 706. By this time Justinian had retaken the throne. Both Leontios and Tiberius were executed. St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23;

Byzantium, 695-717, Emperor, Twenty Years Anarchy
Byzantine Emperor, 695-717, Twenty Years Anarchy ; or Philippicus was Emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 711 to 713. was originally named Bardanes; he was the son of the patrician Nikephorus, who was of Armenian extraction from an Armenian colony in Pergamum.[1] Relying on the support of the Monothelite party, he made some pretensions to the throne on the outbreak of the first great rebellion against Emperor Justinian II; these led to his relegation to Cephalonia by Tiberius Apsimarus, and subsequently to his banishment to Cherson by order of Justinian. Here Bardanes, taking the name of Philippicus, successfully incited the inhabitants to revolt with the help of the Khazars. The successful rebels seized Constantinople, and Justinian fled; Philippikos took the throne. Justinian was subsequently seized and beheaded; his son Tiberius was likewise apprehended by Philippikos's officers, Ioannes and Mauros, and killed in a church. Justinian's principal officers, such as Barasbakourios, were also massacred. his first acts were the deposition of the orthodox patriarch Cyrus of Constantinople, in favour of John VI, a member of his own sect, and the summoning of a conciliabulum of Eastern bishops, which abolished the canons of the Sixth Ecumenical Council. In response the Roman Church refused to recognize the new Emperor and his patriarch. Meanwhile, Tervel of Bulgaria plundered up to the walls of Constantinople in 712. When Philippicus transferred an army from the Opsikion theme to police the Balkans, the Umayyad Caliphate under Al-Walid I made inroads across the weakened defenses of Asia Minor. late May 713 the Opsikion troops rebelled in Thrace. Several of their officers penetrated the city and blinded Philippicus on June 3, 713 while he was in the hippodrome.[2] He was succeeded for a short while by his principal secretary, Artemius, who was raised to the purple as Emperor Anastasius II. He died in the same year. St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Venerable Peter of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on June 12;

Constantinople, 695-749, Saint, John of Damascus, Iconodule
Syria, 695-749, Saint, John of Damascus; Martyr John of Damascus, Commemorated on December 4; Icon of the Mother of God “Of the Three Handsâ€, Commemorated on June 28; Icon of the Mother of God, “Of the Three Handsâ€: In the eighth century during the time of the Iconoclasts, Saint John of Damascus (December 4) was zealous in his veneration of holy icons. Because 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. The caliph gave orders to cut off the hand of the monk and take it to the marketplace. Towards 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. The monk begged Our Lady to heal the hand, which had written in defense of Orthodoxy. After 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. Having awakened from sleep, Saint John saw that his hand was unharmed. In 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.â€ (Some iconographers, in their ignorance, have mistakenly depicted the Most Holy Theotokos with three arms and three hands.) According to Tradition, Saint John wrote a hymn of thanksgiving to the Mother of God: “All of creation rejoices in You, O Full of Grace,â€ which appears in place of the hymn “It is Truly Meetâ€ 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. The Lavra presented the icon “Of Three Handsâ€ in blessing to Saint Savva, Archbishop of Serbia (+ 1237, January 12). During 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. They placed it upon a donkey, which without a driver proceeded to Athos and stopped in front of the Hilandar monastery. The monks put the icon in the monastery’s cathedral church (katholikon). During 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. At 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. Icon of the Mother of God œof the Three HandsÂ on Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 12;

Constantinople, 700-799, Folder, 8th Century, Iconoclasts, Iconodules

Constantinople, 701-754, BONIFACE, BISHOP, MISSIONARY, MARTYR, Crediton, Devon, Cornwall, greatest English influence in Europe
England, 700-754, BONIFACE, BISHOP, MISSIONARY, MARTYR, Crediton, Devon, Cornwall (a crossroads in Creedy River Valley), at 5 resolved to convert pagans on Continent, monastery school at 7, director Nursing school, first Latin grammar, lecturers, to Friesland at 30, F war w Christian Charles Martel, to Hesse and Bavaria in 710, supported by Pope and CM, cut Oak of Geismar in Hesse, bishop of Germany, synods in France for Church reform, not hightest bidder for bishop, back to Friesland, greatest English influence in Europe; Crediton, Crediton is a town and civil parish in the Mid Devon district of Devon in England. It stands on the A377 Exeter to Barnstaple road at the junction with the A3072 road to Tiverton, about 7 miles (11 km) north west of Exeter. It has a population of 6,837.[1] The town is situated in the narrow vale of the River Creedy, between two steep hills and is divided into two parts, the east or old town and the west or new town. ; BONIFACE, BISHOP, MISSIONARY, MARTYR (5 JUNE 754); nicknamed Boniface ("good deeds"), was born around 680 near Crediton in Devonshire, England. he was five, he listened to some monks who were staying at his father's house. They had returned from a mission to the pagans on the continent, and Boniface was so impressed by them that he resolved to follow their example. his father had intended him for a secular career, he gave way to his son's entreaties and sent him at the age of seven to a monastery school. eventually became director of the school at Nursling, in Winchester, where he wrote the first Latin grammar in England, and gave lectures that were widely copied and circulated. Manuscript illumination showing Bonface baptizing, and his martyrdom thirty, he was ordained and set out to preach in Friesland (overlaps with modern Holland), he was soon expelled because of war between its heathen king and Charles Martel of France. after a brief withdrawal, went into Hesse and Bavaria, having secured the support of the Pope and of Charles Martel for his work there. Hesse, in the presence of a large crowd of pagans, he cut down the Sacred Oak of Geismar, a tree of immense age and girth, sacred to the god Thor. is said that after only a few blows of his axe, the tree tottered and crashed to the ground, breaking into four pieces and revealing itself to be rotted away within. was the beginning of a highly successful missionary effort, and the planting of a vigorous Christian church in Germany, where Boniface was eventually consecrated bishop. asked the Christian Saxons of England to support his work among their kinsmen on the continent, and they responded with money, books, supplies, and above all, with a steady supply of monks to assist him in teaching and preaching. Boiniface felling the oak, from an old German book of Saints did not confine his attentions to Germany. He worked to establish cooperation between the Pope and others in Italy on the one hand and Charles and his successors in France on the other. persuaded Carloman and Pepin, the sons of Charles, to call synods for the reform of the church in their territories, where under previous rulers bishoprics had often been sold to the highest bidder. never forgot his initial failure in Friesland, and in old age resigned his bishopric and returned to work there. Frisians had been converted earlier by Willibrord (another Saxon missionary from England--see 7 Nov), but had lapsed after his death. Boniface preached among them with considerable success. June 5, the eve of Pentecost, 754, he was preparing a group of Frisians for confirmation when they were attacked and killed by heathen warriors. historian Christopher Dawson estimates that he has had a greater influence on the history of Europe than any other Englishman. by James Kiefer

Constantinople, 701-781, JOHN OF DAMASCUS, HYMN-WRITER, ICON DEFENDER, Flesly form God blessed Matter fHis service
Syria, 701-781, JOHN OF DAMASCUS, HYMN-WRITER, ICON DEFENDER, Last otFathers, son oChristian official court oMoslem Khalif, succeeded father's office, Iconoclast Iconodule dispute, Iconoclast Byzantne Emperor Leo III, John's Iconodule writings, protected by being under Moslem Khalif, not Byzantine, even though Moslems were Iconoclasts, 2 oHis Hymns sung in English, many more sung Eastern Church, major writing tFount oKnowledge incl tOrthodox Faith, both Greek &Latin churches Iconodule, Iconoclasts &2nd Commandment about images, Iconodules things changed, God flesly form blessed matter fit for manifesting divine splendor, reclaimed everything fHis service, incl eucharist bread wine, plus painting, sculpture, music, spoken word, daily tasks, pleasures, 16th century Protestants denounce images, sermon about mental images that mind can grasp, vs not thinking at all, like tapioca pudding story, description Eastern Orthodox iconostasis & incense on people, every person image oGod; Syria, 695-749, Saint, John of Damascus; JOHN OF DAMASCUS, HYMN-WRITER, DEFENDER OF ICONS (4 DEC 750); is generally accounted "the last of the Fathers". was the son of a Christian official at the court of the moslem khalif Abdul Malek, and succeeded to his father's office. In his time there was a dispute among Christians between the Iconoclasts (image-breakers) and the Iconodules (image-venerators or image-respectors). Emperor, Leo III, was a vigorous upholder of the Iconoclast position. wrote in favor of the Iconodules with great effectiveness. he was able to do this chiefly because he had the protection of the moslem khalif because the moslems have a strong prohibition against the religious use of pictures or images). John is also known as a hymn-writer. of his hymns are sung in English at Easter ("Come ye faithful, raise the strain" and "The Day of Resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad!"). Many more are sung in the Eastern Church. His major writing is The Fount of Knowledge, of which the third part, The Orthodox Faith, is a summary of Christian doctrine as expounded by the Greek Fathers. dispute about icons was not a dispute between East and West as such. Both the Greek and the Latin churches accepted the final decision. The Iconoclasts maintained that the use of religious images was a violation of the Second Commandment ("Thou shalt not make a graven image... thou shalt not bow down to them"). The Iconodules replied that the coming of Christ had radically changed the situation, and that the commandment must now be understood in a new way, just as the commandment to "Remember the Sabbath Day" must be understood in a new way since the Resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week. Before the Incarnation, it had indeed been improper to portray the invisible God in visible form; God, by taking fleshly form in the person of Jesus Christ, had blessed the whole realm of matter and made it a fit instrument for manifesting the Divine Splendor. had reclaimed everything in heaven and earth for His service, had made water and oil, bread and wine, means of conveying His grace to men. had made painting and sculpture and music and the spoken word, and indeed all our daily tasks and pleasures, the common round of everyday life, a means whereby man might glorify God and be made aware of Him. I always use "man" in the gender-inclusive sense unless the context plainly indicates otherwise.) the use of images and pictures in a religious context is open to abuse, and in the sixteenth century abuses had become so prevalent that some (not all) of the early Protestants reacted by denouncing the use of images altogether. Many years ago, I heard a sermon in my home parish (All Saints' Church, East Lansing, Michigan) on the Commandment, "Thou shalt not make a graven image, nor the likeness of anything in the heavens above, nor in the earth beneath, nor in the waters under the earth -- thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them." (Exodus 20:4-5 and Deuteronomy 5:8-9) preacher (Gordon Jones) pointed out that, even if we refrain completely from the use of statues and paintings in representing God, we will certainly use mental or verbal images, will think of God in terms of concepts that the human mind can grasp, since the alternative is not to think of Him at all. I digress to note that, if we reject the images offered in Holy Scripture of God as Father, Shepherd, King, Judge, on the grounds that they are not literally accurate, we will end up substituting other images -- an endless, silent sea, a dome of white radiance, an infinitely attenuated ether permeating all space, an electromagnetic force field, or whatever, which is no more literally true than the image it replaces, and which leaves out the truths that the Scriptural images convey. of the best books I know on this subject is Edwyn Bevan's Symbolism and Belief, Beacon Press, originally a Gifford Lectures series.[note - now out of print]) C S Lewis repeats what a woman of his acquaintance told him: that as a child she was taught to think of God as an infinite "perfect substance," with the result that for years she envisioned Him as a kind of enormous tapioca pudding. To make matters worse, she disliked tapioca. Back to the sermon.) sin of idolatry consists of giving to the image the devotion that properly belongs to God. No educated man today is in danger of confusing God with a painting or statue, but we may give to a particular concept of God the unconditional allegiance that properly belongs to God Himself. does not, of course, mean that one concept of God is as good as another, or that it may not be our duty to reject something said about God as simply false. concepts, of God matter, because it matters how we think about God. The danger is one of intellectual pride, of forgetting that the Good News is, not that we know God, but that He knows us (1 Corinthians 8:3), not that we love Him, but that He loves us (1 John 4:10). (Incidentally, it was customary in my parish in those days for the preacher to preach a short "Children's Sermon," after which the children were dismissed for Sunday School, and the regular sermon and the rest of the service followed. What I have described above was the Children's Sermon. I remained for the regular sermon, but found it a bit over my head -- a salutary correction to my intellectual snobbery.) the East Orthodox tradition, three-dimensional representations are seldom used. The standard icon is a painting, highly stylized, and thought of as a window through which the worshipper is looking into Heaven. the background of the picture is almost always gold leaf.) an Eastern church, an iconostasis (icon screen) flanks the altar on each side, with images of angels and saints (including Old Testament persons) as a sign that the whole church in Heaven and earth is one body in Christ, and unites in one voice of praise and thanksgiving in the Holy Liturgy. At one point in the service, the minister takes a censer and goes to each icon in turn, bows and swings the censer at the icon. He then does the same thing to the congregation -- ideally, if time permits, to each worshipper separately, as a sign that every Christian is an icon, made in the image and likeness of God, an organ in the body of Christ, a window through whom the splendor of Heaven shines forth. by James Kiefer

Constantinople, 701-781, John oDamascus, zealous Icon defender, wrote t Fount of Knowledge incl tOrthodox Faith, a hymnographer
Syria, 701-781, John oDamascus, born 680, Christian father treasurer fCaliph, foster brother saint Cosmas, both good education fSlave Cosmas oCalabria, both mastered secular spiritual sciences, John took father's post, became city perfect, Iconoclasm quickly spreads iConstantinople, Iconoclast Byzantine Emperor Leo III Isaurian, John's 3Iconodule treatises, enraged Leo, but J not Byzantine subject, Leo slandered J tKaliph, letter tLeo fJ offering help in conquering Damascas, Kaliph immediately ordered J removed hand cut off led through D in chains, same evening hand returned tJ, pressed to wrist he prayed MOG heal him so he could defend Orthodoxy and write again, heard voice iSleep commanding him toil w restored hand, awake saw hand restored thin red line around wrist sign oMiracle, silver model hand put on Icon in thanksgiving, of t3Hands Icon, Caliph heard of tMiracle & wanted restore J but J went to Sabbas wComas, only very Experienced Elder would guide him, do nothing to own will, offer God all labors & prayers, & shed tears to wash sins, once sent to Damascus to sell baskets inflated price, dressed in rags, not recognized except for his steward, sold baskets, monk died and J asked to compose consolation, refused but finally submitted, wrote What earthly delight & All human vanity & others, but for disobedience Elder banished him from Elder's cell, Elder refuses forgiveness fJ &All tMonks, then a monk asks fPenance sentence, wash chamber pots &Latrines wBare hands, after while Elder commanded bMOG allow J write again, Jerusalem Patriarch ordained J & mace him preacher at his Cathedral, but J returned to Sabbas, writing spiritual books&hymns, 754 Council Constantinople he denounced Iconoclasts, died 780 more than 100yrOld; Syria, 695-749, Saint, John of Damascus; Martyr John of Damascus, Commemorated on December 4; John of Damascus was born about the year 680 at Damascus, Syria into a Christian family. father, Sergius Mansur, was a treasurer at the court of the Caliph. had also a foster brother, the orphaned child Cosmas (October 14), whom Sergius had taken into his own home. the children were growing up, Sergius saw that they received a good education. the Damascus slave market he ransomed the learned monk Cosmas of Calabria from captivity and entrusted to him the teaching of his children. boys displayed uncommon ability and readily mastered their courses of the secular and spiritual sciences. the death of his father, John occupied ministerial posts at court and became the city prefect. Constantinople at that time, the heresy of Iconoclasm had arisen and quickly spread, by the emperor Leo III the Isaurian (717-741). up in defense of the Orthodox veneration of icons [Iconodoulia], Saint John wrote three treatises entitled, “Against Those who Revile the Holy Icons.” wise and God-inspired writings of Saint John enraged the emperor. since the author was not a Byzantine subject, the emperor was unable to lock him up in prison, or to execute him. emperor then resorted to slander. A forged letter to the emperor was produced, supposedly from John, in which the Damascus official was supposed to have offered his help to Leo in conquering the Syrian capital. letter and another hypocritically flattering note were sent to the Saracen Caliph by Leo the Isaurian. Caliph immediately ordered that Saint John be removed from his post, that his right hand be cut off, and that he be led through the city in chains. same evening, they returned the severed hand to Saint John. The saint pressed it to his wrist and prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos to heal him so that he could defend the Orthodox Faith and write once again in praise of the Most Pure Virgin and Her Son. a time, he fell asleep before the icon of the Mother of God. He heard Her voice telling him that he had been healed, and commanding him to toil unceasingly with his restored hand. awakening, he found that his hand had been attached to his arm once more. Only a small red mark around his wrist remained as a sign of the miracle. in thanksgiving for being healed, Saint John had a silver model of his hand attached to the icon, which became known as “Of the Three Hands.” unlearned painters have given the Mother of God three hands instead of depicting the silver model of Saint John’s hand. Icon “Of the Three Hands” is commemorated on June 28 and July 12. he learned of the miracle, which demonstrated John’s innocence, the Caliph asked his forgiveness wanted to restore him to his former office, but the saint refused. gave away his riches to the poor, and went to Jerusalem with his stepbrother and fellow-student, Cosmas. he entered the monastery of Saint Savva the Sanctified as a simple novice. was not easy for him to find a spiritual guide, because all the monks were daunted by his great learning and by his former rank. one very experienced Elder, who had the skill to foster the spirit of obedience and humility in a student, would consent to do this. Elder forbade John to do anything at all according to his own will. also instructed him to offer to God all his labors and supplications as a perfect sacrifice, to shed tears which would wash away the sins of his former life. he sent the novice to Damascus to sell baskets made at the monastery, and commanded him to sell them at a certain inflated price, far above their actual value. undertook the long journey under the searing sun, dressed in rags. No one in the city recognized the former official of Damascus, for his appearance had been changed by prolonged fasting and ascetic labors. Saint John was recognized by his former house steward, who bought all the baskets at the asking price, showing compassion on him for his apparent poverty. of the monks happened to die, and his brother begged Saint John to compose something consoling for the burial service. John refused for a long time, but out of pity he yielded to the petition of the grief-stricken monk, and wrote his renowned funeral troparia (“What earthly delight,” “All human vanity,” and others). this disobedience the Elder banished him from his cell. fell at his feet and asked to be forgiven, but the Elder remained unyielding. the monks began to plead for him to allow John to return, but he refused. one of the monks asked the Elder to impose a penance on John, and to forgive him if he fulfilled it. Elder said, “If John wishes to be forgiven, let him wash out all the chamber pots in the lavra, and clean the monastery latrines with his bare hands.” rejoiced and eagerly ran to accomplish his shameful task. a certain while, the Elder was commanded in a vision by the All-Pure and Most Holy Theotokos to allow Saint John to write again. the Patriarch of Jerusalem heard of Saint John, he ordained him priest and made him a preacher at his cathedral. Saint John soon returned to the Lavra of Saint Savva, where he spent the rest of his life writing spiritual books and church hymns. left the monastery only to denounce the iconoclasts at the Constantinople Council of 754. subjected him to imprisonment and torture, but he endured everything, and through the mercy of God he remained alive. He died in about the year 780, more than 100 years old. John of Damascus was a theologian and a zealous defender of Orthodoxy. His most important book is the Fount of Knowledge. The third section of this work, “On the Orthodox Faith,” is a summary of Orthodox doctrine and a refutation of heresy. Since he was known as a hymnographer, we pray to Saint John for help in the study of church singing.

Constantinople, 713-762, Theodora oCaesarea, Nun dedicated by childless p's, miraculously saved fMarriage by attack killg husband
Armenia, , Theodora of Caesarea, Cappadocia, Armenia, Dedicated by rich childless parents, entered monastery, but iconoclast Leo tIsaurian arranged marriage tHis Aide, miraculously Scythians attacked during wedding feast, husband killed first skirmish, she sailed back tConvent, imperial emissary found she already tonsured a Nun, Therefore could not be forced to leave monastery, rest of life fasting vigil prayer heavy iron chains; Caesurea, Cappadocia; Venerable Theodora of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated December 30 ; Theodora of Caesarea, living during the eighth century, the daughter of the patrician Theophilus and his wife Theodora. parents for a long time had been childless, and grieved over this. prayed and vowed that if a child were born to them, it would be dedicated to God. their daughter was of age, her mother took her to the monastery of Saint Anna in Caesarea, where the maiden entered under the guidance of an abbess. she became familiar with spiritual literature. emperor Leo the Isaurian (716-741), an iconoclast heretic, wanted to give the maiden Theodora into marriage to one of his aides. took her from the monastery against her will and brought her to Constantinople, where everything was already prepared for the wedding celebration. during the wedding feast the Scythians attacked the capital, and Saint Theodora’s husband, sent to help beat back the attack of the enemy, perished in the very first skirmish. advantage of the general confusion, Saint Theodora got on a ship and returned to her convent. an imperial emissary followed her there, he saw that she had already been tonsured a nun. she could not be forced to leave the women’s monastery. spent the remaining years of her life in fasting, vigil, and prayer. wore heavy iron chains on her body, not removing them until death.

Constantinople, 715-730, Patriarch, Germanus I of Constantinople, eunuch, iconodule, writer, hymnographer
Constantinople Patriarch, 715-730, Germanus I of Constantinople; I (c. 634 -733 or 740) was the Patriarch of Constantinople from 715 to 730. He is regarded as a saint, by both the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, with a feast day of 12 May.[1] He had been ecumenically preceded by Patriarch John VI of Constantinople, and was succeeded in Orthodox rite by patriarch Constantine II of Constantinople.[2] to Theophanes the Confessor, Germanus was a son of patrician Justinian, who was executed in 668.[3] Justinian was reportedly involved in the murder of Constans II and usurpation of the throne by Mezezius. Constantine IV, son of Constans II, defeated his rival and punished the supporters of Mezezius. Germanus survived the persecutions, but was made a eunuch by the victors.[4] was sent to a monastery. He resurfaces as Bishop of Cyzicus.[3] He took part in the 712 Council of Constantinople where decisions favored Monothelitism, abolishing the canons of the Third Council of Constantinople (680-681). The Council followed the religious preferences of Philippikos Bardanes.[5] 713, Philippikos Bardanes was deposed by Anastasios II. Anastasios soon reversed all religious decisions of his predecessor. Patriarch John VI, strongly associated with Monothelitism, was eventually dismissed. On 11 August 714/715, Germanus was elected Patriarch of Constantinople. Germanus later helped negotiate Anastasius' surrender terms to Theodosios III.[6] 715, Germanus organized a new council propagating Dyothelitism and anathematizing various leaders of the opposing faction. He attempted to improve relations with the Armenian Apostolic Church with a view towards reconciliation. The major issue of his term would, however, be the emerging Byzantine Iconoclasm, propagated by Leo III the Isaurian. was an iconodule,[5] and played an important role in defending the use of sacred images during the iconoclastic crisis of his day, suffering exile for his opposition to the emperor, who considered reverence for these images a form of idolatry.[7] an apparently successful attempt to enforce the baptism of all Jews and Montanists in the empire (722), Leo issued a series of edicts against the worship of images (726–729).[8] A letter by the patriarch Germanus written before 726 to two Iconoclast bishops says that "now whole towns and multitudes of people are in considerable agitation over this matter" but we have very little evidence as to the growth of the debate.[9] either resigned or was deposed following the ban. Surviving letters Germanus wrote at the time say little of theology. According to Patricia Karlin-Hayter, what worried Germanus was that the ban of icons would prove that the Church had been in error for a long time and therefore play into the hands of Jews and Muslims.[10] Tradition depicts Germanus as much more determined in his position, even winning a debate on the matter with Constantine, Bishop of Nacoleia, a leading Iconoclast. Pope Gregory II (term 715–731), a fellow iconodule, praised Germanus' "zeal and steadfastness".[5] was replaced by Anastasios, more willing to obey the emperor. Germanus retired to the residence of his family. He died a few years at an advanced age in 740.[11] He was buried at the Chora Church. The Second Council of Nicaea (787) included Germanus in the diptychs of the saints. He has since been regarded a saint by both the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. of his writings have been preserved.[5] His Historia Ecclesiastica was a popular work in Greek and Latin translations for many centuries, and remains often quoted by scholars. Parts of it were published in English in 1985 as On the Divine Liturgy, described by its publishers as for centuries the quasi-official explanation of the Divine Liturgy for the Byzantine Christian world.[12] However the Johann Peter Kirsch is dubious that the work is actually by Germanus.[5] Pius XII included one of his texts in the apostolic constitution proclaiming Mary's assumption into heaven a dogma of the Church.[7] his writings was the hymn translated by John Mason Neale as A Great and Mighty Wonder,[13][14] although Neale misattributed this to Anatolius of Constantinople. Martyr Julian of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 9 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or œthe Roman, Commemorated on June 26;

Constantinople, 716-843, Luke's Machairotissa (knife) Icon transferred from Blachernae to Cyprus
Transferred to Cyprus during Iconoclast period. Painted by Luke, Kikios Icon, forgotten in cave, MOG gave knife to ascetics Neophytos and Ignatius to cut brush and find it again. Site of knife or Kikios or Kionia monastery. ; Machairotissa (knife) Icon of the Mother of God Commemorated on October 18; Machairotissa (Μαχαιριώτισσα) Icon is a wonderworking icon of the Mother of God in the Holy Machaira Monastery on Cyprus. This Icon is historically and spiritually linked to the Monastery, which owes its name to the history of the Icon. Icon is believed to be one of the 70 icons of the Theotokos painted by Saint Luke, and at the time it was located above the Holy Soros (a chest containing the Robe and the Sash of the Theotokos) in the church of the Mother of God at Blachernae (See July 2 and August 31). This is reinforced by the inscription "Hagiosoritissa" on the Icon, which was later changed to "Machairiotissa," from the Greek word for "knife" (μαχαίρι). to oral tradition, an ascetic brought the Hagiosoritissa Icon to Cyprus from Constantinople during the Iconoclastic period (716 - 843), and settled in a cave on the site where the monastery stands today. After the ascetic went to the Lord, the Icon was forgotten and the entrance of the cave was sealed until the XII century, when the Theotokos gave a knife to the Holy Ascetics Neophytos and Ignatius (December 13), so that they could cut the bushes away and find the Icon. When Saint Neophytos reposed, another old monk, Father Prokopios, joined Ignatius. brotherhood grew too large, and so these two Fathers decided to build a monastery which would be governed according to the cenobitic Rule followed by the great monastic centers of the time. The Holy, Royal and Stavropigial Monastery of Panagia Machairotissa, is located at the eastern end of the Troodos mountain range near the peak of Kionia, at an altitude of 870 meters. It is built on a beautiful mountainside overgrown with pine trees, ending in the Pediaios torrent. It is called a Basilica because it was built with royal assistance, and Stavropegial,1 because the Patriarch had affixed a cross on the side of the building. Synaxis of the Machairotissa Icon is celebrated on October 18th, the Feast of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke who, according to Tradition, painted the Machairiotissa Icon. It is kept in the katholikon of the Machaira Monastery. The Icon is also commemorated on November 21, the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple. of the primate of a Church rather than under the local diocesan bishop. Blachernae;

Constantinople, 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.

Constantinople, 717-718, 2nd Arab Seige of Constantinople
Constantinople, 717-718, 2nd Arab Seige of Constantinople;

Byzantium, 717-741, Emperor, Leo III, Iconoclast, John Damascas' hand, Arabic, Muslim Iconoclasm, d Umayyads
Byzantine Emperor 717-741, Leo the Isaurian, aka Leo III the Syrian; III the Isaurian (Greek: , romanized: Leon ho Isauros; c. 685-18 June 741), also known as the Syrian, was Byzantine Emperor from 717 until his death in 741 and founder of the Isaurian dynasty.[1] put an end to the Twenty Years' Anarchy, a period of great instability in the Byzantine Empire between 695 and 717, marked by the rapid succession of several emperors to the throne. He also successfully defended the Empire against the invading Umayyads and forbade the veneration of icons.[2] life[edit] whose original name was Konon, was born in Germanikeia in the Syrian province of Commagene (modern KahramanmaraÅŸ in Turkey). Some, including the Byzantine chronicler Theophanes, have claimed that Konon's family had been resettled in Thrace, where he entered the service of Emperor Justinian II, when the latter was advancing on Constantinople with an army of loyalist followers, and horsemen provided by Tervel of Bulgaria in 705. Leo was fluent in Arabic,[3] possibly as a native language,[4] and was described by Theophanes as "the Saracen minded."[5] the victory of Justinian II, Konon was dispatched on a diplomatic mission to Alania and Lazica to organize an alliance against the Umayyad Caliphate under Al-Walid I. According to the Chronicle of Theophanes Justinian wanted to get rid of Konon and took back the money that had been given to him to help advance Byzantine interests, thus leaving Konon stranded in Alania. The chronicle describes the mission as successful and Konon returning eventually to Justinian after crossing the Caucasus mountains in May with snowshoes and taking the fortress of Sideron (associated with Tsebelda) on the way.[6][7] was appointed commander (stratÄ“gos) of the Anatolic Theme by Emperor Anastasius II. On his deposition, Konon joined with his colleague Artabasdus, the stratÄ“gos of the Armeniac Theme, in conspiring to overthrow the new Emperor Theodosius III. Artabasdus was betrothed to Anna,[8] daughter of Leo as part of the agreement. of Constantinople[edit] article: Siege of Constantinople (717–718) entered Constantinople on 25 March 717 and forced the abdication of Theodosios III, becoming emperor as Leo III. The new emperor was immediately forced to attend to the Second Arab siege of Constantinople, which commenced in August of the same year. The Arabs were Umayyad forces sent by Caliph Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik and serving under his brother Maslama ibn Abd al-Malik. They had taken advantage of the civil discord in the Byzantine Empire to bring a force of 80,000 to 150,000 men and a massive fleet to the Bosphorus.[9] preparations, begun three years earlier under Anastasius II, and the stubborn resistance put up by Leo wore out the invaders. An important factor in the victory of the Byzantines was their use of Greek fire.[10] The Arab forces also fell victim to Bulgarian reinforcements arriving to aid the Byzantines. Leo was allied with the Bulgarians but the chronicler Theophanes the Confessor was uncertain if they were still serving under Tervel of Bulgaria or his eventual successor Kormesiy of Bulgaria. to continue the siege in the face of the Bulgarian onslaught, the impenetrability of Constantinople's walls, and their own exhausted provisions, the Arabs were forced to abandon the siege in August, 718. Sulayman himself had died the previous year and his successor Umar II would not attempt another siege. The siege had lasted 12 months. section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) Empire 717 AD. 1. Ravenna 2. Venetia and Istria 3. Rome 4. Naples 5. Calabria 6. Hellas 7. Thrace 8. Opsikion 9. Thrakesion 10. Anatolikon 11. Karabisianoi 12. Armeniakon. Hatched area: Frequently invaded by Umayyad Caliphate. thus saved the Empire from extinction, Leo proceeded to consolidate its administration, which in the previous years of anarchy had become completely disorganized. In 718 he suppressed a rebellion in Sicily and in 719 did the same on behalf of the deposed Emperor Anastasios II. secured the Empire's frontiers by inviting Slavic settlers into the depopulated districts and by restoring the army to efficiency; when the Umayyad Caliphate renewed its invasions in 726 and 739, as part of the campaigns of Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, the Arab forces were decisively beaten, particularly at Akroinon in 740. His military efforts were supplemented by his alliances with the Khazars and the Georgians. undertook a set of civil reforms including the abolition of the system of prepaying taxes which had weighed heavily upon the wealthier proprietors, the elevation of the serfs into a class of free tenants and the remodelling of Family law, maritime law and criminal law, notably substituting mutilation for the death penalty in many cases. The new measures, which were embodied in a new code called the Ecloga (Selection), published in 726, met with some opposition on the part of the nobles and higher clergy. The Emperor also undertook some reorganization of the theme structure by creating new themata in the Aegean region. of the miliaresion silver coins, first struck by Leo III to commemorate the coronation of his son, Constantine V, as co-emperor in 720. most striking legislative reforms dealt with religious matters, especially iconoclasm ("icon-breaking," therefore an iconoclast is an "icon-breaker").[11] After an apparently successful attempt to enforce the baptism of all Jews and Montanists in the empire (722), he issued a series of edicts against the veneration of images (726–729).[12] This prohibition of a custom, which had been in use among Christians for centuries, may have been inspired by Islamic influence as well as the desire to appease those who had not been Christians, and received the support of the official aristocracy. A majority of the theologians and all the monks opposed these measures with uncompromising hostility, and in the western parts of the Empire the people refused to obey the edict. revolt which broke out in Greece, mainly on religious grounds, was crushed by the imperial fleet in 727 (cf. Agallianos Kontoskeles). In 730, Patriarch Germanos I of Constantinople resigned rather than subscribe to an iconoclastic decree. Leo had him replaced by Anastasios,[13] who willingly sided with the Emperor on the question of icons. Thus Leo suppressed the overt opposition of the capital. the Italian Peninsula, the defiant attitude of Popes Gregory II and later Gregory III on behalf of image-veneration led to a fierce quarrel with the Emperor. The former summoned councils in Rome to anathematize and excommunicate the iconoclasts (730, 732); in 740 Leo retaliated by transferring Southern Italy and Illyricum from the papal diocese to that of the patriarch of Constantinople.[14] The struggle was accompanied by an armed outbreak in the exarchate of Ravenna in 727, which Leo finally endeavoured to subdue by means of a large fleet. But the destruction of the armament by a storm decided the issue against him; his southern Italian subjects successfully defied his religious edicts, and the Exarchate of Ravenna became effectively detached from the Empire. have discussed the mutual influence of Muslim and Byzantine iconoclasm, noting that Caliph Yazid II had issued an iconoclastic edict, also targeting his Christian subjects, already in 721.[15] III died of dropsy on 18 June 741. He was succeeded by his son, Constantine V. his wife Maria, Leo III had four known children: his successor, Constantine V; Anna, who married Artabasdus; Irene; and Kosmo. Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Icon of the Mother of God "œof the Three Hands"Â on Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 12; Martyr Julian of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 9 ; Translation of the Image "œNot-Made-By-Hands"Â of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in AugustÂ, Commemorated on August 16; Hieromartyr Hypatius the Bishop of Ephesus, Commemorated on September 21; Venerable Basil the Confessor, companion of the Venerable Procopius at Decapolis, Commemorated on February 28 ; Venerable Theophanes the Confessor of Sigriane, Commemorated on March 12; St George the Confessor the Bishop of Mitylene, Commemorated on April 7; St Germanus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 12; St John Psichaita the Confessor, of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 26; Virginmartyr Theodosia the Nun of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 29 ; Venerable Peter of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on June 12 ; Icon of the Mother of God of "œthe Three Hands"Â, Commemorated on June 28;

Constantinople, 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.

Constantinople, 717-750, Procopius tConfessor oDecapolis, noticably Pure, he defeated iconoclasts, vereration passes tPrototype
Galilee, 717-750, Procopius tConfessor o Decapolis, Eastern Galilee (Hippos), a monk devoted to life oPrayer&fasting, experienced, adorned wVirtue&Purity oSoul, other ascetics noticed him, meanwhile iconoclast heresy appeared, Emperor Leo tIsaurian regarded icons as idols and iconodules as idolaters, righteous Prokopios and others fought against that heresy, he defeated them by declaring Orthodox do not worship but venerate icons, and that veneration passes to the original prototype, so he received wrath of the Emperor, arrested tormented flogged beaten wRods raked wIron claws, then thrown into dank dungeon, with Basil he was there till Leo died in 741, when confessors were released, he spent rest of life in peace; the Decapolis city to the east of Lake Galilee, Hippos ; Venerable Procopius the Confessor of Decapolis Commemorated on February 27 ; Prokopios lived during the VIII century in the region of Dekapolis, east of the Sea of Galilee. the vainity of this world, Prokopios was tonsured in a certain monastery, where he labored for his salvation, himself to a life of prayer and fasting. he grew experienced in ascetical labors, he was adorned with virtue and purity of soul, that other ascetics began to notice him. about this time, the heresy of iconoclasm appeared. was distressed by the policies of the wicked Emperor Leo the Isaurian, regarded the Holy Icons as idols, those who venerated them as idolaters. righteous Prokopios, together with other zealots of Orthodoxy, fought against the wicked heresy of the iconoclasts. refuted their mindless madness and defeated them by declaring that Orthodox Christians do not worship icons, we venerate them, that veneration passes to the original prototype. brought upon him the wrath and disfavor of the Emperor. his command, Saint Prokopios was arrested and subjected to cruel torments: was flogged, beaten with rods, and raked with iron claws, and then was thrown into a dank dungeon. Saint Prokopios and Saint Basil (February 28), his co-struggler in the monastic liife, languished until the death of Emperor Leo, when the Holy Confessors were released. Prokopios the Decapolite spent the remainder of his life in peace, many on the path of virtue and salvation. reposed at an advanced age, around the year 750.

Constantinople, 717-741, Basil the Confessor, companion of Procopius aDecapolis, Eastern Galilee, persecuted for icon veneration, torture, prison, long time
Galilee, 717-741, Basil the Confessor, companion of the Venerable Procopius aDecapolis, Eastern Galilee (Hippos), persecution against icon veneration, torture, prison, long time, set free on emperor Leo's death death, continued monastic struggles, instructing faith Virtuous life, died peacefully 750 ; the Decapolis city to the east of Lake Galilee, Hippos ; Venerable Basil the Confessor, companion of the Venerable Procopius at Decapolis, Commemorated on February 28 ; Basil the Confessor was a monk and suffered during the reign of the iconoclast emperor Leo the Isaurian (717-741). a persecution started against those who venerated holy icons, Basil and his companion Saint Procopius of Decapolis (February 27) subjected to much torture and locked up in prison. both martyrs languished for a long while, until the death of the impious emperor. the holy Confessors Basil and Procopius were set free along with other venerators of holy icons, continued in their monastic struggles, many in the Orthodox Faith and the virtuous life. Saint Basil died peacefully in the year 750.

Constantinople, 717-41&982, Axion Estin Icon, Archangel Gabriel writes hymn oTile, after bloody icon floats fConstantinople
Greece, Mt Athos, 717-741 &982, Axion Estin Icon, Archangel Gabriel writes hymn on tile 982, after bloody icon floats fConstantinople tMt Athos, after soldier slashed it 717-41, tile tC, expanded hymn Axion Estin in Divine Liturgy; Protaton Church Synaxis of the “Axion Estin” Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 11; to Tradition, during the iconoclast persecution of Leo III the Isaurian (717-741), Icon of the Theotokos was slashed by the sword of one of the Emperor’s soldiers. Blood flowed from the Icon into the sea. Shaken by this sign, the repentant sinner fled to Mount Athos. day he saw the Icon, which had floated from Constantinople, lying on the shore, it was still bleeding and dyeing the water red. ran toward it and, with fear and trembling, he carried it to the Protaton church. the Icon stopped bleeding, indicating that the Panagia had forgiven him for desecrating her holy Icon. (Greek: Παναγία, fem. of panágios, pan- + hágios, the All-Holy, or the Most Holy; pronounced Greek pronunciation: (also transliterated Panaghia or Panajia), in Medieval and Modern Greek, is one of the titles of Mary, mother of Jesus, used especially in Eastern Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity. Most Greek churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary are called Panagia; the standard western Christian designation of "St. Mary" is rarely used in the Orthodox East, as Mary is considered the holiest of all created beings and therefore of higher status than the Saints.) years later, a certain Elder and his disciple were living in a cave near Karyes. a Saturday night in 982, the Elder went to attend the All-Night Vigil at Karyes, leaving his disciple behind to read the service in their cell. it was dark, an unknown monk came to the cell. He said that his name was Gabriel, and the disciple invited him to come in. it was time for the Vigil, the two monks began to pray before the Icon of the Mother of God. they finished the eighth Ode of the Canon, the disciple began to chant: “My soul magnifies the Lord...” and then he sang the Irmos of Saint Cosmas the Hymnographer (Oct. 14): “More honorable than the Cherubim...” visitor then chanted the next verse: “For He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden; for behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” instead of singing “More honorable...” the visitor prefaced it with: “It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos, ever blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God.” he continued with “More honorable.” the singing of this hymn, the Icon was illumined with a heavenly light, the disciple was moved to tears He asked his guest to write down the new words, but there was no paper. stranger took a roofing tile and wrote the entire hymn upon it with his finger, as though it were made of wax. disciple then realized that this was no ordinary monk, but the Archangel Gabriel. The heavenly visitor told him, “Sing the hymn this way, and all of the Orthodox as well.” Then, he disappeared. light continued to shine forth from the Icon for a long time. Eleousa (Merciful) Icon of the Mother of God, before which the hymn “It Is Truly Meet” was first sung, was transferred to the katholikon at Karyes. tile, with the hymn written on it by the Archangel Gabriel, was taken to Constantinople when Saint Nicholas Chrysoberges (December 16) was Patriarch. copies of the “It Is Truly Meet” Icon are revered in Russian churches. At the Galerna Harbor of St. Petersburg a church with five cupolas was built in honor of the “Merciful” Mother of God, and into it they placed a grace-bearing copy of the “Axion Estin” Icon sent from Mount Athos. inscription on the scroll held by Christ reads: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” Axion Estin Icon kept at the High Place in the sanctuary of the Holy Dormition katholikon at Karyes, the capital of Mount Athos. on the Igoumen's stone chair, the Icon is an object of great veneration. church is known as Protaton because it was the first church to be built on the Holy Mountain in 843 by Saint Athanasios the Athonite (July 5) iconography of the church was done in the XIII century by the renowned iconographer Emmanuel Panselinos. Icon takes its name from the hymn we sing after the epiklesis during the Divine Liturgy. cell where the miracle took place is known today by the name “Axion Estin.” miracle occurred on June 11, 982 on a Sunday. miraculous tile on which was the hymn was transcribed was transferred to the Patriarchate of Constantinople and was displayed for veneration by the faithful in the imperial palace Church of Saint Stephen. that time on, the expanded hymn Axion Estin became part of the Divine Liturgy and other services of the Church. Icon is especially honored with festivities and a procession on Bright Monday, and many miracles take place on that day. Icon itself is a bit faded, but is now covered by a silver riza. has been restored recently and is in good condition. is an inscription: “Μήτηρ Θεού Καρυώτισσα” or “Mother of God Karyotissa (of Karyes).” it came from Constantinople, and belongs to the Panagia Eleousa type, which was first painted by the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke. the one thousand year anniversary of Mount Athos in 1963, the Axion Estin Icon left the Holy Mountain for the first time to be venerated in Athens by thousands of faithful. 1985 it was brought to Thessaloniki aboard a military ship and received there with the same honors as a Head of State.

Constantinople, 717-740, Icon of Three Hands, John of Damascus hand, MOG heals h, t Sabbas, t Serbia, donkey igumen story
Syria, 717-740, Icon of Three Hands, John of Damascus' hand, Syria (Barada River foothills, Kings Highway 17, Way of the Sea 17), J slandered by Leo III, caliph cut off J's hand, MOG puts it back on, hand had written Orthodoxy defense, MOG commanded toil w o fail before healing, John to Sabbas w icon, icon to Serbia, MOG leads icon donkey to Hilandar, MOG icon becomes igumen of H; Damascus (Barada River foothills); Icon of the Mother of God of œthe 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), 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.

Constantinople, 722-792, Philaret tMerciful, rich man loved poor, giving all, always rewarded, wife&children eventually learn
Armenia, 722-792, Philaret tMerciful oAmnia, Paphlagonia, Armenia, Rich&Illustrious, but did not hoard wealth, famed for love oPoor, Ishmaelites (Arabs) attached, little left fHim but continued to give, rich wife Theoseba complained, jeers oChildren, he said riches hidden away enough 100 yrs wOut working, his gifts would multiply for recipient, knowing this man asks for calf, cow missed calf, wife complains, but P praises her and gives cow tMan, famine came so p took donkey to borrow 6bushels wheat, poor man asks for some wheat, P tells T give him 1bushel, T says give 4bushels to family, P gives man last 2bushels, T says give half the load, P given him 1 more bushel fHalf tLoad, T says give him the bag too, T says to spite me give him all, P givel all 6, man can't lift 6B so T tells P give him donkey, T &Children hungry, wept, Lord rewarded P friends gave him 40 bushels, T kept most, P gave his share, when eating P went to T&Children for food, T grumbled how long treasure hidden, Empress Irene seeking bride for her son, envoys in Amneia, P happy, T sad because not enough food, P tells T light fire decorate, Neighbors bring everything required, Envoys impressed, select granddaughter Maria, marries Constantine, became Emperess, Emperor C rewards P, P alms&feast fPoor, P&family serve poor aFeast, P orders servant fill 3 bags, 1Gold, 1Silver, 1 copper coins, reach in give as God wills, P refused fine clothes, no imperial rank, just call me grandfather oEmperess, 90 yrs knew death coming, tJudgement Monastery, gave gold, asked buried there, i10days, 10th day exhorted family love poor fSalvation, died 792, miracle after death, T restores monasteries churches a barbarian invasion; Amnia (probably here at the mouth of the Amnia River); Amnia River Region is on the Amnia River near the Battle of Amnia; Righteous Philaret the Merciful of Amnia in Asia Minor, Commemorated December 1 ; Philaret the Merciful, son of George and Anna, was raised in piety and the fear of God. lived during the eighth century in the village of Amnia in the Paphlagonian district of Asia Minor. wife, Theoseba, was from a rich and illustrious family, they had three children: a son John, and daughters Hypatia and Evanthia. was a rich and illustrious dignitary, he did not hoard his wealth. that many people suffered from poverty, he remembered the words of the Savior about the dread Last Judgment and about “these least ones” (Mt. 25:40); Apostle Paul’s reminder that we will take nothing with us from this world (1 Tim 6:7); the assertion of King David that the righteous would not be forsaken (Ps 36/37:25). whose name means “lover of virtue,” was famed for his love for the poor. day Ishmaelites [Arabs] attacked Paphlagonia, devastating the land and plundering the estate of Philaret. remained only two oxen, a donkey, a cow with her calf, some beehives, and the house. he also shared them with the poor. wife reproached him for being heartless and unconcerned for his own family. yet firmly he endured the reproaches of his wife and the jeers of his children. “I have hidden away riches and treasure,” he told his family, “so much that it would be enough for you to feed and clothe yourselves, even if you lived a hundred years without working.” saint’s gifts always brought good to the recipient. received anything from him found that the gift would multiply, and that person would become rich. this, a certain man came to Saint Philaret asking for a calf so that he could start a herd. cow missed its calf and began to bellow. Theoseba said to her husband, “You have no pity on us, you merciless man, but don’t you feel sorry for the cow? You have separated her from her calf.” saint praised his wife, and agreed that it was not right to separate the cow and the calf. he called the poor man to whom he had given the calf and told him to take the cow as well. year there was a famine, so Saint Philaret took the donkey and went to borrow six bushels of wheat from a friend of his. he returned home, a poor man asked him for a little wheat, so he told his wife to give the man a bushel. said, “First you must give a bushel to each of us in the family, then you can give away the rest as you choose.” then gave the man two bushels of wheat. Theoseba said sarcastically, “Give him half the load so you can share it.” saint measured out a third bushel and gave it to the man. Theoseba said, “Why don’t you give him the bag, too, so he can carry it?” gave him the bag. The exasperated wife said, “Just to spite me, why not give him all the wheat.” Saint Philaret did so. the man was unable to lift the six bushels of wheat, so Theoseba told her husband to give him the donkey so he could carry the wheat home. Blessing his wife, Philaret gave the donkey to the man, who went home rejoicing. and the children wept because they were hungry. Lord rewarded Philaret for his generosity: the last measure of wheat was given away, an old friend sent him forty bushels. kept most of the wheat for herself and the children, the saint gave away his share to the poor and had nothing left. his wife and children were eating, he would go to them and they gave him some food. grumbled saying, “How long are you going to keep that treasure of yours hidden? Take it out so we can buy food with it.” this time the Byzantine empress Irene (797-802) was seeking a bride for her son, the future emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitos (780-797). emissaries were sent throughout all the Empire to find a suitable girl, and the envoys came to Amneia. Philaret and Theoseba learned that these most illustrious guests were to visit their house, was very happy, but Theoseba was sad, for they did not have enough food. Philaret told his wife to light the fire and to decorate their home. neighbors, knowing that imperial envoys were expected, brought everything required for a rich feast. envoys were impressed by the saint’s daughters and granddaughters. Seeing their beauty, their deportment, their clothing, and their admirable qualities, the envoys agreed that Philaret’s granddaughter, Maria was exactly what they were looking for. Maria exceeded all her rivals in quality and modesty and indeed became Constantine’s wife, and the emperor rewarded Philaret. fame and riches returned to Philaret. just as before, this holy lover of the poor generously distributed alms and provided a feast for the poor. and his family served them at the meal. Everyone was astonished at his humility and said: “This is a man of God, a true disciple of Christ.” ordered a servant to take three bags and fill one with gold, one with silver, and one with copper coins. a beggar approached, Philaret ordered his servant to bring forth one of the bags, whichever God’s providence would ordain. he would reach into the bag and give to each person, as much as God willed. Philaret refused to wear fine clothes, nor would he accept any imperial rank. said it was enough for him to be called the grandfather of the Empress. saint reached ninety years of age and knew his end was approaching. went to the Rodolpheia (“The Judgment”) monastery in Constantinople. gave some gold to the Abbess and asked her to allow him to be buried there, saying that he would depart this life in ten days. returned home and became ill. On the tenth day he summoned his family, he exhorted them to imitate his love for the poor if they desired salvation. Then he fell asleep in the Lord. He died in the year 792 and was buried in the Rodolpheia Judgment monastery in Constantinople. appearance of a miracle after his death confirmed the sainthood of Righteous Philaret. they bore the body of the saint to the cemetery, a certain man, possessed by the devil, followed the funeral procession and tried to overturn the coffin. they reached the grave, the devil threw the man down on the ground and went out of him. other miracles and healings also took place at the grave of the saint. the death of the righteous Philaret, his wife Theoseba worked at restoring monasteries and churches devastated during a barbarian invasion.

Constantople, 725-795, Timothy oSymbola iBithynia, n Mt Olympos Monastery, high degree spiritual perfection, healing&Deliverance
Bithynia, 725-795, Timothy oSymbola iBithynia, near Mt Olympos Monastery, an Italian, young monk, aSymbola, under Archmandrite Theoctistus and Platon otStudion m, high degree spiritual perfection, gifts oHealing and deliverance, many years hermit roaming wilderness mts and forests offering prayer to tLord, died great old age 795; Sakkoudion Monastery on Mt Olympos in Bithynia; Sakkoudion Monastery on Mt Olympos in Bithynia; Venerable Timothy of Symbola in Bithynia, Commemorated on February 21; Timothy of Symbola was of Italian descent. became a monk at a young age and pursued asceticism at a monastery called “Symbola”, in Asia Minor near Mount Olympus. that time Theoctistus was the archimandrite of the monastery. Timothy was the disciple of Theoctistus also of Saint Platon of the Studion Monastery (April 5). a high degree of spiritual perfection, he received from God the gift of healing the sick and casting out unclean spirits. spent many years as a hermit, roaming the wilderness, the mountains and forests, day and night offering up prayer to the Lord God. died at a great old age, in the year 795.

Constantinople, 730-754, Patriarch, Anastasius, an iconoclast
Constantinople Patriarch, 730-754, Anastasius, an iconoclast; Martyr Julian of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 9 ; Virginmartyr Theodosia the Nun of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 29;

Constantinople, 735-745, Martyr Anna oMt Auxentius, Bithynia, falsly accused sinning wSt Stephen tN, crowns virginity martyr
Bithynia, 735-, Martyr Anna of Mt Auxentius, Bithynia, falsly accused of sinning with St Stephen tN, crowns virginity martyr, noblewoman, sold possessions, Money tPoor, monastic tonsure Steven tNew, Mt Auxentius, Hair Shirt Weavers Monastery, iconoclasts tried S, accused him visiting women aNight wAnna, she would not lie about S, tDungeon, public hearing, stripped naked, maidservant falsely swears, streached out on ground and beaten wRods, almost dead sent tabandoned monastery, died; Mt St Auxentius of Bithynia; Martyr Anna, Commemorated on November 28 ; Anna was a noblewoman who sold all her possessions and gave the money to the poor. received the monastic tonsure from Saint Stephen the New while he was living on Mount Auxentius in Bithynia. sent her to live in the women’s monastery called Trichinarion (Community of hairshirt-wearers). the iconoclasts tried to turn Saint Stephen from venerating the holy icons, they tried flattery, bribery, and threats, but all their efforts were in vain. they accused him of visiting the Trichinarion Monastery at night and falling into sin with the nun Anna. her own maidservant testified against her (she was promised her freedom and marriage to a nobleman if she did), Saint Anna denied any guilt. emperor’s soldiers came to the monastery and seized Saint Anna and brought her before him, but she refused to lie about Saint Stephen. Therefore Emperor Constantine threw her into a dungeon in Constantinople. next morning the emperor sat in a public building with an assembled crowd, and had Saint Anna brought to his presence. Since she insisted that both she and Saint Stephen were innocent, the emperor had her stripped naked in the sight of all. her interrogation, she remained silent. her maidservant falsely swore that Saint Stephen had sinned with her mistress. by her refusal to speak, the emperor had Saint Anna stretched out on the ground, where soldiers beat her with rods. this torment, she said, “I have never sinned with Stephen. Lord, have mercy.” The soldiers continued to beat her until she was almost dead. emperor returned to his palace, leaving orders that Saint Anna be imprisoned in one of the city’s abandoned monasteries. she departed to the Lord, receiving from Him the twin crowns of virginity and martyrdom. Monkmartyr and Confessor Stephen the New of Mt St Auxentius, Commemorated on November 28; Monk Martyr and Confessor Stephen the New was born in 715 at Constantinople into a pious Christian family. parents, having two daughters, prayed the Lord for a son. The mother of the new-born Stephen took him to the Blachernae church of the Most Holy Theotokos and dedicated him to God. the reign of the emperor Leo the Isaurian (716-741) there was a persecution against the holy icons and against those venerating them. the support of the emperor, the adherents of the Iconoclast heresy seized control of the supreme positions of authority in the Empire and in the Church. by the powers of this world, Orthodoxy was preserved in monasteries far from the capital, in solitary cells, and in the brave and faithful hearts of its followers. Orthodox parents of Saint Stephen, grieved by the prevailing impiety, fled from Constantinople to Bithynia, they gave over their sixteen-year-old son in obedience to the monk John, who labored in asceticism in a solitary place on the Mount of Saint Auxentius. Stephen dwelt with the venerable monk John for more than fifteen years, devoting himself totally to this spirit-bearing Elder, and learning monastic activity from him. Stephen received the news that his father was dead, and his mother and sisters had been tonsured as nuns. a certain time his teacher John also died. With deep sorrow Saint Stephen buried his venerable body, continued with monastic effort in his cave by himself. monks began to come to the ascetic, desiring to learn from him the virtuous and salvific life, and a monastery was established, Saint Stephen as the igumen. forty-two years of age Stephen left the monastery he founded, and he went to another mountain, on whose summit he dwelt in deep seclusion in a solitary cell. here also a community of monks soon gathered, seeking the spiritual guidance of Saint Stephen. the Isaurian was succeeded by Constantine Copronymos (741-775), a fiercer persecutor of the Orthodox, and an even more zealous iconoclast. emperor convened an Iconoclast Council, attended by 358 bishops from the Eastern provinces. except for Constantine, the Archbishop of Constantinople, illegitimately raised to the patriarchal throne by the power of Copronymos, one of the other patriarchs participated in the wicked doings of this Council, thus making it less likely to style itself as “ecumenical.” council of heretics, at the instigation of the emperor and the archbishop, described icons as idols, and pronounced an anathema on all who venerated icons in the Orthodox manner, and it described icon veneration as heresy. the monastery of Mount Auxentius and its igumen became known in the capital. They told the emperor about the ascetic life of the monks, about their Orthodox piety, about the igumen Stephen’s gift of wonderworking, and of how Saint Stephen’s fame had spread far beyond the region of the monastery, and that the name of its head was accorded universal respect and love. saint’s open encouragement of icon veneration and the implied rebuff to the persecutors of Orthodoxy within the monastery of Mount Auxentius especially angered the emperor. Archbishop Constantine realized that in the person of Saint Stephen he had a strong and implacable opponent of his iconoclastic intentions, and he plotted how he might draw him over to his side or else destroy him. tried to lure Saint Stephen into the Iconoclast camp, at first with flattery and bribery, then by threats, but in vain. they slandered the saint, accusing him of falling into sin with the nun Anna. But his guilt was not proven, since the nun courageously denied any guilt and died under torture and beatings. the emperor gave orders to lock up the saint in prison, and to destroy his monastery. bishops were sent to Saint Stephen in prison, trying to persuade him of the dogmatic correctness of the Iconoclast position. But the saint easily refuted all the arguments of the heretics and he remained true to Orthodoxy. the emperor ordered that the saint be exiled on one of the islands in the Sea of Marmora. Saint Stephen settled into a cave, and there also his disciples soon gathered. a certain while the saint left the brethren and took upon himself the exploit of living atop a pillar. of the stylite Stephen, and the miracles worked by his prayers, spread throughout all the Empire and strengthened the faith and spirit of Orthodoxy in the people. emperor gave orders to transfer Saint Stephen to prison on the island of Pharos, and then to bring him to trial. the trial, the saint refuted the arguments of the heretics sitting in judgment upon him. explained the dogmatic essence of icon veneration, and he denounced the Iconoclasts in blaspheming icons, they blasphemed Christ and the Mother of God. proof, the saint pointed to a golden coin inscribed with the image of the emperor. He asked the judges what would happen to a man who threw the coin to the ground , and then trampled the emperor’s image under his feet. replied that such a man would certainly be punished for dishonoring the image of the emperor. saint said that an even greater punishment awaited anyone who would dishonor the image of the King of Heaven and His Saints, and with that he spat on the coin, threw it to the ground, and began to trample it underfoot. emperor gave orders to take the saint to prison, where already there were languishing 342 Elders, condemned for the veneration of icons. this prison Saint Stephen spent eleven months, consoling the imprisoned. The prison became like a monastery, where the usual prayers and hymns were chanted according to the Typikon. people came to the prison in crowds and asked Saint Stephen to pray for them. the emperor learned that the saint had organized a monastery in prison, where they prayed and venerated holy icons, he sent two of his own servants, twin-brothers, to beat the saint to death. these brothers went to the prison and beheld the face of the monk shining with a divine light, they fell down on their knees before him, asking his forgiveness and prayers, they told the emperor that his command had been carried out. But the emperor learned the truth and he resorted to yet another lie. his soldiers that the saint was plotting to remove him from the throne, he sent them to the prison. The holy confessor himself came out to the furious soldiers, who seized him and dragged him through the streets of the city. They then threw the lacerated body of the martyr into a pit, where they were wont to bury criminals. the following morning a fiery cloud appeared over Mount Auxentius, and then a heavy darkness descended upon the capital, accompanied by hail, which killed many people.

Constantinople, 735-745, Stephen tNew oMt Auxentius, solitary but igumen 3times, wonderworker, slandered wAnna, Prison, Pillar
Bithynia, 735-, Stephen t New of Mt St Auxentius of Bithynia, Monkmartyr confessor, dedicated to God, solitary but attracted, igumen, solitary again, attracted again, iconoclast council of heratics, igumen again, wonderworking gifts, slandered with Anna Sin Story, Prison, exiled a Marmora island, cave, attracted again, Pillar, Pharos island prison, Trial, golden coin emperor blasphemy story compared to b image king of heaven greater punishment, like prison monastery w 342 elders,; Mt St Auxentius of Bithynia; Monkmartyr and Confessor Stephen the New of Mt St Auxentius, Commemorated on November 28; Monk Martyr and Confessor Stephen the New was born in 715 at Constantinople into a pious Christian family. parents, having two daughters, prayed the Lord for a son. The mother of the new-born Stephen took him to the Blachernae church of the Most Holy Theotokos and dedicated him to God. the reign of the emperor Leo the Isaurian (716-741) there was a persecution against the holy icons and against those venerating them. the support of the emperor, the adherents of the Iconoclast heresy seized control of the supreme positions of authority in the Empire and in the Church. by the powers of this world, Orthodoxy was preserved in monasteries far from the capital, in solitary cells, and in the brave and faithful hearts of its followers. Orthodox parents of Saint Stephen, grieved by the prevailing impiety, fled from Constantinople to Bithynia, they gave over their sixteen-year-old son in obedience to the monk John, who labored in asceticism in a solitary place on the Mount of Saint Auxentius. Stephen dwelt with the venerable monk John for more than fifteen years, devoting himself totally to this spirit-bearing Elder, and learning monastic activity from him. Stephen received the news that his father was dead, and his mother and sisters had been tonsured as nuns. a certain time his teacher John also died. With deep sorrow Saint Stephen buried his venerable body, continued with monastic effort in his cave by himself. monks began to come to the ascetic, desiring to learn from him the virtuous and salvific life, and a monastery was established, Saint Stephen as the igumen. forty-two years of age Stephen left the monastery he founded, and he went to another mountain, on whose summit he dwelt in deep seclusion in a solitary cell. here also a community of monks soon gathered, seeking the spiritual guidance of Saint Stephen. the Isaurian was succeeded by Constantine Copronymos (741-775), a fiercer persecutor of the Orthodox, and an even more zealous iconoclast. emperor convened an Iconoclast Council, attended by 358 bishops from the Eastern provinces. except for Constantine, the Archbishop of Constantinople, illegitimately raised to the patriarchal throne by the power of Copronymos, one of the other patriarchs participated in the wicked doings of this Council, thus making it less likely to style itself as “ecumenical.” council of heretics, at the instigation of the emperor and the archbishop, described icons as idols, and pronounced an anathema on all who venerated icons in the Orthodox manner, and it described icon veneration as heresy. the monastery of Mount Auxentius and its igumen became known in the capital. They told the emperor about the ascetic life of the monks, about their Orthodox piety, about the igumen Stephen’s gift of wonderworking, and of how Saint Stephen’s fame had spread far beyond the region of the monastery, and that the name of its head was accorded universal respect and love. saint’s open encouragement of icon veneration and the implied rebuff to the persecutors of Orthodoxy within the monastery of Mount Auxentius especially angered the emperor. Archbishop Constantine realized that in the person of Saint Stephen he had a strong and implacable opponent of his iconoclastic intentions, and he plotted how he might draw him over to his side or else destroy him. tried to lure Saint Stephen into the Iconoclast camp, at first with flattery and bribery, then by threats, but in vain. they slandered the saint, accusing him of falling into sin with the nun Anna. But his guilt was not proven, since the nun courageously denied any guilt and died under torture and beatings. the emperor gave orders to lock up the saint in prison, and to destroy his monastery. bishops were sent to Saint Stephen in prison, trying to persuade him of the dogmatic correctness of the Iconoclast position. But the saint easily refuted all the arguments of the heretics and he remained true to Orthodoxy. the emperor ordered that the saint be exiled on one of the islands in the Sea of Marmora. Saint Stephen settled into a cave, and there also his disciples soon gathered. a certain while the saint left the brethren and took upon himself the exploit of living atop a pillar. of the stylite Stephen, and the miracles worked by his prayers, spread throughout all the Empire and strengthened the faith and spirit of Orthodoxy in the people. emperor gave orders to transfer Saint Stephen to prison on the island of Pharos, and then to bring him to trial. the trial, the saint refuted the arguments of the heretics sitting in judgment upon him. explained the dogmatic essence of icon veneration, and he denounced the Iconoclasts in blaspheming icons, they blasphemed Christ and the Mother of God. proof, the saint pointed to a golden coin inscribed with the image of the emperor. He asked the judges what would happen to a man who threw the coin to the ground , and then trampled the emperor’s image under his feet. replied that such a man would certainly be punished for dishonoring the image of the emperor. saint said that an even greater punishment awaited anyone who would dishonor the image of the King of Heaven and His Saints, and with that he spat on the coin, threw it to the ground, and began to trample it underfoot. emperor gave orders to take the saint to prison, where already there were languishing 342 Elders, condemned for the veneration of icons. this prison Saint Stephen spent eleven months, consoling the imprisoned. The prison became like a monastery, where the usual prayers and hymns were chanted according to the Typikon. people came to the prison in crowds and asked Saint Stephen to pray for them. the emperor learned that the saint had organized a monastery in prison, where they prayed and venerated holy icons, he sent two of his own servants, twin-brothers, to beat the saint to death. these brothers went to the prison and beheld the face of the monk shining with a divine light, they fell down on their knees before him, asking his forgiveness and prayers, they told the emperor that his command had been carried out. But the emperor learned the truth and he resorted to yet another lie. his soldiers that the saint was plotting to remove him from the throne, he sent them to the prison. The holy confessor himself came out to the furious soldiers, who seized him and dragged him through the streets of the city. They then threw the lacerated body of the martyr into a pit, where they were wont to bury criminals. the following morning a fiery cloud appeared over Mount Auxentius, and then a heavy darkness descended upon the capital, accompanied by hail, which killed many people. Constantine realized that in the person of Saint Stephen he had a strong and implacable opponent of his iconoclastic intentions, and he plotted how he might draw him over to his side or else destroy him. tried to lure Saint Stephen into the Iconoclast camp, at first with flattery and bribery, then by threats, but in vain. they slandered the saint, accusing him of falling into sin with the nun Anna. But his guilt was not proven, since the nun courageously denied any guilt and died under torture and beatings. the emperor gave orders to lock up the saint in prison, and to destroy his monastery. bishops were sent to Saint Stephen in prison, trying to persuade him of the dogmatic correctness of the Iconoclast position. But the saint easily refuted all the arguments of the heretics and he remained true to Orthodoxy. the emperor ordered that the saint be exiled on one of the islands in the Sea of Marmora. Saint Stephen settled into a cave, and there also his disciples soon gathered. a certain while the saint left the brethren and took upon himself the exploit of living atop a pillar. of the stylite Stephen, and the miracles worked by his prayers, spread throughout all the Empire and strengthened the faith and spirit of Orthodoxy in the people. emperor gave orders to transfer Saint Stephen to prison on the island of Pharos, and then to bring him to trial. the trial, the saint refuted the arguments of the heretics sitting in judgment upon him. explained the dogmatic essence of icon veneration, and he denounced the Iconoclasts in blaspheming icons, they blasphemed Christ and the Mother of God. proof, the saint pointed to a golden coin inscribed with the image of the emperor. He asked the judges what would happen to a man who threw the coin to the ground , and then trampled the emperor’s image under his feet. replied that such a man would certainly be punished for dishonoring the image of the emperor. saint said that an even greater punishment awaited anyone who would dishonor the image of the King of Heaven and His Saints, and with that he spat on the coin, threw it to the ground, and began to trample it underfoot. emperor gave orders to take the saint to prison, where already there were languishing 342 Elders, condemned for the veneration of icons. this prison Saint Stephen spent eleven months, consoling the imprisoned. The prison became like a monastery, where the usual prayers and hymns were chanted according to the Typikon. people came to the prison in crowds and asked Saint Stephen to pray for them. the emperor learned that the saint had organized a monastery in prison, where they prayed and venerated holy icons, he sent two of his own servants, twin-brothers, to beat the saint to death. these brothers went to the prison and beheld the face of the monk shining with a divine light, they fell down on their knees before him, asking his forgiveness and prayers, they told the emperor that his command had been carried out. But the emperor learned the truth and he resorted to yet another lie. his soldiers that the saint was plotting to remove him from the throne, he sent them to the prison. The holy confessor himself came out to the furious soldiers, who seized him and dragged him through the streets of the city. They then threw the lacerated body of the martyr into a pit, where they were wont to bury criminals. the following morning a fiery cloud appeared over Mount Auxentius, and then a heavy darkness descended upon the capital, accompanied by hail, which killed many people.

Constantinople, 740, Great Earthquake at Constantinople, people repented, prayed to Theotokos, earthquake stopped
Constantinople, 740, Great Earthquake at Constantinople; Commemoration of the Great Earthquake at Constantinople, Commemorated on October 26 740, at the time of the iconoclast emperor Leo the Isaurian, there was a terrible earthquake at Constantinople. Seeing this as God’s just punishment for their sins, the people repented and prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos and to Saint Demetrius to help them. God had mercy on them, and the earthquake stopped.

Constantinople, 741, Gregory, Archbishop oAlexandria, Egypt, flogged, imprisoned, starved b Leo tIconoclast
Egypt, 741, Gregory, Archbishop oAlexandria, Egypt, flogged, imprisoned, starved b Leo tIconoclast; Alexandria; St Gregory the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 5 ; Gregory the Archbishop of Alexandria lived in the ninth century. He was flogged and thrown into prison in the reign of Leo the iconoclast. He was left in prison without food until he died.

Constantinople, 741-745, Heiromartyr Theokteristus oPelekete, Bithynia, suffered fIcons, wSteven tNew, Burned wBoiling Tar
Bithynia, 741-745, Heiromartyr Theokteristus oPelekete Monastery, Bithynia, suffered for Icons, with Steven tNew, Burned wBoiling Tar, a spiritual writer, Cannon MOG Sustainer of Many Misfortunes; Pelekete Monastery; Heiromartyr Theokteristus, Commemorated on February 28; Holy Martyr Theokteristus, Igumen of the Pelekete monastery, for the holy icons under the impious emperor Constantine Copronymos (741-775). subjected to tortures were Saint Stephen the New (November 28), and other pious monks. Saint Theokteristus was burned with boiling tar. holy martyr was a spiritual writer, and composed a Canon to the Mother of God “Sustainer in Many Misfortunes.”

Byzantium, 741-775, Emperor Constantine V Copronymos, Iconoclast, used Arab Civil War
Byzantium, 741-775, Emperor Constantine V Copronymos, Iconoclast; Martyr Theokteristus, Commemorated on February 28 ; St James the Confessor the Bishop of Catania, Commemorated on March 21 ; Venerable Hilarion the New the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on March 28; St Plato the Confessor of Studion, Commemorated on April 5; St Basil the Confessor the Bishop of Parium, Commemorated on April 12; The Venerable Anthusa of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 12;

Constantinople, 741-792, Michael Lachanodrakon, the dragon, Arab Frontier, capable general, famous for iconoclast fervor
Ephesus, 741-792, Byzantine General Michael Lachanodrakon, the dragon, capable general against arabs, iconoclast fervor, Pelekete monastery, Thrace Theme Gov, forced monks to marry, disolved all monasteries, ; Lachanodrakon (died 20 July 792) was a distinguished Byzantine general and fanatical supporter of Byzantine Iconoclasm under Emperor Constantine V (r. 741–775). a result of his iconoclast zeal, in 766 he rose to high office as governor of the Thracesian Theme, and instigated a series of repressive measures against iconophile practices, particularly targeting the monasteries. talented general, he also led a series of campaigns against the Arabs of the Abbasid Caliphate before being dismissed from office in about 782. to imperial favour in 790, he fell at the Battle of Marcellae against the Bulgars in 792. of the iconophiles[edit] Gold coin of Emperor Leo III the Isaurian (r. 717–741), depicted with his son and successor, Constantine V. Leo first promoted iconoclasm, which became official policy under Constantine. Nothing is known of Lachanodrakon's origins and early life. receives a very negative treatment in the historical sources, which were written after the final defeat of Byzantine Iconoclasm; some refer to him solely as the Dragon, alluding to his surname and the Biblical Beast). profoundly iconophile perspective means that reports of his actions, especially those relating to the suppression of icon worship, are potentially untrustworthy.[1][2] the Council of Hieria in 754, Constantine V had declared the adoration of icons to be a heresy, and had thereby elevated iconoclasm to official imperial policy. persecution of iconophiles was launched at first, but iconophile resistance grew, until from 765 on, Constantine began persecuting iconophiles, and especially monks. discovery of a wide-ranging iconophile plot against him involving some of the highest civil and military officials of the state in 766 provoked an extreme reaction. Constantine II and other officials were deposed, jailed, publicly humiliated, and finally executed, replaced by new, uncompromisingly iconoclast officials. In addition, the veneration of sacred relics and prayers to the saints and the Virgin Mary were condemned.[3] Map of the themes and major settlements of Byzantine Asia Minor and the Arab–Byzantine frontier zone in the late 8th century 763 or 764, according to the iconophile Life of St Stephen the Younger hagiography, Lachanodrakon had already distinguished himself by his iconoclast fervour. the emperor's orders, he led a group of soldiers on an invasion of the Pelekete monastery on the Propontis, where he arrested 38 monks and subjected the remainder to various tortures and mutilations. After burning down the monastery, he took the 38 captives to Ephesus, where they were executed.[4][5] 766/767, as part of the emperor's reshuffle of the senior echelons of the Byzantine Empire, Lachanodrakon was rewarded with the important post of strategos (military governor) of the Thracesian Theme, and given the rank of patrikios and imperial protospatharios according to his seal.[6][2] soon began a harsh repression of the monasteries and iconophiles. to Theophanes the Confessor, in 769/770 he summoned the monks and nuns of his theme to Ephesus, gathered them in the city's tzykanisterion and forced them to marry, threatening them with blinding and exile to Cyprus if they refused. Although many resisted and "became martyrs" in Theophanes's words, many complied. Later reports of exiled monks in Cyprus becoming Arab captives seem to partly corroborate this story.[2][7][8] reports further that in 771/772, Lachanodrakon dissolved all monasteries in the theme, confiscated and expropriated their property, and sent the proceeds to the emperor, who replied with a letter thanking him for his zeal. allegedly had relics, holy scriptures, and monks' beards set on fire, killed or tortured those who venerated relics, and finally prohibited the tonsure. Although highly embellished, these reports probably reflect actual events.[4][8][9] At any rate, by 772, according to historian Warren Treadgold, Lachanodrakon seems to have succeeded in "eradicating monasticism within his theme".[4][10] activities[edit] Gold coin of Emperor Leo IV the Khazar (r. 775–780), also depicting his son and co-emperor Constantine VI, as well as the Isaurian dynasty's founders Leo III and Constantine V. was also a capable general, winning fame for his campaigns against the Abbasids on the Byzantine Empire's eastern frontier. During the reign of Constantine V's son Leo IV (r. 775–780) he seems to have been the most prominent military commander, repeatedly leading expeditions comprising troops from several themes against the Arabs.[2][8][11] first such expedition occurred in 778 when, preempting an anticipated Arab raid, Lachanodrakon led a large army against Germanikeia. Although the city did not fall (Theophanes claims that the Arab commander bribed Lachanodrakon), the Byzantine army defeated a relief force, plundered the region, and took many captives, mostly Jacobites, who were then resettled in Thrace.[2][11][12] In 780, Lachanodrakon ambushed and defeated an Arab invasion in the Armeniac Theme, killing the brother of the Arab commander Thumama ibn al-Walid. The Arab historian al-Tabari records that in 781 Lachanodrakon forced another Arab invasion, under 'Abd al-Kabir, to withdraw without battle, although Theophanes ascribes the success to the sakellarios John.[2][8][11] In 782, however, he was defeated by the Arab general al-Barmaqi during a large-scale invasion led by the future caliph Harun al-Rashid (r. 786–809), losing some 15,000 men according to Theophanes. In the aftermath of this defeat, and likely because of his iconoclast past, he was apparently removed from his command by the iconophile empress-regent Irene of Athens.[2][8][11] reappears in 790, when the young emperor Constantine VI (r. 780–797) conspired to overturn the tutelage of Irene. The general was sent by Constantine to the Armeniac Theme to secure the allegiance of its soldiers. succeeded in toppling his mother in December 790; it was probably then that Lachanodrakon was rewarded with the supreme non-imperial title, that of magistros.[2][8][11] According to the account of Theophanes, he participated in the imperial campaign against the Bulgars in 792 that led to the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Marcellae on 20 July, where he was killed. The history of John Skylitzes records his death in the Battle of Versinikia, again against the Bulgars, in 813, but this is clearly an error.[2][8][11] Venerable Hilarion the New the Abbot of Pelekete, Commemorated on March 28;

Constantinople, 750, 8th C, Hesychius tFaster, wWorking wilderness ascetic, Angel predicts demise, devine light surrounds cell
Bithynai, 750, 8th C, Hesychius tFaster oApamea, Bithynia (only Costal city beginning with an A), from Adrineia, raised in Piety, left home practiced asceticism wilderness of Mt Maioris, demons, wild animals robbers there, built a cell, garden, disciples came, built church at valley spring close by, wonderworking gift, even during lifetime, Healed demon possessed girl, predicted women's monastery there, Angel predicts demise in 3 days, H rejoices, gathers disciples instructs them 3 days, at midnight devine light surrounds cell and area, Into thy hands I commit my spirit. womans monastery built, relics transferred from his church to Amasea; Apamea in Bithynia ; Saint Hesychius the Faster of Bithynia, Commemorated on March 5; Hesychius the Faster was born in the eighth century in the coastal city of Adrineia in Bithynia. since his youth in piety, he left his parental home and practiced asceticism in a wilderness spot on Mount Maionis. the threat of demons and wild animals and robbers living there, the holy ascetic in seeking greater solitude settled there and built himself a cell, digging himself a garden and eating from the fruit of his labors. a certain while disciples began to throng to him. a spring of water in a valley not far off Saint Hesychius built a church in the name of the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. during his lifetime he was granted the gift of wonderworking. time they brought a demon-possessed girl to him. Her parents, falling down at the feet of the holy ascetic, implored his holy prayers for her healing. holy ascetic made prayer for the unfortunate one, and the devils left her. to the parents of the healed girl, Saint Hesychius predicted that a women’s holy monastery would arise at the place their daughter was healed. actually the prophecy was fulfilled in the future. angel appeared to Saint Hesychius three days before his end and predicted to him his approaching demise. accepted the news with joy. And before his blessed end, the saint summoned his disciples and for a long while he instructed them. midnight the cell of the saint and the surrounding area suddenly gleamed with a heavenly light, Saint Hesychius fell asleep in the Lord with the words: “Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.” the place of his efforts, in accord with the prediction of Saint Hesychius, was later on built a women’s monastery. holy relics of Saint Hesychius, buried at the church of the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, were later transferred by Theophylactus, Bishop of Amasea, to the city of Amasea (Asia Minor). ’s saint should not be confused with Saint Hesychius the Theologian, the priest of Jerusalem (March 28), whose writings are in the Philokalia.

Constantinople, 760, Sabinus, Bishop oCatania, withdrew tWilderness, working miracles, many became monks
Sicily, 760, Sabinus, Bishop oCatania, East Central Sicily, after some time, commotion, withdrew tWilderness, tbAlone wGod, struggled very hard, vessel oGrace, working miracles, healings deliverance prophecy, many persuaded become monks, reposed 760; Catania; St Sabinus the Bishop of Catania, Commemorated October 15 ; Saint Sabinus the Wonderworker, Bishop of Catania (+ 760), Commemorated October 15; of his many virtues, the blessed Sabinus was ordained Bishop of Catania. some time, due to the commotion that comes with the office, he withdrew into the wilderness to be alone with God. he struggled very hard in the ascetic life, and in turn was made worthy of becoming a vessel of grace through the working of miracles. healed sicknesses and diseases, banished demons from the possessed, and foretold the future. benefited many, they were persuaded by his teachings to leave the world and their parents, and become monastics for the love of Christ. reposed in peace in the year 760.

Constantinople, 765, Barypsabas in Dalmatia, Croatia (Stridon), guardian of Blood of Christ, which came from stabbed Icon
Croatia, 765, Barypsabas in Dalmatia, Croatia (Stridon), guardian of Blood of Christ, which came from stabbed Icon; Dalmatia; Stridon or Strido; Martyr Barypsabas in Dalmatia, Commemorated on September 10; Barypsabas of Dalmatia was a hermit and a Martyr, guardian of the blood of Christ. to one source, a righteous man named Jacob, who was present at the crucifixion of the Savior, blood and water from the Lord’s side in a vessel made from a gourd. order to conceal the holy object from wicked men, Jacob filled the vessel with oil; and from its contents many healings and miracles took place. Jacob’s death, the vessel passed to two hermits. of them, before his death, gave the vessel to Barypsabas, perhaps to the Syrians, who later fought in the area of ​​Kattara Sukhrei (Σουχρεῶν), in Persia. his martyrdom in the second century, Saint Barypsabas gave the vessel to his disciple. author of the Life of Saint Barypsabas, published in Acta Sanctorum (BHG, No. 238), is unknown. story of those who shed the Savior's blood appears in the MENOLOGION of Basil II (X century), also mentions the martyrdom of Saint Barypsabas. villains, who heard about the miracles and healings from the hidden vessel containing the blood of Christ, decided to seize the vessel and use it for mercenary purposes. attacking Barypsabas during the night, they killed him, but they did not find what they were looking for in the vessel. to Saint Νikόdēmos the Hagiorite, the vessel, of which Barysabas was the guardian, did not contain the actual blood and water which flowed from Christ's side, but rather from an icon of Christ, when some Jews stabbed His side on the icon. legend of the "Miracle in Berite" (BHG, No. 780) is attributed to Saint Athanasios the Great, Patriarch of Alexandria. according to the Roman Martyrology, this miracle occurred in 765. The blood from the icon of the Savior in Berite was transferred to Constantinople in the X century, during the reign of Emperor John Tzimiskes.

Constantinople, 770-805, St George, Bishop of Amastris, Pontus, on the Black Sea, example of God-pleasing
Armenia, 770-805, St George, Bishop of Amastris, Pontus, Armenia, on the Black Sea; Amastridia; St George the Bishop of Amastris on the Black Sea, Commemorated February 21 ; George was born at Kromne near Amastris in Paphlagonia on the Black Sea in 750. He was the son of pious parents, Theodosios and Megethousa. completing his primary studies in his homeland, he left for the mountain of Syrikes or Serikes. There he found an old ascetic who taught him about the solitary life and tonsured him. the repose of his Elder, George went to Vonitsa in Akarnania, where he continued his ascetical struggles. 788, the Bishop of Amastris fell asleep in the Lord, and the Church rewarded George's virtues. Against his will, he was elected as the Bishop of that city, but in the end he submitted to this as God's will. He was consecrated at Constantinople by Patriarch Tarasios (February 25). his return to Amastris, Saint George was like a lamp which is not placed under a bushel, but put on a lampstand, so that it gives light to all those in the house (Matthew 5:15). He instructed his flock, he beautified several churches, defended widows and orphans, and fed the poor. In all things, he was an example of a God-pleasing life. the power of his prayers he drove away the Saracens who were ravaging the countryside near Amastris. He also rescued some Amastrian merchants who had been wrongfully condemned to death in the city of Trebizond. also composed several Canons in honor of the Saints, which are sung on February 7 and 26; April 13; August 1; October 8, etc. George went to the Lord peacefully in 805, during the reign of Emperor Nikēphoros I, after shepherding the flock which had been entrusted to him by Christ in a God-pleasing manner. He performed many miracles, both during his lifetime, and after his blessed repose. Slavic usage, Saint George is commemorated on February 21. In Greek usage he is commemorated on October 25.

Constantinople, 770-805, George oAmastris, learned solitary life fOld ascetic, Bishop, miracles before after death, God pleasing
Armenia, 770-805, George, Bishop oAmastris, Pontus, fKromne near Amastris, Paphlagonia on Black Sea, pious parents, after primary studies, tSyrikes Mt, learned solitary life fOld ascetic, tonsured, after his death tVonitsa iAkarnania, 788 became Bishop oAmastris, against his will, but submitted, consecrated aConstantinople, patrarch Tarasios, returned, like lamp not placed under bushel, on a lampstand, instructed, beautified churches, defended widows and orphans, fed poor, God-pleasing example iAll things, by prayer drove Saracens, composed canons, died peacefully 805, preformed many miracles before and after death ; Amastridia; St George the Bishop of Amastris on the Black Sea, Commemorated February 21 ; George was born at Kromne near Amastris in Paphlagonia on the Black Sea in 750. was the son of pious parents, Theodosios and Megethousa. completing his primary studies in his homeland, he left for the mountain of Syrikēs, or Sērikḗs (Συρίκης ή Σηρικής). he found an old ascetic who taught him about the solitary life and tonsured him. the repose of his Elder, George went to Vonitsa in Akarnania, where he continued his ascetical struggles. 788, the Bishop of Amastris fell asleep in the Lord, and the Church rewarded George's virtues. his will, he was elected as the Bishop of that city, but in the end he submitted to this as God's will. was consecrated at Constantinople by Patriarch Tarasios (February 25). his return to Amastris, Saint George was like a lamp which is not placed under a bushel, but put on a lampstand, so that it gives light to all those in the house (Matthew 5:15). instructed his flock, he beautified several churches, defended widows and orphans, and fed the poor. all things, he was an example of a God-pleasing life. the power of his prayers he drove away the Saracens who were ravaging the countryside near Amastris. also rescued some Amastrian merchants who had been wrongfully condemned to death in the city of Trebizond. also composed several Canons in honor of the Saints, which are sung on February 7 and 26; April 13; August 1; October 8, etc. George went to the Lord peacefully in 805, during the reign of Emperor Nikēphoros I, shepherding the flock which had been entrusted to him by Christ in a God-pleasing manner. performed many miracles, both during his lifetime, and after his blessed repose. Slavic usage, Saint George is commemorated on February 21. Greek usage he is commemorated on October 25.

Constantinople, 770-807, Tarasius, Archbishop oConstantinople, accepted on condition 7th EC Nicea, presided, fIcons, Miracles
Constantinople, 770-807, Tarasius, Archbishop oConstantinople, of illustrious lineage, fine ed, rapidly promoted, senator, iconoclast disturbances time, Paul repented of iconolcasm resigned and suggested Tarasois best to replace him, only a layman, refused long time, accepted on condition of new EC, all clerical ranks iShort time, 784 new partiarch, 787 presided over EC, 387 Bishops there, confirmed veneration icons, bishops repented of iconoclasm, received by the Church, governed Church 22 yrs, strict ascetic life, gave money god pleasing ends, feeding comfort aged, impoverished, widows, orphans, served them on Pentecost, problem with Emperor trying to marry his kin by slandering his wife so he could have her sent to monastery, T refused to dossolve marriage, Emperor deposed by his Emperess mother, T died 806, before death devils examined his life, could not get him to admit sins he did not commit, you have no power over me at all, buried his monastery on Bosphorus Strait, many miracles there at his tomb; Constantinople; ; St Tarasius the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 25; Tarasius, Patriarch of Constantinople was of illustrious lineage. was born and raised in Constantinople, where he received a fine education. was rapidly promoted at the court of the emperor Constantine VI Porphyrogenitos (780-797) and Constantine’s mother, the holy Empress Irene (August 7), the saint attained the rank of senator. these times the Church was agitated by the turmoil of the Iconoclast disturbances. holy Patriarch Paul (August 30) although he had formerly supported Iconoclasm, repented and resigned his office. withdrew to a monastery, where he took the schema. the holy Empress Irene and her son the emperor came to him, Paul told them that the most worthy successor to him would be Saint Tarasius (who at this time was still a layman). refused for a long time, not considering himself worthy of such high office, he then gave in to the common accord on the condition, an Ecumenical Council be convened to address the Iconoclast heresy. through all the clerical ranks in a short while, Tarasius was elevated to the patriarchal throne in the year 784. the year 787 the Seventh Ecumenical Council was convened in the city of Nicea, Patriarch Tarasius presiding, and 367 bishops attending. veneration of holy icons was confirmed at the council. bishops who repented of their iconoclasm, were again received by the Church. Tarasius wisely governed the Church for twenty-two years. led a strict ascetic life. spent all his money on God-pleasing ends, and giving comfort to the aged, to the impoverished, to widows and orphans, and on Holy Pascha he set out a meal for them, and he served them himself. holy Patriarch fearlessly denounced the emperor Constantine Porphyrigenitos when he slandered his spouse, the empress Maria, the granddaughter of Saint Philaretos the Merciful (December 1), that he could send Maria to a monastery, thus freeing him to marry his own kinswoman. Tarasius resolutely refused to dissolve the marriage of the emperor, for which the saint fell into disgrace. however, Constantine was deposed by his own mother, the Empress Irene. Tarasius died in the year 806. his death, devils examined his life from the time of his youth, they tried to get the saint to admit to sins that he had not committed. “I am innocent of that of which you accuse me,” replied the saint, “and you falsely slander me. You have no power over me at all.” by the Church, the saint was buried in a monastery he built on the Bosphorus. miracles took place at his tomb.

Constantinople, 770-825, Evarestus of Studion Monastery, Galatia native, strict fasting, wearing chains till 75
Constantinople, 770-825, Evarestus of Studion Monastery, Galatia native, strict fasting, wearing chains till 75; The Studion Monestary ; Venerable Evarestus of the Studion Monastery, Commemorated December 26 ; Evarestus, a native of Galatia, was the son of illustrious parents. his youth he longed for the monastic life, and in particular he loved to read the books of Saint Ephraim the Syrian. went to the Studion monastery, pursuing asceticism in strict fasting, vigil and prayer, and wearing iron chains. He departed to the Lord at age 75 in the year 825.

Constantinople, 770-816, Gregory of Decapolis, wandering, iconodule, prophet wonderwork, m relics, in Romania
Lykaonia, 770-816, Gregory of Decapolis, Isaurian city of Decapolis (ten cities, Lykaonia), to avoid marriage spent life wandering, preaching, denouncing iconoclast, prophecy wonderworking, miraculous relics, now in Romania; Isaurian city of Decapolis (ten cities); Venerable Gregory Decapolite, Commemorated November 20 ; Gregory the Decapolite was born in the Isaurian city of Decapolis (ten cities) in the eighth century. his childhood he loved the temple of God and church services. He read the Holy Scripture constantly and with reverence. order to avoid the marriage which his parents had intended for him, he secretly left home. spent all his life wandering: he was in Constantinople, Rome, Corinth, and he lived as an ascetic on Olympus for a while. Gregory preached the Word of God everywhere, denouncing the Iconoclast heresy, strengthening the faith and fortitude of the Orthodox, whom the heretics in those times oppressed, tortured and imprisoned. his ascetic effort and prayer, Saint Gregory attained the gifts of prophecy and wonderworking. overcoming the passions and reaching the height of virtue, he was permitted to hear angelic singing in praise of the Holy Trinity. Gregory left the monastery of Saint Menas near Thessalonica, where he had labored for a long time, and he went again to Constantinople in order to combat the Iconoclast heresy. the capital, a grievous illness undermined his strength, and he departed to the Lord in the year 816. Gregory was buried at a monastery in Constantinople, and many miracles took place at his tomb. As a result, the monks removed the holy relics of Saint Gregory and enshrined them in the church where people could venerate them. Constantinople fell to the Turks in 1453, the relics of Saint Gregory were carried to the region of the Danube by a Turkish official. 1498 Barbu Craiovescu, the Ban of the Romanian Land (Wallachia) heard of the miracles performed by the holy relics and bought them for a considerable sum of money. Craiovescu placed the relics in the main church of Bistritsa Monastery which he founded in Rimnicu Vilcea, where they remain to the present day. small book describing the miracles and healings performed by Saint Gregory the Decapolite in Romania has been written by Abbess Olga Gologan, who reposed in 1972. Venerable John the Disciple of the Venerable Gregory of Decapolis, Commemorated on April 18; John was born at the end of the eighth century. a young age he became a disciple of Saint Gregory of Decapolis (November 20) and accepted monastic tonsure from him at a monastery in Thessalonica. the guidance of this experienced teacher, Saint John attained great spiritual perfection. the emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820) renewed the persecution against Orthodox Christians because they venerated the holy icons, Saint Gregory of Decapolis and Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (April 4) and his disciple Saint John went from Thessalonica to Constantinople, to raise opposition to the Iconoclast heresy. spite of persecution, Saints Gregory and John fearlessly defended Orthodoxy for several years, and preached the veneration of icons. many hardships Saint Gregory died (around 820), and soon after, his faithful disciple John also departed to the Lord. Joseph the Hymnographer transferred the relics of Saints Gregory and John and placed them in the church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Constantinople, 770-816, Gregory of Dekapolis, notable for his miracle-working and his Byzantine world travels
Constantinople Saint, 797-842, Gregory of Dekapolis; Gregory of Dekapolis or Gregory Dekapolites (before 797 - 20 November 842 or earlier) was a 9th-century Byzantine monk, notable for his miracle-working and his travels across the Byzantine world. He is known as "the New Miracle-Worker", and his feast day in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church[3] is on November 20.[1][2] Venerable Hilarion the New, Abbot of the Dalmatian Monastery, Commemorated on June 6;

Constantinople, 772-846, Joannicius, no ed, all day prayer, cross over cattle, military, seclusion, levitation, invisible
Bithynia, 772-846, Saint, Joannicius The Great; St. Irene Chrysovolantou, Commemorated on July 28; Venerable Joannicius the Great, Commemorated on November 4; Joannicius the Great was born in Bithynia in the year 752 in the village of Marikat. His parents were destitute and could not provide him even the basics of an education. From childhood he had to tend the family cattle, their sole wealth. for God and prayer completely dominated the soul of the child Joannicius. Often, having shielded the herd with the Sign of the Cross, he went to a secluded place and spent the whole day praying, and neither thieves nor wild beasts came near his herd. order of the emperor Leo IV (775-780), a multitude of officials went through the cities and towns to draft young men for military service. Young Joannicius was also drafted into the imperial army. earned the respect of his fellow soldiers for his good disposition, but he was also a brave soldier who struck fear in the hearts of his enemies. Joannicius served in the imperial army for six years. More than once he was rewarded by his commanders and the emperor. But military service weighed heavily on him; his soul thirsted for spiritual deeds and solitude. Joannicius, having renounced the world, longed to go at once into the wilderness. However, on the advice of an Elder experienced in monastic life, he spent a further two years at the monastery. Here the saint became accustomed to monastic obedience, to monastic rules and practices. He studied reading and writing, and he learned thirty Psalms of David by heart. this, commanded by God to go to a certain mountain, the monk withdrew into the wilderness. For three years he remained in deep solitude in the wilderness, and only once a month a shepherd brought him some bread and water. The ascetic spent day and night in prayer and psalmody. After each verse of singing the Psalms Saint Joannicius made a prayer, which the Orthodox Church keeps to this day in a somewhat altered form, “The Father is my hope, the Son is my refuge, the Holy Spirit is my protection.” chance, he encountered some of his former companions from military service. The saint fled the wilderness and withdrew to Mount Kountourea to hide himself from everyone. after twelve years of ascetic life did the hermit accept monastic tonsure. The saint spent three years in seclusion after being tonsured. Then he went to a place called Chelidon to see the great ascetic Saint George (February 21). The ascetics spent three years together. During this time Saint Joannicius learned the entire Psalter by heart. As he grew older, Saint Joannicius settled in the Antidiev monastery and dwelt there in seclusion until his death. Joannicius spent seventy years in ascetic deeds and attained to a high degree of spiritual perfection. Through the mercy of God the saint acquired the gift of prophecy, as his disciple Pachomius has related. The Elder also levitated above the ground when he prayed. Once, he crossed a river flooded to overflowing. The saint could make himself invisible for people and make others also hidden from sight. Saint Joannicius led Greek captives out of prison under the very eyes of the guards. Poison and fire, with which the envious wanted to destroy the saint, did him no harm, and predatory beasts did not touch him. He freed the island of Thasos from a multitude of snakes. Saint Joannicius also saved a young nun who was preparing to leave the monastery to marry; he took upon himself the agonized maiden’s suffering of passion, and by fasting and prayer, he overcame the seductive assault of the devil. his death, Saint Joannicius fell asleep in the Lord on November 4, 846, at the age of 94.

Byzantium, 775-780, Emperor, Leo IV the Khazar, Iconodule, Irene's husband, had TB
Byzantium, 775-780, Emperor Leo IV the Khazar ; St Theophylactus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 8; Venerable Theophanes the Confessor of Sigriane, Commemorated on March 12; The Venerable Anthusa of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 12;

Constantinople, 775-800, Theoctistus, Abbot&Founder Cucomo Monastery, Sicily, sheltered iconodule monks fIconoclast Emperors
Sicily, 775-800, Theoctistus, Abbot&Founder Cucomo Monastery, Sicily, sheltered iconodule monks fIconoclast Emperors, lived during iconoclast heresy, founder igumen Cucomo M Sicily, Orthodox persecuted bIconoclast Emperors, Churches closed, Icons desecrated&destroyed, because monks protected them expelled fMonasteries, Monasteries destroyed, T sheltered these monks aCucomo, 7th EC condemned Iconoclasts, but heresy continued, but Theodora at Council o842 finally condemned heresy; Cucomo, Sicily; Venerable Theoctistus, Abbot at Cucomo, in Sicily, Commemorated on January 4; Theoktistos lived in the second half of the eighth century, during a period of widespread iconoclastic heresy. Venerable one was the founder and Igoumen of Cucomo Monastery on the island of Sicily. that difficult time for the Church, the Orthodox were persecuted by iconoclastic Emperors. Orthodox churches were closed, and the Holy Icons were desecrated and destroyed. monks, in particular, were affected by the iconoclastic persecution because they protected the Holy Icons. The monks were expelled from their monasteries, which were destroyed, and they were forced to flee their homeland. Theoktistos sheltered these Greek monks in his monastery. Seventh Ecumenical Council, which was convened in 787, condemned the iconoclast heresy, but even after that, the heresy, supported by iconoclastic Emperors, continued to disturb the peace of the Church. in the reign of the Holy Empress Theodora, at the Council of 842, was iconoclasm finally condemned. Triumph of Orthodoxy was appointed to be celebrated every year on the first Sunday of Great Lent. Theoktistos did not live to see that Triumph, for he fell asleep in the Lord in the year 800. Theoktistos of Sicily should not be confused with Saint Theoktistos of Palestine (September 3), the companion of Saint Euthymios (January 20) in the ascetic life.

Constantinople, 775-785, Leo, Bishop oCatania, Sicily, famous fMany things including pulling sorcerer into fire until he burned
Sicily, 775-785, Leo, Bishop oCatania, Sicily, fRavenna, famed for benevolence, charity, christian love for the poor and wanderers, purity, spiritual life, protector oOrphans&widows, teaching, struggles against heretics, writings, healing people, working miracles, sorcerer Heliodoros deceived people wFraudulent miracles, once a christian but denied and became devil's servant, Leo urged him in vain, One time H entered tChurch to create a disturbance, Leo saw people beset by demons and knew this was the time for strong not meek action, he came out from Altar and tied his omophorion around H's neck, leading him out of the Church into City square, forced H confess wicked deeds, pulled him into a fire till he burned, Leo was not harmed, This miracle brought fame, honors, Leo reposed i785, grave healed woman oIssue oBlood, relics in Church oLucy he built then in church oSt Martin oTours in Rome; Catania; St Leo the Bishop of Catania in Sicily, Commemorated February 20; Leo was born in Ravenna, Italy, of pious and noble parents. was famed for his benevolence and charity, well as his Christian love for the poor and wanderers. completing his studies, he was ordained as a priest at Ravenna, later, because of his purity and his most spiritual life, he was consecrated as Bishop of Catania in Sicily. became the protector of orphans and widows, teaching and shepherding his flock. Saint was also distinguished for his struggles against heretics, whom he defeated and shamed, not only by his words, but also through his writings. Lord honored him with the charisms of healing people from various diseases, and of working miracles. Saint Leo's episcopate, there was a sorcerer named Heliódoros who lived in Catania and deceived people with his fraudulent miracles. was once a Christian, but then he denied the Savior and became a servant of the devil. Leo urged Heliódoros to refrain from his evil deeds and return to God, but all in vain. day Heliódoros audaciously entered the church where the bishop was performing the Divine Services, and tried to create a disturbance, sowing confusion and temptation with his sorcery. the people beset by demons under the sorcerer's spell, Saint Leo knew that the time for meek exhortation had passed. came out of the altar and tied his omophorion around the sorcerer's neck, leading him out of the church and into the city square. he forced Heliódoros to confess all his wicked deeds. he commanded that a fire be lit, and jumped into the flames with the sorcerer. they stood until Heliódoros was consumed by the fire. Leo, by God's grace, remained unharmed. miracle brought the Hierarch great renown during his lifetime, the Saint was invited to visit Constantinople by Emperors Leo IV (775 - 780) and Constantine VI (780 - 798), he received many honors. Leo reposed peacefully in 785. his death, a woman with an issue of blood received healing at his grave. Saint's body was placed in the church of the holy Martyr Lucy (December 13), which he himself had built. on, his relics were transferred to the church of Saint Martin, the Bishop of Tours (November 11) in Rome.

Constantinople, 778-826, Theodore tConfessor, Studite, to iconoclast emprrs, endured rejoicing, died oQueue, divine light&voice
Constantinople, 778-826, Theodore tConfessor, abbot oStudion Monastery, Constantinople, Iconoclast heresy, Emperor supported, his tax collector pa Photinus against, parents accepted monasticism, orator Theodore defended icons, debated heretics, 7th EC under emperess Irene rejected Iconoclasm, Mt Olympos ascetic uncle Platon summoned T&brothers t wilderness there, tSakkoudion, built church, monks came, Platon's Monastery, work fasting prayer, igumen priest, then Emperor C VI transgressed, excommunicated violating marriage, T exiled tThessalonica, but continued speak out, St Irene returned&freed T, Studion Igumen, Studite rule, letters, fiery church teacher, Nikephoros deposed Irene, restored excommunicated priest, T denounces him, tortured and exiled 2yrs, freed by Michael, N's death prophecied by T, M abdicates tIconoclast Leo tArmenian, banned Icon procession around S, death threat, exile tIllyria, Metopa Fortress, later Gorias, Anatolia prison, but he still fought heresy, endured rejoicing, sent tSmyrna, healed E' Leos nephew iconoclast commander, but later relapsed, to horrible death, Leo assinated, replaced by iconolcast Michael II tStammerer, who freed Orthodox, but prohibited icons in capital, The settles in Bithynia at Akrita, high place, daily litergy, forseeing end, ordered continue rule and sing departure cannon, died on queue, same hour in Dalmatia divine light voice (Jesus) announcing T's death, many miracles aDeath, his name delivers fFires, wild beasts, stomach ailments; The Studion Monestary ; Venerable Theodore the Confessor the Abbot of the Studion, Commemorated on November 11 ; Theodore the Confessor, Abbot of the Studion was born in the year 758 at Constantinople into a family of the imperial tax-collector Photinus and his spouse Theoctiste, both pious Christians. Theodore received a good education from the best rhetoricians, philosophers and theologians in the capital city. this time the Iconoclast heresy had become widespread in the Byzantine Empire, and it was supported also by the impious emperor Constantine Kopronymos (741-775). views of the emperor and his court conflicted with the religious beliefs of Photinus, who was a fervent adherent of Orthodoxy, and so he left government service. Saint Theodore’s parents, by mutual consent, gave away their substance to the poor, took their leave of each other and accepted monastic tonsure. son Theodore soon became widely known in the capital for his participation of the numerous disputes concerning icon-veneration. Theodore was accomplished in oratory, and had a command of the terminology and logic of the philosophers, so he frequently debated with the heretics. His knowledge of Holy Scripture and Christian dogma was so profound that no one could get the better of him. Seventh Ecumenical Council put an end to dissension and brought peace to the Church under the empress Irene. The Ecumenical Council, as the highest authority in the life of the Church, forever condemned and rejected Iconoclasm. the Fathers of the Council was Saint Platon (April 5), an uncle of Saint Theodore, and who for a long time had lived the ascetic life on Mount Olympos. An Elder filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit, Saint Platon, at the conclusion of the Council, summoned his nephew Theodore and his brothers Joseph and Euthymius to the monastic life in the wilderness. leaving Constantinople, they went to Sakkoudion, not far from Olympos. The solitude and the beauty of the place, and its difficulty of access, met with the approval of the Elder and his nephews, and they decided to remain here. The brothers built a church dedicated to Saint John the Theologian, and gradually the number of monks began to increase. A monastery was formed, and Saint Platon was the igumen. Theodore’s life was truly ascetic. He toiled at heavy and dirty work. He strictly kept the fasts, and each day he confessed to his spiritual Father, the Elder Platon, revealing to him all his deeds and thoughts, carefully fulfilling all his counsels and instructions. made time for daily spiritual reflection, baring his soul to God. Untroubled by any earthly concern, he offered Him mystic worship. Saint Theodore unfailingly read the Holy Scripture and works of the holy Fathers, especially the works of Saint Basil the Great, which were like food for his soul. several years of monastic life, Saint Theodore was ordained a priest according to the will of his spiritual Father. When Saint Platon went to his rest, the brethren unanimously chose Saint Theodore as Igumen of the monastery. Unable to oppose the wish of his confessor, Saint Theodore accepted the choice of the brethren, but imposed upon himself still greater deeds of asceticism. He taught the others by the example of his own virtuous life and also by fervent fatherly instruction. the emperor transgressed against the Church’s canons, the events of outside life disturbed the tranquility in the monastic cells. Saint Theodore bravely distributed a letter to the other monasteries, in which he declared the emperor Constantine VI (780-797) excommunicated from the Church by his own actions for abusing the divine regulations concerning Christian marriage. Theodore and ten of his co-ascetics were sent into exile to the city of Thessalonica. But there also the accusing voice of the monk continued to speak out. her return to the throne in 796, Saint Irene freed Saint Theodore and made him igumen of the Studion monastery (dedicated to Saint John the Baptist) in Constantinople, in which there were only twelve monks. The saint soon restored and enlarged the monastery, attracting about 1,000 monks who wished to have him as their spiritual guide. Theodore composed a Rule of monastic life, called the “Studite Rule” to govern the monastery. Theodore also wrote many letters against the Iconoclasts. For his dogmatic works, and also for his Canons and Three-Ode Canons, Saint Theoctistus called Saint Theodore “a fiery teacher of the Church.” Nikēphóros seized the imperial throne, deposing the pious Empress Irene, he also violated Church regulations by restoring to the Church a previously excommunicated priest on his own authority. Saint Theodore again denounced the emperor. After torture, the monk was sent into exile once again, where he spent more than two years. Theodore was freed by the gentle and pious emperor Michael, who succeeded to the throne upon the death of Nikēphóros and his son Staurikios in a war against barbarians. death had been predicted by Saint Theodore for a long while. order to avert civil war, the emperor Michael abdicated the throne in favor of his military commander Leo the Armenian. new emperor proved to be an iconoclast. hierarchs and teachers of the Church attempted to reason with the impious emperor, but in vain. prohibited the veneration of holy icons and desecrated them. by such iniquity, Saint Theodore and the brethren made a religious procession around the monastery with icons raised high, singing of the troparion to the icon of the Savior Not-Made-by-Hands (August 16). emperor angrily threatened the saint with death, but he continued to encourage believers in Orthodoxy. Then the emperor sentenced Saint Theodore and his disciple Nicholas to exile, at first in Illyria at the fortress of Metopa, and later in Anatolia at Bonias. But even from prison the confessor continued his struggle against heresy. by the executioners which the emperor sent to Bonias, deprived almost of food and drink, covered over with sores and barely alive, Theodore and Nicholas endured everything with prayer and thanksgiving to God. Smyrna, where they sent the martyrs from Bonias, Saint Theodore healed a military commander from a terrible illness. man was a nephew of the emperor and of one mind with him. Theodore told him to repent of his wicked deeds of Iconoclasm, and to embrace Orthodoxy. But the fellow later relapsed into heresy, and then died a horrible death. the Armenian was murdered by his own soldiers, and was replaced by the equally impious though tolerant emperor Michael II Traulos (the Stammerer). The new emperor freed all the Orthodox Fathers and confessors from prison, but he prohibited icon-veneration in the capital. Theodore did not want to return to Constantinople and so decided to settle in Bithynia on the promontory of Akrita, near the church of the holy Martyr Tryphon. spite of serious illness, Saint Theodore celebrated Divine Liturgy daily and instructed the brethren. his end, the saint summoned the brethren and bade them to preserve Orthodoxy, to venerate the holy icons and observe the monastic rule. he ordered the brethren to take candles and sing the Canon for the Departure of the Soul From the Body. before singing the words “I will never forget Thy statutes, for by them have I lived,” Saint Theodore fell asleep in the Lord, in the year 826. the same hour Saint Hilarion of Dalmatia (June 6) saw a vision of a heavenly light during the singing and the voice was heard, “This is the soul of Saint Theodore, who suffered even unto blood for the holy icons, which now departs unto the Lord.” Theodore worked many miracles during his life and after his death. Those invoking his name have been delivered from fires and from the attacks of wild beasts, and have received healing, thanks to God and to Saint Theodore the Studite. On January 26 we celebrate the transfer of the relics of Theodore the Studite from Cherson to Constantinople in the year 845. with stomach ailments entreat the help of Saint Theodore.

Constantinople, 779-830, Joseph, BoThessalonica, Bro oTheodore tStudite, both tortured&exiled fOrthodoxy, hymn&sermon writer
Constantinople, 779-830, Joseph, Bishop oThessalonica, Brother oTheodore tStudite, both ascetics at Sakkudion, they exiled to a barren island for opposing emperor Constantine VI unlawful marriage, freed by E Michael Rangabes, tortured&imprisoned by Iconoclast Leo V Armenian, freed by Iconodule Michael tStammerer, then lived aStudion final years, renowned hymnographer and sermon writer; The Studion Monestary ; St Joseph the Bishop of Thessalonica, and brother of St Theodore of Studion, Commemorated January 26 ; Joseph, Archbishop of Thessalonica, was brother of Saint Theodore the Studite (November 11), together they pursued a life of asceticism under the guidance of Saint Platon (April 5) in the monastery at Sakkudion, Bithynia. of his ascetic life, Saint Joseph was unanimously chosen archbishop of the city of Thessalonica. and his brother opposed the unlawful marriage of the emperor Constantine VI (780-797), which he was tortured then banished to a barren island. emperor Michael Rangabes (811-813) freed Saint Joseph from imprisonment. the emperor Leo V the Armenian (813-820) the holy hierarch and his brother Saint Theodore suffered once more for their veneration of holy icons. they subjected him to torture, he remained steadfast in his faith. iconoclast emperor ordered him to sign the iconoclast confession of faith, and when he refused they threw him into an even more foul prison. the emperor Michael the Stammerer (820-829) Saint Joseph was set free, together with other monks who had suffered for their veneration of icons. He spent his final years at the Studion Monastery, where he died in 830. Joseph is renowned as a hymnographer. He composed triodia for Holy Week, several stikhera of the LENTEN TRIODION, a Canon for the Sunday of Prodigal Son (which is filled with the spirit of profound repentance), and other hymns. wrote several sermons for feastdays, of which the best known is the Sermon on the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord.

Constantinople, 780-784, Patriarch, Paul tNew, timid, so associated wIconoclasts, then tried renew icon veneration, Iconodule
Constantinople, 780-784, Patriarch, Paul tNew, virtuous pious but timid, consealed his orthodoxy, associated wIconoclasts, after Leo he tried to restore icon veneraton but couldn't, Tarasius replaced him, he repented his association, he spoke of need for 7th EC against iconoclasts, died a schemamonk i804; Saint Paul the New, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 30; Paul, by birth a Cypriot, became Patriarch of Constantinople (780-784) the reign of the Iconoclast Emperor Leo IV the Khazar (775-780), was a virtuous and pious, but timid man. the martyrdom which the Orthodox endured for the holy icons, the saint concealed his Orthodoxy and associated with the iconoclasts. the death of the emperor Leo, he wanted to restore icon veneration but was not able to accomplish this, since the iconoclasts were still quite powerful. saint realized that it was not in his power to guide the flock, and so he left the patriarchal throne and went secretly to the monastery of Saint Florus, where he took the schema. repented of his silence and association with the iconoclasts and spoke of the necessity for convening the Seventh Ecumenical Council to condemn the Iconoclast heresy. his advice, Saint Tarasius (February 25) was chosen to the patriarchal throne. At that time, he was a prominent imperial counselor. The saint died as a schemamonk in the year 804.

Constantinople, 780-818, Saint Theophanes the Confessor of Sigriane, Iconodule
Byzantium, 780-818, Saint Theophanes the Confessor, Iconodule; Venerable Theophanes the Confessor of Sigriane, Commemorated on March 12;

Byzantium, 780-797, Emperor, Constantine VI, Iconoclast, short reign, blinded by mother
Byzantium, 780-797, Byzantine Emperor, Constantine VI, Iconoclast ; VI (Greek: ÎšÏ‰Î½ÏƒÏ„Î±Î½Ï„á¿–Î½Î¿Ï‚ ÏšÎ„, KÅnstantinos VI; 771 – before 805[1]) was Byzantine Emperor from 780 to 797. The only child of Emperor Leo IV, Constantine was named co-emperor with him at the age of five in 776 and succeeded him as sole Emperor in 780, aged nine. His mother Irene exercised control over him as regent until 790, assisted by her chief minister Staurakios. The regency ended when Constantine reached maturity, but Irene sought to continue her participation in government. After a few years of sole rule Constantine named his mother Empress in 792, making her his official colleague. Constantine suffered military defeats and made controversial decisions, such as illicitly marrying his mistress, Theodote. Taking advantage of her son's unpopularity, Irene had Constantine deposed, blinded and imprisoned in 797 and seized power for herself, becoming the first Empress regnant of the Empire. Constantine likely died shortly thereafter. Constantine VI was the final ruler to be universally recognized as Roman emperor, being recognized as such by both the Empire which he ruled in the east, the papacy and the Western European powers over which the pope held suzerainty. With his mother becoming Empress regnant upon his deposition, the papacy crowned Charlemagne as a new Emperor in Western Europe, asserting that a woman could not be Empress in her own right. This laid the foundations of a new polity, independent of the East, that would evolve into the Holy Roman Empire.[2] Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on October 16 ; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11; the year 451 in the city of Chalcedon, in the very church where the glorified relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia rested, the sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 16) took place. prolonged discussions the two sides could not come to a decisive agreement. holy Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople proposed that the Council submit the decision of the Church dispute to the Holy Spirit, through His undoubted bearer Saint Euphemia the All-Praised, whose wonderworking relics had been discovered during the Council’s discussions. The Orthodox hierarchs and their opponents wrote down their confessions of faith on separate scrolls and sealed them with their seals. They opened the tomb of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia and placed both scrolls upon her bosom. Then, in the presence of the emperor Marcian (450-457), the participants of the Council sealed the tomb, putting on it the imperial seal and setting a guard to watch over it for three days. During these days both sides imposed upon themselves strict fast and made intense prayer. After three days the patriarch and the emperor in the presence of the Council opened the tomb with its relics: the scroll with the Orthodox confession was held by Saint Euphemia in her right hand, and the scroll of the heretics lay at her feet. Saint Euphemia, as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch. After this miracle many of the hesitant accepted the Orthodox confession, while those remaining obstinant in the heresy were consigned to the Council’s condemnation and excommunication. Miracle of Saint Euphemia the All-Praised: The holy Great Martyr Euphemia (September 16) suffered martyrdom in the city of Chalcedon in the year 304, during the time of the persecution against Christians by the emperor Diocletian (284-305). One and a half centuries later, at a time when the Christian Church had become victorious within the Roman Empire, God deigned that Euphemia the All-Praised should again be a witness and confessor of the purity of the Orthodox teaching. the year 451 in the city of Chalcedon, in the very church where the glorified relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia rested, the sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 16) took place. The Council was convened for determining the precise dogmatic formulae of the Orthodox Church concerning the nature of the God-Man Jesus Christ. This was necessary because of the widespread heresy of the Monophysites [“mono-physisâ€ meaning “one natureâ€], who opposed the Orthodox teaching of the two natures in Jesus Christ, the Divine and the Human natures (in one Divine Person). The Monophysites falsely affirmed that in Christ was only one nature, the Divine [i.e. that Jesus is God but not man, by nature], causing discord and unrest within the Church. At the Council were present 630 representatives from all the local Christian Churches. On the Orthodox side Anatolius, Patriarch of Constantinople (July 3), Juvenal, Patriarch of Jerusalem (July 2), and representatives of Saint Leo, Pope of Rome (February 18) participated in the conciliar deliberations. The Monophysites were present in large numbers, headed by Dioscorus, the Patriarch of Alexandria, and the Constantinople archimandrite Eutychius. prolonged discussions the two sides could not come to a decisive agreement. holy Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople proposed that the Council submit the decision of the Church dispute to the Holy Spirit, through His undoubted bearer Saint Euphemia the All-Praised, whose wonderworking relics had been discovered during the Council’s discussions. The Orthodox hierarchs and their opponents wrote down their confessions of faith on separate scrolls and sealed them with their seals. They opened the tomb of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia and placed both scrolls upon her bosom. Then, in the presence of the emperor Marcian (450-457), the participants of the Council sealed the tomb, putting on it the imperial seal and setting a guard to watch over it for three days. During these days both sides imposed upon themselves strict fast and made intense prayer. After three days the patriarch and the emperor in the presence of the Council opened the tomb with its relics: the scroll with the Orthodox confession was held by Saint Euphemia in her right hand, and the scroll of the heretics lay at her feet. Saint Euphemia, as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch. After this miracle many of the hesitant accepted the Orthodox confession, while those remaining obstinant in the heresy were consigned to the Council’s condemnation and excommunication. an invasion by the Persians during the seventh century, the relics of Saint Euphemia were transferred from Chalcedon to Constantinople, into a newly built church dedicated to her. Many years later, during the period of the Iconoclast heresy, the reliquary with the relics of the saint was cast into the sea by order of the Iconoclast emperor Leo the Isaurian (716-741). The reliquary was rescued from the sea by the ship-owning brothers Sergius and Sergonos, who gave it over to the local bishop. The holy bishop ordered that the relics be preserved in secret, beneath a crypt, since the Iconoclast heresy was continuing to rage. A small church was built over the relics, and over the reliquary was put a board with an inscription stating whose relics rested within. When the Iconoclast heresy was finally condemned at the holy Seventh Ecumenical Council (in the year 787), during the time of Saint Tarasius, Patriarch of Constantinople (784-806) and the emperor Constantine VI (780-797) and his mother Saint Irene (797-802), the relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia were once again solemnly transferred to Constantinople.

Byzantium, 780-802, Empress, Irene of Athens, Iconodule, mother of Constantine VI
Byzantium, 780-802, Byzantine Empress, Irene of Athens, Iconodule; of Athens (Greek: Î•á¼°ÏÎ®Î½Î· á¼¡ á¼ˆÎ¸Î·Î½Î±Î¯Î±, Eirénē Ä“ AthÄ“naÃa; c. 752 – 9 August 803), surnamed Sarantapechaina (Î£Î±ÏÎ±Î½Ï„Î±Ï€Î®Ï‡Î±Î¹Î½Î±), was Byzantine empress by marriage to Emperor Leo IV from 775 to 780, regent during the minority of their son Constantine VI from 780 until 790, co-regent from 792 until 797, and finally sole ruler and first empress regnant of the Byzantine Empire from 797 to 802. A member of the politically prominent Sarantapechos family, she was selected as Leo IV's bride for unknown reasons in 768. Even though her husband was an iconoclast, she harbored iconophile sympathies. During her rule as regent, she called the Second Council of Nicaea in 787, which condemned iconoclasm as heretical and brought an end to the first iconoclast period (730–787). As Irene's son Constantine reached maturity, he began to move out from under the influence of his mother. In the early 790s, several revolts tried to proclaim him as sole ruler. One of these revolts succeeded, but in 792, Irene was re-established in all imperial powers as co-ruler with Constantine. In 797, Irene organized a conspiracy in which her supporters gouged out her son's eyes, maiming him severely. He was imprisoned and probably died shortly afterwards. With him out of the way, Irene proclaimed herself sole ruler. Irene's alleged unprecedented status as a female ruler of the Roman Empire led Pope Leo III to proclaim Charlemagne emperor of the Holy Roman Empire on Christmas Day of 800 under the pretext that a woman could not rule and so the throne of the Roman Empire was actually vacant. A revolt in 802 overthrew Irene and exiled her to the island of Lesbos, supplanting her on the throne with Nikephoros I. Irene died in exile less than a year later. Byzantium, 780-797, Byzantine Emperor, Constantine VI, Iconoclast ; Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on October 16 ; The Venerable Anthusa of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 12; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11; the year 451 in the city of Chalcedon, in the very church where the glorified relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia rested, the sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 16) took place. prolonged discussions the two sides could not come to a decisive agreement. holy Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople proposed that the Council submit the decision of the Church dispute to the Holy Spirit, through His undoubted bearer Saint Euphemia the All-Praised, whose wonderworking relics had been discovered during the Council’s discussions. The Orthodox hierarchs and their opponents wrote down their confessions of faith on separate scrolls and sealed them with their seals. They opened the tomb of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia and placed both scrolls upon her bosom. Then, in the presence of the emperor Marcian (450-457), the participants of the Council sealed the tomb, putting on it the imperial seal and setting a guard to watch over it for three days. During these days both sides imposed upon themselves strict fast and made intense prayer. After three days the patriarch and the emperor in the presence of the Council opened the tomb with its relics: the scroll with the Orthodox confession was held by Saint Euphemia in her right hand, and the scroll of the heretics lay at her feet. Saint Euphemia, as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch. After this miracle many of the hesitant accepted the Orthodox confession, while those remaining obstinant in the heresy were consigned to the Council’s condemnation and excommunication. Miracle of Saint Euphemia the All-Praised: The holy Great Martyr Euphemia (September 16) suffered martyrdom in the city of Chalcedon in the year 304, during the time of the persecution against Christians by the emperor Diocletian (284-305). One and a half centuries later, at a time when the Christian Church had become victorious within the Roman Empire, God deigned that Euphemia the All-Praised should again be a witness and confessor of the purity of the Orthodox teaching. the year 451 in the city of Chalcedon, in the very church where the glorified relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia rested, the sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 16) took place. The Council was convened for determining the precise dogmatic formulae of the Orthodox Church concerning the nature of the God-Man Jesus Christ. This was necessary because of the widespread heresy of the Monophysites [“mono-physisâ€ meaning “one natureâ€], who opposed the Orthodox teaching of the two natures in Jesus Christ, the Divine and the Human natures (in one Divine Person). The Monophysites falsely affirmed that in Christ was only one nature, the Divine [i.e. that Jesus is God but not man, by nature], causing discord and unrest within the Church. At the Council were present 630 representatives from all the local Christian Churches. On the Orthodox side Anatolius, Patriarch of Constantinople (July 3), Juvenal, Patriarch of Jerusalem (July 2), and representatives of Saint Leo, Pope of Rome (February 18) participated in the conciliar deliberations. The Monophysites were present in large numbers, headed by Dioscorus, the Patriarch of Alexandria, and the Constantinople archimandrite Eutychius. prolonged discussions the two sides could not come to a decisive agreement. holy Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople proposed that the Council submit the decision of the Church dispute to the Holy Spirit, through His undoubted bearer Saint Euphemia the All-Praised, whose wonderworking relics had been discovered during the Council’s discussions. The Orthodox hierarchs and their opponents wrote down their confessions of faith on separate scrolls and sealed them with their seals. They opened the tomb of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia and placed both scrolls upon her bosom. Then, in the presence of the emperor Marcian (450-457), the participants of the Council sealed the tomb, putting on it the imperial seal and setting a guard to watch over it for three days. During these days both sides imposed upon themselves strict fast and made intense prayer. After three days the patriarch and the emperor in the presence of the Council opened the tomb with its relics: the scroll with the Orthodox confession was held by Saint Euphemia in her right hand, and the scroll of the heretics lay at her feet. Saint Euphemia, as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch. After this miracle many of the hesitant accepted the Orthodox confession, while those remaining obstinant in the heresy were consigned to the Council’s condemnation and excommunication. an invasion by the Persians during the seventh century, the relics of Saint Euphemia were transferred from Chalcedon to Constantinople, into a newly built church dedicated to her. Many years later, during the period of the Iconoclast heresy, the reliquary with the relics of the saint was cast into the sea by order of the Iconoclast emperor Leo the Isaurian (716-741). The reliquary was rescued from the sea by the ship-owning brothers Sergius and Sergonos, who gave it over to the local bishop. The holy bishop ordered that the relics be preserved in secret, beneath a crypt, since the Iconoclast heresy was continuing to rage. A small church was built over the relics, and over the reliquary was put a board with an inscription stating whose relics rested within. When the Iconoclast heresy was finally condemned at the holy Seventh Ecumenical Council (in the year 787), during the time of Saint Tarasius, Patriarch of Constantinople (784-806) and the emperor Constantine VI (780-797) and his mother Saint Irene (797-802), the relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia were once again solemnly transferred to Constantinople.

Constantinople, 780-820, Gregory of Crete, iconodule, to Akrita, Marmora Sea, great ascetic deeds
Crete, 780-820, Gregory of Crete, iconodule, to Jerusalem, persecuted by jews, to rome monastery, to Akrita, Marmora Sea, great ascetic deeds; Crete; Venerable Gregory of Crete, Commemorated January 5 ; Gregory of Akrita was born on the island of Crete in the year 760, and was raised by pious parents. At this time the iconoclast heretics persecuted the Orthodox. The youth Gregory, wanting to preserve his Orthodox Faith, went to Seleukia and led a life of piety. the age of twenty, Saint Gregory went to Jerusalem and lived there for twelve years, enduring fierce persecution from the Jews. From there Saint Gregory journeyed to Rome, where he entered a monastery. He became acquainted with Saint Michael, Bishop of Synnada (May 23), who took him along and settled in a monastery on the Cape of Akrita (Sea of Marmora). The saint accomplished great ascetic deeds and died there around the year 820.

Constantinople, 780-842, Euthymius, Hieromartyr, Sardis, virtuous, 7th E Council, banished by 3 Emperors, tortured by 4th E
Ephesus, 780-842, Euthymius, Hieromartyr, Sardis, virtuous, 7th E Council, banished by 3 Emperors, tortured by 4th E; Sardis, On highway to Agean Sea; Lydia (Hermes River Valley); Hieromartyr Euthymius the Bishop of Sardis, Commemorated on December 26 ; Hieromartyr Euthymius, Bishop of Sardis, during the period of the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitos (780-797) and the empress Irene (797-802), was chosen Bishop of Sardis because of his virtuous life. was also present at the Seventh Ecumenical Council (787), at which he denounced the Iconoclast heresy. the Iconoclast emperor Nikephoros I (802-811) came to rule, Saint Euthymius and other Orthodox hierarchs were banished to the island of Patalareia, where they languished for a long time. from exile by the emperor Leo V (813-820), the bishop boldly denounced the Iconoclast heresy, and they sent him into exile to the city of Assia. next emperor, Michael II the Stammerer (820-829), attempted to make him renounce icon-veneration, but without success. the holy martyr was flogged and banished to the island of Crete. was succeeded on the throne by the Iconoclast emperor Theophilus (829-842), on whose order Saint Euthymius was subjected to cruel tortures: they stretched him on four poles and beat him with ox thongs. Saint Euthymius fell asleep in the Lord several days after the torture. Saint Euthymius is also commemorated on March 8.

Constantinople, 784, Theophilus the New, Senator&Commander from Constantinople, captive by Arabs, imprisoned&beheaded on Cyprus Island
Cyprus; Martyr Theophilus the New in Cyprus, Commemorated on January 30 ; Holy Martyr Theophilus the New was born and raised in Constantinople. was a commander of the Greek armies and a senator. a time of war with enemies of the Byzantine Empire, Saint Theophilus was taken captive. Arabs demanded he renounce Christ, but he remained faithful to Orthodoxy. Theophilus was imprisoned on Cyprus, where he spent four years, which he was beheaded in the year 784.

Constantinople, 784-806, Patriarch, Tarasios of Constantinople, Iconoclast-dule
Constantinople, 784-806, Patriarch, Tarasios of Constantinople; St. George the Bishop of Amastris on the Black Sea, Commemorated on February 21; Saint Tarasius, Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 25; Tarasius, Patriarch of Constantinople was of illustrious lineage. He was born and raised in Constantinople, where he received a fine education. He was rapidly promoted at the court of the emperor Constantine VI Porphyrogenitos (780-797) and Constantine’s mother, the holy Empress Irene (August 7), and the saint attained the rank of senator. these times the Church was agitated by the turmoil of the Iconoclast disturbances. The holy Patriarch Paul (August 30) although he had formerly supported Iconoclasm, later repented and resigned his office. He withdrew to a monastery, where he took the schema. When the holy Empress Irene and her son the emperor came to him, Saint Paul told them that the most worthy successor to him would be Saint Tarasius (who at this time was still a layman). refused for a long time, not considering himself worthy of such high office, but he then gave in to the common accord on the condition, that an Ecumenical Council be convened to address the Iconoclast heresy. through all the clerical ranks in a short while, Saint Tarasius was elevated to the patriarchal throne in the year 784. In the year 787 the Seventh Ecumenical Council was convened in the city of Nicea, with Patriarch Tarasius presiding, and 367 bishops attending. The veneration of holy icons was confirmed at the council. Those bishops who repented of their iconoclasm, were again received by the Church. Tarasius wisely governed the Church for twenty-two years. He led a strict ascetic life. He spent all his money on God-pleasing ends, feeding and giving comfort to the aged, to the impoverished, to widows and orphans, and on Holy Pascha he set out a meal for them, and he served them himself. holy Patriarch fearlessly denounced the emperor Constantine Porphyrigenitos when he slandered his spouse, the empress Maria, the granddaughter of Saint Philaretos the Merciful (December 1), so that he could send Maria to a monastery, thus freeing him to marry his own kinswoman. Saint Tarasius resolutely refused to dissolve the marriage of the emperor, for which the saint fell into disgrace. Soon, however, Constantine was deposed by his own mother, the Empress Irene. Tarasius died in the year 806. Before his death, devils examined his life from the time of his youth, and they tried to get the saint to admit to sins that he had not committed. “I am innocent of that of which you accuse me,â€ replied the saint, “and you falsely slander me. You have no power over me at all.â€ by the Church, the saint was buried in a monastery he built on the Bosphorus. Many miracles took place at his tomb. Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11; the year 451 in the city of Chalcedon, in the very church where the glorified relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia rested, the sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 16) took place. prolonged discussions the two sides could not come to a decisive agreement. holy Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople proposed that the Council submit the decision of the Church dispute to the Holy Spirit, through His undoubted bearer Saint Euphemia the All-Praised, whose wonderworking relics had been discovered during the Council’s discussions. The Orthodox hierarchs and their opponents wrote down their confessions of faith on separate scrolls and sealed them with their seals. They opened the tomb of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia and placed both scrolls upon her bosom. Then, in the presence of the emperor Marcian (450-457), the participants of the Council sealed the tomb, putting on it the imperial seal and setting a guard to watch over it for three days. During these days both sides imposed upon themselves strict fast and made intense prayer. After three days the patriarch and the emperor in the presence of the Council opened the tomb with its relics: the scroll with the Orthodox confession was held by Saint Euphemia in her right hand, and the scroll of the heretics lay at her feet. Saint Euphemia, as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch. After this miracle many of the hesitant accepted the Orthodox confession, while those remaining obstinant in the heresy were consigned to the Council’s condemnation and excommunication. Miracle of Saint Euphemia the All-Praised: The holy Great Martyr Euphemia (September 16) suffered martyrdom in the city of Chalcedon in the year 304, during the time of the persecution against Christians by the emperor Diocletian (284-305). One and a half centuries later, at a time when the Christian Church had become victorious within the Roman Empire, God deigned that Euphemia the All-Praised should again be a witness and confessor of the purity of the Orthodox teaching. the year 451 in the city of Chalcedon, in the very church where the glorified relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia rested, the sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 16) took place. The Council was convened for determining the precise dogmatic formulae of the Orthodox Church concerning the nature of the God-Man Jesus Christ. This was necessary because of the widespread heresy of the Monophysites [“mono-physisâ€ meaning “one natureâ€], who opposed the Orthodox teaching of the two natures in Jesus Christ, the Divine and the Human natures (in one Divine Person). The Monophysites falsely affirmed that in Christ was only one nature, the Divine [i.e. that Jesus is God but not man, by nature], causing discord and unrest within the Church. At the Council were present 630 representatives from all the local Christian Churches. On the Orthodox side Anatolius, Patriarch of Constantinople (July 3), Juvenal, Patriarch of Jerusalem (July 2), and representatives of Saint Leo, Pope of Rome (February 18) participated in the conciliar deliberations. The Monophysites were present in large numbers, headed by Dioscorus, the Patriarch of Alexandria, and the Constantinople archimandrite Eutychius. prolonged discussions the two sides could not come to a decisive agreement. holy Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople proposed that the Council submit the decision of the Church dispute to the Holy Spirit, through His undoubted bearer Saint Euphemia the All-Praised, whose wonderworking relics had been discovered during the Council’s discussions. The Orthodox hierarchs and their opponents wrote down their confessions of faith on separate scrolls and sealed them with their seals. They opened the tomb of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia and placed both scrolls upon her bosom. Then, in the presence of the emperor Marcian (450-457), the participants of the Council sealed the tomb, putting on it the imperial seal and setting a guard to watch over it for three days. During these days both sides imposed upon themselves strict fast and made intense prayer. After three days the patriarch and the emperor in the presence of the Council opened the tomb with its relics: the scroll with the Orthodox confession was held by Saint Euphemia in her right hand, and the scroll of the heretics lay at her feet. Saint Euphemia, as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch. After this miracle many of the hesitant accepted the Orthodox confession, while those remaining obstinant in the heresy were consigned to the Council’s condemnation and excommunication. an invasion by the Persians during the seventh century, the relics of Saint Euphemia were transferred from Chalcedon to Constantinople, into a newly built church dedicated to her. Many years later, during the period of the Iconoclast heresy, the reliquary with the relics of the saint was cast into the sea by order of the Iconoclast emperor Leo the Isaurian (716-741). The reliquary was rescued from the sea by the ship-owning brothers Sergius and Sergonos, who gave it over to the local bishop. The holy bishop ordered that the relics be preserved in secret, beneath a crypt, since the Iconoclast heresy was continuing to rage. A small church was built over the relics, and over the reliquary was put a board with an inscription stating whose relics rested within. When the Iconoclast heresy was finally condemned at the holy Seventh Ecumenical Council (in the year 787), during the time of Saint Tarasius, Patriarch of Constantinople (784-806) and the emperor Constantine VI (780-797) and his mother Saint Irene (797-802), the relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia were once again solemnly transferred to Constantinople.

Constantinople, 787, Beret Icon, Beret Phoenecia, Biblos, Lebanon, Jesus icon, Jews, spear, blood and water, healing for all
Beret, Phoenecia Biblos; Commemoration of the Miracle of the Icon of Our Lord Jesus Christin Beret , Commemorated October 11 ; of the Miracle of the Icon of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Beret: At the fourth session of the Seventh Ecumenical Council (in 787), Saint Peter, Bishop of Nicomedia, in defending the necessity of icon veneration, presented an account of Saint Athanasius about a miracle which occurred in the city of Beret, Phoenecia. this city, near the Jewish synagogue, lived a certain Christian. When he moved to another place, he left behind an icon of the Lord Jesus Christ. A Jew, who moved into the house, paid no attention to the icon. Once, his friend noticed of the image of Jesus Christ on the wall and said to the homeowner, “Why do you, a Jew, have an icon in your house?” He then went to the synagogue and reported this transgression of Jewish law. Jews expelled the owner of the house from the synagogue. took the icon from the wall and began to scoff at it, “As once our fathers mocked Him, so we also mock Him.” They spit at the face of the Lord. Hurling abuses, they lashed at the icon, they placed thorns around the head, nailed it to a tree, and put a sponge with vinegar to the mouth. Finally, they took a spear, and one of the Jews thrust it into the side of the Savior. from the hole in the icon made by the spear, blood and water flowed. The Jewish rabbis, seeing the miracle, said, “The followers of Jesus Christ say that He could heal the sick. Let us take this blood and water into the synagogue and anoint those afflicted with infirmities. Then we shall see whether what is spoken of Him is true.” vessel with the blood was put in the synagogue. The inhabitants of Beret, once they learned of the miracle, began to bring those suffering from various illnesses into the synagogue. all were healed, after being anointed with the blood from the icon of the Savior. the Jewish people believed in Christ and exclaimed, “Glory to You, O Christ, Whom our fathers crucified, Whom we also crucified in the form of Your icon. Glory to You, O Son of God, for having worked such a miracle! We believe in You, therefore be merciful to us and receive us!” Jews went to the Bishop of Beret. After showing him the wonderworking icon and the blood and water that flowed from it, they told him of their misdeed. The bishop, seeing their sincere repentance, accepted them, catechized them for many days and then baptized them. he consecrated the synagogue into a church of our Savior Jesus Christ. At the request of the Jews, he also consecrated other synagogues into churches dedicated to the holy martyrs. There was great joy in that city, not only because many people were healed, but because many were baptized due to the miracles worked by the icon of the Savior. St Rabulas of Samosata, Commemorated February 19 ; Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Syria, Commemorated on June 13 ;

Constantinople, 787, Armatian Icon, deliverance from iconoclast heresy 787 Ecumenical Council
Armatian monestary is somewhere in Constantinople. Icon of the Mother of God of Armatia, Commemorated on August 17 ; Armatia Icon of the Mother of God was in Constantinople at the Armatian monastery. The place where the monastery was located, was called “Armation” or “of the Armatians” and received its name from the military magister Armatias, nephew of the tyrant Basiliscus, and a contemporary of the emperor Zeno (474-491). celebration of the wonderworking icon was established to commemorate deliverance from the Iconoclast heresy. The Seventh Ecumenical Council of 787 drew up dogmatic definitions about icon veneration based on Holy Scripture and Church Tradition. Armatia Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is commemorated twice during the year, on July 21 and August 17.

Constantinople, 787, Seventh Ecumenical Council, Nicaea, Bythnia, for Icons
Byzantine Empire, 787, Seventh Ecumenical Council, Nicaea, Bythnia ; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Armatia, Commemorated on July 21; Icon of the Mother of God of Armatia, Commemorated on August 17; Icon of the Mother of God of Pisidia, Commemorated on September 3; Commemoration of the Miracle of the Icon of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Beret, Commemorated on October 11 ; St Nicetas the Confessor of Paphlagonia, Commemorated on October 13 ; Venerable Theodore the Confessor the Abbot of the Studion; Hieromartyr Euthymius the Bishop of Sardis, Commemorated December 26 ; St Tarasius the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated February 25; St Theophylactus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 8; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem (Spiritual Meadow), Commemorated on March 11; Venerable Theophanes the Confessor of Sigriane, Commemorated on March 12; St Plato the Confessor of Studion, Commemorated on April 5; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; St Germanus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; St Michael the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 23; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11;

Constantinople, 787 and 553, Pisidia Icon, 6th Century Miracles, 8th C icon confessor
Sozopolis, Pisidia ; Greatmartyr Marina (Margaret) of Antioch in Pisidia, Commemorated July 17 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Pisidia, Commemorated September 3 ; Pisidia Icon of the Mother of God was glorified by miracles in the city of Sozopolis, but its origin is unknown. Saint Germanus, the Patriarch of Constantinople (May 12), mentions “the icon of the All-Pure Virgin Mother of God at Pisidian Sozopolis” in his letters on the veneration of icons which were read at the Seventh Ecumenical Council. He said that “myrrh flowed from the hands,” and described the icon as “ancient.” miracles of the icon date back to the sixth century. One of the miracles was reported by the presbyter Eustathius, who was a contemporary of Patriarch Eutychius (April 6). At Amasea, near Sozopolis, there was a certain married couple, whose children were all stillborn. Grieving over their misfortune, they turned to Patriarch Eutychius for advice. Saint Eutychius prayed and anointed them with holy oil from the Cross of the Lord and from the holy icon of the Mother of God saying, “In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” “Name your child Peter, and he will live,” he said to them. Soon the couple gave birth to a son whom they did indeed name Peter. Later, they had a second son, whom they named John. The people of the city glorified God when they heard of this miracle. about 600 years myrrh flowed from the Pisidian Icon of the Mother of God – Eleusius, a disciple of Saint Theodore the Sykeote (April 22), was a witness to this. A copy of this ancient wonderworking icon was made in Russia in 1608, at Moscow’s Novospassky (New Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior) monastery. The Mother of God is depicted with the Divine Infant on Her left arm, and with Her right hand She gives a blessing. St George the Confessor and Bishop of Antioch, in Pisidia, Commemorated on April 19;

Constantinople, 787-820, Emilian, Confessor, Bishop oCyzikus, told Emperor veneration question only for Church spiritual leaders
Constantinople, 787-820, Emilian, Confessor, Bishop oCyzikus(Sea of Marmara, between Troy and Constantinople), suffered during Leo tArmenian, bishops ordered stop teaching icon veneration, he told Emperor veneration question only for Church spiritual leaders, not imperial court, banished 5yrs, died 820, recieved crown fDefending icons; Cyzicus St Emilian the Confessor, Bishop of Cyzicus, Commemorated on August 8; Holy Confessor Emilian (Amilianos), the Bishop of Kyzikos, Bishop Nicholas, remained in his See from 787 - 815. Emilian suffered many afflictions and sorrows during the reign of the Iconoclast Emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820). and other bishops were summoned to the Emperor's tribunal, Leo ordered the bishops to refrain from teaching their flocks to venerate the Holy Icons. Emilian told the Emperor that the question of venerating icons ought to be discussed and decided only within the Church, by its spiritual leaders, not at the imperial court. this time he continued to strengthen his flock by his own example and his unwavering confession of the true Faith. the year 815 the Hierarch was banished for five years, much pain and humiliation for the sake of Christ. Emilian went to the Lord in the year 820, received an unfading crown of glory for his defense of the Holy Icons.

Constantinople, 790, Michael, Abbot iArmenia + 36, Zobē Monastery, Haragenes seized monastery, M and 36 resisted conversion
Armenia, 790, Michael, Abbot iArmenia + 36, Zobē Monastery (Μονή Ζώβη), near Sebastopol in Armenia, Haragenes (Saracens) seized monastery, M and 36 resisted conversion, beheaded; Zobē Monastery (Μονή Ζώβη), near Sebastopol in Armenia; Martyr Michael, Abbot in Armenia, and 36 Fathers with him, Commemorated on October 1; Monastic Martyr Michael was the Igoumen of Zobē Monastery (Μονή Ζώβη), near Sebastopol in Armenia. he labored in asceticism with thirty-six other monks at the end of the VIII century, the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine VI and his mother Empress Irene. the land was invaded by the Hagarenes (Saracens). Alim seized the Monastery and tried to persuade the monks to to deny Christ and convert to Mohammedanism. However, strengthened from above, the Holy Fathers paid no attention to the words of the infidels. in the midst of his monks, Saint Michael encouraged them to face death courageously for the sake of Christ. the monks were beheaded with swords, and then Saint Michael was tortured and beheaded. Thus, they all received crowns of glory from Christ around the year 790.

Constantinople, 795-845, Saints Theophanes the Branded, Iconodule
Byzantium, 795-845, Saints Theophanes the Branded, Iconodule; Byzantium, 795-845, Saints Theodorus and Theophanes, Iconodules; St. Theophanes the Confessor and Hymnographer, Bishop of Nicea, Commemorated on October 11; Venerable Theodore Graptus, the branded,Â Confessor, Commemorated on December 27; Venerable Nicholas the Confessor the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated on February 4;

Constantinople, 795-845, Saints Theodorus and Theophanes, Iconodules
Byzantium, 795-845, Saints Theodorus and Theophanes, Iconodules; St. Theophanes the Confessor and Hymnographer, Bishop of Nicea, Commemorated on October 11; Venerable Theodore Graptus, "œthe branded," Confessor, Commemorated on December 27; Venerable Nicholas the Confessor the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated on February 4;

Byzantium, 797-802, Empress, Irene of Athens, Iconodule, first woman E-ship elevated Charlemagne
Byzantium, 797-802, Byzantine Empress Irene of Athens, Iconodule ; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13; The Venerable Anthusa of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 12;

Constantinople, 797-828, Nikephoros tConfessor, Patriarch oConstantinople, pious monastic iconodule, exiled, 3Writings
Constantinople, 797-828, Nikephoros tConfessor, Patriarch oConstantinople (Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn), Empress Irene dignitary, Pious Monastic Ascetic, Patriarch 1806, exiled 815 bLeo tArmenian, tProkonnis, 3 iconodule writings ; Constantinople; Saint Nikēphóros the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 2; Nikephoros was a dignitary at the court of the Empress Irene (797-802). embracing monasticism, he became widely known for his piety. assumed the Patriarchal Throne of Constantinople in 806 and became a zealous defender of the holy Icons. 815, the Iconoclast Emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820) exiled him to Prokonnis, where he fell asleep in the Lord in 828. Nikēphóros left behind three writings against Iconoclasm. 846, the relics of Patriarch Nikephoros were returned to Constantinople and placed in the Great Church of Hagia Sophia for one day before being transferred to and enshrined in the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Constantinople, 800-899, Folder, 9th Century, Iconoclasts, Iconodules

Constantinople, 801-833, Boyan or Enravota, Bulgarian Saint, converted by Byzantine captive (Kinamon) first Bulgarian Saint
Bulgaria, 800-833, Bulgarian Saint, Boyan or Enravota; Enravota or Boyan was the eldest son of Omurtag of Bulgaria and the first Bulgarian Christian martyr, as well as the earliest Bulgarian saint to be canonized. in the early 9th century, Enravota was the elder brother of Malamir of Bulgaria, who succeeded their father Omurtag to the Bulgarian throne in 831. was possibly deprived of the throne because he favoured Christianity, which the boyars feared might endanger the court. long after the death of Omurtag, Enravota asked his brother to release a pious Byzantine captive who had been imprisoned by Omurtag. The captive's sermons persuaded Enravota to convert to Christianity and be baptized. informed of his brother's deeds, Malamir attempted to make him renounce Christianity, but did not succeed. Enravota was killed on the order of Malamir, around 833. 11th-century chronicler Theophylact of Bulgaria claimed he delivered the following prophetic speech before his death: faith, which I now die for, will spread and increase across the whole Bulgarian land, although you may wish to oppress it with my death. In any case, the Sign of Christ will establish itself and churches of God will be built everywhere and pure priests will serve the pure God and will deliver "sacrifice of praise and confession" to the invigorating Trinity. Idols, and priests as well, and their ungodly temples, will crumble and will turn into nothing, as if they had not existed. Besides, you alone (to Malamir), after many years, will cast away your ungodly soul without receiving anything in reward for your cruelty. In the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Enravota's feast day is 28 March. Bulgarian Tsar, 852-889, Boris I ; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Enravota - Boyan, the Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; St. Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2 ;

Constantinople, 801-833, Boyan or Enravota, death sentence fBro Malomir (Vladimir), Fulfilled prophecy Christian Bulgarian Land
Bulgaria, 801-833, Boyan, Prince of Bulgaria, bro Malomir (Vladimir) ascended Tzar, free Kinamon, K converts B, ascetic, M demands renounce, B despises idols, death sentence, prophecy Christian Bulgarian Land & death overtake you, so prophecy fulfilled when Presian son Boris christianized Bulgaria; Plisk; Martyr Boyan, Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; Holy Martyr Boyan, Prince of Bulgaria, suffered for Christ around the year 830. his pagan brother Malomir [Vladimir] ascended the Bulgarian throne, Prince Boyan asked him to free the learned Christian Kinamon, who had been in prison for a long time for refusing to participate in pagan sacrifices under Prince Obrit (Krutogon), Prince Malomir’s predecessor. consented and gave Kinamon to Prince Boyan as a slave. spoke to Boyan about Christianity, telling him of the errors of paganism and that belief in Christ is necessary for salvation. At the end of their conversation he told the prince, “Without Jesus Christ there is no light for the mind, no life for the soul. He alone is the Teacher of mankind and our Savior. By His death, He has reconciled fallen mankind with God. If you do not wish to perish, believe in the Lord Jesus.” Boyan recognized the truth of his words, and was inspired to ask for Baptism. newly-converted prince was filled with a love of prayer, fasting and contemplation of God. learning about the conversion of his brother to Christianity, demanded that he renounce the Christian Faith and return to paganism. Instead, the holy Prince Boyan answered, “I despise the pagan idols and I revere Christ, the true God. No one shall separate me from the love of Christ.” Malomir, hearing his brother’s reply, sentenced him to death. his martyric death, the holy martyr-prince declared: “The faith for which I now die will spread throughout the Bulgarian land. You vainly imagine that you will stop it by killing me. Temples to the true God will be built, and priests will offer Him true worship. The idols and their foul sacrifices, however, will vanish.” Then he said to his brother Malomir, “You will gain nothing from your cruelty, and death will soon overtake you.” holy martyr was killed by the sword, and his predictions to his brother were the first to be fulfilled. Malomir soon died, and since he had no heir, his elder brother Presian (836-852) succeeded to the throne. Prince Presian’s son, the holy Prince Boris, in holy Baptism Michael (May 2) later Christianized the Bulgarian nation. Thus the prophecy of the holy Martyr Prince Boyan was fulfilled.

Byzantium, 802-811, Emperor, Nicephorus, Iconoclast, Irene's finance m. led coup
Byzantine Emperor 802-811, Nicephorus ; I or Nicephorus I (“ 750 -26 July 811) was Byzantine Emperor from 802 to 811, when he was killed in the Battle of Pliska. Prior to his accession, he had served as genikos logothetÄ“s, whence he is sometimes surnamed the Logothete and Genikos or Genicus. Syriac sources such as Michael the Syrian and Arabic ones like al-Tabari and Mas'udi hold that the emperor was of a Ghassanid Arab origin.[1][2][3] Byzantine chronicles, however, although generally hostile to him, make no explicit mention about his ethnic background.[1] On the other hand, al-Tabari claims that he learned of Nikephoros' Arab origins from Byzantine sources.[4] Some scholars, like Paul Julius Alexander, accept al-Tabari's account, citing a Byzantine apocalyptic text in which the emperor is said to be "from the race of Gopsin".[5] The word "Gopsin" could be a Greek rendering of the name "Ghassan", or the name "Gafna", the eponym of the Ghassanids.[6] The Byzantine Empire at the beginning of the reign of Nikephoros I, in 802 AD. patrician from Seleucia Sidera, Nikephoros was appointed finance minister (logothetÄ“s tou genikou) by the Empress Irene. With the help of the patricians and eunuchs he contrived to dethrone and exile Irene, and to be chosen as Emperor in her stead on 31 October 802. He crowned his son Staurakios co-emperor in 803. rule was endangered by Bardanes Tourkos, one of his ablest generals, who revolted and received support from other commanders, notably the later emperors Leo V the Armenian and Michael II the Amorian in 803. Nikephoros gained over the latter two, and by inducing the rebel army to disperse achieved the submission of Bardanes, who was blinded and relegated to a monastery. A conspiracy headed by the patrician Arsaber had a similar result. embarked on a general reorganization of the Roman Empire, creating new themes in the Balkans (where he initiated the re-Hellenization by resettling Greeks from Anatolia) and strengthening the frontiers. Needing large sums to increase his military forces, he set himself with great energy to increase the Empire's revenue. By his rigorous tax imposts he alienated his subjects, especially the clergy, whom he otherwise sought to control firmly. Although he appointed an iconodule, Nikephoros, as patriarch, Emperor Nikephoros was portrayed as a villain by ecclesiastical historians like Theophanes the Confessor. Krum feasts while a servant brings the skull of Nikephoros I fashioned into a drinking cup. 803, Nikephoros concluded a treaty, called the "Pax Nicephori", with Charlemagne, but refused to recognize the latter's imperial dignity. Relations deteriorated and led to a war over Venice in 806–810. In the process, Nikephoros had quelled a Venetian rebellion in 807, but suffered extensive losses to the Franks. The conflict was resolved only after Nikephoros' death, and Venice, Istria, the Dalmatian coast and South Italy were assigned to the East, while Rome, Ravenna and the Pentapolis were included in the Western realm. withholding the tribute which Irene had agreed to pay to the caliph HÄrÅ«n al-RashÄ«d, Nikephoros committed himself to a war against the Arabs.[7] Compelled by Bardanes' disloyalty to take the field himself, he sustained a severe defeat at the Battle of Krasos in Phrygia (805).[7] In 806 a Muslim army of 135,000 men invaded the Empire. Unable to counter the Muslim numbers, Nikephoros agreed to make peace on condition of paying 50,000 nomismata immediately and a yearly tribute of 30,000 nomismata. With a succession struggle enveloping the caliphate on the death of HÄrÅ«n al-RashÄ«d in 809, Nikephoros was free to deal with Krum, Khan of Bulgaria, who was harassing his northern frontiers and had just conquered Serdica (Sofia). 811, Nikephoros invaded Bulgaria, defeated Krum twice, and sacked the Bulgarian capital Pliska. The Chronicle of the 12th-century patriarch of the Syrian Jacobites, Michael the Syrian, describes the brutalities and atrocities of Nikephoros: "Nikephoros, emperor of the Byzantine empire, walked into the Bulgarians' land: he was victorious and killed great number of them. He reached their capital, seized it and devastated it. His savagery went to the point that he ordered to bring their small children, got them tied down on earth and made thresh grain stones to smash them." During Nikephoros' retreat, the imperial army was ambushed and destroyed in Varbishki mountain passes on 26 July by Krum. Nikephoros was captured during the battle and sent to Pliska, where Krum ordered his decapitation. Krum is said to have made a drinking-cup of Nikephoros' skull. New Martyr Isaac of Georgia, Commemorated on September 16 ; Venerable Athanasius of Medikion Monastery, Commemorated on October 26 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 29; Venerable Luke of Sicily, Commemorated on November 6; Venerable Theodore the Confessor the Abbot of the Studion, Commemorated on November 11 ; Venerable Gregory Decapolite, Commemorated on November 20; Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; Venerable Nicholas the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on December 24; Hieromartyr Euthymius the Bishop of Sardis, Commemorated on December 26; Venerable Evarestus of the Studion Monastery, Commemorated on December 26; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Venerable Gregory of Crete, Commemorated on January 5; St Joseph the Bishop of Thessalonica, and brother of St Theodore of Studion, Commemorated on January 26; St George the Bishop of Amastris on the Black Sea, Commemorated on February 21; Venerable Theophanes the Confessor of Sigriane, Commemorated on March 12; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13; St Eustathius (Eustace) the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia, Commemorated on March 29; Venerable Macarius the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on April 1; Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, Commemorated on April 2; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; St Plato the Confessor of Studion, Commemorated on April 5; St George the Confessor the Bishop of Mitylene, Commemorated on April 7; St Michael the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 23; Venerable Peter of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 1;

Constantinople, 802-811, Nicholas, resisted inkeeper's daughter, fought Bulgars, only survivor, spared, left world, clairvoyance
Mongols, Khzaria, 802-811, Nicholas, monk of Bulgaria, resisted inkeeper's daughter, fought Bulgars, only survivor, vison, spared because overcame temptation, left world, settled in cave, schemamonk, unceasing prayer for fallen soldiers, granted clairvoyance; Bulgars; Venerable Nicholas the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on December 24; Nicholas the Former General was a military commander under the Byzantine emperor Nikephoros I (802-811). He was ordered to lead his troops against the Bulgars. On the eve of battle he was approached by the innkeeper’s daughter, but he resisted her shameless attempts to seduce him. his comrades perished in the battle, but Nicholas remained alive. It was revealed to him in a vision that his life was spared because he had overcome temptation. After this Saint Nicholas left the world and settled into a cave. He became a schemamonk, and prayed unceasingly for his fallen soldiers. By his great ascetic efforts he so pleased the Lord, that he was granted the gift of clairvoyance.

Constantinople, 806-815, Nikephoros I, Patriarch, Iconodule, incorrupt r
Constantinople, 806-815, Patriarch, Nikephoros I of Constantinople ; St Theophylactus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 8; Translation of the relics of Saint Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13; Nicephorus was a dignitary at the court of the empress Irene (797-802), and then after receiving monastic tonsure, he became known for his piety. In the year 806 he was elevated to the patriarchal throne. The saint was a zealous defender of the holy Icons. When the Iconoclast emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820) came to rule, the saint in 815 was exiled to Prokonnis, where he died in the year 828. the year 846 the holy relics of Patriarch Nicephorus were opened, and were found incorrupt and fragrant. They transferred them from Prokonnis to Constantinople and placed them for one day in Hagia Sophia, and then transferred them to the Church of the Holy Apostles. The saint’s hands are preserved in the Hilandar monastery on Mount Athos. saint left behind three writings against Iconoclasm. The main Feast of Saint Nicephorus is celebrated on June 2, but today we commemorate the finding and transfer of his holy relics. Venerable Nicetas the Confessor the Abbot of Medikion, Commemorated on April 3; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; Venerable Hilarion the New, Abbot of the Dalmatian Monastery, Commemorated on June 6; St Methodius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 14;

Constantinople, 807, Vatopedi Comfort Icon, voice warned igumen to not open gates, pirates outside
Greece, 807 & 950, Vatopedi Comfort Icon, voice warned igumen to not open gates, pirates outside, Vatopedi (bush otChild) because Emperor Theodosius's son fell off ship and MOG saved him, found sleeping in a bush, in gratitude E Theodosius endowed Vatopeddi, perpetual flame honoring event ; Vatopedi monastery ; Icon of the Mother of God "Comfort" or "Consolation", Commemorated January 21 ; Vatopedi “Comfort” or “Consolation” Icon of the Mother of God is in the old Vatopedi monastery on Athos, in the church of the Annunciation. was called “Vatopedi” because near this monastery Arcadius, the son of Empreor Theodosius the Great, fell off a ship into the sea, and by the miraculous intercession of the Mother of God he was carried to shore safe and unharmed. was found sleeping by a bush, not far from the monastery. this event the name “Vatopedi” (“batos paidion,” “the bush of the child”) is derived. holy Emperor Theodosius the Great (January 17), in gratitude for the miraculous deliverance of his son, embellished and generously endowed the Vatopedi monastery. the Vatopedi Icon, the Mother of God is depicted with Her face turned towards Her right shoulder. is because on January 21, 807 She turned Her face towards the igumen of the monastery, who was standing near the holy icon, about to hand the keys of the monastery to the porter. voice came from the icon and warned him not to open the monastery gates, pirates intended to pillage the monastery. the Holy Child placed His hand over His Mother’s lips, saying, “Do not watch over this sinful flock, Mother, but let them fall under the sword of the pirates.” Holy Virgin took the hand of Her Son and said again, “Do not open the gates today, but go to the walls and drive off the pirates.” igumen took precautionary measures, and the monastery was saved. memory of this miraculous event a perpetual lamp burns in front of the wonderworking icon. day a Canon of Supplication is chanted in honor of the icon, on Fridays the Divine Liturgy is celebrated. Mt. Athos this icon is called “Paramythia,” “Consolation” (“Otrada”), or “Comfort” (“Uteshenie”). Icon of the Mother of God "Stabbed", Commemorated January 21; Icon of the Mother of God "Xenophon Hodigitria", Commemorated January 21 ; Venerable Neophytus of Vatopedi, Mt Athos, Commemorated January 21 ;

Constantinople, 811, Martyr Manuel, Bishop of Thrace, Bulgaria (Via Egnatia, Maritza River 8) & 377 Companions slain by Bulgars
Bulgaria, 811, Martyr Manuel, Bishop of Thrace, Bulgaria (Via Egnatia, Maritza River 8) and 377 Companions slain by Bulgars; Thrace; 377 Martyred Companions in Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 22; 377 Christians were captured in Thrace by the Bulgars, and were slain in various ways. the martyrs where the bishops Manuel, George, Peter, and Leontius; the presbyters Sionius, Gabriel, John, Leontius and Parodus.

Byzantium, 811-813, Emperor, Michael I Rangabe, Iconodule, reduced taxes, supported army&church
Byzantine Emperor 811-813, Michael I Rangabe, Kuropalatos ; St Ignatius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 23 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 29; Venerable Luke of Sicily, Commemorated on November 6; Venerable Theodore the Confessor the Abbot of the Studion, Commemorated on November 11 ; St George the Bishop of Amastris on the Black Sea, Commemorated on February 21; Venerable Theophanes the Confessor of Sigriane, Commemorated on March 12; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13; St Eustathius (Eustace) the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia, Commemorated on March 29; Venerable Macarius the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on April 1; Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, Commemorated on April 2; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; St Plato the Confessor of Studion, Commemorated on April 5; St George the Confessor the Bishop of Mitylene, Commemorated on April 7; St Michael the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 23 ; Venerable Evarestus of the Studion Monastery, Commemorated on December 26; Venerable Theodore Graptus, "œthe branded",Â Confessor, Commemorated on December 27; Venerable Gregory of Crete, Commemorated on January 5; St Joseph the Bishop of Thessalonica, and brother of St Theodore of Studion, Commemorated on January 26;

Byzantium, 813-820, Emperor, Leo V the Armenian, forced M.l to abdicate, resumed iconoclasm, assinated by M
Byzantine Emperor 813-820, Leo V the Armenian; St Emilian the Confessor, Bishop of Cyzicus, Commemorated on August 8; Venerable Macarius the Monk of Pelekete, Commemorated on August 18 ; St Peter Bishop of Nicea, Commemorated September 10 ; St Theophanes the Confessor and Hymnographer, Bishop of Nicea, Commemorated on October 11 ; St Ignatius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 23 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 29; Venerable Luke of Sicily, Commemorated on November 6; St Michael the Confessor at Constantinople, Commemorated on December 18 ; Hieromartyr Euthymius the Bishop of Sardis, Commemorated on December 26; Venerable Evarestus of the Studion Monastery, Commemorated on December 26; Venerable Theodore Graptus, "œthe branded,"Â Confessor, Commemorated on December 27; Venerable Thaddeus the Confessor of the Studion, Commemorated on December 29; Venerable Gregory of Crete, Commemorated on January 5; St Emilian the Confessor, Bishop of Cyzicus, Commemorated on January 8; St Eustratius the Wonderworker, Commemorated on January 9; St Joseph the Bishop of Thessalonica, and brother of St Theodore of Studion, Commemorated on January 26; Venerable Nicholas the Confessor the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated on February 4; St Athanasius the Confessor of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 22; St Theophylactus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 8; Venerable Theophanes the Confessor of Sigriane, Commemorated on March 12; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13; St Nicetas the Confessor the Archbishop of Apollonias in Bithynia, Commemorated on March 20; Venerable Stephen the Wonderworker the Abbot of Tryglia, Commemorated on March 28; St Eustathius (Eustace) the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia, Commemorated on March 29; Venerable Macarius the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on April 1; Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, Commemorated on April 2; Venerable Nicetas the Confessor the Abbot of Medikion, Commemorated on April 3; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; St Plato the Confessor of Studion, Commemorated on April 5; St George the Confessor the Bishop of Mitylene, Commemorated on April 7; St Cosmas the Bishop of Chalcedon, Commemorated on April 18; Venerable John the Disciple of the Venerable Gregory of Decapolis, Commemorated on April 18 ; St George the Confessor and Bishop of Antioch, in Pisidia, Commemorated on April 19; St Michael the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 23; St John Psichaita the Confessor, of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 26; St Nicetas the Bishop of Chalcedon, Commemorated on May 28; Venerable Hilarion the New, Abbot of the Dalmatian Monastery, Commemorated on June 6; St Methodius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 14;

Constantinople, 813-820, Thaddeus, Confessor otStudion, Theo tStudite dscpl, icon defender, placed oJesus' icon, cursed impiety
Constantinople, 813-820, Thaddeus, Confessor otStudion Monastery, Constantinople, Theo tStudite disciple, icon defender, trial Leo V's time, heretics stood him on Icon oJesus, Judge said he trampled oJesus' icon join us, Thad disagreed, not voluntarily, cursed their iconoclast impiety, the beat him threw him outside city walls, still alive but died 3days later; The Studion Monestary ; Venerable Thaddeus the Confessor of the Studion, Commemorated December 29 ; Thaddeus the Confessor, disciple of Theodore the Studite, a defender of the veneration of holy icons. was brought to trial and suffered during the reign of Leo V (813-820). heretics, mocking Saint Thaddeus, put an icon of the Savior on the ground, picked the saint up, and stood him upon it. this the judge said, “You have trampled upon the icon of Christ. There is no point in further resistance, so join us.” replied that he had been placed upon the icon involuntarily, and he cursed the impiety of the iconoclasts. by his bold words, they beat him with cudgels. Then they dragged the martyr by the legs and threw him outside the city walls. appeared to be dead, but he was still alive. certain Christian took him into his own home and washed his wounds. Thaddeus lived another three days, and then surrendered his soul to God.

Constantinople, 813-821, Athanasius the Confessor oConstantinople, Iconoclast Leo tA tortured, eliled him for icons
Constantinople, 813-821, Athanasius the Confessor oConstantinople (Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn), devoting self tGod aChildhood dream, rich pious parents, Nicomedia Monastery Pavlopetrios, imperial court heard about his lofty ascetic life, Iconoclast Leo the Armenian subjected him to torture for icons, exile grief suffering, confessing Orthodox faith to the end, peacefully in 821; Constantinople; St Athanasius the Confessor of Constantinople, Commemorated February 22 ; Athanasius the Confessor was born in Constantinople of rich and pious parents. his childhood he dreamed of devoting himself entirely to God, having reached maturity, he settled in one of the Nicomedia monasteries, called the Pavlopetrios (i.e., in the names of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul), and became a monk there. loftiness of his ascetic life became known at the imperial court. the reign of the iconoclast emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820), Athanasius was subjected to torture for venerating icons, then underwent exile, grief and suffering. the Orthodox Faith until the very end of his life, Saint Athanasius died peacefully in the year 821.

Constantinople, 813-845, Michael tConfessor, famous preacher, confessed tLeo V and Theophilus, beatn exiled, freed bTheodora
Constantinople, 813-845, Michael tConfessor aConstantinople (Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn), fJerusalem and zealous christians, devoted tMonk life, priest, famous preacher, synkellos, church govt matters, sent tIconoclast Leo V, confessed but beat&exile, returned but Theophilus branded companions & he sent tPabeida m, then Theodora restored icon veneration&iconodules, he refused tbPatriarch, died peacefully; Constantinople; Saint Michael the Confessor at Constantinople, Commemorated on December 18; Michael the Confessor was born at Jerusalem into a family of zealous Christians at an early age devoted himself to monastic life. the death of his father, his mother and sisters went to a monastery, Saint Michael was ordained as a priest. was famed as a strong preacher, and the Jerusalem Patriarch Thomas I took him under his wing and advanced him in the calling of “synkellos” (dealing in matters of church governance). this time there reigned the Iconoclast emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820). patriarch sent Saint Michael to him, together with the holy brothers Saints Theodore (December 27) and Theophanes (October 11), the hope that they might persuade the emperor to cease his persecution against the Orthodox. emperor subjected Saint Michael to beatings and sent him off into exile. having returned from exile, the monk again suffered for the veneration of holy icons under the emperor Theophilus (829-842). companions of Saint Michael, Saints Theodore and Theophanes, were subjected to horrible torments: their faces was put red-hot brands with an inscription slandering them. received the title “the Branded.” condemned, Saint Michael was sent with his disciple Job to the Pabeida monastery. the death of Theophilus, the empress Theodora (842-855) restored the veneration of holy icons, ordered the return of Christians banished by the Iconoclasts. made the offer that Saint Michael might occupy the patriarchal throne in place of the deposed iconoclast, Grammatikos. the holy martyr declined this. Thus upon the patriarchal throne entered Saint Methodius. Michael the Confessor to the end of his days toiled in the position of “synkellos.” died peacefully in about the year 845.

Constantinople, 813-862, Nicholas tConessor oStudion, iconodule, imprisoned tortured repeatedly, Gift oHealing even aDeath
Crete, 850 9th C, Nicholas tConessor oStudion Monastery, Constantinople, fKedonia, Crete, tUncle Theophanes, Monk aStudion a10, igumen Theodore enrolled him in their school, finished a16&Tonsured a monk, ordained priest aSeveral years, Iconoclast Leo tArmenian's persecution, Nicholas&Theodore repeatedly imprisoned, tortured, humiliated, continued to defend Orthodoxy, Theodora restored icon veneration, relative peace time, Nick chosen igumen Studion, but not for long, Uncle Bardas replaced Theodora, Patriarch Ignatius tried restrain Bardas' cohab with his son's wife, I exiled, Nick left Constantinople, tVarious monasteries7 yrs, back as prisoner 2years Studion, freed by Basil 1, igumen again, Gift of healing even after death; The Studion Monestary ; Venerable Nicholas the Confessor the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated on February 4 ; Nicholas the Confessor, Igumen of the Studion Monastery, lived during the ninth century. was born on the island of Crete in the village of Kedonia into a Christian family. he was ten, his parents sent him to Constantinople to his uncle, Saint Theophanes (October 11), who was a monk at the Studion monastery. the approval of Saint Theodore (November 11), the head of the Studion monastery, the boy was enrolled in the monastery school. he finished school at sixteen years of age, he was tonsured a monk. several years, he was ordained a priest. this time there was a fierce persecution, by the Byzantine emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820), those who venerated the holy icons. Nicholas and Saint Theodore the Studite were repeatedly locked up in prison, tortured in various ways, and humiliated. they zealously continued to defend Orthodoxy. the holy Empress Theodora (February 11), who ruled the realm while her son Michael was still a minor, icon veneration was restored, a time of relative peace followed. Nicholas returned to the Studite monastery and was chosen its head. this calm did not last very long. Empress Theodora was removed from the throne, the emperor’s uncle, Bardas, a man who defiled himself by open cohabitation with his son’s wife, came to power. attempts of Patriarch Ignatius (October 23) to restrain the impiety of Bardas proved unsuccessful. the contrary, he was deposed from the patriarchal throne and sent into exile. to witness the triumph of iniquity, Saint Nicholas left Constantinople. spent seven years at various monasteries. on, he returned as a prisoner to the Studite monastery, where he spent two years imprisoned, until the death of the emperor Michael (855-867) and Bardas. the emperor Basil I the Macedonian (867-886) ascended the throne, Nicholas was set free, again became igumen on the orders of the emperor. of his life as a confessor and ascetic he received from God the gift of healing, which continued even after his repose in the year 868.

Constantinople, 813-888, Eustratius tWonderworker, fTarsus, tAbgar m a20, igumen, bread water only, prayer nights, think future life
Cilicia, 813-888, Eustratius tWonderworker, fTarsus, Cilicia (Seyhan River Mouth), tAbgar m a20, ascetic life bread water only nights iPrayer, igumen, hid from Leo tArmenian 813-320, then returned, constantly repeated Lord, have mercy, don't focus earthly blessings, think future life, commended his spirit to Lord's hands&died a95; Tarsus; St Eustratius the Wonderworker, Commemorated January 9 ; Eustratius came from the city of Tarsus. twenty years of age he secretly left his parents’ home and settled in the Abgar monastery (on Olympos in Asia Minor). he lived a strict ascetic life, eating only bread and water, and spending his nights at prayer. a certain while he was chosen as igumen of the monastery. the reign of the Iconoclast Leo the Armenian (813-820), Saint Eustratius hid from pursuit by roaming the hills and the wilds. the death of the emperor he returned to the monastery. was always on his lips, and he constantly repeated the words: “Lord, have mercy!” his death he gave instructions to the monks not to be attracted towards earthly blessings, constantly to think about the future life. himself with the Sign of the Cross, he said, “Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit” and he died in peace at age 95.

Constantinople, 815-821, Theodotus I, Patriarch, Iconoclast
Constantinople Patriarch, 815-821, Theodotus I of Constantinople, Theodotus of Melissinea; St Peter Bishop of Nicea, Commemorated September 10 ; Venerable Nicetas the Confessor the Abbot of Medikion, Commemorated on April 3; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; St Methodius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 14;

Byzantium, 820-829, Emperor, Michael II the Stammerer, Balbos, Iconodule then Iconoclast
Byzantine Emperor 820-829, Michael II the Stammerer ; Venerable Macarius the Monk of Pelekete, Commemorated on August 18 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 29; Venerable Theodore the Confessor the Abbot of the Studion, Commemorated on November 11 ; Venerable Lazarus the Iconographer, of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 17; Hieromartyr Euthymius the Bishop of Sardis, Commemorated on December 26; Venerable Evarestus of the Studion Monastery, Commemorated on December 26; Venerable Theodore Graptus, "œthe branded,"Confessor, Commemorated on December 27; St Joseph the Bishop of Thessalonica, and brother of St Theodore of Studion, Commemorated on January 26; Venerable Nicholas the Confessor the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated on February 4; Martyr Enravota - Boyan, the Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; St Eustathius (Eustace) the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia, Commemorated on March 29; Venerable Macarius the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on April 1; Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, Commemorated on April 2; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; Venerable Athanasia the Abbess of Aegina, Commemorated on April 12; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2 ; St George the Bishop of Mitylene, Commemorated on May 16; Venerable Hilarion the New, Abbot of the Dalmatian Monastery, Commemorated on June 6; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; St Methodius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 14;

Byzantium, 820-867, Bardas, Co-ruler, Iconodule, missnary, attacked Bulgaria, assinated by Basil
Byzantine Co-ruler, 820-867, Bardas ; St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6 ; Venerable Basil the New, Anchorite, Near Constantinople, Commemorated on March 26; Martyr Enravota - Boyan, the Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; St Eustathius (Eustace) the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia, Commemorated on March 29; Venerable Macarius the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on April 1; Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, Commemorated on April 2; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; Venerable Athanasia the Abbess of Aegina, Commemorated on April 12;

Constantinople, 821-901, St Fantius of Calabria, Ascetic Wonderworker
Sicily and Southern Italy, 821-901, St Fantius of Calabria, Ascetic Wonderworker; Calabria Region; Return of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from Anastasiopolis to Lipari; By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon. St Fantinus of Calabria, Commemorated on August 30; Fantinus the Wonderworker was born in Calabria (Italy) of parents George and Vriena. was given over to a monastery, and from childhood he was accustomed to ascetic deeds. his youth he wandered into the wilderness, remaining often without food or clothes for twenty days. The monk spent 60 years in such exploits. the end of his life, fleeing before pursuing Saracens, he went with his disciples Vitalius and Nikēphóros to the Peloponnesos (Greece). Preaching the way of salvation, the monk visited Corinth, Athens, Larissa and Thessalonica, where he venerated the relics of the Great Martyr Demetrius (October 26). He died peacefully in extreme old age at the end of the ninth, and beginning of the tenth century. St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated November 14 ; Martyr John of Damascus, Commemorated December 4 ; St Akaki Asistavi of Georgia, Commemorated on May 7; St Leucius the Bishop of Brindisi, Commemorated on June 20 ;

Constantinople, 827, Arab Muslim Conquest of Sicily and Southern Italy 827
Arab Muslim Conquest of Southern Italy 827 ; Apostle Bartholomew of the Twelve, Commemorated on June 11;

Constantinople, 827-1061, Muslim Rule of Sicily and Southern Italy till Normans in 1061
Arab Muslim Conquest of Southern Italy 827 ; Apostle Bartholomew of the Twelve, Commemorated on June 11;

Byzantium, 829-842, Emperor, Theophilus, Iconoclast, personally led army, justice champion
Byzantium, 829-842, Emperor Theophilus, Iconoclast ; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9 ; Righteous Eudocimus of Cappadocia, Commemorated on July 31; Venerable Macarius the Monk of Pelekete, Commemorated on August 18 ; Venerable Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on October 9; St Ignatius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 23 ; Venerable Lazarus the Iconographer, of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 17; Hieromartyr Euthymius the Bishop of Sardis, Commemorated on December 26; Venerable Theodore Graptus, œthe branded,Â Confessor, Commemorated on December 27; St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6 ; Righteous Theodora, wife of the Emperor Theophilus, the Iconoclast, Commemorated on February 11; Icon of the Mother of God œIveronÂ, Commemorated on February 12; St Anthony the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 12; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); 42 Martyrs of Ammoria in Phrygia, Commemorated on March 6; 42 Martyrs of Ammoria in Phrygia, Commemorated on March 6 ; Icon œNot Made by HandsÂ from Lydda, Commemorated on March 12 ; St Euschemon the Confessor and Bishop of Lampsacus, Commemorated on March 14; Venerable Basil the New, Anchorite, Near Constantinople, Commemorated on March 26; Martyr Enravota - Boyan, the Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; St Eustathius (Eustace) the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia, Commemorated on March 29; Appearance of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on March 31; Venerable Macarius the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on April 1; Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, Commemorated on April 2; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4 ; St Elizabeth the Wonderworker of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 24; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2; St George the Confessor, with his wife and children of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 13; Venerable Hilarion the New, Abbot of the Dalmatian Monastery, Commemorated on June 6; St Methodius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 14; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of SS Cyril and Methodius, Equals of the Apostles, Commemorated on June 20; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or œthe RomanÂ, Commemorated on June 26;

Constantinople, 829-867, Righteous Theodora, Iconodule, Iconoclast Emperor Theophilus' wife, fKerkyra, regent for son Michael
Constantinople, 829-867, Righteous Theodora, Iconodule, Iconoclast Emperor Theophilus' wife, fKerkyra (Corfu) Island (Epiros Region Greece), Regent for her minor Son Michael in 842 when Theo died, her council anathematized Iconoclasts, Icon veneration reinstated, annual Triumph oOrthodoxy, Great Fast 1st Sunday, fostered Orthodoxy devotion in son Michael, last 8years in Euphrosyne monastery, reading, astecic struggles, copying Gospels, died 867, 1460 relics given by Turks to people of Kerkyra ; Kerkyra (Kephalonia); Righteous Theodora, wife of the Emperor Theophilus, the Iconoclast, Commemorated February 11 ; Empress Theodora was the wife of the Byzantine emperor Theophilus the Iconoclast (829-842), she did not share in the heresy of her husband and secretly venerated the holy icons. the death of her husband, Saint Theodora governed the realm because her son Michael was a minor. convened a Council, at which the Iconoclasts were anathematized, the veneration of icons was reinstated. Saint Theodora established the annual celebration of this event, Triumph of Orthodoxy, on the first Sunday of the Great Fast. Theodora did much for Holy Church fostered a firm devotion to Orthodoxy in her son Michael. Michael came of age, she was retired from governing spent eight years in the monastery of Saint Euphrosynē, she devoted herself to ascetic struggles, and reading books that nourished her soul. copy of the Gospels, copied in her own hand, is known to exist. died peacefully around the year 867. 1460, her relics were given by the Turks to the people of Kerkyra (Corfu).

Constantinople, 829-842, Peter of Galatia, Phyriga, Emperor Theophilos and Eudokia's son, count, war, but left for Daphne m
Phrygia, 829-842, Peter of Galatia, Phyriga, Theophilos and Eudokia's son, count, war, but left for Daphne monastery, Olympus, Laodocia, Antalya; Galatia; Venerable Peter of Galatia,Commemorated on October 9; Peter lived during the reign of the iconoclast Emperor Theophilos (in 829). He was from the province of Galatia in Asia Minor. He was the son of Theophilos and Eudokia and at first he was named Leo. he was handsome, physically strong, and wise, the Emperor made him a count. After many years of war and being in charge of many things, he gave it all up to become a monk in the monastery of Daphne, with the new name Petros. went to Olympus, and from there to Jerusalem, but he did not remain there either. After leaving for Laodicia and Antalya, he had to endure arduous journeys, asceticism, and the fierce anger of the Ismaelites (Moslems), whom he encountered in the street. Finally, he returned to Olympus. of the loftiness of his virtues, he began to be noticed by the Emperors. That is why Emperor Basil the Macedonian convinced him to live in the monastery of Saint Phokas in the year 867. After many spiritual struggles, he departed to the Lord in peace. Saint Peter should not be confused with another Saint Peter of Galatia who lived in the V century (February 1).

Constantinople, 829-842, Iviron Icon, Nicean widow, spear, blood flowed, on water to Iveron, Gabriel on water, icon at gate
Greece, Mt Athos, 829-842, Iviron Icon, iconoclasm heresy, soldiers searching for icons, Nicean widow, spear into her icon, blood flowed, soldiers fled, virgil all night, cast it upon water, levitated upright, sailed westward, to Iveron, pillar of light, Theotokos, Gabriel alone worthy to receive icon, Gabriel walks out on water to receive it, cold sweet spring where Icon stood, then icon hanging near entrance gate; Iviron monastery ; Icon of the Mother of God Iveron, Commemorated on February 12; the reign of Emperor Theophilus (829-842) the Byzantine Empire raged with the heresy of iconoclasm. In accordance with the emperor’s command, thousands of soldiers pillaged the empire, searching every corner, city, and village for hidden icons. the city of Nicaea there lived a certain pious widow who had concealed an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. Before long the soldiers discovered it, and one of them thrust his spear into the image. by God’s grace his terrible deed was overshadowed by a miracle: blood flowed forth from the wound on the face of the Mother of God. frightened soldiers quickly fled. widow spent the whole night in vigil, praying before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. In the morning, according to God’s will, she took the icon to the sea and cast it upon the water. The holy icon stood upright on the waves and began to sail westward. passed, and one evening the monks of the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos beheld a pillar of light, shining upon the sea like the sun (ca. 1004). The miraculous image lasted several days, while the fathers of the Holy Mountain gathered together, marveling. Finally they descended to the edge of the sea, where they beheld the pillar of light standing above the icon of the Theotokos. But when they approached it, the icon moved farther out to sea. that time a Georgian monk named Gabriel was laboring at the Iveron Monastery. The Theotokos appeared to the fathers of the Holy Mountain and told them that Gabriel alone was worthy to retrieve the holy icon from the sea. the same time, she appeared to Gabriel and told him, “Enter the sea, and walk out upon the waves with faith, and all will witness my love and mercy for your monastery.” monks of Mt. Athos found Gabriel at the Georgian monastery and led him down to the sea, chanting hymns, and censing with holy incense. Gabriel walked out upon the water as though upon dry land, took the icon in his arms, and obediently carried it back to shore. miracle occurred on Bright Tuesday. the monks were celebrating a paraklesis of thanksgiving, a cold, sweet spring miraculously gushed forth from the ground where the icon stood. Afterwards they took the icon to a church and set it down in the sanctuary with great reverence. the next morning one of the monks came to light a lamp and discovered that the icon was no longer where they had left it; now it was hanging on a wall near the entrance gate. The disbelieving monks took it down and returned it to the sanctuary, but the next day the icon was again found at the monastery gate. This miracle recurred several times, until the Most Holy Virgin appeared to Gabriel, saying, “Announce to the brothers that from this day they should not carry me away. For what I desire is not to be protected by you; rather I will overshadow you, both in this life and in the age to come. As long as you see my icon in the monastery, the grace and mercy of my Son shall never be lacking!” with exceeding joy, the monks erected a small church near the monastery gate to glorify the Most Holy Theotokos and placed the wonderworking icon inside. The holy icon came to be known as the “Ivḗron Mother of God” and, in Greek, Portaitissa. By the grace of the miraculous Ivḗron Icon of the Theotokos, many miracles have taken place and continue to take place throughout the world. ------------------------------------------------------

Constantinople, 829-842, Luke's Prousos Icon, Iconoclasts, MOG saved it, chanting light fCave, moved, MOG returned it, G Story
Greece, Thessaly, 829-842, Prousos Icon, Prousos Monastery, Proussos 361 00 Karpenisi, Evrytania, Thessaly, cave carved out monastery temple, Luke's Icon, young nobleman from Prousa, Bithynia, Iconoclast Theophilos time, ordered icons destroyed, he disregarded order, took icon tGreece, lost it aGallipoli, MOG put icon in Eurytania cave, where shepherd found it, he settled iNew Patra, heard oMiraculous Eurytania events, shepherd boy heard chanting from cave, pillar light reaching up tHeaven, Pyrsos fLight iCave, many people came, found icon source of light in cave, young man went there to get his icon, took it but MOG returned it by telling him to and for him to stay, he built chapel in cave, Hodegetria type, gilded cover from 1821 General who stayed there, monastery devastated many times bTurks but not the cave temple, Germans tried to burn it, but officer punished by MOG (Panagia), 1948 Greek civil war icon moved to acropolis of Naupaktos, 9th Division soldiers see MOG in Cave Temple, she identified when they saw the Icon, ; Prousos Monastery, Proussos 361 00 Karpenisi; Prousos Monastery, Proussos 361 00 Karpenisi; Prousiotissa Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 23; upon the fir-covered mountain peaks of southwestern Eurytania, wedged between vertical grayish rocks in savage majesty, is the Holy Monastery of Proussos. is an historic stauropegial monastery, with magnificent three-storey building among them a cave has been carved out, inside of which is the first ancient temple of the monastery. it is kept the wonderworking Icon of the Panagia (the All-Holy Virgin), called Prousiotissa, and her Feast Day is celebrated with grandeur and solemnity on August 23. to Tradition, this wonderworking Icon of the Theotokos is believed to have been painted by the Holy Evangelist Luke (October 18), came from Prousa in Asia Minor (according to manuscript 3 of the codex of the Holy Monastery of Prousiotissa). was taken from Prousa by a young nobleman in the reign of the last iconoclastic Emperor Theophilos (October 2, 829 – January 20, 842). ordered all the icons to be removed from the churches and destroyed. Orthodox people protected and hid the holy icons, even though the penalty for this "crime" was exile or death. the Emperor's decree was read in the city of Proussa, the son of a member of the imperial court chose to disregard it. the the Holy Icon, he sought refuge on the Greek mainland, because the persecution was not quite as severe there, on the islands, or on the coast of Asia Minor. the way to Greece, however, the young man lost the Icon at Gallipoli in Thrace, which caused him great sorrow. “Woe is me, the wretched one," he cried. “The Mother of God has abandoned me because of my sins." Icon had returned miraculously to a cave in a wild part of Eurytania (in the vicinity of Litza and Agrapha, where the monastery and the Icon's shrine are at present), and where it was revealed to some local shepherds on the night of August 22-23. young man chose not to go back, because he could not bear to live among the iconoclasts. continued on his journey and settled in the city of New Patre, near the northwest end of the Peloponnesos. went by, and then one day he heard rumors about certain miraculous events in the region of Aitola. to these reports, the son of a local shepherd was tending his father's flock in a rugged, inaccessible spot in the mountains. There were no homes or villages, but only a shelter for the shepherds. night, as the child was sleeping, he was awakened by heavenly chanting coming from a cave behind him. much apprehension he turned and saw a fiery pillar of light coming from the cave and reaching up to Heaven. is why the Icon is also called Pyrsos - because of the place where it was hidden. the boy went to inform his father what he had seen. father thought that his son had been dreaming, and told him not to fear things that weren't real. young man insisted, however, that what he had heard and seen was real. next night, the child brought his father to the same place where he had seen the pillar of light, so that he could see this phenomenon for himself. man saw exactly what his son had described, but he did not dare to look in the cave. next day he took other people there, and all of them saw the same vision. searching the area they discovered the Holy Icon in the cave, radiant and luminous. with joy, they venerated the Icon, and decided to keep it there. discovery of her Holy Icon was the first miracle of Panagia Prousiotissa. the young man who had lost the Icon heard about an Icon of the Theotokos which had been revealed by a pillar of light. and his servants left at once, and after two days they arrived at the cave where the Icon was kept. moment he saw the Icon he knew it was the same one he had lost. venerating the Icon, he gave gifts to the shepherds and started back to New Patre with it. shepherds’ joy turned to sorrow when they realized they were being deprived of the Icon. They pleaded with the young man to leave the Holy Icon with them. told them that the Icon belonged to him, and that he had given them rich gifts to compensate them for their loss. he said that the mountain was not a good place to build a church or to accommodate pilgrims. Then he took the Icon and left. he and his companion were tired and had to rest, they stopped at a certain place. fell asleep and when they woke up, they couldn't find the Icon. that the shepherds had stolen it while they were sleeping, they retraced their steps. they came to a narrow spot near the river, the young man heard a voice, saying, young man, be saved! Go in peace and do not labor any more. It pleases me to remain here with the shepherds and peasants, but not to be in the cities with people who preach heresy. you wish to remain with me, then come to the place where you found me. This will be for your benefit." the young man was able to hear the voice. obedience to the Mother of God, he freed his servants, gave away all of his possessions, and went back to the cave where he had found the Icon, accompanied by one of his servants, who decided to remain with him. was convinced that it was the will of the Panagia that she should remain there. young man built a chapel in the cave for the Icon. and his servant both received the monastic tonsure from Hieromonk Raphael, who came from the hermitage of Saint Demetrios. was tonsured with the name Demetrios, and his servant received the name Timothy. he built a cell opposite the chapel in a quiet place, where they repented for their sins. Demetrios reposed there in peace, after living a God-pleasing life. His disciple Timothy buried his body in the church he had built, and his blessed soul flew to Heaven. was the beginning of the Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos of Prousa (or Prousiotissa). Icon of the All-Holy Virgin is of the Hodēgḗtria type has a gilded silver-plated metal cover, the gift of General George Karaiskakis, who was housed in the Monastery during the Revolution of 1821. metal cover was made by the goldsmith George Karanikas in 1824, as is shown by the embossed inscription above the right shoulder of the Mother of God: "The Pantanassa. Through the generosity of General George Karaiskakis, made by the hand of George Karanikas, 1824." Monastery's records show that it had been devastated many times during the Turkish occupation. last act of vandalism (by the Germans in 1944) reduced the buildings into piles of rubble. the buildings fell, an officer wanted to burn down the church. He tried to do so many times, but to no avail. he was standing outside and giving orders, he was punished by the Panagia, as an example to others. invisible force threw him violently onto the pavement. The impact was very powerful, and the German was unable to get up. The soldiers lifted him and placed him upon an animal in order to carry him to Agrinio. the temple remained unharmed, just as it has been preserved intact through the centuries. years passed, and a civil war was raging in the Greek countryside. inhabitants of Eurytania and Naupaktos left their villages, seeking safety in other parts of Greece. brought their wonderworking Icon with them. She also shared the fate of her children, and was carried by the monks of Proussos to the acropolis of Naupaktos. monastery remains completely deserted. a long time, the army's operations began. Ninth Division launched an attack to wipe out Eurytania. sections passed through Proussos. officers and soldiers approached the dark church of the cave and went in to pray. Inside, they beheld a strange sight. In front of the iconostasis, to the left of the Beautiful Gate, was a lit candle and a nun was kneeling there. The soldiers were amazed. How could this nun be living there at a time when Eurytania was completely abandoned by its residents? How did she live, what did she eat, where did she get oil for the lamp? When they asked her, she replied modestly and with pain: "My children, I've been living here alone for two and a half years. For my own life, I don't need food and bread. It is enough for me to have my lamp lit." soldiers grew tired of this business, and were in a hurry to leave, so they paid no attention to her words. But the next day, when they thought about it, they realized that this was a wondrous thing. when they passed through Naupaktos, they begged their commanding officer for permission to visit Metropolitan Christophoros of Naupaktos and Eurytania. The hierarch welcomed them with love, and after hearing their story, he was able to shed some light on the mystery. temple that you visited," he told them, "belongs to the now abandoned Prousiotissa Monastery, whose wonderworking Icon has been kept here for more than two years, in the chapel of our metropolis, at Saint Dionysios. Go there and venerate it, and then you will understand." did go to venerate the Icon. Then suddenly, everyone understood the mystery. the Icon of the Mother of God, they recognized the nun they had met in the chapel of the cave, high above Proussos!

Constantinople, 829-842, Cassiane tHymnographer, Xerolophos Hill, Builder, igumen, poet, theologian, musician, 23 hymns
Constantinople, 829-842, Cassiane tHymnographer, Xerolophos Hill, 7th Hill of Constantinople - Yedikule of Xerolophos, Builder, igumen, poet, theologian, musician, 23 hymns in our Liturgical books; 7th Hill of Constantinople - Yedikule; The seventh hill, known in Byzantine times as the Xērolophos (Greek: ξηρόλοφος), or "dry hill," it extends from Aksaray to the Theodosian Walls and the Marmara. It is a broad hill with three summits producing a triangle with apices at Topkapı , Aksaray, and Yedikule Venerable Cassianḗ the Hymnographer, Commemorated on September 7; Cassianḗ is a well-known Byzantine poet (ποιήτρια), who lived during the reign of Emperor Theophilos (829 – 842). was tonsured about the year 820, and founded a convent on Xerolophos, one of Constantinople's seven hills. (according to the monk George the Sinful) she led "an ascetic and philosophical life" which was pleasing to God. was an energetic Igoumeness who not only regulated the life of the convent, but also found time to pursue her literary interests. combined the talents of poet, theologian and musician, writing hymns and composing musical settings for them. sung by her nuns, many of her compositions have enduring value. At least twenty-three of her hymns were later included in the Church's liturgical books. of Saint Cassianḗ's most famous hymns is sung during Matins on Holy Wednesday, on the subject of the woman who had fallen into many sins, which is based on Saint Luke's Gospel (7:36-50). of her hymns is sung in the Canon of Matins for Holy Saturday, and is repeated at the Midnight Office on Holy Pascha: "Do not weep for me, O Mother, beholding in the tomb the Son Whom thou hast conceived without seed in thy womb, for I shall arise. . ." Cassianḗ is not mentioned in the Synaxaristés, yet the inhabitants of Kasos, because of the similarity of her name with that of their island, celebrate her Feast Day on September 7. A special Church Service was composed in her honor, and it was published in Alexandria in 1889 by the "Reformed" (or "Reorganized") printing house. is strange, however, that this Service was dedicated to Patriarch Sophronios of Alexandria, who in turn gave it to Metropolitan Germanós of Thebes to be printed (on September 1, 1889). Thus, Cassianḗ's glorification by the Church of Alexandria was somehow formalized, as the inhabitants of Kasos desired. centuries Saint Cassianḗ's name has appeared at the end of all the lists of Byzantine poets. The first known list was compiled by Nikēphóros Kállistos Xanthopoulos in the first half of the XIV century. Cassianḗ is depicted among the holy ascetics and other monastics in the icon for the Triumph of Orthodoxy on the first Sunday of Lent.

Constantinople, 829-857, Lazarus t Iconographer, ascetic priest, fought all heresy, hot horshshoes on hands, Theodora intervened
Constantinople, 829-857, Lazarus the Iconographer, of Constantinople (Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn), ascetic priest, fought all heresy, Nestorians, Eutychians, iconoclasts, red hot horshshoes on his hands, Theodora intervened; Constantinople; Venerable Lazarus the Iconographer, of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 17; Lazarus the Iconographer lived in Constantinople. was a priest, led a strict ascetic life and painted holy icons. fought against all heresy, enduring many afflictions from the Nestorians, Eutychians, and iconoclasts. the iconoclast emperor Theophilus (829-842), he was arrested and after cruel tortures, thrown into prison. ordered horseshoes to be placed in a fire until they glowed red with the heat. Then they were put upon the iconographer’s hands, because he dared to paint icons of Christ and the saints. was saved from execution by the intervention of the empress Theodora. Lazarus died in the year 857 while returning from Rome, where he had been sent in a delegation on church matters to Pope Benedict III (855-858). His remains were taken to Constantinople and buried in the church of Saint Evandrus.

Constantinople, 829-860, Arsenius oLatros, sole survivor General, became monk, prayer killed snake, igumen, stillness, angel fed
Ephesus, 829-860, Arsenius oLatros, Mt Latros Monestary (north side mt, near Ephesus, Meander River 6), fConstantinople, wealthy pious parents, Patrician&General, sole survivor many ship wreck, became monk, mortified flesh, Later tLatros Mt, killed poison snake wPrayer&Sign oCross, settled north side mt, Igumen, longed fStillness, tCave, off Beasts wPrayer, fed bAngel, miracles like changing bitter water tSweed wStaff, begged return, but not live wMonks, small cell 6days week no food, wBros 1day and eat, foresaw repose went Lord iPeace, continues miracles after death; Mt Latros Monestary; Venerable Arsenius of Latros, Commemorated December 13 ; Arsenios lived in Constantinople during the VIII and IX centuries1 was the son of wealthy, illustrious, and devout parents. was made Patrician and General of the Kibyrraiote (Κιβυρραιωτῶν)2Military Theme. while traveling by sea with his soldiers, there was a storm and all the ships sank. Saint Arsenios was the only surviver. he became a monk, and mortified his flesh by austere fasting, vigils, and hardships. he came to a certain place on Mount Latros (in Asia Minor), he killed a poisonous viper by his prayers and by making the Sign of the Cross. he settled in the nearby Kelliboria Monastery (Μονὴ Κελλιβάρων) on the north side of the mountain, he was chosen as Igoumen. by many distractions and by people who wanted to see him, he longed for stillness. Saint Arsenios left the Monastery and went to live in a cave, where he drove off the wild beasts with prayer. Arsenios had attained such perfection that he was fed by an Angel. was also granted the grace of performing miracles. example, was able to stir bitter water with his staff and change it into sweet water. brethren of the Monastery begged him to come back to them. did return, but not to live with the other monks. lived alone in a small cell, and for six days of the week he did not eat any food, nor would he converse with anyone. Only on Sundays would he consent to see the brethren and eat with them. the day of his repose, Saint Arsenios summoned all the monks of the Monastery, and after advising them to put aside all worldly cares and vanities, he went to the Lord in peace. The Saint continues to work miracles even after his death. 1 Some sources say he reposed in the XI century. 2 The Byzantine Empire was divided into 29 Themes, or districts.

Constantinople, 835-885, Byzantine Saints, Cyril and Methodius, created cyrilic alphabet for all slavs, pope did not like that
Constantinople, 835-885, Byzantine Saints, Cyril and Methodius, to the slavs in Pannonia, Great Moravia, and Serbia, created cyrilic alphabet for all slavs, pope did not like that, fled to Bulgaria; (born Constantine, 826–869) and Methodius (815–885) were two brothers and Byzantine Christian theologians and missionaries. For their work evangelizing the Slavs, they are known as the "Apostles to the Slavs".[6] are credited with devising the Glagolitic alphabet, the first alphabet used to transcribe Old Church Slavonic.[7] After their deaths, their pupils continued their missionary work among other Slavs. Both brothers are venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church as saints with the title of "equal-to-apostles". In 1880, Pope Leo XIII introduced their feast into the calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1980, Pope John Paul II declared them co-patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia.[8] career life two brothers were born in Thessalonica, then located in a Byzantine province with the same name, (today in Greece) – Cyril in about 827–828 and Methodius about 815–820. was reputedly the youngest of seven brothers; he was born Constantine,[9] but was given the name Cyril upon becoming a monk in Rome shortly before his death,[10][11][12] according to the Vita Cyrilli ("The Life of Cyril"). was born Michael and was given the name Methodius upon becoming a monk in Polychron Monastery at Mysian Olympus (present-day Uludağ), in northwest Turkey.[13] father was Leo, a droungarios of the Byzantine theme of Thessalonica, and their mother was Maria. exact ethnic origins of the brothers are unknown, there is controversy as to whether Cyril and Methodius were of Slavic[14] or Greek[15] origin, or both.[16] two brothers lost their father when Cyril was fourteen, and the powerful minister Theoktistos, who was logothetes tou dromou, one of the chief ministers of the Empire, became their protector. was also responsible, along with the regent Bardas, for initiating a far-reaching educational program within the Empire which culminated in the establishment of the University of Magnaura, where Cyril was to teach. Cyril was ordained as priest some time after his education, while his brother Methodius remained a deacon until 867/868.[17] to the Khazars the year 860, Byzantine Emperor Michael III and the Patriarch of Constantinople Photius (a professor of Cyril's at the University and his guiding light in earlier years), sent Cyril on a missionary expedition to the Khazars who had requested a scholar be sent to them who could converse with both Jews and Saracens.[18] has been claimed that Methodius accompanied Cyril on the mission to the Khazars, but this may be a later invention.[citation needed] account of his life presented in the Latin "Legenda" claims that he learned the Khazar language while in Chersonesos, in Taurica (today Crimea). his return to Constantinople, Cyril assumed the role of professor of philosophy at the University while his brother had by this time become a significant figure in Byzantine political and administrative affairs, and an abbot of his monastery.[citation needed] to the Slavs Moravia Cyril and Methodius, painting by Jan Matejko, 1885 862, the brothers began the work which would give them their historical importance. year Prince Rastislav of Great Moravia requested that Emperor Michael III and the Patriarch Photius send missionaries to evangelize his Slavic subjects. His motives in doing so were probably more political than religious. Rastislav had become king with the support of the Frankish ruler Louis the German, but subsequently sought to assert his independence from the Franks. It is a common misconception that Cyril and Methodius were the first to bring Christianity to Moravia, but the letter from Rastislav to Michael III states clearly that Rastislav's people "had already rejected paganism and adhere to the Christian law."[19] Rastislav is said to have expelled missionaries of the Roman Church and instead turned to Constantinople for ecclesiastical assistance and, presumably, a degree of political support.[20] Emperor quickly chose to send Cyril, accompanied by his brother Methodius.[21] The request provided a convenient opportunity to expand Byzantine influence. Their first work seems to have been the training of assistants. 863, they began the task of translating the Gospels and necessary liturgical books into the language now known as Old Church Slavonic[22] and traveled to Great Moravia to promote it.[23] They enjoyed considerable success in this endeavour. they came into conflict with German ecclesiastics who opposed their efforts to create a specifically Slavic liturgy. the purpose of this mission, they devised the Glagolitic alphabet, the first alphabet to be used for Slavonic manuscripts. The Glagolitic alphabet was suited to match the specific features of the Slavic language. Its descendant script, the Cyrillic, is still used by many languages today.[20] brothers wrote the first Slavic Civil Code, which was used in Great Moravia. language derived from Old Church Slavonic, known as Church Slavonic, is still used in liturgy by several Orthodox Churches and also in some Eastern Catholic churches. is impossible to determine with certainty exactly what the brothers translated. The New Testament and the Psalms seem to have been the first, followed by other lessons from the Old Testament.[citation needed] The "Translatio" speaks only of a version of the Gospels by Cyril, and the "Vita Methodii" only of the "evangelium Slovenicum," though other liturgical selections may also have been translated. is it known for sure which liturgy, that of Rome or that of Constantinople, they took as a source. may well have used the Roman alphabet, as suggested by liturgical fragments which adhere closely to the Latin type. This view is confirmed by the "Prague Fragments" and by certain Old Glagolitic liturgical fragments brought from Jerusalem to Kiev and discovered there by Izmail Sreznevsky—probably the oldest document for the Slavonic tongue; these adhere closely to the Latin type, as is shown by the words "Mass," "Preface," and the name of one Felicitas. any case, the circumstances were such that the brothers could hope for no permanent success without obtaining the authorization of Rome. to Rome Saints Cyril and Methodius in Rome. Fresco in San Clemente mission of Constantine and Methodius had great success among Slavs in part because they used the people's native language rather than Latin or Greek. Great Moravia, Constantine and Methodius also encountered missionaries from East Francia, representing the western or Latin branch of the Church, and more particularly representing the Carolingian Empire as founded by Charlemagne, and committed to linguistic, and cultural uniformity. They insisted on the use of the Latin liturgy, and they regarded Moravia and the Slavic peoples as part of their rightful mission field. friction developed, the brothers, unwilling to be a cause of dissension among Christians, decided to travel to Rome to see the Pope, and seek a solution that would avoid quarreling between missionaries in the field. 867, Pope Nicholas I (858-867) invited the brothers to Rome. Their evangelizing mission in Moravia had by this time become the focus of a dispute with Archbishop Adalwin of Salzburg (859–873) and Bishop Ermanrich of Passau (866-874), who claimed ecclesiastical control of the same territory and wished to see it use the Latin liturgy exclusively. with the relics of Saint Clement and a retinue of disciples, and passing through Pannonia (the Balaton Principality), where they were well received by Prince Koceľ. activity in Pannonia made a continuation of conflicts inevitable with the German episcopate, and especially with the bishop of Salzburg, to whose jurisdiction Pannonia had belonged for seventy-five years. As early as 865, Bishop Adalwin was found to exercise Episcopal rights there, and the administration under him was in the hands of the archpriest Riehbald. The latter was obliged to retire to Salzburg, but his superior was naturally disinclined to abandon his claims. brothers sought support from Rome, and arrived there in 868, where they were warmly received. This was partly due to their bringing with them the relics of Saint Clement; the rivalry with Constantinople as to the jurisdiction over the territory of the Slavs would incline Rome to value the brothers and their influence.[20] Pope Adrian II (867-872) gave Methodius the title of Archbishop of Sirmium (now Sremska Mitrovica in Serbia) and sent him back in 869, with jurisdiction over all of Moravia and Pannonia, and authorisation to use the Slavonic Liturgy.[24] brothers were praised for their learning and cultivated for their influence in Constantinople. Anastasius Bibliothecarius would later call Cyril "a man of apostolic life" and "a man of great wisdom".[25] project in Moravia found support from Pope Adrian II, who formally authorized the use of the new Slavic liturgy. Methodius was ordained as priest by the pope himself, and five Slavic disciples were ordained as priests (Saint Gorazd, Saint Clement of Ohrid and Saint Naum) and as deacons (Saint Angelar and Saint Sava) by the prominent bishops Formosus and Gauderic.[26] and Methodius along with these five disciples are collectively venerated (mainly by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church) as "Seven Saints".[27] The newly made priests officiated in their own languages at the altars of some of the principal churches. Feeling his end approaching, Cyril became a Basilian monk, was given the new name Cyril,[28] and died in Rome fifty days later (14 February 869). There is some question as to assertion of the Translatio (ix.) that he was made a bishop. statement of the "Vita" that Methodius was made bishop in 870 and not raised to the dignity of an archbishop until 873 is contradicted by the brief of Pope John VIII, written in June 879, according to which Adrian consecrated him archbishop; John includes in his jurisdiction not only Great Moravia and Pannonia, but Serbia as well. alone Saint Cyril and Methodius by Stanislav Dospevski, Bulgarian painter now continued the work among the Slavs alone; not at first in Great Moravia, but in Pannonia (in the Balaton Principality), owing to the political circumstances of the former country, where Rastislav had been taken captive by his nephew Svatopluk in 870, then delivered over to Carloman of Bavaria, and condemned in a diet held at Regensburg at the end of 870. the same time, the East Frankish rulers and their bishops decided to remove Methodius. The archiepiscopal claims of Methodius were considered such an injury to the rights of Salzburg that he was captured and forced to answer to East Frankish bishops: Adalwin of Salzburg, Ermanrich of Passau, and Anno of Freising. a heated discussion, they declared the deposition of the intruder, and ordered him to be sent to Germany, where he was kept prisoner in a monastery for two and a half years.[29] spite of the strong representations of the Conversio Bagoariorum et Carantanorum, written in 871 to influence the pope, though not avowing this purpose, Rome declared emphatically for Methodius, and sent a bishop, Paul of Ancona, to reinstate him and punish his enemies, after which both parties were commanded to appear in Rome with the legate. Thus in 873, new Pope John VIII (872-882) secured the release of Methodius, but instructed him to stop using the Slavonic Liturgy.[30] final years papal will prevailed, and Methodius secured his freedom and his archiepiscopal authority over both Great Moravia and Pannonia, though the use of Slavonic for the mass was still denied to him. authority was restricted in Pannonia when after Koceľ's death the principality was administered by German nobles; but Svatopluk now ruled with practical independence in Great Moravia, and expelled the German clergy. This apparently secured an undisturbed field of operation for Methodius, and the Vita (x.) depicts the next few years (873–879) as a period of fruitful progress. seems to have disregarded, wholly or in part, the prohibition of the Slavonic liturgy; and when Frankish clerics again found their way into the country, and the archbishop's strictness had displeased the licentious Svatopluk, this was made a cause of complaint against him at Rome, coupled with charges regarding the Filioque. 878, Methodius was summoned to Rome on charges of heresy and using Slavonic. This time Pope John was convinced by the arguments that Methodius made in his defence and sent him back cleared of all charges, and with permission to use Slavonic. Carolingian bishop who succeeded him, Witching, suppressed the Slavonic Liturgy and forced the followers of Methodius into exile. Many found refuge with Knyaz Boris of Bulgaria, under whom they reorganised a Slavic-speaking Church. Meanwhile, Pope John's successors adopted a Latin-only policy which lasted for centuries. vindicated his orthodoxy at Rome, the more easily as the creed was still recited there without the Filioque, and promised to obey in regard to the liturgy. The other party was conciliated by giving him a Swabian, Wiching, as his coadjutor. When relations were strained between the two, John VIII steadfastly supported Methodius; but after his death (December 882) the archbishop's position became insecure, and his need of support induced Goetz to accept the statement of the Vita (xiii.) that he went to visit the Eastern emperor. was not until after Methodius' death, which is placed on 6 April 885,[31] that the animosity erupted into an open conflict. whom Methodius had designated as his successor, was not recognised by Pope Stephen V. The same Pope forbade the use of the Slavic liturgy[32] and placed the infamous Wiching as Methodius' successor. latter exiled the disciples of the two brothers from Great Moravia in 885. fled to the First Bulgarian Empire, where they were welcomed and commissioned to establish theological schools. they and scholar Saint Clement of Ohrid[33] devised the Cyrillic script on the basis of the Glagolitic. gradually replaced Glagolitic as the alphabet of the Old Church Slavonic language, which became the official language of the Bulgarian Empire and later spread to the Eastern Slav lands of Kievan Rus'. eventually spread throughout most of the Slavic world to become the standard alphabet in the Eastern Orthodox Slavic countries. Cyril and Methodius' efforts also paved the way for the spread of Christianity throughout Eastern Europe. body was buried in the main cathedral church of Great Moravia. Until today it remains an open question which city was capital of Great Moravia and therefore the place of Methodius' eternal rest remains unknown.[34] of the Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabets Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabets are the oldest known Slavic alphabets, and were created by the two brothers and their students, to translate the Gospels and liturgical books[22] into the Slavic languages.[35] The early Glagolitic alphabet was used in Great Moravia between 863 (the arrival of Cyril and Methodius) and 885 (the expulsion of their students) for government and religious documents and books, and at the Great Moravian Academy (Veľkomoravské učilište) founded by Cyril, where followers of Cyril and Methodius were educated, by Methodius himself among others. The alphabet has been traditionally attributed to Cyril. That attribution has been confirmed explicitly by the papal letter Industriae tuae (880) approving the use of Old Church Slavonic, which says that the alphabet was "invented by Constantine the Philosopher". The term invention need not exclude the possibility of the brothers having made use of earlier letters, but implies only that before that time the Slavic languages had no distinct script of their own. early Cyrillic alphabet was developed in the First Bulgarian Empire[36] and later finalized and spread by disciples Kliment and Naum in the Ohrid and Preslav schools of Tsar Boris I of Bulgaria[37] as a simplification of the Glagolitic alphabet which more closely resembled the Greek alphabet. It was developed by the disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius at the Preslav Literary School at the end of the 9th century. the death of Cyril, Clement of Ohrid accompanied Methodius from Rome to Pannonia and Great Moravia. After the death of Methodius in 885, Clement headed the struggle against the German clergy in Great Moravia along with Gorazd. After spending some time in jail, he was expelled from Great Moravia, and in 885 or 886 reached the borders of the Bulgarian Empire together with Naum of Preslav, Angelarius, and possibly Gorazd (according to other sources, Gorazd was already dead by that time). The four of them were afterwards sent to the Bulgarian capital of Pliska, where they were commissioned by Tsar Boris I of Bulgaria to instruct the future clergy of the state in the Slavonic language. the adoption of Christianity in 865, religious ceremonies in Bulgaria were conducted in Greek by clergy sent from the Byzantine Empire. Fearing growing Byzantine influence and weakening of the state, Boris viewed the adoption of the Old Slavonic language as a way to preserve the political independence and stability of Bulgaria, so he established two literary schools (academies), in Pliska and Ohrid, where theology was to be taught in the Slavonic language. While Naum of Preslav stayed in Pliska working on the foundation of the Pliska Literary School, Clement was commissioned by Boris I to organise the teaching of theology to future clergymen in Old Church Slavonic at the Ohrid Literary School. For seven years (886-893) Clement taught some 3,500 students in the Slavonic language and the Glagolitic alphabet. CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); Repose of St Cyril, Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Commemorated on February 14 ; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Cyril, Commemorated on May 11;

Constantinople, 835-916, Clement of Ochrid, Bulgaria&Macedonia, Cyril&Method disciple, Slavonic s, Slavery, ransomed, Bulgaria
Albania, 850-916, Clement of Ochrid, Albania, disciple of Cyril and Methodios, services in Slavonic, sold as slaves in 886, ransomed from Venice, Moravia colapsed 907, to Bulgaria, Slavonic s, teach in Kutmichivisa Clement of Ohrid (c. 830-840 – 916) was one of the first Medieval Bulgarian saints,[6] scholar, writer and enlightener of the Slavs.[7][8][9][10][11] was one of the most prominent disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius and is often associated with the creation of the Glagolitic and Cyrillic scripts, especially their popularisation among Christianised Slavs. was the founder of the Ohrid Literary School and is regarded as a patron of education and language by some Slavic people. is considered to be the first bishop of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church,[12][13] one of the Seven Apostles of Bulgarian Orthodox Church and one of the premier saints of modern Bulgaria.[14] mission of Saint Clement was the crucial factor which transformed the Slavs in Macedonia into Bulgarians.[15] Saint Clement is also the patron saint of North Macedonia, the city of Ohrid[5] and the Macedonian Orthodox Church.[16][17] Ochrid (largest city on Lake Ochrid); Slavs; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25 ; Clement, Bishop of Ochrid, Equal of the Apostles, Nahum, Savva, Gorazd and Angelar1 were Slavs, disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodios (May 11). first they lived as ascetics in Moravia, where Saint Gorazd succeeded Saint Methodios as bishop. He was fluent in Slavonic, Greek and Latin. Saints Clement, Nahum, Angelar and Savva were priests. Enlighteners of the Slavs were opposed by German missionaries, who had the support of the Pope and the patronage of the Moravian Prince Svyatopolk. struggle centered around the questions of the need for Divine Services in Slavonic, the Filioque, and Saturday fasting. Pope Stephen VI prohibited the use of Slavonic in church. proponents of the three-tongued heresy (who wanted to use only Hebrew, Greek, or Latin for Church Services), after setting aside the ancestral language of the Slavic peoples, brought the disciples of Saint Methodios to trial, including Saint Clement. They subjected them to fierce torture: dragging them through thorns, and holding them in prison for a long time, just as they had done with their Spiritual Father, Saint Methodios. 886, some of the prisoners were sold to slave-traders, and ended up in the Venice marketplace. The ambassador of the Byzantine Emperor Basil the Macedonian went to Venice, ransomed the Saints and took them to Constantinople. The older confessors were banished. It is not known where Saint Gorazd went, nor where Saint Savva found shelter. Saints Nahum and Angelar went to Bulgaria. 907 Moravia collapsed under the onslaught of the Magyars, and Moravian refugees by the same routes followed earlier by the Saints they had exiled. Bulgarians received the Slavonic confessors with respect and requested them to conduct Divine Services in the Slavonic language. Bulgarian Prince Boris sought people such as the disciples of Saint Methodios, who labored for the enlightenment of his nation. Right away, the Saints began to study Slavonic books collected by the Bulgarian nobles. Angelar soon reposed, and Saint Clement was appointed to teach at Kutmichivitsa, in southwest Macedonia. In the Eastern Church, a teacher had to be a worthy person, someone known for his devout life, and who was able to speak well in public. Saint Clement was a teacher while he was still in Moravia. In Bulgaria, he worked as an instructor until 893. He organized a school at the princely court, which was highly regarded by the time of Simeon's reign. In southwest Macedonia he created separate schools for adults and children. Clement instructed the children in reading and in writing. The total number of his students was enormous. Those chosen and accepted for ordination amounted to 3500 men. In the year 893, Saint Clement became Bishop of Dremvitsa, or Velitsa, and Saint Nahum took his place. Clement was the first Bulgarian hierarch to serve, preach and write in the Slavonic language. To this end he systematically trained clergy from among the Slavic people. The holy bishop labored for the glory of God into his old age. When his strength failed, and he was unable to fulfill his responsibilities in the cathedral, he asked Tsar Simeon to let him retire. Tsar urged the Saint not to abandon his cathedral, and Saint Clement agreed to continue his episcopal service. After this he went to Okhrid, to a monastery he founded. There he continued his work of translation, including some important portions of the Pentecostarion. Clement became seriously ill and departed to the Lord in the year 916. His body was placed in a coffin, which he had made with his own hands, and was buried at Okhrid's Saint Panteleimon Monastery. Clement is considered the first Slavonic author. Not only did he continue the translation work begun by Saints Cyril and Methodios, he also left behind works of his own composition, the first samples of Slavonic spiritual literature. of the lessons and sermons of Saint Clement were brought to Russia, where they were read and lovingly copied by devout Russian Christians. relics of Saints Gorazd and Angelar rest near Berat in Albania, and Saint Nahum’s relics are in the monastery which bears his name, near Lake Okhrid. Clement is also commemorated on November 22 (Greek usage), on November 25 (his Name Day), and on July 27 (the day of his blessed repose). His name may come from the Greek word αναγορεύω (to proclaim).

Constantinople, 835-916, Nahum of Ochrid, Cyril&Methodius, monastery w Clement of O, wonderworker, slavonic translator
Albania, 850-916, Nahum of Ochrid, Cyril&Methodius, of Five Followers, great learning, languages, Rome to Orchrid, monastery w Clement of O, wonderworker, prayer, slavonic translator, incorrupt relics; Ochrid (largest city on Lake Ochrid); St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of St Cyril and Methodius, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated December 23 ; Nahum was a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius (May 11), one of their coworkers known as the Five Followers. Nahum was a man of great learning, and he spoke several languages. After a visit to Rome, he settled on the shores of Lake Ochrid. There he built a monastery at the time when Saint Clement of Ochrid (July 27) was serving as a bishop. monks gathered around Saint Nahum, who was known as a great wonderworker and a man of prayer. also labored to translate the Holy Scriptures from Greek into Slavonic. Nahum fell asleep in the Lord in 910, and his holy relics continue to work miracles of healing for those who venerate them in faith.

Constantinople, 838, Sack of Amorium, Phrygia, Sakarya River 3, Saracens capture 42 generals
Phrygia, 838, Sack of Amorium; Ammoria, Phrygia (Sakarya River 3); Sack of Amorium August 838; 42 Martyrs of Ammoria in Phrygia, Commemorated on March 6; a war between the Byzantine Emperor Theophilus (829-842) and the Saracens, the Saracens managed to besiege the city of Ammoria (in Galicia in Asia Minor). As a result of treason on the part of the military commander Baditses, Ammoria fell, and forty-two of its generals were taken captive and sent off to Syria. the seven years of their imprisonment, their captors tried in vain to persuade them to renounce Christianity and accept Islam. The captives stubbornly resisted all their seductive offers and bravely held out against terrible threats. After many torments that failed to break the spirit of the Christian soldiers, they condemned them to death, hoping to shake the determination of the saints before executing them. The martyrs remained steadfast, saying that the Old Testament Prophets bore witness to Christ, while Mohammed called himself a prophet without any other witnesses to support his claim. of the captives, Theodore, had renounced the priestly office to become a general. His captors taunted him, “We know that you forsook the priestly office, became a soldier and shed blood in battle. You can have no hope in Christ, Whom you abandoned voluntarily, so accept Mohammed.” But the martyr replied, “You do not speak truthfully when you say that I abandoned Christ. Moreover, I left the priesthood because of my own unworthiness. Therefore, I must shed my blood for the sake of Christ, so that He might forgive the sins that I have committed against Him.” executioners took each one separately and led him off to be beheaded, then threw the bodies into the River Euphrates. In the service to them, these holy passion-bearers are glorified as: the “All-Blessed” Theodore, the “Unconquered” Callistus, the “Valiant” Constantine, the “Wondrous” Theophilus and “the Most Strong” Basoes. Saints Aetius (Aetitus) and Melissenus were also among the martyrs. betrayer Baditses did not escape his shameful fate. The enemy knew that it is impossible to trust a traitor, and so they killed him.

Constantinople, 838-845, 42 Martyrs of Ammoria, Phrygia, Saracen war, Commander Treason, A fell, Christ's OT witnesses, Islam 0
Phrygia, 838-845, 42 Martyrs of Ammoria, Phrygia (Ammorai River Source, Sakarya River 3), Saracen war, Byzantine Commander Baditses Treason, A fell, 42 generals sent to Syria prison 7 yrs, not accept Islam, death sentence, Christ's OT witnesses, Mohammed no witnesses, 42 Martyred; Ammoria, Phrygia (Sakarya River 3); Sack of Amorium August 838; 42 Martyrs of Ammoria in Phrygia, Commemorated on March 6; a war between the Byzantine Emperor Theophilus (829-842) and the Saracens, the Saracens managed to besiege the city of Ammoria (in Galicia in Asia Minor). a result of treason on the part of the military commander Baditses, Ammoria fell, and forty-two of its generals were taken captive and sent off to Syria. the seven years of their imprisonment, their captors tried in vain to persuade them to renounce Christianity and accept Islam. captives stubbornly resisted all their seductive offers and bravely held out against terrible threats. After many torments that failed to break the spirit of the Christian soldiers, they condemned them to death, hoping to shake the determination of the saints before executing them. martyrs remained steadfast, saying that the Old Testament Prophets bore witness to Christ, while Mohammed called himself a prophet without any other witnesses to support his claim. of the captives, Theodore, had renounced the priestly office to become a general. His captors taunted him, “We know that you forsook the priestly office, became a soldier and shed blood in battle. You can have no hope in Christ, Whom you abandoned voluntarily, so accept Mohammed.” But the martyr replied, “You do not speak truthfully when you say that I abandoned Christ. Moreover, I left the priesthood because of my own unworthiness. Therefore, I must shed my blood for the sake of Christ, so that He might forgive the sins that I have committed against Him.” executioners took each one separately and led him off to be beheaded, then threw the bodies into the River Euphrates. In the service to them, these holy passion-bearers are glorified as: the “All-Blessed” Theodore, the “Unconquered” Callistus, the “Valiant” Constantine, the “Wondrous” Theophilus and “the Most Strong” Basoes. Saints Aetius (Aetitus) and Melissenus were also among the martyrs. betrayer Baditses did not escape his shameful fate. The enemy knew that it is impossible to trust a traitor, and so they killed him.

Constantinople, 842, Iviron Icon Appearance, from Nicea, standing on water to I, fiery pillar, G w on water, to g protecting I
Greece, Mt Athos, 842, Iviron Icon Appearance, monastery (seaport, Serbian and Georgian, Mt Athos) from Nicea, standing on water to Athos, fiery pillar, Gabriel w on water, to gate protecting Iveron Monastery; Iviron monastery ; Appearance of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on March 31; Iveron Icon of the Mother of God (which is preserved on Mt. Athos) was kept in the home of a certain pious widow, who lived near Nicea. During the time of the emperor Theophilus, the Iconoclasts came to the house of this Christian, and one of the soldiers struck the image of the Mother of God with a spear. Blood flowed from the place where it was struck. widow, fearing its destruction, promised the imperial soldiers money and implored them not to touch the icon until morning. When the soldiers departed, the woman and her son (later an Athonite monk), sent the holy icon away upon the sea to preserve it. The icon, standing upright upon the water, floated to Athos. several days, the Athonite monks had seen a fiery pillar on the sea rising up to the heavens. They came down to the shore and found the holy image, standing upon the waters. After a Molieben of thanksgiving, a pious monk of the Iveron monastery, Saint Gabriel (July 12), had a dream in which the Mother of God appeared to him and gave him instructions. So he walked across the water, and taking up the holy icon, he placed it in the church. the following day, however, the icon was found not within the church, but on the gates of the monastery. This was repeated several times, until the Most Holy Theotokos revealed to Saint Gabriel Her will, saying that She did not want the icon to be guarded by the monks, but rather She intended to be their Protectress. After this, the icon was installed on the monastery gates. Therefore this icon came to be called “Portaitissa” or “Gate-Keeper” (October 13). This comes from the Akathist “Rejoice, O Blessed Gate-Keeper who opens the gates of Paradise to the righteous.” is a tradition that the Mother of God promised Saint Gabriel that the grace and mercy of Her Son toward the monks would continue as long as the Icon remained at the monastery. It is also believed that the disappearance of the Iveron Icon from Mt. Athos would be a sign of the end of the world. Iveron Icon is also commemorated on February 12, October 13 (its arrival in Moscow in 1648), and Bright Tuesday (commemorating the appearance of the Icon in a pillar of fire at Mt. Athos and its recovery by Saint Gabriel).

Constantinople, 842&392, Cyprus Icon, Lazarus tomb, Arab arrow hit knee, A struck d
Cyprus, 392 & 841, Cyprus Icon, appeared at Lazarus' tomb, copies at Moscow&Stromyn, Triumph of Orthodoxy Week the first sunday of lent, Arab shot arrow, hit her knee, he struck dead, 1841 Stromyn Icon girl healed by voice from icon, then more miracles; Cyprus; Icon of the Mother of God of Cyprus, Commemorated February 19; Cyprus Icon of the Mother of God. this icon the Mother of God is depicted sitting on a throne with the Divine Infant in Her arms. There is an angel on either side of Her. prototype of this holy icon manifested itself in the year 392 on the island of Cyprus at the tomb of Righteous Lazarus, the friend of Christ (October 17), and is kept there in a monastery. copies of the Cyprus Icon are at the Moscow’s Dormition Cathedral, and in the Nikolo-Golutvin church in the village of Stromyn, Moscow diocese (Commemorated on the Sunday of Orthodoxy). the week of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, the Greek Synaxarion has an account of an icon which is probably the Cyprus Icon. the island of Cyprus a certain Arab was passing by a church dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos. order to display his hatred for Christianity, the man shot an arrow at an icon of the Mother of God which hung by the gate. The arrow struck the Virgin’s knee, from which blood began to flow. Overcome with fear, the Arab spurred his horse and rode for home, but was struck dead before he could get there. In this way, he was punished for his impiety. days commemorating the Cyprus Icon are the Day of the Holy Spirit, April 20, and July 9. Some copies of the Cyprus Icon have additional names such as “Cleansing,” “Knife,” and “Hawk.” “Stromyn” Cyprus Icon became famous in 1841. An eighteen-year-old girl from Stromyn, a village not far from Moscow, was close to death from an illness. In a dream she saw the Cyprus Icon standing over the entrance to the church, and a voice came from the icon: “Take me into your home and have the priest serve a Molieben with the Blessing of Water, and you will be cured.” sick girl was brought to the church and finally located the icon after a long search. The girl obeyed the command of the Most Holy Theotokos, and after the Molieben she felt strong enough to carry the icon back to the church herself. Shortly thereafter, she was completely healed. The “Stromyn” Cyprus Icon continued to work miracles of healing, which the rector of the church reported to the holy Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow (November 19).

Constantinople, 842, Gabriel tGeorgian oMt Athos, Iveron monastery, chosen by MOG to walk on water tRetrieve Iveron Icon
Greece, Mt Athos, 842, Gabriel tGeorgian oMt Athos, Iveron monastery (seaport, Serbian and Georgian, Mt Athos), silence aIveron winter only, summer inaccessible clifts roots herbs, heavenly man earthly angel, icon arrives Iveron, pillar oLight oSea, several days, floating upright, drifted away fBoat, prayed, MOG appeared, told Gabriel only one worthy, appeared tGabriel, told him walk on water tGet it, image drew near, see Feb 12th; Iviron monastery ; Venerable Gabriel the Georgian of Mount Athos, Commemorated on July 12; Gabriel was a monk of the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos. summer he would withdraw to the inaccessible cliffs, and in winter he would return to the monastery and observe a strict rule of silence. in a coarse robe and eating nothing but roots and herbs, Saint Gabriel was truly a “heavenly man and an earthly angel.” at dusk, the monks of the monastery beheld a pillar of light shining forth upon the sea. vision lasted for several days, and finally monks from every monastery on the Holy Mountain gathered and descended together to the sea. beheld an icon of the Mother of God shining brilliantly and floating upright upon the surface of the water. fathers lowered a boat onto the water, hoping to bring the icon back with them to the shore, but each time their boat approached the icon, it drifted farther out to sea. the frustrated monks offered prayers and supplications to God in order to discern His will, the Most Holy Theotokos appeared in a divine revelation told them that the monk Gabriel alone was worthy to bring the icon bearing her image out from the sea. the same time, she appeared to the God-fearing Gabriel and told him, “Enter onto the sea and walk out upon the waves with faith, and I will send my love and mercy upon all the monks of this monastery.” elders of Mt. Athos located the rocky dwelling of the hermit Gabriel not far from the Iveron Monastery. brought Gabriel with them and went down to the sea with hymns and censing. stepped out onto the water and, walking upon the waves as upon dry land, approached the icon. the same time, the holy image drew nearer to him. the holy icon to his breast, Gabriel crossed back over the waves and delivered the icon safely to the shore. story of the miraculous Iveron Icon of the Theotokos is recounted in detail in the commemorations for February 12.) Gabriel reposed peacefully on Mt. Athos.

Constantinople, 842-847, Methodius I , Patriarch, Iconodule
Constantinople, 842-847, Patriarch, Methodius I of Constantinople, Iconodule; Saint Methodius, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 14; Methodius, Patriarch of Constantinople, was born in Sicily into a rich family. Having a vocation to serve God, he went while still in his youth off to a monastery on the island of Chios and renovated it with his means. During the reign of the iconoclast Leo the Armenian (813-820), Methodius held the high position of “apokrisiarosâ€ (“advocate for Church mattersâ€) under the holy Patriarch Nikēphóros (June 2). He was dispatched by the patriarch to Rome on a mission to the papacy and he remained there. During this period Leo the Armenian removed Nikēphóros from the patriarchal throne and put on it the iconoclast Theodotus of Melissinea, given the nickname “Kassiterâ€ (“Tinmanâ€) (815-822). After the death of Leo the Armenian, Saint Methodius returned, and in the dignity of presbyter he struggled incessantly against the Iconoclast heresy. emperor Michael the Stammerer (820-829) at first was noted for his benevolence and he set free many imprisoned by his predecessor for their veneration of icons, but after a while he renewed the persecution against Orthodoxy. Saint Methodius was locked up in prison in Akrita. After the death of Michael the Stammerer, the ruler was Theophilus (829-842), who also was an iconoclast. More refined a man than his father, he set free Saint Methodius, who likewise was a man of learning, superbly skilled in matters not only ecclesial, but also civil. Having received his freedom, Saint Methodius renewed the struggle with the heretics, and for a while the emperor tolerated this. after defeat in a war with the Arabs, Theophilus vented his anger against Methodius, saying, that God had punished him because he had let an “icon-worshipperâ€ come close to him. Methodius objected, saying that the Lord was angry with him for the insults upon His holy icons. They gave the saint over to tortures, and struck him much about the face, from which his jaw was broken. Ugly scars remained on his face. Methodius was sent off to the island of Antigonos and he was locked up there with two robbers in a deep cave. In this dark prison where the light of day did not penetrate, Methodius languished for 7 years until the death of the emperor Theophilus. this time, the holy Confessors Theodore and Theophanes the Branded (December 27), who had also been sent to prison, sent Methodius greetings in verse, and the prisoner replied with greetings in verse, as well. the death of Theophilus, his son Michael III (842-867) began to rule, but not being of mature age, the Byzantine Empire was actually ruled by his mother, the empress Theodora, a venerater of icons. empress tried to extirpate the Iconoclast heresy, and gave orders to free the confessors imprisoned for icon veneration. The heretic Annios occupying the patriarchal throne was banished, and Saint Methodius chosen in his place. At Constantinople was convened a local Council with Saint Methodius presiding (842). The Council restored icon veneration and established an annual celebration of the triumph of Orthodoxy. The “Synodikon of Orthodoxyâ€ compiled by Saint Methodius is read on the First Sunday of Great Lent. to undermine the authority of Saint Methodius, and also the love and esteem of his flock for him, the heretics slandered him as having transgressed chastity. The slander was exposed as such, and the enemies of the saint put to shame. The final years of the saint passed peacefully, he toiled much, wisely guided the Church and his flock, renovated temples ruined by the heretics, gathered up the relics of saints scattered about by the heretics, and transferred the relics of Patriarch Nikēphóros from the place of his imprisonment back to Constantinople. Saint Methodius died in the year 846. He was spiritually close to Ioannikos (4 November), who had foretold that he would become patriarch and also the time of his death. Besides the “Synodikon of Orthodoxy,â€ the holy hierarch also compiled a rule for those converted to the Faith, three rites of marriage and several pastoral sermons and church hymns.

Byzantium, 842-855, Empress, Theodora , Wife of Theophilos, bride show, Iconodule, regent, righteous
Byzantium, 842-855, Empress Theodora , Wife of Theophilos, Iconodule ; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9 ; St Irene Chrysovolantou, Commemorated July 28 ; Venerable Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on October 9; St Ignatius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 23 ; Venerable Lazarus the Iconographer, of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 17; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Theodore the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated on January 26; Venerable Nicholas the Confessor the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated on February 4; St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6 ; Righteous Theodora, wife of the Emperor Theophilus, the Iconoclast, Commemorated on February 11; Empress Theodora was the wife of the Byzantine emperor Theophilus the Iconoclast (829-842), but she did not share in the heresy of her husband and secretly venerated the holy icons. After the death of her husband, Saint Theodora governed the realm because her son Michael was a minor. convened a Council, at which the Iconoclasts were anathematized, and the veneration of icons was reinstated. Saint Theodora established the annual celebration of this event, the Triumph of Orthodoxy, on the first Sunday of the Great Fast. Saint Theodora did much for Holy Church and fostered a firm devotion to Orthodoxy in her son Michael. Michael came of age, she was retired from governing and spent eight years in the monastery of Saint Euphrosynē, where she devoted herself to ascetic struggles, and reading books that nourished her soul. copy of the Gospels, copied in her own hand, is known to exist. She died peacefully around the year 867. 1460, her relics were given by the Turks to the people of Kerkyra (Corfu). Icon of the Mother of God œIveronÂ, Commemorated on February 12; St Anthony the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 12; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); St Paul the Confessor the Bishop of Plusias in Bithynia, Commemorated on March 7; Venerable Basil the New, Anchorite, Near Constantinople, Commemorated on March 26; Martyr Enravota - Boyan, the Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; St Eustathius (Eustace) the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia, Commemorated on March 29; Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, Commemorated on April 2; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2; St Methodius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 14; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of SS Cyril and Methodius, Equals of the Apostles, Commemorated on June 20; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or œthe RomanÂ, Commemorated on June 26;

Constantinople, 843-855, Theoctistus tConfessor, Triumph of Orthodoxy, had Theodora end iconoclasm, education, C&M tSlavs
Constantinople, 843-855, Theoctistus tConfessor, known for admini&political competence, fPromotng End iconoclasm, & fPromoting education, convinced Theodora end iconoclasm, the Triumph of Odoxy, Cyril and Methodius' Uncle, placed M as Slav commander, estab univ; Saint Theoctistus the Confessor, Commemorated on November 20; Theoctistus the Confessor was an influential senior Byzantine official during the first half of the 9th century. He was well known for his administrative and political competence, for his involvement in the ending of iconoclasm, and for promoting a major renaissance in education within the Empire. 843 AD, Theoctistus prevailed upon the Empress Theodora to officially reintroduce the veneration of icons, ending the second period of official iconoclasm. the enthronement of a new patriarch, Methodius I, a Synod was convened in Constantinople to condemn iconoclasm -- an event that is commemorated as the "Triumph of Orthodoxy." the same year, Theoctistus invited his nephews, Cyril and Methodius, to the imperial capital to study and to arrange the placement of Methodius as a commander of a Slavic administrative region. also is credited with initiating a far-reaching educational program and establishing the University of Magnaura. a series of long-standing political intrigues involving the imperial family, he was arrested and put to death by his adversaries in 855 AD.

Constantinople, 842-867, George Hamartolos, Historian
Constantinople, 842-867, Historian, George Hamartolos; Hamartolos or Hamartolus was a monk at Constantinople under Michael III (842–867) and the author of a chronicle of some importance. is not his name but the epithet he gives to himself in the title of his work: "A compendious chronicle from various chroniclers and interpreters, gathered together and arranged by George, a sinner. It is a common form among Byzantine monks. Krumbacher (358) protests against the use of this epithet as a name and proposes (and uses) the form Georgios Monachos ("George the Monk"). is known about him except from the internal evidence of his work, which establishes his period (in the preface he speaks of Michael III as the reigning emperor) and his calling (he refers to himself several times as a monk). 1 Chronicle 2 Editions 3 References 4 Further reading 5 External links chronicle consists of four books. first treats of profane history from Adam to Alexander the Great; second, of the history of the Old Testament; third, of Roman history from Julius Caesar to Constantine; the fourth down to the author's own time, to the death of the emperor Theophilus (842), whose widow Theodora restored the veneration of icons in the same year. chronicle is potentially the only original contemporary authority for the years 813–842, the other being (depending on its dating) the Scriptor Incertus. Because of this fact, it is indispensable. usually in the case of such medieval chronicles, the only part to be taken seriously is the account of more or less contemporary events. The rest is interesting as an example of Byzantine ideas on the subjects, and of the questions that most interested Byzantine monks. describes his ideal and principles in the preface. He has used ancient Greek and modern Greek sources, has especially consulted edifying works, and has striven to relate such things as were useful and necessary, with a strict adherence to truth, rather than to please the reader by artistic writing or pretensions to literary style. But of so great a mass of material he has chosen only what is most useful and necessary. In effect, the questions that seemed most useful and necessary to ecclesiastical persons at Constantinople in the ninth century are those that are discussed. There are copious pious reflections and theological excursuses. writes of how idols were invented, the origin of monks, the religion of the Saracens, and especially of the Iconoclast controversy that had just ended. Like all monks, he hated iconoclasts. The violence with which he speaks of them shows how recent the storm had been and how the memory of iconoclast persecutions was still fresh when he wrote. He writes out long extracts from Greek Fathers. first book treats of an astonishingly miscellaneous collection of persons — Adam, Nimrod, the Persians, Chaldees, Brahmins, Amazons, etc. the second book, too, although it professes to deal with Bible history only, he has much to say about Plato and philosophers in general. Hamartolus ended his chronicle with the year 842, as a colophon in most manuscripts attests. people, among them notably "Symeon Logothetes", who is probably Symeon Metaphrastes, the famous writer of saints' lives (tenth century, see Krumbacher, 358), continued his history to later dates — the longest continuation reaches to 948. these additions, religious questions are relegated to the background, more attention is devoted to political history, and the language is more popular. Still further continuations of little value go down to 1143. spite of his crude ideas and the violent hatred of iconoclasts that makes him always unjust towards them, his work has considerable value for the history of the last years before the schism of Photius. It was soon translated into Church Slavonic and also in Georgian by Arsen of Iqalto. In these versions it became a sort of fountain-head for all early Slavonic historians, most notably Nestor. a very popular and widely consulted book of large circulation it has been constantly re-edited, corrected, and rearranged by anonymous scribes, so that the reconstruction of the original work is "one of the most difficult problems of Byzantine philology" (Krumbacher, 355). Saint Arsenius of Iqalto, Georgia, Commemorated on February 6;

Byzantium, 842-867, Emperor, Michael III, Iconodule, fond of uncle Bardas, war with Bul E
Byzantium, 842-867, Emperor, Michael III; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Constantinople, 844, Translation Relics oStudion Abbot Theodore fPrinkepo Island tStudion, very incorrupt relics
Constantinople, 844, Translation Relics oTheodore Abbot oStudion Monastery, Constantinople, relics transfered from Prinkepo Island to Studion, Relics preserved whole and incorrupt, even skin not change, plus relics his brother St Joseph, bishop of Thessalonica, both killed by iconoclasts, placed by Igumen and Uncle Platon ; The Studion Monestary ; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Theodore the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated January 26 ; the Church commemorates the transfer of the sacred relics of Saint Theodore of Studion (November 11) the island of Prinkēpo to Studion Monastery, occurred in the year 844 (or 845), under Patriarch Methodios of Constantinople (842 - 846). holy Confessor's relics were preserved whole and incorrupt, such an extent that even his skin did not undergo the slightest change. addition to the relics of Saint Theodore, those of his exiled brother, Saint Joseph, the Bishop of Thessaloniki (July 4), who also suffered at the hands of the iconoclasts, were taken to Constantinople. holy relics of both brothers were placed beside the coffin of their Igoumen and uncle Saint Platon (April 5).1

Constantinople, 845 &1000-1499, Areovindus Icon, Byzantium, copy tRussia, scroll, petitions fUs, garments so Fire Bearing Icon
Constantinople, 845, Areovindus Icon, Byzantium (downtown Constantinople), painted in 845, widespread copies 12-15th centuries, 1100-1499, one to Russia, scroll in hand, her petitions to Jesus for us, garments visible fire, so icon called fire bearing; Byzantium; Byzantine Empire; Icon of the Mother of God “Areovindus”, Commemorated on February 10; is little information about the history of this Icon, and the story of its appearance is shrouded in mystery. only know that the now lost original was painted around 845. However, there is reason to believe its iconographic type was the same as the Hagiosoritissa Icon.1 Copies of the ancient Icon were widespread in Byzantium during the 12th to the 15th centuries; apparently one of these came from that area to Russia. original version of the Icon represented the Virgin without the Child, but she held a scroll in her hands. this scroll were the All Holy Virgin’s petitions concerning us, which are addressed to her Son. gives us hope that the “Fire-appearing” Icon of the Mother of God, like her other icons, will help and protect us from all misfortune and adversity. Therefore, we pray before the Icon for everything that exceeds the limits of our strength and requires God’s help. face of the Theotokos is turned toward her right side, and her garments are bright red red in color. This is why the Icon is called “Fire-appearing,” or “Visible in Fire.” The name Hagiosoritissa, “of the holy soros” (chest), is derived from the chapel of the holy soros, which was built next to the Blachernae church by Emperor Leo I to house the robe of the Most Holy Theotokos, which was brought from Palestine in 473 (see July 2). The Panagia Hagiosoritissa Icon is associated with this shrine. This icon type shows the Mother of God with both hands raised in supplication, as depicted in the Deisis row of the iconostasis.

Constantinople, 845-885, CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO SLAVS, f Thessalonica, Greece, Clement's relics, Cirilic a, Slav L
Greece, 845-885, CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS, from Thessalonica, Greece, Constantine to Arabs, then philosophy prof, librarian, Methodius a slav governor, both then to Khazars Dnieper-Volga, discovered Clements relics, 863 G Moravia prince Rotislav asked for Slav missionaries, litergy in Slavonic, invented S alphabet, Cyrillic a, for Russian, Ukranian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Romanian, German missionaries of HRE, to Pope w Clements relics, new Caroligian Latin bishop forced M to exile in Bulgaria; Thessalonica; Repose of Saint Cyril, Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs Commemorated on February 14; Cyril Equal of the Apostles, Teacher of the Slavs (Constantine in the schema), and his older brother Methodius (April 6), were Slavs, born in Macedonia in the city of Thessalonica. Cyril received the finest of educations, and from the age of fourteen he was raised with the son of the emperor. Later, he was ordained as a priest. Upon his return to Constantinople, he worked as a librarian of the cathedral church, and as a professor of philosophy. Saint Cyril successfully held debates with iconoclast heretics and with Moslems. for solitude, he went to Mount Olympos to his older brother Methodius, but his solitude lasted only a short while. Both brothers were sent by the emperor Michael on a missionary journey to preach Christianity to the Khazars in the year 857. Along the way they stopped at Cherson and discovered the relics of the Hieromartyr Clement of Rome (November 25). at the territory of the Khazars, the holy brothers spoke with them about the Christian Faith. Persuaded by the preaching of Saint Cyril, the Khazar prince together with all his people accepted Christianity. The grateful prince wanted to reward the preachers with rich presents, but they refused this and instead asked the prince to free and send home with them all the Greek captives. Saint Cyril returned to Constantinople together with 200 such captives set free. the year 862 began the chief exploit of the holy brothers. At the request of Prince Rostislav, the emperor sent them to Moravia to preach Christianity in the Slavic language. Saints Cyril and Methodius by a revelation from God compiled a Slavonic alphabet and translated the Gospel, Epistles, the Psalter and many Service books into the Slavonic language. They introduced divine services in Slavonic. holy brothers were then summoned to Rome at the invitation of the Roman Pope. Pope Adrian received them with great honor, since they brought with them the relics of the Hieromartyr Clement. Sickly by nature and in poor health, Saint Cyril soon fell ill from his many labors, and after taking the schema, he died in the year 869 at the age of forty-two. Before his death, he expressed his wish for his brother to continue the Christian enlightenment of the Slavs. Saint Cyril was buried in the Roman church of Saint Clement, whose own relics also rest there, brought to Italy from Cherson by the Enlighteners of the Slavs. CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869) ; (originally Constantine) and Methodius were brothers, from a noble family in Thessalonika, a district in northeastern Greece. was the younger, born in about 827, and his brother Methodius in about 825. They both entered the priesthood. undertook a mission to the Arabs, and then became a professor of philosophy at the imperial school in Constantinople and librarian at the cathedral of Santa Sophia. became governor of a district that had been settled by Slavs. brothers then retired to monastic life. about 861, the Emperor Michel III sent them to work with the Khazars northeast of the Black Sea in the Dnieper-Volga region of what was later Russia. They learned the Khazar language and made many converts, and discovered what were believed to be relics of Clement, an early Bishop of Rome. about 863, Prince Rotislav, the ruler of Great Moravia (an area including much of what was later Czechoslovakia), asked the emperor for missionaries, specifying that he wanted someone who would teach his people in their own language (he had western missionaries, but they used only Latin). emperor and the Patriarch Photius sent Methodius and his brother Constantine, who translated the Liturgy and much of the Scriptures into Slavonic. Slavonic had no written form, they invented an alphabet for it, the Glagolitic alphabet, which gave rise to the Cyrillic alphabet (named for Constantine aka Cyril), which is used to write Russian and (with modifications) several related languages today. used the Greek alphabet as their basis, writing a letter in two forms when two similar sounds in Slavonic each needed a letter (hence, in modern Russian, we have "plain a" written "A" and "fancy a" written like a backward "R" representing the sounds of hard and soft (or unpalatalized and palatalized) a, represented approximately in English by "ah" and "yah"). no Greek letter was close, then they borrowed from Hebrew (the letter TZADDI for the sound "ts" as in "tsar", and the letter SHIN for the sound "sh", and a variant on it for the sound "shch" as in "Khrushchev", and so on). resulting alphabet had 43 letters. It has since undergone development, chiefly simplification and the omission of letters. Thus, the modern Russian alphabet has only 32 letters. Cyrillic alphabet with minor variations is used today for Russian, Ukrainian, and other languages of the former USSR, and also for Bulgarian and Serbian and formerly for Rumanian. and Croats both speak Serbo-Croatian, but the Serbs, who are traditionally East Orthodox, write it with the Cyrillic alphabet, while the Croats, who are traditionally Roman Catholic, write it with the Latin alphabet. the first World War, there were many muslims (regarded as Turks) living in Greece, and many Christians (regarded as Greeks) living in western Turkey. Each group spoke the language of the country in which it lived, but the Greek-speaking Turks in Greece wrote Greek using the Arabic script that was then standard for writing Turkish, and the Turkish-speaking Greeks in Turkey wrote Turkish in the Greek alphabet. For some reason, the alphabet matters to rival religious groups.) Thus the brothers were the first to produce written material in the Slavic languages, and are regarded as the founders of Slavic literature. brothers encountered missionaries from Germany, representing the western or Latin branch of the Church, and more particularly representing the Holy Roman Empire as founded by Charlemagne, and committed to linguistic, and cultural uniformity. They insisted on the use of the Latin liturgy, and they regarded Moravia and the Slavic peoples as their rightful mission field. When friction developed, the brothers, unwilling to be a cause of dissension among Christians, went south toward Venice, and then from Venice to Rome to see the Pope, hoping to reach an agreement that would avoid quarreling between missionaries in the field. brought with them the above-mentioned relics of Clement, third bishop of Rome after the Apostles (see 23 November). arrived in Rome in 868 and were received with honor. Constantine entered a monastery there, taking the name Cyril, by which he is now remembered. However, he died only a few weeks thereafter. He is buried in Rome in the Church of San Clemente. Pope (Adrian II) gave Methodius the title of Archbishop of Sirmium (now Sremska Mitrovica in Yugoslavia) and sent him back in 869, with jurisdiction over all of Moravia and Pannonia, and authorization to use the Slavonic Liturgy. however, Prince Rotislav, who had originally invited the brothers to Moravia, died, and his successor did not support Methodius. 870 the Frankish king Louis and his bishops deposed Methodius at a synod at Ratisbon, and imprisoned him for a little over two years. The pope (John VIII) secured his release, but told him not to use the Slavonic Liturgy any more. In 878 he was summoned to Rome on charges of heresy and using Slavonic. This time Pope John was convinced by his arguments and sent him back cleared of all charges, and with permission to use Slavonic. died 6 April 885 in Velehrad, the old capitol of Moravia. Carolingian bishop who succeeded him, Wiching, suppressed the Slavonic Liturgy and forced the followers of Methodius into exile. found refuge with King Boris of Bulgaria (852-889), under whom they reorganized a Slavic-speaking Church. Meanwhile, Pope John's successors adopted a Latin-only policy which lasted for centuries. Cyril and Methodius are honored by Eastern and Western Christians alike, and the importance of their work in preaching and worshipping in the language of the people is recognized on all sides. by James Kiefer

Constantinople, 846-881, Theoctiste oLesbos, hid 35yrs fArabs, died aTaking gifts, no leave till hand returned, empty grave
Lesbos, Isle of Lesbos (Between Troy and Ephesus), fMethymna, Lesbos, orphaned, tMonasatery, loved m life, 846 18yr old T visited sister nearby, village captured by Arabs, tParos is, Lord helped T escape, lived there 35 yrs in old church, sunflower seeds food, prayer all time, hunter discovers her, she tells him her story and asks for particle reserved gifts, he does 1881, she dies next day, he cuts off hand, can't leave until hand returned, told companions, return to venerate but she not in grave; Isle of Lesbos; Venerable Theoctiste of the Isle of Lesbos, Commemorated on November 9; Theoktίstē was born in the city of Methymna on the island of Lesbos. was orphaned at an early age, so her relatives sent her to a monastery to be raised by the nuns. girl was quite happy to forsake this sinful world. She loved the monastic life, the long Church Services, monastic obedience, the strict fasting, and unceasing prayer. She learned much of the chants, prayer, and psalmody by heart. the radiant Feast of Christ's Resurrection in the year 846, when Theoktίstē was eighteen years old, she left the Monastery with the blessing of the Igoumeness, and went to a nearby village to visit her sister, remaining there overnight. Arabs invaded the settlement, captured all the inhabitants, and forced them onto a ship. By morning, they were at sea. brigands took the captives to the desolate island of Paros so that they might examine them in order to set a price on each when they were sold at the slave market. Lord helped the young maiden to escape, and the Arabs did not catch her. Saint Theoktίstē lived on the island for the next 35 years. An old church dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos served as her abode, her food was sunflower seeds. spent all her time in prayer. a group of hunters landed upon the island. One of them, pursuing his prey, went far from the coast into the forest, and suddenly he saw the church and went inside in order to pray. the hunter saw what seemed to be a human form in a dim corner, not far from the holy altar table, Brushing aside thick cobwebs. drew nearer and heard a voice say, “Stay there, and come no closer, for I am a naked woman, and I am ashamed.” hunter gave the woman his outer garment and she came out from her place of concealment. He saw a grey-haired woman with worn face, who called herself Theoktίstē. a faint voice, she told him of her life, which she had devoted to God. Saint Theoktίstē finished her story, she asked the hunter, if he should happen to come to this island again, to bring her a particle of the reserved Gifts. In all the time she had lived in the wilderness, she had not been able to partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ even once. year later, in 881, the hunter returned to the island and brought a small vessel with a particle of the Holy Mysteries. Theoktίstē approached the Holy Gifts and fell to the ground, praying with tears for a long time. Standing up, she took the vessel and received the Body and Blood of Christ "with faith, reverence, and in the fear of God." next day, the hunter found the dead body of Saint Theoktίstē in the church. After digging a shallow grave, he placed her in it. brazenly, he cut off one of her hands, in order to take a relic of the Saint with him. night the ship was tossed upon a tempestuous sea. In the morning, it ended up at the very place from which it started. the man realized that his taking the relic was not pleasing to God. to the grave, he placed the hand with the Saint's body. the ship was able to sail away without difficulty. .On the journey, the hunter told his companions all that had happened on the island. hearing his story, they all decided to return to Paros at once, that they might venerate the relics of the great ascetic, they did not find her holy body in the grave.

Constantinople, 847-858, Ignatios , Patriarch, Iconodule, Emperor's son, monastery igumen, excommunicated Bardas
Constantinople Patriarch, 847-858, Ignatios of Constantinople; St Ignatius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 23 ; Ignatius, Patriarch of Constantinople (847-857; 867-877), in the world Nicetas, was of imperial lineage. his father, the emperor Michael I (811-813), was deposed from the imperial throne by Leo the Armenian (813-820), the fifteen-year-old youth Ignatius was imprisoned in a monastery. in the monastery strengthened Saint Ignatius in faith and in piety. Soon he was made igumen of the monastery, and later he was chosen Patriarch of Constantinople. Michael III (855-867) ascended the throne he was still a minor, so the country was actually governed by his uncle, Bardas, an impious and unchaste man. Ignatius urged Bardas to forsake his sinful life and when he refused, Ignatius boldly denounced him for his iniquity. attempted to force Saint Ignatius to tonsure the holy Empress Theodora, mother of the emperor, in order to remove her from governance of the realm. Ignatius did not consent to this, and also publicly excommunicated Bardas. Bardas had Ignatius tortured for fifteen days to force him to resign, and then they sent him into exile. the new emperor came to power, Saint Ignatius was recalled from prison and was Patriarch for another ten years. He died in the year 877 in a monastery. St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6 ; Third Finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated on May 25;

Constantinople, 849-895, Anthony, Patriarch, gave wealth, lived as monk f12, copied igumen, encouraged piety, visited all
Constantinople, 849-895, Patriarch Anthony, Hagia Sophia, Patriarch's house, Downtown Constantinople, gave wealth, lived iMonastery from 12, against will made priest, and igumen, tonsured own father, Patriarch in 893 at 64, did much for church wLeo tWise, monastery builder, served destitute especially their spiritual condition, traveled all churches while old, died 895 at 66; Hagia Sophia; Saint Anthony, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 12; Anthony, Patriarch of Constantinople, a native of Asia, lived in Constantinople from his youth. was born around 829 of rich and pious parents. the death of his mother, he entered a monastery at the age of twelve, following the example of the igumen, he spent his nights in prayer and led a strict monastic life. the passage of time, and against his will, he was ordained to the holy priesthood. at the insistence of the Patriarch, he was made an igumen. in this rank, he tonsured his own father into monasticism. Anthony was distinguished by his mercy, by his love and concern for the destitute, and he provided generous help to them. to the Patriarchal throne at Constantinople in 893, Anthony intensified his care for the destitute, and especially for their spiritual condition. the assistance of the emperor Leo the Wise, Patriarch Anthony did much good for the Church, encouraged piety in the people. also built a monastery over the relics of Saint Kallia (February 12). being stooped over with age, went around all the churches, the command of the Savior to be the servant of all the brethren. the year 895, advanced in age, Saint Anthony went peacefully to the Lord.

Constantinople, 850 9th Century, Martyr Barbarus, a robber, Larissa, Thessaly, repentence, death inevitability& last judgement
Greece, 850 9th Century, Martyr Barbarus, who was a robber, Larissa, Thessaly (near Pineios River Mouth), Lord turned him to repentence, thought of inevitability of death and last judgement, robber hanging beside Jesus, his eneffable mercy, Left his treasures behind, confessed to priest, lived w his cattle, absolution, 12 yrs in woods, received sign of forgiveness & Martyrdom, shot by merchant's arrows, heavenly light, currative myrrh, relics at the monastery of Kellios in Thessaly, near Larissa; a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larissa">Larissa; Martyr Barbarus in Thessaly, who was a robber, Commemorated on May 6; Holy Martyr Barbarus, formerly a robber, lived in Greece and for a long time he committed robberies, extortions and murders. the Lord, Who does not desire the death of a sinner, turned him to repentance. when Barbarus was sitting in a cave and gazing upon his stolen possessions, the grace of God touched his heart. thought about the inevitability of death, and about the dread Last Judgment. over the multitude of his wicked deeds, he was distressed in his heart and he decided to make a beginning of repentance, saying, “The Lord did not despise the prayer of the robber hanging beside Him. May He spare me through His ineffable mercy.” left all his treasures behind in the cave and he went to the nearest church. He did not conceal his wicked deeds from the priest, and he asked to be accepted for repentance. priest gave him a place in his own home, and Saint Barbarus followed him, going about on his hands and knees like a four-legged animal, since he considered himself unworthy to be called a man. the household of the priest he lived with the cattle, eating with the animals and considering himself more wicked than any creature. received absolution from his sins from the priest, Barbarus went into the woods and lived there for twelve years, naked and without clothing, suffering from the cold and heat. His body became dirty and blackened all over. Saint Barbarus received a sign from on high that his sins were forgiven, and that he would die a martyr’s death. merchants came to the place where Saint Barbarus labored. In the deep grass before them they saw something moving. Thinking that this was an animal, they shot several arrows from their bows. Coming closer, they were terrified to see that they had mortally wounded a man. Saint Barbarus begged them not to grieve. He told them about himself and he asked that they relate what had happened to the priest at whose house he had once lived. this, Saint Barbarus yielded up his spirit to God. The priest, who had accepted the repentance of the former robber, found his body shining with a heavenly light. The priest buried the body of Saint Barbarus at the place where he was killed. a curative myrrh began to issue forth from the grave of the saint, which healed various maladies. His relics are located at the monastery of Kellios in Thessaly, near the city of Larissa.

Constantinople, 850-916, Clement of Ochrid, Bulgaria&Macedonia, Cyril&Method disciple, Slavonic s, Slavery, ransomed, Bulgaria
Albania, 850-916, Clement of Ochrid, Albania, disciple of Cyril and Methodios, services in Slavonic, sold as slaves in 886, ransomed from Venice, Moravia colapsed 907, to Bulgaria, Slavonic s, teach in Kutmichivisa Clement of Ohrid (c. 830-840 – 916) was one of the first Medieval Bulgarian saints,[6] scholar, writer and enlightener of the Slavs.[7][8][9][10][11] was one of the most prominent disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius and is often associated with the creation of the Glagolitic and Cyrillic scripts, especially their popularisation among Christianised Slavs. was the founder of the Ohrid Literary School and is regarded as a patron of education and language by some Slavic people. is considered to be the first bishop of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church,[12][13] one of the Seven Apostles of Bulgarian Orthodox Church and one of the premier saints of modern Bulgaria.[14] mission of Saint Clement was the crucial factor which transformed the Slavs in Macedonia into Bulgarians.[15] Saint Clement is also the patron saint of North Macedonia, the city of Ohrid[5] and the Macedonian Orthodox Church.[16][17] Ochrid (largest city on Lake Ochrid); Slavs; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25 ; Clement, Bishop of Ochrid, Equal of the Apostles, Nahum, Savva, Gorazd and Angelar1 were Slavs, disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodios (May 11). first they lived as ascetics in Moravia, where Saint Gorazd succeeded Saint Methodios as bishop. He was fluent in Slavonic, Greek and Latin. Saints Clement, Nahum, Angelar and Savva were priests. Enlighteners of the Slavs were opposed by German missionaries, who had the support of the Pope and the patronage of the Moravian Prince Svyatopolk. struggle centered around the questions of the need for Divine Services in Slavonic, the Filioque, and Saturday fasting. Pope Stephen VI prohibited the use of Slavonic in church. proponents of the three-tongued heresy (who wanted to use only Hebrew, Greek, or Latin for Church Services), after setting aside the ancestral language of the Slavic peoples, brought the disciples of Saint Methodios to trial, including Saint Clement. They subjected them to fierce torture: dragging them through thorns, and holding them in prison for a long time, just as they had done with their Spiritual Father, Saint Methodios. 886, some of the prisoners were sold to slave-traders, and ended up in the Venice marketplace. The ambassador of the Byzantine Emperor Basil the Macedonian went to Venice, ransomed the Saints and took them to Constantinople. The older confessors were banished. It is not known where Saint Gorazd went, nor where Saint Savva found shelter. Saints Nahum and Angelar went to Bulgaria. 907 Moravia collapsed under the onslaught of the Magyars, and Moravian refugees by the same routes followed earlier by the Saints they had exiled. Bulgarians received the Slavonic confessors with respect and requested them to conduct Divine Services in the Slavonic language. Bulgarian Prince Boris sought people such as the disciples of Saint Methodios, who labored for the enlightenment of his nation. Right away, the Saints began to study Slavonic books collected by the Bulgarian nobles. Angelar soon reposed, and Saint Clement was appointed to teach at Kutmichivitsa, in southwest Macedonia. In the Eastern Church, a teacher had to be a worthy person, someone known for his devout life, and who was able to speak well in public. Saint Clement was a teacher while he was still in Moravia. In Bulgaria, he worked as an instructor until 893. He organized a school at the princely court, which was highly regarded by the time of Simeon's reign. In southwest Macedonia he created separate schools for adults and children. Clement instructed the children in reading and in writing. The total number of his students was enormous. Those chosen and accepted for ordination amounted to 3500 men. In the year 893, Saint Clement became Bishop of Dremvitsa, or Velitsa, and Saint Nahum took his place. Clement was the first Bulgarian hierarch to serve, preach and write in the Slavonic language. To this end he systematically trained clergy from among the Slavic people. The holy bishop labored for the glory of God into his old age. When his strength failed, and he was unable to fulfill his responsibilities in the cathedral, he asked Tsar Simeon to let him retire. Tsar urged the Saint not to abandon his cathedral, and Saint Clement agreed to continue his episcopal service. After this he went to Okhrid, to a monastery he founded. There he continued his work of translation, including some important portions of the Pentecostarion. Clement became seriously ill and departed to the Lord in the year 916. His body was placed in a coffin, which he had made with his own hands, and was buried at Okhrid's Saint Panteleimon Monastery. Clement is considered the first Slavonic author. Not only did he continue the translation work begun by Saints Cyril and Methodios, he also left behind works of his own composition, the first samples of Slavonic spiritual literature. of the lessons and sermons of Saint Clement were brought to Russia, where they were read and lovingly copied by devout Russian Christians. relics of Saints Gorazd and Angelar rest near Berat in Albania, and Saint Nahum’s relics are in the monastery which bears his name, near Lake Okhrid. Clement is also commemorated on November 22 (Greek usage), on November 25 (his Name Day), and on July 27 (the day of his blessed repose). His name may come from the Greek word αναγορεύω (to proclaim).

Constantinople, 850-916, Nahum of Ochrid, Cyril&Methodius, monastery w Clement of O, wonderworker, slavonic translator
Albania, 850-916, Nahum of Ochrid, Cyril&Methodius, of Five Followers, great learning, languages, Rome to Orchrid, monastery w Clement of O, wonderworker, prayer, slavonic translator, incorrupt relics; Ochrid (largest city on Lake Ochrid); St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of St Cyril and Methodius, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated December 23 ; Nahum was a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius (May 11), one of their coworkers known as the Five Followers. Nahum was a man of great learning, and he spoke several languages. After a visit to Rome, he settled on the shores of Lake Ochrid. There he built a monastery at the time when Saint Clement of Ochrid (July 27) was serving as a bishop. monks gathered around Saint Nahum, who was known as a great wonderworker and a man of prayer. also labored to translate the Holy Scriptures from Greek into Slavonic. Nahum fell asleep in the Lord in 910, and his holy relics continue to work miracles of healing for those who venerate them in faith.

Byzantium, 855-867, Emperor, Michael III, Iconodule, regency, B resurgence, uncle Bardas, a Bulgaria
Byzantine Emperor 855-867, Michael III ; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9 ; St Irene Chrysovolantou, Commemorated July 28 ; Blessed Andrew the Fool-For-Christ at Constantinople, Commemorated on October 2; Venerable Euthymius the New of Thessalonica, and Monk of Mt Athos, Commemorated on October 15; St Ignatius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 23 ; Venerable Theoctiste of the Isle of Lesbos, Commemorated on November 9 ; Venerable Hilarion the Monk and Wonderworker of Thessalonica, Georgian, Commemorated on November 19; Righteous Michael the soldier of Potouka, Bulgaria, Commemorated on November 22 ; Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; St Stephen the New LightÂ of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 9; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of St Cyril and Methodius, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on December 23; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Venerable Nicholas the Confessor the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated on February 4; St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6 ; Righteous Theodora, wife of the Emperor Theophilus, the Iconoclast, Commemorated on February 11; St Anthony the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 12; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); Repose of St Cyril, Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Commemorated on February 14 ; St Paul the Confessor the Bishop of Plusias in Bithynia, Commemorated on March 7; Venerable Basil the New, Anchorite, Near Constantinople, Commemorated on March 26; St Eustathius (Eustace) the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia, Commemorated on March 29; Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, Commemorated on April 2; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; St Methodius, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Moravia, Enlightener of the Slavs, Commemorated on April 6; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Cyril, Commemorated on May 11; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Methodius, Commemorated on May 11; St Methodius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 14; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of SS Cyril and Methodius, Equals of the Apostles, Commemorated on June 20; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Constantinople, 855-867, Michael t soldier of Potouka, saintly child, commander, allies fled, rushed center, killed beast on way
Bulgaria, 855-867, Michael t soldier of Potouka, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2.3, across river from Trnovo), saintly child, commander, Greek allies fled, prayed, rushed center, killed lake beast on way home, died, relics healed, 1800 r transferred to Wallacia; Potuka; Righteous Michael the soldier of Potouka, Bulgaria, Commemorated on November 22 ; Michael the Soldier of Bulgaria, among the first of the Bulgarians to become Christian, lived in the city of Potuka during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Michael III (855-867). still an infant, he was known as a “saintly child.” his youth he led a blameless life, possessed the fear of God, fasted, generously distributed alms to the poor, visited the sick, and was meek and humble. twenty-four years of age Saint Michael was made commander of a troop of soldiers. that time, the Turks were warring against Christians, and Saint Michael inspired his troops by his bravery in battle. the allies of the Bulgarians, the Greeks, fled from the field of battle, he fell to the ground and prayed with tears for the deliverance of the Christians. he led his own soldiers against the enemy. Rushing into the center of the enemy formation, he put them into disarray, and remained unharmed himself. homeward after a battle, he rescued the inhabitants of a certain city in the Raipha wilderness from a huge beast which emerged from a lake and attacked children. came to see this brave soldier when they heard that he had slain the beast they once worshiped as a god. He preached the Gospel to them, and turned them from demon worship and human sacrifice. after he returned home, Saint Michael surrendered his soul to the Lord, Whom he had loved since his youth. He wrought many miracles after death, healing those who came to him with faith. transfer of the relics of the saint from Potuka to Trnovo occurred in the year 1206, and at the beginning of the nineteenth century, they were transferred to Wallachia.

Constantinople, 858-891, Patriarch, Photius 1, Iconodule, tutored Mike III &Cyril, rejected pope, lifelong anti-Latin
Constantinople, 858-891, Patriarch, Photius 1, Iconodule, tutored Mike III and Cyril, rejected pope, "The Church's far-gleaming beacon", father defended icons, related imperial house, 1st secretary otSenate, yearned monasticism, taught young emperor Michael&Slav Enlightener Cyril, 1857 Bardas deposed Patriarch Ignatius, Bishops informed young Michael that Photius was the man to replace, soon Church discord for removing I, Synod 861 to end unrest, dispostiion&Installation confirmed, Pope Nic I present at Synod, recognized Photius so he would be under Papal power, but P unsubmissive, so Pope anthematized Photius at a Roman council, Photius lifelong opponent Popal intrigues against Orthodox, 864 Bulgaria becomes Christian, Photius baptises the B Prince, later P sends archbishop&Priests tB people, 865 Cyril&Methodius sent to Preach in Slav language, however Pope's partisans incited Bulgarians against Orthodox missionaries, at that time East Germans invade B, so Bulgria seeks help from West, B Prince requests Pope send his bishops, they began substitute Latin teachings in place of Orthodox, so Potius wrote encyclical informing Eastern Bishops of Pope's actions, showing departure Roman Church from Orthodoxy was not just in ritual but was different confession of faith, council convened censuring West's arrogance, 867 Basil tMacedonian murders Michael seizing Throne, Photius denounced the murder and cut him off from Holy Mysteries, therefore P removed, locked up, Ignatius restored, 1869 Synod to investigate Photius, included Popal legates, they demanded signing recognition primacy otPope & condemming Photius, But Eastern Bishops did not sign this, Photius summoned to that council, dignified silence, "why do you consider yourselves judges?", long debate, Photius' opponents victorius, P & Bishops defending him anathematized, prison 7 yrs, thanked Lord for prtiently enduring his judges, during this time Latin clergy expelled fBulgaria, Ignatius sends his bishops there, 879 another Orthodox council (Considered by many 8th EC), Photius again archpastor Constantinople, his friend Pope John III declared former P decisions annulled, Nicean Creed acknowledged unalterable, rejecting filoque, acknowledging independence both churches East and West, that council abolished Latin usages rituals in Bulgaria, Leo replaces Basil and more false denunciations like speaking against emperor, 886 again deposed, died 891, buried Eremia m, Orthodox church venerated Photius: pillar&foundation otChurch, inspired guide, wise theologian, left behing several works: exposing Latins, refuting self-destroying heresys, explaining Scripture, exploring the Faith; Constantinople Patriarch, 858-886, Photius 1 ; St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6 ; Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople, “the Church’s far-gleaming beacon,” lived during the ninth century, and came from a family of zealous Christians. father Sergius died as a martyr in defense of holy icons. Photius received an excellent education and, since his family was related to the imperial house, he occupied the position of first state secretary in the Senate. contemporaries said of him: “He so distinguished himself with knowledge in almost all the secular sciences, it rightfully might be possible to take into account the glory of his age and compare it with the ancients.” the young successor to the throne, and Saint Cyril, the future Enlightener of the Slavs, were taught by him. deep Christian piety protected Saint Photius from being seduced by the charms of court life. all his soul, he yearned for monasticism. 857 Bardas, who ruled with Emperor Michael, deposed Patriarch Ignatius (October 23) from the See of Constantinople. bishops, knowing the piety and extensive knowledge of Photius, informed the emperor that he was a man worthy to occupy the archpastoral throne. Photius accepted the proposal with humility. He passed through all the clerical ranks in six days. On the day of the Nativity of Christ, he was consecrated bishop and elevated to the patriarchal throne. however, discord arose within the Church, stirred up by the removal of Patriarch Ignatius from office. Synod of 861 was called to end the unrest, which the deposition of Ignatius and the installation of Photius as patriarch were confirmed. Nicholas I, whose envoys were present at this council, hoped that by recognizing Photius as patriarch he could subordinate him to his power. the new patriarch proved unsubmissive, Nicholas anathematized Photius at a Roman council. the end of his life Saint Photius was a firm opponent of papal intrigues and designs upon the Orthodox Church of the East. 864, Bulgaria voluntarily converted to Christianity. Bulgarian prince Boris was baptized by Patriarch Photius himself. Saint Photius sent an archbishop and priests to baptize the Bulgarian people. 865, Saints Cyril and Methodius were sent to preach Christ in the Slavonic language. the partisans of the Pope incited the Bulgarians against the Orthodox missionaries. calamitous situation in Bulgaria developed because an invasion by the Germans forced them to seek help in the West, the Bulgarian prince requested the Pope to send his bishops. they arrived in Bulgaria, the papal legates began to substitute Latin teachings and customs in place of Orthodox belief and practice. Photius, as a firm defender of truth and denouncer of falsehood, an encyclical informing the Eastern bishops of the Pope’s actions, that the departure of the Roman Church from Orthodoxy was not only in ritual, but also in its confession of faith. council was convened, censuring the arrogance of the West. 867, Basil the Macedonian seized the imperial throne, after murdering the emperor Michael. Photius denounced the murderer and would not permit him to partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. he was removed from the patriarchal throne and locked in a monastery under guard, and Patriarch Ignatius was restored to his position. Synod of 869 met to investigate the conduct of Saint Photius. council took place with the participation of papal legates, who demanded that the participants sign a document (Libellus) condemning Photius and recognizing the primacy of the Pope. Eastern bishops would not agree to this, and argued with the legates. to the council, Saint Photius met all the accusations of the legates with a dignified silence. when the judges asked him whether he wished to repent did he reply, “Why do you consider yourselves judges?” long disputes, the opponents of Photius were victorious. their judgment was baseless, they anathematized Patriarch Photius and the bishops defending him. saint was sent to prison for seven years, and by his own testimony, he thanked the Lord for patiently enduring His judges. this time the Latin clergy were expelled from Bulgaria, Patriarch Ignatius sent his bishops there. 879, two years after the death of Patriarch Ignatius, another council was summoned consider it the Eighth Ecumenical Council), again Saint Photius was acknowledged as the lawful archpastor of the Church of Constantinople. John VIII, who knew Photius personally, declared through his envoys that the former papal decisions about Photius were annulled. council acknowledged the unalterable character of the Nicean-Constantinople Creed, the Latin distortion (“filioque”), acknowledging the independence and equality of both thrones and both churches (Western and Eastern). council decided to abolish Latin usages and rituals in the Bulgarian church introduced by the Roman clergy, who ended their activities there. Emperor Basil’s successor, Leo, Saint Photius again endured false denunciations, and was accused of speaking against the emperor. deposed from his See in 886, the saint completed the course of his life in 891. was buried at the monastery of Eremia. Orthodox Church venerates Saint Photius as a “pillar and foundation of the Church,” an “inspired guide of the Orthodox,” and a wise theologian. left behind several works, exposing the errors of the Latins, refuting soul-destroying heresies, explicating Holy Scripture, and exploring many aspects of the Faith.

Constantinople, 858-912, Stephen the New Light, cell solitude in C 50 yrs, acquired grace like ancient Orthodox ascetics
Constantinople, 858-912, Stephen the New Light, fConstantinople, fine education, Patriarch Methodius monk, cell solitude in C 50 yrs, acquired grace like ancient Orthodox ascetics; Constantinople Patriarch, 886-893 , Stephen I ; Saint Stephen the “New Light” of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 9; Stephen the “New Light” was born at Constantinople in 838 and received a fine education. Patriarch Methodius, Stephen received monastic tonsure and shut himself in a cell attached to the church of Saint Peter in Constantinople. he went into seclusion, and over fifty years he constantly increased his ascetic efforts. the end of his life the saint acquired great grace from the Lord, shining in the constellation of the saints like the ancient ascetics of the Orthodox Church, so that he came to be called the “New Light.” to the Prologue, he died in the year 912 and was buried in the church of Saint Antipas.

Constantinople, 860, Rus-Byzantine War (860), caused by Byzantine support of Khzars
Rus-“Byzantine War (860), Russians seize Constantinople ; St Ignatius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 23 ; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2 ;

Constantinople, 860, Deliverance by Mother of God's Robe from Askold to Baptism of the Rus in 88 by Askold
Blachernae; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae; Placing of the Venerable Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae: the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Leo the Great (457-474), the brothers Galbius and Candidus, associates of the emperor, set out from Constantinople to Palestine to venerate the holy places. a small settlement near Nazareth they stayed in the home of a certain old Jewish woman. In her house they noticed a room where many lamps were lit, incense burned, and sick people were gathered. When they asked her what the room contained, the pious woman did not want to give an answer for a long time. persistent requests, she said that she had a very precious sacred item: the Robe of the Mother of God, which performed many miracles and healings. Her Dormition the Most Holy Virgin bequeathed one of her garments to a pious Jewish maiden, an ancestor of the old woman, instructing her to leave it to another virgin after her death. the Robe of the Mother of God was preserved in this family from generation to generation. jewelled chest, containing the sacred Robe, was transferred to Constantinople. Saint Gennadius, Patriarch of Constantinople (August 31), and the emperor Leo, having learned of the sacred treasure, were convinced of the incorrupt state of the holy Robe, and they certified its authenticity. Blachernae, near the seacoast, a new church in honor of the Mother of God was constructed. On June 2, 458 Saint Gennadius transferred the sacred Robe into the Blachernae church with appropriate solemnity, placing it within a new reliquary. the maphorion (i.e., the outer robe) of the Mother of God, and part of Her belt were also put into the reliquary with Her Robe. This circumstance also influenced the Orthodox iconography of the Feast, in connecting the two events: the Placing of the Robe, and the Placing of the Belt of the Mother of God in Blachernae. The Russian pilgrim Stephen of Novgorod, visiting Constantinople in about the year 1350, testifies: “We arrived at Blachernae, where the Robe lies upon an altar in a sealed reliquary.â€ than once, during the invasion of enemies, the Most Holy Theotokos saved the city to which She had given Her holy Robe. Thus it happened during the time of a siege of Constantinople by the Avars in 626, by the Persians in 677, and by the Arabs in the year 717. Especially relevant for us are events of the year 860, intimately connected with the history of the Russian Church. June 18, 860 the Russian fleet of Prince Askold, a force comprising more than 200 ships, laid waste the coastal regions of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus, then entered into the Golden Horn and threatened Constantinople. The Russian ships sailed within sight of the city, setting ashore troops who “proceeded before the city, stretching forth their swords.â€ The emperor Michael III (842-867), interrupted his campaign against the Arabs and returned to the capital. All night he prayed prostrated upon the stone tiles of the church of the Mother of God at Blachernae. The holy Patriarch Photius spoke to his flock, calling for tears of repentance to wash away sins, and to seek the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos with fervent prayer. danger grew with each passing hour. “The city was barely able to stand against a spear,â€ says Patriarch Photius in another of his homilies. Under these conditions the decision was made to save the church’s sacred objects, especially the holy Robe of the Mother of God, which was kept in the Blachernae church, not far from the shore. serving an all-night Vigil, and taking it out from the Blachernae church, they carried the sacred Robe of the Mother of God in a procession around the city walls. They dipped its edge into the waters of the Bosphorus, and then they transported it to the center of Constantinople into the church of Hagia Sophia. The Mother of God protected the city and quelled the fury of the Russian warriors. An honorable truce was concluded, and Askold lifted the siege of Constantinople. June 25 the Russian army began to leave, taking with them a large tribute payment. A week afterwards, on July 2, the wonderworking Robe of the Mother of God was solemnly returned to its place in the reliquary of the Blachernae church. In remembrance of these events an annual feastday of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God was established on July 2 by holy Patriarch Photius. in October-November of the year 860, a Russian delegation arrived in Constantinople to conclude a treaty “in love and peace.â€ Some of the conditions of the peace treaty included articles concerning the Baptism of Kievan Rus, the payment of an annual tribute by the Byzantines to the Russians, permission for them to serve with the Byzantine army, an agreement to trade in the territory of the Empire (primarily in Constantinople), and to send a diplomatic mission to Byzantium. important was the point about the Baptism of Rus. The continuator of the Byzantine “Theophanes Chroniclesâ€ relates that “their delegation arrived in Constantinople with a request for them to receive holy Baptism, which also was fulfilled.â€ An Orthodox mission was sent to Kiev to fulfill this mutual wish of the Russians and the Greeks. Not very long before this (in 855) Saint Cyril the Philosopher (February 14 and May 11) had created a Slavonic alphabet and translated the Gospel. Saint Cyril was sent with his brother, Saint Methodius (April 6 and May 11), on a mission to Kiev with books translated into Slavonic. This was at the initiative of Saint Photius, whose student Saint Cyril was. The brothers spent the winter of 860/861 at Cherson, and in the spring of 861 they were at the River Dniepr, with Prince Askold. Askold was faced with a difficult choice, just as holy Prince Vladimir faced: both the Jews on the one hand, and the Moslems on the other, wanted him to accept their faith. But under the influence of Saint Cyril, the prince chose Orthodoxy. At the end of the year 861, Saints Cyril and Methodius returned to Constantinople and carried letters with them from Prince Askold to Emperor Michael III. Askold thanked the emperor for sending him “such men, who showed by both word and by example, that the Christian Faith is holy.â€ “Persuaded that this is the true Faith,â€ Askold further wrote, “we bid them to baptize in the hope that we may also attain sanctity. We are all friends of the Kingdom and prepared to be of service to you, as requested.â€ accepted holy Baptism with the name Nicholas, and many of his retinue were also baptized. Directly from Constantinople, the capital of Orthodoxy, through the efforts of the holy Apostles to the Slavs both the Slavonic divine services and the Slavonic written language arrived in Rus. Photius appointed Metropolitan Michael to Kiev, and the Russian metropolitan district was entered into the lists of dioceses of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Patriarch Photius in an encyclical of the year 867 called the Baptism of the Bulgarians and the Russians as among the chief accomplishments of his archpastoral service. “The Russians, who lifted their hand against the Roman might,â€ he wrote, almost quoting literally from the missive of Askold, “have now replaced the impious teaching which they held to formerly, with the pure and genuine Christian Faith, and with love having established themselves in the array of our friends and subjects.â€ (The Byzantines counted as “subjectsâ€ all accepting Baptism from Constantinople and entering into military alliance with the Empire.) “The desire and zeal of faith has flared up within them to such an extent, that they have accepted bishops and pastors, and they embrace Christian sanctity with great zeal and fervor.â€ Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos in Blachernae also marks the canonical establishment of the Russian Orthodox metropolitanate in Kiev. By the blessing of the Mother of God and by the miracle from Her holy Robe not only was the deliverence of Constantinople from the most terrible siege in all its history accomplished, but also the liberation of the Russians from the darkness of pagan superstition to life eternal. Together with this, the year 860 brought recognition to Kievan Rus from Byzantium, and signified the emergence of the young Russian realm into the arena of history. attempt of Prince Askold to renew the Christian evangelization begun by the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, which he intended as a religious and state reform, ended unsuccessfully. The time for the spread of Christianity in the Russian Land had not yet come. The adherents of the old paganism were too strong, and the princely power was too weak. In the clash of Askold with the pagan Oleg in 882 the Kievans betrayed their prince. Askold, lured into the camp of his enemies for talks, received a martyr’s death at the hand of hired killers. the deed of Blessed Askold (the Ioakimov Chronicle calls him such) was not extinguished in the Russian Church. Oleg the Sage, who killed Askold, occupied the Kiev princedom after him, and called Kiev the “Mother of Russian Cities.â€ most ancient chronicles of Kiev preserved the grateful memory of the first Kievan Christian prince: the church of the Prophet of God Elias, built by Askold and later mentioned in Igor’s Treaty with the Greeks (in 944), is on the site where the present church of this name now stands, and there is also the church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in the 950s by Saint Olga over Askold’s grave. most important achievement of Askold, entering forever into the Church inheritance not only of Rus, but of also all Orthodox Slavs, is the Slavonic Gospel and Slavonic services, translated by Saints Cyril and Methodius. Their apostolic activity among the Slavs began in Kiev at the court of Askold in 861, and continued afterwards in Moravia and Bulgaria. Following Blessed Askold, in the words of the ancient Alphabetic Prayers, “the Slavonic tribe now soars in flight, all striving toward Baptism.â€ outstanding works of Byzantine Church hymnology and homiletics are connected with the miracle of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae. There are two homilies of Saint Photius, one of which he preached within days of the siege of Constantinople, and the other soon after the departure of the Russian forces. Also associated with the campaign of Askold against Constantinople is the composition of a remarkable “Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos,â€ which certain Church histories ascribe also to holy Patriarch Photius. This Akathist forms an integral part of the services of Praise to the Most Holy Theotokos (i.e., the “Saturday of the Akathist,â€ Fifth Saturday of Great Lent). is not only Byzantine sources that relate the events of the year 860, but also Russian historical chronicles. Saint Nestor the Chronicler, stressing the significance of the Russian campaign against Constantinople, notes that from this time “it was begun to be called the Russian Land.â€ Certain of the chronicles, among them the Ioakimov and Nikonov, preserved accounts of the Baptism of Prince Askold and Kievan Rus after the campaign against Constantinople. The popular commemoration of this event is firmly associated with the names of the Kievan princes Askold and Dir, although in the opinion of historians, Dir was prince of Kiev somewhat earlier than Askold. veneration of the feast of the Placing of the Robe was long known in the Russian Church. Saint Andrew Bogoliubsky (July 4) built a church in honor of this feastday in the city of Vladimir at the Golden Gates. At the end of the fourteenth century, part of the Robe of the Mother of God was transferred from Constantinople to Rus by Saint Dionysius, Archbishop of Suzdal (June 26). holy Robe of the Mother of God, which previously saved Constantinople, later saved Moscow from hostilities. Tatars of the Horde of the princeling Mazovshi approached the walls of Moscow in the summer of 1451. Saint Jonah, Metropolitan of Moscow, with constant prayer and church services, encouraged the defenders of the capital. On the night of July 2, the Chronicle relates, great confusion occurred within the Tatar camp. The enemy abandoned their plundered goods and speedily departed in disarray. In memory of the miraculous deliverance of Moscow, Saint Jonah built the church of the Placing of the Robe in the Kremlin, making it his primary church. It burned, but in its place in the years 1484-1486 a new church, also dedicated to the Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God, was built thirty years later. This temple, standing at present, continued to serve as the primary church of Russian metropolitans and patriarchs until the cathedral of the Twelve Apostles was built under Patriarch Nikon. Venerable Romanus the Melodist, œSweet-SingerÂ, Commemorated on October 1 ; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectressÂ Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; Icon of the Mother of God of the Kiev Caves, Commemorated on August 17; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on September 2; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated on September 10; Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on October 1 ; Blessed Andrew the Fool-For-Christ at Constantinople, Commemorated October 2 ; Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, Commemorated October 12 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated October 29 ; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated on December 8 ; 12 Greeks who built the Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Lavra, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Stephen the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, and Bishop of Vladimir, in Volhynia, Commemorated on April 27 ; Prophet Isaiah, Commemorated on May 9 ; St Germanus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 12; Icon of the Mother of God œthe Unbreakable WallÂ, Commemorated on May 28; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2; Translation of the "Blachernae" Icon of the Mother of God to Russia, Commemorated July 7 ;

Constantinople, 860-946, St Anna oLeukadio, Nun for 50yrs, relics found incorrupt wMyrrh, grace filled
Constantinople, 860-946, Constantinople (Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn), physical&spiritual gifts, wealthy, rejected Hagorene marriage proposal, asked God protection from him, struck down bDevine Judgement. Nun for 50yrs, fasting, vigil, prayer, died, relics found whole, incorrupt wMyrrh, grace filled, demons cast out, blind rSight, lame walked; Constantinople; Saint Anna of Leukadio, Commemorated on July 23; Anna (Susanna) of Leukadio (or Leukati) was born in Constantinople in 840 during the reign of Emperor Theophilos the iconoclast (829-842), was the daughter of a wealthy and distinguished family. had many physical and spiritual gifts because she was raised “in the discipline and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). the death of her parents, she inherited her father’s estate, which she shared with the poor. beautiful young woman was loved by a certain Hagarene1 who lived in Constantinople and asked her to marry him, and he obtained the consent of Emperor Basil I the Macedonian. turned down the proposal, since she did not wish to marry him. Hagarene tormented her and declared that he would have her as his wife, even if she did not wish it. Saint tearfully entreated God to deliver her from this temptation. Indeed, the compassionate and righteous God heard her prayers. Punished for his impudence, the Hagarene was struck down by divine judgment and he died. 896 Anna went to a certain church dedicated to the Mother of God in Constantinople. There she devoted herself to fasting, vigil, and prayer. For fifty years she lived in this angelic way. After a slight illness, she delivered her blessed soul to God. after her burial, her relics were found to be whole, incorrupt, and emitting a divine fragrance. By her grace-filled relics, demons were cast out, the blind received their sight, and the lame walked. in this manner, God glorifies those who glorify Him. 1 The Moslems were regarded as descendants of Hagar, Abraham's concubine (see Genesis, chapter 16).

Constantinople, 862-895, Arsenius tArchbishop oKerkyra, fPalestine, strict ascetic, highly ed, spiritual writer, miracles
Epiros, Greece, 862-895, Arsenius tArchbishop oKerkyra (Corfu) Island (Epiros Region Greece), fPalestine, strict ascetic, highly ed, spiritual writer, glorified bWisdom, defender f wrath oConstantine, widows deferder, orphans father, so gift oMiracles, composed sanctification oOil Canon (Criterion fJudging), several letters tPhotius survive ; Kerkyra (Kephalonia); St Arsenius the Archbishop of Kerkyra (Corfu), Commemorated January 19 ; Arsenius, Archbishop of Kerkyra (Corfu), a native of Palestine lived in the ninth century. led a strict ascetic life, was a highly educated man renowned spiritual writer. was glorified by wisdom, constantly defended his flock from the wrath of the emperor Constantine (979-1028). of his great virtue, Saint Arsenius was consecrated as Archbishop of Kerkyra. became a defender of widows, a father to orphans, and a comfort for the sorrowful, so God rewarded him with the gift of miracles. fell asleep in the Lord toward the end of the ninth century. relics were placed in the cathedral at Kerkyra, many miracles and healings took place at his tomb. Arsenius composed the Canon chanted during the Sanctification of Oil, Panegyric (a public speech or published text in praise of someone or something) on the Apostle Andrew, a Discourse on the Suffering of the Great Martyr Barbara. of his letters to Saint Photius (February 6) still survive.

Byzantium, 867-886, Emperor, Basil I, Macedonian, Iconodule, poor, blessed by Mike II, killed Mike III
Byzantine Emperor, 867-886, Basil I, the Macedonian; I, called the Macedonian (Greek: ; 811-August 29, 886), was a Byzantine Emperor who reigned from 867 to 886. Born a simple peasant in the theme of Macedonia, he rose in the Imperial court. He entered into the service of Theophilitzes, a relative of Emperor Michael III (r. 842-867), and was given a fortune by the wealthy Danielis. He gained the favour of Michael III, whose mistress he married on the emperor's orders, and was proclaimed co-emperor in 866. He ordered the assassination of Michael the next year. Despite his humble origins, he showed great ability in running the affairs of state. He was the founder of the Macedonian dynasty. He was succeeded upon his death by his son (perhaps actually Michael III's son) Leo VI. Equal of the Apostles Clement of Ochrid the Bishop of Greater Macedonia, Commemorated on July 27 ; Blessed Andrew the Fool-For-Christ at Constantinople, Commemorated on October 2; St Ignatius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 23 ; Venerable Hilarion the Monk and Wonderworker of Thessalonica, Georgian, Commemorated on November 19; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25; St Stephen the "œNew Light" Â of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 9; Blessed Empress Theophano, Commemorated on December 16; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of St Cyril and Methodius, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on December 23; St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6 ; Venerable Luke of Hellas, Commemorated on February 7; St Anthony the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 12; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); Repose of St Cyril, Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Commemorated on February 14 ; Uncovering of the relics of the Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 17; Venerable Basil the New, Anchorite, Near Constantinople, Commemorated on March 26; St Eustathius (Eustace) the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia, Commemorated on March 29; Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, Commemorated on April 2; St Stephen the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 17; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of SS Cyril and Methodius, Equals of the Apostles, Commemorated on June 20;

Constantinople, 867-886, Uncovering Menas' relics, Alexandria, relics discovered when Menas appeared & revealed where they were
Egypt, 867-886, Uncovering Menas' relics, Alexandria, Goshen, Egypt, fAthens, died as Martyr 313, commander Marcian discovered his relics 867-886 when Menas appeared to pious man in a dream and revealed where they were; Alexandria; Uncovering of the relics of the Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated February 17 ; Holy Martyr Menas Kallikelados (Well Speaking), an Athenian, as a martyr with Saints Hermogenes and Eugraphus in about the year 313 (December 10). the reign of Emperor Basil the Macedonian (867-886), military commander Marcian discovered the saint’s relics Saint Menas appeared to a certain pious man in a dream to reveal where they were.

Constantinople, 869, Synod of 869, not Ecumenical, supported Icons
Synod of 869; St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated February 6; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2;

Constantinople, 869, Wonderworking Miasena Icon, hidden in Lake Zagura for a long time
Lake Zagura; Finding of the Icon of the Mother of God at the Miasena Monastery, Commemorated September 1 ; Miasena Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos was thrown into Lake Zagura in the ninth century in an effort to save it from the iconoclasts. After a long time, the wonderworking icon emerged from the water unharmed and was brought to the Miasena Monastery. Martyr Kyriake of Nicomedia, Commemorated on July 7;

Constantinople, 870-940, Theodora, nun wBasil tNew, B's disciple asked see hFate, then great long after death story, see below
Constantinople, 870-940, Theodora oConstantinople (Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn), widowed early pious life caring fHomeless, later nun under Basil tNew, iSolitary aHome, died great old age 940, Basil's disciple Gregory asked to see her fate, very much(question), yes, today if you ask wFaith& if believe it granted, G supprised able tSee departed, that night youth came to him, get up Basil summons you tVisit Theodora, come if you want to see, tBasil but not there, Basil went tSee T, those present showed him tPath, it led tLabyrinth (maze), led tBolted Gateway, seeing courtyard beyond, woman seeted there, explained it belonged to Basil, Basil came there to visit his spiritual children, G said open I am his spiritual child, she said not without T's permission, knocked loudly, T let him in, Here he is, beloved son my master, who has guided you here(question), Basil's prayer, G begged she tell him how she parted from body, then great long story of her after death experience, see below; Constantinople; Venerable Theodora of Constantinople, Commemorated December 30 ; Theodora lived at Constantinople during the first half of the tenth century. had been married, but was widowed early on and led a pious life, caring for the destitute and hopeless. she became a nun and lived under the guidance of Saint Basil the New (March 26), living the monastic life in a solitary cell in her own home. Theodora died in great old age in the year 940. a disciple of Saint Basil the New, asked his teacher to reveal to him the fate of the deceased nun. “Do you want this very much?” asked Saint Basil. “Yes, I do,” Gregory replied. “You shall see her today, if you ask with faith, and if you believe that your request will be granted.” was greatly surprised and he wondered how he would be able to see someone who had departed to eternal life. same night, as Gregory was falling asleep, a youth of comely appearance came to him and said, “Get up. Father Basil summons you to visit Theodora. you want to see her, then come along.” immediately went to Saint Basil, but did not find him there. present said that Saint Basil had gone to visit the nun Theodora. showed Gregory the path taken by Saint Basil. followed it until he found himself in a labyrinth. narrow and difficult path led to a bolted gateway. through a crack that there was a courtyard beyond the gates, Gregory called out to a woman seated there. explained that this courtyard belonged to Father Basil, was wont to come there to visit his spiritual children. “Open to me, for I am also a spiritual child of Saint Basil,” Gregory entreated. servant girl, however, would not open the doors without Theodora’s permission. began to knock loudly on the doors. Saint Theodora heard it and let him through, exclaiming, “Here he is, the beloved son of my master, Basil!” greeting him, Theodora asked, “Brother Gregory, who has guided you here?” he related how through the prayer of Saint Basil he had the good fortune to behold her in the glory which she had attained by her ascetic life. began to beg her to tell him, for his spiritual benefit, how she had parted from the body and come to this holy habitation. Theodora replied, “Dear child Gregory, how can I tell you everything? the point, in which I was with tribulation in fear and trembling, I have forgotten much, moreover, I saw such faces and heard such voices, as one would never see nor hear in one’s life. “I can say that death would have come upon me fiercely because of my unjust deeds, were it not for the prayers of our Father Basil. prayers alone made my death easier.” this Saint Theodora began to relate how a multitude of evil spirits suddenly appeared and accosted her before her end. carried large books, in which were written all the sins of her whole life. reviewed them impatiently, as though expecting the arrival of some sort of judge at any minute. all this, Saint Theodora felt such fear and terror, that finally she became exhausted. glanced all around, hoping to see someone who would drive the devils away. herself in this tormenting situation, she then beheld two angels standing to the right of her. was her Guardian Angel, the other she did not know. evil spirits then withdrew farther off. angel said, “Why do you, grim enemies of the race of man, seek to harass and torment the soul of the deceased? not rejoice, for she is not one of yours.” the shameless spirits began to recount everything that the saint had done from her youth, whether by word, or deed or thought. all this they added much of their own invention, seeking to slander the saint. Death came. It poured something into a bowl and offered it to the saint to drink, then taking a knife, it cut off her head. “Ah, my child,” continued Saint Theodora, “how bitter it was for me then, how bitter! this moment Death snatched away my soul, which quickly separated from the body, just as a bird leaps off the fowler’s hand when he sets it free.” angels took the soul of Saint Theodora and began to lead it to Heaven, whereas her body was left to lie upon the earth like discarded clothing. the holy angels had the soul of the nun, the evil spirits returned saying, “We have a list of her many sins, answer for them.” the angels began to recount all the good deeds which the saint had done: her charity, her love of peace, her love for the temple of God, her patience, humility, fasting, and many other ascetic deeds which the nun had accomplished in life. set her good deeds opposite her sins, which expiated them. evil spirits gnashed their teeth, wanting to abduct the holy soul and hurl it down into the abyss. suddenly, Saint Basil appeared in spirit and he said to the holy angels, “My protectors, this soul has rendered me many services, lessening the distress of my infirmity and old age. I have prayed concerning her to the Lord, and He bestowed this good thing.” this Saint Basil gave the angels some sort of small chest, “When you want the celestial trials to finish, take what is in this chest and give it to the wicked and evil spirits.” giving them the chest, the saint disappeared. all this, the evil spirits remained perplexed and speechless for a long time, then suddenly, they howled, “Woe to us! In vain have we toiled, watching and following her, noting how and where she sinned.” Then they disappeared. Saint Basil appeared again and brought with him many different vessels with fragrances, he entrusted to the angels. one vessel after the other, the angels poured out the fragrances upon Saint Theodora. was filled with a spiritual sweetness and felt that she had changed and become very luminous. Basil said, “My protectors! When you have done everything needful for her, and have brought her to the habitation prepared by the Lord for me, leave her there.” holy angels took Saint Theodora and proceeded up to Heaven, rising up through the air. suddenly, they encountered the First Trial, which is called the Trial of Idle and Nasty Words. tormentors demanded an answer be given for every evil thing that Theodora had ever spoken about anyone, and they pointed out the indecorous laughter, mockery and crude songs. saint had forgotten all this, since quite a long time had passed when she first began to lead a life pleasing to God. the angels defended her. came the Trial of Lies. evil spirits there were very nasty, stubborn and fierce. They furiously began to slander the saint, but the angels gave them something from the small chest and they passed by unhindered. Theodora reached the Third Trial, that of Judging and Slander, among the evil spirits emerged one rather older, and it began to tell how the nun had slandered someone with vile words during her life. of what he said was false, but still it was amazing how the demons remembered things in detail and with exactness, things which the nun herself had forgotten. servants of the Fourth Trial, that of Gluttony and Drunkenness, ready to devour the saint like ravenous wolves, recalling how she ate in the morning without praying to God, how she ate at lunch and supper without measure, and transgressed the fasts. to snatch the nun from the hands of the angels, one of the evil spirits said, “Did you not promise the Lord God at holy Baptism to renounce Satan and all his works and everything that pertains to him? given such a vow, how could you have done the things which you have done?” the devils even calculated all the cups of wine which Theodora had imbibed in her life. she said, “Yes, this was so, and I remember that,” the angels again gave a portion from the small chest of Saint Basil, just as they had done at each of the trials, and went farther. “Do the people on earth know what awaits them here and with what they will meet at the time of their death?” Theodora asked the angels. “Yes, they do know,” an angel replied, “but the pleasures and delights of life act so strongly upon them, and so occupy their attention, that they involuntarily forget what awaits them beyond the grave.” “It is good for those who remember the Holy Scripture, or show charity, or do other good deeds, which can redeem them later from the eternal torments of Hell. woe to those who live carelessly as though forever, thinking only of the sweets of the belly and their pride. death should suddenly overtake them, they perish completely, since they have no good deeds in their defense. souls of these people are fiercely tormented by the dark princes of these trials, lead them off into the dark places of hell will hold them until the Coming of Christ. you would have suffered this too, Theodora, if you had not received the gift from Saint Basil, which saved you from all harm here.” the angel finished speaking, they came to the Fifth Trial, that of Laziness and Sloth, sinners are tormented for all the hours of the day spent in idleness. the indolent are held, for they were too lazy to go to the Church of God on feastdays. the careless and the despondent are also tested, both the laity and the clergy, each one shows a lack of attentiveness to his own soul. Many here are hurled off into the abyss. angels made up for the insufficiencies of the nun with the gifts of Saint Basil, and proceeded farther. Sixth Trial was that of Theft, and they passed through freely. Seventh Trial, that of Greed and Avarice, angels managed to pass through unhindered because, by the mercy of God, Saint Theodora had always been satisfied with what God provided, and she distributed what she possessed to the needy. spirits of the Eighth Trial, that of Bribery, those guilty of taking bribes and Flattery. They gnashed their teeth in malice when the angels moved on, for they had nothing against Saint Theodora. the angels proceeded freely through the Ninth Trial, that of Unrighteousness and Vanity; the Tenth Trial, that of Envy and Jealousy; and the Eleventh Trial, that of Pride. the way they soon encountered the Twelfth Trial, that of Anger. eldest of the spirits, full of anger and arrogance, commanded its servants to torment and torture the nun. devils repeated all the words of the nun that she had spoken in anger. even remembered how she had glared at her own children with anger, or strictly punished them. all this the angels gave an answer, handing out things from the small chest. robbers, the evil spirits of the Thirteenth Trial, that of Spitefulness, out, but finding nothing in their records, they wailed bitterly. Saint Theodora made bold to ask one of the angels how the evil spirits know what evil things people do in life. angel answered, “Every Christian receives a Guardian Angel at holy Baptism, invisibly protects him from everything bad and urges him to everything good. He records all the good deeds done by this person. on the other side, there is an evil angel keeping track of all the evil deeds people do, and writes them down in his book. records all the sins which, as you have seen, accost people as they pass through these trials on their way to Heaven. sins can deny a soul entry into Paradise, and lead directly into the abyss in which the evil spirits themselves dwell. there these souls will dwell until the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, they have no good deeds which can snatch them from the devil’s clutches. who truly believe in the Holy Trinity, and who have received the Holy Mysteries of the Body and Blood of Christ the Savior, directly to Heaven without any hindrance. the holy angels of God are shown as their defenders, the saints pleasing to God intercede for the salvation of souls of righteous people. the impious and heretics of evil doctrine, and those who accomplish nothing useful in their lives, one looks after them and the angels can say nothing in their defense.” angels then reached the Fourteenth Trial, that of Thuggery, all who have lashed out with anger, smiting someone on the cheek or using some other weapon, are tested. angels passed freely through this trial, too. they found themselves at the Fifteenth Trial, that of Sorcery and Necromancy (Conjuring), in the midst of beckoning demons. are located the viperous-mannered spirits, the purpose of whose existence is to lead people into temptation and corruption. the grace of Christ Saint Theodora soon bypassed this trial. after this she asked whether it is for every sin which a man commits in life that he is tormented with at the trials, if it is possible, even during life, to expiate the sin in order to be cleansed of it and not be tormented with it at the trials. angels told Saint Theodora that not all experience the trials in that way, only those like her who did not make a heart-cleansing confession before death. “If I had confessed to my spiritual Father all my sins without shame or fear, and if I had received absolution from him,” said Saint Theodora, “then I should have gone through all these trials unhindered, and not one of my sins would have tormented me. since I was not in the habit of confessing all my sins to my spiritual Father, they torment me for them here.” “Of course, it helped me a good deal that I strove and desired to flee sin all my life. strives diligently for repentance, always receives forgiveness from God, also unencumbered passage from this life to the blessed life beyond the grave. evil spirits, which are here during these trials with their records, open them find nothing written, because the Holy Spirit will make invisible everything that is written. know that everything written by them is wiped out, thanks to Confession, and they are deeply saddened.” “If a person is still among the living, then they aspire to write down some other sort of sins. great is the saving power of Confession! It saves one from much woe and distress, it provides the possibility to go through all the trials without hindrance and come to God. do not come to Confession in the expectation that there will be time for salvation, and for the remission of their sins. simply are ashamed to tell the priest their sins in Confession. people will be severely tested by these trials. There are also those who are ashamed to tell everything to one spiritual Father, and they prefer to tell one sin to one priest, and others to another, and so forth. such a Confession they will be punished, and they will suffer not a little in passing from trial to trial.” they approached the Sixteenth Trial, that of Fornication. tormentors were astonished that the saint had reached them without hindrance, and when they began to relate what she had done in life, gave much false testimony, while providing names and places in their account. it also happened with the servants of the Seventeenth Trial, that of Adultery. Eighteenth Trial, that of Sodomy, was where all the sins of fornication against nature and of incest are punished, all the nasty, secretly done deeds of which, in the words of the Apostle, it is shameful even to speak. Theodora passed quickly through these. angels said to her, “You saw the dreadful and loathsome fornications of that trial. that it is a rare soul that passes by them freely. the world is immersed in the evil of temptations and filth, nearly all people are lascivious, and “the imagination of man is intently bent on evil from his youth” (Gen. 8: 21). are those who have mortified the passions of the flesh, and there are few who would freely pass through these trials. large number of those who arrive here perish. forces of the fornication trials boast that they, more than all the other trials, fill up the fiery raging in Hell. thanks to God, Theodora, that you have bypassed these tormentors of lewdness through the prayers of your spiritual Father, Saint Basil. You shall see no greater terror.” the Nineteenth Trial, that of Idol-Worship and Every Heresy, there was nothing with which to torment Saint Theodora. the Twentieth and final Trial, that of Lack of Pity and Hardness of Heart, recorded everything unmerciful, cruel, spiteful and hateful. soul of a person not following the command of God to be merciful, is flung from here into Hell and kept there until the general resurrection. servants of the fierce demon swooped down like a swarm of bees, but finding nothing concerning the nun, they went away. rejoicing angels then transported the saint through the gates of Heaven. she entered into Heaven the water on the ground parted, and joined together again behind her. triumphant host of angels met the saint and conducted her to the Throne of God. they went, two divine clouds descended upon them. an inexplicable height stood the Throne of God, so white that it illumined all present before it. Theodora continued her narrative, “Everything there is so wonderful that it is not possible either to comprehend or explain it; the mind is clouded with perplexity, and memory fails, and I forgot where I was.” She bowed down to the Unseen God and heard a Voice, commanding that she be shown all the souls of the righteous and of sinners, and after this to grant her repose in a place where Saint Basil would indicate. all this had been shown her, one of the angels said, “You know, Theodora, that in the world it is the custom for the living to remember the departed on the fortieth day after death. there on earth Saint Basil remembers you today.” “And so,” Theodora continued, “my spiritual child Gregory, after the fortieth day from the separation of my soul from the body, am now in this place, which was prepared for our Father Saint Basil.” this she led him through the heavenly habitations, Gregory encountered Saint Basil in the courtyard beyond the trapeza. Saint Theodora led him into the garden. at all the good things, Gregory wanted to find out about them. Saint Theodora merely said that all this is not of the earth, is attainable for those who endure many sorrows and misfortunes in the earthly life, keep the commands of the Lord and precisely fulfill them. Saint Theodora said that life in Heaven is distinctly different from life on earth, involuntarily pinched himself, wanting to know whether he was still in the flesh. spirit was joyful, his senses and thoughts pure. wanted to return from the garden which the nun had shown him, and go to the courtyard. he returned, there was no one there in the trapeza. to Saint Theodora, Gregory started to return home, at that very moment he awoke and began to wonder where he was and what he had heard and seen. was afraid that it was all just a demonic delusion, he went to his teacher. Saint Basil himself recounted everything that Gregory had seen, asked him to write down everything he had seen and heard, for the benefit of others. similar after death experiences, see the Life of Saint Salvius (Saint Gregory of Tours, History of the Franks, VII, 1), other examples in Saint Bede, HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH CHURCH AND PEOPLE, Book V, chs. 12-14).

Constantinople, 879-880, Eighth Ecumenical Council, rejected Pope's support of Ignatius, for Photius
Eighth Ecumenical Council; St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6 ;

Constantinople, 886-893, Stephen I, Patriarch, Saint, E Basil's son E Leo's bro, mentored bPhotius
Constantinople, 886-893, Stephen I, Patriarch, Saint, son Emperor Basil, bro Emperor Leo, ordained under Photius, when P became Patriarch 886 then Stephen tBishop oC; ,Constantinople Patriarch, 886-893 , Stephen I ; St Stephen the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 17; Stephen, Patriarch of Constantinople, the younger son of Emperor Basil the Macedonian, was a brother of Emperor Leo the Wise. was ordained to the priesthood under Patriarch Photius. Saint Photius was compelled to resign the patriarchal throne in the year 886, Saint Stephen was elevated to the See of Constantinople. saint vigilantly stood watch over his spiritual flock, he was merciful and interceded for the defenseless, he concerned himself with widows and orphans, and distinguished himself by his temperance. died peacefully in the year 893 and was buried in the Sikellian monastery.

Byzantium, 886-912, Emperor, Leo VI, Wise, c R of Letters, l ground to Bulgrs and Arabs, d Senate
Byzantine Emperor, 886-912, Leo VI the Wise ; VI, called the Wise or the Philosopher (Greek: , romanized: Len ho Sophos, 19 September 866 -11 May 912), was Byzantine Emperor from 886 to 912. The second ruler of the Macedonian dynasty (although his parentage is unclear), he was very well-read, leading to his epithet. During his reign, the renaissance of letters, begun by his predecessor Basil I, continued; but the Empire also saw several military defeats in the Balkans against Bulgaria and against the Arabs in Sicily and the Aegean. His reign also witnessed the formal discontinuation of several ancient Roman institutions, such as the Roman consul and Senate (in this period also known as the Byzantine Senate), which continued to exist in name only and lost much of their original functions and powers. Venerable Michael of Maleinus, Commemorated July 12 ; St Fantinus of Calabria, Commemorated on August 30; The Placing of the Cincture (Sash) of the Most Holy Mother of God, Commemorated on August 31; Blessed Andrew the Fool-For-Christ at Constantinople, Commemorated on October 2; Venerable Euthymius the New of Thessalonica, and Monk of Mt Athos, Commemorated on October 15; Translation of the relics of St Lazarus œof the Four Days in the TombÂ the Bishop of Kiteia on Cyprus, Commemorated on October 17; St Stephen the œNew LightÂ of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 9; Venerable Thomas of Bithynia, Commemorated on December 10; Blessed Empress Theophano, Commemorated on December 16; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of St Cyril and Methodius, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on December 23; Venerable Theodora of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 30 ; Venerable Luke of Hellas, Commemorated on February 7; St Anthony the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 12; Venerable Basil the New, Anchorite, Near Constantinople, Commemorated on March 26; St Eustathius (Eustace) the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia, Commemorated on March 29; Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, Commemorated on April 2; St Peter the Wonderworker and Bishop of Argos, Commemorated on May 3 ; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of SS Cyril and Methodius, Equals of the Apostles, Commemorated on June 20;

Byzantium, 886-893, Emperess, Theophano, Orthodox, Iconodule, falsely accused, Ascetic Saint, Rplcd by Zoe
Byzantium, 886-893, Emperess, Theophano, Orthodox, Iconodule, falsely accused, Ascetic Saint, Rplcd by Zoe, married tLeo VI tWise, wLeo imprisoned 3yrs, Leo falsely accused assin father, ascetic after prison, gave tPoor&monasteries, widows, orphans, consoling sorrowful, refused church be named after her, All Saints Day for her; Byzantium, 886-897, Emperess, Theophano, Orthodox, Iconodule, falsely accused w husband, Saint, Ascetic; Martinakia (866/67 - 10 November 897[1]) was a Byzantine Empress by marriage to Leo VI the Wise. She is venerated as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church. Byzantine Emperor, 886-912, Leo VI the Wise ; VI, called the Wise or the Philosopher (19 September 866-“ 11 May 912), was Byzantine Emperor from 886 to 912. The second ruler of the Macedonian dynasty (although his parentage is unclear), was very well-read, leading to his epithet. During his reign, the renaissance of letters, begun by his predecessor Basil I, continued; the Empire also saw several military defeats in the Balkans against Bulgaria and against the Arabs in Sicily and the Aegean. reign also witnessed the formal discontinuation of several ancient Roman institutions, such as the Roman consul and Senate (in this period also known as the Byzantine Senate), which continued to exist in name only and lost much of their original functions and powers. Blessed Empress Theophano, Commemorated on December 16; Holy Empress Theophano was the first wife of Emperor Leo VI the Wise (886-911). and Leo were locked up in prison for three years, because Leo was falsely accused of intending to assassinate his father, Emperor Basil the Macedonian. After receiving her freedom, she spent her life in prayer and fasting, earnestly struggling for her salvation. in the world, she renounced everything worldly. She was a benefactor to the poor, and was generous toward monasteries. She was a true mother to her subjects, caring for widows and orphans, and consoling the sorrowful. Theophano died in 893 or 894. before her death her husband started to build a church, intending to dedicate it to Theophano, but she forbade him to do so. was this emperor who decreed that the Sunday after Pentecost be dedicated to All Saints. that his wife was one of the righteous, he knew that she would also be honored whenever the Feast of All Saints was celebrated. holy relics are preserved in Constantinople.

Constantinople, 886-911, Thomas oBithynia, igumen new Sakkoudion m, withdrew solitude, clairvoyantly answers Emperor's question
Bithynia, 886-911, Thomas oBithynia, from there, young monk, later chosen igumen new Sakkoudion m, withdrew solitude, Emperor visits, clairvoyantly answers question before asked; Sakkoudion Monastery on Mt Olympos in Bithynia; Venerable Thomas of Bithynia Commemorated on December 10; Thomas Dephourkinos was born in Bithynia. his youth he was fond of monastic life and entered one of the area monasteries. in his life, when the Byzantine official Galoliktos had founded a monastery at the River Sagarisa, Saint Thomas was already an experienced monk, and the brethren chose him as head of the new monastery. there Saint Thomas withdrew into the wilderness, where for a long time he labored in solitude. monk overcame many snares of the devil in the wilderness. The Lord glorified him with the gift of healing and prophecy. the emperor Leo the Wise (886-911) came to the monastery to Saint Thomas for advice. finding the monk at the monastery, the emperor sent his messenger with a letter for him. just as the messenger arrived at the the Elder’s hut, the saint carried out to him a sealed answer, resolving the emperor’s question. is not known when Saint Thomas reposed.

Constantinople, 892, Theodora&dTheopiste, tThessalonica from Saracen Raids on Aegina Island, tMonastery aHusbands' death
Greece, 892, Theodora and her daughter Theopiste, moved tThessalonica due to Saracen Raids on Aegina Island, tMonastery after husbands death, virtuous life; Aegina Island; Venerable Theodora and her daughter Theopiste, Commemorated on August 3; Theodora was born in Aegina. her marriage, she and her husband moved to Thessaloniki because of the raids of the Saracens. her husband's death she entered the Monastery of Saint Stephen with her daughter Theopiste. lived a life of great virtue and reposed in the year 892. the commemoration of these saints is on August 29, their celebration was moved to August 3 because of the Feast of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.

Constantinople, 893-901, Antony II, Patriarch, pious, strict monastic, servant of all, w Leo the Wise
Constantinople Patriarch, 893-901, Antony II ; II Kauleas was Patriarch of Constantinople from 893 to February 12, 901. monk by age 12, Antony Kauleas became a priest and the abbot of an unnamed monastery. He came to the attention of Stylianos Zaoutzes, the all-powerful minister of Emperor Leo VI. Antony had supported Leo against the former Patriarch Photios I of Constantinople, and had contributed to the pacification of the Church by effecting a compromise between the supporters of Photios and Ignatios. The emperor appointed Antony patriarch after the death of his own brother, Patriarch Stephen I of Constantinople in 893. Antony II was a pious man who generously endowed monastic foundations and founded or re-founded the Kaulea monastery with the support of the emperor, who preached at the church's dedication. Buried in the church of his monastery, Antony was held responsible for various miracles. He was canonized as a saint by both the Orthodox and Catholic Churches and he is commemorated on February 12. St Anthony the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 12; Anthony, Patriarch of Constantinople, was a native of Asia, but lived in Constantinople from his youth. He was born around 829 of rich and pious parents. After the death of his mother, he entered a monastery at the age of twelve, where following the example of the igumen, he spent his nights in prayer and led a strict monastic life. the passage of time, and against his will, he was ordained to the holy priesthood. Later, at the insistence of the Patriarch, he was made an igumen. Serving in this rank, he tonsured his own father into monasticism. Saint Anthony was distinguished by his mercy, by his love and concern for the destitute, and he provided generous help to them. to the Patriarchal throne at Constantinople in 893, Saint Anthony intensified his care for the destitute, and especially for their spiritual condition. With the assistance of the emperor Leo the Wise, Patriarch Anthony did much good for the Church, and encouraged piety in the people. He also built a monastery over the relics of Saint Kallia (February 12). Despite being stooped over with age, he went around all the churches, fulfilling the command of the Savior to be the servant of all the brethren. the year 895, advanced in age, Saint Anthony went peacefully to the Lord. St Peter the Wonderworker and Bishop of Argos, Commemorated on May 3 ;

Constantinople, 895-901, Nicholas 1, Patriarch, Mystikos, actually from 901-925
Constantinople, 895-901, Patriarch, Nicholas 1, Nicholas Mystikos; I Mystikos or Nicholas I Mysticus (852 - 11 May 925) was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from March 901 to February 907 and from May 912 to his death in 925. His feast day in the Eastern Orthodox Church is 16 May.[1] was born in the Italian Peninsula and had become a friend of the Patriarch Photios. He fell into disfavor after Photios' dismissal in 886 and retired to a monastery. Emperor Leo VI the Wise retrieved him from the monastery and made him mystikos, a dignity designating either the imperial secretary or a judicial official. 1 March 901, Nicholas was appointed patriarch. However, he fell out with Leo VI over the latter's fourth marriage to his mistress Zoe Karbonopsina. Although he reluctantly baptized the fruit of this relationship, the future Constantine VII, Nicholas forbade the emperor from entering the church and may have become involved in the revolt of Andronikos Doukas. He was deposed as patriarch on 1 February 907 and replaced by Euthymios. Exiled to his own monastery, Nicholas regarded his deposition as unjustified and involved Pope Sergius III in the dispute. the time of the accession of Leo VI's brother Alexander to the throne in May 912, Nicholas was restored to the patriarchate. A protracted struggle with the supporters of Euthymios followed, which did not end until the new Emperor Romanos I Lekapenos promulgated the Tomos of Union in 920. In the meantime Alexander had died in 913 after provoking a war with Bulgaria, and the underage Constantine VII succeeded to the throne. Nicholas Mystikos became the leading member of the seven-man regency for the young emperor, and as such had to face the advance of Simeon I of Bulgaria on Constantinople. Nicholas negotiated a peaceful settlement, crowned Simeon emperor of the Bulgarians in a makeshift ceremony outside Constantinople, and arranged for the marriage of Simeon's daughter to Constantine VII. unpopular concession undermined his position, and by March 914, with the support of the magistros John Eladas, Zoe Karbonopsina overthrew Nicholas and replaced him as foremost regent. She revoked the agreement with Simeon, prompting the renewal of hostilities with Bulgaria. With her main supporter Leo Phokas crushingly defeated by the Bulgarians at the Battle of Acheloos in 917, Zoe started to lose ground. Embarrassed by further failures, she and her supporters were supplanted in 919 by the admiral Romanos Lekapenos, who married his daughter Helena Lekapene to Constantine VII and finally advanced to the imperial throne in 920. The Patriarch Nicholas came to be one of the strongest supporters of the new emperor, and took the brunt of renewed negotiations with the Bulgarians until his death in 925. addition to his numerous letters to various notables and foreign rulers (including Simeon of Bulgaria), Nicholas Mystikos wrote a homily on the sack of Thessalonica by the Arabs in 904. He was a critical thinker who went as far as to question the authority of Old Testament quotations and the notion that the emperor's command was unwritten law. St. Peter the Wonderworker and Bishop of Argos, Commemorated on May 3; Saint Peter zealously devoted himself to monastic labors, and he excelled all his fellows. This came to the attention of the Italian bishop Nicholas (who from 895 was Patriarch of Constantinople), who wanted to elevate him to the rank of bishop. Saint Peter declined, accounting himself unworthy of such honor. Nicholas consecrated Paul, Saint Peter’s brother, as Bishop of Corinth, and Saint Peter went to his brother and lived with him, taking upon himself the spiritual struggle of silence. After a year emissaries came to Bishop Paul from the city of Argos, where the bishop had died, and they asked for Saint Peter as their bishop. After long and intense entreaties, Saint Peter finally gave his consent. As bishop, Saint Peter toiled zealously in guiding his flock. He was extraordinarily compassionate, concerning himself with those in need, especially orphans and widows.

Constantinople, 900-999, Folder, 10th Century, Russian Incursion and Treaty

Constantinople, 905-955, Paul oLatros, for ascetic deeds gifts oClairvoyance&Wonderworking, counciled Emperor, estab&restor m's
Ephesus, 905-955, Paul oLatros, fPergamun, Mysia, Lydia (near Ephesus, Caicus River 1), ed iPhrygia, after mom's death monk aMt Latra near Miletos, then in a cave, gifts oClairvoyance wonderworking, counciled Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitos, withdrew twice tSamos, estab m, restored 3 monassteries Arabs ravaged, foretold time oDeath, 955; Pergamun; Venerable Paul of Latros, Commemorated on December 15 ; Paul of Latros was a native of the city of Aelen in Pergamum. bereft of his father, he was educated at the monastery of Saint Stephen in Phrygia. the death of his mother, he devoted himself completely to monastic deeds at a monastery on Mount Latra, near Miletos. even loftier accomplishments, he secluded himself in a cave. his ascetic deeds he gained the gifts of clairvoyance and wonderworking. emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitos (912-959) often wrote to him, asking his prayers and counsel. Paul twice withdrew to the island of Samos, where he established a monastery and restored three monasteries ravaged by the Hagarenes (Arabs). his end, the monk reposed in the year 955.

Constantinople, 907, Russian incursion into Greece, Oleg the Wise
Russian incursion into Greece in 907 (Rus-Byzantine War (907)); The very first pages of the Russian Primary Chronicle, as foreordained by God, is bound up with the name of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. The Chronicle relates that when Oleg the Wise threatened the Greeks at Constantinople (907), the Greeks became terrified and said,"œThis is not Oleg, but rather St Demetrius sent upon us from God."Russian soldiers always believed that they were under the special protection of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius. Moreover, in the old Russian barracks the Great Martyr Demetrius was always depicted as Russian. Thus this image entered the soul of the Russian nation. Russian Primary Chronicle; Timeline of Russian history; Holy, Glorious Demetrius the Myrrhgusher of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 26; Oleg of Kiev and Novgorod (Little Russia); Little Russia (Ukraine);

Byzantium, 910s-968, General, Bardas Phokas the Elder, f of Nikephoros II Phokas, Caesar
Byzantium, 910s-968, Byzantine General, Bardas Phokas the Elder, father of Nikephoros II Phokas; Phokas (Greek:) (c. 878- 968) was a notable Byzantine general in the first half of the 10th century, and father of Byzantine emperor Nikephoros II Phokas and the kouropalates Leo Phokas the Younger. was the scion of the Phokas family, one of the great houses of the Anatolian military aristocracy, his father was Nikephoros Phokas the Elder, an eminent Byzantine general with a distinguished record of service in Italy. In 917, he participated under the orders of his elder brother Leo in the disastrous Battle of Acheloos. 941, he was governor of the Theme of Armeniakon, in the area previously known as Paphlagonia. In this year the Rus' navy under the leadership of Igor I of Kiev attacked the Empire. Driven off from Constantinople, the Rus' landed in Bithynia and ravaged it. Bardas kept the attackers from doing too much damage with his local militia levies until the larger Byzantine army under John Kourkouas came and drove the Rus' out. 945 he was appointed supreme commander of the Byzantine armies of the East by Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus. In this command he did not make much progress against the Arab forces, being repeatedly defeated by Sayf al-Daula, emir of Aleppo. In 953, he was defeated and severely wounded by Sayf and after further defeats, he was replaced by his son Nikephoros in 954/955. Nikephoros came to the throne he made his father Caesar, only a step below the imperial title. He died about 968 at the age of 90. of the Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, in Holy Baptism Basil, the Enlightener of the Russian Land, Commemorated on July 15;

Byzantium, 910s-991, General, Bardas Skleros, Asian Rebellion
Byzantium, 910s-991, Byzantine General, Bardas Skleros, Asian Rebellion ; Equal of the Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, in Holy Baptism Basil, the Enlightener of the Russian Land, Commemorated on July 15;

Constantinople, 911, Transfer Theolgn Gregory's incrrpt Relics Nazianzos, Cappadocia, Armenia to Constantinople
Armenia, 911, Transfer Theolgn Gregory's incrrpt Relics Nazianzos, Cappadocia, Armenia (Great Road from Ephesus) to Constantinople, incorrupt relics uncovered 3times, 395,408, 911, transferred 911 to Constantinople churches: Hagia Sophia, Hagia Sophia, &Holy Resurrection, Kept there till 1204 Latin Catholic Invasion; Nazianzos; The transfer of the relics of Saint Gregory the Theologian, Commemorated on January 19; to some researchers, the uncovering of the relics of Saint Gregory the Theologian (Jan. 25) occurred (3times) Nazianzus during the reign of Emperor Arkadios (395-408), of Theodosios II (408-450), (at the transfer to C) that of Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitos (911 - 959) they were enshrined in the Church of the Holy Apostles at Constantinople. His honorable head is reverently kept in Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos. the year 1204, when the Western Crusaders captured Constantinople, portions of Saint Gregory’s relics were kept in the church of Hagia Sophia, in the church of the Holy Apostles, and in the church of the Holy Resurrection. St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 25 ;

Constantinople, 912-980, Luke tNew Stylite oChalcedon, Soldier, then monk, then Stylite, chains&Pillar, 45yrs, wonderworkng
BBithynia, 912-980, Luke tNew Stylite oChalcedon, Bithynia (Bosphorus Strait), soldier under Constantine Porphyrogenitos, protected by God in War wBulgaria 917, became monk, ordained aPresbyter, striving highter degree, chains&pillar, tOlympos, tConstantinople, tChalcedon, 45yrs, wonderworking, died 980; Chalcedon; Venerable Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon, Commemorated on December 11 ; Luke the New Stylite was a soldier under the Byzantine emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitos (912-959). a war with Bulgaria (917), Saint Luke remained unharmed through the Providence of God. this he became a monk, and having succeeded in his efforts, was ordained as a presbyter. for an even higher degree of perfection, the monk put chains upon himself and ascended a pillar. three years standing on the pillar, through divine inspiration, he went to Mount Olympos, and then to Constantinople, and finally to Chalcedon, he chose a pillar upon which he remained for 45 years, manifesting a gift of wonderworking. He died in about the year 980.

Byzantium, 913-959, Emperor, Constantine VII, Geoponica (ag lore), born in the purple, regents, Writer
Byzantine Emperor 913-959, Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos ; VII Flavius Porphyrogenitus (Byzantine Greek:, romanized: ; 17/18 May 905 -“ 9 November 959) was the fourth Emperor of the Macedonian dynasty of the Byzantine Empire, reigning from 6 June 913 to 9 November 959. He was the son of Emperor Leo VI and his fourth wife, Zoe Karbonopsina, and the nephew of his predecessor Emperor Alexander. Most of his reign was dominated by co-regents: from 913 until 919 he was under the regency of his mother, while from 920 until 945 he shared the throne with Romanos Lekapenos, whose daughter Helena he married, and his sons. Constantine VII is best known for the Geoponika (), an important agronomic treatise compiled during his reign, and his four books, De Administrando Imperio (bearing in Greek the heading).[3][4] The epithet porphyrogenitus alludes to the Purple chamber of the imperial palace, decorated with porphyry, where legitimate children of reigning emperors were normally born. Constantine was also born in this room, although his mother Zoe had not been married to Leo at that time. Nevertheless, the epithet allowed him to underline his position as the legitimate son, as opposed to all others, who claimed the throne during his lifetime. Sons born to a reigning Emperor held precedence in the Eastern Roman line of succession over elder sons not born "in the purple". Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18; St Philotheus the Presbyter in Asia Minor, Commemorated on September 15; Blessed Andrew the Fool-For-Christ at Constantinople, Commemorated on October 2; Martyr Michael (Gobron) of Georgia, Commemorated on November 17; Venerable Nikon œMetanoeite, the Preacher of Repentance, Commemorated on November 26; Venerable Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon, Commemorated on December 11 ; Venerable Paul of Latros, Commemorated on December 15; Venerable Theodora of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 30 ; Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Luke of Hellas, Commemorated on February 7; Right-believing Prince Wenceslaus of the Czech Lands, Commemorated on March 4; Venerable Basil the New, Anchorite, Near Constantinople, Commemorated on March 26; Venerable Basil the New, Anchorite, Near Constantinople, Commemorated on March 26; Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13, Iveron founded middle of 10th Century;

Constantinople, 913-962, Michael oMaleninus founder Kyminas Monastery, Tenedos Island n Troy, giving, dispassion, clairvoyance
Troy, 913-962, Michael oMaleninus and Kyminas Monastery, Tenedos Island near Troy, 953 approx., fCappadocia, wealthy powerful parents, 925 tMt Kyminas, met monk John heladites, elder of great virtue, brought home few months, returned, alone in cave, 5days fasting prayer, 2days services, after John reposed used great inheritance built Larva Kyminas, gave it all to poor & suffering, high degree dispassion, clairvoyance, very compassionate, many miracles, cenobitic m, many great ascetics through there, Athanasios the Athonite of Great Larva, Kyminas calligraphers, copying, new remote monastery (Dry Lake), Kyminas covered monastic communities, constant prayers for whole world, surrendered soul advanced age while still vigorus; Wikipedia directs Kyminas to Tenedos ; Venerable Michael of Maleinus, Commemorated on July 12 ; Michael lived during the reign of Emperor Constantine VI (913-959) until the reign of Basil II, the Bulgar-slayer (976 - 1025). was born in Cappadocia to devout and wealthy parents, Eudókimos and Anastasó (Ἀναστασῶ). Eustáthios, paternal grandfather, was a patrician; and his maternal grandfather, Adrálestos, held the rank of General of the East. ḗl (the Saint's name in the world) was brought up in the east, but soon he realized the futility of worldly honors and goods. the year 925, he fled to Mount Kyminas (Όρος Κύμινας) in Bithynia. he met a monk named John Heladites, an Elder of great virtue, and asked him if he might stay nearby. Elder accepted him, but after a while, his father discovered where he was, and after many entreaties, he brought him home. a few months, however, and with this permission of his parents, he returned to his Elder, who received him with great joy. he begged Father John to allow him to live alone in a cave, and the Elder blessed him to do this. five days of the week he devoted himself to fasting, vigil, and prayer. On Saturday and Sunday he came to the monastery to participate in the Divine Services, and to partake of the Holy Mysteries. three years of probation, Manouḗl was tonsured as a monk with the name Michael. after Elder John had reposed, Father Michael took the great inheritance he had received from his family and gave it away to the poor and the suffering. Michael was deemed worthy of ordination to the priesthood. From the Holy Scriptures, he showed how the priesthood ought to be combined with monasticism. attained a high degree of dispassion, and he also received the gift of clairvoyance. He was very compassionate and kind toward people. He could not bear to let those who were in need or sorrow remain without help and consolation. By his ardent prayers, he performed many miracles. Michael also founded the famous Lavra of Kyminas, where many brethren received their spiritual formation. had organized it as a cenobitic monastery, suffusing it with fraternal love. great ascetics passed through this Monastery, whom was Saint Athanasios the Athonite (July 5), the founder of the Greatest Lavra (Μεγίστη Λαύρα) on the Holy Mountain. Monastery was also renowned for its calligraphers, and for copying spiritual books. the monastery was secure, Saint Michael went to an even more remote place, where he built a new monastery. his efforts, the whole mountain of Kyminas was covered with monastic communities, where constant prayers were offered for the entire world before the Throne of the Most High. an advanced age, but still vigorous in faith and in spirit, Saint Michael surrendered his holy soul to God in the year 962.

Constantinople, 916-946, Luke oHellas, fPeloponissos, child miracles, levitation, constant prayer, obedient, humble, foresight
Greece, 916-946, Luke of Hellas (Greece) fKastorion, Lakonia, Peloponissos, Greece 37° 10' 0" N, 22° 19' 0" E, son oPoor farmers, toiled much iChildhood, Farming&Shepherding, obedient tParents, temperate iEating, gave food clothing tPoor, parent reproach, example gave almost all seed, but best harvest ever, as child prayed fervently often, mother saw him standing in air more than once while praying, after father's death tAthens monastery, mother's prayers miraculously returned him, 4mos then mother sent him solitary place, Ioannou mt, 7yrs, constant prayer fasting, tonsured monk there, foresight gift, tCorinth tAvoid Bulgarian invasion, tPatras stylite 10 yrs, served him iObedience Humility, returned thome land, tIoannou, but throngs people disturbed quietude, Elder blessed him tMore remont Kalamion, 3yrs, tAmpelon Island, desolate arid, because Turk invasion, tSteiris, small monastery grew up, church built tGreat Martyr Barbara, many miracles, healing souls and bodies, foresaw his own end, tHis cell 3mo, prepared his departure, replied throw my body ravine to be eaten wild animals, bretheren begged, then bury body where I lay, into thy hands O Lord, I commend my spirit; Kastorion, Lakonia, Peloponissos, Greece 37° 10' 0" N, 22° 19' 0" E; Venerable Luke of Hellas, Commemorated on February 7; Luke of Hellas was a native of the Greek village of Kastorion. son of poor farmers, the saint from childhood had toiled much, working in the fields and shepherding the sheep. was very obedient to his parents very temperate in eating. often gave his own food and clothing to the poor, which he suffered reproach from his parents. once gave away almost all the seed which was needed for planting in the fields. Lord rewarded him for his charity, and the harvest gathered was greater than ever before. a child, he prayed fervently and often. mother saw him more than once standing not on the ground, but in the air while he prayed. the death of his father, he left his mother and went to Athens, where he entered a monastery. through the prayers of his mother, who was very concerned about him, the Lord returned him to his parental home in a miraculous manner. spent four months there, then with his mother’s blessing he went to a solitary place on a mountain called Ioannou (or Ioannitsa). there was a church dedicated to the holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian, he lived an ascetical life in constant prayer and fasting. was tonsured there by some Elders who were on pilgrimage. this, Saint Luke redoubled his ascetic efforts, which the Lord granted him the gift of foresight. a seven years on Ioannou, the saint moved to Corinth because of an invasion of the Bulgarian armies. about the exploits of a certain stylite at Patras, he went to see him, remained for ten years to serve the ascetic with humility and obedience. the saint returned again to his native land again began to pursue asceticism on Mount Ioannou. throngs of people flocking there disturbed his quietude, with the blessing of his Elder Theophylactus, Luke went with his disciple to a still more remote place at Kalamion. three years, he settled on the desolate and arid island of Ampelon of an invasion of the Turks. was another place of his ascetic efforts. brethren gathered to the monk, and a small monastery grew up, church of which was dedicated to the Great Martyr Barbara. in the monastery, the saint performed many miracles, healing sicknesses of soul and of body. his end, the saint confined himself in a cell and for three months prepared for his departure. asked where he was to be buried, the monk replied, “Throw my body into a ravine to be eaten by wild beasts.” the brethren begged him to change these instructions, he commanded them to bury his body on the spot where he lay. his eyes to heaven, he said, “Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit!” Luke fell asleep in the Lord on February 7, 946. a church was built over his tomb. flowed from his holy relics, and many healings occurred.

Byzantium, 919-944, Emperor, Romanus, the Elder, Orthodox
Byzantine Emperor 919-944, Romanus ; St Olga the Princess of Russia, in Holy Baptism Called Helen, Commemorated on July 11; Translation of the Image "œNot-Made-By-Hands"of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in AugustÂ, Commemorated on August 16 ; Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18; Venerable Nikon œMetanoeite,Â the Preacher of Repentance, Commemorated on November 26; Venerable Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon, Commemorated on December 11 ; Venerable Theodora of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 30 ; Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Luke of Hellas, Commemorated on February 7; Right-believing Prince Wenceslaus of the Czech Lands, Commemorated on March 4; Venerable Basil the New, Anchorite, Near Constantinople, Commemorated on March 26; Venerable Basil the New, Anchorite, Near Constantinople, Commemorated on March 26; St Tryphon the Patriarch of Constantinople; Commemorated on April 19; Icon of the Mother of God œEconomissaÂ, Commemorated on July 5; Venerable Athanasius the Founder of the Great Lavra and Coenobitic Monasticism on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on July 5;

Constantinople, 919-944, Neorion Church Restoration, miraculous grace during restoration, MOG prevented demolition
Constantinople, 919-944, Neorion Church Restoration, Neorion Harbour, miraculous grace during restoration, MOG prevented demolition; Neorion Harbour; The restoration of the church of the Theotokos at Neorion, Commemorated on August 31; church, which was the property of the patrician Anthony, was located in the courtyard of his home at Neorion.1 its restoration, the church received miraculous grace, working many miracles for those who came to it with faith. the patrician Anthony reposed, the church was abandoned and stripped bare. When Emperor Romanos Lekapēnós (reigned 919-944) was preparing to demolish it, the foreman in charge of the church's demolition was prevented from doing so by a vision of the Theotokos. was then decided to restore the church and a chrysoboulos was obtained, providing an annual grant for its maintenance. 1 Neorion was in the eastern part Constantinople, on the south coast.

Constantinople, 920-936, Andrew, Fool For Christ, Blachernae, Slav, vision radiant men&black devils, angels' crowns, be a fool
Constantinople, 920-936, Andrew, Fool For Christ, Blachernae church, Slav, vision 2 armies, radiant men and black devils, angels' crowns, not earthly, celestial, for victory over dark hordes, be a fool, recieved prophecy and wiscom; Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (Istanbul); Blessed Andrew the Fool-For-Christ at Constantinople, Commemorated on October 2; Andrew, Fool-for-Christ, was a Slav and lived in the tenth century at Constantinople. his early years, he loved God’s Church and the Holy Scriptures. during a dream, the saint beheld a vision of two armies. In the one were men in radiant garb, in the other, black and fiercesome devils. angel of God, who held wondrous crowns, said to Andrew, that these crowns were not adornments from the earthly world, but rather a celestial treasure, with which the Lord rewards His warriors, victorious over the dark hordes. “Proceed with this good deed,” the angel said to Andrew. “Be a fool for My sake and you will receive much in the day of My Kingdom.” saint perceived that it was the Lord Himself summoning him to this deed. that time Andrew began to go about the streets in rags, as though his mind had become muddled. many years the saint endured mockery and insults. With indifference he underwent beatings, hunger and thirst, cold and heat, begging alms and giving them away to the poor. his great forebearance and humility the saint received from the Lord the gift of prophecy and wisdom, saving many from spiritual perils, and he unmasked the impiety of many. praying at the Blachernae church, Saint Andrew beheld the Most Holy Mother of God, holding her veil over those praying under her Protection (October 1). Andrew died in the year 936.

Constantinople, 928-931, Patriarch, Tryphon, Locum tenens patriach for emperors son, treacherously removed
Constantinople, 928-931, Patriarch, Tryphon of Constantinople; St Tryphon the Patriarch of Constantinople; Commemorated on April 19; Tryphon, Patriarch of Constantinople, was a monk from the time of his youth, distinguished by his meekness, lack of malice, full submission to the will of God, and his firm faith and love for the Church. this time the emperor Romanus (919-944) ruled in Constantinople. He wanted to elevate his younger son Theophylactus to the patriarchal throne. When Patriarch Stephanos (925-928) died, Theophylactus was only sixteen years old. The emperor then suggested that Saint Tryphon be “locum tenens” of the patriarchal throne until Theophylactus came of age. Tryphon meekly accepted the burden of patriarchal service and for three years he wisely governed the Church. When Theophylactus turned twenty (931), the emperor told Saint Tryphon to resign the patriarchal throne. Saint Tryphon did not consider it proper to hand over the throne to an inexperienced youth, and he refused to do so. The emperor could not intimidate Saint Tryphon, since his life was blameless. Then Romanus employed the cunning counsels of Bishop Theophilus of Caesarea. deceitful bishop went to Saint Tryphon and urged him not to obey the emperor, and not to resign the patriarchal throne. Then Bishop Theophilus craftily obtained Saint Tryphon’s signature on a blank sheet of paper. Not suspecting any treachery, the guileless saint took a clean sheet of paper and wrote: “Tryphon, by the Mercy of God, Archbishop of Constantinople, the New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch.” they presented this paper to the emperor, he ordered them to write over the saint’s signature: “I hereby resign the position of Patriarch, because I consider myself unworthy of this office.” When this false document was read before the imperial dignitaries, servants removed Saint Tryphon from the patriarchal chambers. Tryphon patiently endured the injustice done to him, and returned to his own monastery. He lived there as a simple monk for a year before his death (+ 933). His body was taken to Constantinople and buried with the Patriarchs.

Constantinople, 929-999, Venerable Luke the Abbot, Batheos (Vatheos) Ryakos (near Triglia, Bithynia)
Bithynia, 929-999, Venerable Luke the Abbot, Batheos (Vatheos) Ryakos (near Triglia, Bithynia), monastery famed for the strictness of the ascetic life of its monks; Batheos (Vatheos) Ryakos (near Triglia, Bithynia), monastery famed for the strictness of the ascetic life of its monks; Triglia, Bithynia; Venerable Luke the Abbot, Near Constantinople, Commemorated on September 7; Luke was a monk at the Deep Stream Monastery near Triglia, Lykaonia (in Asia Minor), and later became its third Igoumen, reposed there in peace at the end of the X century. Monastery, dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ. was famed for the strictness of the ascetic life of its monks. first Igoumen and founder of the monastery was Saint Basil (July 1), and the second was Saint Ignatius (+ September 27, 970).1 to the Hagiologion of Metropolitan Sophronios Eustratiadou, Saint Luke is commemorated on September 7. Saint Νikόdēmos of the Holy Mountain (July 14) lists his commemoration on December 27. Some sources list Saint Peter (September 7) as the second Igoumen.

Constantinople, 931-967, Peter the King of Bulgaria, Christian piety, w John of Rila Monastery
Bulgaria, 931-967, Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Christian piety, John of Rila Monastery, advantageous peace w Byzantium, autonomy of Bulgarian Church, extripation of Bogomil heresy; Rila Monastery ; Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated January 30 ; Peter, King of Bulgaria, was the son of the militant Bulgarian prince Simeon. Saint Peter was distinguished for his Christian piety, and he often turned to Saint John of Rila (August 18, October 19), asking his prayers, spiritual guidance and advice. Peter concluded peace with Byzantium on terms advantageous for Bulgaria. He also gained recognition from the Patriarch of Constantinople for the autonomy of the Bulgarian Church, and the affirmation of a Patriarchal throne in Bulgaria, benefiting all the Bulgarian Church. Peter aided in the successful extirpation of the Bogomil heresy in his lands. He died in the year 967, at fifty-six years of age.

Constantinople, 933-956, Patriarch, Theophylact, emperor's son, chose castration
Constantinople Patriarch, 933-956, Theophylact of Constantinople; St Tryphon the Patriarch of Constantinople; Commemorated on April 19; Tryphon, Patriarch of Constantinople, was a monk from the time of his youth, distinguished by his meekness, lack of malice, full submission to the will of God, and his firm faith and love for the Church. At this time the emperor Romanus (919-944) ruled in Constantinople. He wanted to elevate his younger son Theophylactus to the patriarchal throne. When Patriarch Stephanos (925-928) died, Theophylactus was only sixteen years old. The emperor then suggested that Saint Tryphon be “locum tenens” of the patriarchal throne until Theophylactus came of age. Saint Tryphon meekly accepted the burden of patriarchal service and for three years he wisely governed the Church. When Theophylactus turned twenty (931), the emperor told Saint Tryphon to resign the patriarchal throne. Saint Tryphon did not consider it proper to hand over the throne to an inexperienced youth, and he refused to do so. The emperor could not intimidate Saint Tryphon, since his life was blameless. Then Romanus employed the cunning counsels of Bishop Theophilus of Caesarea. deceitful bishop went to Saint Tryphon and urged him not to obey the emperor, and not to resign the patriarchal throne. Then Bishop Theophilus craftily obtained Saint Tryphon’s signature on a blank sheet of paper. Not suspecting any treachery, the guileless saint took a clean sheet of paper and wrote: “Tryphon, by the Mercy of God, Archbishop of Constantinople, the New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch.” they presented this paper to the emperor, he ordered them to write over the saint’s signature: “I hereby resign the position of Patriarch, because I consider myself unworthy of this office.” When this false document was read before the imperial dignitaries, servants removed Saint Tryphon from the patriarchal chambers. Tryphon patiently endured the injustice done to him, and returned to his own monastery. He lived there as a simple monk for a year before his death (+ 933). His body was taken to Constantinople and buried with the Patriarchs. St Olga the Princess of Russia, in Holy Baptism Called Helen, Commemorated on July 11;

Byzantium, 938-986, Symeon the Studite, Philokalia, hidden activity of spiritual perfection, rid passions
Byzantium, 938-986, Saint, Symeon the Studite; Byzantium, 969-1022, Saint, Symeon the New Theologian; Venerable Simeon the New Theologian, Commemorated on March 12; Simeon the New Theologian was born in the year 949 in the city of Galatea (Paphlagonia), and he was educated at Constantinople. father prepared him for a career at court, and for a certain while the youth occupied a high position at the imperial court. he was fourteen, he met the renowned Elder Simeon the Pious at the Studion Monastery, who would be a major influence in his spiritual development. He remained in the world for several years preparing himself for the monastic life under the Elder’s guidance, and finally entered the monastery at the age of twenty-seven. Simeon the Pious recommended to the young man the writings of Saint Mark the Ascetic (March 5) and other spiritual writers. He read these books attentively and tried to put into practice what he read. Three points made by Saint Mark in his work “On the Spiritual Law” (see Vol. I of the English Philokalia) particularly impressed him. you should listen to your conscience and do what it tells you if you wish your soul to be healed (Philokalia, p. 115). only by fulfilling the commandments can one obtain the activity of the Holy Spirit. one who prays only with the body and without spiritual knowledge is like the blind man who cried out, “Son of David, have mercy upon me” (Luke 18:38) (Philokalia, p. 111). When the blind man received his sight, however, he called Christ the Son of God (John 9:38). Simeon was wounded with a love for spiritual beauty, and tried to acquire it. In addition to the Rule given him by his Elder, his conscience told him to add a few more Psalms and prostrations, and to repeat constantly, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me.” Naturally, he heeded his conscience. the day, he cared for the needs of people living in the palace of Patricius. At night, his prayers grew longer and he remained praying until midnight. as he was praying in this way, a most brilliant divine radiance descended upon him and filled the room. He saw nothing but light all around him, and he was not even aware of the ground beneath his feet. seemed to him that he himself became light. Then his mind rose upward to the heavens, and he saw a second light brighter than the light which surrounded him. Then, on the edge of this second light, he seemed to see Saint Simeon the Pious, who had given him Saint Mark the Ascetic to read. years after this vision, Saint Simeon entered the monastery. There he increased his fasting and vigilance, and learned to renounce his own will. Enemy of our salvation stirred up the brethren of the monastery against Saint Simeon, who was indifferent to the praises or reproaches of others. Because of the increased discontent in the monastery, Saint Simeon was sent to the Monastery of Saint Mamas in Constantinople. he was tonsured into the monastic schema, and increased his spiritual struggles. He attained to a high spiritual level, and increased his knowledge of spiritual things through reading the Holy Scriptures and the writings of the Fathers, as well as in conversation with holy Elders. the year 980, Saint Simeon was made igumen of the monastery of Saint Mamas and continued in this office for twenty-five years. He repaired and restored the monastery, which had suffered from neglect, and also brought order to the life of the monks. strict monastic discipline, for which Saint Simeon strove, led to great dissatisfaction among the brethren. Once, after Liturgy, some of the monks attacked him and nearly killed him. When the Patriarch of Constantinople expelled them from the monastery and wanted to hand them over to the civil authorities, Saint Simeon asked that they be treated with leniency and be permitted to live in the world. the year 1005, Saint Simeon resigned his position as igumen in favor of Arsenius, while he himself settled near the monastery in peace. There he composed his theological works, portions of which appear in the Philokalia. chief theme of his works is the hidden activity of spiritual perfection, and the struggle against the passions and sinful thoughts. He wrote instructions for monks: “Theological and Practical Chapters,” “A Treatise on the Three Methods of Prayer,” (in Vol. IV of the English Philokalia) and “A Treatise on Faith.” Moreover, Saint Simeon was an outstanding church poet. He also wrote “Hymns of Divine Love,” about seventy poems filled with profound prayerful meditations. sublime teachings of Saint Simeon about the mysteries of mental prayer and spiritual struggle have earned him the title “the New Theologian.” These teachings were not the invention of Saint Simeon, but they had merely been forgotten over time. of these teachings seemed unacceptable and strange to his contemporaries. This led to conflict with Constantinople’s church authorities, and Saint Simeon was banished from the city. He withdrew across the Bosphorus and settled in the ancient monastery of Saint Makrina. saint peacefully fell asleep in the Lord in the year 1021. During his life he received the gift of working miracles. Numerous miracles also took place after his death; one of them was the miraculous discovery of his icon.

Constantinople, 940-1003, Athanasius of Athos, born in Trebizond, baptised Abraham, raised by nun's habits, founded Great Larva
Armenia, 940-1003, Athanasius of Athos, born in Trebizond, Pontine, Armenia (Black Sea, Silk Road, Harsit River) baptised Abraham, orphaned, raised by nun, raised monastic habits, fasting prayer, smart, court of Romanus the Elder w Nikephorus, he hated his place for a year then divine light made him love it, N came & paid for his monastery, ran out of food, MOG at spring of A turned him around and promised to lead ; Trebizond (Black Sea, Silk Road) ; Venerable Athanasius the Founder of the Great Lavra and Coenobitic Monasticism on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on July 5; Athanasius of Athos, in holy Baptism named Abraham, was born in the city of Trebezond. He was orphaned at an early age, and being raised by a certain good and pious nun, he imitated his adoptive mother in the habits of monastic life, in fasting and in prayer. Doing his lessons came easily and he soon outpaced his peers in study. the death of his adoptive mother, Abraham was taken to Constantinople, to the court of the Byzantine emperor Romanus the Elder, and was enrolled as a student under the renowned rhetorician Athanasius. In a short while the student attained the mastery of skill of his teacher and he himself became an instructor of youths. Reckoning as the true life that of fasting and vigilance, Abraham led a strict and abstinent life, he slept little and then only sitting upon a stool, and barley bread and water were his nourishment. When his teacher Athanasius through human weakness became jealous of his student, blessed Abraham gave up his teaching position and went away. these days there had arrived at Constantinople Saint Michael Maleinos (July 12), igumen of the Kyminas monastery. Abraham told the igumen about his life, and revealed to him his secret desire to become a monk. holy Elder, discerning in Abraham a chosen vessel of the Holy Spirit, became fond of him and taught him much in questions of salvation. One time during their spiritual talks Saint Michael was visited by his nephew, Nikēphóros Phocas, a military officer and future emperor. Abraham’s lofty spirit and profound mind impressed Nikēphóros, and all his life he regarded the saint with reverent respect and with love. Abraham was consumed by his zeal for the monastic life. Having forsaken everything, he went to the Kyminas monastery and, falling down at the feet of the holy igumen, he begged to be received into the monastic life. The igumen fulfilled his request with joy and tonsured him with the name Athanasius. long fasts, vigils, bending of the knees, with works night and day Athanasius soon attained such perfection, that the holy igumen blessed him for the exploit of silence in a solitary place not far from the monastery. Later on, having left Kyminas, he made the rounds of many desolate and solitary places, and guided by God, he came to a place called Melanos, at the very extremity of Athos, settling far off from the other monastic dwellings. Here the monk made himself a cell and began to live an ascetical life in works and in prayer, proceeding from exploit to exploit towards higher monastic attainment. enemy of mankind tried to arouse in Saint Athanasius hatred for the place chosen by him, and assaulted him with constant suggestions in thought. The ascetic decided to suffer it out for a year, and then wherever the Lord should direct him, he would go. On the last day of this year’s length of time, when Saint Athanasius set about to prayer, a heavenly light suddenly shone upon him, filling him with an indescribable joy, all the thoughts dissipated, and from his eyes welled up graced tears. From that moment Saint Athanasius received the gift of tenderness , and he became as strongly fond of the place of his solitude as he had formerly loathed it. this time Nikēphóros Phocas, having had enough of military exploits, remembered his vow to become a monk and from his means he besought Saint Athanasius to build a monastery, i.e., to build cells for him and the brethren, and a church where the brethren could commune of the Divine Mysteries of Christ on Sundays. to shun cares and worries, Saint Athanasius at first would not agree to accept the hateful gold, but seeing the fervent desire and good intent of Nikēphóros, and discerning in this the will of God, he set about the building of the monastery. He built a large church in honor of the holy Prophet and Forerunner of Christ, John the Baptist, and another church at the foot of a hill, in the name of the Most Holy Theotokos. Around the church were the cells, and a wondrous monastery arose on the Holy Mountain. In it were a trapeza (dining area), a hospice for the sick and for taking in wanderers, and other necessary structures. flocked to the monastery from everywhere, not only from Greece, but also from other lands, simple people and illustrious dignitaries, desert-dwellers having labored in asceticism for long years in the wilderness, igumens from many monasteries and hierarchs wanting to become simple monks in the Athos Lavra of Saint Athanasius. saint established at the monastery a cenobitic monastic Rule on the model of the old Palestinian monasteries. Divine services were served with all strictness, and no one was so bold as to talk during the services, nor to come late or leave the church without necessity. Heavenly Patroness of Athos, the All-Pure Mother of God Herself, was graciously disposed towards the saint. Many times he was privileged to see Her with his own eyes. God’s dispensation, there once occurred such a hunger, that the monks one after the other quit the Lavra. The saint remained all alone and, in a moment of weakness, he also considered leaving. Suddenly he beheld a Woman beneath an ethereal veil, coming to meet him. “Who are you and where are you going?” She asked quietly. Saint Athanasius from an innate deference halted. “I am a monk from here,” Saint Athanasius replied, and spoke about himself and his worries. “Would you forsake the monastery which was intended for glory from generation unto generation, just for a morsel of dry bread? Where is your faith? around, and I shall help you.” “Who are you?” asked Athanasius. “I am the Mother of the Lord,” She answered, and bid Athanasius to strike his staff upon a stone. From the fissure there gushed forth a spring of water, which exists even now, in remembrance of this miraculous visitation. brethren grew in number, and the construction work at the Lavra continued. Athanasius, foreseeing the time of his departure to the Lord, prophesied about his impending end and besought the brethren not to be troubled over what he foresaw. “For Wisdom disposes otherwise than as people judge.” The brethren were perplexed and pondered the words of the saint. giving the brethren his final guidance and comforting all, Saint Athanasius entered his cell, put on his mantiya and holy kukolion (head covering), which he wore only on great feasts, and emerged after prolonged prayer. and joyful, the holy igumen went up with six of the brethren to the top of the church to inspect the construction. through the imperceptible will of God, the top of the church collapsed. Five of the brethren immediately gave up their souls to God. Saint Athanasius and the architect Daniel, thrown upon the stones, remained alive. heard the saint call out to the Lord, “Glory to Thee, O God! Lord, Jesus Christ, help me!” The brethren with great weeping began to dig out their father from the rubble, but they found him already dead.

Byzantium, 944, Russia, Treaty of Igor, with Russia, Joint admin of Cherson and Dnieper Mouth
Treaty of Igor (of Kiev) with the Greeks in the year 944; Translation of the "Image Not-Made-By-Hands"Â of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third "œFeast of the Savior in August"Â, Commemorated on August 16 ; St Olga the Princess of Russia, in Holy Baptism Called Helen, Commemorated on July 11;

Byzantium, 944-959, Emperor, Constantine VII, writer, Ag treatise and 4 books, Igor Treaty 944, Olga baptism 955
Byzantine Emperor, 944-959, Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos (in the Purple); VII Flavius Porphyrogenitus (17/18 May 905 -“ 9 November 959) was the fourth Emperor of the Macedonian dynasty of the Byzantine Empire, reigning from 6 June 913 to 9 November 959. He was the son of Emperor Leo VI and his fourth wife, Zoe Karbonopsina, and the nephew of his predecessor Emperor Alexander. of his reign was dominated by co-regents: from 913 until 919 he was under the regency of his mother, while from 920 until 945 he shared the throne with Romanos Lekapenos, whose daughter Helena he married, and his sons. VII is best known for the Geoponika, an important agronomic treatise compiled during his reign, and his four books, De Administrando Imperio,[2] De Ceremoniis, De Thematibus, and Vita Basilii .[3][4] epithet porphyrogenitus alludes to the Purple chamber of the imperial palace, decorated with porphyry, where legitimate children of reigning emperors were normally born. Constantine was also born in this room, although his mother Zoe had not been married to Leo at that time. Nevertheless, the epithet allowed him to underline his position as the legitimate son, as opposed to all others, who claimed the throne during his lifetime. Sons born to a reigning Emperor held precedence in the Eastern Roman line of succession over elder sons not born "in the purple". Translation of the Image "œNot-Made-By-Hands" of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third "œFeast of the Savior in August"Â, Commemorated on August 16 ; Venerable Nikon Metanoeite,"the Preacher of Repentance", Commemorated on November 26; Venerable Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon, Commemorated on December 11 ; St Prochorus the Abbot in the Vranski Desert on the river Pshina in Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 15; Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 30; Venerable Simeon the New Theologian, Commemorated on March 12; St Olga the Princess of Russia, in Holy Baptism Called Helen, Commemorated on July 11;

Constantinople, 943, Appearance of Theotokos at Blachernae church, praying christian protection from pagan Rus
Constantinople, 950, Appearance of Theotokos at Blachernae church; Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (Istanbul); The Protection of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on October 1;

Constantinople, 950, 10th Century, Lampados of Irenopolis, Isauria, shone wChristian Virtues, many miracles before, after death
Lykaonia, 950, 10th Century, Lampados of Irenopolis, Isauria, Lykaonia (Calycadnus Basin, Goksu River Mouth), shone wChristian virtues, wisdom, exceedcin goodness, controlled tongue, patience, forbearance, gentleness, lover for poor&suffering, led visitors to spiritual balm, many miracles before and after death ; Irenopolis in Isauria; Hieromartyr Lampados of Irenopolis, Commemorated on July 5; Lampados was from Irenopolis in Isauria and lived during the tenth century. he was still in the world, he shone with the Christian virtues. was distinguished for his wisdom, his exceeding goodness, controlling his tongue, his patience, his forbearance, his gentleness, and for his great love for the poor and the suffering. he struggled in asceticism, and he was one of those ascetics who, by their holy life and the reputation of their virtue, are also profitable for the world. who came to his hermitage were led by Saint Lampados to the appropriate spiritual balsam, and they recovered their moral health, which the passions and the pleasures of the flesh had destroyed. monastic saint performed many miracles during his lifetime and after his repose.

Constantinople, 950-990, Philotheus tFounder of Philotheou Monastery oMt Athos, 990
Philotheou monastery; or Filotheou Monastery (Greek: Μονή Φιλοθέου) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery at the monastic state of Mount Athos in Greece. It stands on the north-eastern side of the peninsula. was founded by the Blessed Philotheus, in the end of the 10th century. The monastery ranks twelfth in the hierarchy of the Athonite monasteries. the end of the 15th century, according to the Russian pilgrim Isaiah, the monastery was Albanian.[1] 1539–1540 the monastery was renovated with funds from the Georgian kings, Levan of Kakheti and his son Alexander II of Kakheti, frescos of whom are depicted in the refectory.[2] library holds 250 manuscripts, and 2500 printed books (of which 500 are in Russian and Romanian). monastery contains 60 working monks. Venerable Philotheus the Founder of Philotheou Monastery of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 24 ; Philotheus, the founder of the Philotheou Monastery on Mount Athos, lived toward the end of the tenth century.

Constantinople, 956, Transfer of John the Baptist's Right Hand, From Antioch
Byzantium, 956, Transfer of John the Baptist's Right Hand, From Antioch; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated on January 7 ;

Byzantium, 962 co E -1025-1028 E, Emperor, Constantine VIII, Basil II's brother, Zoe's father, disaster reign
Byzantine Emperor, 962-1028, Constantine VIII ; VIII Porphyrogenitus (960 - 11/12 November 1028) was de jure Byzantine Emperor from 962 until his death. He was the younger son of Emperor Romanos II and Empress Theophano. was nominal co-emperor for 63 years, successively with his father; stepfather, Nikephoros II Phokas; uncle, John I Tzimiskes; and brother, Basil II. II died childless on 15 December 1025 and thus left the rule of the Byzantine Empire in Constantine's hands. had no interest in politics, statecraft or the military. His brief reign is said to have been "an unmitigated disaster", sparking "a collapse of the military power of the Empire". Constantine had no sons, so shortly before his death he married his daughter Zoë to his chosen successor, Romanos Argyros. Venerable John the Georgian, of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on July 12 ; Equal of the Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, in Holy Baptism Basil, the Enlightener of the Russian Land, Commemorated on July 15; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Lazarus of Mt. Galerius Near Ephesus, Commemorated on July 17; Venerable Nikon "œMetanoeite,"Â the Preacher of Repentance, Commemorated on November 26; Venerable Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon, Commemorated on December 11 ; St Arsenius the Archbishop of Kerkyra (Corfu), Commemorated on January 19; Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12; Venerable Simeon the New Theologian, Commemorated on March 12; St Euthymius of Athos the translator, Commemorated on May 13 ; St Euthymius the New, Founder of the Iveron Monastery and His Fellow Georgian Saints of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13 ; St (John) Tornike of Mt Athos, Commemorated on June 12;

Byzantium, 963-969, Emperor, Nikephorus Phokas, Orthodox, brilliant Military exploits, Great Lavra
Byzantine Emperor, 963-969, Nikephorus Phokas ; II Phokas (c. 912 - 11 December 969), Latinized Nicephorus II Phocas, was Byzantine emperor from 963 to 969. His brilliant military exploits contributed to the resurgence of the Byzantine Empire during the 10th century. His reign, however, included controversy. In the west, he inflamed conflict with the Bulgarians and saw Sicily completely turn over to the Muslims, while he failed to make any serious gains in Italy following the incursions of Otto I. Meanwhile, in the east, he completed the conquest of Cilicia and even retook the island of Cyprus, thus opening the path for subsequent Byzantine incursions reaching as far as Upper Mesopotamia and the Levant. His administrative policy was less successful, as in order to finance these wars he increased taxes both on the people and on the church, while maintaining unpopular theological positions and alienating many of his most powerful allies. These included his nephew John Tzimiskes, who would take the throne after killing Nikephoros in his sleep. Venerable Michael of Maleinus, Commemorated July 12 ; Icon of the Mother of God "œQuick to Hear"Â, Commemorated on November 9; Venerable Neophytus the Co-Founder of the Dochiariou Monastery of Mt Athos, Commemorated on November 9; Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12; Venerable Simeon the New Theologian, Commemorated on March 12; St Euthymius of Athos the translator, Commemorated on May 13 ; St Euthymius the New, Founder of the Iveron Monastery and His Fellow Georgian Saints of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13 ; Venerable Athanasius the Founder of the Great Lavra and Coenobitic Monasticism on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on July 5;

Constantinople, 964-, Euthymius&Neophytus, uncle&nephew, founders Docheiariou, Mt Athos, Arabs attack, rebuilt, expanded, protos
Greece, Mt Athos, 960's, Euthymius & Neophytus, uncle&nephew, founders Docheiariou monastery, Mt Athos, f aristocracy, Athanasius' friend, then disciple (novice), his steward, settled Daphne, monastery, attention towards self, tStirrings of tSoul, explaining tStruggle, Saracens (Arabs) attack, tForest, monastery razed, rebuilt, Neophyt companion Emperor Nikephoros Phocas, came Mt Athos uncle Euthymius' m, became igumen, asked Emperor N to support, that enlarged m t prent size, N became protos oHoly Mt at Kyres many years, then returned to D; Docheiariou monastery; Venerable Euthymius, founder of Dochiariou Monastery (Mount Athos—10th c.), and Venerable Neophytus, Co-founder of the Monastery, Commemorated on November 9; Euthymius and Neophytus, founders of the Dochiariou Monastery on Mount Athos, an uncle and his nephew, to the highest Byzantine aristocracy. Euthymius, while still in the world, was the friend of Saint Athanasius of Mount Athos (July 5), and he later became a novice and disciple of the great ascetic. his sincere love of the brethren, gentleness and his particular zeal in the ascetic life, Saint Athanasius granted the monk the duty of steward, which Saint Euthymius fulfilled as though entrusted to him by God Himself. Euthymius settled with several of the monks in the locale of Daphne, he founded a monastery dedicated to Saint Nicholas, which he called Dochiariou in memory of his obedience. his own younger brethren, Saint Euthymius taught the necessity of attention towards self, to all the stirrings of the soul, that the struggle of Christians, according to the Apostle Paul, is not “against flesh and blood, but against principalities, and against powers, and against the world-rulers of this darkness” (Eph 6:12). peaceful ascetic life of the monks was disturbed by the Saracens. monk led all the brethren into the forest. they found the monastery razed to its very foundations. Euthymius did not lose heart, and the monastery was rebuilt. Neophytus, in the world, was a companion of the emperor Nikēphóros Phocas (963-969). the death of his parents he came to Mount Athos, where he was tonsured in the monastery of his uncle Saint Euthymius. his death, Saint Euthymius handed over the administration of the monastery to his nephew. the spiritual guidance of Saint Neophytus, the small monastery grew into a Lavra. the emperor Nikēphóros to become a benefactor of the monastery, Neophytus enlarged the monastery to its present size. Neophytus was deigned to be chosen “protos” (head of the governing Council of Elders of the Holy Mountain) for many years he labored there. taking leave of the Council in his declining years, he returned to the Dochiariou monastery, where peacefully he fell asleep in the Lord.

Byzantium, 969-976, Emperor, Tzimiskes, adulterous, murdered Nike, intuitive successful general, strengthened expanded Empire
Byzantine Emperor, 969-976, John I Tzimiskes; I Tzimiskes (c. 925 - 10 January 976) was the senior Byzantine Emperor from 11 December 969 to 10 January 976. An intuitive and successful general, he strengthened the Empire and expanded its borders during his short reign.[1] Venerable George of Mt. Athos, the Builder, Commemorated on July 28; Venerable Philotheus the Founder of Philotheou Monastery of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 24; Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12; Venerable Simeon the New Theologian, Commemorated on March 12;

Byzantium, 969-1022, Symeon the New Theologian, hidden activity of spiritual perfection, passions struggle, Philokalia
Byzantium, 969-1022, Saint, Symeon the New Theologian; Venerable Simeon the New Theologian, Commemorated on March 12; Simeon the New Theologian was born in the year 949 in the city of Galatea (Paphlagonia), and he was educated at Constantinople. father prepared him for a career at court, and for a certain while the youth occupied a high position at the imperial court. When he was fourteen, he met the renowned Elder Simeon the Pious at the Studion Monastery, who would be a major influence in his spiritual development. He remained in the world for several years preparing himself for the monastic life under the Elder’s guidance, and finally entered the monastery at the age of twenty-seven. Simeon the Pious recommended to the young man the writings of Saint Mark the Ascetic (March 5) and other spiritual writers. He read these books attentively and tried to put into practice what he read. Three points made by Saint Mark in his work “On the Spiritual Law” (see Vol. I of the English Philokalia) particularly impressed him. First, you should listen to your conscience and do what it tells you if you wish your soul to be healed (Philokalia, p. 115). Second, only by fulfilling the commandments can one obtain the activity of the Holy Spirit. Thirdly, one who prays only with the body and without spiritual knowledge is like the blind man who cried out, “Son of David, have mercy upon me” (Luke 18:38) (Philokalia, p. 111). When the blind man received his sight, however, he called Christ the Son of God (John 9:38). Simeon was wounded with a love for spiritual beauty, and tried to acquire it. In addition to the Rule given him by his Elder, his conscience told him to add a few more Psalms and prostrations, and to repeat constantly, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me.” Naturally, he heeded his conscience. the day, he cared for the needs of people living in the palace of Patricius. At night, his prayers grew longer and he remained praying until midnight. Once, as he was praying in this way, a most brilliant divine radiance descended upon him and filled the room. He saw nothing but light all around him, and he was not even aware of the ground beneath his feet. seemed to him that he himself became light. Then his mind rose upward to the heavens, and he saw a second light brighter than the light which surrounded him. Then, on the edge of this second light, he seemed to see Saint Simeon the Pious, who had given him Saint Mark the Ascetic to read. years after this vision, Saint Simeon entered the monastery. There he increased his fasting and vigilance, and learned to renounce his own will. Enemy of our salvation stirred up the brethren of the monastery against Saint Simeon, who was indifferent to the praises or reproaches of others. Because of the increased discontent in the monastery, Saint Simeon was sent to the Monastery of Saint Mamas in Constantinople. he was tonsured into the monastic schema, and increased his spiritual struggles. He attained to a high spiritual level, and increased his knowledge of spiritual things through reading the Holy Scriptures and the writings of the Fathers, as well as in conversation with holy Elders. the year 980, Saint Simeon was made igumen of the monastery of Saint Mamas and continued in this office for twenty-five years. He repaired and restored the monastery, which had suffered from neglect, and also brought order to the life of the monks. strict monastic discipline, for which Saint Simeon strove, led to great dissatisfaction among the brethren. Once, after Liturgy, some of the monks attacked him and nearly killed him. When the Patriarch of Constantinople expelled them from the monastery and wanted to hand them over to the civil authorities, Saint Simeon asked that they be treated with leniency and be permitted to live in the world. the year 1005, Saint Simeon resigned his position as igumen in favor of Arsenius, while he himself settled near the monastery in peace. There he composed his theological works, portions of which appear in the Philokalia. chief theme of his works is the hidden activity of spiritual perfection, and the struggle against the passions and sinful thoughts. He wrote instructions for monks: “Theological and Practical Chapters,” “A Treatise on the Three Methods of Prayer,” (in Vol. IV of the English Philokalia) and “A Treatise on Faith.” Moreover, Saint Simeon was an outstanding church poet. He also wrote “Hymns of Divine Love,” about seventy poems filled with profound prayerful meditations. sublime teachings of Saint Simeon about the mysteries of mental prayer and spiritual struggle have earned him the title “the New Theologian.” These teachings were not the invention of Saint Simeon, but they had merely been forgotten over time. of these teachings seemed unacceptable and strange to his contemporaries. This led to conflict with Constantinople’s church authorities, and Saint Simeon was banished from the city. He withdrew across the Bosphorus and settled in the ancient monastery of Saint Makrina. saint peacefully fell asleep in the Lord in the year 1021. During his life he received the gift of working miracles. Numerous miracles also took place after his death; one of them was the miraculous discovery of his icon. Life was written by his cell-attendant and disciple, Saint Nicetas Stethatos. March 12 falls during Great Lent, Saint Simeon’s Feast is transferred to October 12.

Constantinople, 970-994, Vitalius oCastronovo, Sicily, wealthy, Rome&Calabria, Demena, Bari, Sardinia, monastery iRapolla
Sicily, 970-994, Vitalius of Castronovo, Sicily, Palermo Provence, wealthy, fled tMonastery early, asceticism, virtue f15yrs, Rome&Calabria Pilgrimages, met Luke oDemena, went to Bari, settled on Mt Turri, Sardinia, built monastery in Rapolla, gathered monks, died 994; Castronovo, Sicily; Venerable Vitalius of Castronovo, Commemorated on March 9; Vitalius was born in the Sicilian town of Castronovo in the X century to wealthy and pious parents, Sergius and Chrysonίkḗ, who raised him according to God's Word, and saw that he received a good education. an early age, Vitalius loved Christ and the monastic state, which is why he fled to the monastery of Saint Philip at Agira (Ancient Agyrion). he became a monk and received the Angelic Schema after living a life of asceticism, and by making progress in virtue for fifteen years. this time, he made pilgrimages to Rome, Calabria and other holy places. he returned to Calabria and engaged in further ascetical struggles on the mountain of Liporachos. There he met the ascetic Anthony and lived with him for a short time. he moved from mountain to mountain, until at last he settled in the monastery of Saint Elias at Carbone. several years, he went to a cave between the mountains of Turri and Armento. The Saint struggled day and night, praying and ascending to great spiritual heights. Even the wild beasts of the mountain approached him docilely in order to receive his blessing. he was visited by Saint Luke of Demena, Sicily (October 13, February 5), with whom he prayed and discussed spiritual matters.1 the Saint went to Bari with his nephew Elias and settled on Mount Turri, where he built a small church. The final abode of Saint Vitalius was in the region of Rapolla,where he built a monastery. There he spent the rest of his life, gathering a multitude of monks around him. Vitalius reposed peacefully in the year 994. 1 San Luca d’Armento (October 13, February 5) was a monk in Lucania, Sicily. He founded the monastery of Saints Elias and Anastasios the Persian (January 22) at Carbone, Italy and served as its first Igoumen. Saint Luke based his Rule for the monastic life on the Greek Typika.

Byzantium, 976-991, General, Bardas Skleros, Armenian, led Asian revolt against Basil II
Byzantium, 976-991, General, Bardas Skleros, led Asian revolt against Basil II; Skleros or Sclerus was a Byzantine general who led a wide-scale Asian rebellion against Emperor Basil II during the years 976 to 979. 1 Background 2 Rebellion 3 Later years 4 Descendants 5 See also 6 References 7 Sources belonged to the great family of the Skleroi, which owned enormous estates at the eastern outskirts of Asia Minor. His mother Gregoria descended from Basil I's brother Bardas. greatest coup of his early career was a brilliant defense of Constantinople against the army of Svyatoslav I of Kiev in 970. the Battle of Arcadiopolis, he reportedly managed to inflict as many as 20,000 casualties on the Rus, while the campaign claimed the lives of merely 25 Greek soldiers. he had shown himself equal to dealing with the fiercest enemies of Byzantium, Bardas became a trusted advisor to John I Tzimiskes, who was his brother-in-law and a fellow Armenian. John's death, Skleros aspired to replace him as an acting emperor. The eunuch Basil Lekapenos, who actually led the imperial government, entertained other plans, however, deposing Bardas from his key post of general in the East in 976. to Michael Psellos, Skleros was "a man who was not only a competent planner, but extremely clever in carrying out his schemes, possessed of vast wealth (no mean asset in one who aimed at a throne), with the prestige of royal blood and of success in great wars, with all the military caste at his side to help on his enterprise."[1] between the armies of Skleros and Phokas, miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes hearing the news of his deposition, Skleros came to an agreement with local Armenian, Georgian and even Muslim rulers who all vowed to support his claims to the imperial crown. He successfully stirred up rebellion among his relatives and adherents in the Asian provinces, rapidly making himself master of Caesaria, Antioch, and most of Asia Minor. several navy commanders defected to Skleros's side, he dashed to Constantinople, threatening to blockade the Dardanelles. The rebel navy under Michael Kourtikios raided the Aegean and attempted to blockade the Dardanelles, but were defeated by the Imperial Fleet under the command of Theodoros Karantenos. lost supremacy at sea, Skleros at once laid siege to the town of Nicaea, which was considered a key to the capital. The town was fortified by a certain Manuel Erotikos Komnenos, father of the future emperor Isaac Komnenos and progenitor of the Komnenoi dynasty. Basil recalled from exile Bardas Phokas the Younger, a general who had revolted in the previous reign and been interned in a monastery for seven years. Phokas proceeded to Sebastea in the East, where his family demesnes were situated. He came to an understanding with David III Kuropalates of Tao, who pledged 12,000 Georgian horsemen under the command of Tornikios to Phokas' aid. instantly left Nicaea for the East and defeated Phokas in two battles, but the latter was victorious in a third. On March 24, 979 two leaders clashed in single combat, with Skleros cutting the right ear of Phocas' horse with his lance before sustaining a grave wound to the head. The rumour of his death put his army to flight, but Skleros himself found shelter with his Muslim allies. Thereupon the rebellion was subdued without difficulty. years article: Rebellion of Bardas Phokas the Younger the Asian potentates refused to support his further operations against Constantinople, Skleros and his family retreated to Baghdad in 980. They resided in honourable captivity at the Abbasid Caliph's court for six years, dreaming about the invasion of Byzantium. 987 Skleros was finally recalled to his homeland by Phokas, who took advantage of the Bulgarian wars to aim at the crown. Skleros promptly mustered an army to support Phokas's cause, but his plans of profiting from the attendant disorders were frustrated when Phokas had him committed to prison. Phokas' death at the Battle of Abydos (989), Skleros succeeded him as the leader of the rebellion: "The truth was, the men who had enrolled in Skleros's army were no longer divided in their loyalties: every one of them was a declared rebel. Their leader inspired them with his own resolute determination and bound them into one coherent body. By favours he won their loyalty, by his kindliness he earned their devotion. He reconciled their differences, ate at the same table as his men, drank from the same cup, called them by name, and by his flattery bound them to his allegiance" (Michael Psellos). date of his surrender to the authorities is disputed, as are the circumstances. In 991 Skleros, a blinded and broken man, then residing in semi-captivity in Thrace, was visited by Emperor Basil II on his way to Bulgaria. The famous rebel accepted the title of curopalates and died several days later, presumably on April 2. bloodline of Bardas Skleros continued, however. A grandson, Basil Skleros, was married to a sister of Emperor Romanos III. One of Basil's daughters married Constantine Monomachos, who would become Emperor, while Basil's granddaughter became mistress of Constantine. One of these women was the grandmother of Vladimir Monomakh. Byzantine Emperor, 976-1025, Basil II ; Saint (John) Tornike of Mount Athos, Commemorated on June 12;

Byzantium, 976-1025, Emperor, Basil II, Bulgar Slayer, civil war with 2 Bardas gens, Expansion, over Bulgarian E
Byzantine Emperor, 976-1025, Basil II ; II Porphyrogenitus (c.958 -“ 15 December 1025), nicknamed the Bulgar Slayer [note 3] was the senior Byzantine Emperor for almost 50 years (10 January 976 -“ 15 December 1025), having been a junior colleague to other emperors since 960. He and his brother Constantine[note 4] were named as co-rulers before their father Romanos II died in 963. The throne went to two generals, Nikephoros Phokas (r. 963-“969) then John Tzimiskes (r. 969-“976), before Basil became senior emperor. His influential great-uncle Basil Lekapenos was the de facto ruler of the Byzantine Empire until 985.[note 5] Basil II then held power for forty years. early years of Basil's reign were dominated by civil wars against two powerful generals from the Anatolian aristocracy; first Bardas Skleros and later Bardas Phokas, which ended shortly after Phokas' death and Skleros' submission in 989. then oversaw the stabilization and expansion of the eastern frontier of the Byzantine Empire and the complete subjugation of the First Bulgarian Empire, its foremost European foe, after a prolonged struggle. Although the Byzantine Empire had made a truce with the Fatimid Caliphate in 987-“988, Basil led a campaign against the Caliphate that ended with another truce in 1000. He also conducted a campaign against the Khazar Khaganate that gained the Byzantine Empire part of Crimea and a series of successful campaigns against the Kingdom of Georgia. near-constant warfare, Basil distinguished himself as an administrator, reducing the power of the great land-owning families who dominated the Empire's administration and military, filling its treasury, and leaving it with its greatest expanse in four centuries. his successors were largely incapable rulers, the Empire flourished for decades after Basil's death. One of the most important decisions taken during his reign was to offer the hand of his sister Anna Porphyrogenita to Vladimir I of Kiev in exchange for military support, thus forming the Byzantine military unit known as the Varangian Guard. marriage of Anna and Vladimir led to the Christianization of the Kievan Rus' and the incorporation of later successor states of Kievan Rus' within the Byzantine cultural and religious tradition. Basil is seen as a Greek national hero but as a despised figure among Bulgarians. Venerable John the Georgian, of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on July 12 ; Equal of the Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, in Holy Baptism Basil, the Enlightener of the Russian Land, Commemorated on July 15; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Lazarus of Mt. Galerius Near Ephesus, Commemorated on July 17; St Philotheus the Presbyter in Asia Minor, Commemorated on September 15; Venerable Nikon œMetanoeite, the Preacher of Repentance, Commemorated on November 26; Venerable Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon, Commemorated on December 11 ; Venerable Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon, Commemorated on December 11 ; Venerable George the Scribe, of Khakhuli, Commemorated on December 19; St Prochorus the Abbot in the Vranski Desert on the river Pshina in Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 15; Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12; Venerable Simeon the New Theologian, Commemorated on March 12; St Euthymius of Athos the translator, Commemorated on May 13 ; St Euthymius the New, Founder of the Iveron Monastery and His Fellow Georgian Saints of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13 ; St John-Vladimir the Prince of Bulgaria, the Greatmartyr and Miracle-worker, Commemorated on May 22; St (John) Tornike of Mt Athos, Commemorated on June 12; Venerable George of Mt. Athos, Georgian, Commemorated on June 27;

Byzantium, 976-1025, Emperor, Basil II, Bulgar Slayer, with Rus over First B Empire and Georgia
Byzantine Emperor, 976-1025, Basil II ; II Porphyrogenitus (c.958 -“ 15 December 1025), nicknamed the Bulgar Slayer [note 3] was the senior Byzantine Emperor for almost 50 years (10 January 976 -“ 15 December 1025), having been a junior colleague to other emperors since 960. He and his brother Constantine[note 4] were named as co-rulers before their father Romanos II died in 963. The throne went to two generals, Nikephoros Phokas (r. 963-“969) then John Tzimiskes (r. 969-“976), before Basil became senior emperor. His influential great-uncle Basil Lekapenos was the de facto ruler of the Byzantine Empire until 985.[note 5] Basil II then held power for forty years. early years of Basil's reign were dominated by civil wars against two powerful generals from the Anatolian aristocracy; first Bardas Skleros and later Bardas Phokas, which ended shortly after Phokas' death and Skleros' submission in 989. then oversaw the stabilization and expansion of the eastern frontier of the Byzantine Empire and the complete subjugation of the First Bulgarian Empire, its foremost European foe, after a prolonged struggle. Although the Byzantine Empire had made a truce with the Fatimid Caliphate in 987-“988, Basil led a campaign against the Caliphate that ended with another truce in 1000. He also conducted a campaign against the Khazar Khaganate that gained the Byzantine Empire part of Crimea and a series of successful campaigns against the Kingdom of Georgia. near-constant warfare, Basil distinguished himself as an administrator, reducing the power of the great land-owning families who dominated the Empire's administration and military, filling its treasury, and leaving it with its greatest expanse in four centuries. his successors were largely incapable rulers, the Empire flourished for decades after Basil's death. One of the most important decisions taken during his reign was to offer the hand of his sister Anna Porphyrogenita to Vladimir I of Kiev in exchange for military support, thus forming the Byzantine military unit known as the Varangian Guard. marriage of Anna and Vladimir led to the Christianization of the Kievan Rus' and the incorporation of later successor states of Kievan Rus' within the Byzantine cultural and religious tradition. Basil is seen as a Greek national hero but as a despised figure among Bulgarians. Venerable Lazarus the Wonderworker of Mt. Galesius Near Ephesus, Commemorated on November 7; Icon of the Mother of God œthe MercifulÂ, Commemorated on November 12; Venerable George the Scribe, of Khakhuli, Commemorated on December 19; Icon of the Mother of God œthe MercifulÂ, Commemorated on December 27; Venerable Philotheus the Founder of Philotheou Monastery of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 24; Icon of the Mother of God œIveronÂ, Commemorated on February 12; Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12; Martyr Nicholas Dvali in Jerusalem, Commemorated on February 12; Venerable Simeon the New Theologian, Commemorated on March 12; Venerable George of Mt. Athos, the Builder, Commemorated on July 28;

Constantinople, 982&717-41, Axion Estin Icon, Archangel Gabriel writes hymn oTile, after bloody icon floats fConstantinople
Greece, Mt Athos, 717-741 &982, Axion Estin Icon, Archangel Gabriel writes hymn on tile 982, after bloody icon floats fConstantinople tMt Athos, after soldier slashed it 717-41, tile tC, expanded hymn Axion Estin in Divine Liturgy; Protaton Church Synaxis of the “Axion Estin” Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 11; to Tradition, during the iconoclast persecution of Leo III the Isaurian (717-741), Icon of the Theotokos was slashed by the sword of one of the Emperor’s soldiers. Blood flowed from the Icon into the sea. Shaken by this sign, the repentant sinner fled to Mount Athos. day he saw the Icon, which had floated from Constantinople, lying on the shore, it was still bleeding and dyeing the water red. ran toward it and, with fear and trembling, he carried it to the Protaton church. the Icon stopped bleeding, indicating that the Panagia had forgiven him for desecrating her holy Icon. (Greek: Παναγία, fem. of panágios, pan- + hágios, the All-Holy, or the Most Holy; pronounced Greek pronunciation: (also transliterated Panaghia or Panajia), in Medieval and Modern Greek, is one of the titles of Mary, mother of Jesus, used especially in Eastern Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity. Most Greek churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary are called Panagia; the standard western Christian designation of "St. Mary" is rarely used in the Orthodox East, as Mary is considered the holiest of all created beings and therefore of higher status than the Saints.) years later, a certain Elder and his disciple were living in a cave near Karyes. a Saturday night in 982, the Elder went to attend the All-Night Vigil at Karyes, leaving his disciple behind to read the service in their cell. it was dark, an unknown monk came to the cell. He said that his name was Gabriel, and the disciple invited him to come in. it was time for the Vigil, the two monks began to pray before the Icon of the Mother of God. they finished the eighth Ode of the Canon, the disciple began to chant: “My soul magnifies the Lord...” and then he sang the Irmos of Saint Cosmas the Hymnographer (Oct. 14): “More honorable than the Cherubim...” visitor then chanted the next verse: “For He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden; for behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” instead of singing “More honorable...” the visitor prefaced it with: “It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos, ever blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God.” he continued with “More honorable.” the singing of this hymn, the Icon was illumined with a heavenly light, the disciple was moved to tears He asked his guest to write down the new words, but there was no paper. stranger took a roofing tile and wrote the entire hymn upon it with his finger, as though it were made of wax. disciple then realized that this was no ordinary monk, but the Archangel Gabriel. The heavenly visitor told him, “Sing the hymn this way, and all of the Orthodox as well.” Then, he disappeared. light continued to shine forth from the Icon for a long time. Eleousa (Merciful) Icon of the Mother of God, before which the hymn “It Is Truly Meet” was first sung, was transferred to the katholikon at Karyes. tile, with the hymn written on it by the Archangel Gabriel, was taken to Constantinople when Saint Nicholas Chrysoberges (December 16) was Patriarch. copies of the “It Is Truly Meet” Icon are revered in Russian churches. At the Galerna Harbor of St. Petersburg a church with five cupolas was built in honor of the “Merciful” Mother of God, and into it they placed a grace-bearing copy of the “Axion Estin” Icon sent from Mount Athos. inscription on the scroll held by Christ reads: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” Axion Estin Icon kept at the High Place in the sanctuary of the Holy Dormition katholikon at Karyes, the capital of Mount Athos. on the Igoumen's stone chair, the Icon is an object of great veneration. church is known as Protaton because it was the first church to be built on the Holy Mountain in 843 by Saint Athanasios the Athonite (July 5) iconography of the church was done in the XIII century by the renowned iconographer Emmanuel Panselinos. Icon takes its name from the hymn we sing after the epiklesis during the Divine Liturgy. cell where the miracle took place is known today by the name “Axion Estin.” miracle occurred on June 11, 982 on a Sunday. miraculous tile on which was the hymn was transcribed was transferred to the Patriarchate of Constantinople and was displayed for veneration by the faithful in the imperial palace Church of Saint Stephen. that time on, the expanded hymn Axion Estin became part of the Divine Liturgy and other services of the Church. Icon is especially honored with festivities and a procession on Bright Monday, and many miracles take place on that day. Icon itself is a bit faded, but is now covered by a silver riza. has been restored recently and is in good condition. is an inscription: “Μήτηρ Θεού Καρυώτισσα” or “Mother of God Karyotissa (of Karyes).” it came from Constantinople, and belongs to the Panagia Eleousa type, which was first painted by the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke. the one thousand year anniversary of Mount Athos in 1963, the Axion Estin Icon left the Holy Mountain for the first time to be venerated in Athens by thousands of faithful. 1985 it was brought to Thessaloniki aboard a military ship and received there with the same honors as a Head of State.

Constantinople, 984-996, Patriarch, Nicholas Chrysoberges, Nicholas II of Constantinople
Constantinople Patriarch, 984-996, Nicholas II of Constantinople; Icon of the Mother of God œIt Is Truly MeetÂ, Commemorated on July 13;

Constantinople, 1000-1099, Folder, 11th Century, Zoe's Husbands, Official East West Church Split

Constantinople, 1001-1050, George&Sava oKhakhuli, righteous blameless, blessed spiritually materially, uncles oGeorge otHoly Mt
Georgia, 1001-1050, George&Sava oKhakhuli Monastery, Georgia (Chorokhi River 3), Uncles of George otHoly Mt, monks aKm, filled wDivine Grace, George spiritual advisor King Bagrat III, Produced ecclesiastical lit wKing, many translations&copies, Sava righteous&blameless, both had spiritual blesings&material wealth, they suggested other brother Jacob bring his son George tKM in Klarjeti, Peris Jojikisdze (nobleman married to Bagrat III's daughter) governed Tvartsatpi palace, selected George tBe palace instructor&spiritual guide, incl earthly affairs, He took young George tPalace, year later Basil II falsely accused Peris, ordered execution, family escorted tConstantinople, in Byzantium 12 yrs, George sent young George to Sava aKM, George&Sava died about 1050; Khakhuli Monastery; Venerable George the Scribe, of Khakhuli, Commemorated December 19 ; George and Savva of Khakhuli were brothers of Jacob, the father of Saint George of the Holy Mountain. and Savva labored as monks at Khakhuli Monastery in southern Georgia. holy fathers were filled with divine grace. elder brother, George, was a spiritual adviser in the court of King Bagrat III Kuropalates along with the king, he became an active participant in the production of ecclesiastical literature. period is known as the Golden Age of Georgian Letters, when many translations and copies of ecclesiastical writings were made.) younger brother, Savva, is remembered as a righteous and blameless man by the renowned Church figure George the Lesser. to George the Lesser, the brothers were generously endowed with both spiritual blessings and material wealth. the holy fathers heard about the piety of their nephew, the young George (later of the Holy Mountain), suggested that Jacob bring him to them in Khakhuli in Klarjeti. exceeding gladness Jacob brought his son to the God-fearing brothers. that time a certain Peris Jojikisdze, a nobleman married to the daughter of King Bagrat III, governed the village of Tvartsatapi. thought it wise to invite an intelligent and experienced monk to his palace to serve as an instructor and spiritual guide, he selected Saint George to fill this role. great reluctance the venerable father consented, he was entrusted with responsibility for all the spiritual and earthly affairs at the palace. of Khakhuli took the young George with him to the palace of Peris Jojikisdze. year later, the Byzantine Emperor Basil II brought false accusations against Peris and ordered his execution. wife and those in his court, among whom were Saint George and the young George of the Holy Mountain, were captured and escorted to Constantinople. twelve years in Byzantium, the captives were finally permitted to return home. his return to Georgia, George of Khakhuli sent his nephew to Khakhuli Monastery, entrusting him to the care of his brother Savva. holy fathers reposed peacefully in the mid-11th century.

Constantinople, 1001-1053, Lazarus, Pillar-dweller, near Ephesus, wondderous vision pillar angels singing, monastery&hisPillar t
EEphesus, 1001-1053, Venerable Lazarus, Pillar-dweller of Mount Galesius, near Ephesus, Asia Minor, fMagnesium, Lydia, educated, monk at Sava, Palestine, intense m struggles, returned as priest near Ephesus, Mt G, wonderous vision, fiery pillar, encircled bAngels singing, let God arise & his enemies be scattered, built church there, pillar dwelled there, monks flocked there, monastery there, time death r, death prolonged 15 yrs b monks prayers, many miracles after death; Venerable Lazarus, Pillar-dweller of Mount Galesius, 1038; Lazarus the Wonderworker of Mt Galesius near Ephesus was born in Lydia, in the city of Magnesium. An educated young man who loved God, Lazarus became a monk at the monastery of Saint Savva, the founder of great ascetic piety in Palestine. He spent ten years within the walls of the monastery, winning the love and respect of the brethren for his intense monastic struggles. to the holy priesthood by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Saint Lazarus returned to his native country and settled near Ephesus, on desolate Mount Galesius. Here he saw a wondrous vision: a fiery pillar, rising up to the heavens, was encircled by angels singing, œLet God arise and let His enemies be scattered. the place where the saint beheld this vision, he built a church in honor of the Resurrection of Christ and took upon himself the feat of pillar-dwelling. Monks soon began to flock to the great ascetic, thirsting for spiritual nourishment by the divinely-inspired words and blessed example of the saint, and a monastery was established there. received a revelation about the day of his death, the saint told the brethren. Through the tearful prayers of all the monks, the Lord prolonged the earthly life of Saint Lazarus for another fifteen years. Lazarus died at 72 years of age, in the year 1053. The brethren buried the body of the saint at the pillar upon which he had struggled in asceticism. He was glorified by many miracles after his death. Lazarus is also commemorated on July 17.

Constantinople, 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.

Constantinople, 1020, Foreteller Icon, Konstamonitou, tears begging supplies before icon, dream foretold oil&full pantry
Greece, Mt Athos, 1020, Foreteller Icon, Konstamonitou Monastery, Mt Athos, Macedonia, Feast Day approaching, supplies depleted, so much can't light church, fell asleep begging for church in front oIcon, heard voice in dream, oil vessels and pantry filled, virgil&MOG praise, icon now Foreteller; Konstamonitou Monastery; Foreteller Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 1 ; "Foreteller"1 Icon of the Mother of God is located in the katholikon (cathedral church) of Konstamonitou Monastery on Mount Athos, it became famous in the following way. August 1, 1020, the eve of the monastery’s Feast Day (The Transfer of the Relics of the Protomartyr Stephen from Jerusalem to Constantinople), Ecclesiarch Father Agathon, (Zacharias in the Schema) was overcome with great sorrow. Monastery’s Altar Feast was approaching, and its supplies were so depleted that there was not enough oil to light the church lamps for the solemn celebration. night, Father Agathon prayed before the Icon of the Mother of God with fervent tears. earnestly did he beg her to help the monastery that he became exhausted. down before the Icon, he fell asleep at once. a dream he heard a voice coming from the holy Icon telling him not to grieve, because the church vessels were now filled with oil, and the pantries contained everything that was necessary for the monastery's continued existence. Father Agathon awoke, he wondered if what he had been told in his dream was true. to the vessel where the oil was stored, he was overjoyed when he saw that it was filled to the brim. once, he reported his vision to Igoumen Hilarion, the Superior of Konstamonitou Monastery, and to all the brethren. went to inspect the pantries and discovered that all the necessary supplies were there in abundance. rejoiced because now, unexpectedly, they could light the church lamps for the service. by Igoumen Hilarion, they served the Vigil and sang praises to the Queen of Heaven for the miracle she had performed. this event, the wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God, before which Father Agathon had prayed, was known as the "Foreteller." she is placed in the Monastery's katholikon, on the wall, on the right hand side. Ever since this miracle took place, an "unsleeping" oil lamp remains lit before the Icon. his most informative book Bogomater (an account of the earthly life of the Mother of God, and of her wonderworking Icons), Poselyanin (+ February 13, 1931) states that there are two other Icons of the Theotokos on the Holy Mountain which are also called "Foreteller" - the "Paramythia," or "Consolation" Icon of Vatopaidi Monastery (January 21), and the Zographou Icon "Of the Akathist" (October 10).

Byzantium, 1025-1028, Emperor, Constantine VIII, Basil II's bro, unmitigated disaster, chose Romanos, Zoe's f
Russia, Kiev, 1025-1028, Kiev Rus King, Constantine VIII, Brother of Basil II; VIII Porphyrogenitus (960 - 11/12 November 1028) was de jure Byzantine Emperor from 962 until his death. He was the younger son of Emperor Romanos II and Empress Theophano. He was nominal co-emperor for 63 years, successively with his father; stepfather, Nikephoros II Phokas; uncle, John I Tzimiskes; and brother, Basil II. II died childless on 15 December 1025 and thus left the rule of the Byzantine Empire in Constantine's hands. Constantine had no interest in politics, statecraft or the military. His brief reign is said to have been "an unmitigated disaster", sparking "a collapse of the military power of the Empire". Constantine had no sons, so shortly before his death he married his daughter Zoë to his chosen successor, Romanos Argyros. Russia, Kiev, 960-976, Kiev Rus King, Basil II, Basil the Bulgar Slayer ; Equal of the Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, in Holy Baptism Basil, the Enlightener of the Russian Land, Commemorated on July 15;

Constantinople, 1027-1101, Ephraim tLesser, Georgian translator, philosopher, historian, defender Georgian Church, fTao region
Georgia, 1027-1101, Ephraim tLesser, Georgian translator, philosopher, historian, defender Georgian Church, from Tao Region, tConstantinople, tBlack Mts oAntioch, many theological works&subjects, developed own theory oTranslation which formed written comp in Georgian, 3Points, 1 translate from the original language, 2 same literal meaning without violating language translating to, 3 commentary section should be included, Ephraim translated works from Dionysius tAreopagite, Basil tGreat, Ephraim tSyrian and others, original works, An Explanation Reasons Conversion oGeorgia, after 1050 Antioch Black Mt monks began deny independence Georgian Church because for example they said none otApostles came to Georgia, Ephraim called to settle debate by nations elite, he studied original Greek writings aSucceeded independence, Andrew tFirst called preached in Abkhazeti Region (Northwest Georgia, Southwest Caucasus Mts, Samegrelo), then to Georgian Ossetia (Shida Kartli), Bartholomew also preached in Kartli, He did all this from Black Mts, died 1103; Abkhazeti Region, A disputed territory on the eastern coast of the Black Sea and the south-western flank of the Caucasus ; St Ephraim the Lesser, Commemorated January 18 ; little is known about the life of venerable Ephraim the Lesser, great 11th-century writer, translator, philosopher, and defender of the Georgian Church. work Reminiscences and other sources, however, provide us with the means to speculate about the major periods of his life and labors. 1027, when King Bagrat IV (1027-1072) ascended the Georgian throne, many noblemen of the Tao region in southern Georgia relocated to Greece. them was the honorable Vache, son of Karichi, whom scholars believe was Ephraim’s father. receiving a Greek education in Constantinople, Ephraim settled in the Black Mountains near Antioch and began his labors there. achievements in Georgian theological and philosophical writing are immeasurable. The number of his works is almost one hundred, and the subjects cover nearly every branch of theological inquiry. even developed his own theory of translation, which later formed the foundation for written composition in the Georgian language. His theory consists of three essential points: 1. A composition must be translated from the original, that is, from the language in which it was first written. 2. The translation must carry the same literal meaning as the original, but accuracy in this regard must not violate the nature of the language into which the text is being translated. 3. A section of commentary that examines all relevant historical, grammatical, and literary issues should be included with the translated text. translated five of the works of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, The Ascetic Rules of Saint Basil the Great, the writings of Saint Ephraim the Syrian, commentaries on the Epistles and Psalms, and many other important patristic writings. Ephraim the Lesser’s original works, his most significant is An Explanation of the Reasons for the Conversion of Georgia, a compilation of existing essays and his own commentaries on the nation’s conversion. the second half of the 11th century, the monks of Antioch and the Black Mountains began to deny the independence of the Georgian Church. other claims, they argued that none of the Apostles had preached the Christian Faith in Georgia. became necessary to prove that the Georgian Church was indeed autocephalous, and members of the nation’s elite accordingly called upon Ephraim to settle this issue. studied many patristic writings in the original Greek, gathered the ancient sources, and succeeded in fully securing the independent existence of the Georgian Church. Ephraim wrote the following about the Apostles’ preaching: “Know that from the time the Apostles were preaching, according to the Prophet David: Their voice was heard through all the earth, and their words resounded in every village (c.f. Ps. 18:4). Georgia, Andrew the First-called preached the Gospel in Avazgia (now Abkhazeti), and from there he journeyed to Ossetia (now Shida Kartli). Bartholomew also preached in Georgia, in the Kartli region.” Ephraim never left the Black Mountains. 1091 he was enthroned as the abbot of Kastana Monastery [The precise location of Kastana is unknown, but according to modern archaeologists, it was probably in the Black Mountains. a full discussion of the subject see: Wachtang Z. Djobadze, Materials for the study of Georgian monasteries in the Western environs of Antioch on the Orontes (Louvain: Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1976), pp. 101-3] holy father Ephraim reposed in the Lord around the year 1101. is included in a list of the departed compiled by the Council of Ruisi-Urbnisi in 1103, and the year of his death has been approximated from the information given in this source. was canonized by the Orthodox Church of Georgia because of his God-pleasing life and the many commendable works he performed on behalf of the Church and his nation.

Byzantium, 1028-1034, Emperor, Romanos III Argyros, forced to divorce, then killed by Zoe
Byzantine Emperor, 1028-1034, Romanos III Argyros; III Argyros (968 – 11 April 1034), or Romanus III Argyrus, was Byzantine Emperor from 15 November 1028 until his death. was a Byzantine noble and senior official in Constantinople when the dying Constantine VIII forced him to divorce his wife and marry the emperor's daughter Zoe. Upon Constantine's death three days later, Romanos took the throne. Romanos has been recorded as a well meaning but ineffective emperor. disorganised the tax system and undermined the military, personally leading a disastrous military expedition against Aleppo. He fell out with his wife and foiled several attempts on his throne, including two which revolved around his sister-in-law Theodora. spent large amounts on the construction and repair of churches and monasteries. He died after six years on the throne, allegedly murdered, and was succeeded by his wife's young lover, Michael IV. Venerable Parasceva (Petka) of Serbia, Commemorated on October 14; Venerable Lazarus the Wonderworker of Mt. Galesius Near Ephesus, Commemorated on November 7; Icon of the Mother of God "œthe Merciful"Â, Commemorated on December 27; St Sava I, First Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated on January 12; Martyr Nicholas Dvali in Jerusalem, Commemorated on February 12; St Euthymius of Athos the translator, Commemorated on May 13 ;

Byzantium, 1034-1041, Emperor, Michael IV the Paphlagonian, became E then death by Zoe's affairs
Byzantine Emperor, 1034-1041, Michael IV the Paphlagonian; Venerable Lazarus the Wonderworker of Mt. Galesius Near Ephesus, Commemorated on November 7; Icon of the Mother of God œthe MercifulÂ, Commemorated on December 27; Martyr Nicholas Dvali in Jerusalem, Commemorated on February 12;

Byzantium, 1042-1054, Emperor, Constantine IX Monomachos, Zoe's third, Church Split
Byzantine Emperor, 1042-1054, Constantine IX Monomachos ; Venerable Parasceva (Petka) of Serbia, Commemorated on October 14; Princess Anna Vsevolodna, Commemorated on November 3; Venerable Lazarus the Wonderworker of Mt. Galesius Near Ephesus, Commemorated on November 7; Icon of the Mother of God œthe MercifulÂ, Commemorated on December 27; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6; Martyr Nicholas Dvali in Jerusalem, Commemorated on February 12; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectressÂ Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28;

Constantinople, 1043-1059, Michael I Cerularius, Patriarch, Great Schism 1054
Constantinople, 1043-1059, Patriarch, Michael I Cerularius, Great Schism 1054; Byzantine Emperor, 1042-1054, Constantine IX Monomachos ; Saint Hilarion, Metropolitan of Kiev, Commemorated on October 21;

Constantinople, 1050, All Blessed Icon, now in Constantinople patriarchal cathedral, St. George's Cathedral, Istanbul, Phanar
St. George's Cathedral, Istanbul; All Blessed Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on September 1; Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior) The original “All Blessed” (Pammakaristos) Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is in Constantinople in the patriarchal cathedral. is a mosaic icon dating from the middle of the eleventh century. 1905, Patriarch Joachim III presented a copy of the icon to the city of Kazan in Russia.

Byzantium, 1057-1059, Emperor, Isaac I Komnenos, Komnenian Dy, raised at Studion
Byzantine Emperor, 1057-1059, Isaac I Komnenos; Venerable John (Koukouzelis) the Hymnographer of Mt. Athos, Albania, Commemorated on October 1; Icon of the Mother of God œthe MercifulÂ, Commemorated on December 27; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6; Martyr Nicholas Dvali in Jerusalem, Commemorated on February 12;

Byzantium, 1057-1059, Emperor's Commander in Chief, John Komnenos (Domestic of the Schools)
Byzantine Commander in Chief, 1057-1059, John Komnenos (Domestic of the Schools); Byzantine Emperor, 1057-1059, Isaac I Komnenos; Venerable John (Koukouzelis) the Hymnographer of Mt. Athos, Albania, Commemorated on October 1; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6;

Byzantium, 1059-1067, Emperor, Constantine X Doukas, Doukid Dy, lost Italy and Balkans
Byzantine Emperor, 1059-1067, Constantine X Doukas; St Joachim of Osogovo, Commemorated on August 16; Icon of the Mother of God œthe MercifulÂ, Commemorated on December 27; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6; Martyr Nicholas Dvali in Jerusalem, Commemorated on February 12; Venerable Theodosius the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves Monastery, and Founder of Coenobitic Monasticism in Russia, Commemorated on May 3 ; Translation of the relics of St Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari, Commemorated on May 9; St George the God-Bearer, Commemorated on July 3;

Constantinople, 1061-1111, Clement the Stylite, Sagmata Monastery on Mt Sagmata, narrow pillar, Many yrs, levitation
Greece, 1061-1111, Clement the Stylite, Sagmata Monastery on Mt Sagmata, works of light, solitary, silence, from Athens, Myoupolis Monastery, Narrow Pillar, many years, levitation, Mt Segmata Monastery; Sagmata Monastery on Mt Sagmata; Saint Clement the Stylite who lived as an ascetic on Mount Ságmata in Boeotia, Commemorated on January 27; holy ascetic is not mentioned in the Synaxaristes nor in the Menaion. His Church Service, however, is found in the Laurentian Codex E 152 f. 332 a and Γ 12f. 82 β. his Service he is praised as one who "appeared as a most ascetical spirit-bearer, ascending a tall pillar, as a steadfast pillar of the hermits, and the support of monastics who perform works of light."1 his Kontakion it is stated that he contested alone "most willingly on the mountain of Ságmata on a narrow pillar [and] you adorned the choir of the ascetics, O Most Righteous Clement." Clement lived during the XII century and performed many miracles. Saint Clement the Stylite of Mt Sagmata (+1111); pictures, levitation and approximate age

Constantinople, 1067-1097, Gabriel, Large inheritance, founded Lesnov m, then left tHide in mine 30yr asceticism, relic healings
Bulgaria, 1067-1097, Gabriel, founder oLesnov Monastery, Bulgaria (High Point, Strumitza River Source), near Kratov, Macedonia, large inheritance, rejected marriage, monk on Mt at Lesnov, built Church, gathered monks, appointed igumen, gave inheritance tMonastery, lift tHide in mine, asceticism 30 yrs, conquering demonic temptations, returned tLesnov m, died iPeace, 30 yrs later relics uncovered, relic healings, long afterwards relics tTrnovo, Bulgaria; Lesnov Monastery, Bulgaria; Venerable Gabriel, Founder of Lesnov Monastery in Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 15; Gabriel, founder of the Lesnov monastery (in 1067) the city of Kratov. a large inheritance after the death of his parents, he rejected marriage and became a monk on a mountain at Lesnov. he built a church in the name of the Archangel Michael, and gathered many monks around him. appointed an igumen, and left all his inheritance to the monastery. then hid himself in a mine, where he lived in asceticism for thirty years, conquering demonic temptations through prayer and fasting. then returned to the Lesnov monastery and ended his life in peace. thirty years, his relics were uncovered, and healings worked through them. afterwards, they were transferred to Trnovo [Tirnova] in Bulgaria.

Byzantium, 1071-1078, Emperor, Michael VII Doukas, Doukid Dy, not interested
Byzantine Emperor, 1071-1078, Michael VII Doukas; Icon of the Mother of God of the Kiev Caves, Commemorated on August 17; Icon of the Mother of God œthe MercifulÂ, Commemorated on December 27; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6; 12 Greeks who built the Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Lavra, Commemorated on February 14;

Constantinople, 1073, Dormition Icon Story, 4 Architects, 3 year Gold, MOG, Blachernae to Caves, War Hero
Russia, Kiev, 1073, Dormition Icon Story, 4 Architects, 3 year Gold, MOG, Blachernae to Caves, War Hero; Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves (Destroyed in WWII) 1073 ; Icon of the Mother of God of the Kiev Caves, Commemorated on August 17; Kiev Caves Icon of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is one of the most ancient icons in the Russian Orthodox Church. The Mother of God entrusted it to four Byzantine architects, who in 1073 brought the icon to Saints Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves. The architects arrived at the monks’ cave and asked, “Where do you want to build the church?” The saints answered, “Go, the Lord will point out the place.” “How is it that you, who are about to die, have still not designated the place?” the architects wondered. “And they gave us much gold.” the monks summoned all the brethren and they began to question the Greeks, saying, “Tell us the truth. Who sent you, and how did you end up here?” architects answered, “One day, when each of us was asleep in his own home, handsome youths came to us at sunrise, and said, ‘The Queen summons you to Blachernae.’ We all arrived at the same time and, questioning one another we learned that each of us had heard this command of the Queen, and that the youths had come to each of us. Finally, we beheld the Queen of Heaven with a multitude of warriors. We bowed down to Her, and She said, ‘I want to build Myself a Church in Rus, at Kiev, and so I ask you to do this. Take enough gold for three years.’” “We bowed down and asked, ‘Lady Queen! You are sending us to a foreign land. To whom are we sent?’ She answered, ‘I send you to the monks Anthony and Theodosius.’” “We wondered, ‘Why then, Lady, do You give us gold for three years? Tell us that which concerns us, what we shall eat and what we shall drink, and tell us also what You know about it.’” “The Queen replied, ‘Anthony will merely give the blessing, then depart from this world to eternal repose. The other one, Theodosius, will follow him after two years. Therefore, take enough gold. Moreover, no one can do what I shall do to honor you. I shall give you what eye has not seen, what ear has not heard, and what has not entered into the heart of man (1 Cor.2:9). I, Myself, shall come to look upon the church and I shall dwell within it.’” “She also gave us relics of the holy martyrs Menignus, Polyeuctus, Leontius, Acacius, Arethas, James, and Theodore, saying, ‘Place these within the foundation.’ We took more than enough gold, and She said, ‘Come out and see the resplendent church.’ We went out and saw a church in the air. Coming inside again, we bowed down and said, ‘Lady Queen, what will be the name of the church?’” “She answered, ‘I wish to call it by My own name.’ We did not dare to ask what Her name was, but She said again, ‘It will be the church of the Mother of God.’ After giving us this icon, She said, ‘This will be placed within.’ We bowed down to Her and went to our own homes, taking with us the icon we received from the hands of the Queen.” heard this account, everyone glorified God, and Saint Anthony said, “My children, we never left this place. Those handsome youths summoning you were holy angels, and the Queen in Blachernae was the Most Holy Theotokos. As for those who appeared to be us, and the gold they gave you, the Lord only knows how He deigned to do this with His servants. Blessed be your arrival! You are in good company: the venerable icon of the Lady.” For three days Saint Anthony prayed that the Lord would show him the place for the church. the first night there was a dew throughout all the land, but it was dry on the holy spot. On the second morning throughout all the land it was dry, but on the holy spot it was wet with dew. On the third morning, they prayed and blessed the place, and measured the width and length of the church with a golden sash. (This sash had been brought long ago by the Varangian Shimon, who had a vision about the building of a church.) A bolt of lightning, falling from heaven by the prayer of Saint Anthony, indicated that this spot was pleasing to God. So the foundation of the church was laid. icon of the Mother of God was glorified by numerous miracles. Two friends, John and Sergius, sealed their friendship before it. After many years John fell mortally ill. He gave part of his wealth to the the Caves monastery, and he gave Sergius the portion for his five-year-old son for safekeeping. He also entrusted his son Zachariah to his guardianship. When Zachariah turned fifteen, he asked for his inheritance, but Sergius persisted in saying that John had distributed everything to the poor. He even went into the Dormition church and swore before the wonderworking icon that he had taken nothing. he attempted to kiss the icon, he was not able to come near it. He went to the doors and suddenly shouted, “Saints Anthony and Theodosius! Let me not be struck down for my dishonesty. Entreat the Most Holy Theotokos to drive away the multitude of demons which torment me. Let the gold and silver be taken away. It is sealed up in my granary.” Zachariah gave away all his inheritance to the Caves monastery, where he also himself was tonsured a monk. From that time, no one would take oaths before the wonderworking icon (March 24). than once the icon defended the land from enemy invasion. In 1677, when the Turks laid siege to Chigirin and danger threatened Kiev, they carried the icon around the city for almost the entire day of August 27. The Mother of God blessed Russian armies going to the Battle of Poltava (1709). In 1812 they carried the icon around Kiev again. The icon is commemorated twice during the year: May 3 and August 15. Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Lavra, Commemorated on February 1; 12 Greeks who built the Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Lavra, Commemorated on February 14;

Constantinople, 1073, Transltn Dormition Icon fConstantinople tKiev Far Caves, when MOG built her Church iK
Russia, Kiev, 1073, Translation of Dormition Icon from Constantinople to Kiev Far Caves, architects brought it, story MOG having Church built, angels, dew defines spot, enough gold f3yrs, foundation relics, church vision, C named&protected by MOG, numerous icon miracles, war hero; Kiev Far Caves - Berestovo Village ; Translation of the Dormition Icon of the Mother of God from Constantinople to the Kiev Caves, Far Caves; Kiev Caves Icon of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is one of the most ancient icons in the Russian Orthodox Church. Mother of God entrusted it to four Byzantine architects, who in 1073 brought the icon to Saints Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves. architects arrived at the monks’ cave and asked, “Where do you want to build the church?” The saints answered, “Go, the Lord will point out the place.” “How is it that you, who are about to die, have still not designated the place?” the architects wondered. “And they gave us much gold.” the monks summoned all the brethren and they began to question the Greeks, saying, “Tell us the truth. Who sent you, and how did you end up here?” architects answered, “One day, when each of us was asleep in his own home, handsome youths came to us at sunrise, and said, ‘The Queen summons you to Blachernae.’ all arrived at the same time and, questioning one another we learned that each of us had heard this command of the Queen, and that the youths had come to each of us. we beheld the Queen of Heaven with a multitude of warriors. bowed down to Her, and She said, ‘I want to build Myself a Church in Rus, at Kiev, and so I ask you to do this. Take enough gold for three years.’” “We bowed down and asked, ‘Lady Queen! You are sending us to a foreign land. To whom are we sent?’ answered, ‘I send you to the monks Anthony and Theodosius.’” “We wondered, ‘Why then, Lady, do You give us gold for three years? Tell us that which concerns us, what we shall eat and what we shall drink, and tell us also what You know about it.’” “The Queen replied, ‘Anthony will merely give the blessing, then depart from this world to eternal repose. other one, Theodosius, will follow him after two years. take enough gold. Moreover, no one can do what I shall do to honor you. shall give you what eye has not seen, what ear has not heard, and what has not entered into the heart of man (1 Cor.2:9). Myself, shall come to look upon the church and I shall dwell within it.’” “She also gave us relics of the holy martyrs Menignus, Polyeuctus, Leontius, Acacius, Arethas, James, and Theodore, saying, ‘Place these within the foundation.’ We took more than enough gold, She said, ‘Come out and see the resplendent church.’ We went out and saw a church in the air. inside again, we bowed down and said, ‘Lady Queen, what will be the name of the church?’” “She answered, ‘I wish to call it by My own name.’ We did not dare to ask what Her name was, but She said again, ‘It will be the church of the Mother of God.’ giving us this icon, She said, ‘This will be placed within.’ We bowed down to Her and went to our own homes, taking with us the icon we received from the hands of the Queen.” heard this account, all glorified God, and Saint Anthony said, “My children, we never left this place. handsome youths summoning you were holy angels, and the Queen in Blachernae was the Most Holy Theotokos. for those who appeared to be us, and the gold they gave you, the Lord only knows how He deigned to do this with His servants. be your arrival! You are in good company: the venerable icon of the Lady.” For three days Saint Anthony prayed that the Lord would show him the place for the church. the first night there was a dew throughout all the land, but it was dry on the holy spot. the second morning throughout all the land it was dry, but on the holy spot it was wet with dew. the third morning, they prayed and blessed the place, and measured the width and length of the church with a golden sash. (This sash had been brought long ago by the Varangian Shimon, who had a vision about the building of a church.) bolt of lightning, falling from heaven by the prayer of Saint Anthony, indicated that this spot was pleasing to God. So the foundation of the church was laid. icon of the Mother of God was glorified by numerous miracles. friends, John and Sergius, sealed their friendship before it. After many years John fell mortally ill. He gave part of his wealth to the the Caves monastery, and he gave Sergius the portion for his five-year-old son for safekeeping. He also entrusted his son Zachariah to his guardianship. Zachariah turned fifteen, he asked for his inheritance, but Sergius persisted in saying that John had distributed everything to the poor. He even went into the Dormition church and swore before the wonderworking icon that he had taken nothing. he attempted to kiss the icon, he was not able to come near it. went to the doors and suddenly shouted, “Saints Anthony and Theodosius! Let me not be struck down for my dishonesty. the Most Holy Theotokos to drive away the multitude of demons which torment me. the gold and silver be taken away. It is sealed up in my granary.” Zachariah gave away all his inheritance to the Caves monastery, where he also himself was tonsured a monk. From that time, no one would take oaths before the wonderworking icon (March 24). than once the icon defended the land from enemy invasion. 1677, when the Turks laid siege to Chigirin and danger threatened Kiev, they carried the icon around the city for almost the entire day of August 27. The Mother of God blessed Russian armies going to the Battle of Poltava (1709). 1812 they carried the icon around Kiev again. The icon is commemorated twice during the year: May 3 and August 15 .

Constantinople 1073, 12 Greeks built Dormition C, 4 Architects Dormition Icon, Queen of H, church in Rus, I will dwell in it
Russia, Kiev, 1073, 12 Greeks built Dormition Cathedral, Far Caves - Theodosiev Caves - Berestovo Village, 4 Byzantine Architects, brought Icon of the Dormition, Lord will show t place, hansome youths, Queen summonds you to Blachernae, Queen of Heaven with warriors, build myself church in Rus, at Kiev, take gold for 3yrs, to Anthony and Theodosis, I will honor you, I will dwell in it, she also gave us relics for the foundation, they saw the church in the air, dew and dry spot, dry spot and dew, golden sash for measuring from previous vision, bolt of lightning on the spot; Kiev Far Caves - Berestovo Village ; 12 Greeks who built the Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Lavra, Commemorated on February 14; Kiev Caves Icon of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos (May 3) is one of the most ancient icons in the Russian Orthodox Church. Mother of God entrusted it to four Byzantine architects, who in 1073 brought the icon to Saints Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves. architects arrived at the monks’ cave and asked, “Where do you want to build the church?” The saints answered, “Go, the Lord will point out the place.” “How is it that you, who are about to die, have still not designated the place?” the architects wondered. “And they gave us much gold.” the monks summoned all the brethren and they began to question the Greeks, saying, “Tell us the truth. Who sent you, and how did you end up here?” architects answered, “One day, when each of us was asleep in his own home, handsome youths came to us at sunrise, and said, ‘The Queen summons you to Blachernae.’ all arrived at the same time and, questioning one another we learned that each of us had heard this command of the Queen, and that the youths had come to each of us. we beheld the Queen of Heaven with a multitude of warriors. We bowed down to Her, and She said, ‘I want to build Myself a Church in Rus, at Kiev, and so I ask you to do this. Take enough gold for three years.’” “We bowed down and asked, ‘Lady Queen! You are sending us to a foreign land. To whom are we sent?’ She answered, ‘I send you to the monks Anthony and Theodosius.’” “We wondered, ‘Why then, Lady, do You give us gold for three years? Tell us that which concerns us, what we shall eat and what we shall drink, and tell us also what You know about it.’” “The Queen replied, ‘Anthony will merely give the blessing, then depart from this world to eternal repose. The other one, Theodosius, will follow him after two years. Therefore, take enough gold. Moreover, no one can do what I shall do to honor you. I shall give you what eye has not seen, what ear has not heard, and what has not entered into the heart of man (1 Cor.2:9). I, Myself, shall come to look upon the church and I shall dwell within it.’” “She also gave us relics of the holy martyrs Menignus, Polyeuctus, Leontius, Acacius, Arethas, James, and Theodore, saying, ‘Place these within the foundation.’ We took more than enough gold, and She said, ‘Come out and see the resplendent church.’ We went out and saw a church in the air. Coming inside again, we bowed down and said, ‘Lady Queen, what will be the name of the church?’” “She answered, ‘I wish to call it by My own name.’ We did not dare to ask what Her name was, but She said again, ‘It will be the church of the Mother of God.’ After giving us this icon, She said, ‘This will be placed within.’ We bowed down to Her and went to our own homes, taking with us the icon we received from the hands of the Queen.” hearing this account, everyone glorified God, and Saint Anthony said, “My children, we never left this place. Those handsome youths summoning you were holy angels, and the Queen in Blachernae was the Most Holy Theotokos. As for those who appeared to be us, and the gold they gave you, the Lord only knows how He deigned to do this with His servants. Blessed be your arrival! You are in good company: the venerable icon of the Lady.” For three days Saint Anthony prayed that the Lord would show him the place for the church. the first night there was a dew throughout all the land, but it was dry on the holy spot. On the second morning throughout all the land it was dry, but on the holy spot it was wet with dew. On the third morning, they prayed and blessed the place, and measured the width and length of the church with a golden sash. (This sash had been brought long ago by the Varangian Shimon, who had a vision about the building of a church.) A bolt of lightning, falling from heaven by the prayer of Saint Anthony, indicated that this spot was pleasing to God. So the foundation of the church was laid. icon of the Mother of God was glorified by numerous miracles.

Constantinople, 1078, Master Builders come from Greece to Kiev with Theotokos Icon
Venerable Stephen, Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, and Bishop of Vladimir, in Volhynia, Commemorated on April 27; 1078 Saint Stephen was removed from office and driven from the monastery through the malice of an evil monk. He endured this meekly and without bitterness, and continued to pray for those who had turned against him. Stephen learned that master builders had come from Greece with an icon of the Theotokos, and they told him of the appearance of the Heavenly Queen at Blachernae. Because of this, Saint Stephen also built a church at Klovo in honor of the Theotokos (in memory of the Placing of Her Robe at Blachernae). The monastery was founded in thanksgiving for solicitude of the Most Holy Theotokos for the Caves monastery. Blachernae; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae; Placing of the Venerable Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae: the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Leo the Great (457-474), the brothers Galbius and Candidus, associates of the emperor, set out from Constantinople to Palestine to venerate the holy places. a small settlement near Nazareth they stayed in the home of a certain old Jewish woman. In her house they noticed a room where many lamps were lit, incense burned, and sick people were gathered. When they asked her what the room contained, the pious woman did not want to give an answer for a long time. persistent requests, she said that she had a very precious sacred item: the Robe of the Mother of God, which performed many miracles and healings. Her Dormition the Most Holy Virgin bequeathed one of her garments to a pious Jewish maiden, an ancestor of the old woman, instructing her to leave it to another virgin after her death. the Robe of the Mother of God was preserved in this family from generation to generation. jewelled chest, containing the sacred Robe, was transferred to Constantinople. Saint Gennadius, Patriarch of Constantinople (August 31), and the emperor Leo, having learned of the sacred treasure, were convinced of the incorrupt state of the holy Robe, and they certified its authenticity. Blachernae, near the seacoast, a new church in honor of the Mother of God was constructed. On June 2, 458 Saint Gennadius transferred the sacred Robe into the Blachernae church with appropriate solemnity, placing it within a new reliquary. the maphorion (i.e., the outer robe) of the Mother of God, and part of Her belt were also put into the reliquary with Her Robe. This circumstance also influenced the Orthodox iconography of the Feast, in connecting the two events: the Placing of the Robe, and the Placing of the Belt of the Mother of God in Blachernae. The Russian pilgrim Stephen of Novgorod, visiting Constantinople in about the year 1350, testifies: “We arrived at Blachernae, where the Robe lies upon an altar in a sealed reliquary.â€ than once, during the invasion of enemies, the Most Holy Theotokos saved the city to which She had given Her holy Robe. Thus it happened during the time of a siege of Constantinople by the Avars in 626, by the Persians in 677, and by the Arabs in the year 717. Especially relevant for us are events of the year 860, intimately connected with the history of the Russian Church. June 18, 860 the Russian fleet of Prince Askold, a force comprising more than 200 ships, laid waste the coastal regions of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus, then entered into the Golden Horn and threatened Constantinople. The Russian ships sailed within sight of the city, setting ashore troops who “proceeded before the city, stretching forth their swords.â€ The emperor Michael III (842-867), interrupted his campaign against the Arabs and returned to the capital. All night he prayed prostrated upon the stone tiles of the church of the Mother of God at Blachernae. The holy Patriarch Photius spoke to his flock, calling for tears of repentance to wash away sins, and to seek the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos with fervent prayer. danger grew with each passing hour. “The city was barely able to stand against a spear,â€ says Patriarch Photius in another of his homilies. Under these conditions the decision was made to save the church’s sacred objects, especially the holy Robe of the Mother of God, which was kept in the Blachernae church, not far from the shore. serving an all-night Vigil, and taking it out from the Blachernae church, they carried the sacred Robe of the Mother of God in a procession around the city walls. They dipped its edge into the waters of the Bosphorus, and then they transported it to the center of Constantinople into the church of Hagia Sophia. The Mother of God protected the city and quelled the fury of the Russian warriors. An honorable truce was concluded, and Askold lifted the siege of Constantinople. June 25 the Russian army began to leave, taking with them a large tribute payment. A week afterwards, on July 2, the wonderworking Robe of the Mother of God was solemnly returned to its place in the reliquary of the Blachernae church. In remembrance of these events an annual feastday of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God was established on July 2 by holy Patriarch Photius. in October-November of the year 860, a Russian delegation arrived in Constantinople to conclude a treaty “in love and peace.â€ Some of the conditions of the peace treaty included articles concerning the Baptism of Kievan Rus, the payment of an annual tribute by the Byzantines to the Russians, permission for them to serve with the Byzantine army, an agreement to trade in the territory of the Empire (primarily in Constantinople), and to send a diplomatic mission to Byzantium. important was the point about the Baptism of Rus. The continuator of the Byzantine “Theophanes Chroniclesâ€ relates that “their delegation arrived in Constantinople with a request for them to receive holy Baptism, which also was fulfilled.â€ An Orthodox mission was sent to Kiev to fulfill this mutual wish of the Russians and the Greeks. Not very long before this (in 855) Saint Cyril the Philosopher (February 14 and May 11) had created a Slavonic alphabet and translated the Gospel. Saint Cyril was sent with his brother, Saint Methodius (April 6 and May 11), on a mission to Kiev with books translated into Slavonic. This was at the initiative of Saint Photius, whose student Saint Cyril was. The brothers spent the winter of 860/861 at Cherson, and in the spring of 861 they were at the River Dniepr, with Prince Askold. Askold was faced with a difficult choice, just as holy Prince Vladimir faced: both the Jews on the one hand, and the Moslems on the other, wanted him to accept their faith. But under the influence of Saint Cyril, the prince chose Orthodoxy. At the end of the year 861, Saints Cyril and Methodius returned to Constantinople and carried letters with them from Prince Askold to Emperor Michael III. Askold thanked the emperor for sending him “such men, who showed by both word and by example, that the Christian Faith is holy.â€ “Persuaded that this is the true Faith,â€ Askold further wrote, “we bid them to baptize in the hope that we may also attain sanctity. We are all friends of the Kingdom and prepared to be of service to you, as requested.â€ accepted holy Baptism with the name Nicholas, and many of his retinue were also baptized. Directly from Constantinople, the capital of Orthodoxy, through the efforts of the holy Apostles to the Slavs both the Slavonic divine services and the Slavonic written language arrived in Rus. Photius appointed Metropolitan Michael to Kiev, and the Russian metropolitan district was entered into the lists of dioceses of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Patriarch Photius in an encyclical of the year 867 called the Baptism of the Bulgarians and the Russians as among the chief accomplishments of his archpastoral service. “The Russians, who lifted their hand against the Roman might,â€ he wrote, almost quoting literally from the missive of Askold, “have now replaced the impious teaching which they held to formerly, with the pure and genuine Christian Faith, and with love having established themselves in the array of our friends and subjects.â€ (The Byzantines counted as “subjectsâ€ all accepting Baptism from Constantinople and entering into military alliance with the Empire.) “The desire and zeal of faith has flared up within them to such an extent, that they have accepted bishops and pastors, and they embrace Christian sanctity with great zeal and fervor.â€ Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos in Blachernae also marks the canonical establishment of the Russian Orthodox metropolitanate in Kiev. By the blessing of the Mother of God and by the miracle from Her holy Robe not only was the deliverence of Constantinople from the most terrible siege in all its history accomplished, but also the liberation of the Russians from the darkness of pagan superstition to life eternal. Together with this, the year 860 brought recognition to Kievan Rus from Byzantium, and signified the emergence of the young Russian realm into the arena of history. attempt of Prince Askold to renew the Christian evangelization begun by the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, which he intended as a religious and state reform, ended unsuccessfully. The time for the spread of Christianity in the Russian Land had not yet come. The adherents of the old paganism were too strong, and the princely power was too weak. In the clash of Askold with the pagan Oleg in 882 the Kievans betrayed their prince. Askold, lured into the camp of his enemies for talks, received a martyr’s death at the hand of hired killers. the deed of Blessed Askold (the Ioakimov Chronicle calls him such) was not extinguished in the Russian Church. Oleg the Sage, who killed Askold, occupied the Kiev princedom after him, and called Kiev the “Mother of Russian Cities.â€ most ancient chronicles of Kiev preserved the grateful memory of the first Kievan Christian prince: the church of the Prophet of God Elias, built by Askold and later mentioned in Igor’s Treaty with the Greeks (in 944), is on the site where the present church of this name now stands, and there is also the church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in the 950s by Saint Olga over Askold’s grave. most important achievement of Askold, entering forever into the Church inheritance not only of Rus, but of also all Orthodox Slavs, is the Slavonic Gospel and Slavonic services, translated by Saints Cyril and Methodius. Their apostolic activity among the Slavs began in Kiev at the court of Askold in 861, and continued afterwards in Moravia and Bulgaria. Following Blessed Askold, in the words of the ancient Alphabetic Prayers, “the Slavonic tribe now soars in flight, all striving toward Baptism.â€ outstanding works of Byzantine Church hymnology and homiletics are connected with the miracle of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae. There are two homilies of Saint Photius, one of which he preached within days of the siege of Constantinople, and the other soon after the departure of the Russian forces. Also associated with the campaign of Askold against Constantinople is the composition of a remarkable “Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos,â€ which certain Church histories ascribe also to holy Patriarch Photius. This Akathist forms an integral part of the services of Praise to the Most Holy Theotokos (i.e., the “Saturday of the Akathist,â€ Fifth Saturday of Great Lent). is not only Byzantine sources that relate the events of the year 860, but also Russian historical chronicles. Saint Nestor the Chronicler, stressing the significance of the Russian campaign against Constantinople, notes that from this time “it was begun to be called the Russian Land.â€ Certain of the chronicles, among them the Ioakimov and Nikonov, preserved accounts of the Baptism of Prince Askold and Kievan Rus after the campaign against Constantinople. The popular commemoration of this event is firmly associated with the names of the Kievan princes Askold and Dir, although in the opinion of historians, Dir was prince of Kiev somewhat earlier than Askold. veneration of the feast of the Placing of the Robe was long known in the Russian Church. Saint Andrew Bogoliubsky (July 4) built a church in honor of this feastday in the city of Vladimir at the Golden Gates. At the end of the fourteenth century, part of the Robe of the Mother of God was transferred from Constantinople to Rus by Saint Dionysius, Archbishop of Suzdal (June 26). holy Robe of the Mother of God, which previously saved Constantinople, later saved Moscow from hostilities. Tatars of the Horde of the princeling Mazovshi approached the walls of Moscow in the summer of 1451. Saint Jonah, Metropolitan of Moscow, with constant prayer and church services, encouraged the defenders of the capital. On the night of July 2, the Chronicle relates, great confusion occurred within the Tatar camp. The enemy abandoned their plundered goods and speedily departed in disarray. In memory of the miraculous deliverance of Moscow, Saint Jonah built the church of the Placing of the Robe in the Kremlin, making it his primary church. It burned, but in its place in the years 1484-1486 a new church, also dedicated to the Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God, was built thirty years later. This temple, standing at present, continued to serve as the primary church of Russian metropolitans and patriarchs until the cathedral of the Twelve Apostles was built under Patriarch Nikon. Venerable Romanus the Melodist, œSweet-SingerÂ, Commemorated on October 1 ; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectressÂ Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; Icon of the Mother of God of the Kiev Caves, Commemorated on August 17; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on September 2; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated on September 10; Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on October 1 ; Blessed Andrew the Fool-For-Christ at Constantinople, Commemorated October 2 ; Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, Commemorated October 12 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated October 29 ; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated on December 8 ; 12 Greeks who built the Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Lavra, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Stephen the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, and Bishop of Vladimir, in Volhynia, Commemorated on April 27 ; Prophet Isaiah, Commemorated on May 9 ; St Germanus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 12; Icon of the Mother of God œthe Unbreakable WallÂ, Commemorated on May 28; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2; Translation of the "Blachernae" Icon of the Mother of God to Russia, Commemorated July 7 ;

Byzantium, 1078-1081, Emperor, Nikephoros III Botaneiates, famous General, coup by Alexios
Byzantium, 1078-1081, Emperor, Nikephoros III Botaneiates; III Botaneiates, Latinized as Nicephorus III Botaniates (1002 - 10 December 1081), was Byzantine emperor from 7 January 1078 to 1 April 1081. was born in 1002, and became a general during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos, serving in the Pecheneg revolt of 1048–1053. His actions in guiding his forces away from the Pechenegs following the Battle of Zygos Pass, in which they suffered eleven days of harassment before finally reaching the Byzantine city of Adrianople, attracted the attention of fellow officers, and he received the title of magistros as a reward. served in the revolt of Isaac I Komnenos against the Byzantine Emperor Michael VI Bringas, leading forces at the decisive Battle of Petroe. Emperor Constantine X Doukas he was made doux of Thessalonica, where he remained until c. 1065, when he was reassigned as doux of Antioch. doux of Antioch, he repelled numerous incursions from the Emirate of Aleppo. When Constantine X died in 1067, his wife, Empress Eudokia Makrembolitissa, considered taking Nikephoros as husband and emperor, but instead chose Romanos IV Diogenes. need for an immediate successor was made pressing by the constant Seljuk raids into Byzantine Anatolia, and Eudokia, Patriarch John VIII of Constantinople, and the Byzantine Senate agreed that their top priority was the defense of the empire and that they needed an emperor to lead troops to repel the Turks. was the favorite candidate of the senate, but was in the field leading troops in Antioch and was still married. once chosen to be emperor, exiled Nikephoros to his holdings in the Anatolic Theme, where he remained until he was brought out of retirement by Emperor Michael VII and made kouropalates and governor of the Anatolic Theme. came into conflict with Michael in 1078 when he pleaded with the emperor to address the worsening situation in Byzantine Anatolia, insulting Michael with his frankness. order to protect himself, Nikephoros gathered an army of native troops and Turkish mercenaries and declared himself emperor on 7 January 1078. Nikephoros gathered a strong support base due to his military acumen and family renown, allowing him to enter Constantinople on 24 March 1078 and seize the throne. As emperor, Nikephoros faced numerous revolts, including those of Nikephoros Bryennios, Nikephoros Basilakes, and Constantine Doukas, as well as an attempted assassination by the Varangian Guard. embraced the trappings of emperor, performing many acts to increase his legitimacy and support, such as spending large amounts on donatives for the army and his supporters, forgiving all debt in arrears, and instituting minor legal reforms. Nikephoros secured the submission of Theodore Gabras and Philaretos Brachamios, governors of Trebizond and Antioch, respectively, who had become de facto independent of the Byzantine Empire due to the constant incursions of the Seljuks into Byzantine Anatolia. 1081, the Norman Duke Robert Guiscard of Apulia prepared to invade the Byzantine Empire under the pretext of defending the succession of Constantine Doukas, who had been engaged to Robert's daughter Helena. Alexios I Komnenos was entrusted with an army and sent to defeat the Norman threat, but instead conspired with his relative John Doukas to seize the throne. Alexios raised a rebellion against Nikephoros and was able to quickly encircle Constantinople and besiege it, due to the lack of a defensive army. Nikephoros was unable to secure the support of either the Seljuk Turks or Nikephoros Melissenos, his traditional rivals, and therefore was forced to prepare for abdication. Nikephoros decided that his only choice was to abdicate in favor of Melissenos, who was nearby in Damalis in Anatolia, and sent messengers to him across the Bosphorus; however, these messengers were intercepted by George Palaiologos, a general of Alexios, who persuaded them to support Alexios. Alexios and his forces broke through the walls of Constantinople on 1 April 1081 and sacked the city. Nikephoros fled and sought sanctuary inside of the Hagia Sophia. Nikephoros was taken from there to the Monastery of Peribleptus, where he abdicated and became a monk. Nikephoros died later that year, on 10 December 1081. Venerable Stephen, Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, and Bishop of Vladimir, in Volhynia, Commemorated on April 27;

Constantinople, 1079, Niketas oThebes, Boeotia, Greece, charism oWorking Miracles, gift of hospitality, clairvoyant
Greece, 1079, Niketas oThebes of Boeotia, Greece, northeast of Corinth, Monk at 16, charismatic character, purity, charism oWorking Miracles, tPatras&Daniel, gift of hospitality, rest by spiritual guidance, clairvoyance, full oDays; Thebes, A Greek City State in Boetia ; Boetian Plain; Thebes of Boeotia; Nikḗtas of Thebes and those with him, Commemorated on June 23; Nikḗtas of Thebes was a resident of the seven-gated (Επτάπυλη) city of Thebes in Boetia. the age of sixteen, he was tonsured as a monk, other ascetics were drawn to him by reports of his spiritual character and moral purity. these were the monks Daniel, Theodore, and Gregory. Venerable Nikḗtas was deemed worthy of the charism of working miracles. He reposed in the Lord, full of days, in the year 1079. the Life of Saint Nikḗtas it is said that he once traveled to Patras, where he met Saint Daniel, a great ascetic and a man of prayer. had received from God the gift of hospitality, like that of Abraham; that is, to receive people, offering them rest by giving them spiritual guidance.

Byzantium, 1081-1118, Emperor, Alexios I, Komenian restoration, curbed B decline, appealed west, normans and turks
Byzantine Emperor, 1081-1118, Alexios I Komnenos; I Komnenos (1048-15 August 1118), Latinized Alexius I Comnenus, was Byzantine emperor from 1081 to 1118. he was not the founder of the Komnenian dynasty, it was during his reign that the Komnenos family came to full power. a collapsing empire and faced with constant warfare during his reign against both the Seljuq Turks in Asia Minor and the Normans in the western Balkans, Alexios was able to curb the Byzantine decline and begin the military, financial, and territorial recovery known as the Komnenian restoration. basis for this recovery were various reforms initiated by Alexios. His appeals to Western Europe for help against the Turks were also the catalyst that likely contributed to the convoking of the Crusades. Icon of the Mother of God "œthe Merciful"Â, Commemorated on November 12; Transfer of the Relics of St Barbara, Commemorated on July 11 ; Icon of the Mother of God "œthe Merciful"Â, Commemorated on December 27; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6;

Constantinople, 1090 end 11th Century, Merciful Icon of Kykkos Mt, Cyprus, f Egypt to Constantinople to Kykkos by vison to Elder Isaiah
Cyprus, 1090 end 11th Century, Merciful Icon of Kykkos Mountain, Cyprus, from Egypt to Constantinople to Kykkos by vison to Elder Isaiah, many miracles; Mount Kykkos, on the island of Cyprus; Icon of the Mother of God œthe Merciful, Commemorated on November 12; All-Merciful Kykko Icon of the Mother of God: This icon was painted, according to Tradition, by the holy Evangelist Luke. received its name “Kykkiotisa” from Mount Kykkos, on the island of Cyprus. it was placed in an imperial monastery (so designated because it was built with donations from the Emperor), in a church named for it. coming to the island of Cyprus, the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God was brought throughout the region by the will of God. At first, it was in one the earliest Christian communities in Egypt, and then it was taken to Constantinople in 980, where it remained in the time of Emperor Alexius Comnenos (end of the eleventh to early twelfth century). these years it was revealed to the Elder Isaiah through a miraculous sign, that by his efforts the wonderworking image painted by the Evangelist Luke would be transferred to Cyprus. The Elder exerted much effort to fulfill the divine revelation. the icon of the Mother of God arrived on the island, many miracles were performed. The Elder Isaiah was instrumental in building a church dedicated to the Theotokos, and placing the Kykko Icon in it. From ancient times up to the present day, those afflicted by every sort of infirmity flock to the monastery of the Mother of God the Merciful, and they receive healing according to their faith. Orthodox are not the only ones who believe in the miraculous power of the holy icon, but those of other faiths also pray before it in misfortune and illness. is the mercy of the Most Holy Theotokos, Mediatrix for all the suffering, and Her icon fittingly bears the name, the “Merciful.” The wonderworking “Kykkiotisa” Icon of the Mother of God possesses a remarkable peculiarity: from what time period is unknown, but it is covered by a half shroud from the upper left corner to the lower right, so that no one is able to see the faces of the Mother of God and the Divine Infant. The depiction of the Mother of God appears to be of the Hodēgḗtria (“Directress”) type, as is also the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God. The head of the Mother of God is adorned with a crown. copy of this icon is particularly venerated at the women’s Nikolsk monastery in the city of Mukachev.

Constantinople, 1090, Luke's Machairotissa (knife) Icon MOG gave knife t ascetics t uncover Icon i cave
Transferred to Cyprus during Iconoclast period. Painted by Luke, Kikios Icon, forgotten in cave, MOG gave knife to ascetics Neophytos and Ignatius to cut brush and find it again. Site of knife or Kikios or Kionia monastery. ; Machairotissa (knife) Icon of the Mother of God Commemorated on October 18; Machairotissa (Μαχαιριώτισσα) Icon is a wonderworking icon of the Mother of God in the Holy Machaira Monastery on Cyprus. This Icon is historically and spiritually linked to the Monastery, which owes its name to the history of the Icon. Icon is believed to be one of the 70 icons of the Theotokos painted by Saint Luke, and at the time it was located above the Holy Soros (a chest containing the Robe and the Sash of the Theotokos) in the church of the Mother of God at Blachernae (See July 2 and August 31). This is reinforced by the inscription "Hagiosoritissa" on the Icon, which was later changed to "Machairiotissa," from the Greek word for "knife" (μαχαίρι). to oral tradition, an ascetic brought the Hagiosoritissa Icon to Cyprus from Constantinople during the Iconoclastic period (716 - 843), and settled in a cave on the site where the monastery stands today. After the ascetic went to the Lord, the Icon was forgotten and the entrance of the cave was sealed until the XII century, when the Theotokos gave a knife to the Holy Ascetics Neophytos and Ignatius (December 13), so that they could cut the bushes away and find the Icon. When Saint Neophytos reposed, another old monk, Father Prokopios, joined Ignatius. brotherhood grew too large, and so these two Fathers decided to build a monastery which would be governed according to the cenobitic Rule followed by the great monastic centers of the time. The Holy, Royal and Stavropigial Monastery of Panagia Machairotissa, is located at the eastern end of the Troodos mountain range near the peak of Kionia, at an altitude of 870 meters. It is built on a beautiful mountainside overgrown with pine trees, ending in the Pediaios torrent. It is called a Basilica because it was built with royal assistance, and Stavropegial,1 because the Patriarch had affixed a cross on the side of the building. Synaxis of the Machairotissa Icon is celebrated on October 18th, the Feast of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke who, according to Tradition, painted the Machairiotissa Icon. It is kept in the katholikon of the Machaira Monastery. The Icon is also commemorated on November 21, the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple. of the primate of a Church rather than under the local diocesan bishop. Blachernae;

Constantinople, 1090, Kykkos Icon painted b Luke, m sign, trees bending, to K by Esaias, healing according tfaith
Cyprus, 1100, Kykkos Icon painted by Luke; Monastery, which lies 20 km west of Pedoulas, is one of the wealthiest and best-known monasteries in Cyprus. Holy Monastery of the Virgin of Kykkos was founded around the end of the 11th century[1] by the Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos (1081–1118). monastery lies at an altitude of 1318 meters on the north west face of Troödos Mountains. There are no remains of the original monastery as it was burned down many times. Kykkos Monastery, Exterior View to tradition, that was written by the Russian pilgrim, Vasil Grigorovich-Barsky, who travelled to Kykkos Monastery in 1735,[4] a virtuous hermit called Esaias was living in a cave on the mountain of Kykkos. day, the Byzantine governor of the island, doux Manuel Boutoumites, who was spending the summer at a village of Marathasa because of the heat of the season, went into the forest to hunt. Having lost his way in the forest he met Monk Esaias and asked him to show him the way. The hermit who was not interested in the things of this world would not answer his questions. got angry at the monk's indifference and called him names and even maltreated him. Not long after, when the doux returned to Nicosia, he fell ill with an incurable illness by the name of lethargia. In his terrible condition he remembered how inhumanly he had treated the hermit Esaias and asked God to cure him so that he might go to ask the hermit personally for forgiveness. And this came to pass. But God had appeared in front of the hermit and revealed to him that the very thing that had happened had been planned by the divine will and advised him to ask Boutoumites to bring the icon of the Virgin, that had been painted by the Apostle Luke, to Cyprus. icon was kept in the imperial palace at Constantinople. When Boutoumites heard the hermit's wish he was taken aback because he considered such a thing impossible. Then Esaias explained to him that it was a matter of divine wish and they agreed to travel together to Constantinople for the realization of their aim. was passing and Boutoumites could not find the right opportunity to present himself in front of the emperor and ask for the icon. For this reason he provided Esaias with other icons and other necessary things and sent him back to Cyprus, at the same time placating him that he would soon see the emperor. divine dispensation the daughter of the emperor had fallen ill with the same illness that had struck Boutoumites. The latter grasped the opportunity and went to see the Emperor Alexios III Angelos. He recounted to him his personal experience with the monk Esaias and assured him that his daughter would be cured if he sent to Cyprus the holy icon of the Virgin. his desperation the emperor, seeing that he had no other option, agreed. His daughter became well instantly. The emperor, however, not wanting to be parted from the icon of the Virgin, called a first-class painter and ordered him to paint an exact copy of the icon with the aim of sending this one to Cyprus. the evening the Mother of God herself appears in a dream of the emperor's and tells him that her wish is for her icon to be sent to Cyprus and for the copy to be kept by the emperor. the following day the royal boat with the icon of the Virgin departed for Cyprus where Esaias was awaiting for it. the procession of the icon from the coast to the Troödos Mountains, according to legend, the trees, participating in the welcoming ceremonies, were piously bending their trunks and branches. patronage provided by the emperor Alexios Komnenos a church and monastery were built at Kykkos, where the icon of the Virgin was deposited. According to another tradition, still preserved by the people, a bird with human voice was flying around the area singing: Kykkou, Kykkou, Kykkos' hill A monastery the site shall fill A golden girl shall enter in And never shall come out again "golden girl" is, without a doubt, the icon of the Virgin while the monastery is the Holy Royal and Stauropegial Monastery of Kykkos which has been sheltering the icon for over nine hundred years. icon of Virgin Mary the centuries locals have revered the icon and have attributed miracles to its presence. In 1760 a success in the struggle against locust devastation, a frequent problem of the time, was believed to be the work of the icon.[5][6] The icon has also served as a template for other paintings depicting the Madonna in eastern Orthodoxy.[7] The icon is never looked at, and its top half remains hidden behind a protective covering as it is said that whoever looks at it will be blinded. The last person to have seen the icon is the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria Gerasimos, in 1669. icon is rarely uncovered, although this happens on occasion. In recent years there had been a drought affecting Cyprus, in response to which the fathers took the icon to her throne, and read special supplications for rain, whilst looking away from the uncovered icon.[8] relics are placed to the right of the icon a bronze arm, and a sword fish saw. Regarding the arm, this serves as a reminder the story of a Turk who tried to light a cigarette using one of the vigil lamps and he was cursed and suffered a gangrenous arm. The saw from the sword fish represents the gratefulness of sailors who prayed to Our Lady of Kykkos to save them from the storms of the sea.[9] Kykkou monastery maintains separate grounds Engomi, Nicosia called Metochi tou Kykkou (Μετόχι του Κύκκου). The land on which it lies was acquired over the years by the monastery through bequests. With the city's rapid expansion, the area which once used to be in the outskirts has now become prime property. Despite this, much of it is still used for agricultural purposes. Up until the construction of its purpose built premises, the Cyprus State Fair was held on these grounds. 1974, whilst Archbishop Makarios was under pursuit by the military junta, he headed for refuge here. As a result, the building was hit by tank fire and part of it collapsed.[10] Mount Kykkos, on the island of Cyprus; Icon of the Mother of God €œthe Merciful€, Commemorated on November 12; All-Merciful Kykko Icon of the Mother of God: icon was painted, according to Tradition, by the holy Evangelist Luke. received its name “Kykkiotisa” from Mount Kykkos, on the island of Cyprus. it was placed in an imperial monastery (so designated because it was built with donations from the Emperor), in a church named for it. coming to the island of Cyprus, the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God was brought throughout the region by the will of God. first, it was in one the earliest Christian communities in Egypt, and then it was taken to Constantinople in 980, where it remained in the time of Emperor Alexius Comnenos (end of the eleventh to early twelfth century). these years it was revealed to the Elder Isaiah through a miraculous sign, that by his efforts the wonderworking image painted by the Evangelist Luke would be transferred to Cyprus. The Elder exerted much effort to fulfill the divine revelation. the icon of the Mother of God arrived on the island, many miracles were performed. The Elder Isaiah was instrumental in building a church dedicated to the Theotokos, and placing the Kykko Icon in it. ancient times up to the present day, those afflicted by every sort of infirmity flock to the monastery of the Mother of God the Merciful, and they receive healing according to their faith. Orthodox are not the only ones who believe in the miraculous power of the holy icon, but those of other faiths also pray before it in misfortune and illness. is the mercy of the Most Holy Theotokos, Mediatrix for all the suffering, and Her icon fittingly bears the name, the “Merciful.” wonderworking “Kykkiotisa” Icon of the Mother of God possesses a remarkable peculiarity: from what time period is unknown, but it is covered by a half shroud from the upper left corner to the lower right, so that no one is able to see the faces of the Mother of God and the Divine Infant. depiction of the Mother of God appears to be of the Hodegetria (Directress) type, as is also the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God. The head of the Mother of God is adorned with a crown. copy of this icon is particularly venerated at the women’s Nikolsk monastery in the city of Mukachev.

Constantinople, 1096, Emperor expells Jews from Korsun, Crimea
Byzantium, 1096, Emperor expells Jews from Korsun, Crimea; 1096 the Polovetsians captured Kiev and ravaged the monastery of the Caves, doing away with many of the monks. Saint Eustratius was taken into captivity, and was sold into slavery with thirty monastic laborers and twenty inhabitants of Kiev to a certain Jew living in Korsun. impious Jew tried to make the captives deny Christ, threatening to kill those who refused by starving them. Saint Eustratius encouraged and exhorted his brother Christians, “Brothers! Let none of us who are baptized and believe in Christ betray the vows made at Baptism. Christ has regenerated us through water and the Spirit. He has freed us from the curse of the Law by His Blood, and He has made us heirs of His Kingdom. If we live, we shall live for the Lord. If we die, we shall die in the Lord and inherit eternal life.â€ by the saint’s words, the captives resolved to die of starvation, rather than renounce Christ, Who is the food and drink of Eternal Life. Exhausted by hunger and thirst, some captives perished after three days, some after four days, and some after seven days. Saint Eustratius remained alive for fourteen days, since he was accustomed to fasting from his youth. Suffering from hunger, he still did not touch food nor water. The impious Jew, seeing that he had lost the money he had paid for the captives, decided to take revenge on the holy monk. radiant Feast of the Resurrection of Christ drew near, and the Jewish slave owner was celebrating the Jewish Passover with his companions. He decided to crucify Saint Eustratius. The cruel tormentors mocked the saint, offering to let him share their Passover meal. The Martyr replied, "The Lord has now bestown a great grace upon me. He has permitted me to suffer on a cross for His Name just as He suffered." The saint also predicted a horrible death for the Jew. this, the enraged Jew grabbed a spear and stabbed Saint Eustratius on the cross. The martyr’s body was taken down from the cross and thrown into the sea. Christian believers long searched for the holy relics of the martyr, but were not able to find them. But through the Providence of God the incorrupt relics were found in a cave and worked many miracles. Later, they were transferred to the Near Caves of the Kiev Caves monastery. prediction of the holy Martyr Eustratius that his blood would be avenged was fulfilled soon after his death. The Byzantine Emperor issued a decree expelling all Jews from Korsun, depriving them of their property, and putting their elders to death for torturing Christians. The Jew who crucified Saint Eustratius was hanged on a tree, receiving just punishment for his wickedness. Korsun, Crimea ; Korsun, , the Greek name for Cherson;

Constantinople, 1100-1199, Folder, 12th Century, Allied with Holy Roman Empire

Constantinople, 1101, Kykkos Icon painted b Luke, m sign, then transferred, trees bending, to K by Esaias, healing by faith
Cyprus, 1100, Kykkos Icon painted b Luke, m sign, then transferred, trees bending, to K by Esaias, healing according to faith, fEgypt, 980 tConstantinople till 1105 or so, miraculous sign that it would be transferred to Cyprus by Elder Isaiah, many miracles on Cyprus, I built church, to present day healing every type infirmity, other faith's also, covered by peculiar half shroud, so no able see faces; Cyprus, 1100, Kykkos Icon painted by Luke; Monastery, which lies 20 km west of Pedoulas, is one of the wealthiest and best-known monasteries in Cyprus. Holy Monastery of the Virgin of Kykkos was founded around the end of the 11th century[1] by the Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos (1081–1118). monastery lies at an altitude of 1318 meters on the north west face of Troödos Mountains. There are no remains of the original monastery as it was burned down many times. Kykkos Monastery, Exterior View to tradition, that was written by the Russian pilgrim, Vasil Grigorovich-Barsky, who travelled to Kykkos Monastery in 1735,[4] a virtuous hermit called Esaias was living in a cave on the mountain of Kykkos. day, the Byzantine governor of the island, doux Manuel Boutoumites, who was spending the summer at a village of Marathasa because of the heat of the season, went into the forest to hunt. Having lost his way in the forest he met Monk Esaias and asked him to show him the way. The hermit who was not interested in the things of this world would not answer his questions. got angry at the monk's indifference and called him names and even maltreated him. Not long after, when the doux returned to Nicosia, he fell ill with an incurable illness by the name of lethargia. In his terrible condition he remembered how inhumanly he had treated the hermit Esaias and asked God to cure him so that he might go to ask the hermit personally for forgiveness. And this came to pass. But God had appeared in front of the hermit and revealed to him that the very thing that had happened had been planned by the divine will and advised him to ask Boutoumites to bring the icon of the Virgin, that had been painted by the Apostle Luke, to Cyprus. icon was kept in the imperial palace at Constantinople. When Boutoumites heard the hermit's wish he was taken aback because he considered such a thing impossible. Then Esaias explained to him that it was a matter of divine wish and they agreed to travel together to Constantinople for the realization of their aim. was passing and Boutoumites could not find the right opportunity to present himself in front of the emperor and ask for the icon. For this reason he provided Esaias with other icons and other necessary things and sent him back to Cyprus, at the same time placating him that he would soon see the emperor. divine dispensation the daughter of the emperor had fallen ill with the same illness that had struck Boutoumites. The latter grasped the opportunity and went to see the Emperor Alexios III Angelos. He recounted to him his personal experience with the monk Esaias and assured him that his daughter would be cured if he sent to Cyprus the holy icon of the Virgin. his desperation the emperor, seeing that he had no other option, agreed. His daughter became well instantly. The emperor, however, not wanting to be parted from the icon of the Virgin, called a first-class painter and ordered him to paint an exact copy of the icon with the aim of sending this one to Cyprus. the evening the Mother of God herself appears in a dream of the emperor's and tells him that her wish is for her icon to be sent to Cyprus and for the copy to be kept by the emperor. the following day the royal boat with the icon of the Virgin departed for Cyprus where Esaias was awaiting for it. the procession of the icon from the coast to the Troödos Mountains, according to legend, the trees, participating in the welcoming ceremonies, were piously bending their trunks and branches. patronage provided by the emperor Alexios Komnenos a church and monastery were built at Kykkos, where the icon of the Virgin was deposited. According to another tradition, still preserved by the people, a bird with human voice was flying around the area singing: Kykkou, Kykkou, Kykkos' hill A monastery the site shall fill A golden girl shall enter in And never shall come out again "golden girl" is, without a doubt, the icon of the Virgin while the monastery is the Holy Royal and Stauropegial Monastery of Kykkos which has been sheltering the icon for over nine hundred years. icon of Virgin Mary the centuries locals have revered the icon and have attributed miracles to its presence. In 1760 a success in the struggle against locust devastation, a frequent problem of the time, was believed to be the work of the icon.[5][6] The icon has also served as a template for other paintings depicting the Madonna in eastern Orthodoxy.[7] The icon is never looked at, and its top half remains hidden behind a protective covering as it is said that whoever looks at it will be blinded. The last person to have seen the icon is the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria Gerasimos, in 1669. icon is rarely uncovered, although this happens on occasion. In recent years there had been a drought affecting Cyprus, in response to which the fathers took the icon to her throne, and read special supplications for rain, whilst looking away from the uncovered icon.[8] relics are placed to the right of the icon a bronze arm, and a sword fish saw. Regarding the arm, this serves as a reminder the story of a Turk who tried to light a cigarette using one of the vigil lamps and he was cursed and suffered a gangrenous arm. The saw from the sword fish represents the gratefulness of sailors who prayed to Our Lady of Kykkos to save them from the storms of the sea.[9] Kykkou monastery maintains separate grounds Engomi, Nicosia called Metochi tou Kykkou (Μετόχι του Κύκκου). The land on which it lies was acquired over the years by the monastery through bequests. With the city's rapid expansion, the area which once used to be in the outskirts has now become prime property. Despite this, much of it is still used for agricultural purposes. Up until the construction of its purpose built premises, the Cyprus State Fair was held on these grounds. 1974, whilst Archbishop Makarios was under pursuit by the military junta, he headed for refuge here. As a result, the building was hit by tank fire and part of it collapsed.[10] Mount Kykkos, on the island of Cyprus; Icon of the Mother of God €œthe Merciful€, Commemorated on November 12; All-Merciful Kykko Icon of the Mother of God: icon was painted, according to Tradition, by the holy Evangelist Luke. received its name “Kykkiotisa” from Mount Kykkos, on the island of Cyprus. it was placed in an imperial monastery (so designated because it was built with donations from the Emperor), in a church named for it. coming to the island of Cyprus, the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God was brought throughout the region by the will of God. first, it was in one the earliest Christian communities in Egypt, and then it was taken to Constantinople in 980, where it remained in the time of Emperor Alexius Comnenos (end of the eleventh to early twelfth century). these years it was revealed to the Elder Isaiah through a miraculous sign, that by his efforts the wonderworking image painted by the Evangelist Luke would be transferred to Cyprus. The Elder exerted much effort to fulfill the divine revelation. the icon of the Mother of God arrived on the island, many miracles were performed. The Elder Isaiah was instrumental in building a church dedicated to the Theotokos, and placing the Kykko Icon in it. ancient times up to the present day, those afflicted by every sort of infirmity flock to the monastery of the Mother of God the Merciful, and they receive healing according to their faith. Orthodox are not the only ones who believe in the miraculous power of the holy icon, but those of other faiths also pray before it in misfortune and illness. is the mercy of the Most Holy Theotokos, Mediatrix for all the suffering, and Her icon fittingly bears the name, the “Merciful.” wonderworking “Kykkiotisa” Icon of the Mother of God possesses a remarkable peculiarity: from what time period is unknown, but it is covered by a half shroud from the upper left corner to the lower right, so that no one is able to see the faces of the Mother of God and the Divine Infant. depiction of the Mother of God appears to be of the Hodegetria (Directress) type, as is also the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God. The head of the Mother of God is adorned with a crown. copy of this icon is particularly venerated at the women’s Nikolsk monastery in the city of Mukachev.

Constantinople, 1111-1134, John IX, Patriarch, Library, P over Monastics
Constantinople Patriarch, 1111-1134, John IX ; lifelong scholar, he sought to reclaim the great, but dispersed, collection of books within the capital, as there was no central library. He made it a practice to acquire the book collections of deceased powerful men, and then had the patriarchal staff recopy them. His measures greatly expanded the range of titles held in the Great Church to which teachers were attached. over Monastics religious matters, he pushed the trend of making the patriarchal clergy, rather than the monastic community, the authoritative voice of Orthodoxy.[4] also convened a synod in Constantinople in 1117 which condemned the doctrine of Eustratius of Nicaea as Nestorian, despite the defence offered by the Patriarch.[5] his patriarchate some efforts were made by Emperor Alexios I Komnenos to bridge the schism between the Orthodox and the Catholic Church but these failed, as Pope Pascal II in late 1112 pressed the demand that the Patriarch of Constantinople recognise the Pope's primacy over "all the churches of God throughout the world". This was something the patriarch could not do in face of opposition from the majority of secular clergy, the monastic world, and the laity.[6] St Niphon the Bishop of Novgorod, Commemorated on April 8;

Byzantium, 1118-1143, Emperor, John II Komnenos, Allied with HRE, Komnenian Restoration
Byzantine Emperor, 1118-1143, John II Komnenos; he was the eldest son of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos and Irene Doukaina and the second emperor to rule during the Komnenian restoration of the Byzantine Empire. John was a pious and dedicated monarch who was determined to undo the damage his empire had suffered following the Battle of Manzikert, half a century earlier. Venerable John (Koukouzelis) the Hymnographer of Mt. Athos, Albania, Commemorated on October 1; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6;

Constantinople, 1135-1200, Steven tMyrrhgusher&Prince, united Serbia, independence fByzantine Empire, against heresies, myrrh r
Serbia, 1135-1200, Steven (Simeon) the myrrhgusher & Prince oSerbia, fStari Ras, home of Serbian Princes (high point, Ibar River 6), united much of Serbian lands, strove political independence from Byzantine Empire, defended against heresy (false teaching), tHilandar, Mt Athos at 80, to his son Savva, they reestored Hillandar, monks gathered, great ascetic, wise guide, died 1200, relics began exude Myrrh, Savva transported Steven's relics back to his River Studenitsa Church; Stari Ras, home of Serbian Princes (high point, Ibar River 6); Venerable Stephen (in monasticism Simeon), the Myrrhgusher and Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on February 13; Simeon the Myrrh-Gusher, King of Serbia Stephen Nemanya was the Great Zhupan of Serbia, and lived during the twelfth century. saint toiled much for his fatherland: he united a large portion of the Serbian lands, strove for the political independence of his country from the Byzantine Empire. his zeal for the Orthodox Church, he defended his nation against heresy and false teaching. the age of eighty, Stephen went to Mt. Athos, where his son Saint Savva (January 12), was glorified by the holiness of his life. they restored the desolate Hilandar monastery, to which monks from various lands began to gather. Simeon was a great ascetic and wise guide for the monks. died on February 13, 1200, his relics began to exude myrrh. Savva transported his father’s relics back to Serbia, and placed them in a church of the Most Holy Theotokos at the River Studenitsa. Simeon had richly adorned this church while he was still ruler of Serbia.

Byzantium, 1143-1180, Emperor, Manuel I Komnenos, last of Komnenian restoration
Byzantine Emperor, 1143-1180, Manuel I Komnenos; His reign saw the last flowering of the Komnenian restoration, during which the Byzantine Empire had seen a resurgence of its military and economic power, and had enjoyed a cultural revival. Venerable Barlaam the Abbot of Khutyn, Novgorod, Commemorated on November 6; Venerable Stephen (In Monasticism Simeon), the Myrrhgusher and Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on February 13;

Byzantium, 1180-1183, Emperor, Alexios II Komnenos, Maria's regency, married Anna, they were 11 and 10
Byzantine Emperor, 1180-1183, Alexios II Komnenos; of Maria and Alexios[edit] Manuel I died in 1180, Alexios II succeeded him as emperor. At this time, however, he was an uneducated, barely-teenaged boy with only amusements in mind. Barlaam the Abbot of Khutyn, Novgorod, Commemorated on November 6; Venerable Stephen (In Monasticism Simeon), the Myrrhgusher and Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on February 13;

Byzantium, 1183-1185, Emperor, Andronikos I Komnns, Licentious, m Anna at 65, killed Alexios, k Latins
Byzantine Emperor, 1183-1185, Andronikos I Komnenos; In 1183, sixty-five year old Andronikos married twelve-year-old Agnes of France,[1] daughter of King Louis VII of France and his third wife Adale of Champagne.” Agnes had been betrothed to Alexios II.[8] 1180 the Emperor Manuel died and was succeeded by his ten-year-old son Alexios II, who was under the guardianship of his mother, Empress Maria of Antioch.[1] Latin origins and culture led to creeping resentment from her Greek subjects. They had felt insulted by the Western tastes of Manuel, and being ruled by his Western wife built tensions to an explosion of rioting that almost became a full civil war.[citation needed] gave Andronikos the opportunity to seize the crown for himself, leaving his retirement in 1182 and marching to Constantinople with an army that (according to non-Byzantine sources) included Muslim contingents.[5] defection of the commander of the Byzantine navy, megas doux Andronikos Kontostephanos, and the general Andronikos Angelos, played a key role in allowing the rebellious forces to enter Constantinople.[6] arrival of Andronikos Komnenos was soon followed by a massacre of the city's Latin inhabitants,[1] who virtually controlled its economy, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Westerners. 1183, sixty-five year old Andronikos married twelve-year-old Agnes of France,[1] daughter of King Louis VII of France and his third wife Adale of Champagne.” Agnes had been betrothed to Alexios II.[8] Venerable Barlaam the Abbot of Khutyn, Novgorod, Commemorated on November 6; Venerable Stephen (In Monasticism Simeon), the Myrrhgusher and Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on February 13; Uncovering of the relics of the Holy Martyrs at the Gate of Eugenius at Constantinople, Commemorated on February 22;

Constantinople, 1183-1185, Uncovering incorrupt fragrant relics aGate of Eugenius, incl apostle Adronicus, Church built by E A
Gate of Eugenius (the Ottoman YaAkosku kapAsA), persecution christian relics usually buried by Christians in hidden places, thus at Eugenius Gate incorrupt relics found, names not known, but incorrupt, fragrant, transferred to a church, many miracles oHealing and deliverance; Gate of Eugenius (the Ottoman Yalkosku kap); Uncovering of the relics of the Holy Martyrs at the Gate of Eugenius at Constantinople, Commemorated on February 22; the persecutions against Christians the relics of these Holy Martyrs were usually buried by the faithful in hidden places. at Constantinople, near the Eugenios Gate and tower, the incorrupt relics of several Martyrs were found. names are not known, but they are written in the Book of Life. to glorify His servants, God began healing people of their infirmities at the place where the relics of the Martyrs were found. were transferred to a church with great honor by a certain Hierarch. After the fragrant relics were revealed, there were more miracles of healing, demons were cast out of those who were possessed. was revealed to a devout clergyman, Nicholas the Calligrapher, that among the relics discovered at the Eugenios gate were the relics of the holy Apostle Andronikos of the Seventy and his helper Junia (May 17), the Apostle Paul mentions in his Epistle to the Romans (Romans 16:7). the XII century, a large domed church was built at the place where the relics of the Holy Martyrs were discovered. work was undertaken by Emperor Andronikos (1183-1185), whose patron Saint was the Holy Apostle Andronikos.

Byzantium, 1185-1204, Emperor, Isaac II Angelos, Komnemoi, Killed father, marrigs Serb, Ita, Hun
Byzantine Emperor, 1185-1204, Isaac II Angelos; Isaac II Angelos strengthened his position as emperor with dynastic marriages in 1185 and 1186. His niece Eudokia Angelina was married to Stefan, son of Stefan Nemanja of Serbia. Isaac's sister Theodora was married to the Italian marquis Conrad of Montferrat. In January 1186, Isaac himself married Margaret of Hungary (renamed Maria), daughter of King Bala III.[3] Hungary was one of the Empire's largest and most powerful neighbours, and Margaret also had the benefit of high aristocratic descent, being related to the royal families of Kiev, the Holy Roman Empire, Italy, Provence, and earlier Byzantine dynasties. Venerable Barlaam the Abbot of Khutyn, Novgorod, Commemorated on November 6; St Sava I, First Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated on January 12; Venerable Stephen (In Monasticism Simeon), the Myrrhgusher and Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on February 13; Venerable Agapius of Vatopedi, Commemorated on March 1; Right-believing Tamara, Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on May 1;

Constantinople, 1189-1236, St Sava 1, Enlightener, Prince, Orthodox monk, estab Hilandar, first Serb Archbishop, S constitution
Serbia, 1189-1236, St Sava 1, Panteleimon Monastery, Russian, Mt Athos, first archbishop, tonsured 1186, encouraged family to tonsure, estab Hilandar m, archmandrite of Thessalonica, then 1219 Archbishop of Serbia, MOG dream my patronage, why sorrowful, negotiated peace and conversion w Hungarian King, crowned b Stephen as Serbian King, then nephew Radislav, then Vladislav, died in Bulgaria, r transfered to S; Sava (1169 or 1174 – 14 January 1236), known as the Enlightener, was a Serbian prince and Orthodox monk, the first Archbishop of the autocephalous Serbian Church, the founder of Serbian law, and a diplomat. born as Rastko Nemanjić, was the youngest son of Serbian Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja (founder of the Nemanjić dynasty), and ruled the appanage of Zachlumia briefly in 1190–92. then left for Mount Athos, where he became a monk with the name Sava (Sabbas). Athos he established the monastery of Hilandar, which became one of the most important cultural and religious centres of the Serbian people. 1219 the Patriarchate exiled in Nicea recognized him as the first Serbian Archbishop, in the same year he authored the oldest known constitution of Serbia, the Zakonopravilo nomocanon, thus securing full independence; both religious and political. is regarded as the founder of Serbian medieval literature.[4][5][6][7][8] is widely considered one of the most important figures of Serbian history. In fact, Sava is to the Serbs what Averroes is to the Muslims and Maimonides is to the Jews. Sava is venerated by the Eastern Orthodox Church on January 27 [O.S. January 14]. Many artistic works from the Middle Ages to modern times have interpreted his career. is the patron saint of Serbia, Serbs, and Serbian education. The Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade is dedicated to him, built where the Ottomans burnt his remains in 1594,[9] during an uprising in which Serbs used icons of Sava as their war flags; the church is one of the largest church buildings in the world. Russian monastery of St Panteleimon ; St Sava I, First Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated January 12 ; Savva, First Archbishop of Serbia, in the world Rostislav (Rastko), was a son of the Serbian king Stephen Nemanya and Anna, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Romanus. From his early years he fervently attended church services and had a special love for icons. seventeen years of age, Rostislav met a monk from Mount Athos, secretly left his father’s house and set off for the Saint Panteleimon monastery. divine Providence in 1169, the year of the saint’s birth, the ancient monastery of the Great Martyr and healer Panteleimon was given to Russian monks.) that his son was on Athos, his father mobilized his retainers headed by a faithful voevod and wrote to the governor of the district which included Athos, saying that if his son were not returned to him, he would go to war against the Greeks. they arrived at the monastery, the voevod was ordered not to take his eyes off Rostislav. the evening services, when the soldiers had fallen asleep under the influence of wine, Rostislav received monastic tonsure (in 1186) and sent to his parents his worldly clothes, his hair and a letter. Savva sought to persuade his powerful parents to accept monasticism. monk’s father (in monasticism Simeon, commemorated on February 13) and his son pursued asceticism at the Vatopedi monastery. Athos they established the Serbian Hilandar monastery, and this monastery received its name by imperial grant. Hilandar monastery, Saint Savva was ordained to the diaconate and then presbyter. His mother Anna became a nun with the name Anastasia (June 21). his holy life and virtuous deeds on Mount Athos, the monk was made an archimandrite at Thessalonica. Nicea in the year 1219 on the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Ecumenical Patriarch Germanus consecrated Archimandrite Savva as Archbishop of Serbia. saint petitioned the Byzantine Emperor to grant permission for Serbian bishops to elect their own Archbishop in future. This was a very important consideration in a time of frequent wars between the eastern and western powers. returned to the Holy Mountain from Nicea, the saint visited all the monasteries for the last time. He made prostrations in all the churches and, calling to mind the blessed lives of the wilderness Fathers, he made his farewells to the ascetics with deep remorse, “leaving the Holy Mountain, as if from Paradise.” by his separation from the Holy Mountain, the saint went along the path from Athos just barely moving. Most Holy Theotokos spoke to the saint in a dream, “Having My Patronage, why do you remain sorrowful?” These words roused him from despondency, changing his sorrow into joy. In memory of this appearance, the saint commissioned large icons of the Savior and of the Mother of God at Thessalonica, and put them in a church. Serbia, the activity of the Hierarch in organizing the work of his native Church was accompanied by numerous signs and miracles. During the Liturgy and the all-night Vigil, when the saint came to cense the grave of his father the monk Simeon, the holy relics exuded fragrant myrrh. in charge of negotiations with the Hungarian King Vladislav, who had declared war on Serbia, the holy bishop not only brought about the desired peace for his country, but he also brought the Hungarian monarch to Orthodoxy. he facilitated the start of the historical existence of the autonomous Serbian Church. Savva also contributed to strengthening the Serbian state. order to insure the independence of the Serbian state, Archbishop Savva crowned his powerful brother Stephen as king. the death of Stephen, his eldest son Radislav was crowned king, and Saint Savva set off to the Holy Land “to worship at the holy tomb of Christ and fearsome Golgotha.” he returned to his native land, the saint blessed and crowned Vladislav as king. To further strengthen the Serbian throne, he betrothed him to the daughter of the Bulgarian prince Asan. holy hierarch visited churches all across Serbia, he reformed monastic rules on the model of Athos and Palestine, and he established and consecrated many churches, strengthening the Orthodox in their faith. finished his work in his native land, the saint appointed the hieromonk Arsenius as his successor, consecrating him bishop and giving his blessing to all. then set off on a journey of no return, desiring “to end his days as a wanderer in a foreign land.” He passed through Palestine, Syria and Persia, Babylon, Egypt and Anatolia, everywhere visiting the holy places, conversing with great ascetics, and collecting the holy relics of saints. The saint finished his wanderings at Trnovo in Bulgaria at the home of his kinsman Asan, where with spiritual joy he gave up his soul to the Lord (+ 1237). the time of transfer of the holy relics of Saint Savva to Serbia in 1237, there were so many healings that the Bulgarians began to complain about Asan, “because he had given up such a treasure.” the saint’s own country, his venerable relics were placed in the Church of Mileshevo, bestowing healing on all who approached with faith. The inhabitants of Trnovo continued to receive healing from the remnants of the saint’s coffin, which Asan ordered to be gathered together and placed in a newly built sarcophagus. legacy of Saint Savva lives on in the Orthodox Church traditions of the Slavic nations. He is associated with the introduction of the Jerusalem Typikon as the basis for Slavic Monastic Rules. Serbian Hilandar monastery on Mt. Athos lives by the Typikon of Saint Savva to this day. of The Rudder (a collection of church canons) of Saint Savva, with commentary by Alexis Aristines, are the most widely disseminated in the Russian Church. 1270 the first copy of The Rudder of Saint Savva was sent from Bulgaria to Metropolitan Cyril of Kiev. From this was copied one of the most ancient of the Russian Rudders, the Ryazan Rudder of 1284. It in turn was the source for a printed Rudder published in 1653, and since that time often reprinted by the Russian Church. Such was the legacy of Saint Savva to the canonical treasury of Orthodoxy.

Constantinople, 1189-1235, Sava I, 1st Serbian archbishop, caused Royal father mother to be monastics, strengthened church&state
Serbia, 1189-1235, Sava I, 1st archbishop oSerbia, son oSerbian King S Nemanya and daughter Byzantine Emperor Romanus, fervently attended Church, special icon love, a17 i1186 met monk & left home fAthos &Panteleimon m, given tRussian monks 1169, Sava's birthdate, his father Nemanya threatened war against Greeks if not returned, even though warned always watch, Sava received monastic tonsure during evening services when drunk soldiers fell asleep, sava sent home worldly clothes, hair&letter which requested parents become monastics, they do, father wSon aVatopedi, before they founded Hilandar 1198, there Sava becomes deacon then presbyter, mother became nun named Anastasia, made archimandrite 1219 aThessalonica, same year made Archbishop, so Serbia could elect own archbishop, important because frequent wars east and west, tAthos fNicea tSay goodby all monasteries, deep remorse (regret guilt) for leaving paradise, but MOG spoke in dream, having my support why sorrow, sorrow tJoy, large icons Jesus&MOG in appearance memory, aThessalonica, His father monk Simeon's relics exuded fragrant myrrh, Sava in charge negotiations wHungarian King Vladislav, who had declared war wSerbia, brought him tOrthodoxy fCatholic, Facilitating autonomous Serbian Church, plus strengthened Serbian State by crowning brother Steven as king, then Radislav his son, then Holy Land tWorship, then Vladislav as King and betrothed him tBulgarian Prince Asan's daughter, he visited churches across Serbia, reformed monastic rules like Athos&Palestine, established many churches, appointed Asenius as his successor, then journey of no return to end his days as a wanderer in a foreign land, Palestine Syria Persia Babylon Egypt Anatola, finishing at Tronovo, Bulgaria wAsan, died 1237, healings at his relics iBulgaria and Serbia at Church oMileshevo; St Savva I, Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated on January 14 Savva, First Archbishop of Serbia, the world Rostislav (Rastko), was a son of the Serbian king Stephen Nemanya and Anna, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Romanus. his early years he fervently attended church services had a special love for icons. seventeen years of age, Rostislav met a monk from Mount Athos, left his father’s house set off for the Saint Panteleimon monastery. divine Providence in 1169, the year of the saint’s birth, the ancient monastery of the Great Martyr and healer Panteleimon was given to Russian monks.) that his son was on Athos, his father mobilized his retainers headed by a faithful voevod wrote to the governor of the district which included Athos, saying that if his son were not returned to him, he would go to war against the Greeks. they arrived at the monastery, the voevod was ordered not to take his eyes off Rostislav. the evening services, when the soldiers had fallen asleep under the influence of wine, Rostislav received monastic tonsure (in 1186) sent to his parents his worldly clothes, his hair and a letter. Savva sought to persuade his powerful parents to accept monasticism. monk’s father (in monasticism Simeon, commemorated on February 13) and his son pursued asceticism at the Vatopedi monastery. Athos they established the Serbian Hilandar monastery, this monastery received its name by imperial grant. Hilandar monastery, Saint Savva was ordained to the diaconate and then presbyter. mother Anna became a nun with the name Anastasia (June 21). his holy life and virtuous deeds on Mount Athos, the monk was made an archimandrite (head group monasteries) at Thessalonica. Nicea in the year 1219 on the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Ecumenical Patriarch Germanus consecrated Archimandrite Savva as Archbishop of Serbia. saint petitioned the Byzantine Emperor to grant permission for Serbian bishops to elect their own Archbishop in future. was a very important consideration in a time of frequent wars between the eastern and western powers. returned to the Holy Mountain from Nicea, the saint visited all the monasteries for the last time. made prostrations in all the churches calling to mind the blessed lives of the wilderness Fathers, he made his farewells to the ascetics with deep remorse, “leaving the Holy Mountain, as if from Paradise.” by his separation from the Holy Mountain, the saint went along the path from Athos just barely moving. Most Holy Theotokos spoke to the saint in a dream, “Having My Patronage (support fPatron), why do you remain sorrowful?” words roused him from despondency, changing his sorrow into joy. memory of this appearance, the saint commissioned large icons of the Savior and of the Mother of God at Thessalonica, and put them in a church. Serbia, the activity of the Hierarch in organizing the work of his native Church was accompanied by numerous signs and miracles. ------------------------------onk Simeon, the holy relics xuded fragrant myrrh. in charge of negotiations with the Hungarian King Vladislav, had declared war on Serbia, holy bishop not only brought about the desired peace for his country, he also brought the Hungarian monarch to Orthodoxy. he facilitated the start of the historical existence of the autonomous Serbian Church. Savva also contributed to strengthening the Serbian state. order to insure the independence of the Serbian state, Archbishop Savva crowned his powerful brother Stephen as king. the death of Stephen, his eldest son Radislav was crowned king, Saint Savva set off to the Holy Land “to worship at the holy tomb of Christ and fearsome Golgotha.” he returned to his native land, the saint blessed and crowned Vladislav as king. further strengthen the Serbian throne, he betrothed him to the daughter of the Bulgarian prince Asan. holy hierarch visited churches all across Serbia, reformed monastic rules on the model of Athos and Palestine, he established and consecrated many churches, strengthening the Orthodox in their faith. finished his work in his native land, the saint appointed the hieromonk Arsenius as his successor, him bishop and giving his blessing to all. then set off on a journey of no return, “to end his days as a wanderer in a foreign land.” passed through Palestine, Syria and Persia, Babylon, Egypt and Anatolia, visiting the holy places, conversing with great ascetics, and collecting the holy relics of saints. saint finished his wanderings at Trnovo in Bulgaria at the home of his kinsman Asan, with spiritual joy he gave up his soul to the Lord (+ 1237). the time of transfer of the holy relics of Saint Savva to Serbia in 1237, were so many healings that the Bulgarians began to complain about Asan, “because he had given up such a treasure.” the saint’s own country, his venerable relics were placed in the Church of Mileshevo, healing on all who approached with faith. inhabitants of Trnovo continued to receive healing from the remnants of the saint’s coffin, Asan ordered to be gathered together and placed in a newly built sarcophagus. legacy of Saint Savva lives on in the Orthodox Church traditions of the Slavic nations. is associated with the introduction of the Jerusalem Typikon as the basis for Slavic Monastic Rules. Serbian Hilandar monastery on Mt. Athos lives by the Typikon of Saint Savva to this day. of The Rudder (a collection of church canons) of Saint Savva, with commentary by Alexis Aristines, are the most widely disseminated in the Russian Church. 1270 the first copy of The Rudder of Saint Savva was sent from Bulgaria to Metropolitan Cyril of Kiev. this was copied one of the most ancient of the Russian Rudders, the Ryazan Rudder of 1284. in turn was the source for a printed Rudder published in 1653, since that time often reprinted by the Russian Church. was the legacy of Saint Savva to the canonical treasury of Orthodoxy. Serbia, 1189-1235, Saint Sava I, Metropolitan of Zica, Son of Nemanja, Hilandar, Law, Constttn, tEnlightener, Serb Prince, Orthodox monk, autocephalous Serb church archbishop, Serb law founder, diplomat, youngest son oSteven Nemanja, Sava ruled Hum briefly 1090-93, then tAthos, became monk Sava, established Hilandar m, important Serb culture religious center, 1219 Constantinople Patriarch (exiled in Nicea) recognized him aSerb Archbishop, 1219 wrote Serb Constitution, Zakonopravilo nomocanon, which secured both religious&Political independence, founder Serbian midieval lit, important figure Serb history, patron saint Serbia, his church iBelgrade large bldg in the world, where his relics burnt bOttomans 1594; Serbian Saint, 1219-1235, Saint Sava, Metropolitan of Zica; Sava (1169 -14 January 1236), as the Enlightener, a Serbian prince and Orthodox monk, first Archbishop of the autocephalous Serbian Church, founder of Serbian law, a diplomat. born as Rastko, was the youngest son of Serbian Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja of the Nemanji dynasty), and ruled the appanage of Hum briefly in 1190-“92. then left for Mount Athos, where he became a monk with the name Sava (Sabbas). Athos he established the monastery of Hilandar, became one of the most important cultural and religious centres of the Serbian people. 1219 the Patriarchate exiled in Nicea recognized him as the first Serbian Archbishop, in the same year he authored the oldest known constitution of Serbia, Zakonopravilo nomocanon, securing full independence; both religious and political. is regarded as the founder of Serbian medieval literature.[6][7][8] is widely considered as one of the most important figures of Serbian history. Sava is venerated by the Serbian Orthodox Church as its founder on January 27 [O.S. January 14]. artistic works from the Middle Ages to modern times have interpreted his career. is the patron saint of Serbia, Serbs, and Serbian education. Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade is dedicated to him, where the Ottomans burnt his remains in 1594 during an uprising in which the Serbs used icons of Sava as their war flags; church is one of the largest church buildings in the world. St Savva I, Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated on January 14 Savva, First Archbishop of Serbia, the world Rostislav (Rastko), was a son of the Serbian king Stephen Nemanya and Anna, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Romanus. his early years he fervently attended church services had a special love for icons. seventeen years of age, Rostislav met a monk from Mount Athos, left his father’s house set off for the Saint Panteleimon monastery. divine Providence in 1169, the year of the saint’s birth, the ancient monastery of the Great Martyr and healer Panteleimon was given to Russian monks.) that his son was on Athos, his father mobilized his retainers headed by a faithful voevod wrote to the governor of the district which included Athos, saying that if his son were not returned to him, he would go to war against the Greeks. they arrived at the monastery, the voevod was ordered not to take his eyes off Rostislav. the evening services, when the soldiers had fallen asleep under the influence of wine, Rostislav received monastic tonsure (in 1186) sent to his parents his worldly clothes, his hair and a letter. Savva sought to persuade his powerful parents to accept monasticism. monk’s father (in monasticism Simeon, commemorated on February 13) and his son pursued asceticism at the Vatopedi monastery. Athos they established the Serbian Hilandar monastery, this monastery received its name by imperial grant. Hilandar monastery, Saint Savva was ordained to the diaconate and then presbyter. mother Anna became a nun with the name Anastasia (June 21). his holy life and virtuous deeds on Mount Athos, the monk was made an archimandrite (head group monasteries) at Thessalonica. Nicea in the year 1219 on the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Ecumenical Patriarch Germanus consecrated Archimandrite Savva as Archbishop of Serbia. saint petitioned the Byzantine Emperor to grant permission for Serbian bishops to elect their own Archbishop in future. was a very important consideration in a time of frequent wars between the eastern and western powers. returned to the Holy Mountain from Nicea, the saint visited all the monasteries for the last time. made prostrations in all the churches calling to mind the blessed lives of the wilderness Fathers, he made his farewells to the ascetics with deep remorse, “leaving the Holy Mountain, as if from Paradise.” by his separation from the Holy Mountain, the saint went along the path from Athos just barely moving. Most Holy Theotokos spoke to the saint in a dream, “Having My Patronage (support fPatron), why do you remain sorrowful?” words roused him from despondency, changing his sorrow into joy. memory of this appearance, the saint commissioned large icons of the Savior and of the Mother of God at Thessalonica, and put them in a church. Serbia, the activity of the Hierarch in organizing the work of his native Church was accompanied by numerous signs and miracles. the Liturgy and the all-night Vigil, when the saint came to cense the grave of his father the monk Simeon, the holy relics exuded fragrant myrrh. in charge of negotiations with the Hungarian King Vladislav, had declared war on Serbia, holy bishop not only brought about the desired peace for his country, he also brought the Hungarian monarch to Orthodoxy. he facilitated the start of the historical existence of the autonomous Serbian Church. Savva also contributed to strengthening the Serbian state. order to insure the independence of the Serbian state, Archbishop Savva crowned his powerful brother Stephen as king. the death of Stephen, his eldest son Radislav was crowned king, Saint Savva set off to the Holy Land “to worship at the holy tomb of Christ and fearsome Golgotha.” he returned to his native land, the saint blessed and crowned Vladislav as king. further strengthen the Serbian throne, he betrothed him to the daughter of the Bulgarian prince Asan. holy hierarch visited churches all across Serbia, reformed monastic rules on the model of Athos and Palestine, he established and consecrated many churches, strengthening the Orthodox in their faith. finished his work in his native land, the saint appointed the hieromonk Arsenius as his successor, him bishop and giving his blessing to all. then set off on a journey of no return, “to end his days as a wanderer in a foreign land.” passed through Palestine, Syria and Persia, Babylon, Egypt and Anatolia, visiting the holy places, conversing with great ascetics, and collecting the holy relics of saints. saint finished his wanderings at Trnovo in Bulgaria at the home of his kinsman Asan, with spiritual joy he gave up his soul to the Lord (+ 1237). the time of transfer of the holy relics of Saint Savva to Serbia in 1237, were so many healings that the Bulgarians began to complain about Asan, “because he had given up such a treasure.” the saint’s own country, his venerable relics were placed in the Church of Mileshevo, healing on all who approached with faith. inhabitants of Trnovo continued to receive healing from the remnants of the saint’s coffin, Asan ordered to be gathered together and placed in a newly built sarcophagus. legacy of Saint Savva lives on in the Orthodox Church traditions of the Slavic nations. is associated with the introduction of the Jerusalem Typikon as the basis for Slavic Monastic Rules. Serbian Hilandar monastery on Mt. Athos lives by the Typikon of Saint Savva to this day. of The Rudder (a collection of church canons) of Saint Savva, with commentary by Alexis Aristines, are the most widely disseminated in the Russian Church. 1270 the first copy of The Rudder of Saint Savva was sent from Bulgaria to Metropolitan Cyril of Kiev. this was copied one of the most ancient of the Russian Rudders, the Ryazan Rudder of 1284. in turn was the source for a printed Rudder published in 1653, since that time often reprinted by the Russian Church. was the legacy of Saint Savva to the canonical teasury of Ort.

Constantinople, 1196-1228, David oSerbia, Nephew of King Stefan Nemanjic, ascetical life, built monastery at Brodarova
Serbia, 1196-1228, David oSerbia, Brodarova, Serbia (Lim River 2.3), Nephew of King Stefan Nemanjic, ascetical life, built monastery at Brodarova; Brodarova, Serbia; Venerable David of Serbia, Commemorated on September 24; David, a nephew of holy King Stephen, in the world had the name Demetrius. built a monastery at Brodarova, at the River Lima, there he received monastic tonsure with the name David lived an ascetical life to the end of his days.

Constantinople, 1198, Founding of Hilandar monastery, Mt Athos (Serbian and Bulgarian)
Hilandar monastery; Icon of the Mother of God "of the Three Hands" on Mt Athos; Icon of the Mother of God the "Milk-Giver" of the Hilandar Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated July 3 ; Icon of the Mother of God œof the Three Handson Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 12 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Damascus, Commemorated on December 4 ; St Daniel II the Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated December 20 ; St Sava I, First Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated January 12 ; Icon of the Mother of God of the Akathist, Commemorated January 12 ; Icon of the Mother of God the œMilkgiverÂ, Commemorated on January 12 ; Icon of the Mother of God, the "Priestly", Commemorated January 12 ; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 16 ; Venerable Stephen (In Monasticism Simeon), the Myrrhgusher and Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on February 13 ; Venerable Damian of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated February 23 ; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13 ; Icon of the Mother of God œof the AkathistÂ, Commemorated on March 27; New Martyr Acacius the Martyr of Mt Athos and Seres, Commemorated on May 1; Prophet Isaiah, Commemorated on May 9 ; St Nicodemus the Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated on May 11 ; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19; Icon of the Mother of God of œthe Three HandsÂ, Commemorated on June 28; Icon of the Mother of God the œMilk-GiverÂ of the Hilandar Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on July 3;

Constantinople, 1198-1261, Icon of Three Hands on Mt Athos, Hilandar monastery, donkey from Serbia story, icon igumen
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, Icon became Igumen ; Hilandar monastery; 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.

Constantinople, 1198, Priestly Icon, Hilandar, heretical priest, carried this icon, fell into sea&drowned
Greece, Mt Athos, 1198, Priestly Icon, Hilandar monastery, Mt Athos (Serbian, Bulgarian), at tKatholkon (main church), by column otKliros (choir section), heretical priest, declared himself orthodox, acted wEvil purpose, carried this icon during blessing otWater procession, fell into sea and drowned, since then cross procession done wThis icon and carried by aPriest; Hilandar monastery; Icon of the Mother of God, the "Priestly", Commemorated January 12 ; Priestly Icon of the Mother of God stands in the katholikon of Hilandar Monastery by a column of the left kliros. certain heretical priest, having declared himself Orthodox, acted at the Hilandar monastery with evil purpose, but he was punished. the procession for the blessing of water he took this icon but stumbled, fell into the sea and drowned. that time the cross procession is always done with this icon, invariably a priest carries it, it was called “Priestly” by the Serbs.

Constantinople, 1200-1299, Folder, 13th Century, 4th Crusade sacks Constantinople

Constantinople, 1203-1204, Alexios IV Angelos, Prince, diverted the 4th Crusade to Constantinople so he could regain power
Byzantine Prince, 1203-1204, Alexios IV Angelos; Right-believing Tamara, Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on May 1;

Constantinople, 1204, Sack of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade
Constantinople, 1204, Sack of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade Byzantine Emperor, 1205-1215, Michael I Komnenos Doukas; Greatmartyr Marina (Margaret) of Antioch in Pisidia, Commemorated on July 17; Translation of the relics of St Hilarion the Bishop of Meglin in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 21;

Constantinople, 1204-1261, Holy Roman Crusaders rule Constantinople
Constantinople, 1204-1261, Holy Roman Crusaders rule Constantinople; Constantinople, 1204, Sack of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade Byzantine Emperor, 1205-1215, Michael I Komnenos Doukas; Greatmartyr Marina (Margaret) of Antioch in Pisidia, Commemorated on July 17; Translation of the Image œNot-Made-By-Handsof our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in AugustÂ, Commemorated on August 16 Translation of the relics of St Hilarion the Bishop of Meglin in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 21;

Constantinople, 1204-1261, Latin Empire, Crusader State
Constantinople, 1204-1261, Latin Empire, Crusader State; The Latin Empire, also referred to as the Latin Empire of Constantinople, was a feudal Crusader state founded by the leaders of the Fourth Crusade on lands captured from the Byzantine Empire. The Latin Empire was intended to replace the Byzantine Empire as the Western-recognized Roman Empire in the east, with a Catholic emperor enthroned in place of the Eastern Orthodox Roman emperors. The Fourth Crusade had originally been called to retake the Muslim-controlled city of Jerusalem but a sequence of economic and political events culminated in the Crusader army sacking the city of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Originally, the plan had been to restore the deposed Byzantine Emperor Isaac II Angelos, who had been usurped by Alexios III Angelos, to the throne. The crusaders had been promised financial and military aid by Isaac's son Alexios, with which they had planned to continue to Jerusalem. When the crusaders reached Constantinople the situation quickly turned volatile and while Isaac and Alexios briefly ruled, the crusaders did not receive the payment they had hoped for. In April 1204, they captured and plundered the city's enormous wealth. The crusaders selected their own emperor from among their own ranks, Baldwin of Flanders, and divided the territory of the Byzantine Empire into various new vassal crusader states. The Latin Empire's authority was immediately challenged by Byzantine rump states led by the Laskaris family (connected to the Angelos dynasty of 1185-“1204) in Nicaea and the Komnenos family (which had ruled as Byzantine Emperors 1081-“1185) in Trebizond. From 1224 to 1242 the Komnenos Doukas family, also connected to the Angeloi, challenged Latin authority from Thessalonica. The Latin Empire failed to attain political or economic dominance over the other Latin powers that had been established in former Byzantine territories in the wake of the Fourth Crusade, especially Venice, and after a short initial period of military successes it went into a steady decline due to constant war with Bulgaria to the north and the various Byzantine claimants. Eventually, the Nicaean Empire recovered Constantinople and restored the Byzantine Empire under Michael VIII Palaiologos in 1261. The last Latin emperor, Baldwin II, went into exile, but the imperial title survived, with several pretenders to it, until the 14th century. the term Byzantine Empire, Latin Empire was not a contemporary term used by the empire itself or the rest of the world. The Byzantines referred to the Latin Empire as the Frankokratia or the Latinokratia (rule of the Latins) and the Latin Emperors themselves referred to the empire by various names, commonly imperium Constantinopolitanum (lit. Empire of Constantinople), but also imperium Romaniae (lit. Empire of Romania) and imperium Romanorum (lit. Empire of the Romans). The term Romania (Land of the Romans) had been used unofficially by the population of the Byzantine Empire for their country for centuries.

Byzantium, 1205-1215, Emperor, Michael I Doukas, rebelled, fled to Turks, Diverted 4th Crusade to C in 1210, assinated
Byzantine Emperor, 1205-1215, Michael I Komnenos Doukas; I Komnenos Doukas, Latinized as Comnenus Ducas (Greek: ÎœÎ¹Ï‡Î±Î®Î» ÎšÎ¿Î¼Î½Î·Î½ÏŒÏ‚ Î”Î¿ÏÎºÎ±Ï‚, romanized: MikhaÄ“l KomnÄ“nos Doukas), and in modern sources often recorded as Michael I Angelos, a name he never used,[1] was the founder and first ruler of the Despotate of Epirus from c. 1205 until his assassination in 1214/15. c. 1170, Michael was a descendant of Alexios I Komnenos and a cousin of emperors Isaac II Angelos and Alexios III Angelos. He began his public career in 1190, as a hostage to the Third Crusade, and went on to serve as governor of the province of Mylasa and Melanoudion in the 1190s and again in c. 1200/01. the latter tenure he rebelled against Alexios III but was defeated and forced to flee to the Seljuk Turks. the aftermath of the sack of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade in 1204, he attached himself to Boniface of Montferrat. Soon, however, he abandoned the Crusader leader and went to Epirus, where he established himself as ruler, apparently through marriage with the daughter or widow of a local magnate. domain in Epirus became a refuge and centre of resistance of the Greeks against the Latin Crusaders. At about the same time, according to some modern scholars, he may have led the abortive Greek resistance to the Crusaders in the Peloponnese, which was crushed at the Battle of the Olive Grove of Kountouras; according to other views, he may have led a campaign there between 1207 and 1209. order to avoid invasion and buy time to consolidate his position in Epirus, Michael soon entered into negotiations with Pope Innocent III, and concluded treaties with the Latin Empire and the Republic of Venice. the meantime, his rule received a boost in legitimacy when he ransomed the deposed Alexios III from captivity. According to later chroniclers, Alexios III conferred the hereditary rule of Epirus to Michael and his descendants. 1210, Michael was secure enough to launch an attack against the Latin Kingdom of Thessalonica, in conjunction with the Bulgarians. Repelled by the intervention of the Latin Emperor Henry of Flanders, Michael quickly switched sides and joined the Latins to prevent the city from falling into Bulgarian hands. In 1212, he conquered most of Thessaly from the Lombard lords of Thessalonica. At about the same time, his troops briefly took over the Lordship of Salona. He then went on to recover Dyrrhachium and the island of Corfu from the Venetians in 1213–1214, but was thwarted in his attempt to push further north into Zeta. He was assassinated soon after in his sleep, and was succeeded by his half-brother Theodore Komnenos Doukas. Translation of the relics of St Hilarion the Bishop of Meglin in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 21; St Philothea of Thrace, the Protectress of Romania, Commemorated on December 7; Icon of the Mother of God the œMilkgiverÂ, Commemorated on January 12; St Sava I, First Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated on January 12; Venerable Agapius of Vatopedi, Commemorated on March 1;

Byzantium, 1215-1230, Emperor, Theodore Komnenos Doukas, Latin, Nicean, Epirus, Serbian, Theslnc Empires
Byzantine Emperor, 1215-1230, Theodore Komnenos Doukas; Komnenos Doukas (died c. 1253) was ruler of Epirus and Thessaly from 1215 to 1230 and of Thessalonica and most of Macedonia and western Thrace from 1224 to 1230. He was also the power behind the rule of his sons John and Demetrios over Thessalonica in 1237–1246. was the scion of a distinguished Byzantine aristocratic family related to the imperial Komnenos, Doukas, and Angelos dynasties. nothing is known about Theodore's life before the conquest of Constantinople and dissolution of the Byzantine Empire by the Fourth Crusade in 1204. the fall of Constantinople, he served Theodore I Laskaris, founder of the Empire of Nicaea, for a few years ----------------------------------before being called to Epirus, where his bastard half-brother Michael I Komnenos Doukas had founded an independent principality. Michael died in 1215, Theodore sidelined his brother's underage and illegitimate son Michael II and assumed the governance of the Epirote state. continued his brother's policy of territorial expansion. with Serbia, he expanded into Macedonia, threatening the Latin Kingdom of Thessalonica. capture of the Latin Emperor Peter II of Courtenay in 1217 opened the way to the gradual envelopment of Thessalonica, culminating in the city's fall in 1224. ruler of Thessalonica, Theodore quickly declared himself emperor, challenging the Nicaean emperor John III Doukas Vatatzes's claims to the Byzantine imperial throne. 1225, he advanced to the outskirts of Constantinople, but his final attack against the seat of the much-reduced Latin Empire was delayed until 1230. that year, Theodore amassed an army to besiege Constantinople, but then diverted it against Bulgaria, an ambivalent ally which threatened his northern flank. was defeated and captured at the Battle of Klokotnitsa, and spent the next seven years in captivity. the meantime, he was succeeded by his brother Manuel. Manuel quickly lost Thrace, most of Macedonia, and Albania to the Bulgarian Emperor John Asen II. Thessalonica itself became a Bulgarian vassal, while in Epirus proper power was seized by Michael II, returning from exile. was released in 1237 when his daughter Irene married John Asen II, and quickly managed to regain control of Thessalonica, ousting Manuel. been blinded during his captivity and thus disqualified from occupying the throne again, he installed his eldest son John as emperor, but remained the de facto regent of the state. Manuel tried to regain Thessalonica with Nicaean support, but a negotiated settlement was reached which gave him Thessaly and left Thessalonica and its environs to Theodore and John. In 1241, John III Vatatzes invited Theodore to visit Nicaea. He was welcomed and treated with great honour, but was effectively detained there until the spring of next year, when Vatatzes marched on Thessalonica with Theodore in tow. Theodore was sent in to negotiate with his son and convince him to accept demotion to the rank of Despot and to recognize the suzerainty of Nicaea. died in 1244 and was succeeded by Theodore's younger son Demetrios. In 1246, Vatatzes overthrew the unpopular Demetrios and annexed Thessalonica. Theodore influenced his nephew Michael II to launch an attack on Thessalonica in 1251, but in 1252, Vatatzes campaigned against them and forced Michael to come to terms. Theodore was taken prisoner and sent into exile in Nicaea, where he died around 1253. St Philothea of Thrace, the Protectress of Romania, Commemorated on December 7; Icon of the Mother of God the "œMilkgiver"Â, Commemorated on January 12; St Sava I, First Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated on January 12; Venerable Agapius of Vatopedi, Commemorated on March 1;

Constantinople, 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.

Constantinople, 1220-1287, Simon tMyrrhgusher& his star's New Bethlehem or Simonopetra mnastey, Mt Athos, many miracles
Greece, Mt Athos, 1220-1287, Simon tMyrrhgusher, Simonopetra monastery, Mt Athos, Simon's ascetic life glorified bMany miracles, founder New Bethlehem Monastery now named after him Simonopetra, One night bright star like star oBethlehem appeared near his cave, seeing motionless star several nights, first thought demonic temptation, but on night oNativity star moved over high rock & MOG voice said Here simon you must lay foundations of your monastery for salvation osouls, for the star he built New Bethlehem m, he died 1287; New Bethlehem or Simonopetra monastery; Monastery (Greek: Σιμωνόπετρα, literally: "Simon's Rock"), also Monastery of Simonos Petra (Greek: Μονή Σίμωνος Πέτρας), is an Eastern Orthodox monastery in the monastic state of Mount Athos in Greece. Simonopetra ranks thirteenth in the hierarchy of the Athonite monasteries. monastery is located in the southern coast of the Athos peninsula, between the Athonite port of Dafni and Osiou Grigoriou monastery. While the southern coast of Athos is quite rugged in general, the particular site upon which the monastery is built is exceptionally harsh. It is built on top of a single huge rock, practically hanging from a cliff 330 metres over the sea.[1] The monastery currently houses 54 monks, and the hegumen is Archimandrite Eliseus. monastery was founded during the 13th century by Simon the Athonite, who was later sanctified by the Eastern Orthodox Church as Saint Simon the Myrrh-bearer. holds that Simon, while dwelling in a nearby cave, saw a dream in which the Theotokos instructed him to build a monastery on top of the rock, him that she would protect and provide for him and the monastery. original monastery was called by Simon "New Bethlehem" (Greek: Νέα Βηθλεέμ) and is to this day dedicated to the Nativity of Jesus. 1364, the Serbian despot Jovan Uglješa funded the renovation and expansion of the monastery. pilgrim Isaiah wrote that, by the end of the 15th century, the monastery was Bulgarian.[2] 1581, Simonopetra was destroyed by a fire, in which a large portion of the monks died. the monastery's abbot traveled to the Danubian Principalities hoping to raise funds to rebuild the monastery. most important donor was Michael the Brave, Prince of Wallachia, who donated large portions of land as well as money to the monastery. monastery was also burnt in 1626, the last great fire happened in 1891, after which the monastery was rebuilt to its current form. recent centuries, the monks of the monastery were traditionally from Ionia in Asia Minor. during the mid 20th century the brotherhood was greatly thinned out because of a great reduction in the influx of new monks. current brotherhood originates from the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron in Meteora as in 1973 the Athonite community headed by Archimandrite Emilianos decided to repopulate the almost abandoned monastery. Venerable Simon the Myrrh-gusher of Mt Athos, Commemorated December 28 ; Simon the Myrrh-Gusher lived an ascetical life on Mt Athos, and was glorified by many miracles. was the founder of the New Bethlehem monastery, now known as Simonopetra. night, he saw a star of such brightness that he thought it must be the Star of Bethlehem. the star remain motionless for several nights, he thought at first that it was a demonic temptation. the eve of the Lord’s Nativity the star stood over a high rock, and Saint Simon heard a voice say, “Here, O Simon, you must lay the foundations of your monastery for the salvation of souls.” built the monastery and called it New Bethlehem. reposed in the year 1287, and his holy relics exude myrrh.

Constantinople, 1227, 100,000 Martyrs, Tbilisi, Jalal al-Din of Khwarazm, repelled but inside m traitors opened gates at night
Georgia, 1227, Tbilisi, Kartli, Georgia Capital (Tiblisi River Mouth, Kura River 9), Jalal al-Din of Khwarazm, Turkmenistan attacked, Georgia repelled but inside moslem traitors opened the gates at night; Tbilisi; 100,000 Martyrs of Tbilisi by the Mongols, Commemorated on October 31 ; 1227 Sultan Jalal al-Din of Khwarazm and his army of Turkmen attacked Georgia. the first day of the battle the Georgian army valorously warded off the invaders as they were approaching Tbilisi. night, however, a group of Persians who were living in Tbilisi secretly opened the gates and summoned the enemy army into the city. to one manuscript in which this most terrible day in Georgian history was described: “Words are powerless to convey the destruction that the enemy wrought: tearing infants from their mothers’ breasts, they beat their heads against the bridge, watching as their eyes dropped from their skulls....” river of blood flowed through the city. The Turkmen castrated young children, raped women, and stabbed mothers to death over their children’s lifeless bodies. The whole city shuddered at the sound of wailing and lamentation. The river and streets of the city were filled with death. sultan ordered that the cupola of Sioni Cathedral be taken down and replaced by his vile throne. And at his command the icons of the Theotokos and our Savior were carried out of Sioni Cathedral and placed at the center of the bridge across the Mtkvari River. invaders goaded the people to the bridge, ordering them to cross it and spit on the holy icons. Those who betrayed the Christian Faith and mocked the icons were spared their lives, while the Orthodox confessors were beheaded. hundred thousand Georgians sacrificed their lives to venerate the holy icons. One hundred thousand severed heads and headless bodies were carried by the bloody current down the Mtkvari River.

Constantinople, 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.

Constantinople, 1231-1280, Damien oEsphigmenou, hesychast, ascetic life & miracles, truly obedient, kept orders otFathers
Greece, Mt Athos, 1231-1280, Damien oEsphigmenou monastery, Mt Athos, hesychast, in a skete between Esphigmenou and Hillandar, on Mt Samareia, in a cave Russian oAnthony otCaves, known for ascetic life and miracles, truly obedient, kept injunctions (special orders) of the Fathers,; Esphigmenou monastery; Venerable Damian of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated February 23 ; Damian lived in the thirteenth century. was a hesychast on Mt. Athos, struggled in the skete of Esphigmenou monastery, a mountain called Samareia, the monasteries of Hilandar and Esphigmenou, also in one of the caves where the Father of Russian Monasticism, Saint Anthony of the Caves (July 10), had lived in asceticism. for his ascetic life and for the miracles he performed, was truly obedient and kept the injunctions of the Fathers. Damian reposed in his cell in the year 1280, a miraculous fragrance issued from his grave for forty days. Life was written by his friend Saint Cosmas of Zographou Monastery (September 22).

Constantinople, 1237, Damascus Icon aka 3Hands, iconodule John oD slandered bIconoclast, MOG heals hand, Silver hand oHer Icon
Syria, 740 & 1237, Damascus Icon or 3Hands Icon, Syria, John oDamascus venerated icons, slandered by iconoclast Leo III Isaurian, Caliph cut off his hand, tMarketplace, asked for hand put it on joint prayed tMOG at her icon, hand had written Orthodoxy defense, saw MOG in dream promised quick healing, before this MOG bid him toil without fail with this hand, woke wHealed hand, in thankfulness put silver hand on Icon, 3hands Icon, wrote thanksgiving hymn All Creation Rejoices in You O Full oGrace, in Basil' Liturgy place It is Truly Meet, John oD monk at Sabbas, there gave icon, 1237 icon tSerbia aSava's Monastery, icon put on donkey during Turk invasion, donkey tSerbian Monastery Hilandar oAthos, MOG made Icon Hilandar Igumen by MOG; Damascus (Barada River foothills); Icon of the Mother of God of Damascus, Commemorated on December 4 ; Damascene Icon of the Mother of God, by ancient tradition, was painted by Saint John of Damascus gratitude to the Theotokos for the miraculous healing of his right hand, off through the perfidy of Emperor Leo the Isaurian. icon is also known as “Of the Three Hands” Icon of the Mother of God (June 28, and July 12). the ninth century in 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), informed the Damascus caliph that Saint John was committing treasonous acts against him. caliph gave orders to cut off the hand of the monk 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, had written in defense of Orthodoxy. long prayer he fell asleep 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, 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,” appears in place of the hymn “It is Truly Meet” in the Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great. John Damascene received monasticism at the monastery of Saint Savva the Sanctified there bestowed his wonderworking icon. Lavra presented the icon “Of Three Hands” in blessing to Saint Savva, Archbishop of Serbia (+ 1237, January 12). 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, Mother of God deigned to head the monastery Herself, 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.

Constantinople, 1250 13th Century, Agapius of Vatopedi, A novice in obedience to virtuous Elder who lived in silence, Turk captivity, to Magnesia, worked in chains 12 yrs, did not lose hope, praying to MOG, MOG appeared, ordered go to his Elder without fear, free of his bonds, doors open, he returned to Athos, he returned without complaint when Elder ordered him back, impressed by the virtue of Agapius' Elder & loftiness of Christian faith, Moslem & son and returned w/A to Athos to be baptized and become monks, ascetics for life
Greece, Mt Athos, 1250 13th Century, Venerable Agapius of Vatopedi, A novice in obedience to virtuous Elder who lived silence, taken into captivituy by Turks, to Magnesia, worked in chains 12 yrs, but did not lose hope, fervently praying to MOG for freedom, MOG appeared in dream, ordered go to his Elder without fear, he awoke free of his bonds, doors open, he returned to Athos, Elder thought he has escaped, he returned without complaint when Elder ordered him back, the Moslem and son were impressed by his virtue of Agapius' Elder and loftiness of Christian faith, and returned w/A to Athos to be baptized and become monks, ascetics for life; Venerable Agapius of Vatopedi, Commemorated on March 1; Agapius of the Holy Mountain, was a novice in obedience to a virtuous Elder who lived in silence at the Holy Trinity kellia at Kolitsa, within the boundaries of Vatopedi on Mt. Athos. was taken into captivity by Turks who had landed on the shore of Athos. took him to Magnesia and there he worked in chains for twelve years. But he did not lose hope for freedom and fervently he prayed to the Mother of God to free him from this bitter captivity. Queen of Heaven manifested Her Mercy to the patient sufferer. She appeared to him in a dream and ordered him “to go to his Elder without fear.” he awoke, he saw that he was free of his bonds, and the doors were open. Without hindrance, Saint Agapius departed from his master and returned to Mount Athos. Elder grieved when he saw his novice, for he thought that Agapius had secretly escaped from his master. “You have deceived the Hagarene,” he said, “but no one can deceive God. If you wish to save yourself, return to your master and serve him.” Saint Agapius returned to his master without complaint. Moslem was amazed to see Agapius after he had escaped. Hearing the story of what had happened, he was struck by the virtue of Agapius’ Elder and the loftiness of the Christian Faith. master and his two sons went to the Holy Mountain with Saint Agapius. There they were baptized and became monks, living in asceticism for the rest of their lives. Agapius lived in the thirteenth century.

Byzantium, 1259-1282, Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos, Apostate, Nicea Empire, recovered empire, conflict w other B states
Byzantine Emperor, 1259-1282, Michael VIII Palaiologos, The Apostate; VIII Palaiologos or Palaeologus (1223 -“ 11 December 1282) reigned as the co-emperor of the Empire of Nicaea from 1259 to 1261, and as Byzantine Emperor from 1261 until his death. VIII was the founder of the Palaiologan dynasty that would rule the Byzantine Empire until the Fall of Constantinople in 1453. He recovered Constantinople from the Latin Empire in 1261 and transformed the Empire of Nicaea into a restored Byzantine Empire.[2] reign would see considerable recovery of Byzantine power, including the enlargement of the Byzantine army and navy. It would also include the reconstruction of the city of Constantinople, and the increase of its population.[3] reestablished the University of Constantinople, which would lead to what is regarded as the Palaiologan Renaissance between the 13th and 15th centuries.[3] would also be at this time that the focus of the Byzantine military shifted to the Balkans, against the Bulgarians, leaving the Anatolian frontier neglected.[3] successors could not compensate for this inadequacy, and both the Arsenite schism and two civil wars (cf. Byzantine civil war of 1321-“1328, Byzantine civil war of 1341-1347) would undermine further efforts toward territorial consolidation and recovery, draining the empire's strength, economy, and resources. conflict between Byzantine successor states such as the Empire of Thessalonica, Trebizond, Epirus and Serbia resulted in permanent fragmentation of former Byzantine territory and opportunity for increasingly successful conquests of expansive territories by post-Seljuk Anatolian beyliks, most notably that of Osman, later called the Ottoman Empire. Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13, Iveron founded middle of 10th Century; 26 Monk-Martyrs of Zographou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 21; 26 Martyrs of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos at the hands of the Crusaders, Commemorated on October 10; St Stephen Miliutin of Serbia, Commemorated on October 30; Monastic Martyrs of Karyes, Commemorated on December 5; Venerable Damian of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Agapius of Vatopedi, Commemorated on March 1;

Constantinople, 1261-1282, Euthymius&12 Monks, Vatopedi monastery, martyred fDenouncing Latinizing Patriarchs Paleologos&Bekkos
Greece, 1261-1282, Euthymius&12 Monks, Vatopedi monastery, Mt Athos, martyred for denouncing Latinizing Patriarchs Paleologos&Bekkos; Vatopedi monastery ; Venerable Euthymius and twelve other Monks, martyred at Vatopedi, Commemorated on January 4; Monk Martyr Euthymius, Igumen of the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, and twelve other monks suffered martyrdom denouncing the Latinizing Patriarchs Michael Paleologos (1261-1281) and John Bekkos (1275-1282) as heretics. Saint Euthymius was drowned in the sea, and the monks were hanged.

Constantinople, 1260-1263, Crusaders capture Constantinople, Right Hand of John
Byzantium, 1260-1263, Crusaders capture Constantinople, Right Hand of John; In the year 1200, the Russian pilgrim Dobrynya, who later became Saint Anthony, Archbishop of Novgorod (February 10), saw the right hand of the Forerunner in the imperial palace. From the Lives of the Saints we learn that in the year 1263, during the capture of Constantinople by the Crusaders, the emperor Baldwin gave one bone from the wrist of Saint John the Baptist to Ottonus de Cichon, who then gave it to a Cistercian abbey in France. ; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated on January 7 ;

Constantinople, 1274, Union of Lyons convoked in 1272, convened 1274, peace among Christians, revoked
France, 1272, Union of Lyons 1272; The Second Council of Lyon was the fourteenth ecumenical council of the Catholic Church, convoked on 31 March 1272 and convened in Lyon, Kingdom of Arles (in modern France), in 1274.[1] Pope Gregory X presided over the council, called to act on a pledge by Byzantine emperor Michael VIII to reunite the Eastern church with the West.[2] The council was attended by about 300 bishops, 60 abbots[3] and more than a thousand prelates or their procurators, among whom were the representatives of the universities. Due to the great number of attendees, those who had come to Lyon without being specifically summoned were given "leave to depart with the blessing of God" and of the Pope. Among others who attended the council were James I of Aragon, the ambassador of the Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos with members of the Greek clergy and the ambassadors of Abaqa Khan of the Ilkhanate. Thomas Aquinas had been summoned to the council, but died en route at Fossanova Abbey. Bonaventure was present at the first four sessions, but died at Lyon on 15 July 1274. As at the First Council of Lyon, Thomas Cantilupe was an English attendee and a papal chaplain.[4] In addition to Aragon, which James represented in person, representatives of the kings of Germany, England, Scotland, France, the Spains and Sicily[5] were present, with procurators also representing the kingdoms of Norway, Sweden, Hungary, Bohemia, the "realm of Dacia" and the duchy of Poland. In the procedures to be observed in the council, for the first time the nations appeared as represented elements in an ecclesiastical council, as they had already become represented in the governing of medieval universities. This innovation marks a stepping-stone towards the acknowledgment of coherent ideas of nationhood, which were in the process of creating the European nation-states. The main topics discussed at the council were the conquest of the Holy Land and the union of the Eastern and Western Churches. The first session took place on 7 May 1274 and was followed by five additional sessions on 18 May 1274, 4 or 7 June 1274, 6 July 1274, 16 July 1274, and 17 July 1274. By the end of the council, 31 constitutions were promulgated. In the second session, the fathers approved the decree Zelus fidei, which contained no juridical statutes but rather summed up constitutions about the perils of the Holy Land, the means for paying for a proposed crusade, the excommunication of pirates and corsairs and those who protected them or traded with them, a declaration of peace among Christians, a grant of an indulgence for those willing to go on crusade, restoration of communion with the Greeks, and the definition of the order and procedure to be observed in the council. The Greeks conceded on the issue of the Filioque (two words added to the Nicene Creed), and union was proclaimed, but the union was later repudiated by Andronicus II,[2] heir to Michael VIII. The council also recognized Rudolf I as Holy Roman Emperor, ending the interregnum.[2] 26 Monk-Martyrs of Zographou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 21;

Constantinople, 1274, 26 Monk-Martyrs of Zographou, burned alive by heretic Michael VIII, for no union with Rome
Greece, Mt Athos, 1274, 26 Monk-Martyrs of Zographou Monestary, Bulgarian, Mt Athos, burned alive by heretic Michael VIII, for not accepting union with Roman Church; Zographou Monastery; 26 Monk-Martyrs of Zographou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 21 ; July of 1274, the Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII accepted a union with the Roman Church at Lyons, France. with dangers from Charles of Anjou, the Ottoman Turks, and other enemies, the emperor found such an alliance with Rome expedient. Union of Lyons required the Orthodox to recognize the authority of the Pope, the use of the Filioque in the Creed, and the use of azymes (unleavened bread) in the Liturgy. Joseph was deposed because he would not agree to these conditions. The monastic clergy and many of the laity, both at home and in other Orthodox countries, vigorously opposed the Union, denouncing the emperor for his political schemes and for his betrayal of Orthodoxy. January 9, 1275 a Liturgy was celebrated in Constantinople in which the Pope was commemorated as “Gregory, the chief pontiff of the Apostolic Church, and Ecumenical Pope. ” The emperor’s sister remarked, “It is better that my brother’s empire should perish, rather than the purity of the Orthodox Faith.” the infamous Crusade of 1204 when Latin crusaders sacked Constantinople, many of the people also preferred to submit to the infidels than to abandon the Orthodox Faith. martyrs of Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos were among those who were persecuted by Emperor Michael VIII Paleologos (1261-1282) and Patriarch John Bekkos (1275-1282) because they would not obey the imperial command to recognize the Union of Lyons. steadfastly kept the teachings of the Fathers of the Church, and fearlessly censured those who accepted Catholic doctrines. the authorities came to Mt. Athos to enforce the imperial policy, the monks of Zographou shut themselves up in their monastery. the tower they reproached those in favor of the Union, calling them lawless men and heretics. The attackers set the monastery on fire and burned the twenty-six martyrs alive. names of the martyrs are: Igumen Thomas, the monks Barsanuphius, Cyril, Micah, Simon, Hilarion, James, Job, Cyprian, Savva, James, Martinian, Cosmas, Sergius, Menas, Joasaph, Joannicius, Paul, Anthony, Euthymius, Dometian, Parthenius, and four laymen who died with them. holy martyrs are also commemorated on October 10.

Constantinople, 1274, Zographou Monestary, Crusaders, 26 Martyrs
Zographou Monastery; 26 Monk-Martyrs of Zographou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 21 ; Venerable Cosmas the Bulgarian of Zographou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 21; Venerable Cosmas of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on September 22 ; Icon of the Mother of God "of the Akathist" of the Zographou Monastery, Commemorated October 10 ; 26 Martyrs of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos at the hands of the Crusaders, Commemorated October 10 ; Venerable Pimen the Bulgarian of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated November 3 ; St Hilarion the Georgian, the New, Commemorated February 14 ; Venerable Damian of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated February 23 ; Icon of the Mother of God œof the Akathist, Commemorated on March 27; Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Constantinople, 1276-1354, Maximus tHut Burner oBlachernae, became fool to hide ascetic deeds, wandered, then one place fOthers
Troy, 1276-1354, Maximus tHut Burner oMt Athos, fLampsakos, Troy and sometimes included with Phrygia, tOne of the Deserts, tConstantinople&Blachernae Church entrance, abode there, asked MOG gift unceasing mental prayer, flame entered his heart from her icon, sweetness contrition within, from that time his heart repeated Jesus prayer, fulfilling his request, then fulfilled obedience aAthanasius Lavra Mt Athos, to conceal deeds behaved fool, vision MOG, she told ascent tMt, prayed 3 days there, MOG appeared again, surrounded bAngels, holdiing Jesus in her arms, he prostrated, she said receive the deliverance gift, and settle at foot oMt Athos, for this is my son's will, she told him he would ascend heights virtue, and teach guide many, then heavenly bread given him (after 3days without), as put it in mouth he surrounded bDivine light, saw MOG ascending tHeaven, Maximus told Mt Carmel elder, but skeptical, M turned disbelief tGood by pretending slightly crazy tConceal prodigious ascetic deeds, privations, hardship, solitude, he wandered like lunitic, burned hut when moved, called hut Burner (Kavsokalyvites), for long time Mt Athos residents contemptious, even though height spiritual life, but Gregory oSinai encouraged him, persuaded him stop fool act, live one place for othe, he settled cave oElijan, Byzantine emperors J Paleologos& J Kantakouzenos visited, suprised his predictions fThem fulfilled, Theophanes oVatopadi wrote about him, I saw several his miracles, travel through air, predicted I become igumen&Ochrid Metropolitan, even how I would suffer fChurch, M abandoned solitude right before death, died at 95 i1354, relics glorified by many miracles; Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (Istanbul); Venerable Maximus Kavsokalyvites of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 13 ; Maximus Kavsokalyvites was educated at the church of the Most Holy Theotokos at Lampsakos. seventeen years of age he left his parental home, became a monk, and passed his obedience under Elder Mark, the finest spiritual instructor in Macedonia. the death of his teacher, the saint pursued asceticism under the guidance of several desert Fathers of extremely strict life. in Constantinople, Saint Maximus was constantly at the Blachernae church of the Most Holy Theotokos, as though he had taken up his abode at the entrance. his youth, Saint Maximus had a great love for the Mother of God. persistently entreated Her to grant him the gift of unceasing mental prayer. day, as he was venerating her icon, he felt a warmth and a flame enter his heart from the icon. did not burn him, but he felt a certain sweetness and contrition within. that time, his heart began to repeat the Jesus Prayer of itself. this way, the Virgin Theotokos fulfilled his request. Maximus fulfilled his obedience in the Lavra of Saint Athanasius on Mt. Athos. order to conceal his ascetic deeds of fasting and prayer, and to avoid celebrity, he behaved like a fool. day, he had a vision of the Mother of God, told him to ascend the mountain. the summit of the Holy Mountain, he prayed for three days and nights. the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to him surrounded by angels, and holding Her divine Son in Her arms. himself, the saint heard the All-Holy Virgin speak to him, “Receive the gift against demons... and settle at the foot of Athos, for this is the will of My Son.” told him that he would ascend the heights of virtue, and become a teacher and guide for many. since he had not eaten for several days, a heavenly bread was given to him. soon as he put it in his mouth, he was surrounded by divine light, he saw the Mother of God ascending into Heaven. Maximus told his vision to a certain Elder living by the church of the holy Prophet Elias at Carmel. was skeptical, but the saint turned his disbelief to good. pretended to be slightly crazy in order to conceal his prodigious ascetic deeds, privations, his hardship and solitude. Maximus did not live in a permanent abode, but wandered from place to place like a lunatic. he moved, he would burn his hut down. Therefore, he was called “Kavsokalyvites,” or “Hut Burner.” on the Holy Mountain, knowing of the extreme deprivations and sorrows of Saint Maximus, for a long time regarded him with contempt, though he had attained the height and perfection of spiritual life. Saint Gregory of Sinai (August 8) arrived on Athos, he encountered the holy fool. speaking to him, he began to call him an earthly angel. Gregory persuaded Saint Maximus to stop behaving like a fool and to live in one place so that others might benefit from his spiritual experience. the words of Saint Gregory and the advice of other Elders, Saint Maximus selected a permanent dwelling a cave near the renowned Elder Isaiah. of his gift of clairvoyance, the Byzantine Emperors John Paleologos (1341-1376) and John Kantakouzenos (1341-1355) visited him were surprised by the fulfillment of his predictions. the igumen of Vatopedi monastery, wrote about Saint Maximus: “I invoke God as my witness, that I myself saw several of his miracles. for instance, I saw him travel through the air from one place to another. listened as he made a prediction concerning me, that first I would be an igumen, and then Metropolitan of Ochrid. He even revealed to me how I would suffer for the Church.” Maximus abandoned his solitude only just before his death, settled near the Lavra of Saint Athanasius, he surrendered his soul to the Lord at 95 years of age (+ 1354). his death, as in life, Saint Maximus was glorified by many miracles.

Constantinople, 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 Shekh-Khidar 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. after, his precious body was set on fire at the command of the bewildered Shekh-Khidar. occurred in 1277. Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12 ; story as above

Constantinople, 1282, Martyrs oKaryes, apostate Emperor Paleologos, Latins burned Karyes because they denounced rationalising
Greece, Mt Athos, 1282, Martyrs of Karyes, Athos, m bLatins, fire and sword, apostate Paleologos, burned Protaton basilica, apostate Emperor Michael Paleologos 1259-1282, because Protos had denounced rationalising aHeresy; Greece, Mt Athos, 1282, Martyrs of Karyes, Athos, m by t Latins, fire and sword, during apostate Mike Paleologos, burned Protaton basilica, Protos hanged, others by swords; Serbian Bishop Saint Sava built a church and cell at Karyes, where he stayed for some years, becoming a Hieromonk, then an Archimandrite in 1201. He wrote the Karyes Typicon during his stay there, and a marble inscription of his work still exists.[2] In 1219 Sava becomes the first Archbishop of Serbia.[2] the year 1283, Latin Crusaders during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Michael Paleologos, attacked Mount Athos. They tortured and hanged the Protos, and sacked the Protaton, murdering many of the monks. These monks are commemorated as martyrs by the Orthodox Church on December 5 (for those churches which follow the traditional Julian Calendar, December 5 falls on December 18 of the Gregorian Calendar). Kayes; Venerable Philotheus of Karyes of Mt Athos, Commemorated December 5 ; Philotheus of Karyes lived an ascetic life on Athos in the cell of Iagari near Karyes. was the Spiritual Father of Saint Nectarius. Because of the purity of his life, he was granted the gift of clairvoyance. Monastic Martyrs of Karyes, Commemorated on December 5 ; Holy Monastic Martyrs of Karyes were martyred by the Latins who came with fire and sword onto Mount Athos during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Michael Paleologos (1259-1282), an apostate from Orthodoxy. in upon the Karyes monastery, the Latins burned and devastated the Church of the Protaton [the only basilica on the Holy Mountain, built in 965], “leaving no one alive.” -------------------------------------------------The Protos of the Holy Mountain, who had denounced the Latin rationalising as heresy, was after much torture hanged before the Protaton at the place called Chalkhos. hidden in caves around Karyes were cut down with swords. See October 10.

Byzantium, 1282-1328, Emperor, Andronicus II P, Orthodox, B decline of BE, Turks in EPH, Civil War
Byzantine Emperor 1282-1328, Andronicus II Paleologos ; Venerable Gregory of Sinai, Mt. Athos, Commemorated on August 8; 26 Martyrs of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos at the hands of the Crusaders, Commemorated on October 10; Icon of the Mother of God of Andronicus, Commemorated on October 22; St Athanasius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 24 ; Venerable Athanasius the Younger the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 28; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 14; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 14; Repose of St Peter the Metropolitan of Moscow and Wonderworker of All Russia, Commemorated on December 21; Venerable Simon the Myrrh-gusher of Mt Athos, Commemorated on December 28; Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated on January 16; Venerable Damian of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Agapius of Vatopedi, Commemorated on March 1; Venerable Gregory the Byzantine, Commemorated on April 6; Venerable Nicephorus of Mt. Athos, Albania, Commemorated on May 4; St Nicodemus the Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated on May 11; Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13, Iveron founded middle of 10th Century;

Constantinople, 1289-1330, Athanasius I, opposed R Catholic re-union, elevated Peter of Moscow, strict conviction, Jesus
Constantinople, 1250-1330, Patriarch Athanasius I of Constantinople ; I (1230 -“ 28 October 1310) was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople for two terms, from 1289 to 1293 and 1303 to 1309. He was born in Adrianople and died in Constantinople. by the emperor Andronicus II Palaeologus as patriarch, he opposed the reunion of the Greek and Roman Churches and introduced an ecclesiastic reform that evoked opposition within the clergy. He resigned in 1293 and was restored in 1303 with popular support. The pro-Union clerical faction forced him into retirement in early 1310. He is commemorated as a saint in the Orthodox Church with his feast day observed annually on 28 October.[1] St Athanasius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 24 ; Athanasius I, Patriarch of Constantinople (1289-1293; 1303-1311), in the world Alexius, was from Adrianopolis. still in his youth, thriving upon the knowledge of the wisdom of Christ, he left his home and went to Thessalonica, where he was tonsured in one of the monasteries with the name Acacius. soon withdrew to Mount Athos and joined the brotherhood of the Esphigmenou monastery, where for three years he served in the trapeza. his works and his ascetic deeds he acquired the gift of tears, and by his virtuous acts he won the overall goodwill of the brethren. praise, Acacius humbly left Mt. Athos at first for the holy places in Jerusalem, and then to Mount Patra, where for a long time he lived ascetically as an hermit. there the ascetic transferred to the Auxention monastery, then to Mount Galanteia to the monastery of Blessed Lazarus, where he accepted the great angelic schema with the name Athanasius, was ordained a priest and became ecclesiarch (monk in charge of the sacred relics and vessels in the church). the saint was granted a divine revelation: he heard the Voice of the Lord from a crucifix, summoning him to pastoral service. to strengthen his spirit still more in silence and prayer, Saint Athanasius again settled on Mount Athos after ten years. But because of disorders arising there he returned to Mount Galanteia. Here also he was not long to remain in solitude. Many people thronged to him for pastoral guidance, and so he organized a women’s monastery there. this time the throne of the Church of Constantinople fell vacant after the disturbances and disorder of the period of the Patriarch John Bekkos. the suggestion of the pious emperor Andronicus Paleologos, a council of hierarchs and clergy unanimously chose Saint Athanasius to the Patriarchal throne of the Church in 1289. Athanasius began fervently to fulfill his new obedience and did much for strengthening the Church. strictness of conviction roused the dissatisfaction of influential clergy, and in 1293 he was compelled to resign the throne and to retire again to his own monastery, where he lived an ascetic life in solitude. 1303 he was again entrusted with the staff of patriarchal service, which he worthily fulfilled for another seven years. 1308 Saint Athanasius established Saint Peter as Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus (December 21). because of some sort of dissatisfaction, and not wanting to be the cause of church discord, Saint Athanasius resigned the governance of the Church in 1311. He departed to his own monastery, devoting himself fully to monastic deeds. the end of his life, the saint was again found worthy to behold Christ. The Lord reproached him because Athanasius had not carried out his pastoral duty to the end. Weeping, the saint repented of his cowardice and received from the Lord both forgiveness and the gift of wonderworking. Saint Athanasius died at the age of 100. Greek usage, Saint Athanasios is commemorated on October 28. Venerable Athanasius the Younger the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 28; Repose of St Peter the Metropolitan of Moscow and Wonderworker of All Russia, Commemorated on December 21;

Constantinople, 1300-1399, Folder, 14th Century, Hesychasts, Black Death, Turks

Constantinople, 1305-1316, Sava III, Archbishop oSerbia, important Serbian architecture development figure
Saint Sava III (Serbian: Свети Сава III / Sveti Sava III; died July 16, 1316) was the Archbishop of Serbs from 1309 to 1316. Upon completing his studies,[1] he began as a hegumen in Hilandar, then became the Bishop of Prizren. During his office as bishop, he worked on the Bogorodica Ljeviška church in Prizren. In 1309 he became the Archbishop. Sava III was an important figure of the development of architecture in Medieval Serbia. Prior to the founding of the Banjska monastery, which Sava III did not survive, King Stefan Milutin consulted with him. In his charters confirming the endowments of King Milutin, he is styled "Archbishop of All Serbian and Maritime Lands". He rebuilt the Church of Saint George in Staro Nagoričane. According to the testimonies of his successor Archbishop Nikodim I, he regularly donated to Hilandar. The Serbian Orthodox Church venerate him as Saint Sava III on July 26 (August 8, Gregorian calendar); Serbia; Saint Savva III of Serbia, Commemorated on July 26; Savva III was Archbishop of Serbia from 1305 -1316. He is also commemorated on August 30 (and August 16).

Constantinople, 1310-1362, Theodosius tBulgarian, under Gregory oSiani, founded Theodosiev m, d against heresies, translated
Bulgaria, 1310-1362, Theodosius tBulgarian, Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2), fViddino (Vidin?), tTrnovo, Bulgarian Capital, searching for guide, monastery tMonastery, finally concealed M oGregory, because Gregory a guide contemplative life, taught Before death lay in Hades, who doen't recognize himself a sinner, and beasts more pure, is more wicked than demons, having become their slave, that monastery robbed often, T sent to emperor Alexander requesting m defense, A provided money to surround m with walls&towers, land, cattle, Romanus asked T join trip from Capital Trovono to see see his mo, tGregory oSinai, R became T's disciple, T refused to succeed G, tSolitary struggles wR, founded Theodosiev M on hill near Trnovo, T famous defender against heresies, Bogomils, Judaizers, Messalians, their pernicious teaching, Patriarch and Tsar helped him greatly, plus T translated Greek tSlavonic, 1360 became greviously ill, went tConstantinople to see Callistus, Romanus took over m; Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2); St Theodosius the Bulgarian, with his disciple Romanos, Commemorated February 17 ; Theodosius the Bulgarian and his disciple Romanus. Theodosius began his exploit in the city of Viddino, at the Nikolaev monastery. the death of the igumen Job he settled near Trnovo, then the capital city of Bulgaria, at the Holy Mountain monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos in search of a spiritual guide. left the Holy Mountain monastery and for a long time went from monastery to monastery. he learned about the desert monastery called “Concealed” where in pursuit of asceticism Saint Gregory of Sinai (August 8) had moved from Athos. Theodosius found in him an experienced guide of the contemplative life. Gregory taught, “Before death we lay in Hades; does not recognize sincerely that he is a sinner, and that the beasts and cattle are more pure, is more wicked than the demons, having become their obedient slave.” wilderness monastery of Saint Gregory of Sinai suffered often from robbers. abbot sent Saint Theodosius to the emperor Alexander with a request to defend the monastery. pious Bulgarian Tsar, at the request of the ascetic, provided him with the means to surround the monastery with strong walls with towers, and made the monastery secure with land and cattle. his final journey to Trnovo on an errand for the abbot to the Tsar, a nobleman asked Saint Theodosius to take him along to the monastery. holy ascetic brought him to Saint Gregory of Sinai. was Romanus, who became the sincere and beloved disciple of Saint Theodosius. the death of Saint Gregory of Sinai (November 27, 1347), Saint Theodosius refused to become head of the monastery, he left the monastery with his disciple Romanus for solitary struggles. founded a monastery on a hill near Trnovo, afterwards called Theodosiev. Theodosius was famous as a zealous defender of Orthodoxy against many heresies, the Bogomils, Judaizers and Messalians. false teachings were especially pernicious. Patriarch and the Tsar rendered great help to Saint Theodosius in the struggle with the heretics. addition to this, the holy ascetic translated Greek writings into Slavonic. 1360, he became grievously ill. to see his friend Saint Callistus once more, he went to him at Constantinople, the direction of the monastery to his disciple Romanus. Theodosius died at Constantinople on February 17, 1362. disciple Saint Romanus became head of the monastery.

Constantinople, 1316-1359, Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica, Hesychast, won the debate w Barlaam, uncreated energies
Greece, 1316-1359, Gregory Palamas, Thessalonica Macedonia, Mt Athos, Hesychast and uncreated light defender, fConstantinople, prominent dignitary father fAndronicus II died, so A raised him, abilities diligence, but no govt work, tVatopedi Mt Athos 1316 under Nikodemos, 1317 John tTheologian appeared to him, promised spiritual protection, then under Nikephoros 8 yrs, then tLavra Athanasius 1325, trapeza (dining room) service&singer 3yrs, then 1328 Glossia skete for greater spiritual, 4th century unceasing prayer&mental activity teaching from Egypt Desert Evangrius Pontikos Macarius, Mental prayer (of the heart), solitude quiet, called Hesychasm, 1326 Turk invasions, Moved Thessalonica, priesthood, hermit 5days, sometimes Isidore's spiritual gatherings iThess, visit Constant, solitary life at Bereia, small community 5yrs, 1331 back to Mt Athos, Savvva Skete Lavra Atahaasius, 1333 Igumen oEsphigmeniou, 1336 back tSavva, theological works, 1330 Barlaam tConstan fCalabria, Logic Astronomy, orator, university chair, works oAreopagite Dionysius' negative theology, acclaimed East&West, B tMt Athos, declared mental prayer heretical, disputes wMonks Athos Thess Const, attempted demo material nature Tabor light, ridiculed uncreated light seen by H monks, Ridiculed their prayer, Athonite Monks requested Gregory reply verbally, didn't work, replied in writing, Hogorite Tome, 1341 debate wBarlaam iConstant, on nature Tabor light, Gregory wins, Barlaam condemned heretic, fled back Italy, but dispute not over, Bulgarian monk Akyndinos, Patriarch, Emperor Andronicus III still Barlaamites, Akyndinos' tracts Gregory&monks guilty church disorders, G wrote refutation, Patriarch supported A, locked G prison 4yrs, 1347 P replaced by Isidore, freed G, made Archbishop oThess, 1351 Council Blachernae upheld his teachings but Thess not accept him, lived various places, ship seized bTurks, preached christian prisoners and moslems, some astonished, some beat him, Ransomed, tThess, many miracles last 3 yrs, then John Chrysostom appeared said To the Heights, Patriarch Philotheus compiled his life & cannonized; Greece, 1316-1359, Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica, Macedonia; Palamas (c. 1296 – 1357 or 1359)[1] was a Byzantine Greek theologian and Eastern Orthodox cleric of the late Byzantine period. monk of Mount Athos (modern Greece) and later archbishop of Thessaloniki, he is famous for his defense of hesychast spirituality, the uncreated character of the light of the Transfiguration, and the distinction between God's essence and energies (i.e., the divine will, divine grace, etc.). teaching unfolded over the course of three major controversies, (1) with the Italo-Greek Barlaam between 1336 and 1341, (2) with the monk Gregory Akindynos between 1341 and 1347, and (3) with the philosopher Gregoras, from 1348 to 1355. theological contributions are sometimes referred to as Palamism, and his followers as Palamites. has been venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church since 1368. Within the Catholic Church, he was also been called a saint, and repeatedly cited as a great theological writer, by Pope John Paul II.[2] Since 1971, the Melkite Greek Catholic Church has venerated Gregory as a saint.[3][4] Some of his writings are collected in the Philokalia, and since the Ottoman period, the second Sunday of Great Lent is dedicated to the memory Gregory Palamas in the Orthodox Church. The Byzantine Synodikon of Orthodoxy also celebrates his memory and theology while condemning his opponents, including some anti-Palamites who flourished after Gregory's death. Thessalonica; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 14 ; Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica, was born in the year 1296 in Constantinople. Gregory’s father became a prominent dignitary at the court of Andronicus II Paleologos (1282-1328), but he soon died, and Andronicus himself took part in the raising and education of the fatherless boy. with fine abilities and great diligence, Gregory mastered all the subjects which then comprised the full course of medieval higher education. emperor hoped that the youth would devote himself to government work. Gregory, barely twenty years old, withdrew to Mount Athos in the year 1316 (other sources say 1318) and became a novice in the Vatopedi monastery under the guidance of the monastic Elder Saint Nikodemos of Vatopedi (July 11). he was tonsured and began on the path of asceticism. year later, the holy Evangelist John the Theologian appeared to him in a vision and promised him his spiritual protection. ’s mother and sisters also became monastics. the demise of the Elder Νikόdēmos, Saint Gregory spent eight years of spiritual struggle under the guidance of the Elder Nikephoros, and after the latter’s death, Gregory transferred to the Lavra of Saint Athanasius (July 5). he served in the trapeza, and then became a church singer. after three years, he resettled in the small skete of Glossia, striving for a greater degree of spiritual perfection. head of this monastery began to teach the young man the method of unceasing prayer and mental activity, which had been cultivated by monastics, beginning with the great desert ascetics of the fourth century: Evagrius Pontikos and Saint Macarius of Egypt (January 19). on, in the eleventh century, Saint Simeon the New Theologian (March 12) had provided detailed instruction in mental activity for those praying in an outward manner, and the ascetics of Athos put it into practice. experienced use of mental prayer (or prayer of the heart), requiring solitude and quiet, is called “Hesychasm” (from the Greek “hesychia” meaning calm, silence), and those practicing it were called “hesychasts.” his stay at Glossia the future hierarch Gregory became fully imbued with the spirit of hesychasm and adopted it as an essential part of his life. the year 1326, because of the threat of Turkish invasions, he and the brethren retreated to Thessalonica, where he was then ordained to the holy priesthood. Gregory combined his priestly duties with the life of a hermit. days of the week he spent in silence and prayer, and only on Saturday and Sunday did he come out to his people. celebrated divine services and preached sermons. For those present in church, his teaching often evoked both tenderness and tears. he visited theological gatherings of the city’s educated youth, headed by the future patriarch, Isidore. he returned from a visit to Constantinople, he found a place suitable for solitary life near Thessalonica the region of Bereia. he gathered here a small community of solitary monks and guided it for five years. 1331 the saint withdrew to Mount Athos and lived in solitude at the skete of Saint Savva, near the Lavra of Saint Athanasius. 1333 he was appointed Igumen of the Esphigmenou monastery in the northern part of the Holy Mountain. 1336 the saint returned to the skete of Saint Savva, where he devoted himself to theological works, continuing with this until the end of his life. the 1330s events took place in the life of the Eastern Church which put Saint Gregory among the most significant universal apologists of Orthodoxy, and brought him great renown as a teacher of hesychasm. the year 1330 the learned monk Barlaam had arrived in Constantinople from Calabria, in Italy. He was the author of treatises on logic and astronomy, a skilled and sharp-witted orator, and he received a university chair in the capital city and began to expound on the works of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite (October 3), whose “apophatic” (“negative”, in contrast to “kataphatic” or “positive”) theology was acclaimed in equal measure in both the Eastern and the Western Churches. Barlaam journeyed to Mt Athos, where he became acquainted with the spiritual life of the hesychasts. Saying that it was impossible to know the essence of God, he declared mental prayer a heretical error. from Mount Athos to Thessalonica, and from there to Constantinople, and later again to Thessalonica, Barlaam entered into disputes with the monks and attempted to demonstrate the created, material nature of the light of Tabor (i.e. at the Transfiguration). ridiculed the teachings of the monks about the methods of prayer and about the uncreated light seen by the hesychasts. Gregory, at the request of the Athonite monks, replied with verbal admonitions at first. seeing the futility of such efforts, he put his theological arguments in writing. Thus appeared the “Triads in Defense of the Holy Hesychasts” (1338). the year 1340 the Athonite ascetics, with the assistance of the saint, compiled a general response to the attacks of Barlaam, the so-called “Hagiorite Tome.” the Constantinople Council of 1341 in the church of Hagia Sophia Saint Gregory Palamas debated with Barlaam, focusing upon the nature of the light of Mount Tabor. May 27, 1341 the Council accepted the position of Saint Gregory Palamas, that God, unapproachable in His Essence, reveals Himself through His energies, which are directed towards the world and are able to be perceived, like the light of Tabor, but which are neither material nor created. teachings of Barlaam were condemned as heresy, and he himself was anathemized and fled to Calabria. the dispute between the Palamites and the Barlaamites was far from over. these latter belonged Barlaam’s disciple, the Bulgarian monk Akyndinos, and also Patriarch John XIV Kalekos (1341-1347); the emperor Andronicus III Paleologos (1328-1341) was also inclined toward their opinion. whose name means “one who inflicts no harm,” actually caused great harm by his heretical teaching. Akyndinos wrote a series of tracts in which he declared Saint Gregory and the Athonite monks guilty of causing church disorders. saint, in turn, wrote a detailed refutation of Akyndinos’ errors. patriarch supported Akyndinos and called Saint Gregory the cause of all disorders and disturbances in the Church (1344) and had him locked up in prison for four years. 1347, when John the XIV was replaced on the patriarchal throne by Isidore (1347-1349), Saint Gregory Palamas was set free and was made Archbishop of Thessalonica. 1351 the Council of Blachernae solemnly upheld the Orthodoxy of his teachings. But the people of Thessalonica did not immediately accept Saint Gregory, and he was compelled to live in various places. one of his travels to Constantinople the Byzantine ship fell into the hands of the Turks. in captivity, Saint Gregory preached to Christian prisoners and even to his Moslem captors. The Hagarenes were astonished by the wisdom of his words. of the Moslems were unable to endure this, so they beat him and would have killed him if they had not expected to obtain a large ransom for him. A year later, Saint Gregory was ransomed and returned to Thessalonica. Gregory performed many miracles in the three years before his death, healing those afflicted with illness. the eve of his repose, Saint John Chrysostom appeared to him in a vision. With the words “To the heights! To the heights!” Gregory Palamas fell asleep in the Lord on November 14, 1359. 1368 he was canonized at a Constantinople Council under Patriarch Philotheus (1354-1355, 1364-1376), who compiled the Life and Services to the saint.

Constantinople, 1316-1359, Gregory Palamas, Hesychast and uncreated light defender, Great Story
Greece, 1316-1359, Gregory Palamas, Thessalonica Macedonia, Mt Athos, Hesychast and uncreated light defender, fConstantinople, prominent dignitary father fAndronicus II died, so A raised him, abilities diligence, but no govt work, tVatopedi Mt Athos 1316 under Nikodemos, 1317 John tTheologian appeared to him, promised spiritual protection, then under Nikephoros 8 yrs, then tLavra Athanasius 1325, trapeza (dining room) service&singer 3yrs, then 1328 Glossia skete for greater spiritual, 4th century unceasing prayer&mental activity teaching from Egypt Desert Evangrius Pontikos Macarius, Mental prayer (of the heart), solitude quiet, called Hesychasm, 1326 Turk invasions, Moved Thessalonica, priesthood, hermit 5days, sometimes Isidore's spiritual gatherings iThess, visit Constant, solitary life at Bereia, small community 5yrs, 1331 back to Mt Athos, Savvva Skete Lavra Atahaasius, 1333 Igumen oEsphigmeniou, 1336 back tSavva, theological works, 1330 Barlaam tConstan fCalabria, Logic Astronomy, orator, university chair, works oAreopagite Dionysius' negative theology, acclaimed East&West, B tMt Athos, declared mental prayer heretical, disputes wMonks Athos Thess Const, attempted demo material nature Tabor light, ridiculed uncreated light seen by H monks, Ridiculed their prayer, Athonite Monks requested Gregory reply verbally, didn't work, replied in writing, Hogorite Tome, 1341 debate wBarlaam iConstant, on nature Tabor light, Gregory wins, Barlaam condemned heretic, fled back Italy, but dispute not over, Bulgarian monk Akyndinos, Patriarch, Emperor Andronicus III still Barlaamites, Akyndinos' tracts Gregory&monks guilty church disorders, G wrote refutation, Patriarch supported A, locked G prison 4yrs, 1347 P replaced by Isidore, freed G, made Archbishop oThess, 1351 Council Blachernae upheld his teachings but Thess not accept him, lived various places, ship seized bTurks, preached christian prisoners and moslems, some astonished, some beat him, Ransomed, tThess, many miracles last 3 yrs, then John Chrysostom appeared said To the Heights, Patriarch Philotheus compiled his life & cannonized; Greece, Macedonia, Mt Athos, 1316-1359, Gregory Palamas, Saint and Hesychast Defender, at Vatopedi, the holy Evangelist John the Theologian appeared to him in a vision and promised him his spiritual protection.; Hesychasm, Hesychast controversy, 1330's ; Lavra of St Athanasius; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 14 ; Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica, was born in the year 1296 in Constantinople. Gregory’s father became a prominent dignitary at the court of Andronicus II Paleologos (1282-1328), but he soon died, and Andronicus himself took part in the raising and education of the fatherless boy. with fine abilities and great diligence, Gregory mastered all the subjects which then comprised the full course of medieval higher education. emperor hoped that the youth would devote himself to government work. Gregory, barely twenty years old, withdrew to Mount Athos in the year 1316 (other sources say 1318) and became a novice in the Vatopedi monastery under the guidance of the monastic Elder Saint Nikodemos of Vatopedi (July 11). he was tonsured and began on the path of asceticism. year later, the holy Evangelist John the Theologian appeared to him in a vision and promised him his spiritual protection. ’s mother and sisters also became monastics. the demise of the Elder Νikόdēmos, Saint Gregory spent eight years of spiritual struggle under the guidance of the Elder Nikephoros, and after the latter’s death, Gregory transferred to the Lavra of Saint Athanasius (July 5). he served in the trapeza, and then became a church singer. after three years, he resettled in the small skete of Glossia, striving for a greater degree of spiritual perfection. head of this monastery began to teach the young man the method of unceasing prayer and mental activity, which had been cultivated by monastics, beginning with the great desert ascetics of the fourth century: Evagrius Pontikos and Saint Macarius of Egypt (January 19). on, in the eleventh century, Saint Simeon the New Theologian (March 12) had provided detailed instruction in mental activity for those praying in an outward manner, and the ascetics of Athos put it into practice. experienced use of mental prayer (or prayer of the heart), requiring solitude and quiet, is called “Hesychasm” (from the Greek “hesychia” meaning calm, silence), and those practicing it were called “hesychasts.” his stay at Glossia the future hierarch Gregory became fully imbued with the spirit of hesychasm and adopted it as an essential part of his life. the year 1326, because of the threat of Turkish invasions, he and the brethren retreated to Thessalonica, where he was then ordained to the holy priesthood. Gregory combined his priestly duties with the life of a hermit. days of the week he spent in silence and prayer, and only on Saturday and Sunday did he come out to his people. celebrated divine services and preached sermons. For those present in church, his teaching often evoked both tenderness and tears. he visited theological gatherings of the city’s educated youth, headed by the future patriarch, Isidore. he returned from a visit to Constantinople, he found a place suitable for solitary life near Thessalonica the region of Bereia. he gathered here a small community of solitary monks and guided it for five years. 1331 the saint withdrew to Mount Athos and lived in solitude at the skete of Saint Savva, near the Lavra of Saint Athanasius. 1333 he was appointed Igumen of the Esphigmenou monastery in the northern part of the Holy Mountain. 1336 the saint returned to the skete of Saint Savva, where he devoted himself to theological works, continuing with this until the end of his life. the 1330s events took place in the life of the Eastern Church which put Saint Gregory among the most significant universal apologists of Orthodoxy, and brought him great renown as a teacher of hesychasm. the year 1330 the learned monk Barlaam had arrived in Constantinople from Calabria, in Italy. He was the author of treatises on logic and astronomy, a skilled and sharp-witted orator, and he received a university chair in the capital city and began to expound on the works of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite (October 3), whose “apophatic” (“negative”, in contrast to “kataphatic” or “positive”) theology was acclaimed in equal measure in both the Eastern and the Western Churches. Barlaam journeyed to Mt Athos, where he became acquainted with the spiritual life of the hesychasts. Saying that it was impossible to know the essence of God, he declared mental prayer a heretical error. from Mount Athos to Thessalonica, and from there to Constantinople, and later again to Thessalonica, Barlaam entered into disputes with the monks and attempted to demonstrate the created, material nature of the light of Tabor (i.e. at the Transfiguration). ridiculed the teachings of the monks about the methods of prayer and about the uncreated light seen by the hesychasts. Gregory, at the request of the Athonite monks, replied with verbal admonitions at first. seeing the futility of such efforts, he put his theological arguments in writing. Thus appeared the “Triads in Defense of the Holy Hesychasts” (1338). the year 1340 the Athonite ascetics, with the assistance of the saint, compiled a general response to the attacks of Barlaam, the so-called “Hagiorite Tome.” the Constantinople Council of 1341 in the church of Hagia Sophia Saint Gregory Palamas debated with Barlaam, focusing upon the nature of the light of Mount Tabor. May 27, 1341 the Council accepted the position of Saint Gregory Palamas, that God, unapproachable in His Essence, reveals Himself through His energies, which are directed towards the world and are able to be perceived, like the light of Tabor, but which are neither material nor created. teachings of Barlaam were condemned as heresy, and he himself was anathemized and fled to Calabria. the dispute between the Palamites and the Barlaamites was far from over. these latter belonged Barlaam’s disciple, the Bulgarian monk Akyndinos, and also Patriarch John XIV Kalekos (1341-1347); the emperor Andronicus III Paleologos (1328-1341) was also inclined toward their opinion. whose name means “one who inflicts no harm,” actually caused great harm by his heretical teaching. Akyndinos wrote a series of tracts in which he declared Saint Gregory and the Athonite monks guilty of causing church disorders. saint, in turn, wrote a detailed refutation of Akyndinos’ errors. patriarch supported Akyndinos and called Saint Gregory the cause of all disorders and disturbances in the Church (1344) and had him locked up in prison for four years. 1347, when John the XIV was replaced on the patriarchal throne by Isidore (1347-1349), Saint Gregory Palamas was set free and was made Archbishop of Thessalonica. 1351 the Council of Blachernae solemnly upheld the Orthodoxy of his teachings. But the people of Thessalonica did not immediately accept Saint Gregory, and he was compelled to live in various places. one of his travels to Constantinople the Byzantine ship fell into the hands of the Turks. in captivity, Saint Gregory preached to Christian prisoners and even to his Moslem captors. The Hagarenes were astonished by the wisdom of his words. of the Moslems were unable to endure this, so they beat him and would have killed him if they had not expected to obtain a large ransom for him. A year later, Saint Gregory was ransomed and returned to Thessalonica. Gregory performed many miracles in the three years before his death, healing those afflicted with illness. the eve of his repose, Saint John Chrysostom appeared to him in a vision. With the words “To the heights! To the heights!” Gregory Palamas fell asleep in the Lord on November 14, 1359. 1368 he was canonized at a Constantinople Council under Patriarch Philotheus (1354-1355, 1364-1376), who compiled the Life and Services to the saint.

Constantinople, 1322-1380, Athanasius of Meteora, Great ascetic, like Athos, Platylithos (wide rock) called Meteoron, famous
Greece, 1322-1380, Athanasius of Meteora (Plain of Thessaly, Six Monasteries, like Mt Athos),from Hypate, New Patras, mother died childbirth, father soon after, uncle raised him educated him, catalan Franks caputred hometown, he escaped chief, found uncle, to Thessalonika, uncle died, lived w imperial secretary of military command for secular learning classical studies. No money for it, stood outside and listened, instructors taught him for free, then pilgrimage, 1319 at 17 tMt Athos, too young, tConstantinople, met Hesychasts, tCrete 1325 ascetic, no marry daughter, tMt Athos 1332, aMilea tonsured by Gregory, Great Schema, but Turk excursions tThessalonika&Beroia wGregory&Gabriel, but city noise so up tThessalian rocks oStagoi, but only vultures&crows.rock oStylos or HSpirit, w caveitRock, basket weaving never idle, 1340 another rock, high to skies, for good, so-called Platylithos (Wide Rock), which Athanasios himself called Meteoron which became famous far beyond the borders of Greece, flew tTop; Meteora (Like Mt Athos, Six Monasteries, Plain of Thessaly, on the Pineios River); Saint Athanasius of Meteora, Commemorated on April 20; Athanasios, the son of wealthy parents, born in 1302 at Hypátē, the well-known medieval town of New Patras, and was named Andronikos in Holy Baptism. mother died during childbirth, and after a short time his father also reposed. Thus, young Andronikos lost both of his parents in a very early age. Then he found sympathy, affection, and love from his father's brother, who saw to his education, taking care of all his needs, and taught him to read and write. the capture of his hometown by the Catalans in 1318/19, the chief of the Franks took Andronikos into his home. At the first opportunity, Andronikos escaped and was free. He hastened to rejoin his uncle, who had been banished to a distant place. Andronikos found him, and the two booked passage on a ship bound for Thessaloniki. The godly uncle suffered from a chronic joint disease, however, and after some time, he reposed at Akapniou Monastery. then went to live with the imperial secretary of the military command, who became his guardian for a short time. Andronikos wanted to be trained in secular learning and classical studies. Since he had no money to pay the instructors, he would stand outside and listen while the students were being taught. Some of the school's philosophers noticed his love of learning and his eagerness, so they they taught him without asking for a fee. benefitting from his teachers' knowledge, Andronikos became quite educated and cultured. Then he decided to go on pilgrimage. When he was seventeen years old, Andronikos traveled to Mount Athos, where he conversed with many holy Fathers, seeking their prayers and blessings. The Athonite Fathers, however, refused to allow the boy to remain, since he was still a beardless youth. made his way to Constantinople, visiting churches, and venerating the relics of the Saints. While there he met several prominent and virtuous Fathers, such as Gregory of Sinai, the future Ecumenical Patriarch Isidore (1347-1350), who supported Saint Gregory Palamas, and then made him Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, Daniel the Hesychast, and other notable persons of the monastic community. With their help he was initiated into the secrets of the hesychastic life and, like a bee, he gathered whatever was useful and necessary to acquire virtue. traveled to Crete in 1325 where he stayed for a certain time and lived as an ascetic, receiving hospitality from a virtuous and charitable Cretan man. When he noticed this man was trying to lure him back into the world in order to marry his daughter, he decided to forsake the world. Therefore, he returned to Mount Athos in 1332, by which time he was approximately thirty years old. At Milea on the Holy Mountain he was accepted as a novice by two virtuous anchorites, Gregory and Moses, who had attained the heights of virtue. Subsequently, he was tonsured by Hieromonk Gregory, taking the name Anthony. He quickly distinguished himself and then received his new monastic name of Athanasios when he was tonsured into the Great Schema. the predatory incursions of the Turks and the unfavorable circumstances prevailing at that time forced Saint Athanasios to leave Mount Athos together with his Spiritual Father Gregory, and another disciple, Gabriel. At Thessaloniki and Beroia many important men were willing to give them hospitality, but the two monks did not consent to stay because Athanasios had a great aversion to secular society and to the noise of the city. on the advice of Bishop Jacob of Servia (a city between northern Thessaly and southern Macedonia), they went to the Thessalian rocks of Stagoi, which the biographer of Athanasios describes as "the largest and highest rocks created by God since the beginning of the world." Following the bishop's advice they found the rocks, but there was nothing living on them but vultures and crows. Gregory and Saint Athanasios settled on the rock of Stylos, which today is called the Rock of the Holy Spirit. Gregory remained there for an entire decade. After a certain period of time, Father Athanasios withdrew, with his mentor’s blessing, to a cave in the rock. There in prayer and solitude, he spent his time weaving baskets so that he was never idle, and so he was kept safe from the danger of falling into temptation. even more seclusion and serenity, always with Elder Gregory’s blessing, he selected another rock, “a place for anchorites, a rock which rose high into the skies,” where he went around the year 1340, this time for good. The rock is the so-called Platylithos (Wide Rock), which Athanasios himself called Meteoron, a name that was preserved through the centuries, and applied, in general, to the whole complex of the surrounding monasteries which became famous far beyond the borders of Greece. with the wings of the Holy Spirit, and with unwavering will and faith, the humble monk Athanasios almost flew, and at last stepped onto this sun-drenched rock, hitherto touched only by the rays of the sun, as it is mentioned in a sigillion (April 1580) of the Ecumenical Patriarch Mētrophánēs III: “Motivated by divine love, the holy monk Athanasios, taking the wings of the Holy Spirit, first flew to this sun-drenched rock which dominated in Stagoi, and justifiably called Meteoron, being the highest of all. There he found a holy place, a true paradise containing, instead of fruit-bearing trees, men who bore the divine fruits of the Holy Spirit." Athanasios built his ascetic refuge and organized the first systematic monastic community with a strict cenobitic Rule which he formulated himself. The brotherhood under Athanasios had fourteen members. Initially, the holy anchorite built the church of the Mother of God, to whom he also dedicated the Monastery, as he himself said to his fellow ascetics shortly before his death: “I entrust you to the protection of the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, to whom this Monastery is dedicated.” He built another church in honor of the Transfiguration of Christ, which later became the katholikon of the Monastery and gave it its final name of Transfiguration Monastery, which is preserved until today. Athanasios made this steep and inaccessible rock into an easy path to our Lord, Who is the Cornerstone of our Church: "This hard stone, Father, you labored hard to make it a path to the Cornerstone." as one climbs up the rocky stairway to the monastery, on the left just before the entrance, one can see the Hermitage of Saint Athanasios within the natural crevice in the rock arranged as a humble and basic dwelling with a small chapel. Here, according to tradition, the holy hermit first lived alone after he had climbed the Wide Rock, and before he built a church on the rocky ledge, with cells for the monks who began to gather there. humble as Athanasios had been all his life, he remained an ordinary monk. Perhaps due to his great humility, he did not leave any written texts, although he was very knowledgeable and well educated. to his biographer, he reposed peacefully after a brief illness (gall bladder and liver) at the age of seventy-eight, probably in the year 1380, on April 20th. Shortly before his death, Saint Athanasios chose Hieromonk Makarios to be the Spiritual Father of the Great Meteoron after his death: “I command that you have Hieromonk Makarios as the Protos and Spiritual Father. This is because, from the beginning, before I became ill, I entrusted him with the supervision of the daily and practical needs of the Monastery. Now it would be beneficial for him to guide and regulate your spiritual conduct." this only lasted a short time, since by November 1381 the former king John Urosh, and now the monk Joasaph, assumed the role as successor to Saint Athanasios, with his blessing while alive and with the mutual consent of the entire brotherhood, he became the second founder and builder of the Great Meteoron.

Constantinople, 1322-1331, King Stefan Decanski, lived Khan's court, monk 5yrs, blinded bFather Milutin, Killed bSon Dushan
Serbia, 1322-1331, King, Stefan Decanski, lived in Khan's court till 1299, then Pantocrator 5yrs, d by son, blinded bFather, King Milutin, Killed bSon, King Dushan, St Nic appeared to him, said do not be afraid, shall return eyes in time, 5yrs Nic returned again healed his eyes, so he built Decani Monastery, drowned in old age by son Dushan; Serbia, 1322-1331, Serbian King, Stefan Decanski ; Uroš III (c. 1276 – 11 November 1331), the King of Serbia from 6 January 1322 to 8 September 1331. čanski was the son of King Stefan Milutin (d. 1321). He defeated two other pretenders to the Serbian throne. is known as Dečanski after the great Monastery of Visoki Dečani he built.[1][2][3][4] life[edit] Uroš III was the son of King Stefan Uroš II Milutin and his first wife Jelena, a Serbian noblewoman. He was born before his father took the throne in 1282. still a youth, he was sent by his father as a hostage with his entourage to Nogai Khan of the Golden Horde, to maintain the peace between the Serbs and Tatars. stayed at Nogai's court until the Khan's death in 1299.[5] 1309, king Milutin appointed his son Stefan (future Dečanski) as governor of Zeta, where he remained until 1314.[6][7] and return[edit] 1314, Dečanski quarreled with his father, who sent him to Constantinople to be blinded. čanski was never totally blinded and was likely not blinded at all.[8] Constantinople, Dečanski was at the court of Andronikos II Palaiologos, indicating good relations between the states.[9] čanski wrote a letter to Danilo, Bishop of Hum, asking him to intervene with his father.[10] wrote to Archbishop Nicodemus of Serbia, who spoke with Milutin and persuaded him to recall his son. 1320, Dečanski was permitted to return to Serbia and was given the appanage of Budimlje,[10] while his half-brother Stefan Konstantin, held Zeta.[11] Zvečan Fortress, where Stefan died became ill and died on 29 October 1321, leaving no formal instruction regarding his inheritance.[10] was crowned King in Zeta, but civil war broke out immediately as both Dečanski and his cousin, Stefan Vladislav II, claimed the throne.[12] čanski revealed that his eyesight was still intact, claiming a miracle, and the populace rallied behind him believing the restoration of his sight to be a sign from God.[11] 6 January 1322, the archbishop of Serbia, Nicodemus, crowned Dečanski king and his son, Stefan Dušan, the young king.[11] čanski later granted Zeta to Dušan as a fief, indicating his intention for Dušan to be his heir.[13] to one account, Dečanski offered to split the realm with Konstantin, who refused.[14] čanski then invaded Zeta, and Konstantin was defeated and killed.[13] Visoki Dečani monastery, today a World Heritage Site the meantime, Vladislav II had been released from prison upon Milutin's death and recovered the throne of Syrmia, which his father had established in northern Serbia. also claimed the throne of Serbia upon Milutin's death and mobilized local support from Rudnik, a former possession of Vladislav's father.[13] supported by Hungarians, Bulgarians, and Bosnians, Vladislav consolidated control over Syrmia and prepared for battle with Dečanski.[13] 1323, war broke out between Dečanski and Vladislav. In autumn, Vladislav still held Rudnik, but by the end of 1323, the market of Rudnik was held by officials of Dečanski, and Vladislav seems to have fled further north.[13] of Vladislav's supporters from Rudnik, led by Ragusan merchant Menčet, took refuge in the nearby Ostrovica fortress, where they resisted Dečanski's troops.[13] čanski sent envoys to Dubrovnik (Ragusa), to protest the support of Vladislav.[13] rejected Dečanski's complaint, claiming Ostrovica was held by Serbs.[13] čanski was not satisfied, and in 1324 he rounded up all the Ragusan merchants he could find, confiscated their property, and held them captive.[13] year's end, Rudnik was restored to Dečanski, who released the merchants and returned their property.[13] was defeated in battle in late 1324, and fled to Hungary,[15][12] that was holding Belgrade since 1319.[16][17] between Dubrovnik and Serbia continued: August 1325 Vojvoda Vojin plundered Dubrovnik, resulting in a brief trade ban.[13] 25 March 1326 Dečanski reaffirmed privileges previously granted to Ragusa by Milutin.[13] began again, however, when Bosnia and Dubrovnik took actions against the Branivojevići.[13] čanski generally maintained an alliance with Andronikos II, aside from occasional disruptions.[18] avoided taking a position in the Byzantine civil war between Andronikos II and Andronikos III Palaiologos. as Andronikos III gained control, he developed an alliance with Tsar Michael Asen III of Bulgaria.[19] Asen III divorced Dečanski's sister Anna and married the Byzantine princess Theodora Palaiologina instead. allies intended to join forces for a major invasion of Serbia in 1330. the most significant event of Dečanski's reign, he defeated and killed Michael Asen III in the Battle of Velbazhd (1330). Stefan Dušan also contributed to the victory.[20][21][22] of Michael's defeat, Andronikos III retreated. Dečanski's subsequent conquests pushed the Serbian border south into Byzantine Macedonia. of his courtiers, however, were discontented with his policies and conspired to dethrone him in favour of Stefan Dušan. 1331, Dušan came from Skadar to Nerodimlje to overthrow Dečanski, who fled to Petrič.[23] 21 August 1331 Dušan captured Petrič after a siege and imprisoned his father in Zvečan Fortress, where he died on 11 November 1331.[24] Stefan Dečanski with his son Stefan Dušan (lower left corner) on the icon of St. Nicholas in the Basilica di San Nicola, Bari, Italy With his first wife, whose name is not known, Dečanski had no issue.[25] By his second wife, Theodora of Bulgaria,[25] Stefan Dečanski had: Uroš IV Dušan,[25] who overthrew him and took royal title, and šica (or Dušman), who died before 1318. By his third wife, Maria Palaiologina,[25] daughter of John Palaiologos, Dečanski had: later tried to usurp imperial title from his nephew, and ruled as independent ruler in Thessaly, who married Mladen III Šubić, and who married Dejan. čanski is seen as a noble character in epic poetry, and the Serbian Orthodox Church had him canonized. his feast day is 11 November (old style), thus being 24 November (new style).[26] remains are venerated at the church of the Visoki Dečani monastery, which he built, in the region of Metohija.[27][28] Repose of St Stephen of Dechani, Serbia, Commemorated on November 11; Stephen was the son of King Milutin and the father of King Dushan. was blinded on the orders of his father. Nicholas (December 6) appeared to him in the church of Ovche Polje (Sheep Pasture) and said, “Do not be afraid. Your eyes have been given to me, and I shall return them to you at the appropriate time.” Stephen lived in Constantinople for five years at the Monastery of the Pantocrator. surpassed not only the monks, but also all the inhabitants of Constantinople, in his spiritual struggles, patience, and meekness. the end of the five years, Saint Nicholas appeared to him again. Making the Sign of the Cross over his eyes, he restored Stephen’s sight. gratitude for this miracle, Stephen built the Dečani Monastery in Serbia. his old age, Saint Stephen was drowned by his son, receiving the crown of martyrdom in 1336.

Constantinople, 1323, Hearer Icon, woman there q, MOG&Jesus heard Cosmos, sent him tW, gifts clrvync, visions, time oDeath
Greece, Mt Athos, 1323, Hearer Icon oZographou Monestary, Bulgarian, Mt Athos, name came MOG & Jesus heared Cosmas when he questioned woman on Athos, they heard his pray and sent him to wilderness for salvation, received gifts clairvoyance, miracles, divine visions, time oDeath; Zographou Monastery; Hearer Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on September 22; wonderworking Icon is at Zographou Monastery on Mount Athos. name of the Hearer Icon of the Mother of God is explained by the following miraculous sign. venerable Cosmas was living a life of asceticism at Zographou Monastery in the XIV century. he was still a young man, he visited Vatopaidi Monastery on the Feast of the Annunciation, which is that Monastery's Feast Day. in the church during the service, and later in the trapeza, he saw a beautiful, majestic woman. Cosmas was astonished and troubled to see her there on Mount Athos, because no woman is permitted to set foot on the Holy Mountain, so he was unable to understand why the monks allowed her to be there. he was pondering these things, he returned to his Elder, who noticed his disciple's confusion and asked him, "Why are you so sad and pensive?" told him what he had seen at Vatopaidi Monastery, and revealed all of his doubts and thoughts about seeing a woman there with the monks. sort of woman was she," the Elder asked, "and how was she dressed?" described her appearance in detail. with a reproachful sigh, the Elder rebuked his disciple: "Didn't you bother to find out what sort of woman was at the monastery? This was not an ordinary mortal woman; she is the Queen of our Holy Mountain and of all creation herself!" some time after this, the venerable Cosmas remained alone in the monastery church, praying fervently before an Icon of the Mother of God. He exclaimed, "Most Holy Theotokos, pray that your Son and God may set me on the path of salvation!" soon as he uttered these words, he heard the voice of the Mother of God coming from the Icon and saying, "My Son and my God, teach Your servant how he may be saved." once the Lord replied, "Let him leave the monastery to live in solitude and in stillness" .1 the Superior's blessing, Saint Cosmas left his monastery and went into the wilderness, where he dug a cave out of a cliff, spending the rest of his life there in continuous asceticism. made great progress in the hesychastic life, and so he was found worthy of the gifts of clairvoyance, working miracles, seeing divine visions, and even predicting the time of his death, which occurred on September 22, 1323. Icon before which Saint Cosmas prayed, and from which he heard the voice of the Mother of God, was named "The Hearer," because she heard his prayer. is still in the katholikon of Zographou Monastery, in the altar, on the eastern wall, which extends into the diakonikon.2 1 In the Lives of the Saints, and the writings of the Holy Fathers, stillness, or quiet, is essential for mental prayer, or prayer of the heart. In order to be effective, the Jesus Prayer requires the greatest inner and outer quiet or stillness. It is also called pure prayer because it presupposes a mind and heart free from fantasies, passions, and thoughts. 2 The διακονικόν is a room on the south side of a church, behind the iconostasis, where vestments, books, charcoal, etc. are stored. There is a sink, towels, and other necessary items used in the services.

Constantinople, 1325-1375, Romilus oRavenica, Bulgarian, Hesychast, sought elder, then sought solitude, but always found, myrrh
Serbia, 1325-1375, Romilus oRavenica monastery, Serbia (Srem Plain, near Danube River 8), Hesychast, Gregory oSinai's disciple, born Vidn, Bulgaria, Greek father, Bulgarian mother, disdained child games, admired fLearning, piety bFriends, teachers, parents wanted marry him tWoman but he longed for monastic life, fled tHodegetria m fForced marriage, tonsured as Romanus, from beginning known as virtuous humble monk, longed to dwell wGregory aPanoria wilderness, more remote far from worldly distractions, even knowing this Abbot reluctant, longing stronger each day, asked again, Abbot grieved but feared God's will, so blessed departure, gave provisions, tParoria wHilarion, R explained tGregory who they were and why, to become his disciples, assigned obediences, Hilarion weaker-lighter duties, R strong-heavier labors-carry wood stones fMountain, water fRiver, kitchen&bakery help, When he tended sick they seemed improve, other monks called him- Romanus tGood- for his cheerful obedience, piety, R received spiritual instruction fG, Not wanting without being subject, When G died R found another instructor, Hilarion's, all three robbed so went back to Zagora at Mogrin near Trnovo, R left the elder for remote place for some reason, Elder died, R returned wRemorse that deserted Elder, R then placed himself under his elder Hilarion, since R surpassed in virture H at first said no, then seeing humility said yes, both back to Paroria because Robbers subdued by Bulgarian Tsar Ivan Alexandar, for greater solitude, Later Romanus Great Schema Romilus, Moslem incursions, back tZagora, hut remote place, other monks there resented Romilus, so tMt Athos, monks came disturbed quietude, fleeing human glory fPlace tPlace, tMt Melana near Karyes, monks gathered, consoled instructed fTheir profit- taught wage war against passions, &deamons who seek soul destruction - taught love God & Neighbor seeking good things which eye not seen, ear not heard, - also corrected other elders and their disciples, not question elder's orders, obey like Christ obeyed Father, warned refusing authority easily led bDevil, - urged Elders be gentle, fSolitude moved North end Mt Athos t Solitude Cell, but they flocked to him as before, Moslem Turks killed Serbian Despot John Ugljela, Battle oMarica, 1371, so they attacked Mt Athos, so many monks fled, Romilus t obscure Valona, Albania, but no solitude, many monks&laymen came, afflicted wIgnorance, enslaved tPassions, no shepherd, he led many to the light oChrist, left V with his disciples t Ravenica, Serbia, settled near monastery, died 1375, grave emitted ineffable fragrance, after death he performed great miracles, casting demons, healing diseases&sufferings, likewise through his prayers may we obtain forgiveness and mercy; Ravenica monestary; Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated January 16 ; Romilus the Hesychast was the disciple of Saint Gregory of Sinai (August 8). was born in Vidin, Bulgaria of a Greek father and a Bulgarian mother. a child, he possessed a maturity beyond his years, and disdained childish games and pursuits. friends, and even his teacher, admired him for his learning and piety. parents wanted to marry him to a woman, he longed for the monastic life. he learned that they planned to force him into marriage, he fled to the Hodēgḗtria Monastery at Trnovo. abbot accepted him and tonsured him with the name Romanus. the beginning of his life as a monk, Romanus was known for his virtue and for his humility. monk Romanus, hearing of the monastery established by Saint Gregory of Sinai in the wilderness of Paroria, longed to dwell there. the abbot realized that the young man wished to live in a more remote area far from worldly distractions, he was reluctant to let him go. desire of Romanus to go to Paroria grew stronger day by day. spoke to the abbot again, and the Elder was grieved at the thought of losing the exemplary and well-loved Romanus. realized, however, that keeping Romanus there might not be according to the will of God. he blessed Romanus to depart, and gave him provisions for his journey. traveled to Paroria with another monk named Hilarion and explained to Saint Gregory who they were and that they had come to be his disciples. Gregory received them and assigned them to their obediences in the monastery. Hilarion was weaker, he was given lighter duties. who was strong, received heavier labors. would carry wood from the mountain, or sometimes stones. He also carried water from the river, and helped in the kitchen and in the bakery. even tended the sick, who seemed to improve under his care. Seeing his humility, his cheerful obedience, and his piety, the other monks called him “Romanus the Good.” received instruction in the spiritual life from Saint Gregory, who trained him to be a great ascetic. Saint Gregory fell asleep in the Lord, Romanus grieved for him day and night. did not wish to remain in that place without being subject to an Elder. found another instructor who had already accepted Romanus’s fellow-traveler Hilarion as a disciple. subjected himself to this Elder, obeying him as he had obeyed Saint Gregory. the three monks were assailed by robbers who deprived them of the necessities of life, they left Paroria and went back to Zagora. settled at a place called Mogrin, about one day’s journey from Trnovo. some reason, Romanus left the Elder to dwell in a remote place by himself. of the Elder’s death, he returned and fell upon his grave with tears, filled with regret that he had deserted his instructor. he fell at Hilarion’s feet and said, “Since I disobeyed the Elder’s order and left this place, I place myself under you from this day forward.” knowing that Romanus surpassed him in virtue, would not agree to this. insisted saying, “Unless you accept me under your authority, I shall not get up from the ground.” Seeing his great humility, Hilarion finally agreed to accept Romanus. that the robbers had been subdued by Tsar Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria, Romanus and Hilarion decided to go back to Paroria, where they could live in solitude and contemplation. Romanus was tonsured into the Great Schema with the name Romilus. incursions of the Moslems forced Romilus to return yet again to Zagora, he built a hut in a remote place. monks in the area, through envy or jealousy, resented Romilus, he traveled to Mt. Athos. many monks came to him for spiritual counsel, and they disturbed his quietude. human glory, he went from place to place until he came to Mt. Melana near Karyes. there, monks gathered around him, and he was able to console and instruct them for their profit. taught them to wage war against the passions, and against the demons who seek the destruction of the soul. also taught them to love God and their neighbor, seeking the good things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard (I Cor. 2:9). only did he correct his own disciples, but sometimes an Elder would send his disciples to Saint Romilus for correction. urged them not to question or contradict their Elder’s orders, but to obey him just as Christ obeyed the will of the Father (John 6:38). warned them that those who refuse to submit to authority are easily led astray by the Enemy. also urged the Elders to be gentle with their disciples, and to avoid harsh treatment. again, the number of monks who sought spiritual conversation with him hindered his own spiritual struggles and prayer. he moved to the northern part of Mt. Athos and built a cell where he could live in solitude. more he fled worldly glory, however, the more this glory found him. When the location of his cell became known, they flocked to him just as before. Serbian despot John Ugljela was killed by the Turks at the Battle of Marica on September 26, 1371. allowed the Moslems to attack Mt. Athos, so many of the monks (including Saint Romilus) fled to other places. Romilus went to Valona in Albania. thought that in this obscure place he would find solitude, but he was mistaken. monks and laymen came to him, afflicted with ignorance, enslaved to base passions, with no shepherd to guide them. Through his words and his example, he led many from darkness into the light of Christ. Romilus left Valona with his disciples and moved to Ravenica in Serbia, where there was a monastery dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos. settled near this place with his disciples. 1375, he surrendered his soul to God and went to the heavenly Kingdom. is said that his grave emitted an ineffable fragrance. after his death, Saint Romilus performed great miracles, casting out demons, and healing all sorts of diseases and suffering. his holy prayers, may we obtain the forgiveness of our sins and great mercy from Christ our God, to Whom is due all glory, honor and worship, together with His unoriginate Father, and the Most Holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Constantinople, 1327-1379, Philotheus, fThessalonica, tMt Sinai tAthos, tHeraclea, tPat oC, wrote fHesychasts, litergy&Saints
Greece, 1327-1379, Philotheus, Patriarch oConstantinople, fThessalonica, Macedonia (Axios River Mouth, K Triangle of Roman Roads), Mt Sinai tGreat Lavra, tHeraclea, Thrace a Metro, tConstantinople as Patriarch, books fHesychasts, litergy&hagiographic (saints lives) themes; Thessalonica; Venerable Philotheus, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 11; Philotheus was a native of Thessalonica, and received the monastic tonsure at an early age. living for a time at Mt Sinai, went to Mt Athos and became the igumen of the Great Lavra. 1347 he became Metropolitan of Heraclea, Thrace. he served as Patriarch of Constantinople from 1354-1355, and again from 1364-1376. living on the Holy Mountain and even after he left there, Saint Philotheus wrote religious books which reveal his great learning and spirituality. of his works are directed against the anti-hesychasts, he also wrote on liturgical and hagiographical themes. Philotheus ordained that Saint Gregory Palamas (November 14) be commemorated on the second Sunday of Great Lent, presided at his glorification as a saint, and even composed the Service in his honor. Philotheus fell asleep in the Lord in 1379.

Byzantium, 1328-1341, Emperor, Andronikos III Palaiologos, Barlaamite (Anti-Hesychast)
Byzantine Emperor 1328-1341, Andronikos III Palaiologos; Icon of the Mother of God of Andronicus, Commemorated on October 22; Repose of St Stephen of Dechani, Serbia, Commemorated on November 11; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 14; Venerable Gennadius of Vatopedi, Mt Athos, Commemorated on November 17; Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated on January 16; St Theognostus the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia, Commemorated on March 14;

Constantinople, 1341-1347, Patriarch, John XIV Kalekos, anti-hesychast, with John V's mother in Civil War
Constantinople, 1341-1347, Patriarch, John XIV Kalekos ; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 14;

Byzantium, 1341-1391, Emperor, John V Paleologos. Civil War, Black Death, Civil War, Serbs, Turks
Byzantine Emperor 1341-1391, John Paleologos ; V Palaiologos or Palaeologus (Greek: Ίωάννης Παλαιολόγος, Iōánnēs Palaiológos; 18 June 1332 – 16 February 1391) was Byzantine emperor from 1341 to 1391. V was the son of Emperor Andronikos III and his wife Anna,[3] the daughter of Count Amadeus V of Savoy by his wife Maria of Brabant. His long reign was marked by the gradual dissolution of imperial power amid numerous civil wars and the continuing ascendancy of the Ottoman Turks. rule and first civil war[edit] V came to the throne at age eight. His reign began with an immediate civil war between his designated regent, his father's friend John VI Kantakouzenos, and a self-proclaimed council of regency composed of his mother Anna, the patriarch John XIV Kalekas, and the megas doux Alexios Apokaukos. During this civil war in 1343 Anna pawned the Byzantine crown jewels for 30,000 Venetian ducats. From 1346 to 1349, the Black Death devastated Constantinople. civil war[edit] in 1347, John VI Kantakouzenos ruled as co-emperor until his son Matthew Kantakouzenos was attacked by John V in 1352, leading to a second civil war. John V asked the ruler of Serbia, Stefan Dusan for help, and Dusan obliged by sending 4,000 Serbian horsemen to his aid. Matthew Kantakouzenos asked his father for help, and 10,000 Ottoman Turks showed up at Demotika (Didymoteicho) in October 1352 and engaged the forces of John V's Serbian allies in an open field battle that resulted in the destruction of the allies and a victory for the more numerous Turks in the service of the Byzantines. The Ottoman Empire thus acquired its first European territory, at Cimpe and Gallipoli. Able to retake Constantinople in 1354, John V removed and tonsured John VI Kantakouzenos; by 1357, he had deposed Matthew as well, who had been captured by the Serbs and was ransomed to John V. and defeats[edit] 1366, John V reached the Hungarian Kingdom, arriving at the Royal city of Buda to meet King Louis I of Hungary. However, the Byzantine emperor offended the king by staying on his horse, while Louis descended and approached him on foot. The Hungarian monarch then offered him help on the condition that John join the Catholic church, or at least achieve recognition by the Patriarch of the Pope's supremacy. The Emperor left the court of Buda with empty hands and continued his trip through Europe searching for assistance against the Ottomans.[4] Ottomans, who had been allied with the Kantakouzenoi, continued to press John. Suleyman Pasa, the son of the Ottoman sultan, led their forces in Europe and was able to take Adrianople and Philippopolis and to exact tribute from the emperor. John V appealed to the West for help, proposing to Pope Urban V in 1367 to end the schism between the Byzantine and Latin churches by submitting the patriarchate to the supremacy of Rome. October 1369 John, having travelled through Naples to Rome, formally converted to Catholicism in St Peter's Basilica and recognized the pope as supreme head of the Church. He was not accompanied by the clergy of the Byzantine Church and the move failed to bring about an end to the Schism.[5] by war, he was detained as a debtor when he visited Venice in 1369 on his way back from Rome and was later captured on his way back through Bulgarian territories. In 1371, he recognized the suzerainty of the Ottoman sultan Murad I. Murad later assisted him against his son Andronikos when the latter deposed him in 1376. and second rule[edit] 1390, his grandson John VII briefly usurped the throne, but was quickly overthrown. The same year, John V ordered the strengthening of the Golden Gate in Constantinople, utilizing marble from the decayed churches in and around the city. Upon completion of this construction, Bayezid I demanded that John raze these new works, threatening war and the blinding of his son Manuel, whom he held in captivity. John V filled the Sultan's order but is said to have suffered from this humiliation and died soon thereafter on 16 February 1391. V was finally succeeded to the imperial throne by his son Manuel. His younger son Theodore had already acceded to the Despotate of Morea in 1383. V married Helena Kantakouzene, daughter of his co-emperor John VI Kantakouzenos and Irene Asanina, on 28 May 1347. They had at least six children -- four sons and at least two daughters.[6] Their known children include: Andronikos IV Palaiologos (2 April 1348 – 28 June 1385); Irene Palaiologina (c. 1349 – after 1362), who married her first cousin Prince Halil of Ottoman Empire, son of Orhan I and Helena's sister Theodora Kantakouzene. The couple had two sons, Princes Gunduz and Omer. Manuel II Palaiologos (27 June 1350 – 21 July 1425); Theodore I Palaiologos, Lord of Morea (c. 1355 – 24 June 1407); Michael Palaiologos (d. 1376/1377), who claimed the throne of the Empire of Trebizond from Alexios III; Maria Palaiologina (d. 1376), who was betrothed to Murad I but died before the marriage could take place; One daughter betrothed to Peter II of Cyprus, who may not be Irene or Maria; Two unnamed daughters reported to have entered a monastery in 1373, who may be different women from the ones listed above. Martyr Marcella of Chios, Commemorated on July 22; Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Venerable Philotheus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 8; Icon of the Mother of God of Andronicus, Commemorated on October 22; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 14; Venerable Gennadius of Vatopedi, Mt Athos, Commemorated on November 17; Venerable Theodosius the Metropolitan of Trebizond, Commemorated on January 11; Venerable Maximus Kavsokalyvites of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated on January 16; Icon of the Mother of God "œStabbed"Â, Commemorated on January 21; St Theodosius the Bulgarian, with his disciple Romanos, Commemorated on February 17; St Theognostus the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia, Commemorated on March 14; Venerable Acacius the Younger of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 12; St Callistus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 20;

Constantinople, 1342-1391, Nicholas Cabasilas. Thessalonica, Macedonia, devine teacher, hesychist writer
Greece, 1342-1391, Nicholas Cabasilas. Thessalonica, Macedonia (Axios River Mouth, K Triangle of Roman Roads), devine teacher hesychist writer; Thessalonica; Venerable Nicholas Cabasilas, Commemorated on June 20; Venerable Nicholas Cabasilas was born in Thessaloniki in 1322, and was the nephew of Neilos Cabasilas, who was the Archbishop of Thessaloniki. father's surname was Khamaetos, but he preferred to use his uncle's name - Cabasilas. Nicholas received an excellent education, both at Thessaloniki and Constantinople, studying rhetoric, theology, philosophy, etc. a time, he served as an advisor to Emperor John VI Cantacuzenos (reigned 1347-1354), who entrusted him with several important missions in this time of civil war (1341–1347) and religious strife. the last year of his life, the Emperor abdicated and was tonsured as a monk with the name Joasaph. He remained in the renowned Manganon Monastery until his death. Nicholas seems to have become a monk at Manganon at the same time, and it is possible that he was ordained as a Hieromonk. was a disciple of Saint Gregory of Sinai (August 8), and a supporter of Saint Gregory Palamas (November 14), of whom were proponents of hesychasm (stillness), involving the unceasing prayer of the heart, which can lead to a vision of the Uncreated Light of Tabor. Nicholas took part in the Hesychast controversies of his time, which ended when the Council of 1351 proclaimed the teachings of Saint Gregory Palamas as Orthodox. fame of Saint Nicholas rests mainly on his two books: of the Divine Liturgy, Concerning the Life in Christ, which describes the Church's Holy Mysteries, divine grace, and perfection in the divine virtues. his writings Saint Nicholas expounds the hesychastic (and Patristic) teaching that the life in Christ, which begins in this life, is perfected in the Kingdom. comes only from Christ, but sanctity is achieved when our wills are in harmony with Christ's will. 6 of Concerning the Life in Christ contains some very instructive comments on the Beatitudes. Nicholas points out that those who study and meditate on these sayings of Christ shall become truly happy. He compares the Beatitudes to "a ladder by which we may ascend to (the life of blessedness)." of his sermons have survived: on the Ascension, on the Annunciation, etc. There are also encomia in honor of Saint Demetrios, Saint Theodora, Saint Nicholas, and the Three Hierarchs. date of Saint Nicholas's blessed repose is uncertain, but it probably occurred before 1391. If that is true, then he must have been aware of the fall of Thessaloniki to the Turks in 1387. Nicholas Cabasilas was glorified as a saint on July 19,1983. The Troparion composed in his honor describes him as "a divine teacher, a wise interpreter of the dogmas of faith, and of the divine virtues."

Constantinople, 1347, Black Death Plague hits Constantinople, began 1332-21 years
Byzantium, 1347, Black Death Plague hits Constantinople, began 1332 and lasted 21 years;

Constantinople, 1347-1350, Patriarch, Isadore, Hesychast, Palamite, restored Gregory Palamas
Constantinople, 1347-1350, Patriarch, Isadore, restored Gregory Palamas; Byzantine Emperor 1347-1354, John Cantacuzene, John Kantakouzenos ; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 14;

Byzantium, 1347-1354, Co-Emperor, general, John Cantacuzene, John Kantakouzenos, regent deposed by his ward, historian
Byzantine Emperor 1347-1354, John Cantacuzene, John Kantakouzenos ; VI Kantakouzenos, Cantacuzenus, or Cantacuzene[1] (c. 1292 - 15 June 1383[4]) was a Greek nobleman, statesman, and general. He served as grand domestic under Andronikos III Palaiologos and regent for John V Palaiologos before reigning as Byzantine emperor in his own right from 1347 to 1354. Deposed by his former ward, he was made to retire to a monastery under the name Joasaph Christodoulos and spent the remainder of his life as a monk and historian. At age 90 or 91 at his death, he was the most aged of the Roman emperors. life[edit] in Constantinople,[3] John Kantakouzenos was the son of Michael Kantakouzenos, governor of the Morea; Donald Nicol speculates that he may have been born after his father's death and raised as an only child.[5] Through his mother Theodora Palaiologina Angelina, he was related to the then-reigning house of Palaiologos.[6] He was also related to the imperial dynasty through his wife Irene Asanina, a second cousin of Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos.[7] Kantakouzenos became a close friend to Andronikos III and was one of his principal supporters in Andronikos's struggle against his grandfather, Andronikos II Palaiologos. On the accession of Andronikos III in 1328, he was entrusted with the supreme administration of affairs and served as grand domestic throughout his reign. He was named regent to Andronikos's successor, the 9-year-old John V, upon the emperor's death in June 1341.[3] apparently began with no imperial ambitions of his own, having refused several times to be crowned co-emperor by Andronikos III. After the death of the emperor, Kantakouzenos again refused to take the throne, insisting on the legitimacy of John V's claim and contenting himself with overseeing the empire's administration until the boy came of age: according to the history written by John VI himself. Whether he would have remained loyal is unknowable but, despite his professed devotion to John V and his mother Anna, she came to suspect him of treason.[3] His close friendship with the late emperor and power over his successor had aroused the jealousy of his former protégés, Patriarch John XIV of Constantinople and Alexios Apokaukos;[citation needed] after a series of failed attempts, they succeeded in overthrowing his regency in September 1341 while he was out of the capital readying an army against the Crusader principalities that still held parts of the Peloponnesus. He attempted to negotiate with the usurpers, but this was rebuffed and his army was ordered to disband. Further, his relatives in Constantinople were driven into exile or imprisoned, with their property confiscated by the new regents. His mother Theodora died owing to the mistreatment she suffered while under house arrest.[8]} His army ignored the new regents' orders and proclaimed Kantakouzenos emperor at Didymoteichon in Thrace as John VI.[9] He accepted this, while continuing to style himself as the junior ruler to John V. War[edit] article: Byzantine civil war of 1341–1347 ensuing civil war lasted six years; calling in foreign allies and mercenaries of every description, the two sides completely disrupted and almost ruined the empire.[3] At first, John VI marched to Thessalonica, which the ruling families planned to hand over to him. Apokaukos anticipated this move and sent a fleet to reinforce the city, obliging John to flee to Serbia, where Stefan Dusan sheltered him and lent him military support. This proved largely ineffectual, and only the intervention of John's old friend and ally Umur of Aydin broke the regency's siege of his headquarters at Didymoteichon. another attempt on Thessalonica the following year, the Serbians switched sides to support the regency, leaving John stranded once more before that city. Yet again, Umur came to his rescue, and their combined forces broke out of Macedonia to return to Didymoteichon. The war dragged on another four years as neither side could dislodge the other, although time was on John VI's side. He struck a bargain with the Ottoman Turks, giving Orhan Bey his daughter, Theodora, for his harem and permitting him to take Greek Christians as slaves. The Greco-Turkish force prevailed and John VI entered Constantinople in triumph on 8 February 1347.[10][9][a] Empress Anna and John VI agreed that the latter would rule as senior emperor for ten years, after which John V would reach seniority and share power as an equal to Kantakouzenos. The formal coronation of John VI took place on 21 May.[10][11] VI as emperor (left) and monk (right) John's reign, the empire—already fragmented, impoverished, and weakened—continued to be assailed on every side.[3] Genoese, disregarding the terms of the treaty which permitted their colony at Galata, began fortifying and arming it. Their customs dues undercut the Byzantines and meant that as much as 87% of the revenue from control of the Bosphorus went to them instead of the empire. John VI attempted to rebuild the shattered Byzantine navy in preparation for the war he expected to follow a reduction of Constantinople's own customs dues. He was able to borrow enough to construct 9 fair-sized ships and about 100 smaller ones before he lowered the rates and began siphoning off Genoa's income. When they did declare war, however, they were able to sink or capture his fleet by early 1349. The Genovese were forced to negotiate after major areas of Galata were burnt, including its wharves and warehouses, but the Byzantine Empire thenceforth was forced to turn to an alliance with the Republic of Venice for naval protection. This led to their involvement in Venice's 1350 war against Genoa, but Paganino Doria was able to force John VI (and the twelve ships he had fielded) out of the war by a Pyrrhic victory off Constantinople the next year.[citation needed] 1351, Kantakouzenos oversaw the Fifth Council of Constantinople, wherein Gregory Palamas' mystical hesychastic theology was declared Orthodox over the objections of Barlaam of Calabria and other Byzantine philosophers.[12] this time, Stefan Dusan had taken Albania, Macedonia, and Epirus. John VI secured help against further incursions by again allying with the Turks. Following an earthquake, they annexed Callipolis (Gallipoli)—their first foothold in Europe—in partial payment of his many debts in 1354.[3] made his son Matthew Kantakouzenos another co-emperor in 1353,[13] but John VI's attempts to expand taxation to repay the government's debts had long been displeasing. He was removed from power by John V at the end of 1354.[3][b] retired to a monastery, where he assumed the name of Joasaph Christodoulos and occupied himself with literary labors, which have been called eloquent.[3] His 4-volume History of the years 1320-1356 served as an apologia for his actions. They are therefore not always trustworthy, including defects in matters where he was not personally involved, but are supplemented by the contemporary work of Nicephorus Gregoras.[9] It is nevertheless remarkable for being the only surviving account any Byzantine emperor gave of his own reign. 1367 Joasaph was appointed the representative of the Eastern Orthodox Church to negotiate with the Latin Patriarch Paul to attempt a reconciliation of the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. They agreed to call a grand ecumenical council to be attended by the pope and all the patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops of both the eastern and western churches.[17] This plan was subsequently refused by Pope Urban V and eventually nothing came of it.[citation needed] died in the Peloponnese and was buried by his sons at Mistra in Laconia.[3] his wife Irene Asanina, a daughter of Andronikos Asan (son of Ivan Asen III of Bulgaria by Irene Palaiologina, Empress of Bulgaria, herself daughter of Michael VIII Palaiologos), John VI Kantakouzenos had several children, including: Matthew Kantakouzenos, co-emperor 1353–1357, later Despot of the Morea Manuel Kantakouzenos, Despot of the Morea Andronikos Kantakouzenos (died of the Bubonic Plague (specifically the Black Death) in 1347) Maria Kantakouzene, who married Nikephoros II Orsini of Epirus Theodora Kantakouzene, who married Sultan Orhan of the Ottoman Empire[18] Helena Kantakouzene, who married John V Palaiologos Kantakouzenos's 4-volume History was published by J. Pontanus in 1603, by Ludwig Schopen at Bonn as part of the Corpus Scriptorum Historiae Byzantinae c. 1830; and by J.-P. Migne at Paris.[19] He also wrote a commentary on the first five books of Aristotle's Ethics and several controversial theological treatises, including a defense of Hesychasm and a work Against Mohammedanism printed in Migne.[20][9] Martyr Marcella of Chios, Commemorated on July 22; Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Venerable Philotheus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 8; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 14; Venerable Theodosius the Metropolitan of Trebizond, Commemorated on January 11; Venerable Maximus Kavsokalyvites of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated on January 16; St Theodosius the Bulgarian, with his disciple Romanos, Commemorated on February 17; St Theognostus the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia, Commemorated on March 14;

Constantinople, 1347-1380, Dionysios, tBuilder oProdromou Monastery, Mt Athos i1375, first steep little Athos, then C&M
Greece, Mt Athos, 1347-1380, Dionysios, the builder of Prodromou Monastery, Mt Athos i1375, after brother Met oTrebizon, priesthood, asceticism steep Mt Little Athos or Antiathos, Old Prodromos, Panagia, then built church and Monaster, Alexios III through brother funded Forerunner M, died while in T getting Icons ; Prodromou Monastery; Saint Dionysios, the builder of Prodromou Monastery, Mount Athos, Commemorated on June 25; Dionysios was born in the village of Korissos, Kastoria, to pious parents who were farmers. a young age, he went to Mount Athos near his brother Theodosios. with the help of his brother’s own teacher, learned to study the Holy Scriptures, and quickly became distinguished for his humble mind and his charitable character. few years later, Emperor Alexios Komnenos III (1350 - 1390), Theodosios became a Metropolitan in Trebizond. was very pleased when he learned of this, first out of brotherly love, and second because now he could more easily carry out a plan of his own. his ordination to the priesthood, Saint Dionysios transferred his place of asceticism to the steep mountain of little Athos or Antiathos, the so-called Old Prodromos and the Panagia. Shortly thereafter, he wanted to build a church and a suitable monastery. That plan eventually succeeded by the grace of God. Thus, in 1375, Alexios III, through the intercession of his brother, Metropolitan Theodosios, approved the building of the Monastery of the honorable Forerunner and Baptist John. The emperor in Dionysios gave 50 somia (400,000 grosia), and then three thousand komninata for his work. Thus Saint Dionysios built the Monastery of the honorable Forerunner, which was known afterwards by the name given by her builder. Dionysius reposed in Trebizond, where he had gone to ask for further help from the emperor for the iconography of the monastery.

Constantinople, 1349-1390, Trebizond Emperor, Alexius III, rich monastery grants, subdued nobles&Turks, g Daughters fSecurity
Armenia, 1349-1390, Trebizond Emperor, Alexios III Megas Komnenos, Alexius III, most famous Treb ruler, religious grants, literary creations, son oBasil&Irene, hansome blond, stout well formed, gay liberal, tConstantinoople wMom wDad died, raised Byzanine Court, 1349 b tTreb a11 tReplace deposed gUncle Regent Michael, accepted by nobility incl Niketas woOpposition, name fJohn tAlexios, crowned wMom&John Lazaropoulos, confining Michael tMonastery, married B Emperor relative Theodora K, despaired aristocrats squabbles retired tTripolis, supported bMom&loyal Generals, courtiers incl historian, subdued insubordinate nobles 1by1, fostered peace wTurks, wMarriage alliances, improved position, less reliance kingmaker Niketas, N fled tKerasous, prepared fleet, sailed against Treb, turned away, Alex sailed against Kerasous wMom&Metropolitan &won, N imprisoned, Civil war over but assaaaination attempt, arrested noble assasins, Met Niphon deposed fcomplicity, replaced bJohn L, despite his victory he still granted Nobles Land charters, external, lost tTurks 1355, gave daughters to muslim princes &Georgian King, tried to displace Genoese&Venitians dominant Treb trade positions, Venice had lost t Genoa 1349, 1360 he attempted restore Venitian Treb commerce to offset Genoa position, but Venitians not content &Quarreled wGenoese, another concession failed also, 1373 Venicians&Genoa enemy Dobrotitsa oDobruja conspired to impose son-in Law Michael Palaioglogos, son oJohn V, on Treb throne, abandoned a5days, A died 1390, he had repaired physical damage tTreb, gave rich monastery endowments, like Soumela, founded Dionysiou m oAthos, ; Pontine, 1349-1390, Trebizond Emperor, Alexios III Megas Komnenos; III Megas Komnenos (5 October 1338 – 20 March 1390),[1] or Alexius III, Emperor of Trebizond from December 1349 until his death. is perhaps the best-documented ruler of that country, his reign is distinguished by a number of religious grants and literary creations. was the son of Emperor Basil of Trebizond and his second (and bigamous) wife, Irene of Trebizond. III was originally named John, and took the name Alexios either in memory of his older brother who had died prematurely or of his paternal grandfather, Emperor Alexios II of Trebizond. personal appearance was described by George Finlay as "extremely noble". Finlay contributes the following details: "He was , blonde, and regular-featured, with an aquiline nose, which, his flatterers often reminded him, was considered by Plato to be a royal feature. person he was stout and well formed; disposition he was gay and liberal; his enemies reproached him with rashness, violence, and brutal passions."[2] life and reign[edit] Basil died on April 6, 1340, and his first wife Irene Palaiologina succeeded him, she sent all the children of her dead husband to Constantinople together with their mother.[3] was raised at the Byzantine court. he was eleven years old, he was sent to Trebizond by Emperor John VI Kantakouzenos to replace his deposed great-uncle Michael, who had been an instrument of the regency Kantakouzenos had displaced. arrived in Trebizond on December 22, 1349,[4] and was accepted as emperor by the nobility headed by megas doux Niketas Scholares without opposition. was at this point that he adopted the name Alexios, and he was crowned on January 21, 1350, in the company of his mother Irene and of John Lazaropoulos.[5] position was safeguarded by confining the deposed Emperor Michael to a monastery. 1351 the connection to John VI Kantakouzenos was strengthened by further diplomatic initiatives. deposed Emperor Michael was exiled to Constantinople, on September 20, 1351, Alexios III married Theodora Kantakouzene, a relative of the Byzantine Emperor, the newly rebuilt Church of St. Eugenios. the time being, Alexios was accepted as emperor because of his youth to quote William Miller, "not calculated to bring peace to the state, distracted for the previous decade by the jealousies and ambitions of rival gangs of noble place-hunters".[6] the aristocrats squabbled with each other, Alexios despaired of security in his capital retired to the coastal castle of Tripolis.[7] young emperor was supported by his mother and some loyal generals and courtiers, Michael Panaretos, whose laconic chronicle is the principal source on the political history of the Empire of Trebizond. them he subdued insubordinate nobles one by one. and his court further strengthened their position by fostering peaceful relations with the Turkmen marriage alliances as that between the emperor's oldest sister Maria and Fahreddin Kutlubeg of Aq Qoyunlu in 1352.[8] Alexios' position improved, he relied less on the kingmaker Niketas. June 1354 the megas doux was forced to flee to Kerasous, where he prepared a fleet consisting of one galley and eleven smaller vessels that sailed against Trebizond in March 1355. rebels realized that they would be unable to win and abandoned their expedition. fitted out his own fleet of galleys and several smaller crafts, and in May sailed to Kerasous with the company of his mother and the Metropolitan of Trebizond, and conquered the town in the absence of Niketas. emperor's cavalry besieged the last fortress loyal to the megas doux, Kenchrina, and obtained its surrender. and his aristocratic supporters were taken captive and brought to Trebizond, where he died in 1360.[9] the imprisonment of Niketas, Michael Panaretos' leaves off writing of the civil war. writers conclude this means the civil war itself ended, an attempt by the Kabasites and other nobles to assassinate Alexios III in 1363 may be part of that conflict. escaped their ambush and later, with the help of loyal soldiers, arrested all of them. Metropolitan Niphon was deposed for his complicity in the plot and died confined in a monastery the following year.[10] was replaced with the emperor's supporter John Lazaropoulos, who became Metropolitan of Trebizond under the monastic name Joseph. spite of his victories over the nobles, Alexios showed restraint and willingness to compromise by granting charters to noble families confirming them in possession of their lands.[11] affairs[edit] III began dealing with strengthening the frontier against the Turkmen before the end of the civil unrest. this he was less successful, and suffered a major defeat in battle in 1355. and Panaretos barely escaped with their lives.[12] raid on Matzouka by Hajji 'Umar, the emir of Chalybia, was neutralized by diplomacy, and he was married to Alexios' sister Theodora in 1358. continued this policy of seeking diplomatic alliances with the neighboring Muslim princes, the marriages of four of his daughters; fifth, Anna Megale Komnene, became the second wife of King Bagrat V of Georgia.[13] was also unable to displace the Genoese and Venetians from their dominant position in Trebizond's commerce. position of Venice had declined following the concession of Leonkastron to the Genoese in 1349, in 1360 Alexios attempted to restore commercial relations with Venice to offset the power of the Genoese. 1364 he confirmed to the Venetians their old privileges and assigned them a depot "below the monastery of the holy martyr, Theodore Gabras". the Venetians were not content with their gains and jealously quarreled with the Genoese. concession to Venice followed in 1367, and gradually lowered some of the dues levied on Venetian commerce.[14] Alexios' attempt to exploit the commerce of the Italian republics resulted in considerable resentment. 1373 the Venetians conspired with the despotes Dobrotitsa of Dobruja (an enemy of the Genoese) to impose his son-in-law Michael Palaiologos, a younger son of Emperor John V Palaiologos, upon the throne of Trebizond. Palaiologos appeared before Trebizond with two large ships and a small one, and remained there for five days until he abandoned the plan and left.[15] with Venice were patched up, but although Alexios further reduced the dues he collected from the Venetians in 1381, their trade with Trebizond continued to decline. III died on March 20, 1390, was succeeded by his son Manuel III. his long reign, Alexios III had repaired the physical damage to the capital, gave rich endowments to several monasteries, especially Soumela Monastery, and founded the Dionysiou monastery at Mount Athos.[16] Bryer explains this largesse was due a series of confiscations following the defeat of the notables who had opposed a strong central government, forth a timeline showing how as archontes were executed and their properties reverted to the crown, could refound monasteries such as St. Phokas in Kordyle (1362), Soumela (1364), Dionysiou (1374), and Theoskepastos (1376). sequence of recovery, or expansion, of the imperial demesne, which is the clue to Alexios III's triumph over his landowning rivals, is clear enough."[17] Trebizond Empire, 13th-15th Centuries, Pontaine (Black Sea, Silk Road, Harsit River); Trebizond (Black Sea, Silk Road) ; Venerable Theodosius the Metropolitan of Trebizond, Commemorated on January 11 ;

Constantinople, 1350, 14th C, Vatopedi Stabbed Icon, deacon, delayed by service, missed meal, stabbed icon, struck blind
Greece, Mt Athos, 1350, 14th C, Vatopedi Stabbed Icon, deacon, delayed by service, missed meal, stabbed icon, struck blind, Icon painted on canvas, deacon overseeing long church service missed meal, cook refused feed him, in rage blamed MOG, stabbed her icon, blood flowed, deacon struck blind, he fell down before icon rest of his life, igumen prayed for him, after 3yrs MOG forgave him, healed him, but right hand condemned at 2nd coming, 3yrs after his death bones uncovered, decomposed except for right hand preserved all black, still at Vatopadi but poor condition; Vatopedi monastery ; Icon of the Mother of God "Stabbed", Commemorated January 21; “Stabbed” Icon of the Mother of God, (Greek: “Esphagmeni.” Slavonic: “Zaklannaya”) from the fourteenth century, is in the Vatopedi monastery on Mt. Athos, a chapel dedicated to Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica. icon was painted on canvas, received its name of “The Stabbed” from the following event: certain ecclesiarch, a deacon of the Vatopedi monastery, was occupied with overseeing the order of a long service. by his duties, he was late for the meal in the trapeza. annoyed cook refused to give him any food, reminded him that he should come on time if he wished to eat. the deacon flew into a rage and he went to the church again. before the icon of the Mother of God, he said, “How long must I go on serving You? I have toiled, but I have nothing to show for it. You don’t even care whether or not I have anything to eat!” he struck Her on the cheek with a knife and pierced right through the canvas. flowed from the wound, the deacon was struck blind. terrified transgressor fell down right in front of the icon, trembling all over, like Cain, the murderer of old. igumen, served the all-night Vigil praying for mercy and the salvation of the hapless one. three years the All-Holy Virgin appeared to the igumen and said that she had forgiven the deacon, and would restore his health, his hand which committed the sacrilege would be condemned at the Lord’s Second Coming. deacon recovered his sight, and deeply repented of his transgression. himself in a stall opposite the icon he stabbed, he spent the rest of his life in repentance before it. years after the deacon’s death, his bones were uncovered, according to the Athonite custom. body had decomposed, but his right hand remained intact and was all black. hand is preserved at the monastery in memory of the unfathomable love of the Mother of God. is in rather poor condition, however, because Russian pilgrims would take pieces of it, believing it to be a relic. Icon of the Mother of God "Xenophon Hodigitria", Commemorated January 21 ; Venerable Neophytus of Vatopedi, Mt Athos, Commemorated January 21 ;

Constantinople, 1350, 14th C, Neophytus oVatopedi m, Mt Athos, ill aEuboia, asked MOG home to die, healed for 1yr, died aV
Greece, Mt Athos, 1350, 14th C, Neophytus oVatopedi monastery, Mt Athos, Vatopedia m visitors' host, sent to sub m aEuboia, gravely ill there, asked MOG return tV tDie there, healed by MOG f1yr, year later MOG voice from her icon, time tGo, asked forgiveness, passed; Vatopedi monastery ; Venerable Neophytus of Vatopedi, Mt Athos, Commemorated January 21 ; Neóphytos was the Prosmonários1 of Vatopaidi Monastery on Mount Athos during the XIV century, he was sent to the Monastery's metokhion2 at Euboia. after becoming quite ill, he prayed before the Icon of the Mother of God, asking her to let him return to his own Monastery and die there. he heard the voice of the Most Holy Theotokos telling him to return to his Monastery, to prepare himself for death within a year. Neóphytos was healed and returned to Vatopaidi at once. year later, after receiving the Holy Mysteries of Christ, he heard the voice of the Most Holy Theotokos coming from her holy Icon, telling him that the time for his departure had come. became gravely ill once more and, after asking the brethren for forgiveness, he surrendered his soul to the Lord. The Prosmonários (Προσμονάριος) was the keeper of the church, a monk who waited for and received those who had come to attend Services at the Monastery. Representation church. A monastery (or church) subordinate to a larger monastery and representing the economy of that monastery. Literallly, a sharer, or participant.

Constantinople, 1350-1353, 1355-63, Patriarch, Callistus, Hesychast, PHILOKALIA
Constantinople, 1350-1353, 1355-63, Patriarch, Callistus, Hesychast, ; Byzantine Emperor 1347-1354, John Cantacuzene, John Kantakouzenos ; Saint Callistus, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 20; Callistus I, Patriarch of Constantinople, at first struggled on Athos under the spiritual guidance of Saint Gregory of Sinai (August 8), whose Life he wrote. In 1350, he was elected as Patriarch of Constantinople, serving in that position during the reign of the emperors John Kantakuzenos (1341-1355) and John Paleologos (1341-1376). 1354, he withdrew to live in silence at the monastery he had built in honor of Saint Mamas at Tenedos. Later, he was elevated to the Patriarchal throne once again (1355-1363). The holy Patriarch Callistus reposed in the year 1363 in Serbia, where he had travelled with an embassy of Emperor John Paleologos. Saint Callistus is also known as a spiritual writer, and his edifying works appear in the PHILOKALIA with the writings of his close friend Ignatius of Xanthopoulos.

Constantinople, 1350-1390, Gennadius of Vatopedi, steward, oil shortage, MOG trust, overflowing oil, Icon
Greece, 1350-1390, Gennadius of Vatopedi, steward, oil shortage, MOG trust, overflowing oil, Icon; Vatopedi monastery ; Venerable Gennadius of Vatopedi, Mt Athos, Commemorated on November 17 ; Gennadius was the steward of the Vatopedi monastery on Mt Athos in the fourteenth century, and was in charge of supplies. the monastery’s oil began to run low, he tried to be economical with what remained by using oil just for the needs of the church. The cook began to complain to the Igumen, saying that he had no oil for preparing meals. The Igumen ordered Saint Gennadius to place his trust in the Mother of God, and to supply the oil for all the monastery’s needs. day, Saint Gennadius went to the storeroom and saw the tank overflowing with oil covering the floor as far as the door. This miracle was ascribed to the Most Holy Theotokos, and to Her Elaiovrytissa icon which stood nearby. Since that time, the icon has hung in the storeroom and has emitted an ineffable fragrance. Elaiovrytissa (“Flowing with oil”) Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is commemorated on Bright Friday.

Constantinople, 1351-1430, Joanikije of Devic in Kosovo, wonderworker, solitude silence fasting unceasing prayer
Serbia, 1351-1430, Joanikije of Devic in Kosovo, f Zeta, tChrna Reka (Black River), nIbar River, solitude silence fasting unceasing prayer, people gathered, fled to Drnica & forest of Devic, healed prince's daughter, money for Monastery, miracles after death; Venerable Joannicius of Devic, Commemorated on December 2; Ioannikios (Janićije) was a Serb from Zeta, near the Adriatic Sea. was the son of pious and God-fearing parents, and he lived during the reign of the last medieval Serbian ruler, Prince George Branković (1427-1458). his youth, Saint Ioannikios loved solitude, as an adolescent he left his parents and made his way to eastern Serbia, where he settled in a wooded area called Chrna Reka (Black River), a few miles from the Ibar River. found a narrow cave where, according to Tradition, Saint Peter of Koriša (June 5) had struggled during the XIII century. Ioannikios built a cell and lived there for many years in solitude, fasting, and unceasing prayer. time, people began coming to him from all over Serbia in order to hear his words, and to receive his blessing. Others were drawn to him because they wanted him to guide them in the monastic life. community grew around him, and they built a church near his cell. when people heard about the holiness of his life, he fled to Drnica and hid himself in the thick forest of Devič. again, the Saint lived in solitude, weeping, fasting, struggling with demons, and devoting himself to the unceasing Prayer of the Heart. day Prince George brought his terminally ill daughter to him, and the Saint healed her. Prince wanted to know what he could do to express his gratitude. Ioannikios asked him to built a monastery at Devič and dedicate it to the Entrance of the a Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple (November 21). a holy and God-pleasing life, Saint Ioannikios reposed on December 2, 1430, when he was almost one hundred years old. His grace-filled and wonderworking relics are kept at the monastery. After his death, many miracles have taken place there, and those who entreat him with faith are healed of their sicknesses and afflictions. this monastery there once lived a renowned and godly nun, Sister Euphemia, who is better known in the Kossovo region as Blessed Stoina. She built an Ispostnica (House of Silence) in honor of St. Ioannikios. She fell asleep in the Lord in the year 1895. Ioannikios still performs miracles, just as he did in his lifetime, five hundred years ago. A certain man from Hercegovina, whose name was Miloš wanted to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places. Just as he was about to embark on his journey, Saint Ioannikios appeared to him in a dream and told him not to go to Jerusalem. "It would be better," the Saint explained, "if you went to Devič and cleaned my church, and put it in order, instead of going to Jerusalem." š followed the Saint's advice and went to the neglected Devič monastery, cleaned it up, restored it, and gave it new life. He became a monk and remained there until the end of his life. the First World War and the Austrian occupation, a Hungarian officer arrived at Devič with some soldiers. He made Igoumen Damaskene take him to the tomb of Saint Ioannikios, and asked him what was under the slab. "It is a holy place," the Igoumen replied. sort of holy place?" the officer asked. "You have some valuables hidden under there, don't you?" officer ordered the soldiers to break the slab with pick axes. As they were completing their task, the officer was stricken with pain in the middle of his body. He lay down on a bed and died before that evening. The terrified soldiers abandoned their work and fled from the monastery. Ioannikios is also commemorated on April 26, the uncovering of his holy relics. Devic Monastery in Kosovo; Devič Monastery (Serbian: Манастир Девич, romanized: Manastir Devič; Albanian: Manastiri i Deviçit) is a Serbian Orthodox abbey in Kosovo[a]. It was built in 1434 and is dedicated to St Joanikije of Devič. Devič was declared Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1990, and it is protected by the Republic of Serbia.

Constantinople, 1354-55, 1364-76, Patriarch, Philotheus I of Constantinople, Liturgical and Hesychast writer
Constantinople Patriarch, 1354-55, 1364-76, Philotheus I of Constantinople; Repose of St Cyprian the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on September 16; Venerable Philotheus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 8; Philotheus was a native of Thessalonica, and received the monastic tonsure at an early age. After living for a time at Mt Sinai, he went to Mt Athos and became the igumen of the Great Lavra. 1347 he became Metropolitan of Heraclea, Thrace. Later, he served as Patriarch of Constantinople from 1354-1355, and again from 1364-1376. living on the Holy Mountain and even after he left there, Saint Philotheus wrote religious books which reveal his great learning and spirituality. Many of his works are directed against the anti-hesychasts, and he also wrote on liturgical and hagiographical themes. Philotheus ordained that Saint Gregory Palamas (November 14) be commemorated on the second Sunday of Great Lent, presided at his glorification as a saint, and even composed the Service in his honor. Philotheus fell asleep in the Lord in 1379. St Moses the Archbishop of Novgorod, Commemorated on January 25;

Byzantium, 1354-1391, Emperor, John V Palaiologos. Civil War, Black Death, Civil War, Serbs, Turks
Byzantine Emperor 1354-1391, John V Palaiologos; Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Venerable Philotheus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 8; Venerable Theodosius the Metropolitan of Trebizond, Commemorated on January 11; Venerable Maximus Kavsokalyvites of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 13; St Moses the Archbishop of Novgorod, Commemorated on January 25; St Theodosius the Bulgarian, with his disciple Romanos, Commemorated on February 17; Martyr Marcella of Chios, Commemorated on July 22; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26;

Constantinople, 1355-1392, Theodosius tMet oTrebizond, TEmpire, 1375 igumen Philotheou, then Met Trebizond Empire
Greece, 1355-1392, Theodosius tMet oTrebizond, TEmpire, fKoritsa (Kastorian hills, right on Via Egnatia of K Triangle), Constantinople monk a18, tPhilotheou oAthos, 1375 igumen there, then Met oTrebizond in Trebizond Empire, then persuaded John Alexius Komnenos build Dionsious oAthos, died 1392; Koritsa (Kastorian hills) ; Venerable Theodosius the Metropolitan of Trebizond, Commemorated on January 11 ; Theodosius, Metropolitan of Trebizond, born in the village of Koritsa, near the Kastorian hills. eighteen years of age he became a monk at Constantinople went to the Philotheou monastery on Mount Athos, where he led a strict ascetic life. was chosen igumen of the monastery in 1375, afterwards was made Metropolitan of Trebizond because of the holiness of his life. He persuaded John Alexius Komnenos to build the monastery of Dionysiou on Mount Athos. a God-pleasing life, he died in Trebizond in 1392.

Constantinople, 1362-1389, Murad I, Ottoman Empire Sultan, Kosovo Field Battle, Turks
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1362-1389, Murad I; I (29 June 1326 - 15 June 1389) was the Ottoman Sultan from 1362 to 1389. He was a son of Orhan Gazi and Nilufer Hatun. Murad I came into the throne after his elder brother Suleyman Pasha's death. I conquered Adrianople, renamed it to Edirne,[2] and in 1363 made it the new capital of the Ottoman Sultanate.[3] Then he further expanded the Ottoman realm in Southern Europe by bringing most of the Balkans under Ottoman rule, and forced the princes of Serbia and Bulgaria as well as the East Roman emperor John V Palaiologos to pay him tribute.[2] Murad I administratively divided his sultanate into the two provinces of Anatolia (Asia Minor) and Rumelia (the Balkans). to the Ottoman sources, Murad I's titles includes Bey, Emir - a zam (Great Emir), Ghazi, Hudavendigar, Khan, Padishah, Sultan-selatin (Sultan of sultans), Melikul-muluk (Malik of maliks), while in Bulgarian and Serbian sources he was referred to as Tsar. In a Genoese document, he was referred to as dominus armiratorum Turchie (Master lord of Turks).[4] I was illiterate and could not even sign his own name. In 1353, Murad I signed a treaty by dipping his hand in ink and impressing it with his finger marks.[5] of the conquests of Murad I century miniature depicting Murad I fought against the powerful beylik of Karaman in Anatolia and against the Serbs, Albanians, Bulgarians and Hungarians in Europe. In particular, a Serb expedition to expel the Turks from Adrianople led by the Serbian brothers King Vukasin and Despot Ugljesia, was defeated on September 26, 1371, by Murad's capable second lieutenant Lala Sahin Pasa, the first governor (beylerbey) of Rumeli. In 1385, Sofia fell to the Ottomans. In 1386 Prince Lazar Hrebeljanovic defeated an Ottoman force at the Battle of Plocnik. The Ottoman army suffered heavy casualties, and was unable to capture Nis on the way back. of Kosovo[edit] of Sultan Murad on Kosovo field of Sultan Murad 1389, Murad's army defeated the Serbian Army and its allies under the leadership of Lazar at the Battle of Kosovo. There are different accounts from different sources about when and how Murad I was assassinated. The contemporary sources mainly noted that the battle took place and that both Prince Lazar and the Sultan lost their lives in the battle. The existing evidence of the additional stories and speculations as to how Murad I died were disseminated and recorded in the 15th century and later, decades after the actual event. One Western source states that during first hours of the battle, Murad I was assassinated by Serbian nobleman and knight MiloÅ¡ ObiliÄ‡ by knife.[6][7] Most Ottoman chroniclers[citation needed] (including Dimitrie Cantemir)[8] state that he was assassinated after the finish of the battle while going around the battlefield. His older son Bayezid, who was in charge of the left wing of the Ottoman forces, took charge after that. His other son, Yakub Bey, who was in charge of the other wing, was called to the Sultan's command center tent by Bayezid, but when Yakub Bey arrived he was strangled, leaving Bayezid as the sole claimant to the throne. a letter from the Florentine senate (written by Coluccio Salutati) to the King Tvrtko I of Bosnia, dated 20 October 1389, Murad I's (and Jakub Bey's) killing was described. A party of twelve Serbian lords slashed their way through the Ottoman lines defending Murad I. One of them, allegedly Milos Obilic, had managed to get through to the Sultan's tent and kill him with sword stabs to the throat and belly.[9][page needed] Murad's internal organs were buried in Kosovo field and remains to this day on a corner of the battlefield in a location called Meshed-i Hudavendigar which has gained a religious significance by the local Muslims. It has been vandalized between 1999–2006 and renovated recently. His other remains were carried to Bursa, his Anatolian capital city, and were buried in a tomb at the complex built in his name.[10] of sultanate[edit] established the sultanate by building up a society and government in the newly conquered city of Adrianople (Edirne in Turkish) and by expanding the realm in Europe, bringing most of the Balkans under Ottoman rule and forcing the Byzantine emperor to pay him tribute. It was Murad who established the former Osmanli tribe into an sultanate. He established the title of sultan in 1363 and the corps of the janissaries and the devÅŸirme recruiting system. He also organised the government of the Divan, the system of timars and timar-holders (timariots) and the military judge, the kazasker. He also established the two provinces of Anadolu (Anatolia) and Rumeli (Europe). was the son of Orhan and the Valide Hatun Nilüfer Hatun, daughter of the Lord of Yarhisar, who was of ethnic Greek descent.[11] St Spyridon the Patriarch, Commemorated on August 30;

Constantinople, 1369-1397, Callistus of Xanthopoulos, historian, Hesychasts d, divine light, faces shine like sun
Greece, Mt Athos, 1369-1397, Callistus of Xanthopoulos m & Magul skete, Mt Athos, near Philotheou, 28 yrs, Gregory of Sinai's story, directions to Hesychasts, divine light, faces shine like sun, died in Serbia; Magul skete on Holy Mount Athos (opposite the monastery of Philotheou) Venerable Callistus Xanthopoulos of Mt Athos, Commemorated November 22 ; Callistus II pursued asceticism at the Magul skete on Holy Mount Athos (opposite the monastery of Philotheou), there for twenty-eight years. was the disciple of Saint Gregory of Sinai (August 8), whose Life he wrote. with his fellow ascetic Ignatius of Xanthopoulos, he compiled the “Directions to Hesychasts in One Hundred Chapters” found in the second part of the Slavonic edition of the Philokalia (English translation in Kadlubovsky and Palmer, Writings from the Philokalia on Prayer of the Heart). their contemporary, Saint Simeon of Thessalonica (September 15) asserts, Saints Callistus and Ignatius of Xanthopoulos beheld the Uncreated Light, as the apostles had done on Mount Tabor. Their faces seemed to “shine like the sun.” 1397 he was elevated to the patriarchal throne, and was hierarch during the days of Manuel Paleologos (1391-1425). agreed to journey to Serbia in order to bring peace to that church, stopping along the way at Mt Athos. There, the Patriarch was told that he would not see his flock again. Upon reaching Serbia, he exchanged this temporal life for life eternal.

Constantinople, 1374-1405, Gregory, founder Serbian Grigoriou monastery, Mt Athos, fSerbia, his relics taken back to Serbia
Serbia, 1374-1405, Gregory, founder Serbian Grigoriou monastery, Mt Athos, fSerbia, his relics taken back to Serbia ; Grigoriou monastery; Venerable Gregory the Founder of Grigoriou Monastery of Mt Athos, Commemorated on December 7; Gregory of Mount Athos was born in Serbia, and pursued asceticism on Mt Athos. built and dedicated the monastery of Saint Nicholas, which was later renamed Grigoriou in his honor. the records of Mt Athos the saint’s signature dating from 1405 was discovered. to Tradition, the relics of Saint Gregory were taken from Athos by Serbian monks.

Constantinople, 1375, Saint Markella, Ephesus, Chios Monastery of Agia Markella, spring of holy water
Ephesus, 1375, Saint Markella, Chios Monastery of Agia Markella; Markella (also Marcella) was an inhabitant of fourteenth-century Chios who was canonized by the Greek Orthodox Church. Her feast day is celebrated on July 22. Markella rocks today, Chios. Markella was born and lived in Volissos, Chios, Greece. She was raised as a devout Christian by her mother. However, her father (in some accounts) was a pagan. lived during the fourteenth century - during most of which Chios was under Genoese rule. At a young age, her mother died and Markella continued to study her Bible, pray to God and live a life according to what she was taught. the time of her eighteenth birthday, the virtuous Markella had to flee the fury of her violent father. There are variant accounts given about the reasons for that. In one version, while Markella's late mother had been a Christian, her father was an idolater and he tried very hard to force his daughter to become an idolater, too; this seems anachronistic, since by the 14th Century paganism was long since extinct in Greece. By another version, the problem was that Markella's father was consumed with incestuous lust for her, and she fled in horror when he declared his intentions.[1] her reason for being afraid of her father, Saint Markella fled to nearby mountains and hid in a bush. Her father found her with the help of a local herdsmen, and they set fire to the bush to force her to show. ran to the sea to escape but her father aimed an arrow at her and wounded her. As believed by the local people, the blood of the saint dyed the rocks and to this very day, during the festivities for her feast day, at a specific time, her blood becomes visible on these rocks for all the faithful who bear witness to this miracle. is further believed that as she was injured, she prayed to Jesus - her final moments spent in prayer requesting that the rocks would open for her to hide from her father and this happened. However, the opened rock enabled her to hide all of her body inside, but not her head. Her father decapitated her and threw the head into the sea. Her head floated to the nearby beach of Komi. many years, the locals could not locate the head until one day an Italian (presumably Genoese) warship was in the area. In the evening, the Italians could see a bright light coming from the distance and when they got closer they witnessed a head, floating in the water, lit by upright floating candles. Immediately, they realized that this was a sacred miracle they were witness to and they took the head of the Saint back to their homeland. tradition also has it that holy water springs from the rocks that mark her martyrdom. Many pilgrims visit this location and every year on 22 July, during the commemoration services for the Saint, the holy sea water in the rock pool boils during the entire Paraklisis Service; this phenomenon only occurs in the presence of a priest. If a pilgrim's faith is strong, a local tradition is that the water in the rock-pool will feel extremely warm to touch. significance[edit] Today there is a church on the cave of Saint Markella. The rock in which she was killed is said to spring holy water. Her nameday is on July 22 [2] and on that day the sea is said to boil. The icon of Saint Markella is one of the most revered and is said to be miraculous. Chios Monastery of Agia Markella; Martyr Marcella of Chios, Commemorated on July 22; ’s father changed in his behavior toward her. He became moody and depressed, forbidding her to go into the garden or to speak with the neighbors. Unable to understand the reason for this change, the saint went to her room and wept. She prayed before an icon of the Mother of God, asking Her to help her father. Soon she fell asleep, only to be awakened by her father’s shouting. unfortunate man had spent a long time struggling against his lust, but finally he gave in to it. At times he would speak to his daughter roughly, then later he would appear to be gentle. He wanted to be near her, and to stroke her hair. Unaware of her father’s intentions, Saint Markella was happy to see him emerge from his melancholy state, thinking that her prayer had been answered. day, her father openly declared the nature of his feelings for her. Horrified, the saint tried to avoid him as much as she could. Even the neighbors realized that there was something wrong with the man, so they stopped speaking to him. shepherd was tending his sheep near the beach one morning, and was leading them into the shade of a plane tree to avoid the hot July sun. Just as he was about to lie down, he heard a noise and looked up. He saw a young woman with a torn dress running down the hill. She hid in a nearby bush, ignoring its thorns. shepherd wondered who was chasing her, and how she had come to this spot. Then he heard the sound of a horse approaching, and recognized the mayor of the village. He asked the shepherd if he had seen his daughter. He said that he had not seen her, but pointed to her hiding place with his finger. mayor ordered Markella to come out of the bush, but she refused. Therefore, he set fire to the bush in order to force her out. She emerged on the side opposite her father, and ran toward the rocky shore, calling out to the Mother of God for help. continued to run, even though blood was flowing from her face and hands. Feeling a sharp pain in her leg, she saw that she had been shot with an arrow. She paused to pull it out, then took to flight once more. She scrambled over the rocks, staining them with her blood. Hearing her father getting closer, she prayed that the earth would open up and swallow her. saint sank to her knees, her strength all gone, and then a miracle took place. The rock split open and received her body up to the waist. Her father drew near with wild-eyed joy shouting, “I have caught you. Now where will you go? his sword, he began to butcher his helpless daughter, cutting off pieces of her body. Finally, he seized her by the hair and cut off her head, throwing it into the sea. At once the calm sea became stormy, and large waves crashed to the shore near the murderer’s feet. Thinking that the sea was going to drown him because of his crime, he turned and fled. His ultimate fate has not been recorded. later years, pious Christians built a church on the spot where Saint Markella hid in the bush. The spot where she was killed became known as “The Martyrdom of Saint Markella,” and the rock that opened to receive her is still there. The rock appears to be a large stone that broke off from a mountain and rolled into the sea. Soil from the mountain covers the spot on the side facing the land. On the side facing the ocean is a small hole, about the size of a finger. A healing water flows from the opening, which cures every illness. flow of water is not due to the movements of the tide, because when the tide is out, there would be no water. This, however, is not the case. The water is clear, but some of the nearby rocks have been stained with a reddish-yellow color. According to tradition, the lower extremities of Saint Markella’s body are concealed in the rock. most astonishing thing about the rock is not the warmth of the water, nor the discoloration of the other rocks, but what happens when a priest performs the Blessing of Water. A sort of steam rises up from the water near the rock, and the entire area is covered with a mist. The sea returns to normal as soon as the service is over. Many miracles have occurred at the spot, and pilgrims flock there from all over the world.

Constantinople, 1375, Marcella of Chios, M virtue, devil incited father, MOG open earth, did to waist, he chopped, hole curing water
Ephesus, 1375, Marcella of City of Chios, Chios Island, M increased virtue, devil tried M then incited her mayor father, w unnatural lust, shepherd saw her hiding, she prayed Theotokos earth open up swallow her, did to the waist, chopped up head to sea, later years church and hole w curing water; City of Chios; Martyr Marcella of Chios, Commemorated on July 22; Markella lived in the village of Volissos, Chios sometime after the middle of the fourteenth century. parents were Christians, and among the wealthiest citizens of Volissos. saint’s mother died when she was young, and so her father, the mayor of the village, saw to her education. had been trained by her mother to be respectful and devout, and to guard her purity. avoided associations with other girls who were more outgoing than she was so that she would not come to spiritual harm through such company. goal was to attain the Kingdom of Heaven, and to become a bride of Christ. Markella increased in virtue as she grew older, fasting, praying, and attending church services. tried to keep the commandments and to lead others to God. loved and respected her father, and comforted him in his sorrow. She told him she would take care of him in his old age, and would not abandon him. an adult, Saint Markella was loved by everyone for her beauty and for her spiritual gifts. Enemy of our salvation tried to lure her into sin by placing evil thoughts in her mind. She resisted these temptations, so the devil turned away from a direct confrontation with the young woman. Instead, he incited her father with an unnatural desire for his daughter. ’s father changed in his behavior toward her. He became moody and depressed, forbidding her to go into the garden or to speak with the neighbors. to understand the reason for this change, the saint went to her room and wept. She prayed before an icon of the Mother of God, asking Her to help her father. Soon she fell asleep, only to be awakened by her father’s shouting. unfortunate man had spent a long time struggling against his lust, but finally he gave in to it. At times he would speak to his daughter roughly, then later he would appear to be gentle. He wanted to be near her, and to stroke her hair. Unaware of her father’s intentions, Saint Markella was happy to see him emerge from his melancholy state, thinking that her prayer had been answered. day, her father openly declared the nature of his feelings for her. Horrified, the saint tried to avoid him as much as she could. Even the neighbors realized that there was something wrong with the man, so they stopped speaking to him. shepherd was tending his sheep near the beach one morning, and was leading them into the shade of a plane tree to avoid the hot July sun. as he was about to lie down, he heard a noise and looked up. He saw a young woman with a torn dress running down the hill. She hid in a nearby bush, ignoring its thorns. shepherd wondered who was chasing her, and how she had come to this spot. Then he heard the sound of a horse approaching, and recognized the mayor of the village. He asked the shepherd if he had seen his daughter. He said that he had not seen her, but pointed to her hiding place with his finger. mayor ordered Markella to come out of the bush, but she refused. Therefore, he set fire to the bush in order to force her out. She emerged on the side opposite her father, and ran toward the rocky shore, calling out to the Mother of God for help. continued to run, even though blood was flowing from her face and hands. Feeling a sharp pain in her leg, she saw that she had been shot with an arrow. She paused to pull it out, then took to flight once more. She scrambled over the rocks, staining them with her blood. Hearing her father getting closer, she prayed that the earth would open up and swallow her. saint sank to her knees, her strength all gone, and then a miracle took place. The rock split open and received her body up to the waist. Her father drew near with wild-eyed joy shouting, “I have caught you. Now where will you go? his sword, he began to butcher his helpless daughter, cutting off pieces of her body. Finally, he seized her by the hair and cut off her head, throwing it into the sea. At once the calm sea became stormy, and large waves crashed to the shore near the murderer’s feet. Thinking that the sea was going to drown him because of his crime, he turned and fled. His ultimate fate has not been recorded. later years, pious Christians built a church on the spot where Saint Markella hid in the bush. The spot where she was killed became known as “The Martyrdom of Saint Markella,” and the rock that opened to receive her is still there. The rock appears to be a large stone that broke off from a mountain and rolled into the sea. Soil from the mountain covers the spot on the side facing the land. On the side facing the ocean is a small hole, about the size of a finger. A healing water flows from the opening, which cures every illness. flow of water is not due to the movements of the tide, because when the tide is out, there would be no water. This, however, is not the case. The water is clear, but some of the nearby rocks have been stained with a reddish-yellow color. According to tradition, the lower extremities of Saint Markella’s body are concealed in the rock. most astonishing thing about the rock is not the warmth of the water, nor the discoloration of the other rocks, but what happens when a priest performs the Blessing of Water. A sort of steam rises up from the water near the rock, and the entire area is covered with a mist. The sea returns to normal as soon as the service is over. Many miracles have occurred at the spot, and pilgrims flock there from all over the world.

Constantinople, 1375, Virgin Martyrs Parthena +2, Edessa, Greece, Turk Seige, defended but P's father hates her and city
Greece, 1375, Virgin Martyrs Parthena, Domnina, and Neollina, Edessa, Macedonia, Greece, story is only about Parthena, E beseiged by Turks, good defense seige lifting, but P's father betrays city for money, he became muslim, he gave her to Turk Pasha, when P not become muslim, father strips her and turns her over to Turks, buried alive, This story fulfills prophecy Christians will be hated by family, but endurance saves.; Edessa, Macedonia, Greece; Virgin Martyrs Neollina, Domnina, and Parthena, Commemorated on January 12; the first Sunday after Theophany (January 7-13), we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Martyrs Neollina, Domnina and Parthena (Νεολλίνα, Δομνίνα, Παρθένα) of Edessa in the Holy Metropolis of Edessa and Pella. is known about Saints Neollina and Domnina, only about Saint Parthena. Holy Virgin Martyr Parthena came from Edessa in Macedonia and was born in the 14th century. Her life was in accord with her virginal name, for she lived ascetically, and with the utmost modesty. the year 1375 Edessa was besieged by the Turks, the residents put up a strong defense, aided and encouraged by Hieromonk Seraphim, the rector of the cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos. enemy was perfectly organized and numerous, but it as it happened, they were preparing to end the siege. the last minute, Peter, one of the city's priests, who was Parthena's father, was paid a large sum of money by the Turkish Pasha, and so he betrayed the city. Turks invaded Edessa on December 26, 1375 from the southeast, where he was on guard, and where one of the major battles for the city took place. its citizens were massacred or sold into slavery; homes were looted, and women were raped. Seraphim was arrested and subjected to severe torments, and then he was drowned in the great waterfall called "Itseri Pasha" (the Pasha's water). traitor Peter, after his heinous act which led to the fall of the city, denied Christ and became a Muslim. if that were not enough, he also gave his daughter Parthena to the Pasha as a concubine, because he was unable to persuade her to deny Christ. hearing her father's words, Saint Parthena, like another Saint Barbara, shuddered, and with spiritual courage she told her wretched father that she would never deny the sweetest name of her heavenly Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. of being put to shame and moved to repentance, he became angry and behaved like a wild beast. He beat the Saint until she was bloody and unconscious. he stripped her and handed her over to the Turks. The soldiers tortured her for three days. In the end, she was led up a hillside, where she was buried alive. To this day, the hill is called Parthena's Hill. shocking as the father's conduct may seem, the Savior predicted that such atrocities would take place: "Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by everyone for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:21-22). the prayers of the Holy Virgin Martyr Parthena, may the Lord strengthen us to persevere until the end of our earthly lives, and make us worthy of a small corner of Paradise.

Constantinople, 1380-1388, Patriarch, Nilus, Hesychast, chose H Cyprian for Moscow M
Constantinople, 1380-1388, Patriarch, Nilus of Constantinople, Hesychast Saint Theodore, Archbishop of Rostov, Commemorated on November 28;

Constantinople, 1389-1403, Bayezid I, Ottoman Empire Sultan
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1389-1403, Bayezid I; I (c. 1360 - 8 March 1403)[2] was the Ottoman Sultan from 1389 to 1402. He was the son of Murad I[3][4] and Gulcicek Hatun. built one of the largest armies in the known world at the time and unsuccessfully besieged Constantinople. He adopted the title of Sultan-Rum being an old Islamic name for the Roman Empire.[5] decisively defeated the Crusaders at Nicopolis (in modern Bulgaria) in 1396, and was himself defeated and captured by Timur at the Battle of Ankara in 1402 and died in captivity in March 1403, triggering the Ottoman Interregnum.

Constantinople, 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.

Byzantium, 1391-1425, Emperor, Manuel II Palaiologos, help from R of Venice, later England and Europe, letters
Byzantine Emperor, 1391-1425, Manuel II Palaiologos; II Palaiologos or Palaeologus (27 June 1350 - 21 July 1425) was Byzantine emperor from 1391 to 1425. Shortly before his death he was tonsured a monk and received the name Matthew. His wife Helena Dragas saw to it that their sons, John VIII Palaiologos and Constantine XI Palaiologos, become emperors. II retook Thessaloniki and the coastline of Thrace. Manuel was also commemorated[by whom?] on July 21.[1] double-headed eagle with the Palaiologos family cypher. II Palaiologos was the second son of Emperor John V Palaiologos and his wife Helena Kantakouzene.[2] Granted the title of despotēs by his father, the future Manuel II traveled west to seek support for the Byzantine Empire in 1365 and in 1370, serving as governor in Thessalonica from 1369. failed attempt at usurpation by his older brother Andronikos IV Palaiologos in 1373 led to Manuel's being proclaimed heir and co-emperor of his father. In 1376–1379 and again in 1390, they were supplanted by Andronikos IV and then his son John VII, but Manuel personally defeated his nephew with help from the Republic of Venice in 1390. Although John V had been restored, Manuel was forced to go as an honorary hostage to the court of the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I at Prousa (Bursa). During his stay, Manuel was forced to participate in the Ottoman campaign that reduced Philadelpheia, the last Byzantine enclave in Anatolia. of Constantinople and letters to European courts[edit] heard of his father's death in February 1391, Manuel II Palaiologos fled the Ottoman court and secured the capital against any potential claim by his nephew John VII.[3] Although relations with John VII improved, Sultan Bayezid I blockaded Constantinople from 1394 to 1402. In the meantime, an anti-Ottoman crusade led by the Hungarian King Sigismund of Luxemburg failed at the Battle of Nicopolis on 25 September 1396. Manuel II had sent 10 ships to help in that Crusade. In October 1397, Theodore Kantakouzenos, Manuel's uncle, alongside John of Natala arrived at the court of Charles VI of France, bearing the Emperor's letters (dated 1 July 1397) requesting the French king's military aid. In addition, Charles also provided funds for the two nobles to treat with King Richard II of England in April 1398, with the aim of soliciting further aid.[4] Though the latter was preoccupied by domestic troubles at this point to provide any support.[a] the two nobles returned home with the Marshal of France Jean II Le Maingre who was sent from Aigues-Mortes with six ships carrying 1,200 men to assist Manuel II. The Marshal encouraged the latter to go personally to seek assistance against the Ottoman Empire from the courts of western Europe. After some five years of siege, Manuel II entrusted the city to his nephew, aided by a French garrison of 300 men led by Seigneur Jean de Châteaumorand and embarked (along with a suite of 40 people) on a long trip abroad along with the Marshal.[5] trip to Europe[edit] 10 December 1399, Manuel II sailed to the Morea, where he left his wife and children with his brother Theodore I Palaiologos to be protected from his nephew's intentions. He later landed in Venice in April 1400, then he went to Padua, Vicenza and Pavia, until he reached Milan, where he met Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti, and his close friend Manuel Chrysoloras. Afterwards, he met Charles VI of France at Charenton on 3 June 1400.[6] During his stay in France, Manuel II continued to contact European monarchs.[7] to Michel Pintoin who chronicled the visit to Paris: the king raised his hat, and the emperor raised his imperial cap – he had no hat – and both greeted one another in the most honourable way. When he had welcomed [the emperor], the king accompanied him into Paris, riding side by side. They were followed by the Princes of the Blood who, once the banquet in the royal palace finished, escorted [the emperor] to the lodgings which had been prepared for him in the Louvre castle]. — [8] II Palaiologos (left) with Henry IV of England in London, December 1400.[9] December 1400, he embarked to England to meet Henry IV of England who received him at Blackheath on the 21st of that month,[7] making him the only Byzantine emperor ever to visit England, where he stayed at Eltham Palace until mid-February 1401, and a joust took place in his honour.[10] In addition, he received £2,000, in which he acknowledged receipt of the funds in a Latin document and sealed it with his own golden bull.[11][b] Walsingham wrote about Manuel II's visit to England: the same time the Emperor of Constantinople visited England to ask for help against the Turks. The king with an imposing retinue, met him at Blackheath on the feast of St Thomas [21 December], gave so great a hero an appropriate welcome and escorted him to London. He entertained him there royally for many days, paying the expenses of the emperor's stay, and by grand presents showing respect for a person of such eminence. — [12] Moreover, Adam of Usk reported: the feast of St Thomas the apostle [21 December], the emperor of the Greeks visited the king of England in London to seek help against the Saracens, and was honourably received by him, staying with him for two whole months at enormous expense to the king, and being showered with gifts at his departure. This emperor and his men always went about dressed uniformly in long robes cut like tabards which were all of one colour, namely white, and disapproved greatly of the fashions and varieties of dress worn by the English, declaring that they signified inconstancy and fickleness of heart. No razor ever touched the heads or beards of his priests. These Greeks were extremely devout in their religious services, having them chanted variously by knights or by clerics, for they were sung in their native tongue. I thought to myself how sad it was that this great Christian leader from the remote east had been driven by the power of the infidels to visit distant islands in the west in order to seek help against them. — [13] Manuel II sent a letter to his friend Manuel Chrysoloras, describing his visit to England: what is the reason for the present letter? A large number of letters have come to us from all over bearing excellent and wonderful promises, but most important is the ruler with whom we are now staying, the king of Britain the Great, of a second civilized world, you might say, who abounds in so many good qualities and is adorned with all sorts of virtues. His reputation earns him the admiration of people who have not met him, while for those who have once seen him, he proves brilliantly that Fame is not really a goddess, since she is unable to show the man to be as great as does actual experience. This ruler, then, is most illustrious because of his position, most illustrious too, because of his intelligence; his might amazes everyone, and his understanding wins him friends; he extends his hand to all and in every way he places himself at the service of those who need help. And now, in accord with his nature, he has made himself a virtual haven for us in the midst of a twofold tempest, that of the season and that of fortune, and we have found refuge in the man himself and his character. His conversation is quite charming; he pleases us in every way; he honours us to the greatest extent and loves us no less. Although he has gone to extremes in all he has done for us, he seems almost to blush in the belief—in this he is alone—that he might have fallen considerably short of what he should have done. This is how magnanimous the man is. — [14] II later returned to France with high hopes of substantial help and funds for Constantinople. In the meantime, he sent delegations with relics including pieces of the tunic of Christ and a piece of the Holy Sponge to Pope Boniface IX and Antipope Benedict XIII, Queen Margaret I of Denmark, king Martin of Aragon and king Charles III of Navarre to seek further assistance.[15][16] He eventually left France on 23 November 1402,[17] and finally returned to Constantinople in June 1403. Ottoman sieges[edit] Ottomans were themselves crushingly defeated by Timur at the Battle of Ankara in 1402. As the sons of Bayezid I struggled with each other over the succession in the Ottoman Interregnum, John VII was able to secure the return of the European coast of the Sea of Marmara and of Thessalonica to the Byzantine Empire in the Treaty of Gallipoli. When Manuel II returned home in 1403, his nephew duly surrendered control of Constantinople and received as a reward the governorship of newly recovered Thessalonica. The treaty also regained from the Ottomans Mesembria (1403–1453), Varna (1403–1415), and the Marmara coast from Scutari to Nicomedia (between 1403–1421). of the southern Balkans and western Anatolia in 1410, following the Treaty of Gallipoli stavraton coin by Manuel. On the reverse, Manuel's bust. Manuel II kept contact with Venice, Genoa, Paris and Aragon, by sending envoy Manuel Chrysoloras in 1407–8, pursuing to form a coalition against the Ottomans.[18] 25 July 1414, with a fleet consisting of four galleys and two other vessels carrying contingents of infantry and cavalry, departed Constantinople for Thessalonica. The purpose of this force soon became clear when he made an unannounced stop at Thasos, a normally unimportant island which was then under threat from a son of the lord of Lesbos, Francesco Gattilusio. It took Manuel three months to reassert imperial authority on the island. Only then did he continue on to Thessalonica, where he was warmly met by his son Andronicus, who then governed the city. the spring of 1415, he and his soldiers left for the Peloponnese, arriving at the little port of Kenchreai on Good Friday, 29 March. Manuel II Palaiologos used his time there to bolster the defences of the Despotate of Morea, where the Byzantine Empire was actually expanding at the expense of the remnants of the Latin Empire. Here Manuel supervised the building of the Hexamilion (six-mile wall) across the Isthmus of Corinth, intended to defend the Peloponnese from the Ottomans. II stood on friendly terms with the victor in the Ottoman civil war, Mehmed I (1402–1421), but his attempts to meddle in the next contested succession led to a new assault on Constantinople by Murad II (1421–1451) in 1422. During the last years of his life, Manuel II relinquished most official duties to his son and heir John VIII Palaiologos, and went back to Europe searching for assistance against the Ottomans, this time to the King Sigismund of Hungary, staying for two months in his court of Buda. Sigismund (after suffering a defeat against the Turks in the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396) never rejected the possibility of fighting against the Ottoman Empire. However, with the Hussite wars in Bohemia, it was impossible to count on the Czech or German armies, and the Hungarian ones were needed to protect the Kingdom and control the religious conflicts.[19] Unhappily Manuel returned home with empty hands from the Hungarian Kingdom, and in 1424 he and his son were forced to sign an unfavourable peace treaty with the Ottoman Turks, whereby the Byzantine Empire had to pay tribute to the sultan. II who had been paralyzed by a stroke since October 1, 1422, and lived his last months as a monk called "Matthew", died on 21 July 1425, aged 75.[20] II was the author of numerous works of varied character, including letters, poems, a Saint's Life, treatises on theology and rhetoric, and an epitaph for his brother Theodore I Palaiologos and a mirror of princes for his son and heir John. This mirror of princes has special value, because it is the last sample of this literary genre bequeathed to us by Byzantines. miniature from the Louvre MS. Ivoires 100 manuscript, depicting Manuel II, Helena and three of their sons - the co-emperor John VIII and the Despots Theodore and Andronikos. his wife Helena Dragas, the daughter of the Serbian prince Constantine Dragas, Manuel II Palaiologos had several children, including: A daughter. Mentioned as the eldest daughter but not named. Possibly confused with Isabella Palaiologina, an illegitimate daughter of Manuel II known to have married Ilario Doria. Constantine Palaiologos. Born ca. 1393/8, died before 1405 in Monemvasia.[21] John VIII Palaiologos (18 December 1392 – 31 October 1448). Byzantine emperor, 1425–1448. Andronikos Palaiologos, Lord of Thessalonica (d. 1429). A second daughter. Also not named in the text. Theodore II Palaiologos, Lord of Morea (d. 1448). Michael Palaiologos. Born 1406/7, died 1409/10 of the plague.[22] Constantine XI Dragases Palaiologos (8 February 1405 – 29 May 1453). Despotēs in the Morea and subsequently the last Byzantine emperor, 1448–1453. Demetrios Palaiologos (c. 1407–1470). Despotēs in the Morea. Thomas Palaiologos (c. 1409 – 12 May 1465). Despotēs in the Morea. Venerable Callistus Xanthopoulos of Mt Athos, Commemorated on November 22 ; Venerable Gregory the Founder of Grigoriou Monastery of Mt Athos, Commemorated on December 7; Venerable Macarius of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on January 6; Venerable Theodosius the Metropolitan of Trebizond, Commemorated on January 11; St Photius the Metropolitan of Kiev, Commemorated on July 2;

Constantinople, 1397-1405, Matthew I, Patriarch
Byzantine Patriarch, 1397-1405, Matthew I of Constantinople; St Photius the Metropolitan of Kiev, Commemorated on July 2;

Constantinople, 1397, part of The Robe was transferred from C to Rus by St Dionysius, Archbishop of Suzdal
Blachernae; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae; Placing of the Venerable Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae: the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Leo the Great (457-474), the brothers Galbius and Candidus, associates of the emperor, set out from Constantinople to Palestine to venerate the holy places. a small settlement near Nazareth they stayed in the home of a certain old Jewish woman. In her house they noticed a room where many lamps were lit, incense burned, and sick people were gathered. When they asked her what the room contained, the pious woman did not want to give an answer for a long time. persistent requests, she said that she had a very precious sacred item: the Robe of the Mother of God, which performed many miracles and healings. Her Dormition the Most Holy Virgin bequeathed one of her garments to a pious Jewish maiden, an ancestor of the old woman, instructing her to leave it to another virgin after her death. the Robe of the Mother of God was preserved in this family from generation to generation. jewelled chest, containing the sacred Robe, was transferred to Constantinople. Saint Gennadius, Patriarch of Constantinople (August 31), and the emperor Leo, having learned of the sacred treasure, were convinced of the incorrupt state of the holy Robe, and they certified its authenticity. Blachernae, near the seacoast, a new church in honor of the Mother of God was constructed. On June 2, 458 Saint Gennadius transferred the sacred Robe into the Blachernae church with appropriate solemnity, placing it within a new reliquary. the maphorion (i.e., the outer robe) of the Mother of God, and part of Her belt were also put into the reliquary with Her Robe. This circumstance also influenced the Orthodox iconography of the Feast, in connecting the two events: the Placing of the Robe, and the Placing of the Belt of the Mother of God in Blachernae. The Russian pilgrim Stephen of Novgorod, visiting Constantinople in about the year 1350, testifies: “We arrived at Blachernae, where the Robe lies upon an altar in a sealed reliquary.â€ than once, during the invasion of enemies, the Most Holy Theotokos saved the city to which She had given Her holy Robe. Thus it happened during the time of a siege of Constantinople by the Avars in 626, by the Persians in 677, and by the Arabs in the year 717. Especially relevant for us are events of the year 860, intimately connected with the history of the Russian Church. June 18, 860 the Russian fleet of Prince Askold, a force comprising more than 200 ships, laid waste the coastal regions of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus, then entered into the Golden Horn and threatened Constantinople. The Russian ships sailed within sight of the city, setting ashore troops who “proceeded before the city, stretching forth their swords.â€ The emperor Michael III (842-867), interrupted his campaign against the Arabs and returned to the capital. All night he prayed prostrated upon the stone tiles of the church of the Mother of God at Blachernae. The holy Patriarch Photius spoke to his flock, calling for tears of repentance to wash away sins, and to seek the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos with fervent prayer. danger grew with each passing hour. “The city was barely able to stand against a spear,â€ says Patriarch Photius in another of his homilies. Under these conditions the decision was made to save the church’s sacred objects, especially the holy Robe of the Mother of God, which was kept in the Blachernae church, not far from the shore. serving an all-night Vigil, and taking it out from the Blachernae church, they carried the sacred Robe of the Mother of God in a procession around the city walls. They dipped its edge into the waters of the Bosphorus, and then they transported it to the center of Constantinople into the church of Hagia Sophia. The Mother of God protected the city and quelled the fury of the Russian warriors. An honorable truce was concluded, and Askold lifted the siege of Constantinople. June 25 the Russian army began to leave, taking with them a large tribute payment. A week afterwards, on July 2, the wonderworking Robe of the Mother of God was solemnly returned to its place in the reliquary of the Blachernae church. In remembrance of these events an annual feastday of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God was established on July 2 by holy Patriarch Photius. in October-November of the year 860, a Russian delegation arrived in Constantinople to conclude a treaty “in love and peace.â€ Some of the conditions of the peace treaty included articles concerning the Baptism of Kievan Rus, the payment of an annual tribute by the Byzantines to the Russians, permission for them to serve with the Byzantine army, an agreement to trade in the territory of the Empire (primarily in Constantinople), and to send a diplomatic mission to Byzantium. important was the point about the Baptism of Rus. The continuator of the Byzantine “Theophanes Chroniclesâ€ relates that “their delegation arrived in Constantinople with a request for them to receive holy Baptism, which also was fulfilled.â€ An Orthodox mission was sent to Kiev to fulfill this mutual wish of the Russians and the Greeks. Not very long before this (in 855) Saint Cyril the Philosopher (February 14 and May 11) had created a Slavonic alphabet and translated the Gospel. Saint Cyril was sent with his brother, Saint Methodius (April 6 and May 11), on a mission to Kiev with books translated into Slavonic. This was at the initiative of Saint Photius, whose student Saint Cyril was. The brothers spent the winter of 860/861 at Cherson, and in the spring of 861 they were at the River Dniepr, with Prince Askold. Askold was faced with a difficult choice, just as holy Prince Vladimir faced: both the Jews on the one hand, and the Moslems on the other, wanted him to accept their faith. But under the influence of Saint Cyril, the prince chose Orthodoxy. At the end of the year 861, Saints Cyril and Methodius returned to Constantinople and carried letters with them from Prince Askold to Emperor Michael III. Askold thanked the emperor for sending him “such men, who showed by both word and by example, that the Christian Faith is holy.â€ “Persuaded that this is the true Faith,â€ Askold further wrote, “we bid them to baptize in the hope that we may also attain sanctity. We are all friends of the Kingdom and prepared to be of service to you, as requested.â€ accepted holy Baptism with the name Nicholas, and many of his retinue were also baptized. Directly from Constantinople, the capital of Orthodoxy, through the efforts of the holy Apostles to the Slavs both the Slavonic divine services and the Slavonic written language arrived in Rus. Photius appointed Metropolitan Michael to Kiev, and the Russian metropolitan district was entered into the lists of dioceses of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Patriarch Photius in an encyclical of the year 867 called the Baptism of the Bulgarians and the Russians as among the chief accomplishments of his archpastoral service. “The Russians, who lifted their hand against the Roman might,â€ he wrote, almost quoting literally from the missive of Askold, “have now replaced the impious teaching which they held to formerly, with the pure and genuine Christian Faith, and with love having established themselves in the array of our friends and subjects.â€ (The Byzantines counted as “subjectsâ€ all accepting Baptism from Constantinople and entering into military alliance with the Empire.) “The desire and zeal of faith has flared up within them to such an extent, that they have accepted bishops and pastors, and they embrace Christian sanctity with great zeal and fervor.â€ Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos in Blachernae also marks the canonical establishment of the Russian Orthodox metropolitanate in Kiev. By the blessing of the Mother of God and by the miracle from Her holy Robe not only was the deliverence of Constantinople from the most terrible siege in all its history accomplished, but also the liberation of the Russians from the darkness of pagan superstition to life eternal. Together with this, the year 860 brought recognition to Kievan Rus from Byzantium, and signified the emergence of the young Russian realm into the arena of history. attempt of Prince Askold to renew the Christian evangelization begun by the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, which he intended as a religious and state reform, ended unsuccessfully. time for the spread of Christianity in the Russian Land had not yet come. The adherents of the old paganism were too strong, and the princely power was too weak. In the clash of Askold with the pagan Oleg in 882 the Kievans betrayed their prince. Askold, lured into the camp of his enemies for talks, received a martyr’s death at the hand of hired killers. the deed of Blessed Askold (the Ioakimov Chronicle calls him such) was not extinguished in the Russian Church. Oleg the Sage, who killed Askold, occupied the Kiev princedom after him, and called Kiev the “Mother of Russian Cities.â€ most ancient chronicles of Kiev preserved the grateful memory of the first Kievan Christian prince: the church of the Prophet of God Elias, built by Askold and later mentioned in Igor’s Treaty with the Greeks (in 944), is on the site where the present church of this name now stands, and there is also the church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in the 950s by Saint Olga over Askold’s grave. most important achievement of Askold, entering forever into the Church inheritance not only of Rus, but of also all Orthodox Slavs, is the Slavonic Gospel and Slavonic services, translated by Saints Cyril and Methodius. Their apostolic activity among the Slavs began in Kiev at the court of Askold in 861, and continued afterwards in Moravia and Bulgaria. Following Blessed Askold, in the words of the ancient Alphabetic Prayers, “the Slavonic tribe now soars in flight, all striving toward Baptism.â€ outstanding works of Byzantine Church hymnology and homiletics are connected with the miracle of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae. There are two homilies of Saint Photius, one of which he preached within days of the siege of Constantinople, and the other soon after the departure of the Russian forces. Also associated with the campaign of Askold against Constantinople is the composition of a remarkable “Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos,â€ which certain Church histories ascribe also to holy Patriarch Photius. This Akathist forms an integral part of the services of Praise to the Most Holy Theotokos (i.e., the “Saturday of the Akathist,â€ Fifth Saturday of Great Lent). is not only Byzantine sources that relate the events of the year 860, but also Russian historical chronicles. Saint Nestor the Chronicler, stressing the significance of the Russian campaign against Constantinople, notes that from this time “it was begun to be called the Russian Land.â€ Certain of the chronicles, among them the Ioakimov and Nikonov, preserved accounts of the Baptism of Prince Askold and Kievan Rus after the campaign against Constantinople. The popular commemoration of this event is firmly associated with the names of the Kievan princes Askold and Dir, although in the opinion of historians, Dir was prince of Kiev somewhat earlier than Askold. veneration of the feast of the Placing of the Robe was long known in the Russian Church. Saint Andrew Bogoliubsky (July 4) built a church in honor of this feastday in the city of Vladimir at the Golden Gates. the end of the fourteenth century, part of the Robe of the Mother of God was transferred from Constantinople to Rus by Saint Dionysius, Archbishop of Suzdal (June 26). holy Robe of the Mother of God, which previously saved Constantinople, later saved Moscow from hostilities. Tatars of the Horde of the princeling Mazovshi approached the walls of Moscow in the summer of 1451. Saint Jonah, Metropolitan of Moscow, with constant prayer and church services, encouraged the defenders of the capital. On the night of July 2, the Chronicle relates, great confusion occurred within the Tatar camp. The enemy abandoned their plundered goods and speedily departed in disarray. In memory of the miraculous deliverance of Moscow, Saint Jonah built the church of the Placing of the Robe in the Kremlin, making it his primary church. It burned, but in its place in the years 1484-1486 a new church, also dedicated to the Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God, was built thirty years later. This temple, standing at present, continued to serve as the primary church of Russian metropolitans and patriarchs until the cathedral of the Twelve Apostles was built under Patriarch Nikon. Venerable Romanus the Melodist, œSweet-SingerÂ, Commemorated on October 1 ; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectressÂ Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; Icon of the Mother of God of the Kiev Caves, Commemorated on August 17; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on September 2; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated on September 10; Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on October 1 ; Blessed Andrew the Fool-For-Christ at Constantinople, Commemorated October 2 ; Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, Commemorated October 12 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated October 29 ; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated on December 8 ; 12 Greeks who built the Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Lavra, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Stephen the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, and Bishop of Vladimir, in Volhynia, Commemorated on April 27 ; Prophet Isaiah, Commemorated on May 9 ; St Germanus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 12; Icon of the Mother of God œthe Unbreakable WallÂ, Commemorated on May 28; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2; Translation of the "Blachernae" Icon of the Mother of God to Russia, Commemorated July 7 ;

Constantinople, 1398-1426 & 1999, New Martyr Ephriam, Nea Makri, Attica, k by Turks, story revealed miraculously 500yrs later
Greece, 1398-1426 & 1999, New Martyr Ephriam, Nea Makri, Attica (Corinth and Athens area), , priest men's monastery story revealed miraculously 500 yrs later, withstood extreme Turk tortures, left for dead, tortured again, 500 yrs later 1999 Mother Woman's monastery asked God to show her a martyred saint from the Men's monastery and he did. God told her where to dig. Ephriam told her his story.; Nea Makri; New Martyr Ephraim, Commemorated on January 3; holy New Martyr and wonderworker Ephraim was born in Greece on September 14, 1384. His father died when the saint was young, and his pious mother was left to care for seven children by herself. Ephraim reached the age of fourteen, the all-good God directed his steps to a monastery on the mountain of Amoman near Nea Makri in Attica. monastery was dedicated to the Annunciation and also to Saint Paraskevḗ. he took on his shoulders the Cross of Christ, which all His followers must bear (Matt. 16:24). enflamed with love for God, Saint Ephraim eagerly placed himself under the monastic discipline. For nearly twenty-seven years he imitated the life of the great Fathers and ascetics of the desert. divine zeal, he followed Christ and turned away from the attractions of this world. By the grace of God, he purified himself from soul-destroying passions and became an abode of the All-Holy Spirit. was also found worthy to receive the grace of the priesthood, and served at the altar with great reverence and compunction. September 14, 1425, the barbarous Turks launched an invasion by sea, destroying the monastery and and looting the surrounding area. Ephraim was one of the victims of their frenzied hatred. Many of the monks had been tortured and beheaded, but Saint Ephraim remained calm. infuriated the Turks, so they imprisoned him in order to torture him and force him to deny Christ. locked him in a small cell without food or water, and they beat him every day, hoping to convince him to become a Moslem. several months, he endured horrible torments. the Turks realized that the saint remained faithful to Christ, they decided to put him to death. On Tuesday May 5, 1426, they led him from his cell. They turned him upside down and tied him to a mulberry tree, then they beat him and mocked him. “Where is your God,” they asked, “and why doesn’t he help you?” The saint did not lose courage, but prayed, “O God, do not listen to the words of these men, but may Thy will be done as Thou hast ordained.” barbarians pulled the saint’s beard and tortured him until his strength ebbed. His blood flowed, and his clothes were in tatters. His body was almost naked and covered with many wounds. Still the Hagarenes were not satisfied, but wished to torture him even more. One of them took a flaming stick and plunged it violently into the saint’s navel. His screams were heart-rending, so great was his pain. The blood flowed from his stomach, but the Turks did not stop. They repeated the same painful torments many times. His body writhed, and all his limbs were convulsed. Soon, the saint grew too weak to speak, so he prayed silently asking God to forgive his sins. Blood and saliva ran from his mouth, and the ground was soaked with his blood. Then he lapsed into unconsciousness. that he had died, the Turks cut the ropes which bound him to the tree, and the saint’s body fell to the ground. Their rage was still not diminished, so they continued to kick and beat him. After a while, the saint opened his eyes and prayed, “Lord, I give up my spirit to Thee.” About nine o’clock in the morning, the martyr’s soul was separated from his body. things remained forgotten for nearly 500 years, hidden in the depths of silence and oblivion until January 3, 1950. By then a women’s monastery had sprung up on the site of the old monastery. Makaria (+ April 23, 1999) was wandering through the ruins of the monastery, thinking of the martyrs whose bones had been scattered over that ground, and whose blood had watered the tree of Orthodoxy. She realized that this was a holy place, and she prayed that God would permit her to behold one of the Fathers who had lived there. some time, she seemed to sense an inner voice telling her to dig in a certain spot. She indicated the place to a workman whom she had hired to make repairs at the old monastery. man was unwilling to dig there, for he wanted to dig somewhere else. Because the man was so insistent, Mother Makaria let him go where he wished. She prayed that the man would not be able to dig there, and so he struck rock. Although he tried to dig in three or four places, he met with the same results. Finally, he agreed to dig where the abbess had first indicated. the ruins of an old cell, he cleared away the rubble and began to dig in an angry manner. abbess told him to slow down, for she did not want him to damage the body that she expected to find there. He mocked her because she expected to find the relics of a saint. he reached the depth of six feet, however, he unearthed the head of the man of God. that moment an ineffable fragrance filled the air. The workman turned pale and was unable to speak. Mother Makaria told him to go and leave her there by herself. She knelt and reverently kissed the body. she cleared away more earth, she saw the sleeves of the saint’s rasson. The cloth was thick and appeared to have been woven on the loom of an earlier time. She uncovered the rest of the body and began to remove the bones, which appeared to be those of a martyr. Makaria was still in that holy place when evening fell, so she read the service of Vespers. she heard footsteps coming from the grave, moving across the courtyard toward the door of the church. The footsteps were strong and steady, like those of a man of strong character. The nun was afraid to turn around and look, but then she heard a voice say, “How long are you going to leave me here?” saw a tall monk with small, round eyes, whose beard reached his chest. In his left hand was a bright light, and he gave a blessing with his right hand. Mother Makaria was filled with joy and her fear disappeared. “Forgive me,” she said, “I will take care of you tomorrow as soon as God makes the day dawn.” The saint disappeared, and the abbess continued to read Vespers. the morning after Matins, Mother Makaria cleaned the bones and placed them in a niche in the altar area of the church, lighting a candle before them. That night Saint Ephraim appeared to her in a dream. He thanked her for caring for his relics, then he said, “My name is Saint Ephraim.” From his own lips, she heard the story of his life and martyrdom. Saint Ephraim glorified God in his life and by his death, the Lord granted him the grace of working miracles. who venerate his holy relics with faith and love have been healed of all kinds of illnesses and infirmities, and he is quick to answer the prayers of those who call upon him. Ephraim is also commemorated on May 5. New Martyr Ephraim, Commemorated on May 5;

Constantinople, 1400-1453, Folder, 15th Century, Ottoman Civil War, C. of Florence

Constantinople, 1401-1431, Marcarius oMt Athos, Vatopedi m, t Pantocrator m Constantinople, Emperor's Chaplain
Greece, Mt Athos, 1401-1431, Marcarius of Mt Athos, Vatopedi monastery, to Pantocrator Monastery Constantinople, fThessalonica, tVatopedi when young, later tConstantinople& Igumen Pantocrator & Emperor Manuel II Paleologos' Chaplain, Died Chalke epidemic; Vatopedi monastery ; Venerable Macarius of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on January 6 ; Macarius was born in Thessalonica during the reign of Emperor Manuel II Paleologos, and went to Vatopedi Monastery on Mt. Athos when he was young. Later, he went to Constantinople and became igumen of the Monastery of the Pantocrator, and chaplain to the Emperor. died in 1431 during an epidemic in Chalke.

Constantinople, 1402-1413, Ottoman Empire Sultan, Ottoman Interregnum, or Ottoman Civil War
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1402-1413, Ottoman Interregnum, or Ottoman Civil War; Venerable Gregory the Founder of Grigoriou Monastery of Mt Athos, Commemorated on December 7;

Constantinople, 1405-1410, Patriarch, 1405-1410, N/A
Byzantine Patriarch, 1405-1410, N/A Byzantine Patriarch, 1397-1405, Matthew I of Constantinople; St Photius the Metropolitan of Kiev, Commemorated on July 2;

Constantinople, 1405-1463, Isidore of Kiev, Metropolitan, Became Uniate
Russia, Kiev, 1405-1463, Isidore of Kiev, Metropolitan, Became Catholic; Repose of St Jonah the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on March 31 ;

Constantinople, 1410-1416, Patriarch, Euthymius II of Constantinople
Byzantine Patriarch, 1410-1416, Euthymius II of Constantinople; St Photius the Metropolitan of Kiev, Commemorated on July 2;

Constantinople, 1412-1444, Mark of Ephesus, Byzantine Saint
Byzantine Saint, 1412-1444, Mark of Ephesus; St Mark the Archbishop of Ephesus, Commemorated on January 19;

Constantinople, 1413-1421, Mehmed I, Sultan restorer, Anatolia, conquest of Wallacia, Venice destroyed fleet
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1413-1421, Mehmed I; I (1389 – 26 May 1421), also known as Mehmed Çelebi or Krisci,[3] was the Ottoman sultan from 1413 to 1421. fourth son of Sultan Bayezid I and Devlet Hatun, he fought with his brothers over control of the Ottoman realm in the Ottoman Interregnum (1402–1413). Starting from the province of Rum he managed to bring first Anatolia and then the European territories (Rumelia) under his control, reuniting the Ottoman state by 1413, and ruling it until his death in 1421. The Restorer, he reestablished central authority in Anatolia, and expanded the Ottoman presence in Europe by the conquest of Wallachia in 1415. Venice destroyed his fleet off Gallipoli in 1416, as the Ottomans lost a naval war.[4] St Mark the Archbishop of Ephesus, Commemorated on January 19;

Constantinople, 1416-1439, Joseph II, Patriarch of Constantinople
Byzantine Patriarch, 1416-1439, Joseph II of Constantinople; Repose of St Jonah the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on March 31; St Jonah the Metropolitan of Moscow, Commemorated on June 15;

Constantinople, 1421-1444, 1446-1451, Murat II, Ottoman Empire Sultan , economic development, could have invaded Europe
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1421-1451, Murat II; II (Ottoman Turkish: Ù…Ø±Ø§Ø¯ ثانى‎, romanized: MurÄd-Ä± sÄnÄ«, Turkish: II. Murad, 16 June 1404[1][2] – 3 February 1451) was the sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1421 to 1444 and again from 1446 to 1451. II's reign was a period of important economic development. Trade increased and Ottoman cities expanded considerably. In 1432, the traveller Bertrandon de la Broquière noted that Ottoman annual revenue had risen to 2,500,000 ducats, and that if Murad II had used all available resources he could easily have invaded Europe.[4] St Stephen of Serbia, "œthe blind one"Â, Commemorated on October 9; Blessed John the King of Serbia and his parents, Commemorated on December 10 ; Blessed Stephen the Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on December 10; St Mark the Archbishop of Ephesus, Commemorated on January 19;

Byzantium, 1425-1448, Emperor, John VIII Palaiologos, consented to union with Roman Church
Byzantine Emperor, 1425-1448, John VIII Palaiologos; Venerable Macarius of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on January 6; Icon of the Mother of God "œStabbed"Â, Commemorated on January 21; New Martyr Ephraim, Commemorated on May 5; St Jonah the Metropolitan of Moscow, Commemorated on June 15;

Constantinople, 1431-1449, Byzantine and Holy Roman Council, Council of Florence
Byzantine Council, 1431-1449, Council of Florence; St Mark the Archbishop of Ephesus, Commemorated on January 19;

Constantinople, 1431-1457, St Mark tArchbishop oEphesus, alone defended Orthodoxy aCouncil of Florence, against Papal Supremacy
Northern Italy, 1431-1457, St Mark the Archbishop of Ephesus, alone defended Orthodoxy aCouncil of Florence, against Papal Supremacy, against theological compromise& Political expediency, Byzantine Emperor seeking military assistance against Moslems, M's drawing close tConstan, Mark countered wPure Theology, from Holy Fathers, members from his Ephesian delegation tried changing his mind, he countered, there can be no compromis in matters Orthodox faith. but they signed Tomos oUnion, mark only discenter, died 1457 a52; a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus">Ephesus; Council of Florence; St Mark the Archbishop of Ephesus, Commemorated January 19; Mark Eugenikos, Archbishop of Ephesus, was a stalwart defender of Orthodoxy at the Council of Florence. would not agree to a union with Rome which was based on theological compromise political expediency (the Byzantine Emperor was seeking military assistance from the West against the Moslems who were drawing ever closer to Constantinople). Mark countered the arguments of his opponents, from the well of pure theology, the teachings of the holy Fathers. the members of his own delegation tried to pressure him into accepting the Union replied, “There can be no compromise in matters of the Orthodox Faith.” the members of the Orthodox delegation signed the Tomos of Union, Saint Mark was the only one who refused to do so. he returned from Florence, Saint Mark urged the inhabitants of Constantinople to repudiate the dishonorable document of union. died in 1457 at the age of fifty-two, admired and honored by all.

Constantinople, 1439-1450, Gregory III, Patriarch of Constantinople
Constantinople, 1439-1450, Patriarch, Gregory III of Constantinople ; Repose of St Jonah the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on March 31; St Jonah the Metropolitan of Moscow, Commemorated on June 15;

Constantinople, 1444-1446, 1451-1481, Mehmed the Conqueror, Ottoman Empire, Sultan, Muslim Caesar of the Roman Empire
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1444-1481, Mehmed the Conqueror; II (30 March 1432 - 3 May 1481), commonly known as Mehmed the Conqueror ( lit. The Father of Conquest; Turkish: Fatih Sultan Mehmed), was an Ottoman sultan who ruled from August 1444 to September 1446, and then later from February 1451 to May 1481. In Mehmed II's first reign, he defeated the crusade led by John Hunyadi after the Hungarian incursions into his country broke the conditions of the truce Peace of Szeged. When Mehmed II ascended the throne again in 1451 he strengthened the Ottoman navy and made preparations to attack Constantinople. At the age of 21, he conquered Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and brought an end to the Byzantine Empire. the conquest Mehmed claimed the title "Caesar" of the Roman Empire, based on the fact that Constantinople had been the seat and capital of the surviving Eastern Roman Empire since its consecration in 330 AD by Emperor Constantine I.[4] The claim was only recognized by the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Nonetheless, Mehmed II viewed the Ottoman state as a continuation of the Roman Empire for the remainder of his life, seeing himself as continuing the Empire rather than replacing it. continued his conquests in Anatolia with its reunification and in Southeast Europe as far west as Bosnia. At home he made many political and social reforms, encouraged the arts and sciences, and by the end of his reign, his rebuilding program had changed Constantinople into a thriving imperial capital. He is considered a hero in modern-day Turkey and parts of the wider Muslim world. Among other things, Istanbul's Fatih district, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and Fatih Mosque are named after him. Venerable Angelina of Serbia, Commemorated on July 30; St Niphon the Patriarch of Constantinople of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 11; St Stephen of Serbia, "œthe blind one"Â, Commemorated on October 9; Venerable Matrona of Chios, Commemorated on October 20; Blessed John the King of Serbia and his parents, Commemorated on December 10 ; Blessed Stephen the Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on December 10; St Nectarius of Bitel, Commemorated on December 15; Venerable Daniel the Hesychast, Commemorated on December 18; St Maximus the New, Commemorated on January 18; Righteous Theodora, wife of the Emperor Theophilus, the Iconoclast, Commemorated on February 11; New Martyr Raphael of Lesbos, Commemorated on April 9; St Eleni (who was also called Susanna), New martyr of Lesbos, Commemorated on April 9; St Zosimas II of Kumurdo, Commemorated on May 1; St Angelina of Serbia, Commemorated on July 1; Translation of the relics of the Venerable John of Rila from Trnovo to Rila, Commemorated on July 1; St Stephen the Great, Commemorated on July 2;

Byzantium, 1449-1453, Emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, died at fall of C
Byzantine Emperor, 1449-1453, Constantine XI Palaiologos; Venerable Cassian of Uglich, Commemorated on October 2;

Constantinople, 1450-1505, Savva of Ioannina, Epirus, hechycast, never angry, said Humility is cornerstone of spiritual life
Greece, 1450-1505, Saint Savva of Ioannina, Epirus, Greece (Lake Pamvotis), spiritual father Nectarios&Theophanes, +1550&+1554, aristocrat son, loved poverty, lived humble poor hermit, never seen angry, judgmental, or as a person who remembered wrongs. His heart overflowed with humility. He said: “Humility is the solid and indestructible cornerstone upon which the spiritual life is built.” hechycast, no: meat, fish, cheese, or even oil on food; Ioannina (Lake Pamvotis) ; Saint Savva of Ioannina, Commemorated on February 3; is not known where Saint Savva was born. He lived a life of asceticism in the Holy Monastery of the Honorable Forerunner on an island in the lake of Ioannina around the middle of the XV century. was the Spiritual Father of Saints Nektarios (+ 1550) and Theophanes (+ 1544), who were descended from the distinguished Apsaras family of the Byzantine Empire. They are commemorated jointly on May 17. Savva was the son of an aristocratic family, from an early age he loved the poverty of Jesus Christ. Until his last breath, he lived as a humble and poor hermit. one ever saw him angry, judgmental, or as a person who remembered wrongs. His heart overflowed with humility, concerning which he himself said: “Humility is the solid and indestructible cornerstone upon which the spiritual life is built.” was a hechycast, and his ascetical life was very strict. He prayed every night until morning. His food was plain, and he ate very little. No meat, fish, or cheese ever appeared on his table, and he never poured a drop of oil on his food. Savva reposed peacefully in 1505. When he delivered his soul to the Lord, an inexpressible fragrance arose from the tabernacle of his body. The saint was buried in the monastery of Honorable Forerunner. A holy relic of the saint is kept and revered in the Roussanou Monastery of the Transfiguration at Meteora.

Constantinople, 1453-1922, Folder, Ottoman Period, The Turks

Constantinople, 1453-1499, 15th Century Folder, Ottoman E., Fall of Constantinople

Constantinople, 1453, Fall of Constantinople
Constantinople, Fall of Constantinople (1453); Ottoman Empire; New Martyr Ignatius the Martyr of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; St Zosimas II of Kumurdo, Commemorated on May 1;

Constantinople, 1457-1496, Maximus tNew, Stephen B's son, monk aManasija, 1457 Serbia seized by Turks, fled tRomania, became Met
Serbia, 1457-1496, Maximus tNew, son oKing Stephen Brancovich, monk aManasija monastery, Serbia (Great Morava River 1), 1457 Serbia seized by Turks, he fled to Romania where became Met oWallachia; Manasija monastery; St Maximus the New, Commemorated January 18 ; Maximus the New was the son of King Stephen of Serbia (December 10). became a monk at Manasija, had to flee into a mountainous region of Romania because of the Moslems. was consecrated as Metropolitan of Wallachia. a life of great spiritual endeavors, he fell asleep in the Lord on January 18, 1516 in a monastery he had founded.

Constantinople, 1460-1500, Nectarius oBitel, Bulgaria, mother's MOG vision tFlee, Athos clairvoyant, suffered envy, c humility
Bulgaria, 1460-1500, Nectarius oBitel (Butili) near Kuklen and Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Maritza River 5), before turk invasion, mother's vision MOG told her to flee tHiding, father took N tHoly Unvercenaries Monastery, near Bitel, later N went tAthos, clairvoyant elder accepted him, suffered envy, displayed complete humility, charity, d 1500; Kuklen Monastery of St.St. Kosma and Damyan, Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Maritza River 5) ; Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Saint Nectarius of Bitel, Commemorated on December 15; Nectarius of Bitel was born in the small town of Bitel (or Butili) in Bulgaria. In the world he was named Nicholas. a Turkish invasion his mother had a vision: the Most Holy Virgin Herself appeared and told her to flee and go into hiding with her husband and children. ’s father, having taken the boy with him, withdrew to a monastery dedicated to the Holy Unmercenaries (Saints Cosmas and Damian), not far from Bitel, where he became a monk with the name Pachomius. having reached adolescence, went on to Athos. clairvoyant Elder Philotheus accepted him and tonsured him into the angelic schema with the name Nectarius. monk suffered for a long time from the envy and spite of one of the novices, but he displayed complete humility. was distinguished for his charity. money he obtained from his handicraft was distributed to the poor. Saint Nectarius died in the year 1500.

Constantinople, 1480, Joseph oBistritsa Monastery, founded community, tried to move but MOG said my garden is here
Moldovia, 1480, Joseph oBistritsa Monastery, Moldovia, went to Lords Tomb in J, tJordan Valley Wilderness, exalted spirit experience, founded community, Arabs invaded, back tRomania, Bistrita M, rule otSleepless, Turks came, tMt Athos but MOG, back my garden is here in Moldovia Bistritsa Monastery; Saint Joseph of Bisericani Monastery (late XV century), Commemorated on October 1; Venerable Father was the first known hermit on Mount Bisericani, and the founder of a Monastery with the same name. was born in a village in Neamț county and, being inclined toward the monastic life from a young age, he entered Bistrița Monastery. he was trained in monasticism and learned about the spiritual life from the older Fathers, also taught him about fasting and unceasing prayer. Venerable Joseph, seeing that he did not have much peace at Bistrița Monastery, he left with the Igoumen's blessing went to worship at the Lord's tomb in Jerusalem. then retired to the wilderness of the Jordan Valley, and within a few years after his arrival, he was a famous hermit. lived in a cave, alone at first, then with a few disciples, enduring many temptations from the devil. a life of exalted spiritual experience, he gathered seventeen monks around him, and founded the first Romanian spiritual community in the Holy Land. when Arabs invaded the Holy Places, causing great turmoil, Saint Joseph took his disciples and went to Bistrița Monastery in Moldavia. Saint Joseph's hermitage moved from the Jordan Valley to Moldavia, on Mount Bisericani. the number of disciples increased, he built a small church dedicated to the Annunciation, and built cells around it. the monastic life here, he established the Rule of the sleepless, after the model of the Stoudion Monastery in Constantinople, which involved unceasing prayer in church and in the cells, fasting, prostrations, singing psalms, listening, and love. the Turks came and set fire to their church, they decided to go to Holy Mount Athos. On the way, however, they saw Most Holy Mother of God in an oak tree, who asked them, "Where are you going?" At this wondrous sight they replied, "We are going to your garden;"1 and the Mother of God then said to them, "Return, for my garden is here." remembrance of this miracle, they placed an icon of the Mother of God there. the Hermitage of the Venerable Joseph was called "Bisericani Skete." that is, "of the godly," because the monks prayed here with tears, and many were cured of their diseases through Saint Joseph's prayers and blessings. 1 Mount Athos is known as the Garden of the Theotokos.

Constantinople, 1481-1521, Bayezid II, Ottoman Empire, Sultan, resettled Jews, consolidated E, thwarted Safavid rebellion
Constantinople, 1481-1521, Ottoman Empire, Sultan, Bayezid II; Bayezid II ( December 1447 -26 May 1512, Turkish: II. Bayezid) was the eldest son and successor of Mehmed II, ruling as Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1481 to 1512. During his reign, Bayezid II consolidated the Ottoman Empire and thwarted a Safavid rebellion soon before abdicating his throne to his son, Selim I. He is most notable for evacuating Sephardi Jews from Spain after the proclamation of the Alhambra Decree, and resettling them throughout Ottoman lands, especially in Salonica. St. Bassian of Uglich, Commemorated on February 12;

Constantinople, 1486-1496, Despot, George Brancovich, aka Maximus tNew, relinquished, monk, krusedol monastery, Romanian envoy
Serbian Prince, 1486-1496, George Brancovich ; as George; also known as Saint Maksim; b. 1461 “ d. 1516) was the last male member of the Brankovic dynasty, and titular Despot of Serbia from 1486 to 1497. The title was granted to him by Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus. From 1493, he shared the title with his brother Jovan. In 1497, he relinquished all titles and possessions to his brother, and decided to take monastic vows, adopting the name Maksim. built the Kruskedol monastery, and served as diplomatic envoy for prince Radu IV the Great of Wallachia (1507). 1513, he became Metropolitan of Belgrade. After his death (1516), he was venerated as saint, and canonized by the Serbian Orthodox Church.[1][2] Son of Serbian Prince, 1458-1459, Stephen Brancovich; Blessed Stephen the Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on December 10; St Nectarius of Bitel, Commemorated on December 15; Venerable Angelina of Serbia, Commemorated on July 30; St Angelina of Serbia, Commemorated on July 1;

Constantinople, 1486-1502, Nephon II, Patriarch of Constantinople, Romania, Athos
Byzantine Patriarch, 1486-1502, Nephon II of Constantinople; St Niphon the Patriarch of Constantinople of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 11; Nḗphon II, the Patriarch of Constantinople, was from the Peloponnesos. His parents were named Manuel and Maria, and he was named Nicholas in Holy Baptism. Later, he was tonsured as a monk at Epidauros, receiving the new name Nephon. the death of his Elder Anthony, he went to Mount Athos, where he occupied himself by copying books. Afterward, he was chosen as Metropolitan of Thessaloniki. In 1486 he occupied the Patriarchal throne of Constantinople. in 1488, the Saint went to the Holy Mountain, at first to Vatopedi Monastery, and then to the monastery of Saint John the Forerunner (Dionysiou). He concealed his rank and occupied the lowliest position. By God’s providence, his rank was revealed to the brethren of the monastery. Once, when the Saint was returning from the forest where he had gone for firewood, all the brethren went out to meet him, greeting him as Patriarch. But even after this, the Saint continued to share various tasks with the brethren. all, he served three times as Patriarch of Constantinople: 1486-1488; 1497-1498; and 1502. Nephon reposed on September 3, 1508 at the age of 90. Immediately after his death, he was honored as a Saint in many places. On August 16, 1517, in the newly-established monastery of Curtea de Argeş, Patriarch Theoleptos of Constantinople, together with the Synod of the Romanian Lands, and the Igoumens of the Athonite monasteries, performed the solemn glorification of Saint Nḗphon, decreeing that his Feast Day be celebrated on August 11th. relics are kept in a shrine at the Monastery of Dionysiou, where there is also a chapel dedicated to him. In gratitude, the Athonite monks gave the Saint's head and hand to Nyagoe Basarab, who placed them in the Monastery he built at Curtea de Argeş in what is now Romania. In the XVIII century, these relics were placed in a silver reliquary. the behest of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, they were brought to Craiova, to the church of Saint Demetrios, the Metropolitan cathedral of Oltenia on October 25, 1949. In 2009, the relics of Saint Nephon were moved to the Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord at Targoviste. Venerable Theophilus the Myrrhgusher of Macedonia, Commemorated on July 8;

Constantinople, 1490-1510, Discovery of Phanourius' Icon, Rhodes, looked painted that day
Ephesus, 1490-1510, Discovery of Phanourius' Icon, Rhodes, looked painted that day working on the fortress, the Moslems uncovered the ruins of a beautiful church. Several icons, most of them badly damaged, were found on the floor. One icon, of Saint Phanourius, looked as if it had been painted that very day. The local bishop, whose name was Nilus, was called to see the icon. It said, “Saint Phanourius.” saint is depicted as a young soldier holding a cross in his right hand. On the upper part of the cross is a lighted taper. Twelve scenes from his life are shown around the border of the icon. These scenes show him being questioned by an official, being beaten with stones by soldiers, stretched out on the ground while soldiers whip him, then having his sides raked with iron hooks. He is also shown locked up in prison, standing before the official again, being burned with candles, tied to a rack, thrown to the wild animals, and being crushed by a large rock. The remaining scenes depict him standing before idols holding burning coals in his hands, while a demon stands by lamenting his defeat by the saint, and finally, the saint stands in the midst of a fire with his arms raised in prayer. Rhodes; knights of Rhodes; St Phanourius, Commemorated on August 27 ; know nothing for certain about the background of Saint Phanourius, nor exactly when he lived. Tradition says that when the island of Rhodes had been conquered by Moslems, the new ruler of the island wished to rebuild the walls of the city, which had been damaged in previous wars. Several ruined buildings were near the fortress, and stone from these buildings was used to repair the walls at the end of the fifteenth century, or the beginning of the sixteenth. working on the fortress, the Moslems uncovered the ruins of a beautiful church. Several icons, most of them badly damaged, were found on the floor. One icon, of Saint Phanourius, looked as if it had been painted that very day. The local bishop, whose name was Nilus, was called to see the icon. It said, “Saint Phanourius.” saint is depicted as a young soldier holding a cross in his right hand. On the upper part of the cross is a lighted taper. Twelve scenes from his life are shown around the border of the icon. These scenes show him being questioned by an official, being beaten with stones by soldiers, stretched out on the ground while soldiers whip him, then having his sides raked with iron hooks. He is also shown locked up in prison, standing before the official again, being burned with candles, tied to a rack, thrown to the wild animals, and being crushed by a large rock. The remaining scenes depict him standing before idols holding burning coals in his hands, while a demon stands by lamenting his defeat by the saint, and finally, the saint stands in the midst of a fire with his arms raised in prayer. scenes clearly revealed that the saint was a martyr. Bishop Nilus sent representatives to the Moslem ruler, asking that he be permitted to restore the church. Permission was denied, so the bishop went to Constantinople and there he obtained a decree allowing him to rebuild the church. that time, there was no Orthodox bishop on the island of Crete. Since Crete was under the control of Venice, there was a Latin bishop. The Venetians refused to allow a successor to be consecrated when an Orthodox bishop died, or for new priests to be ordained, hoping that in time they would be able to convert the Orthodox population to Catholicism. Those seeking ordination were obliged to go to the island of Kythera. so happened that three young deacons had traveled from Crete to Kythera to be ordained to the holy priesthood. On their way back, they were captured at sea by Moslems who brought them to Rhodes to be sold as slaves. Lamenting their fate, the three new priests wept day and night. in Rhodes the priests heard of the miracles performed by the holy Great Martyr Phanourius. They began to pray to him with tears, asking to be freed from their captivity. Each of the three had been sold to a different master, and so remained unaware of what the others were doing. the mercy of God, each of the priests was allowed by his master to pray at the restored church of Saint Phanourius. All three arrived at the same time and prostrated themselves before the icon of the saint, asking to be delivered from the hands of the Hagarenes (Moslems, descendents of Hagar). Somewhat consoled, the priests left the church and returned to their masters. night Saint Phanourius appeared to the three masters and ordered them to set the priests free so that they could serve the Church, or he would punish them. The Moslems ignored the saint’s warning, believing the vision to be the result of sorcery. The cruel masters bound the priests with chains and treated them even worse than before. Saint Phanourius went to the priests and freed them from their shackles, promising that they would be freed the next day. Appearing once more to the Moslems, the holy martyr told them severely, “If you do not release your slaves by tomorrow, you shall witness the power of God!” next morning, all the inhabitants of the homes where the priests were held awoke to find themselves blind, paralyzed, and in great pain. They considered what they were to do, and so decided to send for the priests. When the three priests arrived, they asked them whether they could heal them. The priests replied, “We will pray to God. May His will be done!” more Saint Phanourius appeared to the Hagarenes, ordering them to send to the church a document granting the priests their freedom. He told them that if they refused to do this, they would never recover their sight or health. All three masters wrote letters releasing the priests, and sent the documents to the church, where they were placed before the icon of Saint Phanourius. the messengers returned from the church, all those who had been blind and paralyzed were healed. The priests joyfully returned to Crete, carrying with them a copy of the icon of Saint Phanourius. Every year they celebrated the Feast of Saint Phanourius with deep gratitude for their miraculous deliverance. saint’s name sounds similar to the Greek verb “phanerono,” which means “to reveal” or “to disclose.” For this reason, people pray to Saint Phanourius to help them find lost objects. When the object is recovered, they bake a sweet bread and share it with the poor, offering prayers for the salvation of saint’s mother. Her name is not known, but according to tradition, she was a sinful woman during her life. Saint Phanourius has promised to help those who pray for his mother in this way.

Constantinople, 1490-1510, Appearances of St Phanourius to free the priests,
Ephesus, 1490-1510, Appearances of St Phanourius to free the priests so happened that three young deacons had traveled from Crete to Kythera to be ordained to the holy priesthood. On their way back, they were captured at sea by Moslems who brought them to Rhodes to be sold as slaves. Lamenting their fate, the three new priests wept day and night. in Rhodes the priests heard of the miracles performed by the holy Great Martyr Phanourius. They began to pray to him with tears, asking to be freed from their captivity. Each of the three had been sold to a different master, and so remained unaware of what the others were doing. the mercy of God, each of the priests was allowed by his master to pray at the restored church of Saint Phanourius. All three arrived at the same time and prostrated themselves before the icon of the saint, asking to be delivered from the hands of the Hagarenes (Moslems, descendents of Hagar). Somewhat consoled, the priests left the church and returned to their masters. night Saint Phanourius appeared to the three masters and ordered them to set the priests free so that they could serve the Church, or he would punish them. The Moslems ignored the saint’s warning, believing the vision to be the result of sorcery. The cruel masters bound the priests with chains and treated them even worse than before. Saint Phanourius went to the priests and freed them from their shackles, promising that they would be freed the next day. Appearing once more to the Moslems, the holy martyr told them severely, “If you do not release your slaves by tomorrow, you shall witness the power of God!” next morning, all the inhabitants of the homes where the priests were held awoke to find themselves blind, paralyzed, and in great pain. They considered what they were to do, and so decided to send for the priests. When the three priests arrived, they asked them whether they could heal them. The priests replied, “We will pray to God. May His will be done!” more Saint Phanourius appeared to the Hagarenes, ordering them to send to the church a document granting the priests their freedom. He told them that if they refused to do this, they would never recover their sight or health. All three masters wrote letters releasing the priests, and sent the documents to the church, where they were placed before the icon of Saint Phanourius. the messengers returned from the church, all those who had been blind and paralyzed were healed. The priests joyfully returned to Crete, carrying with them a copy of the icon of Saint Phanourius. Every year they celebrated the Feast of Saint Phanourius with deep gratitude for their miraculous deliverance. Rhodes; knights of Rhodes; St Phanourius, Commemorated on August 27 ; know nothing for certain about the background of Saint Phanourius, nor exactly when he lived. Tradition says that when the island of Rhodes had been conquered by Moslems, the new ruler of the island wished to rebuild the walls of the city, which had been damaged in previous wars. Several ruined buildings were near the fortress, and stone from these buildings was used to repair the walls at the end of the fifteenth century, or the beginning of the sixteenth. working on the fortress, the Moslems uncovered the ruins of a beautiful church. Several icons, most of them badly damaged, were found on the floor. One icon, of Saint Phanourius, looked as if it had been painted that very day. The local bishop, whose name was Nilus, was called to see the icon. It said, “Saint Phanourius.” saint is depicted as a young soldier holding a cross in his right hand. On the upper part of the cross is a lighted taper. Twelve scenes from his life are shown around the border of the icon. These scenes show him being questioned by an official, being beaten with stones by soldiers, stretched out on the ground while soldiers whip him, then having his sides raked with iron hooks. He is also shown locked up in prison, standing before the official again, being burned with candles, tied to a rack, thrown to the wild animals, and being crushed by a large rock. The remaining scenes depict him standing before idols holding burning coals in his hands, while a demon stands by lamenting his defeat by the saint, and finally, the saint stands in the midst of a fire with his arms raised in prayer. scenes clearly revealed that the saint was a martyr. Bishop Nilus sent representatives to the Moslem ruler, asking that he be permitted to restore the church. Permission was denied, so the bishop went to Constantinople and there he obtained a decree allowing him to rebuild the church. that time, there was no Orthodox bishop on the island of Crete. Since Crete was under the control of Venice, there was a Latin bishop. The Venetians refused to allow a successor to be consecrated when an Orthodox bishop died, or for new priests to be ordained, hoping that in time they would be able to convert the Orthodox population to Catholicism. Those seeking ordination were obliged to go to the island of Kythera. so happened that three young deacons had traveled from Crete to Kythera to be ordained to the holy priesthood. On their way back, they were captured at sea by Moslems who brought them to Rhodes to be sold as slaves. Lamenting their fate, the three new priests wept day and night. in Rhodes the priests heard of the miracles performed by the holy Great Martyr Phanourius. They began to pray to him with tears, asking to be freed from their captivity. Each of the three had been sold to a different master, and so remained unaware of what the others were doing. the mercy of God, each of the priests was allowed by his master to pray at the restored church of Saint Phanourius. All three arrived at the same time and prostrated themselves before the icon of the saint, asking to be delivered from the hands of the Hagarenes (Moslems, descendents of Hagar). Somewhat consoled, the priests left the church and returned to their masters. night Saint Phanourius appeared to the three masters and ordered them to set the priests free so that they could serve the Church, or he would punish them. The Moslems ignored the saint’s warning, believing the vision to be the result of sorcery. The cruel masters bound the priests with chains and treated them even worse than before. Saint Phanourius went to the priests and freed them from their shackles, promising that they would be freed the next day. Appearing once more to the Moslems, the holy martyr told them severely, “If you do not release your slaves by tomorrow, you shall witness the power of God!” next morning, all the inhabitants of the homes where the priests were held awoke to find themselves blind, paralyzed, and in great pain. They considered what they were to do, and so decided to send for the priests. When the three priests arrived, they asked them whether they could heal them. The priests replied, “We will pray to God. May His will be done!” more Saint Phanourius appeared to the Hagarenes, ordering them to send to the church a document granting the priests their freedom. He told them that if they refused to do this, they would never recover their sight or health. All three masters wrote letters releasing the priests, and sent the documents to the church, where they were placed before the icon of Saint Phanourius. the messengers returned from the church, all those who had been blind and paralyzed were healed. The priests joyfully returned to Crete, carrying with them a copy of the icon of Saint Phanourius. Every year they celebrated the Feast of Saint Phanourius with deep gratitude for their miraculous deliverance. saint’s name sounds similar to the Greek verb “phanerono,” which means “to reveal” or “to disclose.” For this reason, people pray to Saint Phanourius to help them find lost objects. When the object is recovered, they bake a sweet bread and share it with the poor, offering prayers for the salvation of saint’s mother. Her name is not known, but according to tradition, she was a sinful woman during her life. Saint Phanourius has promised to help those who pray for his mother in this way. St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated September 16 ; Translation of the Filersk Icon of the Mother of God; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ; Translation of the relics of St Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari, Commemorated on May 9

Constantinople, 1500-1599, 16th Century Folder, Ottoman E., Suleiman the Magnificent

Constantinople, 1501, Philotheus oKaryes, Athos (the capital of the Holy Mountain), Nectarius' Spiritual father, gift oClairvoyance
Greece, 1500, Philotheus oKaryes, Athos (the capital of the Holy Mountain), Nectarius' Spiritual father, gift oClairvoyance; Kayes; Venerable Philotheus of Karyes of Mt Athos, Commemorated December 5 ; Philotheus of Karyes lived an ascetic life on Athos in the cell of Iagari near Karyes. was the Spiritual Father of Saint Nectarius. of the purity of his life, he was granted the gift of clairvoyance.

Constantinople, 1501, Nectarius oBitolya, Macedonia, Center of K Triangle, Capital o1st Bulgarian Empire, relics wonderful fragrance
Greece, 1500, Nectarius oBitolya, Macedonia, Center of K Triangle (Pelagonia Valley) Capital of First Bulgarian Empire, raised by father, a monk at Cosmas&Damian Monastery iB, tonsured aMt Athos under Philotheus&Dionysius, exceptional bodily afflictions like Job, died 1500, relics uncovered 1504 wonderous fragrance; Bitolya ; Venerable and Mt Athos, Commemorated December 5 ; Nectarius of Mount Athos was raised by his father, became a monk at the monastery of the holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian in Bitolya (Bulgaria). himself was tonsured on Mount Athos, and performed his obedience under experienced spiritual guides, Saint Philotheus and the Elder Dionysius. Job, the monk experienced exceptional bodily afflictions, he peacefully gave up his soul to the Lord on December 5, 1500. holy relics of the saint were uncovered four years later, exuding a wondrous fragrance.

Constantinople, 1510-1570, Dionysius, Dionysios M, cross shone over Crib, ascetic life, strict fast, spiritual heights, mMiracls
Greece, 1510-1570, Dionysius oAgios Dionysios Monastery, Olympus, cross shone over his crib, fond reading spirital books, monk after parents died, tMeteora, tAthos, pious Elder Seraphim, ascetic life, strict fast, passion week only chestnuts, deacon then priest, exhaulted life became known, monks came, & lawless people into salvation, robber by his kind wise words, Philotheou m monks asked, but not enough votes, dissensions arose, withdrew, tVerria, later tOlympus to avoid being bishop, zealous fMonasticism to him, built cells for them and Church, fasting&Prayer, spiritual heights, many miracles, through prayers Lord punished iniquitious people opressing monks, severe drought and hail for Turk holdings who had expelled monks destroyed m, impudent maiden devil assault, then all healing deliverance through D's prayers, D compiled monastic life rule, built monastery for Prophet Elias 1542, 16th Century, advanced age; Agios Dionysios Monastery, Olympus; Venerable Dionysius of Olympus, Commemorated on January 24; Dionysius of Olympus was born into a family of poor parents in the village of Platina. he was an infant, the Cross shone over his crib. of prayer and reading spiritual books from his youth, Saint Dionysius decided to become a monk after the death of his parents. this aim he went to Meteora, and then to Mount Athos. he lived with a pious Elder, the priest Seraphim, and under his guidance he began to lead an ascetic life, keeping a strict fast. Passion Week he went into the forest, and ate only chestnuts. he was ordained deacon, and then priest. exalted life of Saint Dionysius became known, and many monks came to hear his edifying words. also guided many lawless people onto the path of salvation, whom was a robber who intended to rob the saint’s cell, but was moved to repentance by the Elder’s kind and wise words. brethren of the Philotheou monastery lost their igumen and asked Saint Dionysius to be their head. he did not receive enough votes, and dissensions arose. peace and love most of all, Saint Dionysius withdrew and went to Verria. he fled to Mount Olympus in order to avoid being consecrated as a bishop. those zealous for monasticism began to flock to him. built cells for them and also a church and they spent their time in fasting and prayer. attained the spiritual heights, he worked many miracles. through the prayers of the saint, the Lord punished iniquitous people who oppressed the monks of Olympus or broke the commandments of Christ. holdings of a Turk who had expelled the monks and wrecked their monastery were destroyed by severe drought and by hail. cattle of a herdsman who had oppressed the monastery were stricken with disease and sickness; of her impudence, a maiden from one of the villages was subjected to an assault of the devil. all received healing and deliverance from misfortune through the prayers of Saint Dionysius, after being led to penitence by his lack of malice. saint compiled a Rule for monastic life, was an example of monastic activity. built a church on Olympus, and also a monastery dedicated to the Prophet Elias. left the brethren his final testament about the monastic life based on the Rule of the Holy Mountain. Dionysius died in the sixteenth century at an advanced age, and was buried on Olympus, in the church portico of the monastery he founded.

Constantinople, 1512-1520, Selim I, Ottoman Sultan, Calif, e expansion, including Egypt Mamluk's, guardian p routes
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1512-1520, Selim I, Islam Calif; I (10 October 1470 - 22 September 1520), known as Selim the Grim or Selim the Resolute[3], was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1512 to 1520.[4] lasting only eight years, his reign is notable for the enormous expansion of the Empire, particularly his conquest between 1516 and 1517 of the entire Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt, which included all of the Levant, Hejaz, Tihamah, and Egypt itself. the eve of his death in 1520, the Ottoman Empire spanned about 576,900 sq mi (1,494,000 km2), having grown by seventy percent during Selim's reign.[4] conquest of the Middle Eastern heartlands of the Muslim world, and particularly his assumption of the role of guardian of the pilgrimage routes to Mecca and Medina, established the Ottoman Empire as the most prestigious of all Muslim states. conquests dramatically shifted the empire's geographical and cultural center of gravity away from the Balkans and toward the Middle East. the eighteenth century, Selim's conquest of the Mamluk Sultanate had come to be romanticized as the moment when the Ottomans seized leadership over the rest of the Muslim world, and consequently Selim is popularly remembered as the first legitimate Ottoman Caliph, although stories of an official transfer of the caliphal office from the Mamluk Abbasid dynasty to the Ottomans were a later invention.[5] Venerable Theophanes of Dochiariou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 19; St Stephen Stiljianovitch of Serbia, Commemorated on October 4; Monkmartyr James of Prodromou on Mt Athos, Commemorated on November 1 ; St Maximus the New, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Dionysius of Olympus, Commemorated on January 24; New Martyr John the New of Epirus, Commemorated on April 18; New Martyr John the New of Epirus, Commemorated on April 18; Greatmartyr George the New at Sofia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 26;

Constantinople, 1512-1520, George oSofia, Bulgaria, childless p, turk fez, large fire fHim, heavy rain, bright light, holy rlics
Bulgaria, 1512-1520, George of Sofia, Bulgaria (at the foot of Mt Vitosha, Iskar River 1)), childless parents prayed for him, turks put fez on head, boldly confessed, rods but persevered, large fire to burn him, heavy rain, bright light, holy relics Sofia, occupies a strategic position at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula ; Saint George, New Martyr of Sofia, Commemorated on February 11; Holy Martyr George the New was born into an illustrious Bulgarian family, living in the capital city of Bulgaria, Sredets (now the city of Sofia). George’s childless parents, John and Mary, in their declining years entreated the Lord to send them a child. Their prayer was answered, and they baptized the infant with the name of the holy Great Martyr George (April 23). George received a fine upbringing, he attentively studied the Holy Scriptures, and he was pious and chaste. parents died when George was twenty-five. At that time Bulgaria found itself under the rule of the Turks, who forcibly converted Christians to Islam. several Moslems tried to convert George. They put a fez on the saint’s head. This is a red circular hat which Moslems wear to enter their house of prayer. But George threw the fez on the ground. The Turks brought the martyr to their governor with beatings and abuse. governor was impressed with Saint George’s appearance and bearing, and he urged him to accept Islam, promising honors and wealth from Sultan Selim (1512-1520). saint boldly and steadfastly confessed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and reproached the errors of Islam. governor in a rage gave orders to beat Saint George with rods, but the saint persevered in his confession of faith in Christ. governor ordered the tortures to be increased. The passion-bearer bore all his sufferings, calling on the Lord Jesus Christ for help. Then they led the martyr through the city to the beat of a drum and shouts: “Do not insult Mohammed nor abase the Moslem faith”. a large fire was lit in the city, to burn Saint George. Weakened by his wounds, the saint fell to the ground. They threw him into the fire still alive, and they threw corpses of dogs on top of him so that Christians would not be able to find the relics of the martyr. a heavy rain fell and extinguished the fire. With the onset of darkness, the place where the body of the martyr was thrown was illumined with a bright light. They gave permission to a certain Christian priest to take the venerable relics of the martyr for burial. Informed about the occurrence, Metropolitan Jeremiah and his clergy went to the place of execution. In the ashes of the fire they located the body of the holy Martyr George and carried it to the church of Saint George the Great Martyr in the city of Sredets. May 26, 1515 the holy relics of Saint George were removed from the grave, placed in a coffin, and then brought into the church, where they have remained ever since. The Church honors Saint George twice during the year: on February 11, the day of his martyrdom, and on May 26, the uncovering of his holy relics.

Constantinople, 1515-1546, Elena, wife o S Stiljianovitch, fled tGermany, back after grave light, became monastic, b monastery
Serbia, 1515-1546, Princess Elena, wife of Saint Stephen Stiljianovitch, whose Light from his grave attracts Turks, fled to Germany, came back after grave light incorrupption discovered, became monastic, founded monastery; Saint Elena of Serbia, Commemorated on October 4; Elena was the wife of the Despot Stephen Štiljanović who is also venerated as a Saint. After his death around 1515, she fled to Germany in order to escape from the Turks. a light appeared at his grave by night, which led to the discovery of his holy relics. Saint's body was kept for a long time in the monastery of Šišatovacnto at Fruška Gora. she learned that her husband's incorrupt relics had been uncovered, Saint Elena went to the monastery to venerate them. witnessing the miracles which took place at his grave, she decided to remain there with the monastic name Jelisaveta. to Tradition, she founded the Monastery of Petkovica in 1522. a life of asceticism, Saint Elena reposed in 1546. is reason to believe that she was buried at the Convent of the Most Holy Theotokos in Sremski Karlovci. Serbia, 1515, Saint Stephen Stiljianovitch, Light from his grave attracts Turks; Stephen Stiljianovich of Serbia was born into a pious Christian family in the Serbian city of Zhupa (south of Zakholmya). During this time Serbia was often subjected to invasions by the Turks, who devastated the land. Saint Stephen defended his native land, did military service in the army of the Serbian ruler. When famine began in the country, the kindly Saint Stephen distributed his own bread to the hungry. patriotic activity of the saintly soldier was indissolubly bound up with his truly Christian life. œIn virtue, he lived as an ascetic with charity, purity, prayer, the Orthodox Faith and unhypocritical love of neighbor. saint fell asleep in the Lord on October 4, 1515. After a time, the Turks saw a light shining over his grave. Thinking that they had found a hidden treasure, they opened the grave and found the incorrupt body of Saint Stephen. Serbian monks ransomed the relics from the Turkish Pasha and transferred them to the Shishatovets monastery on Mount Phrushtsk. Serbian Church prays to him as a glorious righteous defender of his native land, œGlory in the struggles, warrior Stephen Stiljianovich, great healer of those who pray to you in faith.

Constantinople, 1520,James of Prodromou &Docheiariou m, Heavenly Revelations, Clairvoyant, miracles gift, false Turk charges
Greece, Mt Athos, 1520,James of Prodromou &Docheiariou monesteries, Mt Athos, tonsured at D, tSkete St John, restored it, Heavenly Revelations, mansions oParadise, depths oHades, perceive hearts & secret thoughts, Clairvoyant, miracles gift, healed&instructed iAetolia, false Turk charges, confessed Christ, severe torments 17days, relics Anastasia m, Galatista, Thess; Docheiariou monastery; Monkmartyr James of Prodromou on Mt Athos, Commemorated November 1 ; James was tonsured at Docheiariou monastery on Mount Athos. Moving to the neglected Georgian Skete of Saint John the Baptist, he restored it under the supervision of Elder Ignatius. various obediences in the monastery, Saint James ascended to the heights of purity. was granted heavenly revelations, as was the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 12:2-4), the Saint also beheld the mansions of Paradise and the depths of Hades. God's grace, Saint James was able to perceive the mysteries of human hearts, and the secret thoughts of those who came to him. was also found worthy of the gift of performing miracles. visiting Aetolia with his disciples, he healed the sick and instructed all. Turkish authorities fabricated false charges against the Saint, accusing him of fomenting rebellion. In this manner, they tried to force Saint James into renouncing Orthodoxy. James and both of his disciples, Deacon James and the Monk Dionysios, endured the most severe torments for seventeen days, receiving the crown of martyrdom on November 1, 1520. relics of the Monastic Martyrs, glorified by miracles, were placed in the monastery of Saint Anastasia, the Deliverer from Potions, in the small town of Galatista, near Thessaloniki. a short time, the fame of the holy relics attracted about 100 brethren to the monastery under the Igoumen Saint Theonas (April 4), who was himself a disciple of Saint James.

Constantinople, 1520-1566, Suleiman the Magnificent, Ottoman Empire, Sultan, Islam Calif, Lawgiver, apex of power
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1520-1566, Suleiman the Magnificent, Islam Calif ; I (6 November 1494 – 6 September 1566), commonly known as Suleiman the Magnificent in the West and Suleiman the Lawgiver in his realm, was the tenth and longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1520 until his death in 1566.[2]:541–45 Under his administration, the Ottoman caliphate ruled over at least 25 million people. succeeded his father as sultan in September 1520 and began his reign with campaigns against the Christian powers in central Europe and the Mediterranean. fell to him in 1521 and the island of Rhodes in 1522–23. At Mohács, in August 1526, Suleiman broke the military strength of Hungary. became a prominent monarch of 16th-century Europe, presiding over the apex of the Ottoman Empire's economic, military and political power. Suleiman personally led Ottoman armies in conquering the Christian strongholds of Belgrade and Rhodes as well as most of Hungary before his conquests were checked at the Siege of Vienna in 1529. annexed much of the Middle East in his conflict with the Safavids and large areas of North Africa as far west as Algeria. Under his rule, the Ottoman fleet dominated the seas from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and through the Persian Gulf.[3]:61 the helm of an expanding empire, Suleiman personally instituted major judicial changes relating to society, education, taxation and criminal law. His reforms, carried out in conjunction with the empire's chief judicial official Ebussuud Efendi, harmonized the relationship between the two forms of Ottoman law: sultanic (Kanun) and religious (Sharia).[4] was a distinguished poet and goldsmith; he also became a great patron of culture, overseeing the "Golden" age of the Ottoman Empire in its artistic, literary and architectural development.[5] with Ottoman tradition, Suleiman married Hürrem Sultan, a woman from his harem, an Orthodox Christian of Ruthenian origin who converted to Islam, and who became famous in the West by the name Roxelana, due to her red hair. son Selim II succeeded Suleiman following his death in 1566 after 46 years of rule. other potential heirs, Mehmed and Mustafa, had died; the former had died from smallpox, and the latter had been strangled to death 13 years earlier at the sultan's order. His other son Bayezid was executed in 1561 on Suleiman's orders, along with Bayezid's four sons, after a rebellion. scholars prefer "crisis and adaptation" rather than decline after his death,[6][7][8] the end of Suleiman's reign was a watershed in Ottoman history. the decades after Suleiman, the empire began to experience significant political, institutional, and economic changes, a phenomenon often referred to as the Transformation of the Ottoman Empire.[9]:11 [10] Hieromartyr Nicodemus of Meteora, Commemorated August 16 ; Venerable Gerasimus the New Ascetic of Cephalonia, Commemorated on August 16; New Martyr John the New of Epirus, Commemorated on April 18 ; Venerable Theophanes of Dochiariou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 19; Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev, Commemorated September 8 ; St Bessarion, Archbishop of Larissa, Commemorated on September 15; Monkmartyr James of Prodromou on Mt Athos, Commemorated on November 1 ; Venerable Dionysius of Olympus, Commemorated on January 24; St Nicholas the Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on February 18; Martyr Philothea the Monastic, Commemorated on February 19; Monkmartyr Damian of Philotheou, Commemorated on February 23; New Martyr John the New of Epirus, Commemorated on April 18; St Basil the Bishop of Ostrog in Montenegro, Serbia, Commemorated on April 29; St Gerasimus of Boldino, Commemorated on May 1; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; Venerable Leontius the Hagiorite, Commemorated on June 18 ;

Constantinople, 1523, Euthymios oRhodes, Caria, Met of Rhodes 1523, arrested bTurks, impaled oSteak wOther clergymen& citizens
Ephesus, 1523, Euthymios of Rhodes, Island of Rhodes, Caria, Met of Rhodes 1523, arrested fConspiracy aTurks, impaled on steak wOther clergymen& leading citizens of Rhodes; Rhodes; Hieromartyr Euthymios of Rhodes, Commemorated on August 9; glorious Hieromartyr Euthymios was elected as the Metropolitan of Rhodes, when the Ottomans occupied the island in 1523. those difficult years, Euthymios shepherded his flock in a God-pleasing manner. 1529, he was arrested as the leader of a conspiracy against the Turks and was impaled on a stake along with other clergymen and leading citizens of Rhodes. Euthymios was honored as a martyr by the Christians immediately after his death. Latin Missionary Peter Fangonis, Vicar General of the Latin Archbishop Alfonso Gonzaga, states in his report to the Roman Catholic Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith the tomb of the blessed Euthymios had become the most prominent site of pilgrimage on Rhodes, that those who went there suffering from the quaternary fever "malaria," and the chills and fever that went with it, were healed.

Constantinople, 1542-1589, Philothea tMonastic, fAthens, founded 2 monasteries wFasting prayer virgil, wonderworker, martyr
Greece, 1542-1589, Philothea tMonastic, fAthens, Greece, eminent rich deeply devout parents, raised iDeep piety &rich Belief, given iMarriage a12, impious crude husband, often beat&tormented her, endured abuse, she often prayed he come to his senses, he died after 3yrs, she began fasting, virgil and prayer labor, she founded woman's monastery, accepted tonsure wPhilothea name, Greece under Turks, many Athenians slaves, she freed them by ransom, once 4women ran away from massters who had demanded they renounce, refuge in her monastery, Turks burst into her cell, beat her, took her to governor, thrown into prison, Turk mob gathered, led her out, hacked to pieces if did not renounce Christ, but just then Crowd Christians assembled by God' Grace, pacified judges and freed her, back at her monastery she continued abstinence prayer vigil, for which granted gift oWonderworking, in Athens suburb Patesia she founded new monastery, asceticism wSisters, during vigil St Dionysis Turks seized and tortured her, threw down half dead, sisters brought Philothea blood flowing tKalogreza, she died 1589, relics tAthens Cathedral; Athens; Martyr Philothea the Monastic, Commemorated on February 19; Monastic Martyr Philothea was born in Athens in 1522. parents, Syriga and Angelos Benizelos, were renowned not only for being eminent and rich, but also deeply devout. the kind-hearted Syriga had implored the Most Holy Theotokos for a child. fervent prayers were heard, and a daughter was born to the couple. They named her Revoula. parents raised their daughter in deep piety and right belief, when she was twelve years old they gave her away in marriage. husband turned out to be an impious and crude man, who often beat and tormented his wife. patiently endured the abuse and she prayed to God, that He might bring her husband to his senses. three years Revoula’s husband died, she began to labor in fasting, vigil and prayer. saint founded a women’s monastery in the name of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called (November 30 and June 30). the monastery was completed, the saint was the first to accept monastic tonsure, with the name Philothea. this time Greece was suffering under the Turkish Yoke, many Athenians had been turned into slaves by their Turkish conquerors. Philothea utilized all her means to free her fellow countrywomen, ransoming many from servitude. four women ran away from their Turkish masters, who demanded that they renounce their Christianity, took refuge in the monastery of Saint Philothea. Turks, having learned where the Greek women had gone, burst into the saint’s cell, and beat her. took her to the governor, who threw the holy ascetic into prison. the morning, a mob of Turks had gathered, and they led her out of the prison. governor said that if she did not renounce Christ, she would be hacked to pieces. when Saint Philothea was ready to accept a martyr’s crown, crowd of Christians assembled by the grace of God. pacified the judges and freed the holy ascetic. to her monastery, Saint Philothea continued with her efforts of abstinence, prayer and vigil, which she was granted the gift of wonderworking. Patesia, an Athens suburb, she founded a new monastery, where she struggled in asceticism with the sisters. the Vigil for Saint Dionysius the Areopagite (October 3), Turks seized Saint Philothea and tortured her. they threw her down on the ground half-dead. sisters tearfully brought the holy martyr, flowing with blood, to Kalogreza, where she died on February 19, 1589. thereafter, the relics of the holy Monastic Martyr Philothea were brought to the Athens cathedral church.

Constantinople, 1550-1575, New Martyr John Kalphes, and the Apprentice, aSkilled cabinetmaker, dMuhammed to A who turned him in
Constantinople, 1550-1575, New Martyr John Kalphes, and the Apprentice, fGalata, Constantinople (north shore of Golden Horn), aSkilled cabinetmaker, inner adornement sultan's palace, distinguished for Christian charity, orphans&prisoners, took on dignitary's nephew as apprentice, apprentice got honorable court position upon completion, later he asled John what Christian books say about prophet Mohammed, John did not want to answer, youth persisted, he answered, M a mere mortal, uneducated, no miracles, no prophet, rather an adversary of God, youth reported him to moslems that he had insulted Mohammed, trial, demanded he denounce Christ, but he confessed his faith, torture, penal servitude, 6mos, beat him in prison 3mos, beheaded him in city square Ergat-Bazara, 1575, father Andrew communed Holy Mysteries in prison and recorded his suffering;; Galata (north shore of the Golden Horn Harbor on the outskirts of Constantinople ; New Martyr John Kalphes, the Apprentice, Commemorated on February 26; Holy New Martyr John Kalphes (the Apprentice) lived in a suburb of Constantinople, called Galata. was a cabinetmaker by profession, he had acquired great skill in his craft, so that important officials made use of his services. was entrusted with the inner adornment of the sultan’s palace. John Kalphes was distinguished for his Christian charity, provided for orphans and those locked up in prison, and many turned to him for help. time a certain dignitary asked Saint John to take on his nephew as an apprentice. agreed, and the youth received an honorable position at court upon the completion of his apprenticeship. encountering his former teacher and benefactor, he asked Saint John what it says in the Christian books about their “prophet” Mohammed. John did not want to answer his question, but because of the persistent demands of the youth, he declared that Mohammed was a mere mortal, an uneducated man who did not perform a single miracle during his lifetime. went on to say that Mohammed was no prophet, but rather an adversary of God. youth, devoted to Islam, reported to his fellow Moslems that the cabinetmaker had insulted Mohammed. John was brought to trial, where they demanded that he renounce Christ, he bravely confessed his faith in Christ. torture, they sent the holy martyr off to penal servitude, where he spent six months. for the next three months they beat him in the prison. that they could not coerce him into submitting to their will, they beheaded him in the crowded city square in Ergat-Bazara, near the Bedestan (a covered bazaar) on February 26, 1575. suffering of the holy Martyr John Kalphes were recorded by Father Andrew, the Chief Steward (Megas Oikonomos) of the Patriarch of Constantinople, communed him with the Holy Mysteries in prison.

Constantinople, 1551, Hieromartyr Nicodemus of Meteora (Plain of Thessaly, Six Monasteries, like Mt Athos), suffered in 1551
Greece, 1551, Hieromartyr Nicodemus of Meteora (Plain of Thessaly, Six Monasteries, like Mt Athos), suffered in 1551; Meteora (Like Mt Athos, Six Monasteries, Plain of Thessaly, on the Pineios River); Hieromartyr Nicodemus of Meteora, Commemorated August 16 ; Nicodemus of Meteora struggled in Thessaly, and suffered in the year 1551.

Constantinople, 1559-1602, Neophytus, Metropolitan of Constantinople, pro western to get them to Crusade
Constantinople Patriarch, 1559-1602, Metropolitan Neophytus of Constantinople; II was Patriarch of Constantinople twice, in 1602–03 and in 1607–12. Athenian, he served as Metropolitan of Athens from 1597 until 3 April 1602, when he was elected as Patriarch in the place of his rival, Matthew II. His tenure was cut short a year later, when he was deposed amid accusations of various scandals. He was initially exiled to Rhodes, and thence to Saint Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai.[1] was restored to the patriarchal throne on 15 October 1607, and held it for five years. his second tenure he took care of aligning church administrative practice and canon law with the contemporary needs, and took measures to replenish the patriarchal coffers.[1] was also in contact with Western potentates, including Pope Paul V and King Philip III of Spain, whom he urged to engage in a crusade to liberate the Orthodox Christians from the Ottoman Empire, going as far as to make considerable concessions to the doctrine of the Catholic Church, including recognizing papal primacy.[1] pro-Western policy and financial exactions made him many enemies, including Cyril Lucaris, who succeeded in securing his deposition in October 1612. Originally slated to be exiled to Rhodes again, he was protected by his successor, Timothy II, who had been his protégé.[1] Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev, Commemorated on September 8;

Constantinople, 1566-1574, Selim II, Sultan, Viser controlled, HRE & Rus Treaties, Don Canal war, Lepanto loss to HRE
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1566-1574, Selim II; II (30 May 1524 – 15 December 1574), also known as SarÄ± Selim (Selim the Blond) or SarhoÅŸ Selim (Selim the Drunk),[3] was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1566 until his death in 1574. was a son of Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Hurrem Sultan. Selim had been an unlikely candidate for the throne until his brother Mehmed died of smallpox, his half-brother Mustafa was strangled to death by the order of his father, his brother Cihangir died of grief at the news of this latter execution, and his brother Bayezid was killed on the order of his father after a rebellion against Selim. died on 15 December 1574 and was buried in Hagia Sophia. life[edit] was born in Constantinople (Istanbul), on 30 May 1524,[1] during the reign of his father Suleiman the Magnificent. His mother was Hurrem Sultan, a slave and concubine who was born an Orthodox priest's daughter in contemporary Ukraine,[4] and later was freed and became Suleiman's legal wife.[5] 1545, at Konya, Selim married[citation needed] Nurbanu Sultan, whose background is disputed. It is said that she was originally named Cecelia Venier Baffo, or Rachel, or Kale Katenou. She was the mother of Murad III, Selim's successor. Hatun, a famous poet of the sixteenth century, was a lady-in-waiting to him. ascends the throne. II gained the throne after palace intrigue and fraternal dispute, succeeding as sultan on the 7th of September 1566. Grand Vizier, Mehmed Sokollu and wife, Nurbanu Sultan, a native of what is now Bosnia and Herzegovina, controlled much of state affairs, two years after Selim's accession succeeded in concluding at Constantinople a treaty (17 February 1568) with the Habsburg Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian II, whereby the Emperor agreed to pay an annual present of 30,000 ducats and granted the Ottomans authority in Moldavia and Walachia.[citation needed] Agha (d. 1602), a friend to Selim and to the writer Mustafa Ali, was castrated so he could serve in Selim's harem. (Gazanfer's younger brother Cafer was also castrated, but did not survive.)[6] plan had been prepared in Constantinople for uniting the Volga and Don by a canal in order to counter Russian expansion toward the Ottomans' northern frontier. the summer of 1569 a large force of Janissaries and cavalry were sent to lay siege to Astrakhan and begin the canal works, while an Ottoman fleet besieged Azov. However, a sortie from the Astrakhan garrison drove back the besiegers. A Russian relief army of 15,000 attacked and scattered the workmen and the Tatar force sent for their protection. The Ottoman fleet was then destroyed by a storm. in 1570 the ambassadors of Ivan IV of Russia concluded at Istanbul a treaty that restored friendly relations between the Sultan and the Tsar.[citation needed] in the Hejaz and Yemen were more successful,[further explanation needed] the conquest of Cyprus in 1571,[7] led to the naval defeat[how?] against Spain and Italian states in the Battle of Lepanto in the same year. the historic Battle of Naupaktos or Battle of Lepanto, on 7 October 1571, the Holy League defeated the Ottoman navy decisively; the Holy League sank or destroyed 50 Ottoman ships and captured 117 galleys and 20 galliots, 30,000 Turks were lost in battle, 10,000 Turks were taken prisoners, and many thousands of Christian slaves were rescued. The Holy League lost about 7,500 men. Empire's shattered fleets were soon restored (in just six months, it consisted of about 150 galleys and eight galleasses), and the Ottomans maintained control of the eastern Mediterranean (1573). In August 1574, months before Selim's death, the Ottomans regained control of Tunis from Spain, which had captured it in 1572. is known for restoring to Mahidevran Sultan her status and her wealth. He also built the tomb of his eldest brother, Åžehzade Mustafa, who was executed in 1553. the famine of 1573, due to severe cold the farmers of that time did not provide good for the people. Selim gave people food and vegetables in the food kitchen. [8] In April 1574, a fire broke in the printing house of Topkapi Palace and burned many rooms including the cooks and maids were burned and the kitchen was also burned. [8] A few days later the captain, the Janissary, Istanbul lord and Mimar Sinan determined the location and size of the new kitchens to come to the fire. Mimar Sinan AÄŸa cleaned the fireplace of the building of the official building (design) of Üsub-ı ahar. The construction of the new MatbalÄ±- Amir, which is broader and longer than the previous one, was taken from Divan-Ä± Ali Square. [8] Selim II receiving the Safavid ambassador in the palace at Edirne in 1567. century copy of the 1569 Capitulations between Charles IX and Selim II. is introduced as a generous monarch who is fond of pleasure and entertainment in the sources of the period, who is fond of drink councils, enjoys the presence of scholars and poets around him, as well as musicians, wrestlers, and connoisseurs, who do not want to break the hearts of anyone. it is stated that he did not appear much in public, that his father often went to Friday and he went public and he neglected this and spent time in the palace.[1] St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania), Commemorated on September 15; Venerable Dionysius of Aegina, Commemorated on December 17; Venerable Dionysius of Olympus, Commemorated on January 24; St Nicholas the Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on February 18; Martyr Philothea the Monastic, Commemorated on February 19; Monkmartyr Damian of Philotheou, Commemorated on February 23; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; Venerable Leontius the Hagiorite, Commemorated on June 18 ;

Constantinople, 1567-1624, Dionysius oAegina, man murders hNobleman brother, helped escape, incrrpt r, walking saint, sandals wear out
Greece, 1567-1624, Dionysius oAegina Island (between Athens and Corinth), noble family, but fled world, tStrophada m, monk, young priestmonk, young bishop oAegina, many drawn tHim, feared praise vainglory, resigned, btZakynthos, 1579 Z diocese widowed, D temp bishop, then Anaphonitria m 20miles, man murders his Nobleman brother & flees to his monastery, confesses to him, asked protection from family, D wept then conforted murderer, great compassion &Love, his relatives come, pretended, wept wThem, sent them wrong direction, then he told murderer, brought him tRepentence, helped him excape, for christ-like virtue granted gift oMiracles, great age tDeath i1624, incorrupt rlcs plus walking saint, w about performing miracles, soles oSlippers contiinued tWear out, s cut up distributed; Aegina Island; Venerable Dionysius of Aegina, Commemorated December 17 ; Dionysius of Zakynthos, the Bishop of Aegina born in 1547 on the island of Zakynthos. born into a noble family, he was determined to flee the world and set his mind upon heavenly things. entered the monastery of Strophada, and after the prescribed time, he was clothed in the angelic schema by the abbot. young in years, he surpassed many of his elders in virtue, and was found worthy of ordination to the holy priesthood. he protested his unworthiness, Saint Dionysius was consecrated Bishop of Aegina. that office he never ceased to teach and admonish his flock, and many were drawn to him in order to profit from his wisdom. feared the praise of men, lest he should fall into the sin of vainglory, so he resigned his See and returned to Zakynthos. 1579 the diocese of Zakynthos was widowed a bishop dies, his diocese is described as “widowed”), Dionysius agreed to care for it until a new bishop could be elected. he fled from the worldly life which gave him no peace, and went to the Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos Anaphonitria, twenty miles from the main village. certain stranger murdered the saint’s brother Constantine, an illustrious nobleman. his victim’s relatives, the stranger, by chance or by God’s will, sought refuge in the monastery where Saint Dionysius was the abbot. the saint asked the fugitive why he was so frightened, he confessed his sin and revealed the name of the man he had murdered, asking to be protected from the family’s vengeance. Dionysius wept for his only brother, as was natural. he comforted the murderer and hid him, showing him great compassion and love. the saint’s relatives came to the monastery with a group of armed men and told him what had happened. pretended to know nothing about it. After weeping with them and trying to console them, he sent them off in the wrong direction. he told the murderer that he was the brother of the man he had killed. He admonished him as a father, and brought him to repentance. After forgiving him, Saint Dionysius brought him down to the shore and helped him to escape to another place in order to save his life. of the saint’s Christ-like virtue, he was granted the gift of working miracles. passed his life in holiness, Saint Dionysius reached a great age, then departed to the Lord on December 17, 1624. only are the saint’s relics incorrupt, but he is also one of Greece’s “walking saints” (Saint Gerasimus and Saint Spyridon are the others). is said to leave his reliquary and walk about performing miracles for those who seek his aid. In fact, the soles of his slippers wear out and must be replaced with a new pair from time to time. old slippers are cut up, and the pieces are distributed to pilgims. August 24, we celebrate the Transfer of his Holy Relics. Through the prayers of Saint Dionysius, may Christ our God have mercy upon us and save us.

Constantinople, 1568, Damian of Philotheou monastery, Mt Athos, Dometius' disciple, voice telling him to teach in Greece
Greece, Mt Athos, 1568, Damian of Philotheou monastery, Mt Athos, Dometius' disciple, voice telling him to teach in Greece, repent of sins, arrested by Turks, prison, tortured, hanged, burned; Philotheou monastery; Monkmartyr Damian of Philotheou, Commemorated February 23 ; Damian of Philotheou was a disciple of Saint Dometius (August 7). was from the village of Richovon (Merichovon) near Agrapha. went to Mt. Athos when he was quite young, and received the monastic tonsure at Philotheou Monastery. After spending some time there, he withdrew to a hermitage under the guidance of an Elder named Dometius. three years, he heard a voice telling him to go forth and teach. He obeyed these instructions, preaching in many areas of Greece. He urged his fellow Christians to repent of their sins, to abstain from all vices, to obey God’s commandments, and to devote themselves to God-pleasing works. he was on his way to a village, Saint Damian was arrested by the Turks and thrown into prison. After fifteen days of torture, he was hanged and then thrown into a fire. Saint Damian received the crown of martyrdom on February 23, 1568.

Constantinople, 1568, Dometius oPhilotheou monastery, Mt Athos, persued silence, wDamien, cruel Turk tortures
Greece, Mt Athos, 1568, Philotheou monastery, Mt Athos, persued silence, wDamien, cruel Turk tortures; Philotheou monastery; Venerable Dometius of Philotheou, Mount Athos, Commemorated on August 7; Dometius was an Athonite Elder. pursued silence at the Philotheou monastery together with the Hieromartyr Damian of Philotheou (February 23), suffered under cruel tortures by the Turks in the year 1568.

Constantinople, 1574-1595, Murad III, Ottoman Empire, Sultan , strangled 5 brothers, wars 2 fronts, financial stress
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1574-1595, Murad III; III (4 July 1546 – 16 January 1595) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1574 until his death in 1595. life[edit] in Manisa on 4 July 1546,[1] Åžehzade Murad was the oldest son of Åžehzade Selim and his powerful wife Nurbanu Sultan. He received a good education and learned Arabic and Persian language. After his ceremonial circumcision in 1557, Murad's grandfather, the Sultan Suleiman I, appointed him sancakbeyi (governor) of AkÅŸehir in 1558. the age of 18 he was appointed sancakbeyi of Saruhan. Suleiman died (1566) when Murad was 20, and his father became the new sultan, Selim II. Selim II broke with tradition by sending only his oldest son out of the palace to govern a province, assigning Murad to Manisa.[2]:21–22 died in 1574 and was succeeded by Murad, who began his reign by having his five younger brothers strangled.[3] authority was undermined by harem influences – more specifically, those of his mother and later of his favorite wife Safiye Sultan, often to the detriment of Sokollu Mehmed Pasha's influence on the court.[4] Selim II power had only been maintained by the genius of the powerful Grand Vizier, Mehmed Sokollu, who remained in office until his assassination in October 1579. Murad's reign the northern borders with the Habsburg Monarchy were defended by the Bosnian governor Hasan PredojeviÄ‡. The reign of Murad III was marked by exhausting wars on the empire's western and eastern fronts. The Ottomans also suffered defeats in battles such as the Battle of Sisak. with the Safavids[edit] Ottoman Empire reached its greatest extent in the Middle East under Murad III. Ottomans had been at peace with the neighbouring rivaling Safavid Empire since 1555, per the Treaty of Amasya, that for some time had settled border disputes. in 1577 Murad declared war, starting the Ottoman–Safavid War (1578–90), seeking to take advantage of the chaos in the Safavid court after the death of Shah Tahmasp I. also tried to explore North America and make the ideas of colonizing America be more possible. However, he later abandoned all of these ideas after the Spanish navy responded by a naval attack on the Ottoman ships trying to explore North America.[citation needed] was influenced by viziers Lala Kara Mustafa Pasha and Sinan Pasha and disregarded the opposing counsel of Grand Vizier Sokollu. Murad also fought the Safavids which would drag on for 12 years, ending with the Treaty of Constantinople (1590), which resulted in temporary significant territorial gains for the Ottomans.[2]:198–199 Affairs[edit] reign was a time of financial stress for the Ottoman state. To keep up with changing military techniques, the Ottomans trained infantrymen in the use of firearms, paying them directly from the treasury. By 1580 an influx of silver from the New World had caused high inflation and social unrest, especially among Janissaries and government officials who were paid in debased currency. from the resulting rebellions, coupled with the pressure of over-population, was especially felt in Anatolia.[2]:24 Competition for positions within the government grew fierce, leading to bribery and corruption. and Habsburg sources accuse Murad himself of accepting enormous bribes, including 20,000 ducats from a statesman in exchange for the governorship of Tripoli and Tunisia, thus outbidding a rival who had tried bribing the Grand Vizier.[2]:35 his period, excessive inflation was experienced, the value of silver money was constantly played, food prices increased. 400 dirhams should be cut from 600 dirhams of silver, while 800 was cut, which meant 100 percent inflation. For the same reason, the purchasing power of wage earners was halved, and the consequence was an uprising. [5] Pact[edit] envoys and letters were exchanged between Elizabeth I and Sultan Murad III.[6]:39 In one correspondence, Murad entertained the notion that Islam and Protestantism had "much more in common than either did with Roman Catholicism, as both rejected the worship of idols", and argued for an alliance between England and the Ottoman Empire.[6]:40 To the dismay of Catholic Europe, England exported tin and lead (for cannon-casting) and ammunition from the Ottoman Empire, and Elizabeth seriously discussed joint military operations with Murad III during the outbreak of war with Spain in 1585, as Francis Walsingham was lobbying for a direct Ottoman military involvement against the common Spanish enemy.[6]:41 This diplomacy would be continued under Murad's successor Mehmed III, by both the sultan and Safiye Sultan alike. life[edit] the example of his father Selim II, Murad was the second Ottoman sultan who never went on campaign during his reign, instead spending it entirely in Constantinople. During the final years of his reign, he did not even leave TopkapÄ± Palace. For two consecutive years he did not attend the Friday procession to the imperial mosque—an unprecedented breaking of custom. The Ottoman historian Mustafa Selaniki wrote that whenever Murad planned to go out to Friday prayer, he changed his mind after hearing of alleged plots by the Janissaries to dethrone him once he left the palace.[7] Murad withdrew from his subjects and spent the majority of his reign keeping to the company of few people and abiding by a daily routine structured by the five daily Islamic prayers. Murad's personal physician Domenico Hierosolimitano described a typical day in the life of the sultan: the morning he rises at dawn to say his prayer for half an hour, then for another half-hour he writes. Then he is given something pleasant as a collation, and afterwards sets himself to read for another hour. Then he begins to give audience to the members of the Divan on the four days of the week that this occurs, as had been said above. Then he goes for a walk through the garden, taking pleasure in the delight of fountains and animals for another hour, taking with him the dwarves, buffoons and others to entertain him. Then he goes back once again to studying until he considers the time for lunch has arrived. He stays at table only half an hour, and rises (to go) once again into the garden for as long as he pleases. Then he goes to say his midday prayer. Then he stops to pass the time and amuse himself with the women, and he will stay one or two hours with them, when it is time to say the evening prayer. Then he returns to his apartments or, if it pleases him more, he stays in the garden reading or passing the time until evening with the dwarfs and buffoons, and then he returns to say his prayers, that is at nightfall. Then he dines and takes more time over dinner than over lunch, making conversation until two hours after dark, until it is time for prayer [...] He never fails to observe this schedule every day.[2]:29–30 sedentary lifestyle and lack of participation in military campaigns earned him the disapproval of Mustafa Âlî and Mustafa Selaniki, the major Ottoman historians who lived during his reign. Their negative portrayals of Murad influenced later historians.[2]:17–19 Both historians also accused Murad of sexual excess. St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania), Commemorated on September 15; Venerable Dionysius of Aegina, Commemorated on December 17; Venerable Dionysius of Olympus, Commemorated on January 24; St Nicholas the Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on February 18; Martyr Philothea the Monastic, Commemorated on February 19; New Martyr John Kalphes, the Apprentice, Commemorated on February 26;

Constantinople, 1580-1662, Athanasius III, St. Athanasius oLubensk, P oConstantinople, Muldovia, Thessalonica, Great Story
Constantinople, 1580-1662, Athanasius III, St. Athanasius oLubensk, Patriarch oConstantinople, Wonderworker, from Crete, from pious Greek family, wealthy but wanted asceticism, novice Thess M, trapeza at Esphigmenou, tonsured palestinian Ms, returned, presbyter aThss, Gospel to Vlachs & Moldovians & translated Psalter, tConstantinople tPreachby Cyril, bishop aThss, Cyril slandered, tC as Metro, struggle a heratics, Moslems, Jesuits; deposed a 40days, Cyril returned, tAthos, returned&deposed iYr, Thss&Athos, 1633-45 alms petitions to Moscow, tGa1lats aMoldova, 1652 returned C Patriarch 15days, but sermon denouncing Catholics' universal jurisdiction, tGalats Moldovia, tRussian Tzar&Patriarch iMoscow, great alms but ill on way back and died in Lubensk, Ukraine.; Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III of Constantinople, St. Athanasius of Lubensk; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; Athanasius III Patelarios, Patriarch of Constantinople, Wonderworker of Lubensk, in the world Alexis, born in 1560 on the island of Crete, into the pious Greek family Patelarios. his education and position in society, Alexis was attracted by the life of Christian ascetics. his father’s death, he became a novice in one of the monasteries of Thessalonica with the name Ananias. there, he later went to the monastery of Esphigmenou on Mt. Athos, where he fulfilled his obedience in the trapeza (dining area). Athos he journeyed to the Palestinian monasteries, and he was tonsured with the name Athanasius. his return to Thessalonica he was ordained presbyter spread the Gospel of Christ among the Vlachs and the Moldovians, for whom he translated the PSALTER from the Greek. the saint went to Mt. Athos for solitude, and to ask God’s blessing on his pastoral work. holiness of his life attracted many Christians who wished to see a true preacher of the Orthodox Faith. his remarkable abilities and spiritual gifts he attracted the attention of the Patriarch of Constantinople, Cyril I (Lukaris) (1621-1623). the ascetic, Patriarch Cyril appointed him a preacher of the Patriarchal throne. Saint Athanasius was consecrated bishop and became Metropolitan of Thessalonica. this time Patriarch Cyril was slandered before the sultan and imprisoned on the island of Tenedos. Athanasius assumed the Patriarchal throne on March 25, 1634, on the day of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. Athanasius led an incessant struggle against heretics, Jesuits, and Moslems. only forty days on the Patriarchal throne, he was deposed through the intrigues of the enemies of Orthodoxy, and Cyril I was returned. saint went to Athos, where for a certain time he pursued asceticism in solitude. he became Patriarch again, but was deposed after a year. this, he returned to Thessalonica and renewed his connections with the Holy Mountain. view of the intolerable persecution of Christians by the Moslems, Saint Athanasius was repeatedly (from 1633 to 1643) obliged to send petitions to the Russian tsar Michael (1613-1645) seeking alms for the hapless Church of Constantinople. living at Thessalonica became impossible for the saint, he was forced to journey to Moldavia under the protection of its sovereign, Basil Lukulos, he settled there in the monastery of Saint Nicholas near Galats, he longed for Mount Athos. He visited it often and hoped to finish his life there, but God ordained something else for him. 1652 after the death of Patriarch Cyril I, Saint Athanasius was returned to the patriarchal throne. remained only fifteen days, since he was not acceptable to the Moslems and Catholics. his final Patriarchal service he preached a sermon in which he denounced papal pretensions to universal jurisdiction over the whole Church. by the Moslems and Jesuits, physically weakened, he transferred the administration of the Church of Constantinople to Metropolitan Paisius of Laureia, he withdrew to Moldavia, where he was appointed administrator of the monastery of Saint Nicholas at Galats. the deep faith and responsiveness of the Russian nation, Saint Athanasius undertook a journey to Russia. April 1653 he was met with great honor in Moscow by Patriarch Nikon (1652-1658) and Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich. received generous alms for the needs of the monastery, Patriarch Athanasius left for Galats in December 1653. the way he fell ill and stayed at the Transfiguration Mgarsk monastery in the city of Lubno in February 1654. his impending death, the saint wrote his last will, and he fell asleep in the Lord on April 5. Petronios and the brethren of the monastery buried the Patriarch. Greek custom the saint was buried in a sitting position. February 1, 1662 Saint Athanasius was glorified as a saint and his Feastday was designated as May 2, the Feast of Saint Athanasius the Great. relics of holy Patriarch Athansios, glorified by numerous miracles and signs, rest in the city of Kharkov, in the Annunciation cathedral church. At the request of Patriarch Nikon, Athanasius wrote The Ordo of the Episcopal Liturgy in the East, which underlined the Muscovian edited Archieratikon of the Episcopal Service, which is used by the Russian Church to date.[2] Athanasius delivered the Tsar a notebook in which he stated his main reason for his visit to Moscow; that is, to arouse the Tsar unite with Moldavia and the Cossack Hetmanate for a future war with the Turks, after which the Tsar should become the new Roman Emperor, and the Moscow Patriarch “ the new Ecumenical Patriarch.

Constantinople, 1580-1662, WWorking Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows Icon, always w Athanasius III
Constantinople, 1634-1652, Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows Icon, very ancient, always w Athanasios III, after him to Vatopedi till 1849, tRussian Andrew Skete, tSloboda i1863 w Paisios, 18yr old speech healed by touching her lips, list of icon's miracles at Slobodsky, church for tIcon built aVyatka 1871-82, gilded riza added 1866, miraculous copy St Petersburg 1890. ; Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on November 19; exact origin of the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon of the Mother of God is unknown, but the lettering on the Icon indicates that it is very ancient. is a tradition that the Icon belonged to the holy Patriarch Athanasios III of Constantinople (May 2). This Icon accompanied him in all his travels, and so he brought the Icon to Russia with him in the year 1653. the repose of Saint Athanasios in 1654, the Icon was brought to the Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, remaining there until October 11,1849, when the Russian Skete of Saint Andrew was founded. Gregory, who was living alone at Vatopedi, gave the Icon to the newly-founded Skete as a blessing from his monastery. The Icon was kept in the cell of Hieroschema-monk Bessarion (Vavilov), the founder of the Skete. Father Bessarion blessed the brotherhood with the Icon saying, “May this icon bring you joy, and console you in afflictions and sorrows.” glorification of the Icon took place in Russia, in 1863, when Hieromonk Paisios arrived in the town of Sloboda (Vyatka Province) from Mount Athos, bringing with him the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon of the Mother of God. image was decorated with rich silver and a gilded riza. Father Paisios placed the Icon in the women’s Monastery of the Nativity of the Lord, in the church of the Nativity. Father Paisios was about to return to the Holy Mountain, the eighteen-year-old son of a local priest, Father Vladimir Nevolin, who had been unable to speak for six years, was healed by the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. a Moleben, he touched her lips and began to speak. After this, people began to make pilgrimages to the Icon, and many suffering pilgrims received healing and comfort in their sorrows from the holy Icon in those days. holy Icon was transferred to the women’s Monastery of the Transfiguration in the city of Vyatka with great reverence. Slobodsky, an exact list of the Icon’s miracles was compiled by the same eighteen-year old young man who had been healed. spiritual uplifting of the inhabitants of Vyatka was so great that on the eve of a Great Cross procession, the “Vyatka Provincial Gazette” compared the religious fervor to that when the holy Icon from Mount Athos first arrived. Father Paisios was leaving for Mount Athos, he left the list of the Icon’s miracles at the Monastery of the Transfiguration. Vyatka, on June 26, 1871, the foundation of a church in honor of the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon was laid. It was built over a period of eleven years. August 31, 1882, on the Feast of the Placing of the Honorable Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos, Archbishop Appolos consecrated the church, and every Saturday an Akathist was read before the Icon. two years, in remembrance of the holy Icon’s stay in the Vyatka region and the miraculous healings which took place, solemn processions were held throughout the entire diocese. November 19, 1866 at Sloboda’s Monastery of the Nativity of the Lord, a gilded riza was added to the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon of the Mother of God from Mount Athos; in remembrance of the Icon’s first healing (of the young man who could not speak), a particularly solemn service took place in the monastery. That day was established as the Feast Day of the wonderworking Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. March 27, 1890, an exact copy of the Icon was delivered to Russia and placed in the Annunciation Cathedral at St. Petersburg, the representation church of Saint Andrew’s Skete on Mount Athos. and night, crowds of people came to venerate the wonderworking Icon. the grace of God, this icon of the Mother of God was also glorified by numerous miracles. the Icon is at the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in St. Petersburg, and a list of miracles is with the holy Icons in the suburban Cathedral of Saint Katherine. 1999, the altar of one of the churches of the former Monastery of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the town of Sloboda was consecrated in honor of the wonderworking Icon. the Aleksievo-Akatov women’s monastery in Voronezh, there is also a list of the Athos shrine, which says: “This icon was painted and blessed on the Holy Mountain in the Russian Monastery of Saint John Chrysostom under the rector Hieroschema-monk Cyril in 1905.” The Icon was restored in 1999. “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon is in the form of a triptych. In addition to the Most Holy Theotokos, the following saints are depicted: The Great Martyrs George and Demetrios of Thessaloniki on horseback; Saint John the Forerunner and Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, the monastic saints Anthony, Euthymios, Onuphrios the Great and Savva the Sanctified; Saints Spyridon of Trimythontos and Nicholas the Wonderworker. The Icon is adorned with several rizas, one of which is gold. the Feast Day of the Icon is on November 19, it does not have its own Service; so the Troparion, Kontakion, and Akathist for the Assuage my Sorrows Icon (January 25 and October 9) are also used for this Icon. Constantinople, 1580-1662, Athanasius III, St. Athanasius oLubensk, Patriarch oConstantinople, Wonderworker, from Crete, from pious Greek family, wealthy but wanted asceticism, novice Thess M, trapeza at Esphigmenou, tonsured palestinian Ms, returned, presbyter aThss, Gospel to Vlachs & Moldovians & translated Psalter, tConstantinople tPreachby Cyril, bishop aThss, Cyril slandered, tC as Metro, struggle a heratics, Moslems, Jesuits; deposed a 40days, Cyril returned, tAthos, returned&deposed iYr, Thss&Athos, 1633-45 alms petitions to Moscow, tGa1lats aMoldova, 1652 returned C Patriarch 15days, but sermon denouncing Catholics' universal jurisdiction, tGalats Moldovia, tRussian Tzar&Patriarch iMoscow, great alms but ill on way back and died in Lubensk, Ukraine.; Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III of Constantinople, St. Athanasius of Lubensk; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; Athanasius III Patelarios, Patriarch of Constantinople, Wonderworker of Lubensk, in the world Alexis, born in 1560 on the island of Crete, into the pious Greek family Patelarios. his education and position in society, Alexis was attracted by the life of Christian ascetics. his father’s death, he became a novice in one of the monasteries of Thessalonica with the name Ananias. there, he later went to the monastery of Esphigmenou on Mt. Athos, where he fulfilled his obedience in the trapeza (dining area). Athos he journeyed to the Palestinian monasteries, and he was tonsured with the name Athanasius. his return to Thessalonica he was ordained presbyter spread the Gospel of Christ among the Vlachs and the Moldovians, for whom he translated the PSALTER from the Greek. the saint went to Mt. Athos for solitude, and to ask God’s blessing on his pastoral work. holiness of his life attracted many Christians who wished to see a true preacher of the Orthodox Faith. his remarkable abilities and spiritual gifts he attracted the attention of the Patriarch of Constantinople, Cyril I (Lukaris) (1621-1623). the ascetic, Patriarch Cyril appointed him a preacher of the Patriarchal throne. Saint Athanasius was consecrated bishop and became Metropolitan of Thessalonica. this time Patriarch Cyril was slandered before the sultan and imprisoned on the island of Tenedos. Athanasius assumed the Patriarchal throne on March 25, 1634, on the day of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. Athanasius led an incessant struggle against heretics, Jesuits, and Moslems. only forty days on the Patriarchal throne, he was deposed through the intrigues of the enemies of Orthodoxy, and Cyril I was returned. saint went to Athos, where for a certain time he pursued asceticism in solitude. he became Patriarch again, but was deposed after a year. this, he returned to Thessalonica and renewed his connections with the Holy Mountain. view of the intolerable persecution of Christians by the Moslems, Saint Athanasius was repeatedly (from 1633 to 1643) obliged to send petitions to the Russian tsar Michael (1613-1645) seeking alms for the hapless Church of Constantinople. living at Thessalonica became impossible for the saint, he was forced to journey to Moldavia under the protection of its sovereign, Basil Lukulos, he settled there in the monastery of Saint Nicholas near Galats, he longed for Mount Athos. He visited it often and hoped to finish his life there, but God ordained something else for him. 1652 after the death of Patriarch Cyril I, Saint Athanasius was returned to the patriarchal throne. remained only fifteen days, since he was not acceptable to the Moslems and Catholics. his final Patriarchal service he preached a sermon in which he denounced papal pretensions to universal jurisdiction over the whole Church. by the Moslems and Jesuits, physically weakened, he transferred the administration of the Church of Constantinople to Metropolitan Paisius of Laureia, he withdrew to Moldavia, where he was appointed administrator of the monastery of Saint Nicholas at Galats. the deep faith and responsiveness of the Russian nation, Saint Athanasius undertook a journey to Russia. April 1653 he was met with great honor in Moscow by Patriarch Nikon (1652-1658) and Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich. received generous alms for the needs of the monastery, Patriarch Athanasius left for Galats in December 1653. the way he fell ill and stayed at the Transfiguration Mgarsk monastery in the city of Lubno in February 1654. his impending death, the saint wrote his last will, and he fell asleep in the Lord on April 5. Petronios and the brethren of the monastery buried the Patriarch. Greek custom the saint was buried in a sitting position. February 1, 1662 Saint Athanasius was glorified as a saint and his Feastday was designated as May 2, the Feast of Saint Athanasius the Great. relics of holy Patriarch Athansios, glorified by numerous miracles and signs, rest in the city of Kharkov, in the Annunciation cathedral church. At the request of Patriarch Nikon, Athanasius wrote The Ordo of the Episcopal Liturgy in the East, which underlined the Muscovian edited Archieratikon of the Episcopal Service, which is used by the Russian Church to date.[2] Athanasius delivered the Tsar a notebook in which he stated his main reason for his visit to Moscow; that is, to arouse the Tsar unite with Moldavia and the Cossack Hetmanate for a future war with the Turks, after which the Tsar should become the new Roman Emperor, and the Moscow Patriarch “ the new Ecumenical Patriarch. Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III of Constantinople, St. Athanasius of Lubensk; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; At the request of Patriarch Nikon, Athanasius wrote The Ordo of the Episcopal Liturgy in the East, which underlined the Muscovian edited Archieratikon of the Episcopal Service, which is used by the Russian Church to date.[2] Athanasius delivered the Tsar a notebook in which he stated his main reason for his visit to Moscow; that is, to arouse the Tsar unite with Moldavia and the Cossack Hetmanate for a future war with the Turks, after which the Tsar should become the new Roman Emperor, and the Moscow Patriarch “ the new Ecumenical Patriarch.

Slobodsky near Kirov and Vyatka Russia

Constantinople, 1595-1603, Mehmed III, Ottoman, Sultan , k 19 brothers, cruel, war Austria, a England
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1595-1603, Mehmed III ; Mehmed III ( 26 May 1566-“ 22 December 1603) was Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1595 until his death in 1603. Early life[edit] Mehmed was born at the Manisa Palace in 1566, during the reign of his great-grandfather, Suleiman the Magnificent. He was the son of Murad III, himself the son of Selim II, who was the son of Sultan Suleiman and Hurrem Sultan. His mother was Safiye Sultan, an Albanian from the Dukagjin highlands.[1] His great-grandfather died the year he was born and his grandfather became the new sultan, Selim II. His grandfather Selim II died when Mehmed was eight, and Mehmed's father, Murad III, became sultan in 1574. Murad died in 1595, when Mehmed was 28 years old. Mehmed spent most of his time in Manisa with his father Murad and mother Safiye, his first teacher Ibrahim Efendi. His circumcision took place on 29 May 1582 when he was 16 years old.[2] Reign[edit] Fratricide[edit] Upon ascending to the throne, Mehmed III ordered that all of his nineteen brothers be executed.[3][4] They were strangled by his royal executioners, many of whom were deaf, mute or 'half-witted' to ensure absolute loyalty.[5] Fratricidal successions were not unprecedented, as sultans would often have dozens of children with their concubines. Mehmed III remains notorious even in Ottoman history for his cruelty. Power struggle in Constantinople[edit] Mehmed III was an idle ruler, leaving government to his mother Safiye Sultan, the valide sultan.[6][unreliable source] His first major problem was the rivalry between two of his viziers, Serdar Ferhad Pasha and Koca Sinan Pasha, and their supporters. His mother and her son-in-law Damat Ibrahim Pasha supported Koca Sinan Pasha and prevented Mehmed III from taking control of the issue himself. The issue grew to cause major disturbances by janissaries. On 7 July 1595, Mehmed III finally sacked Serdar Ferhad Pasha from the position of Grand Vizier due to his failure in Wallachia and replaced him with Sinan.[7] Austro-Hungarian War[edit] Mehmed III accepting the surrender of Eger, 1596 The major event of his reign was the Austro-Ottoman War in Hungary (1593-“1606). Ottoman defeats in the war caused Mehmed III to take personal command of the army, the first sultan to do so since Suleiman I in 1566. Accompanied by the Sultan, the Ottomans conquered Eger in 1596. Upon hearing of the Habsburg army's approach, Mehmed wanted to dismiss the army and return to Istanbul.[8] However, the Ottomans eventually decided to face the enemy and defeated the Habsburg and Transylvanian forces at the Battle of Keresztes[9] (known in Turkish as the Battle of Hasova), during which the Sultan had to be dissuaded from fleeing the field halfway through the battle. Upon returning to Istanbul in victory, Mehmed told his viziers that he would campaign again.[10] The next year the Venetian Bailo in Istanbul noted, "the doctors declared that the Sultan cannot leave for a war on account of his bad health, produced by excesses of eating and drinking".[11][unreliable source?] In reward for his services at the war, Cigalazade Yusuf Sinan Pasha was made Grand Vizier in 1596. However, with pressure from the court and his mother, Mehmed reinstated Damat Ibrahim Pasha to this position shortly afterward.[7] However, the victory at the Battle of Keresztes was soon set back by some important losses, including the loss of Gyr (Turkish: Yankale) to the Austrians and the defeat of the Ottoman forces led by Hafhmet Pasha by the Wallachian forces under Michael the Brave in Nikopol in 1599. In 1600, Ottoman forces under Tiryaki Hasan Pasha captured Nagykanizsa after a 40-day siege and later successfully held it against a much greater attacking force in the Siege of Nagykanizsa.[12] Jelali revolts[edit] Another major event of his reign was the Jelali revolts in Anatolia. Karayazlhalim, a former Ottoman official, captured the city of Urfa and declared himself a sultan in 1600. The rumors of his claim to the throne spread to Constantinople and Mehmed ordered the rebels to be treated harshly to dispel the rumors, among these, was the execution of Hseyin Pasha, whom Karayaz Abdlhalim styled as Grand Vizier. In 1601, Abdlhalim fled to the vicinity of Samsun after being defeated by the forces under Sokulluzade Hasan Pasha, the governor of Baghdad. However, his brother, Deli Hasan, killed Sokulluzade Hasan Pasha and defeated troops under the command of Had Hsrev Pasha. He then marched on to Kahya, captured and burned the city.[7][12] Relationship with England[edit] In 1599, the fourth year of Mehmed III's reign, Queen Elizabeth I sent a convoy of gifts to the Ottoman court. These gifts were originally intended for the sultan's predecessor, Murad III, who had died before they had arrived. Included in these gifts was a large jewel-studded clockwork organ that was assembled on the slope of the Royal Private Garden by a team of engineers including Thomas Dallam. The organ took many weeks to complete and featured dancing sculptures such as a flock of blackbirds that sung and shook their wings at the end of the music.[13][14] Also among the English gifts was a ceremonial coach, accompanied by a letter from the Queen to Mehmed's mother, Safiye Sultan. These gifts were intended to cement relations between the two countries, building on the trade agreement signed in 1581 that gave English merchants priority in the Ottoman region.[15] Under the looming threat of Spanish military presence, England was eager to secure an alliance with the Ottomans, the two nations together having the capability to divide the power. Elizabeth's gifts arrived in a large 27-gun merchantman ship that Mehmed personally inspected, a clear display of English maritime strength that would prompt him to build up his fleet over the following years of his reign. The Anglo-Ottoman alliance would never be consummated, however, as relations between the nations grew stagnant due to anti-European sentiments reaped from the worsening Austro-Ottoman War and the deaths of Safiye Sultan's interpreter and the pro-English chief Hasan Pasha.[15][16] Death[edit] Mehmed died on 22 December 1603 at the age of 37. According to one source, the cause of his death was the distress caused by the death of his son, žehzade Mahmud.[17] According to another source, he died either of plague or of stroke.[18] He was buried in Hagia Sophia Mosque. He was succeeded by his son Ahmed I as the new sultan. St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania), Commemorated on September 15; Hieromonk Seraphim, Bishop of the Phanar, Commemorated on December 4; Martyrs of Lazeti, Commemorated on April 29; Venerable Therapon the Abbot of Monza, Commemorated on May 27; Venerable Leontius the Hagiorite, Commemorated on June 18 ;

Constantinople, 1595, Burning Sava's Relics, Mileshevo M Serbia, incrrpt, Serb flag icon, r burnt during revolt, inspired Serbia
Bulgaria, 1595, Burning oSava's Relics, Mileshevo Monastery& Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2.3), Buried 1235, incorrupt 1237, transferred 1237 tSerbia, 1253 Saint, Turk Rule 1389, his icon on Serb flag, 1595 Serb revolt, R crushed and Relics burnt, Serbs inspired, annual rememberance burning, 1895 church over burning spot, 1989 Cathedral there; Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2); The Burning of Saint Sava's relics, Commemorated on April 27; his death in Trnovo, Bulgaria on January 14, 1235 Saint Savva was buried in the Cathedral of the Forty Martyrs. May 6, 1237 his relics were carried in procession from Trnovo to Mileshevo Monastery in Serbia. the casket was opened, the relics were found to be incorrupt, and produced an ineffable fragrance. In 1253, the Serbian Orthodox Church glorified the holy hierarch Savva as a Saint. the Battle of Kosovo on June 25, 1389, the Serbian nation fell under the Turkish Yoke. this period the Serbs continued to visit the tomb of Saint Savva, asking him to give them the strength to endure the oppressive persecution they suffered at the hands of the Turks. icon was placed on their flags, and the faithful turned to the Saint for encouragement, consolation, and healing. Serbs revolted in 1595, led by Patriarch John Kantul and others. Pasha, the Turkish military leader in Belgrade, sent soldiers to crush the rebellion. Mohammed II ordered that the relics of Saint Savva be burnt. Great and Holy Friday, the Turks removed the Saint's relics from Mileshevo Monastery. The next day, April 27, they climbed Savinac Hill in the Vrachar district and set fire to the holy relics. of becoming despondent, the Serbs were inspired to even greater love for Christ, for Holy Orthodoxy, and for Saint Savva. Although the Saint's relics had been destroyed, the people continued to venerate him, and to remember the burning of his relics every year. national independence in 1879, there was a proposal to build a memorial church in honor of Saint Savva. In 1895, the three hundredth anniversary of the burning of Saint Savva's relics, plans were made to build a church on the site where his relics were burnt. A temporary chapel was constructed the following year, but it was not possible to build a large cathedral until after World War I. In 1927, Patriarch Barnabas announced a competition for architects to submit designs for the cathedral. In 1935, architects were chosen and construction began. World War II, work was halted when the Communists seized power. Only in 1984 did Patriarch German receive government approval to resume construction. On June 25, 1989, Patriarch German served the first Divine Liturgy in Saint Savva's Memorial Cathedral, which towers over the city of Belgrade. is a famous Serbian saying: "Sinan Pasha lit the flames, Savva's body burned, but Savva's memory and his glory did not burn."

Constantinople, 1600-1699, 17th Century Folder, Ottoman E., Sunni Shia (Ottoman Sarafid) War

Constantinople, 1601, Seraphim, Bishop otPhanar, impaled by the Turks, fAgraphya, Greece, monk aKoronis Monastery
Constantinople, 1601, Seraphim, Bishop otPhanar Neighborhood, Constantinople, impaled by the Turks, fAgraphya, Greece, monk aKoronis Monastery, chosen Bishop Phanar&Neochorion, refused islam &Impaled 1601; Phanar (Greek Quarter of Constantinople); Hieromonk Seraphim, Bishop of the Phanar, Commemorated on December 4 ; Hieromonk Seraphim, Bishop of the Phanar was from the village of Bezoula, Agrapha diocese in Greece. lived in asceticism at first as a monk at the Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos at Koronis, later was chosen as bishop of the Phanar and Neochorion. his refusal to accept Islam, he was beaten and impaled by the Turks in 1601. head is at the monastery at Koronis and has been glorified by numerous miracles.

Constantinople, 1601-1660, Cyriacus of Bisericani Monestary Simon Mountain, one of romania's greatest ascetics, naked, covered w hair
Romania, 1600-1660, Cyriacus of Bisericani Monestary Simon Mountain, Transylvania, one of romania's greatest ascetics, 1600-1660, naked summer and winter, covered w hair, unceasing prayer, grace, relics still in cave near Voivodal Church of Bisericani; This location chosen because: This is the only Bisericani Commune in the mountains. Venerable Cyriacus of Bisericani, Romania, Commemorated December 31 ; Kyriakos of Bisericani is one of Romania’s greatest ascetics, and in his life he resembled the great Fathers of the Egyptian desert. lived in Bisericani Monastery at the beginning of the XVII century, which then had more than a hundred monks. Longing for a life of solitude, Saint Kyriakos retreated into the wilderness, to a cave on Simon's Mountain, where he remained for sixty years. Saint Onuphrios (June 12), Saint Kyriakos went about naked both in summer and in winter, and his body became covered with hair. He glorified God by his unceasing prayer and ascetical struggles. Therefore, Christ gave him the grace to overcome the forces of nature, and the demons which assailed him. great holiness and perfecting himself in virtue, Saint Kyriakos fell asleep in the Lord in 1660. His relics were buried in his cave, where there is now a small chapel dedicated to him. Later, because of unsettled conditions in the land, the faithful took portions of his relics away and hid them in order to prevent them from being desecrated. holy Hierarch Dositheos, Metropolitan of Moldova (December 13), knew Saint Kyriakos during his lifetime. After the latter's repose, Saint Dositheos venerated his holy relics. Kyriakos is one of the great hesychasts of the Carpathians. His life was one of complete self-denial, humility, and unceasing prayer. He gave his soul to Christ, and is numbered with the Saints who are honored by the people. His relics were placed in the cave where he lived, a cave which may still be seen today, and where a Paraklesis is chanted in his honor. cave of Saint Kyriakos is located near the Voivodal Church of Bisericani, which is now on the property of a sanatorium. Over the centuries it has been a place of pilgrimage for the faithful. Kyriakos of Bisericani is commemorated on December 31, the day of his repose, and on October 1, the day of his glorification in 2008.

Constantinople, 1601-1660, Kyriakos of Tazlau, Moldovia or Romania (Tazlau Mare River 1), D light, tears, prophecy, deliverance
Romania, 1600-1660, Kyriakos of Tazlau, Moldovia or Romania (Tazlau Mare River 1), exceptional holiness, Divine light, tears, prophecy, deliverance, from his youth, like a fool for Christ; Tazlau (Tazlau Mare River); Venerable Cyriacus of Tazlu, Romania, Commemorated December 31 ; few people who honor the Saints are familiar with Saint Kyriakos (Chiriac) of Tazlau, his was a life of exceptional holiness. Believers from the surrounding area have maintained their respect for this chosen vessel, passing his name down from father to son. Saint Kyriakos was born into a peasant family, and became a monk at the Tazlau Monastery when Dositheos was the Igoumen. He was from the nearby village of Mastacan, a village which today belongs to the community of Borlesti. Kyriakos of Tazlau lived on a knoll in front of the monastery, remaining in permanent communion with divine grace, which first entered his soul at Holy Baptism. He was so pure that he had attained the measure of perfect manhood (Ephesians 4:13). He did not choose such a life when he was an old man, after tasting the sweetness of this fleeting life, but embraced it from his youth, like a fool for the sake of Christ. Since he surpassed the other monks in humility, prayer, and virtue, he was found worthy of the grace of the priesthood. to attain further perfection, Saint Kyriakos withdrew to a mountain called Magura Tazlaului, where he lived for fifty years. There he struggled in a manner similar to the great hesychasts of old, sustaining himself with dried bread and fruits, keeping all-night vigils and shedding copious tears. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, he was able to forsee future events, and to cast out evil spirits. solitary prayer in his cell, Saint Kyriakos uprooted the thorns of the passions from his body, and acquired the opposite virtues. The joy of Christ's Resurrection assuaged the sorrows of his soul, and his face shone with the uncreated light of Tabor. He did not experience any discouragement in his struggle with temptations and with evil spirits. time, many disciples flocked to him seeking his spiritual counsel. These, in turn, became hesychasts and lived in the mountains of Tazlau, Nichitu, and Tarcau. reaching an advanced age, Saint Kyriakos surrendered his soul to God on December 31, 1660. His disciples buried him in a cave on Magura Tazlaului, and many miracles took place through his holy relics. the end of the seventeenth century Moldavia was threatened by great dangers, and many people took refuge in the forests. The relics of Saint Kyriakos were divided among the faithful so that they would not be desecrated by infidels. Thus, the mountain cave on Magura Tazlaului was deprived of its great treasure.

Constantinople, 1603-1617, Ahmed I, Ottoman Empire Sultan, ended royal fratricide, didn't execute brothers, c Blue Mosque
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1603-1617, Ahmed I ; I (April 1590 - 22 November 1617) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1603 until his death in 1617. reign is noteworthy for marking the first breach in the Ottoman tradition of royal fratricide; henceforth Ottoman rulers would no longer systematically execute their brothers upon accession to the throne.[2] He is also well known for his construction of the Blue Mosque, one of the most famous mosques in Turkey. Hieromartyr Kozman, Commemorated on July 18; St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania), Commemorated on September 15; Venerable Cyriacus of Bisericani, Romania, Commemorated on December 31; Martyrs of Lazeti, Commemorated on April 29; Hieromartyr Theodore of Kvelta, Commemorated on June 8; Martyr Luarsab II the King of Georgia, Commemorated on June 21 ; Venerable Dionysius the Orator of St Anne Skete of Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 9; Venerable Cyriacus of Tazlu, Romania, Commemorated on December 31;

Constantinople, 1612-1638, Cyril 1, Partiarch, protestant support, anti Jesuit, anti Calvinist, defender of Orthodoxy
Constantinople Partiarch, 1612-1638, Cyril 1 ; Lucaris or Loukaris (13 November 1572 - 27 June 1638), born Constantine Lucaris, was a Greek prelate and theologian, and a native of Candia, Crete (then under the Republic of Venice). He later became the Greek Patriarch of Alexandria as Cyril III and Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople as Cyril I. contemporaries, and some modern Calvinist writers as well, have claimed that he strove for a reform of the Eastern Orthodox Church along Protestant, Calvinist lines.[1] Attempts to bring Calvinism into the Orthodox Church were rejected, and Cyril's actions, motivations, and specific viewpoints remain a matter of debate among scholars. the Orthodox Church recognizes him as a hieromartyr and defender of the Orthodox faith against both the Jesuit Catholics and Calvinist Protestants. official glorification of Cyril Loukaris took place by decision of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria on 6 October 2009, and his memory is commemorated on 27 June.[2][3] Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2;

Constantinople, 1617, Nicholas of Metsovo, Epirus, islam conversion repented, burned, divine light fSkull
Greece, 1617, New Martyr Nicholas of Metsovo, Epirus, Greece (Metsovon, Arachthos River 1), devout parents, tBaker iTrikkala, Thessaly, embraced Islam, realized gravity returned home, wood to T fExtra Money, recognized bBarber, not dressed as Turk, free wood tKeep secret, long time, conscience, became martyr, priest strengthened him, denounced by barber, admitted Islam conversion but repented returned Christian, intended die as C, Kadi usual flattery, threats, then beaten thrown prison, no food water some time, twice more tKadi, death sentence, large fire endured, escaped Ghenna, money for skull, hid in wall, bright light 1618, skull to Barlaam Monastery at Meteora fT, St Nik tVlach; Metsovon (Metsovo); New Martyr Nicholas of Metsovo, Commemorated on May 16; Basdanis was born at Metsovo, Epeiros to poor, but devout Orthodox parents. a young man he went to Trikkala in Thessaly, where he worked as the assistant of a Moslem baker. there, some Turks tried to convert him to their religion. Yielding to their persistent efforts, he embraced Islam. realizing the gravity of his sin, he returned to Metsovo, and to the Orthodox Church. earned some extra money by taking wood to Trikkala and selling it. This went on for some time, but one day He was recognized by a Moslem barber, who was a friend of the baker. barber wondered why Nicholas was no longer dressed as a Turk. with fear, Nicholas gave him the load of wood, promising to bring him more wood every year, if he would keep his secret. The barber agreed, and things continued that way for a long time. was troubled by his conscience, however, and believed that the only way to atone for his denial of Christ was to become a martyr. spoke of this to his Spiritual Father at the monastery of Meteora, who advised him not to be too hasty in carrying out his intention, lest he should be unable to endure the inevitable torture, and deny Christ once again. that Nicholas was determined to pursue this course, the priest strengthened him spiritually for the contest. Nicholas felt he was ready, he returned to Trikkala to see the barber. The man asked him about the wood he had promised to bring, and Nicholas told him that he had none. Furthermore, he would not be receiving any wood in future. barber became angry and denounced Nicholas to the authorities, saying that he had rejected Islam. barber summoned other Turks to take Nicholas to the kadi for interrogation. answer to the kadi's questions, Nicholas admitted freely that he had converted to Islam, but then he repented and returned to his Christian Faith. he told the Moslems that he was born a Christian, and that he intended to die as a Christian, no matter how much they might torture him. kadi tried the usual flattery and promises of riches in order to persuade him to return to their religion. this failed, the kadi threatened him with horrible torments and death if he did not relent. refused, and so he was beaten and thrown into prison, where he received nothing to eat or drink for some time. more, Saint Nicholas was brought before the kadi with the same results. Seeing that he could not be persuaded, the kadi sentenced him to death. large fire was lit in the marketplace, and the holy martyr was thrown into it on May 16, 1617. Thus, by enduring this fire, Saint Nicholas escaped the fire of Gehenna. a pious Christian went to that place, hoping to obtain relics. Since the Saint's body was being guarded, the man had to pay a large sum of money to obtain the skull. He took it home and hid it inside a wall so the Moslems would not find it. time, an Orthodox Christian named Melandros bought the house. the night of May 17, 1618, he noticed a bright light shining from the wall of one of the rooms. the morning, he opened the wall and found the skull of the New Martyr Nicholas. brought this treasure to Barlaam Monastery at Meteora, where his brother was a monk, and donated the holy relic to the monastery in remembrance of himself, and of his family. Holy New Martyr Nicholas, who is also known as Saint Nicholas the Vlach, is commemorated on May 17 in Greek usage.

Constantinople, 1617-1618 and 1622 - 1623, Mustafa I, Ottoman Empire Sultan, the Mad, Mother was regent
Constantinople, 1617-1618 and 1622 - 1623, Mustafa I; I (c. 1591 - 20 January 1639), called Mustafa the Saint (Veli Mustafa) during his second reign and often called Mustafa the Mad (Deli Mustafa) by modern historians, was the son of Mehmed III and was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1617 to 1618 and from 1622 to 1623. 1 Early life 2 First reign (1617–1618) 3 Deposition 4 Alleged mental instability 5 Second reign (1622–1623) 6 Deposition and last years 7 Death 8 See also 9 Notes 10 External links life[edit] was born in the Manisa Palace, as the younger brother of Ahmed I (1603–1617). His mother was Halime Sultan, an Abkhazian lady.[1] 1603 it was customary for an Ottoman Sultan to have his brothers executed shortly after he gained the throne (Mustafa's father Mehmed III had executed 19 of his own brothers). But when the thirteen-year-old Ahmed I was enthroned in 1603, he spared the life of the twelve-year-old Mustafa.[2] factor in Mustafa's survival is the influence of Kosem Sultan (Ahmed's favorite consort), who may have wished to preempt the succession of Osman, Ahmed’s first-born son from another concubine. Osman became Sultan, he would likely try to execute his half-brothers, the sons of Ahmed and Kosem. (This scenario later became a reality when Osman II executed his brother Mehmed in 1621.[3]) However, the reports of foreign ambassadors suggest that Ahmed actually liked his brother.[4] Ahmed's death in 1617, Mustafa lived in the Old Palace, along with his mother, and grandmother Safiye Sultan.[5] reign (1617–1618)[edit] death created a dilemma never before experienced by the Ottoman Empire. Multiple princes were now eligible for the Sultanate, and all of them lived in TopkapÄ± Palace.[3] court faction headed by the Şeyhülislam Esad Efendi and Sofu Mehmed Pasha (who represented the Grand Vizier when he was away from Constantinople) decided to enthrone Mustafa instead of Ahmed's son Osman. Mehmed argued that Osman was too young to be enthroned without causing adverse comment among the populace. The Chief Black Eunuch Mustafa Agha objected, citing Mustafa's mental problems, but he was overruled.[6] Mustafa's rise created a new succession principle of seniority that would last until the end of the Empire. It was the first time an Ottoman Sultan was succeeded by his brother instead of his son. His mother Halime Sultan became the Valide Sultan as well as a regent and wielded great power. Due to Mustafa's mental conditions, she acted as a regent and exercised power more directly. was hoped that regular social contact would improve Mustafa's mental health, but his behavior remained eccentric. He pulled off the turbans of his viziers and yanked their beards. Others observed him throwing coins to birds and fish. The Ottoman historian Ä°brahim Peçevi wrote "this situation was seen by all men of state and the people, and they understood that he was psychologically disturbed."[7] was never more than a tool of court cliques at the TopkapÄ± Palace.[8] In 1618, after a short rule, another palace faction deposed him in favour of his young nephew Osman II (1618–1622), and Mustafa was sent back to the Old Palace. conflict between the Janissaries and Osman II presented him with a second chance. After a Janissary rebellion led to the deposition and assassination of Osman II in 1622, Mustafa was restored to the throne and held it for another year.[9] mental instability[edit] according to Baki Tezcan, there is not enough evidence to properly establish that Mustafa was mentally imbalanced when he came to the throne. Mustafa "made a number of excursions to the arsenal and the navy docks, examining various sorts of arms and taking an active interest in the munitions supply of the army and the navy." One of the dispatches of Baron de Sancy, the French ambassador, "suggested that Mustafa was interested in leading the Safavid campaign himself and was entertaining the idea of wintering in Konya for that purpose."[10] one contemporary observer provides an explanation of the coup which does not mention the incapacity of Mustafa. Baron de Sancy ascribes the deposition to a political conspiracy between the grand admiral Ali Pasha and Chief Black Eunuch Mustafa Agha, who were angered by the former's removal from office upon Sultan Mustafa's accession. They may have circulated rumors of the sultan's mental instability subsequent to the coup in order to legitimize it.[11] reign (1622–1623)[edit] commenced his reign by executing all those who had taken any share in the murder of Sultan Osman. Hoca Ömer Efendi, the chief of the rebels, the kÄ±zlar Agha Suleiman Agha, the vizier Dilaver Pasha, the Kaim-makam Ahmed Pasha, the defterdar Baki Pasha, the segban-bashi Nasuh Agha, and the general of the janissaries Ali Agha, were cut into pieces.[12][non-primary source needed] epithet "Veli" (meaning "saint") was used in reference to him during his reign.[13] mental condition unimproved, Mustafa was a puppet controlled by his mother and brother-in-law, the grand vizier Kara Davud Pasha. He believed that Osman II was still alive and was seen searching for him throughout the palace, knocking on doors and crying out to his nephew to relieve him from the burden of sovereignty.[14] "The present emperor being a fool" (according to English Ambassador Sir Thomas Roe), he was compared unfavorably with his predecessor.[7] In fact, it was his mother Halime Sultan the de facto-co-ruler as Valide Sultan of the Ottoman empire. and last years[edit] instability was generated by conflict between the Janissaries and the sipahis (Ottoman cavalry), followed by the Abaza rebellion, which occurred when the governor-general of Erzurum, Abaza Mehmed Pasha, decided to march to Istanbul to avenge the murder of Osman II. The regime tried to end the conflict by executing Kara Davud Pasha, but Abaza Mehmed continued his advance. Clerics and the new Grand Vizier (KemankeÅŸ Kara Ali Pasha) prevailed upon Mustafa's mother to allow the deposition of her son. She agreed, on condition that Mustafa's life would be spared.[3][15] 11-year-old Murad IV, son of Ahmed I and Kösem, was enthroned on 10 September 1623. In return for her consent to his deposition, the request of Mustafa's mother that he be spared execution was granted.[16] Mustafa was sent along with his mother to the Eski (old) Palace.[17] source states that Mustafa was executed by the orders of his nephew, Sultan Murad IV on 20 January 1640 in order to end the Ottoman dynasty and prevented to give power to his mother Kösem Sultan. Another source states that he died of epilepsy which was caused by being imprisoned for 34 years out of his 48 years of life. He is buried in the courtyard of the Haghia Sophia.[18]

Constantinople, 1618-1622, Osman II, Ottoman Sultan. educated, polish c, g winter, Janissari coffee houses, Killed by Js
Constantinople, 1618-1622, Ottoman Empire Sultan, Osman II; II (3 November 1604 - 20 May 1622), also known as Osman the Young, was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1618 until his regicide on 20 May 1622. life[edit] II was born at TopkapÄ± Palace, Constantinople, the son of Sultan Ahmed I (1603–17) and one of his consorts Mahfiruz Hatun. According to later traditions, at a young age, his mother had paid a great deal of attention to Osman's education, as a result of which Osman II became a known poet and would have mastered many languages, including Arabic, Persian, Greek, Latin, and Italian; this has been refuted since.[2] was born eleven months after his father Ahmed Ahmed's transition to the throne. He was trained in the palace. According to foreign observers, he was one of the most cultured of Ottoman princes. [3] failure to capture the throne at the death of his father Ahmed may have been caused by the absence of a mother to lobby in his favour; his own mother was probably already dead or in exile. Ottoman Empire in 1622, the year of the regicide of Osman II II ascended the throne at the age of 14 as the result of a coup d' etat against his uncle Mustafa I the Intestable (1617–18, 1622–23). his youth, Osman II soon sought to assert himself as a ruler, and after securing the empire's eastern border by signing a peace treaty (Treaty of Serav) with Safavid Persia, he personally led the Ottoman campaign against Poland and king Sigismund III during the Moldavian Magnate Wars.[4] to sign a humiliating peace treaty with the Poles after the Battle of Khotyn (Chocim) in September- October, 1621, Osman II returned home to Constantinople in shame, blaming the cowardice of the Janissaries and the insufficiency of his statesmen for his humiliation.[5] basic and exceptional weakness from which Osman II suffered was the conspicuous absence of a female power basis in the harem. From 1620 until Osman's death, a governess (daye hatun, lit. wet-nurse) was appointed as a stand-in valide, and she could not counterbalance the contriving of Mustafa I's mother in the Old Palace. he did have a loyal chief black eunuch at his side, this could not compensate for the absence of what in the politics of that period was a winning combination, valide sultan–chief black eunuch, especially in the case of a young and very ambitious ruler.[6] According to Piterberg, Osman II did not have haseki sultan, opposite with Peirce who claim that Ayse was Osman's haseki. But it is clear that Ayse could not take valide's role during her spouse's reign.[citation needed] the autumn of 1620, Ozi Beylerbeyi Iskender Pasha seized the secret letter sent by Transylvanian Prince Bethlen Gabor to Istanbul and sent it to Poland, and Osman also became a veteran of the people around him. decided to embark on a Polish expedition. [7] Continuing preparations for the Polish campaign, neither cold nor famine nor the British ambassador John Eyre could deter Osman. The ambassador of Sigismund III, the King of Poland, was brought into Istanbul despite the severe colds. The janissaries and army were not willing to go on a campaign, regardless of their conditions.[8] winter of 1621[edit] II on horseback the murder of Sehzade Mehmed on 12 January 1621, a severe snow started in Istanbul. The people of Istanbul were drastically affected by the cold, which increased local violence on 24 January 1621, more so than the palace murder. This is the biggest natural disaster that concerns the capital in Osman's four-year short reign. Bostanzade Yahya Efendi, one of those who lived through this cold, tells that the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus were covered with ice in the end of January-beginning of February: Between Uskudar and Besiktas, the men walk around and go to Uskudar. [8] They came from Istanbul on foot. And the year became a gala (famine).[8] was snowing for 15 days, that the frosts were frozen from the severity of the cold, but that the river was open between Sarayburnu and Uskudar.[8] For this natural disaster, froze in thirty thousand froze between Uskudar and Istanbul from the cold, Hasimi Celebii, The road became Uskudar, the Mediterranean froze a thousand thirty. As a result of the inconvenience of the Zahire ships, there was a complete famine in Istanbul, and 75 dirhams of bread jumped to one akche, and the oak of the meat to 15 akches.[8] Osman the Young was strangled in Yedikule Zindans in 1622 Fortress in 1685 of the entrances of the Yedikule Fortress in Istanbul, where Osman II was strangled to death by revolting Janissaries Fortress in 1827 a counterweight to Janissary influence, Osman II closed their coffee shops (the gathering points for conspiracies against the throne) and started planning to create a new and more loyal army consisting of Anatolian sekbans.[9] result was a palace uprising by the Janissaries, who promptly imprisoned the young sultan in Yedikule Fortress in Istanbul, where Osman II was strangled to death. Osman's death, his ear was cut off and represented to Halime Sultan and Sultan Mustafa I to confirm his death and Mustafa would no longer need to fear his nephew. It was the first time in the Ottoman history that a Sultan was executed by the Janissaries.[10] This disaster is one of the most discussed topics in Ottoman history. Martyrs of Lazeti, Commemorated on April 29;

Constantinople, 1622 - 1623, Mustafa I, 2nd reign, the Mad, Mother as regent
Constantinople, 1617-1618 and 1622 - 1623, Mustafa I; I (c. 1591 - 20 January 1639), called Mustafa the Saint (Veli Mustafa) during his second reign and often called Mustafa the Mad (Deli Mustafa) by modern historians, was the son of Mehmed III and was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1617 to 1618 and from 1622 to 1623. 1 Early life 2 First reign (1617–1618) 3 Deposition 4 Alleged mental instability 5 Second reign (1622–1623) 6 Deposition and last years 7 Death 8 See also 9 Notes 10 External links life[edit] was born in the Manisa Palace, as the younger brother of Ahmed I (1603–1617). His mother was Halime Sultan, an Abkhazian lady.[1] 1603 it was customary for an Ottoman Sultan to have his brothers executed shortly after he gained the throne (Mustafa's father Mehmed III had executed 19 of his own brothers). But when the thirteen-year-old Ahmed I was enthroned in 1603, he spared the life of the twelve-year-old Mustafa.[2] factor in Mustafa's survival is the influence of Kosem Sultan (Ahmed's favorite consort), who may have wished to preempt the succession of Osman, Ahmed’s first-born son from another concubine. Osman became Sultan, he would likely try to execute his half-brothers, the sons of Ahmed and Kosem. (This scenario later became a reality when Osman II executed his brother Mehmed in 1621.[3]) However, the reports of foreign ambassadors suggest that Ahmed actually liked his brother.[4] Ahmed's death in 1617, Mustafa lived in the Old Palace, along with his mother, and grandmother Safiye Sultan.[5] reign (1617–1618)[edit] death created a dilemma never before experienced by the Ottoman Empire. Multiple princes were now eligible for the Sultanate, and all of them lived in TopkapÄ± Palace.[3] court faction headed by the Şeyhülislam Esad Efendi and Sofu Mehmed Pasha (who represented the Grand Vizier when he was away from Constantinople) decided to enthrone Mustafa instead of Ahmed's son Osman. Mehmed argued that Osman was too young to be enthroned without causing adverse comment among the populace. The Chief Black Eunuch Mustafa Agha objected, citing Mustafa's mental problems, but he was overruled.[6] Mustafa's rise created a new succession principle of seniority that would last until the end of the Empire. It was the first time an Ottoman Sultan was succeeded by his brother instead of his son. His mother Halime Sultan became the Valide Sultan as well as a regent and wielded great power. Due to Mustafa's mental conditions, she acted as a regent and exercised power more directly. was hoped that regular social contact would improve Mustafa's mental health, but his behavior remained eccentric. He pulled off the turbans of his viziers and yanked their beards. Others observed him throwing coins to birds and fish. The Ottoman historian Ä°brahim Peçevi wrote "this situation was seen by all men of state and the people, and they understood that he was psychologically disturbed."[7] was never more than a tool of court cliques at the TopkapÄ± Palace.[8] In 1618, after a short rule, another palace faction deposed him in favour of his young nephew Osman II (1618–1622), and Mustafa was sent back to the Old Palace. conflict between the Janissaries and Osman II presented him with a second chance. After a Janissary rebellion led to the deposition and assassination of Osman II in 1622, Mustafa was restored to the throne and held it for another year.[9] mental instability[edit] according to Baki Tezcan, there is not enough evidence to properly establish that Mustafa was mentally imbalanced when he came to the throne. Mustafa "made a number of excursions to the arsenal and the navy docks, examining various sorts of arms and taking an active interest in the munitions supply of the army and the navy." One of the dispatches of Baron de Sancy, the French ambassador, "suggested that Mustafa was interested in leading the Safavid campaign himself and was entertaining the idea of wintering in Konya for that purpose."[10] one contemporary observer provides an explanation of the coup which does not mention the incapacity of Mustafa. Baron de Sancy ascribes the deposition to a political conspiracy between the grand admiral Ali Pasha and Chief Black Eunuch Mustafa Agha, who were angered by the former's removal from office upon Sultan Mustafa's accession. They may have circulated rumors of the sultan's mental instability subsequent to the coup in order to legitimize it.[11] reign (1622–1623)[edit] commenced his reign by executing all those who had taken any share in the murder of Sultan Osman. Hoca Ömer Efendi, the chief of the rebels, the kÄ±zlar Agha Suleiman Agha, the vizier Dilaver Pasha, the Kaim-makam Ahmed Pasha, the defterdar Baki Pasha, the segban-bashi Nasuh Agha, and the general of the janissaries Ali Agha, were cut into pieces.[12][non-primary source needed] epithet "Veli" (meaning "saint") was used in reference to him during his reign.[13] mental condition unimproved, Mustafa was a puppet controlled by his mother and brother-in-law, the grand vizier Kara Davud Pasha. He believed that Osman II was still alive and was seen searching for him throughout the palace, knocking on doors and crying out to his nephew to relieve him from the burden of sovereignty.[14] "The present emperor being a fool" (according to English Ambassador Sir Thomas Roe), he was compared unfavorably with his predecessor.[7] In fact, it was his mother Halime Sultan the de facto-co-ruler as Valide Sultan of the Ottoman empire. and last years[edit] instability was generated by conflict between the Janissaries and the sipahis (Ottoman cavalry), followed by the Abaza rebellion, which occurred when the governor-general of Erzurum, Abaza Mehmed Pasha, decided to march to Istanbul to avenge the murder of Osman II. The regime tried to end the conflict by executing Kara Davud Pasha, but Abaza Mehmed continued his advance. Clerics and the new Grand Vizier (KemankeÅŸ Kara Ali Pasha) prevailed upon Mustafa's mother to allow the deposition of her son. She agreed, on condition that Mustafa's life would be spared.[3][15] 11-year-old Murad IV, son of Ahmed I and Kösem, was enthroned on 10 September 1623. In return for her consent to his deposition, the request of Mustafa's mother that he be spared execution was granted.[16] Mustafa was sent along with his mother to the Eski (old) Palace.[17] source states that Mustafa was executed by the orders of his nephew, Sultan Murad IV on 20 January 1640 in order to end the Ottoman dynasty and prevented to give power to his mother Kösem Sultan. Another source states that he died of epilepsy which was caused by being imprisoned for 34 years out of his 48 years of life. He is buried in the courtyard of the Haghia Sophia.[18]

Constantinople, 1623-1640, Murad IV, Ottoman Empire Sultan, Ottoman Safavid War (1623-1639)
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1623-1640, Murad IV; IV (Turkish: IV. Murad, 27 July 1612 - 8 February 1640) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1623 to 1640, known both for restoring the authority of the state and for the brutality of his methods. IV was born in Constantinople, the son of Sultan Ahmed I (r. 1603–17) and Kosem Sultan.[2] He was brought to power by a palace conspiracy in 1623, and he succeeded his uncle Mustafa I (r. 1617–18, 1622–23). was only 11 when he ascended the throne. His reign is most notable for the Ottoman–Safavid War (1623–1639), of which the outcome would partition the Caucasus between the two Imperial powers for around two centuries, while it also roughly laid the foundation for the current Turkey–Iran–Iraq borders. The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Lord at Moscow, Commemorated on July 10; Hieromartyr Kozman, Commemorated on July 18; St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania), Commemorated on September 15; Venerable Cyriacus of Tazlu, Romania, Commemorated on December 31; Venerable Cyriacus of Bisericani, Romania, Commemorated on December 31;

Constantinople, 1623, Anthimus II, Partiarch, catholic support, Orthodox, false credit instruments 20,000 L, deposed by Cyril
Constantinople Partiarch, 1623, Anthimus II ; II was Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople for a few months in 1623. was born in Constantinople to a noble and rich family. Before he was elected as Patriarch of Constantinople he was Metropolitan of Adrianople.[1] short reign has to be considered in the context of the clash between the pro-Calvinist Patriarch Cyril Lucaris, supported by the Dutch and English ambassadors, and his opponents supported by the French, Austrian and Venetian ambassadors to the Ottoman capital. latter were successful at persuading the Grand Vizier to depose Cyril Lucaris on 12 April 1623 and to appoint in his place the blind and old Gregory IV. The Metropolitans and the bishops were unsatisfied with Gregory IV because he had not been canonically elected by the Holy Synod. Thus on 18 June 1623 the Holy Synod deposed Gregory IV and formally elected Anthimus II as Patriarch of Constantinople.[2] II, even if politically supported by the Catholic governments, remained a strong and good Orthodox.[3] sent metropolitans to Rhodes, where Lucaris was temporarily exiled, to persuade him to retire to Mount Athos, but without success. On the contrary, Lucaris, thanks to the Calvinist Dutch ambassador, returned to Constantinople and produced false instruments of credit for 20,000 Livres on the Patriarchate.[3] could not find such large amount and was forced to abdicate on 22 September 1623.[3] Subsequently, Lucaris returned on the patriarchal throne for the third time. his resignation, Anthimus retired on Mount Athos where he died in 1628.[1] Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2;

Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III, St. Athanasius of Lubensk, writer, urged Tsar unite with Cossack's
Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III of Constantinople, St. Athanasius of Lubensk; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; At the request of Patriarch Nikon, Athanasius wrote The Ordo of the Episcopal Liturgy in the East, which underlined the Muscovian edited Archieratikon of the Episcopal Service, which is used by the Russian Church to date.[2] Athanasius delivered the Tsar a notebook in which he stated his main reason for his visit to Moscow; that is, to arouse the Tsar unite with Moldavia and the Cossack Hetmanate for a future war with the Turks, after which the Tsar should become the new Roman Emperor, and the Moscow Patriarch “ the new Ecumenical Patriarch.

Constantinople, 1634-1652, WWorking Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows Icon, always w Athanasius III
Constantinople, 1634-1652, Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows Icon, very ancient, always w Athanasios III, after him to Vatopedi till 1849, tRussian Andrew Skete, tSloboda i1863 w Paisios, 18yr old speech healed by touching her lips, list of icon's miracles at Slobodsky, church for tIcon built aVyatka 1871-82, gilded riza added 1866, miraculous copy St Petersburg 1890. ; Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on November 19; exact origin of the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon of the Mother of God is unknown, but the lettering on the Icon indicates that it is very ancient. is a tradition that the Icon belonged to the holy Patriarch Athanasios III of Constantinople (May 2). This Icon accompanied him in all his travels, and so he brought the Icon to Russia with him in the year 1653. the repose of Saint Athanasios in 1654, the Icon was brought to the Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, remaining there until October 11,1849, when the Russian Skete of Saint Andrew was founded. Gregory, who was living alone at Vatopedi, gave the Icon to the newly-founded Skete as a blessing from his monastery. The Icon was kept in the cell of Hieroschema-monk Bessarion (Vavilov), the founder of the Skete. Father Bessarion blessed the brotherhood with the Icon saying, “May this icon bring you joy, and console you in afflictions and sorrows.” glorification of the Icon took place in Russia, in 1863, when Hieromonk Paisios arrived in the town of Sloboda (Vyatka Province) from Mount Athos, bringing with him the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon of the Mother of God. image was decorated with rich silver and a gilded riza. Father Paisios placed the Icon in the women’s Monastery of the Nativity of the Lord, in the church of the Nativity. Father Paisios was about to return to the Holy Mountain, the eighteen-year-old son of a local priest, Father Vladimir Nevolin, who had been unable to speak for six years, was healed by the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. a Moleben, he touched her lips and began to speak. After this, people began to make pilgrimages to the Icon, and many suffering pilgrims received healing and comfort in their sorrows from the holy Icon in those days. holy Icon was transferred to the women’s Monastery of the Transfiguration in the city of Vyatka with great reverence. Slobodsky, an exact list of the Icon’s miracles was compiled by the same eighteen-year old young man who had been healed. spiritual uplifting of the inhabitants of Vyatka was so great that on the eve of a Great Cross procession, the “Vyatka Provincial Gazette” compared the religious fervor to that when the holy Icon from Mount Athos first arrived. Father Paisios was leaving for Mount Athos, he left the list of the Icon’s miracles at the Monastery of the Transfiguration. Vyatka, on June 26, 1871, the foundation of a church in honor of the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon was laid. It was built over a period of eleven years. August 31, 1882, on the Feast of the Placing of the Honorable Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos, Archbishop Appolos consecrated the church, and every Saturday an Akathist was read before the Icon. two years, in remembrance of the holy Icon’s stay in the Vyatka region and the miraculous healings which took place, solemn processions were held throughout the entire diocese. November 19, 1866 at Sloboda’s Monastery of the Nativity of the Lord, a gilded riza was added to the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon of the Mother of God from Mount Athos; in remembrance of the Icon’s first healing (of the young man who could not speak), a particularly solemn service took place in the monastery. That day was established as the Feast Day of the wonderworking Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. March 27, 1890, an exact copy of the Icon was delivered to Russia and placed in the Annunciation Cathedral at St. Petersburg, the representation church of Saint Andrew’s Skete on Mount Athos. and night, crowds of people came to venerate the wonderworking Icon. the grace of God, this icon of the Mother of God was also glorified by numerous miracles. the Icon is at the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in St. Petersburg, and a list of miracles is with the holy Icons in the suburban Cathedral of Saint Katherine. 1999, the altar of one of the churches of the former Monastery of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the town of Sloboda was consecrated in honor of the wonderworking Icon. the Aleksievo-Akatov women’s monastery in Voronezh, there is also a list of the Athos shrine, which says: “This icon was painted and blessed on the Holy Mountain in the Russian Monastery of Saint John Chrysostom under the rector Hieroschema-monk Cyril in 1905.” The Icon was restored in 1999. “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon is in the form of a triptych. In addition to the Most Holy Theotokos, the following saints are depicted: The Great Martyrs George and Demetrios of Thessaloniki on horseback; Saint John the Forerunner and Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, the monastic saints Anthony, Euthymios, Onuphrios the Great and Savva the Sanctified; Saints Spyridon of Trimythontos and Nicholas the Wonderworker. The Icon is adorned with several rizas, one of which is gold. the Feast Day of the Icon is on November 19, it does not have its own Service; so the Troparion, Kontakion, and Akathist for the Assuage my Sorrows Icon (January 25 and October 9) are also used for this Icon. Constantinople, 1580-1662, Athanasius III, St. Athanasius oLubensk, Patriarch oConstantinople, Wonderworker, from Crete, from pious Greek family, wealthy but wanted asceticism, novice Thess M, trapeza at Esphigmenou, tonsured palestinian Ms, returned, presbyter aThss, Gospel to Vlachs & Moldovians & translated Psalter, tConstantinople tPreachby Cyril, bishop aThss, Cyril slandered, tC as Metro, struggle a heratics, Moslems, Jesuits; deposed a 40days, Cyril returned, tAthos, returned&deposed iYr, Thss&Athos, 1633-45 alms petitions to Moscow, tGa1lats aMoldova, 1652 returned C Patriarch 15days, but sermon denouncing Catholics' universal jurisdiction, tGalats Moldovia, tRussian Tzar&Patriarch iMoscow, great alms but ill on way back and died in Lubensk, Ukraine.; Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III of Constantinople, St. Athanasius of Lubensk; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; Athanasius III Patelarios, Patriarch of Constantinople, Wonderworker of Lubensk, in the world Alexis, born in 1560 on the island of Crete, into the pious Greek family Patelarios. his education and position in society, Alexis was attracted by the life of Christian ascetics. his father’s death, he became a novice in one of the monasteries of Thessalonica with the name Ananias. there, he later went to the monastery of Esphigmenou on Mt. Athos, where he fulfilled his obedience in the trapeza (dining area). Athos he journeyed to the Palestinian monasteries, and he was tonsured with the name Athanasius. his return to Thessalonica he was ordained presbyter spread the Gospel of Christ among the Vlachs and the Moldovians, for whom he translated the PSALTER from the Greek. the saint went to Mt. Athos for solitude, and to ask God’s blessing on his pastoral work. holiness of his life attracted many Christians who wished to see a true preacher of the Orthodox Faith. his remarkable abilities and spiritual gifts he attracted the attention of the Patriarch of Constantinople, Cyril I (Lukaris) (1621-1623). the ascetic, Patriarch Cyril appointed him a preacher of the Patriarchal throne. Saint Athanasius was consecrated bishop and became Metropolitan of Thessalonica. this time Patriarch Cyril was slandered before the sultan and imprisoned on the island of Tenedos. Athanasius assumed the Patriarchal throne on March 25, 1634, on the day of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. Athanasius led an incessant struggle against heretics, Jesuits, and Moslems. only forty days on the Patriarchal throne, he was deposed through the intrigues of the enemies of Orthodoxy, and Cyril I was returned. saint went to Athos, where for a certain time he pursued asceticism in solitude. he became Patriarch again, but was deposed after a year. this, he returned to Thessalonica and renewed his connections with the Holy Mountain. view of the intolerable persecution of Christians by the Moslems, Saint Athanasius was repeatedly (from 1633 to 1643) obliged to send petitions to the Russian tsar Michael (1613-1645) seeking alms for the hapless Church of Constantinople. living at Thessalonica became impossible for the saint, he was forced to journey to Moldavia under the protection of its sovereign, Basil Lukulos, he settled there in the monastery of Saint Nicholas near Galats, he longed for Mount Athos. He visited it often and hoped to finish his life there, but God ordained something else for him. 1652 after the death of Patriarch Cyril I, Saint Athanasius was returned to the patriarchal throne. remained only fifteen days, since he was not acceptable to the Moslems and Catholics. his final Patriarchal service he preached a sermon in which he denounced papal pretensions to universal jurisdiction over the whole Church. by the Moslems and Jesuits, physically weakened, he transferred the administration of the Church of Constantinople to Metropolitan Paisius of Laureia, he withdrew to Moldavia, where he was appointed administrator of the monastery of Saint Nicholas at Galats. the deep faith and responsiveness of the Russian nation, Saint Athanasius undertook a journey to Russia. April 1653 he was met with great honor in Moscow by Patriarch Nikon (1652-1658) and Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich. received generous alms for the needs of the monastery, Patriarch Athanasius left for Galats in December 1653. the way he fell ill and stayed at the Transfiguration Mgarsk monastery in the city of Lubno in February 1654. his impending death, the saint wrote his last will, and he fell asleep in the Lord on April 5. Petronios and the brethren of the monastery buried the Patriarch. Greek custom the saint was buried in a sitting position. February 1, 1662 Saint Athanasius was glorified as a saint and his Feastday was designated as May 2, the Feast of Saint Athanasius the Great. relics of holy Patriarch Athansios, glorified by numerous miracles and signs, rest in the city of Kharkov, in the Annunciation cathedral church. At the request of Patriarch Nikon, Athanasius wrote The Ordo of the Episcopal Liturgy in the East, which underlined the Muscovian edited Archieratikon of the Episcopal Service, which is used by the Russian Church to date.[2] Athanasius delivered the Tsar a notebook in which he stated his main reason for his visit to Moscow; that is, to arouse the Tsar unite with Moldavia and the Cossack Hetmanate for a future war with the Turks, after which the Tsar should become the new Roman Emperor, and the Moscow Patriarch “ the new Ecumenical Patriarch. Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III of Constantinople, St. Athanasius of Lubensk; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; At the request of Patriarch Nikon, Athanasius wrote The Ordo of the Episcopal Liturgy in the East, which underlined the Muscovian edited Archieratikon of the Episcopal Service, which is used by the Russian Church to date.[2] Athanasius delivered the Tsar a notebook in which he stated his main reason for his visit to Moscow; that is, to arouse the Tsar unite with Moldavia and the Cossack Hetmanate for a future war with the Turks, after which the Tsar should become the new Roman Emperor, and the Moscow Patriarch “ the new Ecumenical Patriarch.

Constantinople, 1640-1648, Ibrahim, Ottoman Empire Sultan, the Mad, incompetent
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1640-1648, Ibrahim of the Ottoman Empire; (5 November 1615 - 18 August 1648) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1640 until 1648. He was born in İstanbul, the son of Ahmed I by Valide Kösem Sultan, an ethnic Greek originally named Anastasia.[1][2][3] was called "Deli Ibrahim" ("Ibrahim the Mad") due to his mental condition and behavior.[4] However Scott Rank notes that his opponents spread rumors of the sultan's insanity, and some historians suggest he was more incompetent than mad.[5] New-martyr John of Thasos, Commemorated on December 20; Venerable Cyriacus of Tazlu, Romania, Commemorated on December 31; Venerable Cyriacus of Bisericani, Romania, Commemorated on December 31; Venerable Acacius the Younger of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 12;

Constantinople, 1640-1710, Theodora oSihla, Abandoned World, birds feed her, spiritual p, radiant light, levitation, incorrupt r
Moldovia, 1640-1710, Theodora oSihla, Sihastria Monastery, born approx 1620, died approx 1710, great early trial, thought tAbandon world, parents married her, they entered monasteries, iBuzau valley, Skete of Poiana Marului, he Priest, she grace of unceasing prayer otHeart, she many temptations endured, she fled to mts fTurks, tNeramt mts, Neamts Icon, Sihastria Skete, under FrPaul, live wilderness 1yr, if endure remain until die, beneath clifs of Sihla, clairvoyant elder, Theodora remain in my cell, Fr Paul left her there 30 yrs, visiting time to time wSpotless Mysteries&supplies, asceticism progress, able arms in air virgil all night, break fast herbs, Theodora's rainwater spring, Paul's repose, God's care, Turks attack villages, nuns discover her cell, remain my cell I go to cave, rest on flagstones, Turks discover cave, Lord deliver me, cave wall opens up escape to woods, she grows old forgotten alone no one to care for her, placed all hope in God, great heights spiritual perfection, radiant light, levitation, mouth prayer flame, rags for clothes, birds bring food from Sihastria, monks follow them to her, bright light at night from her, levitating, she clairvoyantly knew their names and sent them to bring named priest for her final rites, how, guided by light before them, repose, burried in her cave, people came to venerate, incorrupt relics, healing and consolation, husband came, stayed there 10 yrs, buried hermit's cemetery Skete John tBaptist built over his grave, her relics taken to Kiev Caves 1828-34. Sihastria Monastery; Saint Theodora of Sihla, Commemorated on August 7; Theodora of Sihla, who is one of the greatest of Romania’s women ascetics, was born in the village of Vânatori in Neamts County in the first half of the seventeenth century, and was one of the two daughters of Stephen Joldea and his wife. her youth, Saint Theodora experienced a great trial in her family. Her sister, Marghiolitsa, died in a tragic way. This event deeply affected the saint. At this time, the thought of abandoning the world blossomed in her heart. She wished to do penance for her parents, for her sister, and for herself. Her grieving parents, however, did not agree with her decision, because now Theodora was their only child. They pleaded with her, and, at the proper time, they married her to a young man who was working in their vicinity, and who went frequently to venerate the holy sites. After entering into a lawful marriage, they lived together in her husband’s house. Saint Theodora and her husband did not have any children, they both decided to enter monasteries in the Buzau valley. Her husband went to the Skete of Poiana Mărului, where he was tonsured with the name Eleutherios. He was also found worthy of ordination to the holy priesthood. Saint Theodora also received the monastic tonsure in the Skete of Poiana Mărului. In just a few short years, she advanced in obedience, prayer, and asceticism, acquiring the grace of unceasing prayer of the heart. She also had to endure many temptations from the Enemy. the Buzau valley was invaded by the Turks, Saint Theodora fled to the mountains with her Spiritual Mother, Schema-nun Paisia. They lived for several years in fasting, vigil and prayer, enduring cold, hunger, and other trials from the devil. When her Spiritual Mother fell asleep in the Lord (sometime between 1670 - 1675), Saint Theodora was led by God to the mountains of Neamț. After venerating the wonderworking Neamts Icon of the Mother of God (June 26) at the monastery, she was told to seek the advice of Hieromonk Barsanuphios of Sihăstria Skete. Seeing her desire for the eremetical life, and recognizing her great virtues, he gave her Holy Communion and assigned Hieromonk Paul as her Father Confessor and spiritual guide. Barsanuphios advised Mother Theodora to go and live alone in the wilderness for a year. “If, by the grace of Christ, you are able to endure the difficulties and trials of the wilderness, then remain there until you die. If you cannot endure, however, then go to a women’s monastery, and struggle there in humility for the salvation of your soul.” Paul searched in vain for an abandoned hermitage where the saint might live. Then they met an old hermit living beneath the cliffs of Sihla. This clairvoyant Elder greeted them and said, “Mother Theodora, remain in my cell, because I am moving to another hermitage.” Paul left the nun on Mount Sihla, blessing her before he returned to the Sihăstria Skete. Saint Theodora lived in that cell for thirty years, glorifying God. Strengthened with power from on high, she vanquished all the attacks of the Enemy through patience and humility. She never left the mountain, and never saw another person except for Father Paul, who visited her from time to time to bring her the Spotless Mysteries of Christ and the supplies she needed in order to survive. Theodora made such progress in asceticism that she was able to keep vigil all night long with her arms lifted up toward heaven. When the morning sun touched her face, she would eat some herbs and other vegetation to break her fast. She drank the rain water which she collected from a channel cut into the cliff, which is still known as Saint Theodora’s spring. After Father Paul’s repose, she remained solely in God’s care. Turks attacked the villages and monasteries around Neamts, the woods became filled with people from nearby villages and refugees from the monasteries. Some nuns discovered Saint Theodora’s cell and she told them, “Remain here in my cell, for I have another place of refuge.” Then she moved into a nearby cave, living there completely alone. At night she would rest a little on the flagstones, which still can be seen to this day. An army of Turks discovered the cave, and were about to kill the saint. Lifting up her hands, she cried out, “O Lord, deliver me from the hands of these murderers.” The wall of the cave opened up, and she was able to escape into the woods. Saint Theodora grew old, she was completely forgotten and there was no one to care for her. Placing all her hope in God, she continued her spiritual struggles, and reached great heights of perfection. When she prayed her mind was raised up to Heaven, and her body was lifted up off the ground. Like the great saints of earlier times, her face shone with a radiant light, and a flame came forth from her mouth when she prayed. her clothes became mere rags, and when her food ran out, she was fed by birds just as the Prophet Elias (July 20) was. The bread that they brought to her came from the Sihăstria Skete. Seeing the birds come to the Skete and then fly away with pieces of bread in their beaks, the Hegumen sent two monks to follow them, thinking that some ascetic was living there and that God was providing food for him. Night fell as they walked toward Sihla, and they lost their way in the woods. They decided to wait for daylight, and so they began to pray. One of them climbed a tree and looked for a place where someone might be living. Suddenly, they saw a bright light rising up into the sky, and went to investigate. As they approached, they saw a woman shining with light and levitating above the ground while she prayed. their presence, Saint Theodora said, “Brethren, do not be afraid, for I am a humble handmaiden of Christ. Throw me something to wear, for I am naked.’ The monks were amazed when she addressed them by name. Then she prayed: “I thank Thee, O Lord, that Thou hast heard me.” She said to the monks, “Brothers, I have lived for many years in these parts, and, behold, it has been forty days since I prayed for God to send me a Confessor to come and impart unto me the Holy Mysteries of our Lord Jesus Christ, because it is almost time for me to depart from this life. So, please, go straight to the Skete and ask Father Hegumen to send Father Anthony and Hierodeacon Laurence to me tomorrow morning with Holy Communion.” asked her how they could find their way to the Skete at night, for they did not know the way. She said that they would be guided to the Skete by a light which would go before them. next day at dawn, Father Anthony went to Sihla with the deacon and two other monks. When they found Saint Theodora, she was praying by a fir tree in front of her cave. She made a Confession of her entire life to Father Anthony, and then she received the Holy Mysteries of Christ and gave her soul to God. Her last words were, “Glory to God for all things.’ The monks buried Saint Theodora in her cave with great reverence sometime during the first decade of the eighteenth century. of her death spread quickly, and people came from all over to venerate her tomb. Her holy relics remained incorrupt, and many miracles took place before them. Some kissed the relics; others touched the reliquary, while others washed in her spring. All who entreated Saint Theodora’s intercession received healing and consolation. Theodore’s former husband, Hieromonk Eleutherios, heard that she had been living at Sihla, and decided to go there. He found her cave shortly after her death and burial. Grieving for his beloved wife, Eleutherios did not return to his monastery, but made a small cell for himself below the cliffs of Sihla. He remained close to her cave, fasting, praying, and serving the Divine Liturgy. He lived there for about ten years before his blessed repose. He was buried in the hermits’ cemetery and the Skete of Saint John the Baptist was built over his grave. Theodora’s relics were taken to the Kiev Caves Monastery between 1828 and 1834. There she is known as Saint Theodora of the Carpathians. Our Venerable Mother Theodora was glorified by the Romanian Orthodox Church on June 20, 1992. inscription of Saint Theodora’s scroll reads: “Life is blessed for those in the wilderness as they fly upon the wings of Divine love” (Sunday Matins, Hymn of Degrees, first Antiphon).

Constantinople, 1648-1687, Mehmed IV, Sultan, long reign, empire reached height of European territorial expansion
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1648-1687, Mehmed IV; IV (2 January 1642 -6 January 1693) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1648 to 1687. He came to the throne at the age of six after his father was overthrown in a coup. Mehmed went on to become the second longest reigning sultan in Ottoman history after Suleiman the Magnificent.[1] While the initial and final years of his reign were characterized by military defeat and political instability, during his middle years he oversaw the revival of the empire's fortunes associated with the K era. Mehmed IV was known by contemporaries as a particularly pious ruler, and was referred to as gazi, or "holy warrior" for his role in the many conquests carried out during his long reign.[2] his reign the empire reached the height of its territorial expansion in Europe. From a young age he developed a keen interest in hunting, for which he is known as the hunter.[1] In 1687 Mehmed was overthrown by soldiers disenchanted by the course of the ongoing War of the Holy League. He subsequently retired to Edirne, where he resided until his natural death in 1693.[1] Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev, Commemorated on July 23; Commemoration of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks, Commemorated on July 23; of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God is among the most revered sacred objects of the Orthodox Church. Located in the Dormition Cathedral at Pochaev, Ukraine, the Icon is reknowned throughout the entire Slavic world, and is venerated in Russia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and in other places. Christians of other confessions also venerate the Pochaev Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. The wonderworking Icon has been treasured at the Pochaev Lavra for over 400 years. miracles have taken place before the holy Icon, and these are recorded in special books at the monastery. The books contain the personal testimonies of people who prayed before the Pochaev Icon and were healed of their illnesses, delivered from unclean spirits, or freed from captivity. Many sinners were also brought to repentance. Feast Day in honor of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God was appointed to commemorate the deliverance of the Dormition Lavra from a siege by the Turks on July 20-23, 1675. the summer of 1675 during the Zbarazhsk War with the Turks, in the reign of the Polish King Jan Sobesski (1674-1696), regiments composed of Tatars under the command of Khan Nurredin via Vishnevets fell upon the Pochaev monastery, surrounding it on three sides. The weak monastery walls and its stone buildings did not offer much protection against a siege. Igoumen Joseph Dobromirsky urged the brethren and laypeople to pray to their heavenly intercessors, the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Job of Pochaev (October 28). monks and the people prayed fervently, prostrating themselves before the wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God, and the reliquary containing the relics of Saint Job. At sunrise on the morning of July 23, as the Tatars prepared to attack the monastery, the Igoumen ordered an Akathist to the Theotokos to be sung. At the opening words, “O Queen of the Heavenly Hosts,” the Mother of God suddenly appeared over the church, in “an unfurled radiant white omaphorion,” with angels holding unsheathed swords. Saint Job stood beside the Mother of God, bowing to her and beseeching her to defend the monastery. Tatars believed that the heavenly army was a vision, and in their confusion they started shooting arrows at the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Job, but the arrows turned backwards and wounded those who shot them. The enemy, gripped by terror, fled in panic, trampling upon and killing each other. The defenders of the monastery pursued them and took many prisoners. Later, some of the prisoners converted to the Orthodox Faith and remained at the monastery thereafter. the year 1721, Pochaev was occupied by the Uniates. Even during this difficult time for the Lavra, the monastery Chronicle lists 539 miracles of the Pochaev Icon. In the second half of the eighteenth century, a Uniate nobleman, Count Nicholas Pototski, became a benefactor of the Pochaev Lavra through the following miraculous circumstance. After accusing his coachman of overturning the carriage with runaway horses, the Count took out a pistol to shoot him. The coachman, turning towards the mountain of Pochaev, stretched out his hands and cried: "Mother of God, depicted in the Pochaev Icon, save me!” times Pototski tried to shoot the pistol, which had never failed him, but the weapon misfired and the coachman remained alive. Pototski went at once to the wonderworking Icon and resolved to devote himself and all his property to building up the monastery. With the money he contributed, the Dormition cathedral was built, as well as other buildings for the brethren. return of the Pochaev Monastery to the Orthodox Church in 1832 was marked by the miraculous healing of the blind maiden Anna Akimchukova, who had come on pilgrimage to the holy shrine along with her seventy-year-old grandmother from Kremenets-Podolsk, 200 versts away. In memory of this event, the Archbishop of Volhynia and Archimandrite Innocent of the Lavra (1832-1840) appointed that an Akathist be read on Saturdays before the wonderworking Icon. During the time of Archimandrite Agathangelus, Archbishop of Volhynia (1866-1876), a separate chapel was built in the galleries of the Holy Trinity church, which was dedicated on July 23, 1875 in memory of the victory over the Tatars. wonderworking Pochaev Icon is also commemorated on Friday of Bright Week, and on September 8. New Martyr Triandaphyllus of Stara Zagora, Commemorated on August 8 ; New Martyr Stamatius of Volos, Commemorated on August 16 ; St Gabriel I the Patriarch, Commemorated on August 30; Martyr Macarius the Archimandrite of Kanev and Pereyaslavl, Commemorated on September 7 ; St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania), Commemorated on September 15; Terebovlya Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God, Commemorated on October 1 ; St Demetrius of Basarabov, Commemorated on October 27; Icon of the Mother of God ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂœQuick to HearÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on November 9; Monk Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated on November 13; New-martyr John of Thasos, Commemorated on December 20; Venerable Cyriacus of Tazlu, Romania, Commemorated on December 31; Venerable Cyriacus of Bisericani, Romania, Commemorated on December 31; Venerable Romanus the Martyr, Commemorated on January 5; St Joseph the Metropolitan of Astrakhan, Commemorated on May 11; Martyr John the Wallachian of Romania, Commemorated on May 12;

Constantinople, 1651, Nilus t Myrrhgusher of Mt Athos, raised by Macarius, relics curative myrrh, accurate prophecies
Greece, Mt Athos, 1651, Nilus the Myrrhgusher of Mt Athos (The Holy Mountain), Macedonia, Greece, raised by uncle hieromonk Macarius, attained hieromonk, Holy Rocks on Mt A, abundant flow curative myrrh from his relics, left accurate 20th century prophecies ; Mount Athos ; Athonite monasteries ; Venerable Nilus the Myrrhgusher of Mt Athos, Commemorated on November 12 ; Nilus the Myrrh-Gusher of Mt Athos was born in Greece, in a village named for Saint Peter, in the Zakoneia diocese. was raised by his uncle, the hieromonk Macarius. attained the age of maturity, he received monastic tonsure and was found worthy of ordination to hierodeacon, and then to hieromonk. desire for greater monastic struggles brought uncle and nephew to Mt Athos, where Macarius and Nilus lived in asceticism at a place called the Holy Rocks. the repose of Saint Macarius, the venerable Nilus, aflame with zeal for even more intense spiritual efforts, found an isolated place almost inaccessible for any living thing. his departure to the Lord in 1651, Saint Nilus was glorified by an abundant flow of curative myrrh, for which Christians journeyed from the most distant lands of the East. Nilus has left a remarkably accurate prophecy concerning the state of the Church in the mid-twentieth century, and a description of the people of that time. the inventions he predicted are the telephone, airplane, and submarine. also warned that people’s minds would be clouded by carnal passions, “and dishonor and lawlessness will grow stronger.” would not be distinguishable from women because of their “shamelessness of dress and style of hair.” Nilus lamented that Christian pastors, bishops and priests, would become vain men, and that the morals and traditions of the Church would change. pious and God-fearing pastors would remain, and many people would stray from the right path because no one would instruct them.

Constantinople, 1652, John of Thasos, Macedonia, aprentice tailor, seized by turks for insulting Moslems, no conversion, beheaded
Greece, 1652, John of Thasos, Macedonia, 18 yr old aprentice tailor, seized by turks for insulting Moslems, no conversion, beheaded; Thasos; New-martyr John of Thasos, Commemorated December 20 ; New Martyr John of Thasos was from the village of Marias on the island of Thasos. In his youth he was brought to Constantinople and apprenticed to a tailor. day he was seized by the Turks and accused of insulting the Moslem religion. They tried to force him to accept Islam, but he would not agree to renounce the Christian Faith, for which he was beheaded at the age of eighteen in the year 1652.

Constantinople, 1657, Gabriel II, Patriarch, Serb, alms from Romania& Russia, service books for Russia, Jesuit slander, martyred
Constantinople Patriarch, 1657, Gabriel II of Constantinople; St Gabriel I the Patriarch, Commemorated on August 30; Gabriel I, Patriarch of Serbia (family name Raicha), occupied the cathedra in the mid-seventeenth century, a time when the Moslem fanaticism had become intense. In the urgent need for both cathedral and country the saint went to collect alms at Walachia, and from there to Moscow. Moscow in 1655, he was present with the Patriarch of Antioch at a Church Council which sought to correct various aspects of church service books in accord with the Greek and Old Slavonic texts. The saint brought several manuscripts and three liturgies printed in the south as gifts to the Russian Church. saint returned to Serbia with generous alms for his Church and country. His cathedra had been given to another occupant, and moreover, Austrian Jesuits had slandered him with treason before the vizier. The saint’s innocence was obvious, because the vizier pretended he would spare his life and grant him an important official position, if the saint would betray his faith in the Savior. “I am completely innocent of state crimes,” said Saint Gabriel, “this you admit yourself. I shall never agree to save my life by betraying the Christian Faith while I remain of sound mind. Keep your riches and honors, for I don’t need them.” After harsh torture, Saint Gabriel was hanged in October 1659. the general service of the Serblyak (collective services to Serbian saints) on August 30 are also remembered: Saint Iakov, Archbishop of Serbia (February 3, 1292), the holy Bishop Gregory (a descendant of the renowned Nehemanicha lineage), and also the saints: Archbishop Savva III (1305-1316), and the Patriarchs Cyril, Nikon, John, Maximus.

Constantinople, 1664, Quick to Hear Icon, Docheiariou monastery, Mt Athos, smoke darkening, blinded, MOG quick to hear
Greece, 1664, Quick to Hear Icon, Docheiariou monastery, Mt Athos, smoke darkening, blinded, MOG quick to hear, Neophytos' time, do not come this way, darkening my icon with smoke, ignored, struck blind, realized who spoke, remained before icon until forgiven by MOG, received sight, monks come to me and I will hear you quickly, countless miracles, blind receive their sight, paralytics are healed, barren women conceive children, and captives are set free when they approach the Theotokos with faith and reverence; Docheiariou monastery; Icon of the Mother of God "Quick to Hear", Commemorated November 9 ; wonderworking "Quick to Hear" Icon of the Mother of God is kept at Dokheiarίou Monastery on Mount Athos, and is believed to date from the XI century, during the time of Saint Neophytos, the Igoumen of the Monastery. the wonderworking Portaitissa Icon, the most famous Icon on Mount Athos is an ancient fresco of the Panagia located outside on the east wall of the trapeza, and to the right of the entrance. 1664 the Monk Neilos, the steward of the trapeza, often passed before the Icon holding a lit torch in his hand so he could carry out his duties in the trapeza. One day, he heard a voice say to him: "Do not come this way again with your torches, darkening my Icon with smoke." did not pay much attention to the voice, thinking that someone was playing a joke on him. It was not long before he heard the voice again saying, "O monk, unworthy of the name, how long will you continue to darken my Icon with smoke?" hearing the voice, Neilos was struck blind. Then he remembered that he had heard the voice before, and realized that he deserved this punishment, for he did not heed the command of the Mother of God, but had ignored it in his ignorance. next morning, the brethren found him laying on the floor of the corridor before the Icon, unable to see them. When they learned why Neilos had been punished, the monks were terrified. From that time on, they passed by the Icon with great reverence, and hung an unsleeping lamp before it. however, did not want to return to his cell. He remained before the Icon in a stasidi, calling upon the Theotokos with tears and lamentations to forgive him for the sin he had committed. He begged her to restore his sight, as a sign of her forgiveness, so that he might gaze upon her Icon and glorify her. was not disappointed in his hopes, for the Mother of God heard the prayers of her repentant servant. He heard her voice a third time, saying, "Monk, your prayer has been heard. You are forgiven, and you shall receive your sight again. Declare to the other Fathers and brethren who struggle here that I am the Mother of God, and that after God, I am the shelter and help and mighty protector of this Monastery of the Archangels, providing for it as its defender and guide. From now on, let the monks come to me for all their needs, and I will hear them quickly, as well as all Orthodox Christians who come to me with reverence, for I am called Quick to Hear." soon this miracle and the promise of the Theotokos became known throughout the Holy Mountain, and monks from the other Monasteries came to Dokheiarίou to venerate the Icon, and to see the monk who had regained his sight. The corridor was closed off and a chapel was built to house the "Quick to Hear" Icon. One of the most devout and accomplished Hieromonks is appointed to be present in the chapel. He is known as the prosmonarios, and he is there most of the time to chant Canons of Supplication before the Icon, which he censes every evening and morning, tending the chapel, and trimming the oil lamps. "Quick to Hear" Icon venerated not only on the Holy Mountain, but also by Orthodox Christians all over the world. Countless miracles of healing are worked by the Mother of God through her Holy Icon. The blind receive their sight, paralytics are healed, barren women conceive children, and captives are set free when they approach the Theotokos with faith and reverence. copy of the "Quick to Hear Icon" was painted on Mount Athos and was sent as a gift from the Russian and other devout monks of the Holy Mountain to Archbishop Tikhon (later Patriarch of Moscow) of the Aleutian Islands and North America. May of 1906 that copy of the famous "Quick to Hear” Icon at Dokheiarίou Monastery was carried to Saint Tikhon's Monastery (in Walmart, PA) in a solemn Cross Procession, along with several others, including one of the Holy Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon. relics of several saints were placed in the Icon. These include the Holy Great Martyr Theodore Stratēlátēs (Feb. 8), Saints Cosmas and Damian the Unmercenary Physicians, Saint Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessaloniki (Nov. 14), and the Holy New Martyr Constantine of Mount Athos, who was born on the island of Hydra and suffered at the hands of the Turks on the island of Rhodes on November 14, 1800. "Quick to Hear" Icon is now on the iconostasis of Saint Tikhon's Monastery church.

Constantinople, 1669, Deposition of Joseph's relics, incorrupt emitting divine fragrance, holiness discovered after death
Greece, 1669, Gaitanios, Zakynthos, Deposition of the Holy Relics of Saint Joseph Samakos the Sanctified, his holiness only discovered when his relics recovered, incorrupt emitting divine fragrance, miracleworker rep established after death, plus blind&deaf healings; Gaitanios, Zakynthos; Deposition of the Holy Relics of Saint Joseph Samakos the Sanctified (1669), Commemorated on August 29; Joseph the Sanctified reposed on January 22, 1511 when he was about seventy years old, and was buried in his monastery. holiness was recognized at the recovery of his relics, because they were found incorrupt and emitting a divine fragrance. were deposited in the katholikon of the monastery. after his death he established his reputation as a miracle worker. There were continuous miracles where many sick persons were healed, including the blind and possessed. 1669 the Ottomans occupied Heraklion in Crete, and so the devout clergyman Anthony Armakis transferred the sacred relics of Saint Joseph to Zakynthos on August 29, 1669 and placed them in the Monastery of Saint John of Mantineos in Xerobounia. There the Saint's relics remained until 1915, when they were placed in the parish church of the Pantokrator at Gaitanios, Zakynthos.

Constantinople, 1669-1681, Damascene, Monastic of Athos Larva &oGalatea (north shore of the Golden Horn) beheaded by Moslems
Constantinople, 1669-1681, Damascene, Monastic of t Athos Larva &oGalatea (north shore of the Golden Horn), orphaned young, undiciplined, caught, islam convert to save himself, fled to Athos Larva, became monk, 12 yrs, great schema, blesed for martyrdom, proclaimed Christ in Mosques including Hagia Sophia, nothing happened, went to Sultan, ignored, more mosques, went to kadi and grand viser, condemned, beheaded; Monastic Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated on November 13; Damascene was a monk from Constantinople. His parents Kyriakos and Kyriake lived in the Galatea district of the city, and they named their son Diamantes. at a young age, and without parental guidance, the boy became rather undisciplined in his conduct. One day he was caught doing something unlawful, and in order to save himself he agreed to convert to Islam. Later he came to his senses and repented his denial of Christ. Fleeing to the Holy Mountain, he became a monk at the Lavra, receiving the name Damascene. twelve years he labored in prayer and asceticism, and was tonsured into the Great Schema. Finally, he revealed to his spiritual Father his desire for martyrdom. Receiving a blessing for this struggle, he cut his hair and dressed as a sailor. the church of Hagia Sophia, which had been turned into a mosque, the monk Damascene made the Sign of the Cross and proclaimed Christ as the true God. Since the Moslems did nothing to him, he went to the Sultan Mehmed mosque and repeated his confession of faith, calling the Moslems ignorant and deceived because they did not believe in Christ. Those who heard him thought he was insane. next day Saint Damascene went to the vizier’s courtyard and shouted at those he found there, “Your faith is not true. Christ is the true God, and only the faith of Christ is true.” Not surprisingly, he was seized and beaten, then chased away. He continued to proclaim Christ in other places, but everyone thought he was crazy, and they ignored him. a Sunday, the holy martyr went to the Tophana mosque, where many Moslems had gathered. Again he was seized and beaten. This time, however, he was sent to the kadi and then to the Grand Vizier, Kara Mustapha. Seeing that the saint would not change his mind and live as a Moslem, the Vizier sentenced him to death. November 13, 1681, Saint Damascene was led to the Phanar, where he was forced to kneel before the gates of the Patriarchate. Thanking God for allowing him to fulfill the exploit of martyrdom, he bent his neck and was beheaded. The relics of the holy New Martyr Damascene were taken to Chalki and enshrined in the church of the Holy Trinity. Galatea (Constantinople);

Constantinople, 1671-1704, Selim I Giray, Crimean Khan, 4 times Khan, first time lost to Pochaev Icon
Mongol, Crimea, 1671-1704, Crimean Khan, Selim I Giray; I Giray, Selim Khan Girai (Crimean Tatar: I Selim Geray, Turkish: 1. Selim Giray) was four times khan of the Crimean Khanate in the period from 1671 to 1704. During this time Crimean khans were regularly appointed and replaced by the Ottomans. The main events of the period were the continuing conflicts in Ukraine, the Russian capture of Azov and the Great Turkish War during which the Turks were pushed back from Vienna to about the line of Belgrade. Unlike other khans of the period, he ruled well and had no conflicts with his nobles. He was born in 1631. khans were the direct descendants of Genghis Khan, the Mongol Emperor. After the death of Genghis Khan (1227) the empire was partitioned and the part in East Europe and Northwest Asia was named Golden Horde. The Golden Horde khans embraced Islam. region which was also called Desht-i Qipchaq was the home of Kypchak Turks and the khanate was Turkified. the early 15th century Golden Horde was further partitioned. One of the parts was the Crimean Khanate founded in and around the Crimean Peninsula, modern Ukraine in 1441. 1478, Giray was the name of the dynasty of khans. However, after partitioning, the parts of the khanate were no longer the major powers in the East Europe and in 1478 after an Ottoman campaign to Cremea, the Crimean Khanate had to accept the suzerainty of the Ottoman Empire. Being the main Moslem vassal of the empire, Crimean Khanate had a privileged status in the Ottoman Empire. father Bahadır I Giray (1637) was one of the many sons of Selâmet I Giray (1608). Selyamet was the ancestor of most subsequent khans. He had 10 daughters and either 10 or 13 sons, five of whom were khans. Among his sons were Devlet II Giray (1699, 1709), Gazi III Giray (1704), Qaplan I Giray (1707, 1713, 1730), Saadet IV Giray (1717), Meñli II Giray (1724, 1737) and Selâmet II Giray (1740) and Azamet, Adil, Muhamed, Shabaz, Maksud, Sahib and Safa. Most subsequent khans were descended from Devlet II, except for the sons of Saadet and Selyamet and the son and grandson of Qaplan. reign (1671-1678)[edit] was appointed as the khan in 1671 while he was in retirement at 'Cholmek' near Yambol in modern in Bulgaria. It is said that he obtained the khanship by bribing vizier Kologi.[1] His kalga and nureddin were his brother Selyamet and his cousin Safa. He was immediately called to fight in the Polish–Ottoman War (1672–76). Howorth[2] says that he and his two sons contributed to the capture of Kamianets-Podilskyi. He captured many prisoners in Pokutia and Volhynia but was forced to abandon them by Jan Sobieski. When the Nogais near Akkerman revolted against the Porte Selim forced them to move to Crimea, but they drifted back. 1676 the pro-Turkish Doroshenko was defeated at Chyhyryn by the Russians and forced to abdicate. In 1677 Turkish and Crimean troops were sent to re-take Chyryhin. The Russians barely won the siege, Selim received part of the blame and was removed. See Russo-Turkish War (1676–1681). He spent the winter in Kaffa and retired to Rhodes. was followed by Murad Giray and then Haci II Giray. In 1683 Murad was removed for his part in the Turkish defeat at Vienna. Haci was soon driven out by the Crimean nobles. reign (1684-1691)[edit] Turkish disaster at Vienna led to the so-called Great Turkish War (1683-1699) in which all the neighboring powers ganged up to push the Turks south. Russia’s role was to send two expeditions against Crimea (Crimean campaigns of 1687 and 1689). Both failed due to supply problems, but they kept Crimean troops away from the main fighting in the west. In 1688 Selim defeated some Austrians. In 1689 he was again successful near Belgrade, but his son was killed. He chose to resign the khanship and make the pilgrimage to Mecca. On his return he settled at an estate called ‘Kazikui near Silivri’. [3] was followed by Saadet III Giray who was removed after less than a year. The next khan, Safa Giray of Crimea, was replaced by Selim at Crimean request. Saadet failed the Turks militarily and Safa was accused of drunkenness, among other things, Reign (1692-1699)[edit] kalga was his son Devlet. His nureddin was Shahin, the son of his nephew Selyamet. His reign was dominated by three problems: fighting in the Balkans, raiding and fighting in Ukraine and the Russian capture of Azov. 1692 he was immediately called to fight in the Balkans. In September 1695 he was again called west and took part in the battle of Lippa or Lugos. (see de:Friedrich von Veterani) the Azov campaigns (1695–96) Peter the Great tried to capture Azov, the second campaign being successful. Russia held Azov until 1711. Crimeans raided Domanchov (1692), Poltava (1692,1693) and Pereiaslav (1694). In return the Cossacks raided Ochakov and Perekop. Following the Azov campaigns the Cossacks built forts near the mouth of the Don and Crimeans raided toward Lemburg (1697). Crimeans fought Poles at the Battle of Podhajce (1698). is not clear why Selim chose to leave the throne. He retired to an esate near Silivri. His departure roughly coincided with the Treaty of Karlowitz (1699) which ended the Great Turkish War and the Treaty of Constantinople (1700) which ended Russian involvement in the same war. this time Selim suffered from gout and moved to various places near Istanbul in hope of a cure. Selim was followed by his son Devlet II Giray. Devlet was removed and replaced by his father (fourth reign) because of conflicts with his brothers and because of his provocative hostility to Russia. reign (1702–1704)[edit] 71-year old Selim appointed his sons Gazi and Qaplan as kalga and nureddin. In 1704 Selim warned the Porte of Russian expansionism, just as his son had done. He died in Bahçesaray, Crimea and was buried in the tomb of the mosque named after him (22 July 1704). He was followed by Gazi III Giray (1704), Qaplan I Giray (1707) and Devlet II Giray again (1709). a war hero, Selim is also known for his talent as a poet and a musician. As a poet, he wrote the zafername (book of victories) about his victories against Russians at Perekop. During his frequent stays in İstanbul, he supported musicians like Hafız Post (1630–1694). Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev, Commemorated on July 23; Commemoration of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks, Commemorated on July 23; of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God is among the most revered sacred objects of the Orthodox Church. Located in the Dormition Cathedral at Pochaev, Ukraine, the Icon is reknowned throughout the entire Slavic world, and is venerated in Russia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and in other places. Christians of other confessions also venerate the Pochaev Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. The wonderworking Icon has been treasured at the Pochaev Lavra for over 400 years. miracles have taken place before the holy Icon, and these are recorded in special books at the monastery. The books contain the personal testimonies of people who prayed before the Pochaev Icon and were healed of their illnesses, delivered from unclean spirits, or freed from captivity. Many sinners were also brought to repentance. Feast Day in honor of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God was appointed to commemorate the deliverance of the Dormition Lavra from a siege by the Turks on July 20-23, 1675. the summer of 1675 during the Zbarazhsk War with the Turks, in the reign of the Polish King Jan Sobesski (1674-1696), regiments composed of Tatars under the command of Khan Nurredin via Vishnevets fell upon the Pochaev monastery, surrounding it on three sides. The weak monastery walls and its stone buildings did not offer much protection against a siege. Igoumen Joseph Dobromirsky urged the brethren and laypeople to pray to their heavenly intercessors, the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Job of Pochaev (October 28). monks and the people prayed fervently, prostrating themselves before the wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God, and the reliquary containing the relics of Saint Job. At sunrise on the morning of July 23, as the Tatars prepared to attack the monastery, the Igoumen ordered an Akathist to the Theotokos to be sung. At the opening words, “O Queen of the Heavenly Hosts,” the Mother of God suddenly appeared over the church, in “an unfurled radiant white omaphorion,” with angels holding unsheathed swords. Saint Job stood beside the Mother of God, bowing to her and beseeching her to defend the monastery. Tatars believed that the heavenly army was a vision, and in their confusion they started shooting arrows at the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Job, but the arrows turned backwards and wounded those who shot them. The enemy, gripped by terror, fled in panic, trampling upon and killing each other. The defenders of the monastery pursued them and took many prisoners. Later, some of the prisoners converted to the Orthodox Faith and remained at the monastery thereafter. the year 1721, Pochaev was occupied by the Uniates. Even during this difficult time for the Lavra, the monastery Chronicle lists 539 miracles of the Pochaev Icon. In the second half of the eighteenth century, a Uniate nobleman, Count Nicholas Pototski, became a benefactor of the Pochaev Lavra through the following miraculous circumstance. After accusing his coachman of overturning the carriage with runaway horses, the Count took out a pistol to shoot him. The coachman, turning towards the mountain of Pochaev, stretched out his hands and cried: "Mother of God, depicted in the Pochaev Icon, save me!” times Pototski tried to shoot the pistol, which had never failed him, but the weapon misfired and the coachman remained alive. Pototski went at once to the wonderworking Icon and resolved to devote himself and all his property to building up the monastery. With the money he contributed, the Dormition cathedral was built, as well as other buildings for the brethren. return of the Pochaev Monastery to the Orthodox Church in 1832 was marked by the miraculous healing of the blind maiden Anna Akimchukova, who had come on pilgrimage to the holy shrine along with her seventy-year-old grandmother from Kremenets-Podolsk, 200 versts away. In memory of this event, the Archbishop of Volhynia and Archimandrite Innocent of the Lavra (1832-1840) appointed that an Akathist be read on Saturdays before the wonderworking Icon. During the time of Archimandrite Agathangelus, Archbishop of Volhynia (1866-1876), a separate chapel was built in the galleries of the Holy Trinity church, which was dedicated on July 23, 1875 in memory of the victory over the Tatars. wonderworking Pochaev Icon is also commemorated on Friday of Bright Week, and on September 8.

Constantinople, 1675, Zbarazhsk War with the Turks, Zbarazh Castle, H R Source, Volhynia, W Ukraine
Zbarazhsk Castle; Zbarazhsk War with the Turks 1675; Commemoration of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks, Commemorated on July 23;

Constantinople, 1675, Turkish siege Pochaev on July 20-23, 1675
Volynia, Turkish siege on July 20-23, 1675; Crimean-Nogai Raids; Commemoration of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks, Commemorated on July 23;

Constantinople, 1675, Pochaev Icon saves Pochaev Monastery from Tartars and Turks
Pochaev; Pochayiv Lavra; Uniates; Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev, Commemorated on July 23; Commemoration of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks, Commemorated on July 23; of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God is among the most revered sacred objects of the Orthodox Church. Located in the Dormition Cathedral at Pochaev, Ukraine, the Icon is reknowned throughout the entire Slavic world, and is venerated in Russia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and in other places. Christians of other confessions also venerate the Pochaev Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. The wonderworking Icon has been treasured at the Pochaev Lavra for over 400 years. miracles have taken place before the holy Icon, and these are recorded in special books at the monastery. The books contain the personal testimonies of people who prayed before the Pochaev Icon and were healed of their illnesses, delivered from unclean spirits, or freed from captivity. Many sinners were also brought to repentance. Feast Day in honor of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God was appointed to commemorate the deliverance of the Dormition Lavra from a siege by the Turks on July 20-23, 1675. the summer of 1675 during the Zbarazhsk War with the Turks, in the reign of the Polish King Jan Sobesski (1674-1696), regiments composed of Tatars under the command of Khan Nurredin via Vishnevets fell upon the Pochaev monastery, surrounding it on three sides. The weak monastery walls and its stone buildings did not offer much protection against a siege. Igoumen Joseph Dobromirsky urged the brethren and laypeople to pray to their heavenly intercessors, the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Job of Pochaev (October 28). monks and the people prayed fervently, prostrating themselves before the wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God, and the reliquary containing the relics of Saint Job. At sunrise on the morning of July 23, as the Tatars prepared to attack the monastery, the Igoumen ordered an Akathist to the Theotokos to be sung. At the opening words, “O Queen of the Heavenly Hosts,” the Mother of God suddenly appeared over the church, in “an unfurled radiant white omaphorion,” with angels holding unsheathed swords. Saint Job stood beside the Mother of God, bowing to her and beseeching her to defend the monastery. Tatars believed that the heavenly army was a vision, and in their confusion they started shooting arrows at the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Job, but the arrows turned backwards and wounded those who shot them. The enemy, gripped by terror, fled in panic, trampling upon and killing each other. The defenders of the monastery pursued them and took many prisoners. Later, some of the prisoners converted to the Orthodox Faith and remained at the monastery thereafter. the year 1721, Pochaev was occupied by the Uniates. Even during this difficult time for the Lavra, the monastery Chronicle lists 539 miracles of the Pochaev Icon. In the second half of the eighteenth century, a Uniate nobleman, Count Nicholas Pototski, became a benefactor of the Pochaev Lavra through the following miraculous circumstance. After accusing his coachman of overturning the carriage with runaway horses, the Count took out a pistol to shoot him. The coachman, turning towards the mountain of Pochaev, stretched out his hands and cried: "Mother of God, depicted in the Pochaev Icon, save me!” times Pototski tried to shoot the pistol, which had never failed him, but the weapon misfired and the coachman remained alive. Pototski went at once to the wonderworking Icon and resolved to devote himself and all his property to building up the monastery. With the money he contributed, the Dormition cathedral was built, as well as other buildings for the brethren. return of the Pochaev Monastery to the Orthodox Church in 1832 was marked by the miraculous healing of the blind maiden Anna Akimchukova, who had come on pilgrimage to the holy shrine along with her seventy-year-old grandmother from Kremenets-Podolsk, 200 versts away. In memory of this event, the Archbishop of Volhynia and Archimandrite Innocent of the Lavra (1832-1840) appointed that an Akathist be read on Saturdays before the wonderworking Icon. During the time of Archimandrite Agathangelus, Archbishop of Volhynia (1866-1876), a separate chapel was built in the galleries of the Holy Trinity church, which was dedicated on July 23, 1875 in memory of the victory over the Tatars. wonderworking Pochaev Icon is also commemorated on Friday of Bright Week, and on September 8. Uncovering of the relics of the Venerable Job, Abbot and Wonderworker of Pochaev, Commemorated August 28 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev, Commemorated September 8 ; Venerable Job the Abbot of Pochaev, Commemorated October 10 ; Repose of the Venerable Job, Abbot and Wonderworker of Pochaev, Commemorated on October 28;

Constantinople, 1687-1691, Suleiman II, Ottoman Empire Sultan
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1687-1691, Suleiman II; St Demetrius of Basarabov, Commemorated on October 27; Venerable Romanus the Martyr, Commemorated on January 5; Venerable Acacius the Younger of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 12;

Constantinople, 1689-1714, Saint Anthony t Hesychast, solitary, cave, deamon struggles, chapel church w angels, Oltenia revival
Romania, 1689-1714, Saint Anthony the Hesychast, Vilcea county (Olt River 14), solitary found cave for cell, struggled against deamons, day work night virgil, fasting prostrations, & chapel church w angels for prayer & services, long fasts, battles w unseen, heart tears, 2-3 hrs sleep, bread crumbs & vegetables, Jesus prayer, psalms, visitors for spiritual advice & consolation, genuine Oltenia spiritual revival; Vilcea county ; Venerable Anthony of Iezerul-Vilcea Skete, Commemorated November 23, Saint Anthony the Hesychast was born in the sub-Carpathian Mountains of Vilcea county in Romania; Anthony the Hesychast was born in the sub-Carpathian Mountains of Vâlcea county in Romania, and he loved Christ from his early childhood. visited many of the monasteries and sketes in that area, conversing with several hesychasts who sought quietude in the mountains. had a profound effect upon his life, and in time, he entered the monastic life at Iezeru Skete in the beautiful wilderness of Vâlcea. 1690, after he had acquired experience in the ascetical life, the Igoumen blessed him to live as a solitary a few kilometers above Iezeru Skete on the mountain of the same name. walked from place to place searching for a stone cave for his cell and a chapel. he found a small cave, where he glorified God and struggled against the demons. true hesychasts know what great temptations and trials face those who wish to live as solitaries. Anthony labored for three years, digging a chapel out of the cliffside with only a hammer and chisel. He worked during the day, and kept vigil by night. cave was a shelter for his body, exhausted by his fasting and prostrations. his soul was not at rest because there was no church nearby, where he could lift up his heart and hands in prayer day and night. From time to time, a hieromonk from the Skete would come to serve the Divine Liturgy on Feast Days and during the fasts. praying to the Mother of God, he began to hollow out a space for a small chapel. When it was finished, it was consecrated by Bishop Hilarion of Râmnicu Vâlcea. this little chapel, the blessed one prayed unceasingly, together with the Angels in heaven, reading the daily services, and making hundreds of prostrations. can describe his long fasts for three days and more, his all-night vigils, his battles with unseen enemies who cannot abide the humility and hardships of the saints, his fervent prayer and incessant tears from his heart? never slept for more than two or three hours a night, nor did he eat anything but breadcrumbs soaked in water and salt, with a few vegetables that he grew in his little garden. repeated the Jesus Prayer unceasingly from his heart, and he read the Psalms with many tears of humility. Anthony’s holy life became known throughout the area, and many of the clergy and laity flocked to him for spiritual advice or consolation in their sorrows. received them with love, gave them the help they needed, and then sent them home in peace. Through his influence, a genuine spiritual revival took place in sub-Carpathian Oltenia. Anthony fell asleep in the Lord in 1714 after twenty-five years of spiritual struggles. disciples mourned him, and buried him beside his small chapel. The faithful still go there to light candles and to pray, asking for his blessing and assistance. Anthony the Hesychast was glorified by the Orthodox Church of Romania in 1992. inscription on St. Anthony's scroll reads “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”

Constantinople, 1690-1716, Anthimus tGeorgian, Turk slave, Romanian Metroplitn, author, printer, woodcarver, builder, R spirit L
Georgia, 1690-1716, Anthimus the Georgian, Georgia (Iberia, the land of St George), Orthodox, captured by Turks invading Georgia, slave in Constantinople, Greek, Arabic, Turkish, skilled woodcarving, embroidery, painting, Escaped tEcumenical Patriarchate, invited to Wallachia by Constantine Brancoveanu for his talents, became monk 1691, later priest, royal print shop iBucharest, printing house iSnagov Monastery, printed 63 books iRomanian, Greek, Arabic, Georgian, author 38 oThem, Igumen 1696, Bishop Rimnicu-Vilcea 1705, Metropolitan Wallachia 1708, schools, churches, monasteries, spiritual legacy Romanian Church, arrested by Turks 1716, tSt Catherines Mt Sinai, killed along the way; Georgia (country) ; Saint Anthimus the Georgian, Commemorated on September 27; Anthimus was born in Georgia, and his parents were called John and Mary. The child received the name Andrew in Baptism, and his parents raised him as an Orthodox Christian. was captured by Turks who invaded Georgia when he was young, he was one of many who were made slaves in Constantinople. he learned to speak Greek, Arabic, and Turkish, and also became skilled in woodcarving, embroidery, and painting. a few years as a slave, Andrew escaped and fled to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for refuge. 1690, Andrew was invited to Wallachia by Prince Constantine Brancoveanu (August 16), who had heard of his talents. a year or so, he became a monk and received the name Anthimus. he was ordained to the holy priesthood. was placed in charge of the royal print shop in Bucharest, and later set up a printing house in the Snagov Monastery. monastery printed sixty-three books in Romanian, Greek, Arabic, and Georgian. Anthimus was the author of thirty-eight of them. He was chosen to be the igumen of Snagov in 1696. saint was consecrated as Bishop of Rimnicu-Vilcea in 1705, three years later he was made Metropolitan of Wallachia. Metropolitan, he established schools for poor children, and built churches and monasteries. Since he was a woodcarver, he used his talent to beautify many churches. Anthimus was a zealous pastor who satisfied his flock’s hunger for spiritual knowledge. in the Romanian language, he taught them the saving truths of Orthodoxy, and offered words of encouragement and consolation. His edifying books and sermons are part of the spiritual legacy of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Anthimus was arrested by the Turks in 1716 and sentenced to be exiled at Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mt. Sinai, but he never arrived at his destination. September 27, 1716, he was killed by the soldiers who were escorting him. cut his body into little pieces and threw them into the Tungia River, south of the Danube. Thus, the faithful servant of Christ received the crown of martyrdom. Anthimus was a true shepherd of his flock, and a father to his clergy. He was glorified by the Orthodox Church of Romania in 1992.

Constantinople, 1691-1695, Ahmed II, Sultan , in prison 43 years, executed previous officials, recap Belgrade, then lost Transyl
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1691-1695, Ahmed II; II (25 February 1643 or 1 August 1642[1] – 6 February 1695) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1691 to 1695. 1 Early life 2 Reign 3 Family 4 References 4.1 Works cited 5 Further reading 6 External links life[edit] II was born on 25 February 1643 or 1 August 1642, the son of Sultan Ibrahim and Muazzez Sultan. On 21 October 1649, Ahmed along with his brothers Mehmed and Suleiman were circumcised. [2] the reigns of his older brothers, Ahmed was imprisoned in Kafes, and he stayed there almost 43 years. mausoleum of Ahmed II is located inside the türbe of Suleiman the Magnificent. (In the above picture, his tomb is seen side by side with Suleiman II and Suleiman the Magnificent). section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (October 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) his reign, Sultan Ahmed II devoted most of his attention to the wars against the Habsburgs and related foreign policy, governmental and economic issues. Of these, the most important were the tax reforms and the introduction of the lifelong tax farm system (malikane) (see tax farming). Following the recovery of Belgrade under his predecessor, Suleiman II, the military frontier reached a rough stalemate on the Danube, with the Habsburgs no longer able to advance south of it, and the Ottomans attempting, ultimately unsuccessfully, to regain the initiative north of it. the most important features of Ahmed's reign was his reliance on Köprülüzade FazÄ±l Mustafa Pasha. Following his accession to the throne, Sultan Ahmed II confirmed Köprülüzade FazÄ±l Mustafa Pasha in his office as grand vizier. In office from 1689, FazÄ±l Mustafa Pasha was from the Köprülü family of grand viziers, and like most of his Köprülü predecessors in the same office, was an able administrator and military commander. Like his father Köprülü Mehmed Pasha (grand vizier 1656–61) before him, he ordered the removal and execution of dozens of corrupt state officials of the previous regime and replaced them with men loyal to himself. He overhauled the tax system by adjusting it to the capabilities of the taxpayers affected by the latest wars. He also reformed troop mobilization and increased the pool of conscripts available for the army by drafting tribesmen in the Balkans and Anatolia. In October 1690 he recaptured Belgrade, a key fortress that commanded the confluence of the rivers Danube and Sava; in Ottoman hands since 1521, the fortress had been conquered by the Habsburgs in 1688. Ä±l Mustafa Pasha's victory at Belgrade was a major military achievement that gave the Ottomans hope that the military debacles of the 1680s—which had led to the loss of Hungary and Transylvania, an Ottoman vassal principality ruled by pro-Istanbul Hungarian princes— could be reversed. However, the Ottoman success proved ephemeral. On 19 August 1691, FazÄ±l Mustafa Pasha suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Slankamen at the hands of Ludwig Wilhelm von Baden, the Habsburg commander in chief in Hungary, nicknamed “Türkenlouisâ€ (Louis the Turk) for his victories against the Ottomans. In the confrontation, recognized by contemporaries as “the bloodiest battle of the century,â€ the Ottomans suffered heavy losses: 20,000 men, including the grand vizier. With him, the sultan lost his most capable military commander and the last member of the Köprülü family, who for the previous half century had been instrumental in strengthening the Ottoman military. FazÄ±l Mustafa Pasha's successors, the Ottomans suffered further defeats. In June 1692 the Habsburgs conquered Várad (Oradea, Romania), the seat of an Ottoman governor (beylerbeyi) since 1660. In 1694 they attempted to recapture Várad, but to no avail. On 12 January 1695, they surrendered the fortress of Gyula, the center of an Ottoman sanjak or subprovince since 1566. With the fall of Gyula, the only territory still in Ottoman hands in Hungary was to the east of the River Tisza and to the south of the river Maros, with its center at Temesvár. Three weeks later, on 6 February 1695, Ahmed II died in Edirne Palace. Venerable Romanus the Martyr, Commemorated on January 5; Venerable Acacius the Younger of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 12;

Constantinople, 1694, Romanus tMartyr, Mt Athos Monk, Martyred aConstantinople, beheaded bTurks 1694, relics bShip tEngland
Greece, 1660-1694, Romanus the Martyr, fKarpenisi, Thessaly, Greece (Heraclea River Source), Mt Athos Monk, Martyred aConstantinople, beheaded bTurks 1694, relics bShip tEngland; Karpenisi, Thessaly, Greece ; Venerable Romanus the Martyr, Commemorated January 5 ; Martyr Romanus of Karpenisi was born in Karpenisi in central Greece. was a monk on Mount Athos for a time, suffered for Christ at Constantinople, by the Turks in the year 1694. relics were taken by ship to England.

Constantinople, 1695-1703, Mustafa II, Ottoman Sultan, determined to recapture Hungary but lost it, deposed
Constantinople, 1695-1703, Mustafa II, Ottoman Empire Sultan, Greek Turkish War, failed seige Vienna, lost large European area, determined to recapture Hungary from Hapsburgs, commanded armies, Navy recaptured Chios, Hapsburg Wars, Rus captured Azov Fortress, he defeats Hapsburgs twice, captures Timisoara, third campaign, defeated by H, treaty w Holy League, Most tramatic loss of Hungary treaty of Karlowitz 1699, he tried to restore Sultan power from Vizier, making cavalrymen hereditary and loyal, Edirne event mutiny, deposed; Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1695-1703, Mustafa II; II (6 February 1664 - 29 December 1703) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1695 to 1703. life[edit] Battle of Zenta was born at Edirne Palace on 6 February 1664. He was the son of Sultan Mehmed IV (1648–87) and Gülnuş Sultan, originally named Evmenia,[1] who was of Greek Cretan descent.[2][3][4] Mustafa II abdicated in favor of his brother Ahmed III (1703–30) in 1703. in Edirne, Mustafa's childhood passed here. While he was in Mora Yenişehiri with his father in 1669, he took the first lesson from Mehmed Efendi at the bed-i besinele ceremony. [5] The writing teacher was the famous calligrapher Hafiz Osman. In 1675, he and his brother Ahmed were circumcised and his sisters Hatice Sultan and Fatma Sultan were married. [6] The celebration lasted 20 days. [7] Turkish War[edit] his reign the Great Turkish War, which had started in 1683, was still going on. After the failure of the second Siege of Vienna (1683) the Holy League had captured large parts of the Empire's territory in Europe. The Habsburg armies came as far as Niš, modern-day Serbia, before being pushed back across the Danube by 1690. Sultan Mustafa II was determined to recapture the lost territories in Hungary and therefore he personally commanded his armies. of Chios[edit] the Ottoman navy recaptured the island of Chios after defeating the Venetian Fleet twice, in the Battle of the Oinousses Islands (1695) and in the Battle of Chios (1695), in February 1695.[8][9] In June 1695, Mustafa II left Edirne for his first military campaign against the Habsburg Empire. By September 1695 the town of Lipova was captured. On 18 September 1695 the Venetian Navy was again defeated in the naval victory of Zeytinburnu. A few days later the Habsburg army was defeated in the Battle of Lugos. Afterwards the Ottoman Army returned to the capital. Meanwhile, the Ottoman fortress in Azov was successfully defended against the besieging Russian forces.[8] Mustafa attempted to realize his thoughts quickly, the island of Chios, which had previously fallen into the hands of the Venetians, was taken back at that time, the Crimean Tatars Shahbaz Giray entered the territory of Poland and proceeded to Lemberg, and returned with many captives and booty. were reports that the Venetians were influenced by the Ottoman forces on the Herzegovina front in Peloponnese. Especially the recovery of Chios was considered auspicious and was celebrated with great festivities in Edirne. Meanwhile, the tips of the people were distributed to the locals. [10] wars[edit] April 1696 Mustafa II left Edirne for his second military campaign against the Habsburg Empire. In August 1696 the Russians besieged Azov for the second time and captured the fortress. In August 1696 the Ottoman troops defeated the Habsburg army in the Battle of Ulaş and in the Battle of Cenei. After these victories the Ottoman troops captured Timișoara and Koca Cafer Pasha was appointed as the protector of Belgrade. Afterwards the army returned to the Ottoman capital.[8] June 1697 Mustafa II left the capital on his third military campaign against the Habsburg Empire. However, the Ottoman Army suffered a defeat in the Battle of Zenta and Grand Vizier Elmas Mehmed Pasha died in the battle. Afterwards the Ottomans signed a treaty with the Holy League.[8] most traumatic event of his reign was the loss of Hungary by the Treaty of Karlowitz in 1699. even if Ottoman power seemed to wane on one side of the empire, this did not mean that Ottoman efforts at expansion ceased. 1700, for example, the Grand Vizier Amcazade Hüseyin boasted to a recalcitrant tribe residing in swamps near Baghdad that they ought to abide by the sultan's rule, since his grasp extended even to their marshy redoubts. Grand Vizier added that, after all, Mustafa II was "the Lord of Water and Mud."[11] the end of his reign, Mustafa II sought to restore power to the Sultanate, which had been an increasingly symbolic position since the middle of the 17th century, when Mehmed IV had signed over his executive powers to the Grand Vizier. II's strategy was to create an alternative base of power for himself by making the position of timars, the Ottoman cavalrymen, hereditary and thus loyal to him. The timars, however, were at this point increasingly an obsolete part of the Ottoman military machine. strategem failed, the disaffected troops bound to a Georgian campaign mutinied in the capital (called the "Edirne event" by historians), and Mustafa was deposed on 22 August 1703. as red beard, short neck, medium height and majestic. Mustafa II has a miniature made by Levni. After 1699, like his father, he was interested in hunting and entertainment, engaged in literature and wrote poems with the pseudonym. curiosity of this sultan, who had lines in the style of Celi, Nesih and Sulus was archery. Silahdar Findiklili Mehmed Agha, who was assigned to write the history of his period. He described Mustafa's reign in his book Nusretname. [12] Consorts Alicenab Kadın (died 20 April 1699, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in Darülhadis Mosque);[13] Saliha Sultan[13] (died 21 September 1739, Tırnakçı Palace, Istanbul, buried in Turhan Sultan Mausoleum, New Mosque); Şehsuvar Sultan[13] (died 27 April 1756, Topkapı Palace, Istanbul, buried in Nuruosmaniye Mosque); Afife Kadın;[13] Bahtiyar Kadın;[13] Ivaz Kadın;[13] Şahin Kadın;[14][13] Sons Mahmud I (2 August 1696 – 13 December 1754), son with Saliha Sultan;[13] Şehzade Suleiman (25 December 1697 – 25 December 1697, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in New Mosque), son with Afife Kadın;[13] Şehzade Mehmed (22 November 1698 – 5 June 1703, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in New Mosque), son with Afife Kadın;[13] Osman III (2/3 January 1699 – 30 October 1757), son with Şehsuvar Sultan;[13] Şehzade Hasan (16 April 1699 – 25 May 1733), became heir apparent from 1730. [13] Şehzade Hüseyn (7 May 1699 – 24 August 1700, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in New Mosque); Şehzade Selim (16 May 1700 – 8 June 1701, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in New Mosque), son with Afife Kadın;[13] Şehzade Ahmed (3 March 1703 – 7 September 1703, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in Darülhadis Mosque), son with Afife Kadın;[13] Daughters Ayşe Sultan (30 April 1696 – 26 September 1752, Istanbul, buried in New Mosque); Emine Sultan (1 September 1696 – c. 1739, Istanbul, buried in New Mosque); Safiye Sultan (13 December 1696 – 15 May 1778, Istanbul, buried in New Mosque); Rukiye Sultan (13 November 1697 – 28 March 1698, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in Darülhadis Mosque); Hatice Sultan (14 February 1698 – died young, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in Darülhadis Mosque); Fatma Sultan (8 October 1699 – 20 May 1700, Istanbul, buried in New Mosque); Ismihan Sultan (23 April 1700 – 1 June 1700); Ümmügülsüm Sultan (10 June 1700 – 1 May 1701, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in Darülhadis Mosque); Zeyneb Sultan (10 June 1700 – 18 December 1705, Istanbul, buried in New Mosque); Emetullah Sultan (22 June 1701 – 12 April 1727, Istanbul, buried in New Mosque); the new sultan's return to Istanbul, after the Edirne Foundation and the state official. Mustafa and his princes were brought to Istanbul in the Topkapı Palace they were locked up in the Kafes. cage life lasted four months. He died of either sadness or an unknown cause on 29 December 1703. He was buried next to his grandmother, Turhan Hatice Sultan, in the New Mosque, Eminönü, Istanbul, Turkey. [12] Venerable Acacius the Younger of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 12; New Martyr Argyra, Commemorated on April 30; Fathers martyred by the Dagestanians, Commemorated on June 1;

Constantinople, 1700-1799, 18th Century Folder, Ottoman E., Alliances with France and Prussia agaiinst Russia

Constantinople, 1703-1730, Ahmed III, Ottoma Sultan, reformer
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1703-1730, Ahmed III; III (Ottoman Turkish:‎, ) (30 December 1673 – 1 July 1736) was Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and a son of Sultan Mehmed IV (r. 1648–87). His mother was Gülnuş Sultan, originally named Evmenia Voria, who was an ethnic Greek.[1][2][3][4][5] He was born at HacÄ±oÄŸlu PazarcÄ±k, in Dobruja. succeeded to the throne in 1703 on the abdication of his brother Mustafa II (1695–1703).[6] NevÅŸehirli Damat Ä°brahim Pasha and the Sultan's daughter, Fatma Sultan (wife of the former) directed the government from 1718 to 1730, a period referred to as the Tulip Era. first days of Ahmed III's reign passed with efforts to appease the janissaries who were completely disciplined. However, he was not effective against the janissaries who made him sultan. Çorlulu Ali Pasha, who Ahmed brought to the Grand Vizier, tried to help him in administrative matters, made new arrangements for the treasury and Sultan. He supported Ahmed in his fight with his rivals. St Constantine Brancoveanu, Commemorated on August 16 ; Venerable Hierotheus the Younger of Iveron of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 13; Repose of St. Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on September 14; New Martyr Auxentius of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25; Venerable Acacius the Younger of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 12; St Basil of Poiana Marului, Commemorated on April 15; New Martyr Argyra, Commemorated on April 30; Venerable Nicephorus of Chios, Commemorated on May 1; Monkmartyr Pachomius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 7; St Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on June 13; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1705-1767, St Basil of Poiana Marului skete, Romania), hesychist, spiritual renewal, influence beyond Romania
Romania, 1705-1767, St Basil of Poiana Marului (Apple Orchard) skete, Romania (Olt River 8), hesychist, spiritual renewal, influence beyond Romania; Poiana Marului ; St Basil of Poiana Marului, Commemorated on April 15; Basil, the Elder of Saint Paisius Velichkovsky (November 15), was born toward the end of the seventeenth century. He received monastic tonsure at Dalhautsi-Focshani Skete in 1705 or 1706, laboring in asceticism with great fervor. Basil was ordained to the holy priesthood, and became igumen of Dalhautsi in 1715. He remained in that position for twenty years, and was a wise instructor of monks, teaching them obedience, humility, and the art of the Jesus Prayer. fame of this great spiritual Father began to spread, so that even Prince Constantine Mavrocordat heard of him. Saint Basil’s community became known as a spiritual school of hesychasm, based on the wisdom of the Holy Fathers. When the number of his disciples increased until there was no longer room for all of them at Dalhautsi, they settled in other Sketes in the area. In this way, his influence and teaching spread to other places, inspiring a spiritual renewal of Romanian monastic life in the eighteenth century. Basil renovated the Poiana Marului (Apple Orchard) Skete near the city of Romni-Sarat between 1730-1733, then moved there with twelve disciples. In addition to his duties as Igumen of Poiana Marului, Saint Basil was the spiritual guide of all the Sketes in the Buzau Mountains. One of his most famous disciples was Saint Paisius Velichkovsky, whom he tonsured on Mount Athos in 1750. holy Elder Basil also wrote introductions to the writings of Saints Gregory of Sinai, Nilus of Sora, and others who wrote about the spiritual life, guarding the mind, and on the Jesus Prayer. He taught that the Holy Scriptures are a “saving medicine” for the soul, and recommended reading the Holy Fathers in order to obtain a correct understanding of Scripture, and to avoid being led astray through misunderstanding. Saint Basil also warned against any inclination to excuse ourselves and our sins, for this hinders true repentance. Basil fell asleep in the Lord on April 25, 1767, leaving behind many disciples. His influence has been felt in other Orthodox countries beyond the borders of Romania.

Constantinople, 1710-1720, New Martyr Auxentius, from Epirus, encouraged martyrdom but first a monk, beheaded, d light, myrrh
Greece, 1710-1720, New Martyr Auxentius of Constantinople, from Ioannina Region, Epirus, Greece, furrier in C, sinful sailor, moslem traitors accused him of embracing Islam, small boat, desire for Martyrdom, Fr Gregory of Xeropotamou got in his boat, encouraged martyrdom but first become a monk, returned to old ship, beaten w iron bar, eye and teeth, urged viser to become christian, beheaded, heavenly light, sweet fragrance; Ioannina Region; New Martyr Auxentius of Constantinople, Commemorated January 25 ; holy New Martyr Auxentius was born in 1690 in the diocese of Vellas, part of the Metropolitan district of Ioannina in Greece. When he was a young man, he moved to Constantinople with his parents and became a furrier. he left his trade and went to work on the ships, leading a sinful life in pursuit of worldly pleasures. His Moslem coworkers turned against him and accused him of denying Christ to embrace Islam. Fearing that they would denounce him to the captain of the ship, Auxentius jumped ship and returned to Constantinople. bought a small boat and earned his living with it. He began to regret his previous conduct, and the desire for martyrdom grew within him. One day, a monk got into his boat in order to cross the water. This was Father Gregory, a monk of Xeropotamou Monastery on Mt. Athos. revealed to Father Gregory his desire to be a martyr for Christ. The wise monk praised his desire, but urged caution lest he should weaken under torture and deny Christ. He recommended that Auxentius move to a quiet place and become a monk. Heeding Father Gregory’s advice, Auxentius continued to work with his boat for a time, giving most of his money to the poor, and living as an ascetic. often prayed at the church of the Life-Giving Fountain, asking God to give him strength to become a martyr. Then he returned to his old ship, where his former shipmates began to beat him. They dragged him before the kadi, stating that he had converted to Islam, but then returned to Christianity. said, “I was, and am, an Orthodox Christian. I am prepared to suffer thousands of tortures for the sake of Christ.” furious Hagarenes began to beat Auxentius with an iron bar. He lost an eye and several teeth as a result. He remained steadfast in confessing Christ, in spite of all the tortures that were inflicted upon him, and absolutely refused to become a Moslem. Gregory went to see Auxentius in prison, and was asked to bring him Holy Communion on his next visit. The monk did this, also urging him to remain strong in the Orthodox Faith. holy martyr was brought before the vizier, who urged him to respect Islam as good and true, instead of treating it with contempt. Saint Auxentius answered that he would never abandon his faith. In fact, he even urged the vizier to become a Christian. This enraged the vizier, and he sentenced Auxentius to death. praying for all Orthodox Christians, and for the whole world, Saint Auxentius was beheaded on January 25, 1720 at 9:00 A.M. Two days later, a heavenly light was seen by Christians and Moslems, shining on the body of the martyr. sultan’s tailor, an Orthodox Christian named Michael, went to the sultan and asked for the body. Patriarch Jeremiah III accompanied the body to the Church of the Life-Giving Fountain for the funeral and burial. years later, when the saint’s relics were exhumed, a sweet fragrance came forth from them.

Constantinople, 1710-1770, George of Caucasian Iberia, Kartli, young slave, forced Islam, at 70 announced christian, martyred
Georgia, 1710-1770, George of Iberia, Caucasian Iberia, Kartli, Central Georgia, young, into slavery, forced to Islam, Mytilene shop owner, at 70 announced Orthodox christian, beaten, endured, hanged; Caucasian Iberia; New Martyr George of Iberia, Commemorated on January 2 ; George (Zorzes) was from Georgia, and was sold into slavery when he was young. His master, a Muslim from the Greek island of Mytilene, forced him to embrace Islam and renamed him Sali. After his master died, George remained on the island and opened a small shop. In 1770, when he was seventy years old, he appeared before the authorities and announced that he was an Orthodox Christian. The kadi thought that George had lost his mind, since his declaration would lead to his death. next day George was questioned again, and then he was beaten. He endured his torments with silence, but would not be turned from his confession of faith. After more torture, the holy martyr was hanged on January 2, 1770, receiving a crown of glory from the Savior Christ.

Constantinople, 1722, Nikodemos of Albania, Confessed wGod's power, no fear, survived precipice, incorrupt fragrant relics
Albania, 1722, Nikodemos of Albania, raised christian, became moslem, forced children follow, except one son who went Mt Athos, traveled M A in anger, but repented there and became monk, strict fast 3 yrs, weeping, begging, desire go back confess there, Akakios oKausokalyvia for instructions, addressed him by name not knowing him, withdrew to pray, light fHeaven shining like star on face, take tStaff before pasha, power oGod you will complete martyrdom well, ready to leave but weak fFasting, asked break fast, no, now more tEver must fast, walk much as yCan, Lord wStrengthen walk wEase, I fear deamons however, Fear God, Demons no authority of their own, hope Christ help you witness tHim, survived being pushed off precipice, Turks tortured 3days&nights, beheaded, showing no sign of fear, incorrupt fragrant relics still preserved, relics Skete St Anne; Albania, Albania lies between latitudes 39 and 43 N, and mostly between longitudes 19 and 21E ; New Monastic Martyr Νikόdēmos of Albania, Commemorated on July 11; New Monastic Martyr Νikόdēmos came from Elbasan, a town of Epirus (Albania) was raised by devout parents. he reached a suitable age, he married a Christian woman and they had several children. he associated with Turks, he was influenced by them and became a Moslem. even forced his children to follow his example, for one son, who was abducted by certain Christians and sent to Mount Athos. There he was tonsured as a monk. for the young man in order to convert him to Islam, the wretched father learned that he was on the Holy Mountain. traveled to Athos in great anger, vowing to cause serious trouble for the monasteries if he found his son there. Who desires that all may be saved, effected his salvation in a marvelous way. of finding his son and converting him, he himself came to his senses and repented. both Islam and the world, he became a monk at the Skete of Saint Anne, in the Kalyva (isolated cell) of the Ascension, with the new name of Νikόdēmos. repentance was such that he kept a strict fast for three years, weeping and begging God to forgive his terrible sin of apostasy. day he heard some of the Fathers saying that whoever denies Christ must go back to the same place and confess Him before men. that moment, he burned with a desire for martyrdom. he prepared himself through asceticism, fasting, and prayer. of Saint Akakios (April 12) of the Skete of Kausokalyvia [Καυσοκαλύβια], Νikόdēmos visited him in order to receive his blessing and his instructions. soon as Νikόdēmos beheld the Saint, he fell down at his feet and wept for a long time. Akakios took him by the hand and addressed him by name, although he did not know him. him up, he comforted him. Then he withdrew for a short distance and began to pray. who were present saw a light from Heaven, shining like a star, which illumined the Saint's face. he turned to Νikόdēmos and whispered something to him, and then the radiance disappeared. with contrition and by divine grace, Νikόdēmos cried out with a loud voice. Then he went into the cave and wept for a considerable time. he returned to Saint Akakios and asked for his blessing to go forth to martyrdom. him and placing a staff in his hand, the Saint said, "Take this staff and go before the pasha. By the power of God, you will complete your martyrdom well." Νikόdēmos took the staff, and was ready to leave at once to achieve his goal. weakened by fasting, he was not capable of walking all the way back to Elbasan. Therefore, he asked Saint Akakios if he might break his fast in order to strengthen himself for the journey. Saint replied, "Now, more than ever, you must fast, Brother, for soon you will be struggling for Christ. Walk as much as you can, and the Lord Who said 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God' (Matthew 4:4), shall strengthen you to walk with ease." Martyr answered, "O Father, by your prayers, may our Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, and enable me to confess the good confession (I Timothy 6:12). I fear the demons, however." Akakios chided him, "Fear God, Brother, and not the demons who have no authority of their own over us. place all your hope in Christ, not only to vanquish the demons, but also to help you in bearing witness to Him." this, Νikόdēmos wept tears of joy. down to the ground and kissing the Saint's feet, he received his blessing and went on his way. he was still on the Holy Mountain, the Lord appeared to Νikόdēmos and encouraged him. He revealed all the trials that he would face, and even the site of his execution. by Christ, Νikόdēmos arrived at Elbasan. he was recognized by the Turks, arrested, and brought before the pasha, who tried to make him return to Islam. Νikόdēmos rejected the religion of the Turks and courageously confessed Christ. they took him to a high precipice and pushed him off. Miraculously, he floated down gently and landed on his feet. to the palace, he appeared before the pasha, who was terrified to see him alive. almost released Νikόdēmos, but fearing the mob of Turks, he turned the Martyr over to them. They tortured him for three days and nights before leading him to the place of execution. Along the way, they made him kneel several times, as if they intended to behead him. they reached the place which the Lord had revealed to him, Christ's Martyr showed no sign of fear. He bent his neck and was beheaded with a sword, and his soul went to Heaven with the crown of martyrdom on July 11, 1722. After the Saint's martyrdom, Christians buried him in the church of the Theotokos, his incorrupt and fragrant relics are still preserved, working miracles for those who run to him with faith. piece of his relics is also kept in the Skete of Saint Anne, where there is a manuscript with his Church Service. A new Service was composed by the monk John Danielidis and others.

Constantinople, 1728-1748, Kristo tGardener oAlbania, tConstantinople, Turks lies , refused food to hunger thirst fChrist
Albania, 1728-1748, Kristo tGardener oAlbania, at 40 went tConstantinople for better business, one day Turk wanted buy all his apples, unable agree price, angry lying turk accused Kristo wanting become Moslem, lying false Moslem wittnesses found to testify, that he had stated intension to convert, Kristo's testimony discounted because he christian and Moslem witnesses had contradicted, beaten tortured the next day, but remained steadfast, visited by well known monk author Kaisarios Dapontes, freed from chains, brought food but K refused to eat, because did not expect to live and wanted to hunger thirst for Christ, sentenced beheaded because refused abandon Christ, K gave K D metal file to sell for memorial services for him, beheaded Feb 12, 1748; Albania, Albania lies between latitudes 39 and 43 N, and mostly between longitudes 19 and 21E ; Saint Kristo the Gardener of Albania, Commemorated on February 12; holy New Martyr Kristo was an Albanian who worked in a vegetable garden. the age of forty, he decided to go to Constantinople to seek better business opportunities. day he was negotiating with a Turk who wished to purchase his entire stock of apples, they were unable to agree on a price. Turk became angry and accused Kristo of expressing a desire to become a Moslem. was brought before the authorities, and false witnesses were found to testify that he had indeed stated his intention to convert. declared that he never said that he wished to become a Moslem. testimony was discounted, however, because he was a Christian, and Moslem witnesses had contradicted him. saint was beaten and tortured the next day, remained steadfast in his confession of Christ. Dapontes, a well known monk and author, visited Saint Kristo and got him freed from the place where he was chained. brought food for him, but he refused to eat. “Why should I eat?” he asked. “I do not expect to live, so I may as well die hungering and thirsting for Christ.” he refused to abandon the Orthodox Faith, Saint Kristo was sentenced to be beheaded. they led him away, Kristo gave Dapontes a metal file and told him to sell it and use the money to have memorial services offered for him. February 12, 1748 Saint Kristo the Gardener was beheaded, thereby receiving an imperishable crown of glory from Christ.

Constantinople, 1730, MOG Icon Xenophon, fVatopedi monastery, Mt Athos, assumed stolen but MOG wanted go tXenophon
Greece, Mt Athos, 1730, MOG Icon Xenophon Hodgitria (MOG Icon), fVatopedi monastery, Mt Athos, 1730 assumed stolen but appeared at Xenophon Monastery, returned, happened again and again befor V monks realized MOG wanted go Xenophon; Vatopedi monastery ; Icon of the Mother of God "Xenophon Hodigitria", Commemorated January 21 ; to tradition, this wonderworking icon was for many years at the Vatopedi monastery on Mount Athos, the katholikon in front of a column on the left cliros. 1730, it mysteriously disappeared not only from the church, but also from the monastery. the doors were locked, the monks assumed that thieves had stolen it. they heard that the icon was at the monastery, a three hour journey from Vatopedi. monks were sent to return their spiritual treasure to the Vatopedi monastery. icon was restored to its former place, and the Fathers of the monastery took precautions to prevent the icon from being stolen again. the icon of the Mother of God left the Vatopedi monastery and appeared at Xenophon a second and third time. that this was actually a miraculous occurrence, the brethren of the monastery decided not to oppose the will of the Mother of God, and left the icon at Xenophon. a sign of their blessing, the brethren provided candles and oil for the icon. “Hodegetria” (Hodēgḗtria) Icon at Xenophon is in the katholikon, before a column on the left cliros, the very same place it occupied at the Vatopedi monastery.

Constantinople, 1730-1754, Mahmud I, Ottoman, reformer deposed, Hunchback, Took over, good relations w Persia
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1730-1754 , Mahmud I ; I (Ottoman Turkish: Ù…ØÙ…ÙˆØ¯ اول‎, Turkish: I. Mahmud, 2 August 1696 – 13 December 1754), known as The Hunchback, was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1730 to 1754. He took over the throne after the Patrona Halil rebellion and he kept good relations with Mughal and Safavid Empires. life[edit] was born at Edirne Palace on 2 August 1696, the son of Mustafa II (1664–1703); his mother was Saliha Sabkati Valide Sultan. Mahmud I was the older brother of Osman III (1754–57). He developed a humped back. father Mustafa II mostly lived in Edirne. Mahmud passed his childhood in Edirne. On 18 May 1702 he started his education in Edirne. When his father deposed himself from the throne he was brought to Istanbul and locked up in Kafes where he spent 27 years of his life. [1] is not known what kind of culture he acquired during this time, since he continued to play chess, write poetry, and deal with music. In addition for childhood and youth, there were dangers, especially for the Kafes life. [1] 28 September 1730, Patrona Halil with a small group of fellow Janissaries aroused some of the citizens of Constantinople who opposed the reforms of Ahmed III.[2] Sweeping up more soldiers Halil led the riot to the TopkapÄ± Palace and demanded the death of the grand vizer, NevÅŸehirli Damat Ä°brahim Pasha and the abdication of Ahmed III. Ahmed III acceded to the demands, had Ä°brahim Pasha strangled, and agreed to his nephew, Mahmud, becoming sultan.[2] real reign began on 25 November 1730, after this incident. First of all, Istanbul was taken under strict control. Measures were taken. About two thousand suspicious people were captured, some were executed, some were exiled. [3] ’s rule[edit] I was recognized as sultan by the mutineers as well as by court officials but for some weeks after his accession the empire was in the hands of the insurgents. Halil rode with the new sultan to the Mosque of Eyüb where the ceremony of girding Mahmud I with the Sword of Osman was performed; many of the chief officers were deposed and successors to them appointed at the dictation of the bold rebel who had served in the ranks of the Janissaries and who appeared before the sultan bare-legged and in his old uniform of a common soldier. A Greek butcher, named Yanaki, had formerly given credit to Halil and had lent him money during the three days of the insurrection. Halil showed his gratitude by compelling the Divan to make Yanaki Hospodar of Moldavia. However, Yanaki never took charge of this office. Khan of the Crimea assisted the Grand Vizier, the Mufti and the Aga of the Janissaries in putting down the rebellion. On 24 November 1731, Halil was strangled by the sultan's order[2] and in his presence, after a Divan in which Halil had dictated that war be declared against Russia. His Greek friend, Yanaki, and 7,000 of those who had supported him were also put to death.[citation needed] The jealousy which the officers of the Janissaries felt towards Halil, and their readiness to aid in his destruction, facilitated the exertions of Mahmud I's supporters in putting an end to the rebellion after it had lasted over a year. Austrian ambassador, who came to Istanbul in August 1740, was given a dinner in DavudpaÅŸa. Çavuşbaşı took the ambassador and took him to his mansion prepared in BeyoÄŸlu. On the day of the Ulufe Court, he presented his name to the Sultan. Various demonstrations were held in places where welcome and farewell ceremonies were held for the ambassador from Yeniköy Pier. [4] rest of Mahmud I's reign was dominated by wars in Persia, with the collapsing Safavid dynasty and the ascendance of Nader Shah. Mahmud also faced a notable war in Europe—the Austro-Russian-Turkish War (1735-1739). I entrusted government to his viziers and spent much of his time composing poetry. of 1750[edit] fire that started at the Ayazma gate in January 1750 lasted for 19 hours. Numerous shops, houses, and mansions burned until Vefa. sultan dismissed BoynueÄŸri Abdullah Pasha and appointed Divitdar Mehmed Emin Pasha on 9 January In the second fire that broke out on 31 March 1750, Bitpazan, AbacÄ±lar, YorgancÄ±lar, YaÄŸlÄ±kcÄ±lar, Haffaflar were completely burned. The fire spread to Fingerkapi and Tatlikuyu. The sultan, with the help of the treasury, repaired the burned down and AÄŸakapÄ±sÄ±. [5] I started the construction of the CaÄŸaloÄŸlu Bath, called Yeni Hamam, in the spring of 1740 on the land of CaÄŸaloÄŸlu Palace, which covers a large Foundation houses were built on the remaining empty lands and a neighborhood was established. The benevolent sultan opened the one in the courtyard of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the first of the three libraries it established in Istanbul, with a ceremony and made four thousand volumes. the library, Sahih-i Buharf reading of ten inhabitants every day was one of the conditions of the foundation. Mahmud also came to the Rosary Gate of Hagia Sophia several times, sat in the library and listened to the commentary of tafsir. famine, which appeared due to the heavy winter, became heavier and heavier at the end of spring. [6] with the Mughal Empire[edit] Shah's devastating campaign against the Mughal Empire, created a void in the western frontiers of Persia, which was effectively exploited by the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud I, who initiated the Ottoman–Persian War (1743–46), in which the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah closely cooperated with the Ottomans and their ambassador Haji Yusuf Agha, these relations between the two empires continued until Muhammad Shah's death in 1748.[7] with Safavid Empire[edit] March 1741, the ambassador of Nadir Shah from Iranian government, HacÄ± Han, came to Istanbul with three thousand people and his guards unit to prolong the peace in between them. Among his gifts were fabrics embroidered with jewels, ten elephants, and valuable weapons. HacÄ± Han was given a banquet in Fener Bahçesin. It was also a problem to pass the elephants brought by hand to Istanbul, and wide shakes were laid on the barges, and wooden curtains were laid around them so that elephants could not be scared. [8] relations of Iran and Ottoman Empire became increasingly tense, reached a new dimension in February 1743, and Shah Safi, who was one of Shah Hussein's princes and held hostage on Chios Island, was condemned and Nader Shah's inability to complete. Sailor's head of the crest, including the personality crown, was put on destar. He was sent to the Iranian border with the troops that joined him. [9] Venerable Hierotheus the Younger of Iveron of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 13; St George of Cernica and Caldarushani, Commemorated on December 3; Icon of the Mother of God "Xenophon Hodigitria"Â, Commemorated on January 21; St Kristo the Gardener of Albania, Commemorated on February 12; St Basil of Poiana Marului, Commemorated on April 15; Venerable Nicephorus of Chios, Commemorated on May 1; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1732, Nidetas oNisyros, Caria, called Infidel, rt C faith, confessed, blind healed by hBlood, clean body, incorr
Ephesus, 1732, Nidetas oNisyros near Island of Rhodes, Caria, bMandraki on N, arrested town leader father became moslem, wFamily, N became Mehmed, N Christians despised them, tMoved to Rhodes, after fight Muslim boy's mother calls him infidel, he learns his C name, returned to C faith, ship tChios, Lithe harbor, walked Nea Moni, Makarios former Met Corinth, Holy Chism, stayed there, cave holy fathers there, Anthimos told him go back to N, tax collector aChora oChios, tPrison, but aBounaki, Priest Daniel questons Now arressting Moslems for taxes, Turk Judge, admitted return to true C faith, wished called Niketas, imprisoned tortured 10 days, steadfast not afraid, no food, I'm fed food you not have, joy you not experience, wild horses no trample, Iveron M dependency, I shall die as Niketas, kill me quickly that may enjoy paradise, but several sword neck blows, blind healed by his blood, dirt bBody remained clean, so, incorruption crown; Rhodes; knights of Rhodes; New Martyr Nikḗtas of Nisyros near Rhodes, Commemorated on June 21; Holy New Martyr Nikḗtas was born in the town of Mandraki on the Aegean island of Nisyros (Νίσυρος), and his father was one of the town's leaders. father had committed some crime for which he was arrested, and was put on trial by the Moslems. that he would be executed, he decided to save his life by becoming a Moslem along with his family. ḗtas, who was too young to understand the significance of this change, was given the name Mehmed. Christians of Nisyros despised them for denying Christ, so the family had to move to the island of Rhodes. day Nikḗtas got into a fight with a Muslim boy with whom he was playing. the boy's mother heard about it, she started to yell at Nikḗtas and called him an infidel. by this, Nikḗtas asked his mother what it meant. She ignored his questions but Nikḗtas was persistent in his attempts to discover the truth. At last his mother relented and told him how they had become Moslems. he wished to know what his Christian name was, the one he had received at his Baptism. When he was told it was Nikḗtas, was determined to return to his ancestral faith, and waited for an opportunity to escape from the island. ḗtas took a ship to the island of Chios and landed at the harbor of Lithe. He walked without knowing where he was going, soon he arrived at the Byzantine Monastery of Nea Moni. he told his story to the Igoumen and asked for some advice concerning his salvation. Igoumen told him to visit Makarios, the former Metropolitan of Corinth,1 who was living on the island as an ascetic at that time. When Makarios heard his Confession, he was received back into the Church through Holy Chrism, and he also received spiritual guidance. ḗtas decided to remain at the Monastery of Nea Moni, where he began to live an ascetical life. to undertake even greater struggles, Nikḗtas went to live in the Cave of the Holy Fathers near the Monastery. he met the ascetic Anthimos. He was told that a Christian who has denied Christ must return to the place of his denial, and confess his faith in Jesus Christ, reject Islam and suffer martyrdom. ḗtas rejoiced when he heard this, and then he returned to the Monastery, where he told the Fathers of his desire. his determination, they chanted the Canon of Supplication to the Theotokos (Paraklesis), and he received a blessing to carry out his intention. the young man arrived at the port of Chora on Chios, he was arrested by a Moslem tax collector from the Crimea, because he had no proof that he paid the head tax, which was required of all Orthodox Christians in the Ottoman Empire. he was being led to prison, the tax collector stopped at a place called Bounaki, where he looked for other tax evaders. then a priest named Daniel, who knew Nikḗtas, happened to come by and called out to Nikḗtas using his Moslem name Mehmed. he asked Nikḗtas why he was being detained, he was told it was because he did not pay the head tax. Then Father Daniel shouted: "Here is something new! Are Moslems now obliged to pay the head tax?" Nikḗtas explained to him that he was a Christian named Nikḗtas, the Moslem from the Crimea overheard their conversation and came to investigate. Then Nikḗtas was taken to the Turkish judge and was interrogated. ḗtas admitted to the judge that he had been a Moslem and was circumcised, but then he decided to return to the Christian faith which is the true faith. also wished to be called by his baptismal name Nikḗtas. judge therefore ordered that Nikḗtas be imprisoned and tortured for ten days so he might come to his senses and return to Islam. ḗtas remained steadfast and was not afraid, even though they cursed him and beat him without mercy. They brought him food to eat, but he chose not to eat, saying: am being fed with food which you do not have, and I rejoice with joy which you cannot experience." was also placed in a stable so he would be trampled by the wild horses, but when it was discovered that he was unharmed, he was returned to the prison. the ten days had passed, the Turks realized that Nikḗtas had no desire to return to Islam, and was even more steadfast in his Orthodox Christian faith. led Nikḗtas to the edge of the city, to a Metochion (Dependency) of the Athonite Monastery of Ivḗron. again, he was urged by the executioners to become a Moslem again and thereby escape death. Nikḗtas replied: "I am a Christian; my name is Nikḗtas, and I shall die as Nikḗtas." executioners made Nikḗtas kneel several times, trying to frighten him, but he said to them: "Why do you delay? Kill me quickly that I may enjoy the blessedness of Paradise." executioner repeatedly struck his neck with the sword in order to cause him greater pain. After several blows, the seventeen-year-old Nikḗtas was decapitated and received the crown of martyrdom on June 21, 1732. dipped cloths in his martyric blood, and when it was applied to the eyes of the blind, they received their sight. the Turks threw dirt over his body to dishonor it, the body would remain clean for many days. order to prevent the Christians from taking his sacred relics, they were thrown into the sea. head of Saint Nikḗtas was preserved in a box with a glass cover in the Monastery of Saint Mark the Evangelist on Chios. It is thought that Christians bribed the guards, or stole the head. The next day, when the Saint's relics were tossed into the sea, the guards, hoping to avoid punishment, did not bother to inform the authorities that the head was missing. Later, the skull was given to Saint Parthenios of Chios (December 8), who founded the Monastery. There was no mention of where the holy relic was, so that the monks would not be punished for having it. Saint's holy relics are in the church of Saint Nikḗtas at Nisyros. His head is kept at Ivḗron Monastery on Mount Athos. This Makarios is not to be confused with Saint Makarios of Corinth (April 17), who lived from 1731-1805.

Constantinople, 1740, New Martyr Theocharis, refused Islam&daughter, starvation sentence, not feel hunger, stoned&hanged
Armenia, 1740, New Martyr Theocharis, at Neapolis (Nevsehir) in Cappadocia, Greater Armenia, Roman Roads Intersection Great Road across Turkey and to Cilicia, Governor decreed Christian boys tConcentration camps, including T, but Judge liked him, brought him home, offered wed his daughter, if convert tIslam, T refused, starvation sentence, nourished bPrayer, not feel hunger, satisfied little water, refused again, stoned and hanged, 1923 right hand tThessaloniki; Neapolis (Nevsehir) in Cappadocia, Greater Armenia; Holy New Martyr Theocharis, Commemorated on August 20; the year 1740 Sultan Ahmed and Ibrahim Pasha, the governor of Asia Minor, a decree was issued that Christian boys should be placed in concentration camps. orphan Theocharis was among them. a certain day, however, the judge of Neapolis (Nevsehir) in Cappadocia, saw Theocharis in the camp, he liked him, and brought him home to care for his animals. ’s piety and comeliness prompted the judge to suggest that he become his son-in-law, after first becoming a Moslem. answered courageously, “My master, I was born a Christian, and I cannot deny the faith of my Savior and of my fathers.” Ottoman judge considered the answer to be offensive and threatened him with torture, and then he sentenced him to death by starvation. went to church to confess and to partake of the spotless Mysteries, and then returned to his master. When he repeated his refusal and confessed his faith, they threw him into prison without food for many days. was nourished by prayer, however and did not feel hunger; he was satisfied with a little water once in a while. the judge repeated his offer to let him marry his daughter, Theocharis firmly refused. Then, after frightful torture, they took him an hour’s journey from the city of Neapolis, where he was stoned and then hanged at noon on a white poplar tree on August 20, 1740. 1923, the right hand of St. Theocharis was brought to Thessaloniki and was placed in the Church of St. Katherine, where it remains today.

Constantinople, 1740-1750, Athanasius oEpirus, Greece, saves sis f Musa, bears torture, M impressed, sees angels, bMonk
Greece, 1740-1750, Athanasius oEpirus, Greece, Turk Musa wants beaity sis, A fights h off, A bears torture, Musa impressed, sees angels, wants tb christian, not yet to protect Cs, later becomes monk on Corfu, founds church; Epirus Region Greece; New Martyr Anastasius of Epirus, Commemorated on November 18; Anastasius and his sister were mid-18th century peasants living in Epirus during Ottoman times. a band of Turks entered their village, its leader, Musa, was struck by the beauty of Anastasius' sister and tried to seize her, but Anastasius fought off the Turks, enabling his sister to escape. a result, Anastasius was arrested, imprisoned, and tortured in an effort to get him to deny the Christian faith. by the manner in which Anastasius bore his sufferings, Musa wanted to know more about the faith that sustained him. secretly to Anastasius' cell, Musa saw two young men of shining appearance with Anastasius, but they vanished when Musa entered. told him that these were angels who guard every Christian, especially when they suffer for Christ. also explained the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how it had inspired him and others to place little value on worldly things. response, Musa expressed his desire to embrace Christianity. told him to wait until the proper time, because his conversion would bring about a persecution of the region's Christians. few days later, in 1750, Anastasius was beheaded by order of Musa's father, the Pasha. Musa was granted a vision of Anastasius encircled in light, who urged him to continue on the road to Christ. fled his father's domain to the Peleponnese where he was instructed in the faith by an aged ascetic. he was baptized, he became a monk on Corfu, receiving the monastic name of Daniel, and founded a church dedicated in honor of Saint Anastasius.

Constantinople, 1742-1773, Paisius oHilandar&Bulgaria, Historian, priest, key Bulgarian national revival figure
Bulgaria, 1742-1773, Paisius of Hilandar and Bulgaria, Historian, National Awakening, nickname Paisii, clergyman, key Bulgarian national revival figure, author of the second Bulgarian History, after "History of Bulgaria" by Peter Bogdan Bakshev from 1667, from Samokov eparchy near Bansko, to Hilandar Mt Athos 1745, priest (hieromonk) and deputy-abbot , collecting materials 2 years, hard work, even visited Hapsburg Monarchy, finished his book 1762 in Zograf monastery, first attempt at complete history of Bulgaria, to awaken&strengthen national consciousness, famous paragraph: you unwise moron, ashamed Bulgarian, don't read write in Bulgarian, wern't B's powerful once, taking taxes from Romans&Greeks, bravest slavic nation, first kings with patriarchs, first to baptize people, why ashamed great history and language, why turn into Greeks, speaks his purpose and the danger of Helenization by Greek Clergy, his book two introductions, a chapter on Slavic teachers the disciples oCyril&Methodius, Bulgarian Saints chapter, and an epilogue, he handed out book as he toured Bulgaria as mendicant (poverty, work, alms) friar, copied and spread; Bulgaria, 1742-1773, Paisius of Hilandar and Bulgaria ; Paisius of Hilendar or Paìsiy Hilendàrski (Bulgarian: Свети Паисий Хилендарски) (1722–1773) a Bulgarian clergyman and a key Bulgarian National Revival figure. is most famous for being the author of Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya, the second modern Bulgarian history after the work of Petar Bogdan Bakshev from 1667, "History of Bulgaria".[1] Bulgarians are taught that he was the forefather of the Bulgarian National Revival.[2] was born in the Samokov eparchy of the time. There is a dispute about the exact place of birth, between the town of Bansko[3][4] and villages around Samokov like Relyovo.[5] established himself in the Hilandar monastery on Mount Athos in 1745, he was later a hieromonk and deputy-abbot. materials for two years through hard work and even visiting the Habsburg Monarchy, finished his Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya in 1762 in the Zograf Monastery. book was the first attempt to write a complete history of Bulgaria attempted to awake and strengthen Bulgarian national consciousnesses.[6] most famous part of the whole book is the paragraph: you unwise moron! Why are you ashamed to call yourself a Bulgarian and why don't you read and speak in your native language? Bulgarians powerful and glorious once? they take taxes from strong Romans and wise Greeks? of all the Slavic nations they were the bravest one. rulers were the first ones to call themselves kings, the first ones to have patriarchs, the first ones to baptise their people.(...) are you ashamed of your great history and your great language why do you leave it to turn yourselves into Greeks? do you think they are any better than you? here you're right because did you see a Greek leave his country and ancestry like you do?" more or less signifies the purpose of the author who speaks about the danger of Bulgarians falling victim to the Hellenization policies of the mainly Greek clergy. anti-Greek sentiments presented in Paisius writing, characterized the Greeks as some kind of Bulgarian national enemies.[7][8][9] book's first manual copy was done by Sophronius of Vratsa in 1765. Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya consists of two introductions, chapters that discuss various historic events, chapter about the "Slavic teachers", the disciples of Cyril and Methodius, chapter about the Bulgarian saints, an epilogue. Paisius toured Bulgaria as a mendicant friar, he brought his work, which was copied and spread among the Bulgarians. is thought to have died on the way to Mount Athos near Ampelino (modern-day Asenovgrad). page of Istoriya slavyanobulgarska (Slav-Bulgarian History) Peak on Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica is named after Paisiy of Hilendar.[10] saint is portrayed on the obverse of the Bulgarian 2 lev banknote, issued in 1999 and 2005.[11] Bulgaria, 1762, History of the Slav-Bulgarians; Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19;

Constantinople, 1750 18th Century, Sophronius oSt Anne Skete, left on wedding night for Mt Athos, 50 yrs, died in peace
Greece, Mt Athos, 1750 18th Century, Sophronius oSt Anne Skete - near the Great Lavra of Mt. Athos, left on wedding night for Mt Athos, 50 yrs, died in peace; Skete of St Anne: a skete to the Great Lavra of Mt. Athos; Venerable Sophronius of Saint Anne Skete, Mount Athos, Commemorated on August 18; Sophronius lived in the eighteenth century. left home on his wedding night and became a monk on Mount Athos. living there for fifty years, he died in peace.

Constantinople, 1750-1806, George oCernica, pastor oHigh spiritual life, leader 2 great Wallacia Ms, renewer Athos&Paisian hesyc
Romania, 1750-1806, George oCernica (Lake Cernica, Bucharest, Romania), fSaliste, Sibiu, inclined monastic fyouth, but Catholic Austrian Rulers oTransylvania supressed Orthodoxy, esp monasticism, to unify, so 1749 he went tWallacia tGreek Met Rosca aBucharest, spiritual father, tConstan&Mt Athos wRosca, Vatopaidi M, monk then deacon, Rosca dies so Paisios Velichkovsky elder, Prophet Elias Skete, 1752 Great Schema, 1754 Hieroschema monk fRomanians aSt Elias Skete, 1764 w64&P tDragomirna M iMoldovia, Hierschemamonk, Confessor, steward 12 yrs, wBukovina fell tAustria 1775, they moved to Secu M, 1779 wP tNeamt M 2yrs, 1781 P blessed him to return Mt Athos, on way iBucharest he met Met Gregory II oWallacia (P's disciple) & old friend Hiermonk Makarios, they persuaded him with vision oSt Nick to undertake revival oCernica M, dedicated to St Nic, in ruins 30 yrs, task cenobitic rule similar Athonite & Paisan Ms, help fWallacian ruler Nick Mavrogenes began restore church&cells, he perfected monks spiritual life, daily services, scripture &Holy fathers reading, work including manuscript copying, he revived spiritual life, grew to 103 in 5yrs, 1785 gravely ill, his will prescribed monastic order, but he recovered, 1793 Met Philaret II assigned him to Caldarusani M also, 1794 on lived both Ms, Athonite-Paisian cenobitic Rule, worship 7times day frequent confession obedience constant prayer common meal, died 1806, buried Cernica Lazarus font, venerated as a pastor of high spiritual life, the leader of the two great monastic centers of Wallachia, a renewer of the true monastic life of the Athos and Paisian hesychastic tradition, many disciples incl Kalinikos&Makarios, 2005 Romanian sainthood, 2007 Russian sainthood; Cernica; St George of Cernica and Caldarushani, Commemorated December 3 ; George was born in 1730 to pious Orthodox parents in the town of Sălişte, near Sibiu in Romania. his youth he was inclined toward the monastic life. at that time the Roman Catholic Austrian rulers of Transylvania tried to suppress Orthodoxy, especially Orthodox monasticism, in order to make the faithful unite with them. at the age of nineteen, the young man went to Wallachia and came to the Greek Metropolitan Rosca, who was in Bucharest at that time. He became George's Spiritual Father. thereafter, in 1750, he accompanied his Spiritual Father to Constantinople, and then to Mount Athos. he settled at Vatopaidi Monastery, and was tonsured as a monk, and later he was ordained as a deacon. the repose of his Elder, he became a disciple of Saint Paϊsios Velichkovsky at the Prophet Elias Skete. in 1752, Saint Paϊsios tonsured Father George into the Great Schema. years later he was ordained as a Hieroschema-monk for the Romanian community at Saint Elias Skete. his stay on Mount Athos he advanced with great zeal and much spiritual benefit, on the ladder of spiritual perfection, 1763, together with sixty-four other disciples, he followed Saint Paϊsios to Dragomirna Monastery in Moldavia. the next twelve years, he served this Monastery as a Hieromonk, Confessor, and steward. Bukovina fell under the power of Roman Catholic Austria in 1775, the Dragomirna brethren, led by Elder Paϊsios, moved to Secu Monastery. 1779, he followed Saint Paϊsios to Neamț Monastery, where he lived for another two years. 1781, with the blessing of his Elder he went to Mount Athos again. his return to Bucharest, he met Metropolitan Gregory II of Wallachia, who was a disciple of Saint Paϊsios, and his old friend Hieromonk Makarios. their persistent persuasion, followed by prayer and fasting, and a vision of Saint Nicholas, he agreed to undertake the revival of monastic life at Cernίca Monastery, which was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, and which had been in ruins for more than thirty years. task was to establish a monastery in this region of Wallachia with a cenobitic Rule, similar to the Athonite and Paisian monasteries. the help of the Wallachian ruler Nicholas Mavrogenes and other Christians, Father George began to restore the main church and the cells. devoted a lot of time to perfecting the spiritual life of the monks. the monastery the Services were performed every day, along with reading the Holy Scriptures and the works of the Holy Fathers of the Church, and work which was carried out in numerous obediences: including copying manuscripts and physical labor. his sacrificial and gifted shepherding, he revived the spiritual life at Cernίca Monastery. After just five years, the community grew to 103 monks. 1785, Saint George became gravely ill and, expecting his imminent demise, made his will in which he prescribed the proper order of life of the monastic community. However, he soon recovered and continued his pastoral labors. view of his successes, in 1793, Metropolitan Philaret II of Wallachia also assigned him to Căldărușani Monastery. April 1794, Father George lived in both monasteries alternately, appointing Igoumens in them, especially during his absence. both monasteries he introduced the Athonite-Paisian cenobitic Rule, which included worship seven times a day, frequent Confession, obedience, constant prayer, and a common meal. George continued to manage both monasteries until the very end of his earthly life. reposed on December 3, 1806, lamented by the numerous brethren of the two monasteries. was buried at Cernica Monastery, in front of the church of Saint Lazarus. Saint George's repose, he was venerated as a pastor of high spiritual life, the leader of the two great monastic centers of Wallachia, a renewer of the true monastic life of the Athos and Paisian hesychastic tradition. Elder had many disciples and followers, such as Saint Kallinikos of Cernίca, Hieromonk Makarios and others. the meeting of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church on October 20-21, 2005, Elder George was glorified and numbered among the Saints. formal announcement of his canonization took place at Cernίca Monastery on the day of his commemoration December 3, 2005, with Patriarch Theoktistos of Romania presiding at the Service. the decision of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church of August 21, 2007, Saint George's name was included in the Synaxarion of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Constantinople, 1754-1757, Osman III, Sultan, prisoner, peculiar, angry, modest
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1754-1757 , Osman III; III (Ottoman Turkish: 2 January 1699-“ 30 October 1757) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1754 to 1757.[3] III lived most of his life as a prisoner in the palace, and as a consequence, he had some behavioural peculiarities when he took the throne. Unlike previous sultans, he hated music, and banished all musicians from the palace. According to Baron de Tott, Osman III was an angry and modest type of ruler.[6] Audience of French ambassador Charles de Vergennes with Sultan Osman III in 1755. III's first activity was to choose government officials to work with. During his reign, the changes he made in high-level government duties, especially Grand Vizier, can be considered as attempts to reduce the extremely weighted role of the charitable authority in the previous sultan's era.[5] the severe storm of March 1756, an Egyptian galleon ran ashore in Kumkapa at dusk. Due to the storm, 600 passengers could not be evacuated. The sultan, who came to the shore, took all the passengers by bringing barges from the shipyard. He ordered the construction of the Lighthouse in Istanbul to prevent such incidents. [7] first procession of his enthronement was held on 14 December 1754. The historians of that time didn'™t write the events happening in the empire because of severe and freezing cold of January 1755. [8] was responsible for a firman in 1757 that preserved the Status Quo of various Holy Land sites for Christians, Muslims, and Jews.[9] the second year of his reign, Osman lost his mother, žehsuvar Sultan, who had been in contact with his religiousness. Afterward, the oldest prince, Mehmed, died of illness on December 22, 1756. According to various sources, the funeral of the prince, controlled by the quarry, grand vizier and sheikh al-Islam, was attended by 5,000 people. Some contemporary sources said that the prince was poisoned and killed on the initiative of Mustafa Pasha, the next sultan of the third sultan, Mustafa Pasha.[5] is noted that, in this period, provisions were sent against banditry in Anatolia and Rumelia, and especially the movements of headless beams, and that the sultan was also interested in these issues. Some measures were taken against the tribes of Bozulus and Cihanbeyli, the Armenians due to the turmoil in Iran, the bandits around Erzurum and Sivas, and the famous leader KaraosmanoŸlu Hac Mustafa. The latter was captured and executed, and his head was brought to Istanbul on 5 December 1755.[5] is famous for building Nuruosmaniye Mosque, whose construction started during the reign of Mahmud I. Nuruosmaniye Complex, also known as Osmaniye for a while, consisted of three schools, madrasahs, a factory, a library, a mausoleum, a temporary room, a mesh house, a fountain, an inn, and shops. Osman built a new neighborhood in 1755-56 where Palace and Garden was located, along with houses and shops. He also built the Ihsaniye Mosque and its masjids, both of which stand today as hsaniye.[5] III built a fountain in his name in 1755-56; it was destroyed 122 years after its construction. [10] III died on the night of 30 October 1757. In the early morning, a ceremony was held and his cousin Mustafa III was placed on the throne. The new sultan ordered Osman to be buried in the New Mosque Mausoleum, not in Nuruosmaniye. [11] Venerable Theophanes of Dochiariou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 19; St George of Cernica and Caldarushani, Commemorated on December 3; St Basil of Poiana Marului, Commemorated on April 15; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1757-1761, Partiarch, Seraphim II, pro russian ideals, deposed, exiled to Athos
Constantinople Partiarch, 1757-1761, Seraphim II of Constantinople; II Anina (? – 7 December 1779[1]) was the Greek Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 1757 until 1761. II was born in Delvinë, located in modern-day southern Albania in the late 17th century.[2] Before he was elected as Patriarch of Constantinople on 22 July 1757 he was Metropolitan of Philippoupolis.[1] Patriarch in 1759 he introduces the feast of Saint Andrew on 30 November,[3] and in 1760 he gave the first permission to Cosmas of Aetolia to begin missionary tours in the villages of Thrace.[4] 1759 he invited Eugenios Voulgaris to head the reforms in the patriarchal academy and during his tenure in the academy influenced by Seraphim's pro-Russian ideals Voulgaris contributed to the reapproachment of the Russian Empire with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.[5][6] a consequence Seraphim II was deposed on 26 March 1761 and exiled on Mount Athos,[1] and he was replaced by the Ottoman authorities with Joannicius III. On Mount Athos, he rebuilt an old Monastic house, and dedicated it to the Saint Andrew. This house would eventually become the Skete of Saint Andrew.[7] the field of politics, he supported the Russian Empire during the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774 and the establishment of an Orthodox pro-Russian state in the Balkans. In 1769 he urged the Greek population to rebel against the Turks.[2] After the failure of the revolution, in 1776 he moved to Ukraine, where he died on 7 December 1779.[1] He was buried in the Mhar Monastery. Repose of the New-Hieromartyr Cosmas of Aitolia, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on August 24;

Constantinople, 1757-1774, Mustafa III, Sultan, justice, prosperity, aquaducts, a Ger, w Rus
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1757-1774, Mustafa III; III 28 January 1717-“ 21 January 1774) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1757 to 1774. He was a son of Sultan Ahmed III (1703-“30), and his consort MihrŸah Kadhn. He was succeeded by his brother Abdul Hamid I (1774-“89). ascended the throne on 30 October 1757, after the death of his cousin Osman III, the son of Sultan Mustafa II.[5] of Mustafa's rule[edit] after his accession to the throne, Mustafa demonstrated a special care for justice. He took a number of measures to increase prosperity in Istanbul. He regulated coinage, built large grain stores, maintained aqueducts, and established a strict fiscal policy.[6] He traveled frequently and checked whether the laws he had enforced were followed.[7] with Prussia[edit] much admired Frederick the Great's generalship, and in 1761 established a peace treaty with Prussia. Frederick wanted an alliance against the Habsburgs, and Mustafa wanted to modernize his state and army. Mustafa preferred recruiting his officers in Berlin, rather than in Paris and London, to re-organize his army. In 1763, the two countries exchanged their diplomats for the first time.[8] War (1768-1774)[edit] article: Russo-Turkish War (1768-“1774) Rag Pasha, who remained grand vizier until 1763, pursued a peace policy towards neighboring countries. But the increasing influence of Russia over the Caucasus and its intention to control Poland created tension between the Ottomans and Russia. Rag Pasha's successor Muhsinzade Mehmed Pasha also preferred to remain at peace, and Mustafa's insistence on war with Russia led to his resignation in 1768. The Sultan expected to gain an easy victory over the Russians, but in fact the Ottomans were unprepared for a long war. During the war, military reforms were undertaken, with the assistance of French officer Fransois Baron de Tott. They included the modernization of artillery corps and the foundation of the Naval Engineering School in 1773. The war was disastrous for the Ottoman Empire. The Russian armies occupied the Crimea, Romania and parts of Bulgaria.[9] Repose of the New-Hieromartyr Cosmas of Aitolia, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on August 24; Monkmartyr Cosmas of St Anne Skete, Mt Athos, Commemorated on December 3; St George of Cernica and Caldarushani, Commemorated on December 3; New Martyr George of Iberia, Commemorated on January 2; New Martyr Theologia, Commemorated on January 2; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 16; New Martyr Zachariah, Commemorated on January 20; St Basil of Poiana Marului, Commemorated on April 15; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1760, Cosmos, Skete of St Anne, executed in Constantinople, refused to convert
Greece, Mt Athos, 1760, Cosmos, Skete of St Anne, executed in Constantinople, refused to convert; Skete of St Anne: a skete to the Great Lavra of Mt. Athos; Monkmartyr Cosmas of St Anne Skete, Mt Athos, Commemorated December 3 ; Cosmas was a monk of Saint Anne’s Skete on Mount Athos. was executed in Constantinople on December 3, 1760 when he refused to convert to Islam. specific details of his martyrdom are not known.

Constantinople, 1764, Aquilina oZagliberi, beaten horribly bTurks, survived, died aHhome, relics' fragrance, &Devine light
Greece, 1764, Aquilina oZagliberi, Thessalonica, to avoid death her father became moslem, could not convert daughter or mother, turned her over to turks, beaten horribly, survived but died at home, relics ' wonderous fragrance, &Devine light; Zagliberi, Thessalonica; New Martyr Aquilina, Commemorated on September 27; Aquilina (Akylina), the virgin martyr of Christ, the daughter of pious parents who lived in the village of Zagliberi, Thessalonica in the diocese of Saint Ardamerios. day her father quarreled with a Turkish neighbor (for Turks and Christians lived together in that village), and struck the Turk, killing him. authorities seized him and brought him to the pasha of Thessalonica to be executed for his crime. death, the unfortunate man converted to Islam in order to save his life. Aquilina was still a babe at her mother’s breast when this happened. saint’s mother remained a Christian, and she encouraged her daughter to adhere to the Christian Faith, and not to deny Christ. some time had passed, the Turks pressured Aquilina’s father to make her become a Moslem, too. said, “Do not worry about my daughter, I’ll see to her. I will force her to convert to Islam in due course.” Saint Aquilina was eighteen, the Turks urged her father to make his daughter convert to their faith. said to her, “The other Turks tell me that you must become a Moslem sooner or later. Do it one day sooner so that they will stop bothering me. “ replied with great courage, “I will never deny the Lord Jesus Christ, Who died on the Cross for our sake. I am prepared to endure tortures, and even death, for love of my Christ.” that she would not change her mind, her father went to the Turks and said, “I am not able to persuade my daughter to become a Moslem, so you may do as you wish with her.” this, the Turks became angry, and sent servants to arrest the girl. When the saint’s mother saw them seize her daughter, encouraged her to remain firm in confessing Christ, and to be brave in the face of the torments she was about to endure. replied, “That is my intention, Mother. May God help me. Pray for me.” they said farewell with many tears and laments. Servants tied Aquilina with ropes and brought her to the judge. Her mother followed them, but the servants shut the door in her face and left her standing in the courtyard. Saint Aquilina was taken inside to appear before the judge, and her mother returned home to await the outcome. judge asked her, “Will you become a Moslem, you fool?” replied, “No, I will never deny my Faith or my Master Christ.” these things, the judge became angry and ordered the saint to be stripped of her clothes, leaving her in her chemise. he ordered them to tie her to a pillar and to beat her with sticks, and it was done. Two servants beat her for a long time, but Saint Aquilina endured her sufferings with great courage. once again the saint was brought before the judge and the other Turks. They began to flatter her, promising her many things. They even offered her gifts, if only she would deny her Christian Faith, she regarded earthly riches as worthless. A prominent man among them, having more boldness than the others, said to her, “Become a Moslem, Aquilina, and I will marry you to my son.” martyr of Christ replied, “May the devil take you and your son.” the Turks heard this, they were enraged and tied the saint up as before, beating her for a long time. she was untied and questioned for a third time. Aquilina had received so many lashes, her chemise was torn to shreds, and it no longer covered her. The judge said, “You fool! Aren’t you ashamed to appear naked before so many people? Become a Moslem, or I’ll break your bones one by one.” holy virgin replied, “What could I possibly want with your faith? Why should I deny Christ?” Turks were furious, and this time they beat the saint so mercilessly that they left her for dead. The earth was saturated with her blood, and pieces of her flesh fell to the ground. Finally, they untied her and gave her to a certain Christian who happened to be at that place, and he brought her to her mother’s house. her mother saw that her daughter was almost dead, she embraced her and asked, “What have you done, my child?” martyr opened her eyes with difficulty and said, “Behold, I have preserved the confession of my Faith, just as we agreed.” she was speaking to her mother, Saint Aquilina gave her pure soul into God’s hands and received the imperishable crown of martyrdom on September 27, 1764. the way to the cemetery, Saint Aquilina’s holy relics gave forth a wondrous fragrance which filled the entire road. That night a heavenly light shone upon her tomb like a brilliant star, and the Christians who witnessed this glorified God.

Constantinople, 1765-1821, GregoryV Patriarch oConstantinople, his connections w Greek Patriots discoveren Later
Greece, 1765-1821, Gregory V Patriarch of Constantinople, from Demitsana, Arcadia, Peleponnese, to Athens 1765, to Smyrna 1767, to Patmos, Deacon at Smyrna 1775 and Hieromonk, 1785 Bishop, Met oSmyrna, spiritual fruit, sermons, school buildings, books, 1797 Patriarch of C, internal external order, rules, regular mtgs, agendas for Bishops, early 19th C heavy Turk rule&Greek patriots, his connections w G P's discoveren when Ypsilantis crossed tPrut river, his asceticism caused 2 exiles to Great Larva Athos, 3 times forced to quell greek revolts, forced 1821 anathema against Y, a ignored, 1821 hanged Patriarchate gate since closed, body to sea but saved by Greek sailors, to Odessa, under Russian Flag, held See of Constantinople three times (1797-1799, 1806-1808, 1819-1821), 1871 relics back to Greece for 50th Aniversary, Nikon's Vestiments Mitre Cross, 1921 Sainthood 100 yr Anniversary; Demitsana or Dimitsana ; Hieromartyr Patriarch Gregory V of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 10; Holy Patriarch Gregory (George Angelopoulos in the world) was born in 1745 at Dēmētsána in the Pelopónnēsos. began his education in the village schools, since his father could not afford to send him to better schools. 1765, he went to Athens to study under the renowned teacher Dēmḗtrios Vodas, in 1767, he went to Smyrna to attend an ecclesiastical school. he went to Patmos for further study, was ordained as a Deacon in 1775 at Smyrna. after, he was ordained as a Hieromonk. 1785 he was consecrated as a Bishop, and was chosen as the Metropolitan of Smyrna. ministry produced much spiritual fruit, and he edified his flock by his eloquent sermons, by building schools, and by writing books. May 1,1797 he was elected as Patriarch of Constantinople. that day forward, he concerned himself with the internal and external order of the Patriarchate. He established rules for his household and staff, called regular meetings, and set agendas for the Synod of Bishops. the early XIX century, Greece was suffering under the heavy Turkish yoke, though many Greek patriots hoped to regain their independence. found support from the Holy Patriarch, whose connections with Greek patriots were revealed only after Alexander Ypsilantis crossed the Prut River with his army against Sultan Mahmud. Patriarch was an ascetic who kept the fasts and devoted himself to the unceasing Prayer of the Heart. traits did not endear him to everyone, and he had many enemies. Saint's austerity annoyed some bishops, who slandered him, resulting in his removal and exile to Mount Athos from 1798-1806, where he lived in the Greatest Lavra. second tenure as Patriarch began amid political turmoil. more he began a program of building churches and schools. declared war in 1807 as the result of Russian activity in the Balkans. The Sultan ordered Saint Gregory to issue an encyclical against Russia in order to prevent the Greeks from cooperating with them. bore no malice toward Russia, but he was trying to avoid massacres and insurrections. times during his second Patriarchate, Saint Gregory was forced to quell Greek attempts to revolt. he was deposed and exiled to the Holy Mountain in 1808. January 1819, the Holy Hierarch ascended the Patriarchal throne for the final time. established a fund to help the poor of Constantinople and reorganized the Patriarchal printing press, which published many spiritual books. March, several bishops were imprisoned or executed because of the failed insurrection of Alexander Ypsilantis in Moldavia. the Greek Revolution began on March 25, 1821, the Turks ordered the Patriarch and his Synod to issue an anathema against Ypsilantis and those who had cooperated with him. anathema was ignored, because the Greeks knew that it had been issued under duress. that Lent, jailings and executions were common. One of the Patriarch's friends advised him to flee from Constantinople to the Morea. Gregory replied: "I have a premonition that the fish of the Bosphorus will eat my body, but I will die calmly, for the sake of of saving my nation." Holy Pascha, April 10, 1821, the Patriarch was seized at 10:00 A.M. and hanged at the gate of the Patriarchate, and then his body was thrown into the sea. That gate has remained shut ever since. sailors noticed the place where the Hieromartyr's body was abandoned, and placed it on a ship from Kephalonia under the command of Captain Macri Sklavos, and then it was taken to Odessa under the Russian flag. Hierarch's relics were buried in the Greek church of the Holy Trinity on June 19, 1821. vestments were sent from Moscow for the Saint's relics, as well as a mitre and a cross, which had belonged to His Holiness Patriarch Nikon (1652-1658). Hieromartyr Gregory V of Constantinople, held the See of Constantinople three times (1797-1799, 1806-1808, 1819-1821). 1871, at the request of the Greek government, permission was granted to transfer Patriarch Gregory's relics from Odessa to Athens for the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Greek independence. A special Service was composed in Athens in honor of the Hierarch, whose martyrdom heralded the triumph of Christianity in Greece. Hieromartyr Gregory was glorified as a Saint in 1921. The scroll on his Icon reads: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1).

Constantinople, 1768-1809, Nikodemos tHagiorite, scriptures by heart, Multifaceted works, Philokalia, The Rudder
Greece, Mt Athos, 1768-1809, Nikodemos tHagiorite (hesychasm monks), fNaxos Is, zealous for that which is good, sacred and secular learning, at 26 to Dionysiou on Athos, first obedience served as monastery secretary, Corinth Met Makarios arrived there 1874 and 1876 assigned him to edit Philokalia, simple man with profound concentration, scriptures by heart, even chapter, verse, page, recited writings Holy Fathers from memory, 1783 Great Schema at 35, complete silence 6 yrs, then Makarios gave obedience of editing Simeon tNew's writings, so back into world and literary work until death in 1809, remarkable works: Exomolotarion (Manual of Confession), New Theotokian (62 Rules of Theotokos), published liturgical books, Hymographer, Heortodromion canons for songs of the feasts oLord and oMOG, multifaceted work: ascetical-mystical theology, ethics, canon law, exegesis, hagiology, liturgics, and hymnology, preface to Philokalia and lives of ascetics there, translated Unseen Warfare, interpretation Paul's Epistles, those examples of saints lives encouraged staying Orthodox, new edition of The Rudder 1801, containing Canons of The Apostles and Holy EC and Local Synod Fathers, Most edifying work: Christian Morality 1803, saying: Those monks who are strong in body and in soul ... should occasionally go into the world to preach and to counsel, if can't Pray for them.; Repose of Venerable Nikodemos the Hagiorite, Commemorated on July 14; Nikodemos (Νikόdēmos) of the Holy Mountain was born on the Greek island of Naxos in the year 1748, and was named Nicholas in Holy Baptism. a child he was well-behaved, avoiding bad company and everything which might harm the inner man. was zealous in his love for that which is good and beneficial, and he loved sacred and secular learning. first education on Naxos came from the village priest, who taught him to love Christ and His Church. also assisted the priest during the Divine Liturgy and other Services. Nicholas attended the school at Naxos, where Archimandrite Chrysanthos, the brother of Saint Cosmas Aitolos (August 24), taught him sacred and secular letters. the age of twenty-six (1874), he arrived on Mount Athos and was tonsured at Dionysiou Monastery with the name Nikodemos. his first obedience, Father Nikodemos served as the monastery’s secretary. years after entering Dionysiou Monastery, the Metropolitan of Corinth, Saint Makarios Notaras (April 17), arrived there, assigned the young monk to edit the manuscript of the Philokalia, which he had found in 1777 at Vatopedi Monastery. this book was the beginning of many years of literary activity for Saint Nikodemos. soon moved to Pantokrator Skḗtē, where he was under obedience to Elder Arsenios of the Pelopónnēsos, under whose guidance he studied Holy Scriptures and the writings of the Holy Fathers. to the testimony of his contemporaries, Saint Nikodemos was a simple man, without any malice, unassuming, and distinguished by his profound concentration. possessed remarkable mental abilities: he knew the Holy Scriptures by heart, and even remembered chapter, verse, and the pages they were on. Moreover, he could recite long passages from the writings of the Holy Fathers from memory. 1783 Saint Nikodemos was tonsured into the Great Schema (at 35), and spent the next six years in complete silence. his next visit to Mount Athos, Saint Makarios gave Nikodemos the obedience of editing of the writings of Saint Symeon the New Theologian printed in three volumes: Syros, 1790). meant giving up his silence and occupying himself once more with literary work. that time until his death, he continued to devote himself to such endeavors. of the ascetic's remarkable books was his Exomologitarion (Manual of Confession), which was published in 1794. was the first book of its kind in the Orthodox Church. Drawing from Holy Scripture and from the Fathers of the Church, Saint Nikodemos lists the qualifications a confessor must have, if he is to be a true confessor, offers advice on how one should prepare for Confession, how to confess, and how one ought to guard himself against sin after Confession. Saint also made great contributions by publishing liturgical books. Using materials from the manuscript collections on Mount Athos, published sixty-two Canons (rules) to the Most Holy Theotokos under the title, New Theotokarion (Venice, 1796). most wise Nikodemos is also known as a composer and interpreter of hymns. Canon in honor of the "Quick to Hear” Icon of the Mother of God (November 9) and his “Service and Encomium in Honor of the Fathers who Shone on the Holy Mountain of Athos” are used even beyond the Holy Mountain. of his other books include the Heortodromion, an interpretation of the Canons which are sung on Feasts of the Lord and of the Mother of God (Venice,1836), and The New Ladder, an interpretation of the 75 Hymns of Degrees (Anabathmoi) of the liturgical book called the Oktoekhos (Constantinople, 1844). is readily apparent that the literary work of Saint Nikodemos was multi-faceted, representing more than half a dozen fields of theology: ascetical-mystical theology, ethics, Canon Law, exegesis, hagiology, liturgics, and hymnography. wrote the preface to the Philokalia, and brief Lives of the ascetics whose writings are included therein. the Saint’s ascetical works, his translation of Lorenzo Scupoli’s book, Unseen Warfare (1796), is well known, and has been translated into Russian, English, and other languages. Nikodemos had a special love for hagiography, as attested by his work, New Eklogion (Venice, 1803), and his posthumous book, The New Synaxarion (1819). completed a Modern Greek translation of Saint Paul's Fourteen Epistles in three volumes (1819) as interpreted by the Hierarch Mētrophánēs, by Saint Theophylaktos, the Archbishop of Bulgaria (December 31), and others. Nikodemos also wrote An Interpretation of Saint Paul's Seven Catholic Epistles (published in Venice in 1806). 1799 Nikodemos edited the New Martyrologion, which he and Saint Makarios of Corinth seem to have prepared together in order to demonstrate that the Orthodox Church continues to produce Saints, particularly Martyrs, who were subjected to the same trials, torments, and death as tihe ancient Martyrs. example of the Saints whose Lives appear in this book strengthened and encouraged the Orthodox to remain faithful to Christ, and not to convert to the religion of their oppressors. Nikodemos prepared a new edition of the Pedalion or Rudder, in collaboration with Hieromonk Agapios. was printed in 1801, and contained the Canons of the Holy Apostles, those of the Holy Ecumenical and Local Synods, and of the Holy Fathers. most edifying book, Christian Morality, was published in Venice in 1803. it he says: "Those monks who are strong in body and in soul ... should occasionally go into the world to preach and to counsel. who cannot go into the world, either because of the passions that assail them when they are in the midst of society, or because they are physically infirm, should seek the good of their brethren through prayer and by offering counsel to those who visit them, and if they are learned, by writing edifying books."1 long before his repose, Father Nikodemos, worn out by his literary work and ascetical struggles, went to live at the Kelli of the iconographers Hieromonks Stephen and Neophytos Skourtaίos, who were brothers by birth. asked them to help with the publication of his works, because he was hindered by his infirmities. day before he went to the Lord, he was able to make his Confession, receive Holy Unction, and then Holy Communion. first biographer, Father Euthymios, describes the Saint's repose in this manner: "When the sun rose on the earth that day (Wednesday July 14, 1809), the intelligible sun of the Church set. The fiery pillar, the guide of the New Israel into piety disappeared; the cloud which refreshed those who were melting in the heat of sin, hid itself.” many friends and acquaintances mourned, and the words of a certain Christian were typical of the thoughts of many individuals of that time: “Oh, my Fathers, it would have been better for a thousand Christians to have died today, and not Nikodemos.” Nikodemos reposed peacefully at the age of sixty on July 14, 1809, and was glorified by the Church of Constantinople in 1955. 1 Constantine Cavarnos, Modern Orthodox Saints Volume 3, Saint Nicodemus the Hagiorite, pages 46-47. (Belmont, Massachusetts, 1974).

Constantinople, 1770-1773, John oMonemvasia, Albanian Turk slavery, no convert. extreme tortures &resistence 15yr old martyr
Greece, 1770-1773, John oMonemvasia (Malbasia) Monestary, Southern Greece, Geraki &Gouves, only 12 in 1770 when priest father killed bAlbanian Turks, with mother into slavery at Larisa, at first separate then by same master, who wanted to adopt him, but he would not convert. extreme tortures and resistence 15yr old martyr; Monemvasia monastery at Morea in the Peloponnesos.; New Martyr John of Monemvasia, Commemorated on October 21; John was born in 1758 near the city of Monemvasia. father was a priest from Geraki, and his mother was from the neighboring village of Gouves. was in Gouves that John's father was assigned as a priest, and there John was born. a young age John tried to emulate his father by helping him work in the church. He was known for his exemplary behavior, and referred to by other children as the "priest's son." the year 1770 the army of the Albanian Hatzi Osman defeated the Greek resistance, and arriving in Monemvasia they killed John's father and enslaved both him and his mother. were taken to Larisa, where they were sold separately two or three times. two years they were bought by the same man, a Turkish landowner. Turk had no children, and recognizing John's good qualities (he was exceptionally intelligent for his age, obedient, and a hard worker), the man wanted to adopt John after converting him to Islam. Every day they tried to persuade him to abandon the Christian Faith and become a Turk. Initially, they used flattery and promises, but later they used terrible tortures to overcome John's steadfastness (he was only 15 years old), but he remained unwavering in his Christian faith. day his master, tired of trying to convince him to convert, and in anger led him to the courtyard of the mosque. Many Muslims were gathered there, and with blows and terrible threats they urged him to convert and become a Turk. John's response was clear: "I am not a Turk, I am a Christian and I shall die as a Christian." addition, the Turk and his wife tried every day with magic and evil spells to make the Saint lose his mind and give in to carnal desires, and then to become a Turk. But John remained pure, for the grace of Christ protected him from all of the diabolical devices of the Turk's wife. came the fifteen days of fasting before the Dormition of the Theotokos. The Turk realized that John did not wish to break the fast, so he locked him up in a barn. He kept him there for the entire fifteen days and hung him up, lighting a fire in the straw beneath him to cause smoke, and struck him with the flat of his sword, all the while trying to make him eat their abominable foods and break the fast. Saint John did not even taste the food, but prayed to the Mother of God, in whose honor the Fast is observed, asking her to help him keep the fast, for he preferred to die rather than break his fast. master, seeing that he remained unconvinced, left him without food for two and three days at a time. His mother, seeing him weakened by the tortures and the fasting, tried to convince him to give in, saying: "Eat these foods, my son, so that you do not perish. God and the Panagia will forgive you, because you would not be doing this voluntarily, but out of necessity. Pity me, your poor mother. Do not die and leave me alone in this foreign land, for by having you here, I feel as if I am not a slave." replied: "Why are you doing this, Mother, and why are you crying? Why don't you emulate the Patriarch Abraham, who for the love of God wanted to sacrifice his only son, yet you only cry and weep. I am a priest's son and I should be keeping the laws and customs of our Church more than the sons of laymen, for if we don't keep the small things [of the faith], how can we keep the larger things?" after this response the furious Turk stabbed him in the heart on October 19, 1773. After two days Saint John died and received the crown of martyrdom. John's skull and portions of his hand and feet are located at the Zermbitsa Monastery in Sparta, and other portions of his relics are in the churches of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste in Larisa and Voulkanou Monastery in Messenia.

Constantinople, 1771, Damascene of Hilandar, igumen, sent to Svishtov, Bulgaria, to collect rent, to avoid paying Moslems framed him
Gabrovo, Bulgaria ; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 16 ; Hieromartyr Damascene the New was born in the village of Gabrovo of the Trnovo diocese in Bulgaria. He left his home as a young man and went to the Hilandar monastery on Mount Athos. Over time, he was ordained deacon and priest, fulfilling various obediences in the monastery. Later he was chosen as the igumen. Damascene often journeyed to various places on monastery business. One day Father Damascene was sent to Svishtov [Svištov, in Serbian], Bulgaria to collect rent from a Moslem on some property owned by the monastery. To avoid paying the debt, the man sent a Moslem woman to the room where the saint was staying. Then he and others broke in and accused Father Damascene of impropriety. If he was found guilty, he could be put to death. kadi (judge) did not believe that Father Damascene was guilty of the charges, but since the other Moslems had given false testimony against him, the judge had to find him guilty. Before taking him to be executed, he was given the choice of being put to death, or of saving his life by converting to Islam. The saint replied, “I was born a Christian, and I shall die a Christian; for to deny Christ is to forfeit eternal life. It would be madness if I agreed to preserve this temporary life in exchange for eternal perdition. I am sorry for you if you do not understand this.” that nothing would induce the saint to deny Christ and accept their religion, the Moslems brought him to the place of execution. Saint Damascene asked for some time to pray, and his request was granted. After completing his prayers he made the Sign of the Cross and told them that he was ready. The holy New Martyr Damascene was hanged at Svishtov on January 16, 1771, and received an incorruptible crown of glory from Christ. wrath of God was not slow in overtaking the evil-doers, however. After they put the saint to death they got into a boat to cross the Danube River, and the boat capsized in a storm, drowning them.

Constantinople, 1771, Damascene tNew, fBulgaria tHilandar, igumen business trips, Martyred b false t, God killed evil-doers
Greece, Mt Athos, 1771, Hieromartyr Damascene tNew, fGabrovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 1) near Trnovo, tHilandar as young man, deacon, priest, later igumen, often journeyed monastery business, Martyred at Svishtov iSerbian Bulgaria collecting rent, to avoid moslems set him up, accused him impropriety wMoslem woman, Judge did not believe but since moslems gave false testimony he was hanged, he was sorry they did not understand why he accepted death versus moslem faith, God killed evil-doers in storm over Danube; Gabrovo, Bulgaria ; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 16 ; Hieromartyr Damascene the New was born in the village of Gabrovo of the Trnovo diocese in Bulgaria. left his home as a young man and went to the Hilandar monastery on Mount Athos. time, he was ordained deacon and priest, fulfilling various obediences in the monastery. he was chosen as the igumen. Damascene often journeyed to various places on monastery business. day Father Damascene was sent to Svishtov [Svištov, in Serbian], Bulgaria collect rent from a Moslem on some property owned by the monastery. avoid paying the debt, the man sent a Moslem woman to the room where the saint was staying. he and others broke in and accused Father Damascene of impropriety. he was found guilty, he could be put to death. kadi (judge) did not believe that Father Damascene was guilty of the charges, since the other Moslems had given false testimony against him, judge had to find him guilty. taking him to be executed, he was given the choice of being put to death, or of saving his life by converting to Islam. saint replied, “I was born a Christian, and I shall die a Christian; for to deny Christ is to forfeit eternal life. would be madness if I agreed to preserve this temporary life in exchange for eternal perdition. am sorry for you if you do not understand this.” that nothing would induce the saint to deny Christ and accept their religion, the Moslems brought him to the place of execution. Damascene asked for some time to pray, and his request was granted. After completing his prayers he made the Sign of the Cross and told them that he was ready. holy New Martyr Damascene was hanged at Svishtov on January 16, 1771, and received an incorruptible crown of glory from Christ. wrath of God was not slow in overtaking the evil-doers, however. they put the saint to death they got into a boat to cross the Danube River, and the boat capsized in a storm, drowning them.

Constantinople, 1774-1789, Ottoman Sultan, Abdul Hamid I, Pacifist, reformed military, lost Crimea and Ochakov
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1774-1789, Abdul Hamid I; ülhamid I, Abdul Hamid I or Abd Al-Hamid I (20 March 1725 – 7 April 1789)[1] was the 27th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, reigning over the Ottoman Empire from 1774 to 1789. 1 Early life 2 Reign 2.1 Accession 2.2 Rule 2.3 Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca 2.4 Relations with Tipu Sultan 3 Architecture 4 Character 5 Family 6 Death 7 References 8 Sources 9 External links life[edit] was born on 20 March 1725 in Constantinople, a younger son of Sultan Ahmed III (reigned 1703–1730) and his consort Åžermi KadÄ±n.[3] III abdicated in favor of his nephew Mahmud I, who was succeeded by his brother Osman III, and Osman[3] by Ahmed's elder son Mustafa III. a potential heir to the throne, Abdul Hamid was imprisoned in comfort by his cousins and older brother, as was customary. This lasted until 1767. this period, he received his early education from his mother Rabia Åžermi, who taught him history and calligraphy.[3] the day of Mustafa's death on 21 January 1774 , Abdul Hamid ascended to the throne with a ceremony held in the palace. The next day Mustafa III's funeral procession was held. new sultan sent a letter to the Grand Vizier and Serdar-Ä± Ekrem Muhsinzade Mehmed Pasha on the front and informed him to continue his duty. On 27 January 1774, the sword was armed in Eyup Sultan. the time, the Ottoman-Russian front wars continued, the army was at once, and there was a shortage of food in Istanbul. [4] Hamid's long imprisonment had left him indifferent to state affairs and malleable to the designs of his advisors.[citation needed] Yet he was also very religious and a pacifist by nature. his accession the financial straits of the treasury were such that the usual donative could not be given to the Janissary Corps. The new Sultan told the Janissaries "There are no longer gratuities in our treasury, as all of our soldier sons should learn." Ottoman Army advances from Sofia, its largest garrison in Rumelia, in the year 1788. Hamid now sought to reform the Empire's armed forces. He enumerated the Janissary corps and tried to renovate it, and also the navy. He established a new artillery corps. He was also credited with the creation of the Imperial Naval Engineering School.[1] Hamid tried to strengthen Ottoman rule over Syria, Egypt, and Iraq.[1] However, slight successes against rebellions in Syria and the Morea could not compensate for the loss of the Crimean Peninsula, which had become nominally independent in 1774, but was in practice now controlled by Russia. repeatedly exploited its position as protector of Eastern Christians to interfere in the Ottoman Empire, and explicitly. Finally the Ottomans declared war against Russia in 1787. Austria soon joined Russia. Turkey held its own in the conflict, at first, but on 6 December 1788, Ochakov fell to Russia (all of its inhabitants being massacred). It is said that this sad defeat broke Abdul Hamid's spirit, as he died four months later. spite of his failures, Abdul Hamid was regarded as the most gracious Ottoman Sultan.[citation needed] He personally directed the fire brigade during the Constantinople fire of 1782. He was admired by the people for his religious devotion, and was even called a Veli ("saint"). He also outlined a reform policy, supervised the government closely, and worked with statesmen. Hamid I turned to internal affairs after the war with Russia ended in this way. He tried to suppress internal revolts through Algerian Gazi Hasan Pasha, and to regulate the reform works through Silâhdar Seyyid Mehmed Pasha (Karavezir) and Halil Hamid Pasha. in Syria, the rebellion of Zahir al-Omar, who cooperated with the admirals of the Russian navy in the Mediterranean, benefiting from the confusion caused by the Russian expedition of the 1768 Russian campaign, and suppressed the rebellion in Egypt in 1775, as well as the Kölemen who were in rebellion in Egypt. was brought to the road. On the other hand, the confusion in Peloponnese was ended, and calm was achieved. Kaptanıderyâ Gazi Hasan Pasha and Cezzâr Ahmed Pasha played an important role in suppressing all these events. [5] of Küçük Kaynarca[edit] his pacific inclinations, the Ottoman Empire was forced to renew the ongoing war with Russia almost immediately. This led to complete Turkish defeat at Kozludzha and the humiliating Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, signed on 21 July 1774. The Ottomans ceded territory to Russia, and also the right to intervene on behalf of the Orthodox Christians in the Empire. the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, the territory left, as well as Russia's ambassador at Istanbul level and an authorized representative, this ambassador's participation in other ceremonies at the state ceremonies, the right to pass through the Straits to Russia, as the envoys of the Russian envoy were given immunity. Marketing opportunities for all kinds of commodities in Istanbul and other ports, as well as the full commercial rights of England and France were given. It was also in the treaty that the Russian state had a church built in Ga lata. Under the circumstances, this church would be open to the public, referred to as the Russo-Greek Church, and forever under the protection of Russian ambassadors in Istanbul. [6] with Tipu Sultan[edit] 1789, Tipu Sultan, ruler of the Sultanate of Mysore sent an embassy to Abdul Hamid, urgently requesting assistance against the British East India Company, and proposed an offensive and defensive alliance. Abdul Hamid informed the Mysori ambassadors that the Ottomans were still entangled and exhausted from the ongoing war with Russia and Austria.[citation needed] Hamid I left many architectural works, mostly in Istanbul. The most important of these is the current in Sirkeci in 1777. It is the building built by the VakÄ±f Inn. He built a fountain, an elementary school, a madrasah and a library next to this building. The books in the library are kept in the Süleymaniye Library today and the madrasah is used as a stock exchange building. During the construction of the VakÄ±f Inn, the fountain was removed by construction and the fountain was transferred to the corner of Zeynep Sultan Mosque opposite Gülhane Park. [5] addition to these works, in 1778, he built a mosque with a mosque on the beach of Beylerbeyi on behalf of Râbia Åžermi KadÄ±n, and built fountains in Çamlıca KÄ±sÄ±klÄ± Square, other than places such as Ä°skele Square, Çınarönü, HavuzbaÅŸÄ± and Car Square. In addition, he had the Beylerbeyi Mosque substantially repaired, built a mosque, a fountain and a bath and shops around Emirgi in Emirgân in 1783, and another one for Hümâşah Sultan and his son Mehmed. The fountain has been built more. In addition to these, there is a fountain next to NesliÅŸah Mosque in Istinye, and another fountain on the embankment between Dolmabahçe and KabataÅŸ. [5] wrote down the troubles he saw before, to the grand vizier or to the governor of his empire. He accepted the invitations of the and his grand vizier and went to his mansions, followed by the reading of Quran. He was humble and a religious Sultan.[7] is known that Abdul Hamid I was fond of his children, was interested in family life, spent the summer months in Karaağaç, BeÅŸiktaÅŸ with his consorts, sons and daughters. His daughter Esma Sultan's dressing styles, her passion for entertainment, her journey to the objects with her journeymen and concubines have set an example for Istanbul ladies.[8] St Anastasius of the Strumitza Eparchy, Commemorated on August 29; St Peter of Cetinje, Commemorated on October 18; New Martyr Zachariah, Commemorated on January 20; New Martyr Theodore, Commemorated on January 30; St John the New Martyr of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 5; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1782, Zachariah, at Patra, repented rejecting Christ, becoming Muslim, tortured, divine light over burial well
Greece, 1782, Zachariah, New Martyr at Patra (Patras) in Achaia, West Greece, fPeloponnesos, renounced Christ became Moslem, went to Patras, to be furrier, often read his Salvation tSinners book, which moved him tRepentence, wept bitterly, told Elder of his sin, after praying fasting 20 days back tElder, confessed sins, asked Elders blessing tSeek Martyrdom, refused, warned may not be killed swiftly, much torture, might betray Christ second time, but Z said he was preparedd, Elders prayers oAbsolution, E charismated Z, plus Holy Mysteries, then blessed him go back declare his faith, on the way asked forgivenss every Christian he met, went tJudges house, said deceived to accept Moslem religion, come to senses, returned tChrist, into prison, beaten 3x aDay, finally died stretched on rack, Christians wanted body, Muslims refused, unworthy for burial, neither Christian or Muslim, body dragged tStreets, into dry well, landing on knees&upright position, radiant light over well next night, Turks filled well with dirt&debris, so he received crown oGlory washing away sins in 1782; Patras; New Martyr Zachariah, Commemorated on January 20 ; Holy New Martyr Zachariah was from the Peloponnesos in Greece. renounced Christ to become a Moslem, then went to ancient Patras and worked there as a furrier. had a book, The Salvation of Sinners, which he often read. The book moved him to repentance, and he wept bitterly for the great evil he had done. Zachariah met a certain Elder and told him of his sin. praying and fasting for twenty days, he returned to the Elder and confessed all the sins he had committed during his life. he asked the Elder’s blessing to seek martyrdom, the holy man tried to discourage him. warned that he might not be killed swiftly, but only after much torture. also pointed out the danger that Zachariah would betray Christ a second time under the torments he would endure. saint, aflame with zeal for martyrdom, said he was prepared to suffer myriad punishments for the sake of Christ. Elder read the prayers of absolution and chrismated the saint (as is done when apostates from the Faith are received back into the Church), administered the Holy Mysteries to him. he blessed Zachariah to go back to the Moslems and declare his faith in Christ. his way, the saint asked forgiveness from each Christian he met. holy martyr went to the judge’s house and said that he had been deceived when he accepted their religion, now he had come to his senses and returned to Christ. Zachariah was thrown into prison, where he was beaten three times a day. the saint died by being stretched out on a rack. asked for his body so they might bury it, but the Moslems refused. said, “He is neither one of you, nor one of us, for he denied both religions. Therefore, he is unworthy of burial.” body was dragged through the streets and thrown into a dry well, landing on its knees in an upright position. saw a radiant light over the well the next night, and hastened to venerate the saint. Turks filled the well with dirt and debris to prevent such gatherings in the future. shedding his blood, the holy New Martyr Zachariah washed away the sin of his denial of Christ and received an unfading crown of glory in the year 1782.

Constantinople, 1784, New Martyr Theodore, raised Orthodox kids, renounced Christ, soon confessed tMosles, tortured, strangeled
Ephesus, 784, New Martyr Theodore, Mytilene, Lesbos Island (Between Troy and Ephesus), fMytilene, became orthodox, raised Orthodox children, renounced Christ, became Moslem, soon repented, tMt Athos, there, deeply anguished, in 1784 tLord blessed him to confess his faith before Moslem judge, who ordered severe torture, strangeled, tossed into sea, christians buried body in Church; Mytilene; New Martyr Theodore, Commemorated on January 30 ; Holy New Martyr Theodore was born in the city of Mytilene, where he married and raised children in Orthodox piety. renounced Christ and accepted the Moslem religion, but soon repented of his sin, left his family and went to Mt. Athos. even in the monastery Saint Theodore was deeply anguished by his denial of Christ. Lord blessed the saint to confess the Orthodox Faith before a Moslem judge in the year 1784. enraged judge gave orders to fiercely torture the holy martyr, then they strangled him with a rope and cast him into the sea. buried the body of the holy Martyr Theodore in the church of Saint John the Forerunner.

Constantinople, 1789-1807, Ottoman Sultan, Selim III, poet, musician, education, military
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1789-1807, Selim III; III (24 December 1761 – 28 July 1808) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1789 to 1807. regarded as an enlightened ruler,[1] the Janissaries eventually deposed and imprisoned him, and placed his cousin Mustafa on the throne as Mustafa IV. Selim was subsequently killed by a group of assassins. III was the son of Sultan Mustafa III and his wife MihriÅŸah Sultan. mother MihriÅŸah Sultan originated in Georgia, and when she became the Valide Sultan, she participated in reforming the government schools and establishing political corporations. father Ottoman Sultan Mustafa III was very well educated and believed in the necessity of reforms. Mustafa III attempted to create a powerful army during the peacetime with professional, well-educated soldiers. This was primarily motivated by his fear of a Russian invasion. the Russo-Turkish War, he fell ill and died of a heart attack in 1774. Sultan Mustafa was aware of the fact that a military reform was necessary. He declared new military regulations and opened maritime and artillery academies. Mustafa was very influenced by mysticism. predicted his son Selim would be a world-conqueror, so he organized a joyous feast lasting seven days. was very well educated in the palace. Sultan Mustafa III bequeathed his son as his successor; however, Selim's uncle Abdul Hamid I ascended the throne after Mustafa's death. Sultan Abdul Hamid I took care of Selim and put great emphasis on his education. Abdul Hamid's death, Selim succeeded him on 7 April 1789, not yet 27 years old. Selim III was very fond of literature and calligraphy; many of his works were put on the walls of mosques and convents. He wrote many poems, especially about Crimea's occupation by Russia. He spoke Arabic, Persian and Serb-Bulgar fluently. III showed great importance to patriotism and religion. He demonstrated his skills in poetry, music and was fond of fine arts and the army. St Anastasius of the Strumitza Eparchy, Commemorated on August 29; New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; New Martyr Chryse (Zlata) of Meglena, Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 13; St Peter of Cetinje, Commemorated on October 18; St Paisius, Commemorated on December 17; St Hilarion the Georgian, the New, Commemorated on February 14; Monkmartyr Agathangelus of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 19; Martyred Fathers and Mothers of Atchara, Commemorated on May 29; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1791-1794, John tNew oBulgaria, at 19 martyred at Hagia Sophia, renounced Islam, beheaded
Constantinople, 1791-1794, John the New of Bulgaria, at 19 martyred at Great Church (Hagia Sophia), Constantinople, Born somewhere in Bulgaria, as a boy wMoslem companions, renounced Christ for Islam, came to senses at 16, grief, fled to Great Larva Athos, monastic great strictness 3yrs, to Constantinople to shed blood for his apostacy, to Hagia Sophia, now a Mosque, to moslems renounced false religion oMohammed to follow Christ once more, beheaded; Hagia Sophia; St John the New Martyr of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 5; holy New Martyr John was born in Bulgaria in 1775. fanatical Moslems believed that they would be assured of an eternal “paradise” where they would enjoy beautiful virgins and an abundance of food if they could force Christians to deny Christ and follow Mohammed, they spared no effort to convert Christians through flattery or by threats of death. John was still a boy, he fell in with Moslem companions. Through various ways, he was led to renounce Christ and to follow Islam. came to his senses when he was about sixteen, and was stricken with grief at his denial of Christ. fled to Mt. Athos to the Great Lavra. Here he spent his time in repentence under the guidance of an Elder. lived a monastic life of great strictness for three years, his conscience continued to trouble him. the blessing of his Elder, he decided to travel to Constantinople to wipe out his apostasy by confessing Christ in a public way and by shedding his blood. young monk dressed himself as a Turk, which a Christian was not permitted to do. in Constantinople, he went directly to the church of Hagia Sophia, which had been turned into a mosque. in front of the Moslems, he made the Sign of the Cross and began to recite Christian prayers. he said in a loud voice that he had been born a Christian, but had fallen into error and renounced Christ. he declared, he wished to renounce the false religion of Mohammed in order to follow Christ once more. Turks fell into a frenzied rage when they heard his words. They seized him and began to torture him in various ways. “Renounce Christ,” they said, “and return to the Moslem faith, or you will be killed.” John replied, “Without Christ, there is no salvation.” furious Hagarenes dragged the saint out to the courtyard to behead him. In this manner, Saint John received the crown of martyrdom in 1784 at the age of nineteen.

Constantinople, 1794, Anastasius of Strumitza Eparchy, Bulgaria (Strumitza River 1), Thessalonica, selling Turkish clothes story
Bulgaria, 1794, St Anastasius of Strumitza Eparchy, Bulgaria (Strumitza River 1), in Thessalonica, selling Turkish clothes without paying duty, dressing like a turk, could not recite moslem salutation, armed w sword, refused becomming Moslem, tortured and died; Strumica; St Anastasius of the Strumitza Eparchy, Commemorated on August 29; New Martyr Anastasius, a Bulgarian, was born in 1774 in the Strumnitsk diocese, in the village of Radovicha. parents gave him over to military studies. the youth was twenty years old, he happened to be with his teacher in Thessalonica. master wanted to sell some Turkish clothes without paying the customary duty. He told his disciple to dress himself as a Turk and go into the city. collectors of the duty stopped him and demanded the written receipt of duty payment. The youth answered that he was a Turk. Then the collectors demanded that he recite the salutation with the Moslem prayer. The youth became confused and quiet. They ordered him to appear before the commander, who in interrogating the martyr suggested that he become a Moslem. The youth refused, and they led him away to the chief tax-collector. official tried at first to flatter, then to threaten the martyr, who admitted his civil guilt, but would not agree to betray the holy Faith. The tax-collector made this known to the mufti, who in turn answered, “You have in one hand the sword, in the other the law, use what you wish.” knew that by law the tax-collector ought to collect the tax from the youth, but then by judgment of the mufti he would not be a follower of Mohammed, armed with a sword. he had received such an answer, the commander of the haraje sent the youth to the local mullah together with five Turks, who were obliged to testify that the Christian had blasphemed the Moslem religion. the accusations of blasphemy against Mohammed by these witnesses, the youth honestly answered that he did not blaspheme him, but he would allow having shown disrespect to Moslem customs. subjected him to torture and condemned him to hanging. Along the way, they continued to urge the martyr to renounce his faith, but bleeding and exhausted, he fell upon the wayside and died on August 29, 1794.

Constantinople, 1794-1795, New Martyr Theodore, Neochorion (New Village) near C &Andrianople, CtIslam then back during plague
Greece, 1794-1795, New Martyr Theodore, Neochorion (New Village), Evros, on Roman Road Via Egnatia, near Adrianople, worked at Sultan's palace, converted to Islam, during plague converted back, to Chios & Mytilene, confessed in M, hanged there; Neochorion, Evros; (Greek: Νεοχώρι meaning new village) is a village and a community in the municipality of Orestiada in the northern part of the Evros regional unit in Greece. The community includes the village Patagi. It is situated 7 km west of the centre of Orestiada. Year Neochori village Patagi Community 1981 1,612 - - 1991 1,138 - - 2001 1,159 278 1,437 2011 739 163 902 History[edit] It was annexed to Greece in 1920, prior it was ruled by the Ottomans. It adopted its current name after the annexation, refugees flowed into the village and the Turkish population was displaced eastward. New Martyr Theodore, Commemorated on February 17; Holy New Martyr Theodore was born of pious parents in Neochorion near Constantinople in 1774. He worked in the palace of the Sultan, where he converted to Islam. a plague broke out in Constantinople, he realized the gravity of his sin and returned to Christianity. He went to Chios and then to Mytilene, where he confessed Christ before the Moslem authorities. He was imprisoned, tortured, then hanged by the Turks in 1795.

Constantinople, 1794-1802, New Mrtr Lazarus, Pergamon Shephrd, Moslem attacked bhDog, rape charge, prayed tGeorge, tongue healed
Bulgaria, 1794-1802, New Martyr Lazarus of Gabrovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 1), Shepherd near Pergamon, Moslem wife attacked by his dog, saved her but she said he attached her, her husband attacked wrong man, to hide mistake had wife's relatives charge Laz wRape, relatives offered $1,000 if he converts, horrible tortures, red hot irons, heavy stones on chest, prayed Lord &St George, tongue ruined by hot iron, heated band on head, med doctor merchant John oZagora, aga's doctor, saw his tongue healed, encouraged him, aga realized tHealing, I have 1 God in 3 persons, will die Orthodox C, condemned him to hang ; Gabrovo, Bulgaria ; New Martyr Lazarus of Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 23; Holy New Martyr Lazarus was from Gabrovo, Bulgaria and he was born to devout and God-loving parents in 1774. a young age he left Gabrovo and went to Soma in Asia Minor, near Pergamon, where he became a shepherd. day while tending his sheep in the fields, he sat down to rest, and fell asleep. a Moslem woman passed by, and was attacked by the sheep dog. by the dog's barking, Lazarus hastened to save her. dog was calmed down and the woman was unharmed, but her dress was somewhat torn. infuriated the woman, who immediately went home and told her husband that she had been attacked by a Christian shepherd who attempted to molest her. enraged husband went out to look for Lazarus, but since he did not know him, he mistook another man for Lazarus, and nearly beat him to death. order to hide his mistake, the husband had his wife's relatives go before the Turkish judge and to charge Lazarus with attempted rape. Lazarus was aware of what the woman's husband planned to do, he did not attempt to hide. He knew that he was innocent, and that running away would only make him appear guilty. on April 7, 1802, he showed up in court, where he was charged and thrown into prison. the meantime, the woman's relatives insisted that Lazarus must either convert to Islam or be executed for the dishonor he had inflicted upon their relative. They offered the aga a thousand grosia if he succeeded in converting Lazarus; or if the Saint refused to deny Christ, he must be sentenced to death. prison, saints Lazarus was beaten continuously until April 22, in an attempt to force his conversion. Christians came and visited Lazarus to give him support and encouragement, but he requested them to leave because they were placing themselves in danger. the aga grew increasingly angry because Lazarus would not convert, and the one thousand grosia seemed to be slipping through his fingers. Lazarus remained steadfast in the face of torture and flattery, and so the aga confiscated his herd of forty sheep. Tuesday of Saint Thomas week (April 22) the aga ordered more tortures for Lazarus. After his tormentors got drunk, they began applying red-hot irons to Lazarus' body. Then they placed heavy stones upon his chest, Lazarus still refused to submit. Instead, Lazarus entreated the Lord to help him, and he also prayed to Saint George (April 23), asking for his assistance. the torturers stretched out Lazarus' tongue and applied a hot iron to it, burning the front half and cauterizing the rest. Lazarus was now unable to speak, they told him to use sign language when he was ready to convert. They also placed a heated iron band around his head, causing him terrible pain. sunset, the merchant John from Zagora, who was also a medical doctor, went to see the aga, with whom he was acquainted, because he was the physician to the aga's household. John went to the window of the prison and was able to see Lazarus sitting on the floor. Not only did he seem to be well, but he was also able to speak normally. The doctor, who was an Orthodox Christian, encouraged Lazarus to persevere until the end, and to endure everything for the love of Christ. He spoke to Lazarus in Turkish, since he did not know Bulgarian and Lazarus did not understand Greek. Lazarus assured the doctor that he would not give in, but he was afraid that the Moslems would become tired of torturing him and would just stop instead of putting him to death. the aga learned that Lazarus could speak, he became angry with the torturers, whom he thought had deceived him. Yet when he saw the marks of torture on the Saint's body, he was convinced that the men had done their job. After trying once more to make Lazarus convert, he heard him reject all gifts, honors, and promises of wealth if he became a Moslem. Saint Lazarus told him, "I have one God in three persons, Whom I worship and adore. I was baptized as an Orthodox Christian, and I shall die as an Orthodox Christian." Then the aga ordered that he be hanged. the way to the place of his execution, many Moslems mocked Lazarus for being so foolish as to give up his life for Jesus Christ. When they arrived at their destination, Saint Lazarus voluntarily placed the rope around his own neck and stood on a basket, and then the executioner kicked it from under his feet. Thus the Holy New Martyr Lazarus endured martyrdom on April 23, 1802. He was twenty-eight years old when he departed from this temporal life, and inherited everlasting life. Now, in the Kingdom of Heaven, he joins the angels and all the Saints in glorifying the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit throughout the ages. Church Service in honor of Saint Lazarus was composed by Saint Nikephoros of Chios (May 1). Portions of his relics can be venerated in Leimonos Monastery in Lesbos, and in the Chapel of Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg at Mandra in Attica.

Constantinople, 1797-1800, Constantine oHydra &Rhodes, converted tIslam, repented, martyred, Island of Rhodes, Caria
Greece, 1797-1800, Constantine oHydra (island), Southern Greece, tRhodes, converted tIslam, repented, t, sought martyrdom, tKrimi, tConstantinople, tIveron, tRhodes, martyred; Rhodes; knights of Rhodes; New Martyr Constantine of Hydra, Commemorated on November 14; Holy New Martyr Constantine was born on the island of Hydra; his father was named Michael, and his mother was called Marina. the age of eighteen, he left Hydra and went to Rhodes, where he served the Turkish ruler Hasan Kapetan. Constantine converted to Islam and took the name Hasan, in honor of his master. For three years he received great honors and was content. however, he felt remorse for denying Christ. He gave alms to Orthodox Christians, prayed with bitter tears, and showed great reverence to the Orthodox priests he encountered. decided to atone for his sin by martyrdom. So he found a Spiritual Father, to whom he confessed, asking for his blessing to seek martyrdom. how young he was, his Spiritual Father advised him to wait. obeyed and left Rhodes, traveling to the city of Krimi, then to Constantinople, and from there he went to the Holy Mountain. Ivḗron Monastery he prepared himself for martyrdom. With the blessing of the Fathers, he returned to Rhodes and presented himself to the ruler, and courageously confessed Christ. The tortures he endured were horrible. he was hanged on November 14, 1800. at Saint Constantine's birthplace on Hydra, there is a beautiful church which is dedicated to him, and there his holy relics are kept. fragment from Saint Constantine's relics is in the "Quick to Hear" Icon at Saint Tikhon's Monastery church in Pennsylvania. Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ; Translation of the relics of St Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari, Commemorated on May 9;

Constantinople, 1800-1899, 19th Century Folder, Ottoman E., Balkan Revolt and Muhammad Ali of Egypt

Constantinople, 1801-1814, New Martyr Ignatius, Bulgaria, confessed before kadi breaking earlier m promise, tortured, hanged
Bulgaria, 1801-1814, New Martyr Ignatius, Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2.3), Rila M, then Athos, father refused fight Serb Orthodox, Mother Sister b moslem, turned him in, escaped t Romania, then Athos, confessed before kadi breaking earlier moslem promise, tortured, hanged; Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2); New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; holy New Martyr Ignatius was born in the village of Eski Zagora in the Trnovo region of Bulgaria, and was named John in Baptism. he was still a young child, his parents George and Maria moved to the city of Philippopolis and enrolled him in a school there. he did well at school, he had a strong desire for the monastic life. reaching adulthood, he entered the Rila monastery in western Bulgaria. he was assigned to an Elder, with whom he lived in obedience for six years. the Elder’s strictness became unbearable, John returned home. that time the Serbs rose in revolt against the Moslem government. ’s father was asked to take command of an Ottoman brigade, but he refused to fight against other Orthodox Christians. Moslems attacked George with furious anger. He was stabbed and then beheaded. ’s mother and sisters were also taken by the Hagarenes, and they ultimately agreed to convert to Islam. fled and hid in the home of an elderly Orthodox woman. mother and sisters learned where he was hiding, and they told the Moslems. sent to capture him did not know what he looked like, so the old woman told them she did not know him. woman helped him escape to Bucharest, Romania, he became acquainted with Saint Euthymius, who would also endure martyrdom. did not wish to stay in Bucharest, however, so he left for Mt. Athos. the way he visited the village of Soumla, where he ran into his friend Father Euthymius again. that Euthymius had denied Christ and beome a Moslem, John became very sad and left the village. had not gotten very far when Turkish soldiers stopped him and took all his possessions. demanded that he convert to Islam, and in his fright he told them that he would do so. with this reply, they let him go. reached the village of Eski Zagora, where he met an Athonite monk from the monastery of Grigoriou. journeyed to the Holy Mountain together, and John settled in the Skete of Saint Anna. he met Father Basil. day John and Father Basil traveled to Thessalonica on monastery business. they were there the monks David and Euthymius of Demetsana suffered martyrdom because they were Christians. was inflamed with the desire for martyrdom. Basil, however, urged him to postpone his intention, so they returned to the Holy Mountain. A short time after this, Father Basil died. a monk from the Skete of Saint Anna told him of the martyrdom of the New Martyr Euthymius (March 22), was once more filled with zeal for martyrdom. was placed under the spiritual direction of the Elder Acacius, who prescribed for him prayer, prostrations, and reading the Gospel. time, John was found worthy of monastic tonsure, and was given the new name Ignatius. Elder Acacius blessed him to travel to Constantinople with the monk Gregory in order to bear witness to Christ. receiving the Holy Mysteries in Constantinople, Ignatius felt he was ready for his ordeal. in Moslem garb, Ignatius went before the kadi and proclaimed his faith in Christ. He told him how he had promised to become a Moslem when he was younger, but now he threw his turban at the kadi’s feet and said that he would never deny Christ. that Ignatius was insane, the kadi warned him that if he did not come to his senses he would endure horrible torments before being put to death. On the other hand, if he embraced Islam, he would receive rich gifts and great honor from them. courageous martyr told the kadi to keep his gifts, for they were merely temporal gifts. “Your threats of torture and death are nothing new,” he said, “and I knew of them before I came here. In fact, I came here because of them, so that I might die for my Christ.” Ignatius went on to call Mohammed “a false prophet, a teacher of perdition, and a friend of the devil.” Then he invited the Moslems to believe in Christ, the only true God. kadi then became so angry he could not speak, so he motioned for a servant to lead Saint Ignatius out of the room. Ignatius turned and struck the servant, then knelt before the kadi and bent his neck, as if inviting him to behead him then and there. Other servants entered the room, however, and dragged him off to prison. Ignatius was brought before the kadi for questioning. When asked who had brought him to Constantinople, he replied, “My Lord Jesus Christ brought me here.” the kadi urged him to reconsider, for he was about to experience unimaginable tortures. “Do not expect to be beheaded so that the Christians can collect your blood as a blessing,” he said, “for I intend to hang you.” replied, “You will be doing me a great service whether you hang me or put me to the sword. I accept everything for the love of Christ.” that he could not turn Ignatius from his Christian Faith, the kadi ordered him to be hanged. He was taken to a place called Daktyloporta, where the sentence was carried out. The martyr’s body remained hanging there for three days, then some pious Christians paid a ransom for it and took it to the island of Prote for burial. Ignatius gave his life for Christ on October 8, 1814. He is also commemorated on May 1 with Saints Acacius and Euthymius. head of Saint Ignatius is in the Monastery of Saint Panteleimon on Mt Athos.

Constantinople, 1804, Hilarion oSkete of St Anne, converted aFreedom promise, repented i3days, confessed&martyred, blood heals
Greece, Mt Athos, 1804, Hilarion oSkete of St Anne - near the Great Lavra of Mt. Athos, 963 or 1686, uncle failed his occupation training, got job wMoslem, blamed for stealing, promised freedom if convert, repented 3 days later, 12th day ship to Crimea f10 mos, no peace decided martyrdom, renowned elders advised Mt Athos, tIveron, then tSt Anne's and Bassarion, oLuke's prep year earlier, tonsured Hilarion after strict rule and fasting, one morning H ready to confess, back to Aga at palace, threw red turban replace wBlack skoufia, all bones broken, beheaded, asceticism martyrdom crowns, Bassarion used H's blood to deliver young girl from demon; Skete of St Anne: a skete to the Great Lavra of Mt. Athos; Monastic Martyr Hilarion of Saint Anne Skete, Mount Athos, Commemorated on September 20; Hilarion was from Heraklion in Crete and his secular name was John. had five other siblings, John, Polyzoes, George, and two sisters, whose names are unknown. His parents, Francis and Katherine, had raised him with diligence, and he had learned to read and write. When he was a young man, his uncle took him to Constantinople, promising to train him for some occupation. John stayed with him for ten years, his uncle neglected to train him and did little else for him. is why John was forced to leave his uncle’s house and get a job as the clerk of a merchant from the island of Chios, who came to trust John. day, the merchant was obliged to leave his shop and travel back to Chios, placing John and another Orthodox Christian employee in charge of the business. he returned, the two employees gave their boss an accounting for the time that he was away. merchant said that he had been cheated, because the money they collected did not correspond to the value of the goods that were sold. the merchant did not make an inventory before going to Chios, he estimated that the two clerks were short by thirty grosia. other employee had been with the merchant for many years, and so all suspicion fell on John. He was told that there would be severe consequences if he did not return the money at once. that he was innocent, John asked his uncle to help him, but his uncle refused to see him. his despair he went to the palace, hoping to see the valide sultana, the Sultan’s mother. however, he met the Ethiopian eunuch, Mertzan Aga. It appears that John knew him and told him what had happened. evil Aga seized this opportunity and told him that if he converted to Islam, he would not be liable to any punishment; moreover, he would receive many riches and honors. his fear and anxiety, John accepted. he was presented to the Sultan’s mother, who introduced him to the Sultan. away, John was circumcised, and was given Muslim clothing and other gifts. In addition, a certain hodja was appointed to instruct him in Islamic teachings. days later, the young man came to himself and repented from his heart when he realized the gravity of his sin. He waited for an opportunity to escape, after twelve days he managed to board a ship for the Crimea, where he remained for ten months. knew no peace there because his conscience tormented him for his betrayal of Christ. he decided that the only way he could atone for his sin was by the path of martyrdom. to Constantinople, he consulted the renowned Spiritual Fathers, Elder Symeon and Elder Jeremiah. He told them of his intention to confess Christ in the place where he had denied Him. the Elders advised him to go to Mount Athos for a time. did exactly as he was told, and entered Ivḗron Monastery. Fathers there sent him to the Skete of St. Anna to place himself under the guidance of Hieromonk Bessarion, had prepared the New Martyr Luke (March 23) for his martyrdom the previous year. Elder accepted him and gave him a Rule of strict asceticism and fasting. Soon he received the monastic tonsure with the name Hilarion. morning, Father Hilarion told his Elder that he was ready to confess Christ, Whom he had denied. The Elder blessed his good intention, and the Saint received the Holy Mysteries. left for Constantinople together, and then Father Hilarion presented himself to the Aga at the palace. “Three days after becoming a Muslim,” he said, “I repented of what I had done, and I abandoned the darkness of error and returned to the light of truth, so I curse your religion. I was a Christian, and now I am once more.” his turban on the ground, he put on the black monastic skoufia he had concealed under his coat. the Saint’s resolve, the Aga ordered that he be tortured without mercy. His torments were so severe that all his bones were broken. Hilarion was beheaded on September 20, 1804, and received two incorruptible crowns from Christ: that of asceticism, and that of martyrdom. Bessarion was once invited to a Christian home and the children were brought to receive his blessing. One child, a little girl about eight years old, had been possessed by a demon. She turned black, made some erratic movements, and eventually she fell down as if she were dead.The Elder had some of the Saint’s blood with him, but before he could even anoint the girl with it, the demon came out of her, and the child stood up.

Constantinople, 1804-1813, First Serbian Uprising (against the Turks)
Serbia, 1804-1813, First Serbian Uprising; New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated on December 17; St Paisius, Commemorated on December 17;

Constantinople, 1804-1813, Karageorgea's town, Topola, Karageorgea's revolt 1804-1813
Serbia, Karageorge'™s town, Topola, Karageorge's revolt 1804-1809, First Serbian Uprising against the Turks from Constantinople, 1804, Collapse 1813 ; New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated December 17 ; St Paisius, Commemorated December 17 ; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated on December 17;

Constantinople, 1805-1848, Ottoman Sultan Muhammad Ali, founder of modern Egypt, against Sultan after 1831
Egypt, 1805-1848, Ottoman Sultan Muhammad Ali of Egypt; Ali Pasha al-Mas'ud ibn Agha, also known as Muhammad Ali of Egypt and the Sudan (4 March 1769 - 2 August 1849), the Albanian Ottoman governor and the de facto ruler of Egypt from 1805 to 1848, who is considered the founder of modern Egypt. At the height of his rule, he controlled Lower Egypt, Upper Egypt, Sudan and parts of Arabia and the entire Levant. was a military commander in an Albanian Ottoman force sent to recover Egypt from a French occupation under Napoleon. Following Napoleon's withdrawal, Muhammad Ali rose to power through a series of political maneuvers, and in 1805 he was named Wāli (viceroy) of Egypt and gained the rank of Pasha. Wāli, Muhammad Ali attempted to modernize Egypt by instituting dramatic reforms in the military, economic and cultural spheres. He also initiated a violent purge of the Mamluks, consolidating his rule and permanently ending the Mamluk hold over Egypt. Muhammad Ali recaptured the Arabian territories for the sultan, and conquered Sudan on his own accord. His attempt at suppressing the Greek rebellion failed decisively, however, following an intervention by the European powers at Navarino. 1831, Muhammad Ali waged war against the sultan, capturing Syria, crossing into Anatolia and directly threatening Constantinople, the European powers forced him to retreat. After a failed Ottoman invasion of Syria in 1839, he launched another invasion of the Ottoman Empire in 1840; he defeated the Ottomans again and opened the way towards a capture of Constantinople. Faced with another European intervention, he accepted a brokered peace in 1842 and withdrew from the Levant; in return, he and his descendants were granted hereditary rule over Egypt and Sudan. The dynasty he established would rule Egypt until the revolution of 1952 when King Farouk was overthrown by Mohamed Naguib when he succeeded him as the president of Egypt. WILLIAM WILBERFORCE [and ANTHONY ASHLEY-COOPER, 7th EARL OF SHAFTESBURY], PROPHETIC WITNESSES, 1833, 1885, Commemorated July 30 ;

Constantinople, 1808, New Martyr Demetrius of Samarina iEpirus, preaching Word, but suspctd p rebellion, silent u extreme tortr
Greece, 1808, New Martyr Demetrius of Samarina in Epirus (high up in Pindus Mts, Vlachs), preaching Word of God & Obey Law, but suspected p rebellion, tortured, nails, wood under finger nails, tightened iron band on forehead, remained silent, hanged upside down, fire underneath head, witnessing Turk believed&martyred, sealed into wall, head out, 10 days, died; Samarina in Epirus; New Martyr Demetrius of Samarina in Epirus, Commemorated on August 17; holy monk Demetrios was born in the village of Samarina, in the Pindos region of Greece in the late XVIII century. became a monk in the monastery of his homeland, where he exhausted his body and soul with fasting. Ali Pasha's 1808 suppression of an insurrection inspired by Father Euthymios Vlakhavas, Saint Demetrios came out of his monastery and went to the neighboring villages preaching the Word of God, comforting the villagers, and giving them hope. Pasha thought that Father Demetrios had also been preaching rebellion, but the monk said that he was only trying to strengthen the Christians in their faith, and urging them to respect the law. The Pasha did not believe him, so he ordered him to be subjected to cruel tortures. executioners pierced his arms with nails and then placed pieces of wood under the nails of his hands and feet. An iron band was placed around his forehead. This was tightened and produced excruciating pain. All the while they told him to name his fellow conspirators. Saint Demetrios remained silent, and he was thrown into prison. Later, he was hanged upside down, with a fire under his head. A certain Turk, after witnessing the courage of the Saint, believed in Christ and then he suffered martyrdom. Ali Pasha sealed Demetrios into a wall, leaving only his head out to prolong the torture. The Martyr survived for ten days, then he surrendered his soul to God on August 17,1808.

Constantinople, 1808-1839, Ottoman, Sultan Mahmud II, westernztn, reforms, admin, military, fiscal, revolts
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1808-1839, Mahmud II ; II (20 July 1785 - 1 July 1839) was the 30th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1808 until his death in 1839. His reign is recognized for the extensive administrative, military, and fiscal reforms he instituted, which culminated in the Decree of Tanzimat ("reorganization") that was carried out by his sons Abdulmejid I and Abdülaziz. described as "Peter the Great of Turkey",[1] Mahmud's reforms included the 1826 abolition of the conservative Janissary corps, which removed a major obstacle to his and his successors' reforms in the Empire. reforms he instituted were characterized by political and social changes, which would eventually lead to the birth of the modern Turkish Republic.[2] II is the last sultan who used his political (non-judgmental) execution authority.[clarification needed] his domestic reforms, Mahmud's reign was also marked by nationalist uprisings in Ottoman-ruled Serbia and Greece, leading to significant loss of territory for the Empire following the emergence of an independent Greek state. the general structure of the Ottoman Empire, Mahmud's reign was characterized by showing major interest to Westernization; institutions, palace order, daily life, clothing, music and many other areas saw radical reform as the Ottoman Empire opened up to the modernisation.[3] Venerable Arsenius of Paros, Commemorated on August 18 ; Monkmartyr Joseph of Dionysiou on Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 14 ; New Martyr John of Crete, Commemorated September 15 ; New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; St Peter of Cetinje, Commemorated on October 18; Monkmartyr Joseph of Dionysiou on Mt Athos, Commemorated on October 26; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated on December 17; St Paisius, Commemorated on December 17; Icon of the Mother of God œTinosÂ, Commemorated on January 30; St Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated on January 30; St Arsenius of Paros, Commemorated on January 31; St Hilarion the Georgian, the New, Commemorated on February 14; Hieromartyr Theodore of Atchara, Commemorated on February 17; St Joseph of Dionysiou, Commemorated on February 17; New Martyr Nicetas of Pojani and Serres, Commemorated on April 4; Monkmartyr Agathangelus of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 19; New Martyr Acacius the Martyr of Mt Athos and Seres, Commemorated on May 1; New Martyr Euthymius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; New Martyr Ignatius the Martyr of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; Venerable Nilus the Myrrhgusher of Lavra of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 7 ; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1811-1813, President, Karadorde, Black George, Orthodox, with Ottomans, then against, Jihad, k by rival
Serbia, President, 1811-1813, Karadorde; Karadorde (16 November [O.S. 3 November] 1768 - 26 July [O.S. 14 July] 1817), was a Serbian revolutionary who led the struggle for his country's independence from the Ottoman Empire during the First Serbian Uprising of 1804-“1813. Born into an impoverished family in the Sumadija region of Ottoman Serbia, Karadorde distinguished himself during the Austro-Turkish War of 1788-“1791 as a member of the Serbian Free Corps, a militia of Habsburg and Ottoman Serbs, armed and trained by the Austrians. Fearing retribution following the Austrians' and Serb rebels' defeat in 1791, he and his family fled to the Austrian Empire, where they lived until 1794, when a general amnesty was declared. Karadorde subsequently returned to Sumadija and became a livestock merchant. In 1796, the rogue governor of the Sanjak of Vidin, Osman PazvantogŸlu, invaded the Pashalik of Belgrade, and Karadorde fought alongside the Ottomans to quash the incursion. In early 1804, following a massacre of Serb chieftains by renegade Ottoman janissaries known as Dahis, the Serbs of the Pashalik rebelled. Karadorde was unanimously elected to lead the uprising against the Dahis at an assembly of surviving chiefs in February 1804. Within six months, most of the Dahi leaders had been captured and executed by Karadordee's forces, and by 1805, the final remnants of Dahi resistance had been crushed. Karadorde and his followers demanded far-reaching autonomy, which Sultan Selim interpreted as but the first step towards complete independence. Selim promptly declared jihad against the rebels and ordered an army to march into the Pashalik. The Ottomans suffered a string of defeats at the hands of Karadorde's forces. By 1806, the rebels had captured all the major towns in the Pashalik, including Belgrade and Smederevo, and expelled their Muslim inhabitants. Burdened by the demands of the Russo-Ottoman War of 1806-“1812, Selim offered the Serbs extensive autonomy, but Karadorde refused in light of Russia's avowal to aid the rebels should they continue fighting. Frequent infighting, together with Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812, weakened the rebels, and the Ottomans were able to reverse many of their gains. Karadorde was forced to flee Serbia in October 1813 and Belgrade fell later that month, bringing the First Serbian Uprising to a close. He and his followers sought refuge in the Austrian Empire, but were arrested and detained. Despite Ottoman requests for his extradition, the Austrians handed Karadorde over to the Russians, who offered him refuge in Bessarabia. There, he joined the Greek secret society known as Filiki Eteria, which planned to launch a pan-Balkan uprising against the Ottomans. Karadorde returned to Serbia in secret in July 1817, but was killed shortly thereafter by agents of Milos Obrenovic, a rival rebel leader, who was concerned that Karadorde's reappearance would cause the Ottomans to renege on the concessions that they had agreed to following the Second Serbian Uprising of 1815. Karadorde is considered the founder of the Karadorde dynasty, which ruled Serbia in several intervals during the 19th and 20th centuries. His murder resulted in a violent, decades-long feud between his descendants and those of Obrenovic, with the Serbian throne changing hands several times. New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated December 17 ; St Paisius, Commemorated December 17 ; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated on December 17;

Constantinople, 1813, New Martyr David New Skete of St Anna, Mt Athos, Church Reconstructions, Mocked Turks, Hanged
Ephesus, 1813, New Martyr David of St Anne's Skete, from Aivali (Ayvalık, Mysia, Caicus River area, across from Lesbos Is), divine zeal, tSmyrna fChurch Reconstruction Money, 2Water Tanks &cells, burned fMartyrdom, tMagnesia witnessed &Mocked Turks, expelled, tSA Skete, tKaryes&former BoChristopoulos, blessing oMartyrdom, tThessaloniki, Vatopaidi Embassy Church monk had converted to Islam, intended to confront but Turks found out, beaten &Hanged; Skete of St Anna, St Paulas Monastery; New Martyr David of Saint Anne's Skete, Commemorated on June 26; Holy Monastic Martyr David was descended from the Kydonians of the town of Aivali (Αϊβαλί) in Asia Minor. inhabitants of the town had a special relationship with Mount Athos, because there were two Athonite embassy churches in their city, belonging to Ivḗron Monastery, the other to Pantokrator Monastery. Saint David left his hometown, he went to Mount Athos and lived near a fellow countryman, a brother of Saint Anne’s Skete, who later became a monk. his monastic life, Saint David was moved by divine zeal. took the initiative, after receiving the blessing of his Elder, and visited Smyrna in order to collect money for the reconstruction of the ruined churches of the Transfiguration of the Savior and that of the Theotokos on Mount Athos. completing the work on the two temples, he built two water tanks as well as a number of cells for the worshipers. did not remain on Mount Athos, he burned with the desire for martyrdom. went to Magnesia in Asia Minor, where he bore witness to Christ, and mocked the Turks for their religion. arrested him and beat him severely, and then he was expelled from their city. without fulfilling his desire, he returned to the Holy Skete of Saint Anne, he confessed to his Elder his earnest desire for martyrdom. Spiritual Father, fearing the outcome of such an act, tried to dissuade him, but he did not succeed. David went to Karyes and saw Metropolitan Pankratios, the former Bishop of Christopoulos, from whom he received a blessing to seek martyrdom. David traveled to Thessaloniki, he was told of a monk from the Vatopaidi embassy church of Saint Demetrios, who had converted to Islam. David attempted to confront this monk, somehow the Turks had learned of his intention. Turks arrested the Saint, and after they had beaten him, they handed him over to the judge for trial. judge, fearing that Saint David might persuade the monk to abandon Islam and to confess Christ, ordered the Saint to be executed at once. same night, June 26, 1813, Saint David suffered a martyric death by hanging. Monastic Martyr David is particularly honored at the Skete of Saint Anne on the Holy Mountain.

Constantinople, 1813-1814, Paisus, Igumen oAnnunciation, Hadj-Prodan revolt, carried stake, impaled, exclaimed Glory tGod
Serbia, 1813-1814, Paisus, oAnnunciation monastery in Trnava, one of the 30 Ovcar-Kablar Gorge Monestaries, Igumen, collapse Karageorg's revolt 1813, Turks reign oTerror began, disease fBodies unburied, another revolt under Hadj-Prodan, Trnava monks involved, r crushed bTurks, many people captured executed, Pasius Avakum other prisoners tBelgrade Suleman Pasha, Avakum sang Pasius prayed, few converted to islam, P forced carry Stake fPrison, impaled exclaimed Glory tGod, 48 people killed wSwords, bodies raised on posts, died 1814; Ovcar-Kablar Gorge Monestaries, Ovcar-Kablar Gorge; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated December 17 ; St Paisius, commemorated December 17 ; holy New Martyr Paisius was igumen of the Annunciation monastery in Trnava near Cacak, Serbia. the collapse of Karageorge’s revolt in 1813, the Turks began a reign of terror against the Serbs. also swept the area because of the many bodies left unburied. people attempted another revolt under Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic, the monks of Trnava became involved in it. rebellion took place on the Feast of the Cross (September 14), but it was crushed by the Turks. Many people were captured, and some were executed on the spot as a warning to others. of the prisoners were sent to Suleiman Pasha in Belgrade, among whom were Saints Paisius and Avakum. holy deacon Avakum sang “God is with us” (from Compline) in the prison cell, while Saint Paisius prayed. Turks offered to free anyone who would convert to Islam. Some of the prisoners agreed to this, but the majority refused to deny Christ, and so they were put to death. Paisius was taken from prison and forced to carry a stake to the place of execution. was impaled, and the stake was set into the ground. The holy martyr exclaimed, “Glory to God.” the vizier clapped his hands to signal his soldiers to draw their swords and begin killing some of the other prisoners. people were killed, and their bodies were raised up on posts. After suffering for some time, Saint Paisius surrendered his soul to God, thereby obtaining the crown of martyrdom on December 17, 1814.

Constantinople, 1814, Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic's town, Nevede, Hadj-Prodan's Revolt 1814
Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic's town, Nevede, Serbia, Hadj-Prodan's Revolt 1814 ; Gligorijevic, known simply as Hadj-Prodan (1760 -1825) was a Serbian voivode (military commander) in the First Serbian Uprising of the Serbian Revolution, then the Greek War of Independence, against the Ottoman Empire. He led an unsuccessful rebellion in 1814, dubbedHadj-Prodan's Revolt. Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated December 17 ; St Paisius, Commemorated December 17 ; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated on December 17;

Constantinople, 1814-1815, Avakum, Bosnia Region, two failed revolts, to be impaled, sooner I die the fewer sins
Serbia, 1814-1815, Avakum, Bosnia Region (Sarajvo, Bosna River, Flows North), two failed revolts, spiritual father and mother accepted Islam and urged him to, sentenced to be impaled on a stake, the sooner I die the fewer sins I will have; Bosnia Region ; Bosnia lies mainly in the Dinaric Alps, ranging to the southern borders of the Pannonian plain, with the rivers Sava and Drina marking its northern and eastern borders ; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated December 17 ; holy New Martyr Avakum (Habakkuk) was born in Bosnia in 1794, and was named Lepoje by his parents. ’s father died when he was still a young boy, so his mother took him to the Mostanica monastery, where his uncle was the spiritual Father. He grew up in the monastery, and later became a monk with the name Avakum. When he was eighteen, he was ordained a deacon by Metropolitan Joseph (Sakabenta). 1809, the monks took part in an unsuccessful revolt against the Turks, and had to flee for their lives. They settled in the Annunciation monastery in Trnava near Cacak, where the igumen was Saint Paisius. the collapse of Karageorge’s revolt in 1813, the Turks began a reign of terror against the Serbs. also swept the area because of the many bodies left unburied. people attempted another revolt under Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic, and the monks of Trnava became involved in it. The rebellion took place on the Feast of the Cross (September 14), but it was crushed by the Turks. Many people were captured, and some were executed on the spot as a warning to others. of the prisoners were sent to Suleiman Pasha in Belgrade, among whom were Saints Paisius and Avakum. The holy deacon Avakum sang “God is with us” (from Compline) in the prison cell, while Saint Paisius prayed. The Turks offered to free anyone who would convert to Islam. Some of the prisoners agreed to this, but the majority refused to deny Christ, and so they were put to death. Turks tried to pressure Avakum to save himself by embracing their religion, but he refused even to consider it. former spiritual Father, Gennadius, accepted the offer of the Turks and urged Avakum to follow his example. The courageous deacon declared that he was a warrior of Christ, and preferred to die rather than deny Christ. Avakum was sentenced to be impaled on a stake, which he was forced to carry to the place of execution. own mother urged him to embrace Islam, then to seek forgiveness later because he had been forced into it. The saint thanked her for giving him life, but not for her advice. the place of execution, the Turks asked him one more time to consider his youth and not to die before his time. Avakum laughed and asked, “Don’t even Turks eventually die?” replied, “Of course they do.” “Well then,” he said, “the sooner I die, the fewer sins I will have.” of his courage and steadfastness in his faith, the Turks decided not to impale him. They killed him quickly by stabbing him in the heart with a sword on January 27, 1815. Avakum the deacon is commemorated on December 17 with Saint Paisius. St Paisius, Commemorated on December 17 ; holy New Martyr Paisius was igumen of the Annunciation monastery in Trnava near Cacak, Serbia. the collapse of Karageorge’s revolt in 1813, the Turks began a reign of terror against the Serbs. also swept the area because of the many bodies left unburied. people attempted another revolt under Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic, and the monks of Trnava became involved in it. rebellion took place on the Feast of the Cross (September 14), but it was crushed by the Turks. Many people were captured, and some were executed on the spot as a warning to others. of the prisoners were sent to Suleiman Pasha in Belgrade, among whom were Saints Paisius and Avakum. holy deacon Avakum sang “God is with us” (from Compline) in the prison cell, while Saint Paisius prayed. The Turks offered to free anyone who would convert to Islam. Some of the prisoners agreed to this, but the majority refused to deny Christ, and so they were put to death. Paisius was taken from prison and forced to carry a stake to the place of execution. was impaled, and the stake was set into the ground. The holy martyr exclaimed, “Glory to God.” Then the vizier clapped his hands to signal his soldiers to draw their swords and begin killing some of the other prisoners. people were killed, and their bodies were raised up on posts. After suffering for some time, Saint Paisius surrendered his soul to God, thereby obtaining the crown of martyrdom on December 17, 1814.

Constantinople, 1814-1815, Paisius, Bosnia Region, two failed revolts, impaled, Igumen Trnava monastery
Serbia, 1814-1815, Avakum, Bosnia Region (Sarajvo, Bosna River, Flows North), two failed revolts, spiritual father and mother accepted Islam and urged him to, sentenced to be impaled on a stake, the sooner I die the fewer sins I will have; Bosnia Region ; Bosnia lies mainly in the Dinaric Alps, ranging to the southern borders of the Pannonian plain, with the rivers Sava and Drina marking its northern and eastern borders ; St Paisius, Commemorated on December 17 ; holy New Martyr Paisius was igumen of the Annunciation monastery in Trnava near Cacak, Serbia. the collapse of Karageorge’s revolt in 1813, the Turks began a reign of terror against the Serbs. also swept the area because of the many bodies left unburied. people attempted another revolt under Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic, and the monks of Trnava became involved in it. rebellion took place on the Feast of the Cross (September 14), but it was crushed by the Turks. Many people were captured, and some were executed on the spot as a warning to others. of the prisoners were sent to Suleiman Pasha in Belgrade, among whom were Saints Paisius and Avakum. holy deacon Avakum sang “God is with us” (from Compline) in the prison cell, while Saint Paisius prayed. The Turks offered to free anyone who would convert to Islam. Some of the prisoners agreed to this, but the majority refused to deny Christ, and so they were put to death. Paisius was taken from prison and forced to carry a stake to the place of execution. was impaled, and the stake was set into the ground. The holy martyr exclaimed, “Glory to God.” Then the vizier clapped his hands to signal his soldiers to draw their swords and begin killing some of the other prisoners. people were killed, and their bodies were raised up on posts. After suffering for some time, Saint Paisius surrendered his soul to God, thereby obtaining the crown of martyrdom on December 17, 1814. Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated December 17 ; holy New Martyr Avakum (Habakkuk) was born in Bosnia in 1794, and was named Lepoje by his parents. ’s father died when he was still a young boy, so his mother took him to the Mostanica monastery, where his uncle was the spiritual Father. He grew up in the monastery, and later became a monk with the name Avakum. When he was eighteen, he was ordained a deacon by Metropolitan Joseph (Sakabenta). 1809, the monks took part in an unsuccessful revolt against the Turks, and had to flee for their lives. They settled in the Annunciation monastery in Trnava near Cacak, where the igumen was Saint Paisius. the collapse of Karageorge’s revolt in 1813, the Turks began a reign of terror against the Serbs. also swept the area because of the many bodies left unburied. people attempted another revolt under Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic, and the monks of Trnava became involved in it. The rebellion took place on the Feast of the Cross (September 14), but it was crushed by the Turks. Many people were captured, and some were executed on the spot as a warning to others. of the prisoners were sent to Suleiman Pasha in Belgrade, among whom were Saints Paisius and Avakum. The holy deacon Avakum sang “God is with us” (from Compline) in the prison cell, while Saint Paisius prayed. The Turks offered to free anyone who would convert to Islam. Some of the prisoners agreed to this, but the majority refused to deny Christ, and so they were put to death. Turks tried to pressure Avakum to save himself by embracing their religion, but he refused even to consider it. former spiritual Father, Gennadius, accepted the offer of the Turks and urged Avakum to follow his example. The courageous deacon declared that he was a warrior of Christ, and preferred to die rather than deny Christ. Avakum was sentenced to be impaled on a stake, which he was forced to carry to the place of execution. own mother urged him to embrace Islam, then to seek forgiveness later because he had been forced into it. The saint thanked her for giving him life, but not for her advice. the place of execution, the Turks asked him one more time to consider his youth and not to die before his time. Avakum laughed and asked, “Don’t even Turks eventually die?” replied, “Of course they do.” “Well then,” he said, “the sooner I die, the fewer sins I will have.” of his courage and steadfastness in his faith, the Turks decided not to impale him. They killed him quickly by stabbing him in the heart with a sword on January 27, 1815. Avakum the deacon is commemorated on December 17 with Saint Paisius.

Constantinople, 1819, Joseph oDionysiou, Mt Athos, sent tConstantinople with Eudocimus who failed martyrdom & blamed Joseph
Greece, Mt Athos, 1819, Joseph oDionysiou monastery, Mt Athos, iconographer, painted Archangels on Donysiou's iconostasis, Igumen sent him to accompany Eudocimus to Constantinople so he could wipe out sin oApostamy to become Moslem from Orthodoxy, but Eudocimus failed and blamed Joseph, denying Christ again, Joseph arrested, tortured, refused to convert, and hung; Dionysiou monastery, monastery of St. John the Forerunner; St Joseph of Dionysiou, Commemorated February 17 ; Joseph was a monk of Dionysiou Monastery on Mt. Athos, where he shone forth with the virtues of monastic life. was an iconographer, he painted the icon of the holy Archangels on the iconostasis of Dionysiou’s main church. obedience to the instructions of Igumen Stephen, Joseph traveled to Constantinople with Eudocimus, had apostasized from Orthodoxy to become a Moslem. repented, and wished to wipe out his sin through martyrdom. faced with torture and death, however, the unfortunate Eudocimus denied Christ again, blaming Joseph for turning him from Islam. Joseph was arrested and threatened with death. spite of many tortures, he refused to convert to Islam. holy martyr of Christ was hanged on February 17, 1819, so he obtained an incorruptible crown of glory. sources list his commemoration on February 17, while others list him on September 14 or October 26.

Constantinople, 1820-1877, Arsenius oParos Island, Cyclades, learned art of arts from Daniel, cut will&obedience leads tGifts
Greece, 1820-1877, Arsenius oParos Island, Cyclades, fIoannina, Epirus, orphaned young, tKydoniai, Hieromonk Gregory Saraphis' school at 9, humility piety revealed tTeachers, at 14 became Daniel oZagora's disciple till latter's death, Daniel tAthos, desire to become monk, D instructed him monk life, which called the Art of Arts, science oSciences, tonsured, 3 lessons: cut off own will, acquire humility, learn obedience, 6 yrs on Athos, agitation against Kolyvades, memorial services for dead on Sunday, inappropriate for ressurection day, Frequent communion, 1821 tMonastery oPendeli near Athens before tIndependence War, Daniel forsaw monastery destruction bTurks, tCyclades islands, first Paros, then Pholegandros, Daniel allowed A instruct children, ordained deacon, govt teaching post, taught there 1829-1840, then entered monastery St George on Paros, Daniek had died 1837, had asked take remains Mt Athos after 2yrs, on way stopped Paros, Father Elias told him it was God's will he remain on Paros, providential, Greek War Independence 3K Turks occupied Athos, 5 of the6k monks left Athos, he joined St George's monastery, found worthy models to follow, ordained priest at 47, intensified effort, unceasing prayer otHeart, studied scriptures holy father's writings, showed gift oTears, outstanding father confessor spiritual guide, serving face became radiant, Girl fSyros story, repented sin, nun sister reject her, go drown yourself harlot, met by Arsenius on way to convent, made her a nun, severly rebuked those nuns, A forsaw his death month before, told everyone, Paros people came to bid farewell; Island of Paros; St Arsenius of Paros, Commemorated January 31 ; Arsenius was born on January 31, 1800 in Ioannina, Epirus of pious Orthodox parents. holy Baptism he was given the name Athanasius. parents died when he was quite young. was only nine years old when he made his way to Kydoniai, Asia Minor, he was received by Hieromonk Gregory Saraphis and enrolled in his school. humility and piety endeared him to Father Gregory and also to the other teachers. boy remained at the school for five years, surpassing the other students in learning and in virtue. day the renowned Spiritual Father Daniel of Zagora, Thessaly came to the school to hear confessions. became Daniel’s disciple, remaining with him until the latter’s death. long after this, Father Daniel decided to go to the Holy Mountain for quiet and spiritual struggles. begged his Elder not to leave him, but to take him with him. expressed the desire to travel to Mt. Athos, the Garden of the All-Holy Virgin, and to become a monk. Daniel instructed Athanasius in the monastic life, is called “the art of arts, and the science of sciences.” holy Elder was a perfect teacher who was accomplished in the spiritual life, Athanasius was an attentive student. a time Father Daniel tonsured his pupil, and told him he had to learn three important lessons. he must cut off his own will. he must acquire humility. he must learn obedience. “If you cut off your will, if you become humble, and if you practice perfect obedience, you will also make progress in the other virtues, and God will glorify you.” a further period of testing, Father Daniel tonsured Athanasius into the Great Schema and gave him the name Arsenius. saint remained on Mt. Athos with his Elder for six years. they had to leave the Holy Mountain because of the agitation against the so-called “Kollyvades,” who called for a strict adherence to Holy Tradition. name comes from the kollyva (boiled wheat) used in the memorial service. of the controversy involved the debate on whether it was proper to serve memorial services for the dead on Sunday. Kollyvades believed that these services were inappropriate for the Day of Resurrection, but should be served on Saturday. Kollyvades advocated frequent Communion, rather than the practice of receiving the Holy Mysteries only a few times during the year. Father Daniel and Saint Arsenius left Athos, it was probably due to the animosity of those who opposed the Kollyvades. in 1821, before the Greek War of Independence, they went to the Monastery of Pendeli near Athens. stay was a brief one, for Father Daniel forsaw the destruction of the monastery by the Turks. two made their way to the Cyclades Islands in the southern Aegean Sea. they stopped at Paros, perhaps because some of the Kollyvades had settled there. they decided to live on the island of Pholegandros. there were no teachers for the children, the inhabitants entreated Father Daniel to allow Saint Arsenius to instruct their children. Elder agreed, and had Arsenius ordained as a deacon. Then he was appointed to the teaching post by the government. saint remained there as a teacher from 1829-1840. He taught the required subjects in school, but he also helped his students to form a good character, and to live as pious Christians. 1840 Saint Arsenius entered the Monastery of Saint George on the island of Paros. Daniel had passed away in 1837. his repose, he asked his disciple to take his remains to Mt. Athos after two years. Arsenius left Plolegandros in obedience to Father Daniel’s request, planning to stop on Paros then continue to the Holy Mountain. Paros the abbot of Saint George’s Monastery, Father Elias Georgiadis, told Saint Arsenius that it was God’s will for him to remain on Paros. was providential, because Mt. Athos was undergoing great difficulty after the Greek War of Independence. Turkish soldiers occupied Athos, resulting in the departure of 5,000 of the 6,000 monks. Arsenius joined the community at Saint George’s Monastery on the northern end of Paros. he found spiritual strivers of true wisdom and excellent conduct, who were worthy models for him to follow. he was ordained to the holy priesthood at the age of forty-seven, Saint Arsenius intensified his spiritual efforts. day he studied the Holy Scriptures and the writings of the Fathers, and became adept at the unceasing prayer of the heart. also began to show forth the gift of tears. In this, he resembled his patron Saint Arsenius the Great (May 8), who continuously wept tears of contrition. the inhabitants of Paros came to recognize him as an outstanding Father Confessor and spiritual guide. he stood before the holy altar, he felt that he was standing before God. served with great compunction, his face often became radiant like the face of an angel. his virtues became known to people, they flocked to him from near and far. received all with paternal affection, treating each one with the proper spiritual medicine which would restore their souls to health. certain girl from Syros came to the Convent of the Transfiguration to visit her sister, who was a nun. nun had previously been informed that her sister had fallen into a serious sin. When she learned that the girl was outside the doors of the convent, the nun screamed at her, “Go far away from here. Since you are defiled, you will defile the convent and the nuns.” of feeling pity for her sister, and trying to lead her to repentance, the nun and some of the other nuns struck the poor girl and told her to go away. wretched girl cried, “I have made a mistake. Forgive me!” nun shrieked, “Go away, or I will kill you to wash away the shame you have brought to our family.” “Have you no pity, my sister, don’t you share my pain?” “No,” the nun shouted, “you are not my sister, you are a foul harlot.” “Where shall I go?” she sobbed. “Go and drown yourself,” was the heartless reply. poor girl fled from the convent, bleeding and wounded, intending to kill herself. that very moment, Saint Arsenius was on his way to visit the convent. the girl in such a state, he asked her what was wrong. She explained that she had been led astray by corrupt men and women. Realizing her sin, she went to the convent to ask her sister for help “See what they have done to me, Elder. What do you advise me to do? Shall I drown myself, or leap off a cliff?” “I do not advise you to do either, my child. If you wish, I shall take you with me and heal the wounds of your soul and body,” he said gently. “Where will you take me?” the miserable girl asked. “To the convent, my child.” “I beg you not to take me there, Elder. My sister and the other nuns said they would kill me if I came back.” saint replied, “Do not be afraid. They will not kill you, because I shall entrust you to Christ, and no one will be able to harm you.” “Very well,” she said, “If you entrust me to Christ I will not be afraid of them, for Christ is more powerful than they.” Arsenius led her to the convent, consoling her and encouraging her to repentance and confession. hearing her confession, he made her a nun. he called all the nuns into the church and severely rebuked those who wounded the girl. reminded them of the parable of the Prodigal Son, and of how Christ had come to save sinners. He often associated with sinners, showing them great love and mercy. “You, however, have done the opposite. Though you knew that her soul had been wounded by the devil, you did not feel sorry for her. You did not embrace her and try to save her from further sin, but you attacked her and beat her. Then you urged her to kill herself. I, your Spiritual Father, tell you that you are not nuns, you are not Christians, you are not even human beings. You are devoid of compassion, affection, and sympathy. You are murderesses! I forbid you to receive Holy Communion for three years, unless you recognize your sin. Repent and confess, weep and ask forgiveness from God and from me, your Spiritual Father, and from the other nuns who did not participate in your sinful behavior.” nuns began to weep bitterly and they repented. he lessened their penance and forgave them. gave the girl’s sister the penance of not receiving Holy Communion for a whole year. the other nuns had shared in this sin, he would not permit them to receive Communion for six months. Arsenius foresaw his death a month before it occurred. the Liturgy for the Feast of Saint Basil, he announced that he would soon depart from them. With great effort, he was able to serve for the Feast of the Theophany. After the service, he told some nuns that this had been his last Liturgy. of the saint’s illness and approaching death spread quickly to all the villages of Paros. wept because they were about to lose their Spiritual Father, and they hastened to bid him farewell and to receive his blessing. the eve of his repose, he called the nuns of the convent to come to him. He told them that the next day he would leave this temporary life and enter into eternal life. January 31, 1877 Saint Arsenius received Holy Communion for the last time and fell asleep in the Lord. three days, people came to kiss his body, then they followed the funeral procession to the burial site which he himself had selected. Arsenius of Paros was glorified by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1967. He is also commemorated on August 18 (the uncovering of his relics).

Constantinople, 1821-1839, Ottoman Empire, Greek War of Independence
Ottoman, Greek War of Independence, 1821-1839; Icon of the Mother of God, œTinos, Commemorated on January 30; Hieromartyr Theodore of Atchara, Commemorated on February 17; Venerable Nilus the Myrrhgusher of Lavra of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 7 ; St Arsenius of Paros, Commemorated on January 31;

Constantinople, 1823, Tinos Icon, Tinos Island, Cyclades, MOG appeared 1821, dig in field to find my icon, build a church there
Greece, 1823, Tinos Icon, Tinos Island, Cyclades (Agean Sea), MOG appeared to man 1821, dig in field to find my icon, build a church there, with my help, divine light, found bricks not for oven, Pelagia's dreams 1822, to uncover the church, be obedient, Mr. Kangades, excavations, church discovered, money ran out, 1823 Matsos found annunciation icon, holiest treasurers, Healing and deliverance; Tinos Island (Agean Sea); Icon of the Mother of God Tinos, Commemorated January 30 ; highly-venerated icon of the Annunciation was discovered in the ruins of the ancient church of Saint John the Baptist on January 30, 1823. elderly man, Michael Polyzoes, had a dream shortly before the Feast of the Annunciation in 1821, in which the Mother of God appeared to him in shining white garments. She instructed him to dig in the field of Anthony Doxaras outside the city, where he would find her icon. She also told him to build a church on the site, since there had once been one there. The Queen of Heaven also promised to help him accomplish these tasks. awakening, he crossed himself and tried to go back to sleep, believing that his dream had been a temptation from the devil. Before falling asleep, Michael saw the Theotokos once again, and noticed that the room was flooded by a gentle white light. Her head was surrounded by divine light, and her face displayed ineffable grace and sweetness. Speaking to the old man she said, “Why are you afraid? Your fear comes from unbelief. Listen! I am Panagia (the all-holy one). I want you to dig in the field of Anthony Doxaras where my icon is buried. I ask you to do this as a favor, old man. You will build a church there and I will help you.” Then she disappeared. next morning, Michael went into the village and told the priest what had happened to him during the night. priest also thought the dream was a temptation, so he urged Michael to come for Confession and Communion. The old man, however, was not convinced that his visions were mere dreams or demonic temptations. He told the inhabitants of the village of his experience. Some laughed at him, but only two believed his words. two men went with him to the field one night and dug in many places, but they found nothing. Then they dug in another place and found the remains of an old wall. Finding nothing but bricks, they had to give up their search in the morning so the Turks would not find out what they were doing. Doxaras, the owner of the field, found the bricks and tried to use them to build an oven. The mortar would not adhere to the bricks, so whenever they tried to build one section of the oven, it collapsed. The workers were convinced that God was showing them that the bricks from the ancient church were not to be used for an oven. Pelagia (July 23), an eighty-year-old nun, had several dreams in June of 1822 in which the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to her. Saint Pelagia was living in the women’s monastery of the Dormition on Mt. Kechrovounios, about an hour’s journey from the village. She had lived in the monastery from a young age, and was known for her great virtue and piety. Theotokos appeared to her in a dream and ordered her to go to Stamatelos Kangades (a prominent man of the village), and tell him to uncover the church of Saint John the Baptist in the field of Anthony Doxaras. by the vision, Pelagia attributed the dream to her imagination, and she began to pray. She was afraid to tell anyone about her dream, but the following week, the Theotokos appeared to her again, reminding her of her instructions. Still, the nun remained silent and told no one of her vision. The Theotokos appeared a third time, this time with a severe manner. She chastised the nun for her unbelief, saying, “Go and do as I told you. Be obedient.” Pelagia woke up in fear and trembling. As she opened her eyes, she saw the same mysterious Woman she had seen while asleep. With a great effort she asked, “Who are you, Lady? Why are you angry with me, and why do you order me to do these things?” Woman raised her hand and said, “Proclaim, O earth, glad tidings of great joy” (Megalynarion of the Ninth Ode of the Canon for Matins of the Annunciation). at last, the aged nun joyfully exclaimed, “Praise, O heavens, the glory of God” (The next line of the Megalynarion). once, she informed the Abbess of her visions, and she also told Stamatelos Kangades. Mr. Kangades, who had been designated by the Theotokos to carry out the excavation of the church, informed Bishop Gabriel of these events. The bishop had already heard of the dream of Michael Polyzoes, and realized that the account of the nun Pelagia agreed with his vision. Bishop Gabriel wrote to all the churches on the island of Tinos, urging them to cooperate in finding the church and the icon. began in September of 1822 under the supervision of Mr. Kangades. The foundations of the church of Saint John, destroyed by Arabs in 1200, were uncovered. An old well was found near the church, but not the holy icon. The money ran out, and so the effort was abandoned. again the Mother of God appeared to Saint Pelagia, urging that the excavations continue. Bishop Gabriel sent out an appeal for donations to build a new church on the foundations of the old church of Saint John the Baptist. The new church was built, and was dedicated to Saint John and to the Life-Giving Fountain. January 30, 1823 workers were leveling the ground inside the church in preparation for laying a new stone floor. About noon one of the workers, Emmanuel Matsos, struck a piece of wood with his pickaxe, splitting it down the middle. He looked at one piece of the board and saw that it was burned on one side, while the other side showed traces of paint. As he brushed off the dirt with his hand, he saw that it was an icon. Joining the two pieces of wood together, he crossed himself and venerated the icon. called the other workers, who also came and venerated the icon. When the icon was cleaned, it was shown to be an icon of the Annunciation. The split was in the middle of the icon, between the Theotokos and the Archangel Gabriel. Neither figure was damaged, and this was regarded as a miracle. same day, the icon was given to Bishop Gabriel, who kissed it and cried out, “Great art Thou, O Lord, and wondrous are Thy works.” the finding of the icon, the inabitants of Tinos were filled with zeal to build a magnificent church in honor of the Theotokos. People offered their money and their own labor to help build the church of the Evangelistria (She who received the Good News). new church was completed in 1823, and was consecrated by Bishop Gabriel. Saint Pelagia of Tinos fell asleep in the Lord on April 28, 1834. Her Feast Day, however, is on July 23. Tinos Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos continues to be venerated as one of Greece’s holiest treasures. Innumerable miracles of healing and deliverance from danger have not ceased since the time the icon was found.

Constantinople, 1823, Saint Pelagia of Tinos, her dream found Tinos Icon
Greece, 1823, Saint Pelagia of Tinos Tinos Island (Agean Sea); Icon of the Mother of God "Tinos", Commemorated January 30 ; The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on March 25;

Constantinople, 1838-1841, Demetrius tNew oSilven, Bulgaria, great story Moslem patience before martyr's execution
Bulgaria, 1838-1841, Demetrius tNew oSliven, Bulgaria (Tonsus River 1), after 8 years parents prayers answered, 2 sons born, first Stephen then Demetrius, both pious, D no school but memorized church, parents died, stephen tWallacia, Demetrius stayed in home, it collapsed, Moslems take land, D becomes servant to one, that family tried convert him, our religion given us by Lord Jesus Christ, yours by mere man, thrown out of house, became baker, D proclaimed Orthodoxy while selling bread iMarketplace, telling deficiencies of Islam, Moslems plan revenge, new Judge came tSilven, D chosen Baker for him by district Governor, knowing Judge would offer good stuff for conversion and hew would refuse, D sarcastic "Oh Sure", Moslems thought serious reply, began wrap turban, D threw turban tGround and ran, they could not catch him, D hid in village 3 days w/o food water, D told story to his bishop, bishop encouraged him with gold coin and wooden cross, D changed coin gave half to poor, turned himself in, back tSilven hands tied behind him, met Orthodox, said forgive me brother, giving self up for glory of our Faith, thrown into prison, asked for brother Stephen visit, refused but S learned tried to free, Judge (kadi) ordered D to him while J dining with officials, D says he never promised become Moslem, no intension, sorry for you taking my irony for truth, called Mohammed false prophet and followers sons oSatan, Kadi tells D he would be put to death if no conversion, back tPrison 3Days, refused conversion again, ordered execution, other christians heard and brought Stephen to him, D told priest Stephen he was afraid he would not endure, S urged him remain strong bear witness tChrist, D remained in prison whole year, tortures continued, no help from anyone, early in year Moslems shouted Kadi execute D, Kadi gives another chance to convert, refused again, Stephen brings confession and communion, Jan 30 1841 beheading, first strike failed, Christians soaked cloths in his blood, Stephen collected blood soaked earth, relics unburied all night, Moslems believe bodies those who insult Mohammed should not burried in earth, So thrown river next day, sufficient bribe Kadi released body burial in monastery garden ; Sliven; St Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated January 30 ; Holy New Martyr Demetrius was born on October 9, 1818 in Sliven, Bulgaria. parents had no children for the first eight years of their marriage. prayers to God were answered, and their sons Stephen and Demetrius were born. was the younger son, and was brought up in a pious manner. did not go to school, but he attended church frequently and memorized many prayers and services. their parents died, Stephen left home and went to Wallachia. remained in the family home, which soon collapsed because of its age. Moslems used this excuse to seize the surrounding property, and Demetrius became a servant to one of them. family tried to convert him to their religion, but Demetrius resisted such attempts. “Our Orthodox Christian religion was given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said, “while yours was given to you by Mohammed, a mere man.” threw Demetrius out of the house when they heard this, and he later became a baker. while selling his bread in the marketplace, Demetrius proclaimed the Orthodox Faith and pointed out the deficiencies of Islam. this outraged the Moslems, and they began to plan their revenge. new kadi (district judge) came to Sliven, and Demetrius was chosen to prepare the food. local beys (district governor) chose him because they knew he had insulted Islam. kadi offered him tobacco and liquor, but Demetrius said that he did not smoke or drink. he tried to leave, the kadi said, “Let me make you a Moslem. You see what a good life we have. If you convert, I will tell your master to give you his daughter in marriage, and half of his riches.” answered sarcastically, “Oh, sure.” this for a serious reply, one of the Moslems began wrapping cloth around the young man’s head in the form of a turban. threw the turban to the ground and ran from the house. of the Hagarenes chased him, but were unable to catch him. three days he hid in the village of Ichera without food or water. went to a bishop and told him his story. The bishop encouraged him to remain Orthodox, then sent him away with a gold coin and a wooden cross. the coin for change, Demetrius gave half the money to the poor. he went up to a Moslem guard and said that he was the one they were seeking. was escorted back to Sliven with his hands tied behind him. he met an Orthodox Christian Demetrius said, “Forgive me, brethren. I gave myself up to these ungodly people for the glory of our Faith.” Saint Demetrius was thrown into prison, he asked for his brother the priest Stephen to visit him. request was refused, but Father Stephen learned that Demetrius was incarcerated and tried to have him freed. kadi ordered Demetrius to be brought to him while he was dining with other officials. kadi asked Demetrius if he was willing to accept Islam. ’s holy martyr informed him that he had never promised to become a Moslem, and he had no intention of doing so. “If you took my irony for truth, I am sorry for you.” went on to call Mohammed a false prophet, and his followers sons of Satan. kadi told Demetrius that if he did not become a Moslem, he would be put to death. he sent him back to prison for three days to consider this. When he was brought before the kadi again, Demetrius refused to convert. Then he was ordered to be executed. the other Christians heard of Demetrius’s fearless confession of faith and his impending death, they brought Father Stephen to him. told the priest he was afraid that he would not be able to endure the tortures. Stephen urged him to remain strong and bear witness to Christ. Demetrius remained in prison for a whole year. tortures continued, and no one was able to help him. the beginning of the year, many Moslems gathered and shouted for the kadi to execute Demetrius. he summoned Demetrius before him. The fearless martyr remained unshaken in his resolve, and mocked their faith. the last time Demetrius was offered the choice of converting to Islam or being put to death. said he would remain a Christian whatever they did to him. Stephen came to the prison to hear the saint’s confession and give him Communion. the morning of January 30, 1841 Demetrius was brought to the place of execution. asked forgiveness of the Christians he met, entreating them to pray for him. Then they ordered him to kneel on the ground for beheading. first stroke did not sever his head, and he remained motionless. With the second stroke, the martyr’s head fell to the ground. Christians soaked cloths in his blood, and Father Stephen collected some of the blood-soaked earth in a box. holy relics remained unburied all night. kadi ordered the body to be thrown into the river the next day, Moslems believe that the bodies of those who insult Mohammed should not be received by the earth. a sufficient bribe had been paid, the kadi released the body for burial in the garden of the monastery. Demetrius now lives in the heavenly Kingdom, glorifying most holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit throughout all ages.

Constantinople, 1839-1861, Ottoman Empire, Sultan Abdulmecid I, rise of nationalism, non-muslim integration failed
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1839-1861, Abdulmecid I ; I (25 April 1823-25 June 1861), was the 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and succeeded his father Mahmud II on 2 July 1839.[4] reign was notable for the rise of nationalist movements within the empire's territories. Abdulmejid wanted to encourage Ottomanism among secessionist subject nations and stop rising nationalist movements within the empire, but despite new laws and reforms to integrate non-Muslims and non-Turks more thoroughly into Ottoman society, his efforts failed. tried to forge alliances with the major powers of Western Europe, namely the United Kingdom and France, who fought alongside the Ottoman Empire in the Crimean War against Russia. In the following Congress of Paris on 30 March 1856, the Ottoman Empire was officially included among the European family of nations. biggest achievement was the announcement and application of the Tanzimat (reorganization) reforms which were prepared by his father and effectively started the modernization of the Ottoman Empire in 1839. For this achievement, one of the Imperial anthems of the Ottoman Empire, the March of Abdulmejid, was named after him. Icon of the Mother of God the œDeliveress"Â, Commemorated on October 17 ; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9; St Theophan the Recluse the Bishop of Tambov, Commemorated on January 10; Venerable Antipas of Valaam Monastery, Commemorated on January 10; Icon of the Mother of God of the Akathist, Commemorated on January 12; St Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated on January 30; St Hilarion the Georgian, the New, Commemorated on February 14; St Callinicus of Cernica the Bishop of Rimnicului in Romania, Commemorated on April 11;

Constantinople, 1841&392, Cyprus Icon, Lazarus tomb, Arab arrow hit knee, A struck d
Cyprus, 392 & 841, Cyprus Icon, appeared at Lazarus' tomb, copies at Moscow&Stromyn, Triumph of Orthodoxy Week the first sunday of lent, Arab shot arrow, hit her knee, he struck dead, 1841 Stromyn Icon girl healed by voice from icon, then more miracles; Cyprus; Icon of the Mother of God of Cyprus, Commemorated February 19; Cyprus Icon of the Mother of God. this icon the Mother of God is depicted sitting on a throne with the Divine Infant in Her arms. There is an angel on either side of Her. prototype of this holy icon manifested itself in the year 392 on the island of Cyprus at the tomb of Righteous Lazarus, the friend of Christ (October 17), and is kept there in a monastery. copies of the Cyprus Icon are at the Moscow’s Dormition Cathedral, and in the Nikolo-Golutvin church in the village of Stromyn, Moscow diocese (Commemorated on the Sunday of Orthodoxy). the week of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, the Greek Synaxarion has an account of an icon which is probably the Cyprus Icon. the island of Cyprus a certain Arab was passing by a church dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos. order to display his hatred for Christianity, the man shot an arrow at an icon of the Mother of God which hung by the gate. The arrow struck the Virgin’s knee, from which blood began to flow. Overcome with fear, the Arab spurred his horse and rode for home, but was struck dead before he could get there. In this way, he was punished for his impiety. days commemorating the Cyprus Icon are the Day of the Holy Spirit, April 20, and July 9. Some copies of the Cyprus Icon have additional names such as “Cleansing,” “Knife,” and “Hawk.” “Stromyn” Cyprus Icon became famous in 1841. An eighteen-year-old girl from Stromyn, a village not far from Moscow, was close to death from an illness. In a dream she saw the Cyprus Icon standing over the entrance to the church, and a voice came from the icon: “Take me into your home and have the priest serve a Molieben with the Blessing of Water, and you will be cured.” sick girl was brought to the church and finally located the icon after a long search. The girl obeyed the command of the Most Holy Theotokos, and after the Molieben she felt strong enough to carry the icon back to the church herself. Shortly thereafter, she was completely healed. The “Stromyn” Cyprus Icon continued to work miracles of healing, which the rector of the church reported to the holy Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow (November 19).

Constantinople, 1861-1876, Ottoman Empire, Sultan Abdulaziz, admired West, Composer, Deposed and Killed
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1861-1876, Abdulaziz of the Ottoman Empire; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9; St Euthymius (Takaishvili), Commemorated on January 3; St Theophan the Recluse the Bishop of Tambov, Commemorated on January 10; Venerable Antipas of Valaam Monastery, Commemorated on January 10; Venerable Hieromonk Alexei of Teklati, Commemorated on January 18; St Euthymius the Confessor, Commemorated on January 20 ;

Constantinople, 1872-1923, Alexei oTeklati, inner warfare, invisible instructor, if die now, who will, God will
Georgia, 1872-1923, Hieromonk Alexei oTeklati, fSenaki d oSamegrelo, a16 father died &blessed care family, same year 1868 tJerusalem & tConstantinople visit pious rich merchant uncle, there facinated wTrade, resolved be merchant, but discovered God's will by praying wForerunner's icon, first great inner warfare, love for mother v force calling spiritual life, How can I fulfill my father's will, invisible instructor answered, if you die now, who will, God will, so die to world, entrust everything to God and he will, life transformed, confined tRoom, scriptures, strict fasting, uncle thought return Georgia, brothers distressed but Mom approved him a monk, tTeklati Woman's Monastery, began Fool FChrist, strict ascetic life, village tVillage, caring for TB cholera, serious illnesses, burying corpses, preaching intensly, example fMany incl mother, sister, brother, become monks, Brother tJerusalem several yrs then priest aMartvili, later great schema, A tMt Athos then tKiev Caves, then back tGeorgia, 1885 tGelati m, study&writing, 1886 reassighned tKhobi m, ordained deacon, 1888 hiermonk, 1890 ill & returned Teklati wMother, sisters, healed by God 1991 &Cell Menji (archangels hill) near birthplace, gathered disciples, celebrated divine services, received alms but gave 2/3, prayed wLife size cross on his back like Simon tCyrene, close to tCommunity because spiritual warmth radiated, bad health f1915 till death 1923, friends stayed in his cell 40 days with incorrupt body; Venerable Hieromonk Alexei of Teklati, Commemorated on January 18; Alexi (Shushania) was born September 23, 1852, in the village of Noqalaqevi, in the Senaki district of Samegrelo, to a pious Christian couple. father died in 1868, after giving the sixteen-year-old future hieromonk his blessing to care for the family. the same year that his father died, Alexi journeyed to Jerusalem on a pilgrimage, from there to Constantinople to visit his uncle, Islam Shushania, a successful merchant and a clever and pious man. this visit, Alexi became fascinated with the trade industry and resolved to become a merchant as well. he would soon discover that God’s will was different from his own. day Alexi borrowed a small icon of Saint John the Baptist from his uncle, confined himself to his room, and there began to experience great inner warfare. was moved by a profound love for his mother, sisters, brothers, and friends, at the same time he sensed an invisible force calling him to the spiritual life. several agonizing hours, Alexi finally asked himself, “How can I fulfill my father’s will? He entrusted me with the responsibility to look after the family—how can I reconcile this with God’s calling?” his great wonder, an invisible instructor answered him, saying, “If you die now, who will take over your responsibilities?” answer was clear. “God will!” Alexi proclaimed. And he heard the voice again. “So die to the world, entrust everything to God, and He will minister to your family.” encounter transformed Alexi’s life. he confined himself to his room for months, reading the Holy Scriptures, and keeping a strict fast. the radical change in Alexi’s way of life, his uncle thought it would be best for them to leave Constantinople and return to Georgia. was not long before Alexi’s loved ones realized he had made a covenant with God, that he would enter the monastic life. brothers and sisters were distressed upon hearing the news, but his mother gave thanks to God and blessed her son. the age of twenty Alexi moved to Teklati Women’s Monastery. began to lead a strict ascetic life went from village to village, caring for those ill with tuberculosis, cholera, other serious illnesses, burying the corpses of the homeless. years passed, and many became convinced that Alexi was a fool-for-Christ. preached the Word of God with intensity, and his life was an example for many. preaching inspired his mother, Elene, his younger sister Salome, and his brother Besarion to join him in the monastic life. he was tonsured a monk, Besarion made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and remained there for several years. of his exemplary service to the Lord, he was ordained a priest at Martvili Monastery. he was tonsured into the great schema. also spent time on Mt. Athos. returning from the Holy Mountain, he made a pilgrimage to the Kiev Caves Monastery, then returned to Georgia to continue his labors. the year 1885 Saint Alexi moved to Gelati Monastery, where he continued to study and produced several original works. 1886 he was reassigned to Khobi Monastery ordained a deacon by Bishop Grigol, in 1888 he was ordained a hieromonk. years later, in 1890, he became ill and returned to be with his mother and sisters at Teklati Monastery. to God’s will his health was restored, and in 1891 Alexi fashioned a cell for himself in the mountainous village of Menji (also called “Archangels’ Hill”), near the place where he was born. gathered his disciples and undertook a stricter ascetic life. Fr. ’s health was so improved that he was able to celebrate the divine services again. holy father would receive alms, but he distributed most of what was given to him. divided the alms in three parts: first he put aside for his personal needs, second, for the church and its guests, the third, for the poor and infirm. Alexi kept a life-size cross in his cell, and when he prayed he supported the cross on his back, since it reminded him of the position in which Saint Simon of Cyrene carried the Holy Cross to Christ’s Crucifixion on Golgotha. spite of his strict ascetic life, Hieromonk Alexi was remarkably close to the people in his community and was loved by many for the spiritual warmth that he radiated. many years the strict ascetic life finally took its toll on Fr. Alexi’s health. dismissed his pupils and spent the last years of his earthly life (from around the year 1915) with his cousins, the schemanuns Akepsima and Pasto. Alexi reposed January 18, 1923, frail from a long and labor-filled life in the service of the Lord. forty days after his death, the schemanuns Akepsima and Pasto remained in his cell for fear that the Communist government’s henchmen would destroy his humble dwelling. they buried Fr. Alexi’s body at Teklati, themselves began to labor at the Archangels’ Monastery. the blessing of Metropolitan Eprem of Batumi-hemokmedi and Chqondidi, Schemanun Akepsima and Abbess Pasto Fr. Alexi’s incorrupt relics from Teklati to the Archangels’ Monastery buried them near the east wall of the temple on January 8, 1960. Alexi was canonized on September 18, 1995.

Constantinople, 1876-1876, Ottoman Empire, Sultan Murad V, admired West, so deposed, mentally ill
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1876-1876, Murad V ; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9; St Euthymius (Takaishvili), Commemorated on January 3; Venerable Hieromonk Alexei of Teklati, Commemorated on January 18; St Euthymius the Confessor, Commemorated on January 20 ;

Constantinople, 1876-1909, Ottoman Empire, Sultan Abdul Hamid II, rebellions, period of decline
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1876-1909, Abdul Hamid II ; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9; St Euthymius (Takaishvili), Commemorated on January 3; Venerable Hieromonk Alexei of Teklati, Commemorated on January 18; St Euthymius the Confessor, Commemorated on January 20 ; Icon of the Mother of God Weeping œTikhvin on Mt Athos, Commemorated on February 17; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27;

Constantinople, 1900-1922, 20th Century Folder, Ottoman E. Ends in WWI

Constantinople, 1909-1918, Ottoman Empire, Sultan Mehmed V
Sultan Ottoman Empire, 1909-1918, Mehmed V ; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9; Venerable Hieromonk Alexei of Teklati, Commemorated on January 18; St Euthymius the Confessor, Commemorated on January 20 ; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27; GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE 1915-1923, Commemorated April 24; MARTYRS OF ARMENIA, 24 April 1915 ;

Constantinople, 1915-1923, Armenian Genocide, by Turkey, series of massacres and starvation 1.5M by Ottomans
Armenia, 1915-1923, Armenian Genocide, by Turkey, series of massacres and starvation 1.5M by Ottomans; 1915 Armenian Genocide; Genocide Remembrance Day or Armenian Genocide Memorial Day[5] is a public holiday in Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh and is observed by the Armenian diaspora on 24 April.[5][6] is held annually to commemorate the victims of the Armenian genocide of 1915. It was a series of massacres and starvation of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottomans. Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, hundreds of thousands of people walk to the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial to lay flowers at the eternal flame. Genocide memorial in Saint Sarkis Cathedral, Tehran date 24 April commemorates the deportation of Armenian intellectuals on 24 April 1915 from Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). The first commemoration, organised by a group of Armenian Genocide survivors, was held in Istanbul in 1919 at the local St. Trinity Armenian church.[7] Many prominent figures in the Armenian community participated in the commemoration. Following its initial commemoration in 1919, the date became the annual day of remembrance for the Armenian Genocide.[7] 9 April 1975, the US House of Representatives passed Joint Resolution 148 designating 24 April as a National Day of Remembrance of Man's Inhumanity to Man.[8] The Resolution commemorated the victims of genocide, especially those of Armenian ancestry who succumbed to the genocide perpetrated in 1915, The resolution however failed to pass in the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee due to President Gerald R. Ford’s strong opposition to what he saw as a threat to the country's strategic alliance with Turkey.[9] 1988, Soviet Armenia formally adopted 24 April as a public day of commemoration.[10]: 215  1997 in the US, the California State Assembly declared 24 April as a Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915–1923, and for the victims of the Sumgait Pogroms of 1988 and Baku Riots of 1990.[10]: 232  2007, Argentina passed National Law 26199, designating 24 April as "Day of Action for Tolerance and Respect among Peoples", in which Armenian Argentines are excused from work.[4][11] 2015, the House of Commons of Canada unanimously passed Motion M-587, proposed by Brad Butt, marking April to be Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month, and designating 24 April as Armenian Genocide Memorial Day.[12] 2019, France marked its first national commemoration of the genocide,[13][14] with French president Emmanuel Macron declaring 24 April "a national day of remembrance of the Armenian genocide", fulfilling a campaign pledge. 2021, US President Joe Biden recognized the genocide on 24 April, fulfilling a campaign pledge.[15][16] GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE 1915-1923, Commemorated April 24; Remembrance Day is observed by Armenians in dispersed communities around the world on April 24. It is held annually to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide from 1915 to 1923. date 24 April commemorates the Armenian notables deported from the Ottoman capital in 1915, of hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders, most of whom would be executed, which was a precursor to the ensuing events. this date is specifically a remembrance of the Armenian genocide, it is clear from the collects that it is intended here to cover all genocides: the killing or harming of people simply because of which ethnic, religious, or national group to which they happen to belong. — more at Wikipedia

Constantinople, 1920, Wilsonian Armenia, unimplemented, but went to Trabzon and Pontus
Wilsonian Armenia; Armenia refers to the unimplemented boundary configuration of the First Republic of Armenia in the Treaty of Sèvres, as drawn by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson's Department of State.[1] Treaty of Sèvres was a peace treaty that had been drafted and signed between the Western Allied Powers and the defeated government of the Ottoman Empire in August 1920, but it was never ratified and was subsequently superseded by the Treaty of Lausanne. proposed boundaries of Wilsonian Armenia incorporated portions of the Ottoman vilayets of Erzurum, Bitlis, Van, and Trabzon, which had Armenian populations of varying sizes. inclusion of portions of Trabzon Vilayet was intended to provide the First Republic of Armenia with an outlet to the Black Sea at the port of Trabzon. proposed Republic of Pontus was discussed at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, but the Greek government of Eleftherios Venizelos feared the precarious position of such a state, so a portion of it was instead included in the proposed state of Wilsonian Armenia. United States Senate rejected the mandate for Armenia in 1920. outbreak of the Turkish War of Independence led to the Ottoman Empire not ratifying the Treaty of Sèvres. in that year, the Turkish–Armenian War broke out. Armenia was defeated and signed the Treaty of Alexandropol on November 2, renouncing its territorial integrity under the Sèvres Treaty. The Treaty of Kars was negotiated between Soviet Russia and Turkey following the annexation of the Democratic Republic of Armenia by the Soviet Army in December 2, 1920, and signed between the Soviet government in Armenia on October 23, 1921. latter was never accepted, either by the overthrown Armenian government nor later by the Republic of Armenia. The government of Soviet Russia separately negotiated a similar border between what it considered its territory of Armenia and Turkey in the Treaty of Moscow (1921). Great Armenia; Kingdom of Armenia was bordered by Caucasian Albania in the east, by Caucasian Iberia in the north, by the Roman Empire in the west and by Parthia, later succeeded by Sassanid Empire. The border between Caucasian Iberia and Kingdom of Armenia was Kur river, which was also the border between Caucasian Albania and Kingdom of Armenia. Hieromartyr Gregory the Bishop of Greater Armenia, Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Armenia; GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE 1915-1923, Commemorated April 24;

Constantinople, 1999 & 1398-1426, New Martyr Ephriam, Nea Makri, Attica, k by Turks, story revealed miraculously 500yrs later
Greece, 1398-1426 & 1999, New Martyr Ephriam, Nea Makri, Attica (Corinth and Athens area), , priest men's monastery story revealed miraculously 500 yrs later, withstood extreme Turk tortures, left for dead, tortured again, 500 yrs later 1999 Mother Woman's monastery asked God to show her a martyred saint from the Men's monastery and he did. God told her where to dig. Ephriam told her his story.; Nea Makri; New Martyr Ephraim, Commemorated on January 3; holy New Martyr and wonderworker Ephraim was born in Greece on September 14, 1384. His father died when the saint was young, and his pious mother was left to care for seven children by herself. Ephraim reached the age of fourteen, the all-good God directed his steps to a monastery on the mountain of Amoman near Nea Makri in Attica. monastery was dedicated to the Annunciation and also to Saint Paraskevḗ. he took on his shoulders the Cross of Christ, which all His followers must bear (Matt. 16:24). enflamed with love for God, Saint Ephraim eagerly placed himself under the monastic discipline. For nearly twenty-seven years he imitated the life of the great Fathers and ascetics of the desert. divine zeal, he followed Christ and turned away from the attractions of this world. By the grace of God, he purified himself from soul-destroying passions and became an abode of the All-Holy Spirit. was also found worthy to receive the grace of the priesthood, and served at the altar with great reverence and compunction. September 14, 1425, the barbarous Turks launched an invasion by sea, destroying the monastery and and looting the surrounding area. Ephraim was one of the victims of their frenzied hatred. Many of the monks had been tortured and beheaded, but Saint Ephraim remained calm. infuriated the Turks, so they imprisoned him in order to torture him and force him to deny Christ. locked him in a small cell without food or water, and they beat him every day, hoping to convince him to become a Moslem. several months, he endured horrible torments. the Turks realized that the saint remained faithful to Christ, they decided to put him to death. On Tuesday May 5, 1426, they led him from his cell. They turned him upside down and tied him to a mulberry tree, then they beat him and mocked him. “Where is your God,” they asked, “and why doesn’t he help you?” The saint did not lose courage, but prayed, “O God, do not listen to the words of these men, but may Thy will be done as Thou hast ordained.” barbarians pulled the saint’s beard and tortured him until his strength ebbed. His blood flowed, and his clothes were in tatters. His body was almost naked and covered with many wounds. Still the Hagarenes were not satisfied, but wished to torture him even more. One of them took a flaming stick and plunged it violently into the saint’s navel. His screams were heart-rending, so great was his pain. The blood flowed from his stomach, but the Turks did not stop. They repeated the same painful torments many times. His body writhed, and all his limbs were convulsed. Soon, the saint grew too weak to speak, so he prayed silently asking God to forgive his sins. Blood and saliva ran from his mouth, and the ground was soaked with his blood. Then he lapsed into unconsciousness. that he had died, the Turks cut the ropes which bound him to the tree, and the saint’s body fell to the ground. Their rage was still not diminished, so they continued to kick and beat him. After a while, the saint opened his eyes and prayed, “Lord, I give up my spirit to Thee.” About nine o’clock in the morning, the martyr’s soul was separated from his body. things remained forgotten for nearly 500 years, hidden in the depths of silence and oblivion until January 3, 1950. By then a women’s monastery had sprung up on the site of the old monastery. Makaria (+ April 23, 1999) was wandering through the ruins of the monastery, thinking of the martyrs whose bones had been scattered over that ground, and whose blood had watered the tree of Orthodoxy. She realized that this was a holy place, and she prayed that God would permit her to behold one of the Fathers who had lived there. some time, she seemed to sense an inner voice telling her to dig in a certain spot. She indicated the place to a workman whom she had hired to make repairs at the old monastery. man was unwilling to dig there, for he wanted to dig somewhere else. Because the man was so insistent, Mother Makaria let him go where he wished. She prayed that the man would not be able to dig there, and so he struck rock. Although he tried to dig in three or four places, he met with the same results. Finally, he agreed to dig where the abbess had first indicated. the ruins of an old cell, he cleared away the rubble and began to dig in an angry manner. abbess told him to slow down, for she did not want him to damage the body that she expected to find there. He mocked her because she expected to find the relics of a saint. he reached the depth of six feet, however, he unearthed the head of the man of God. that moment an ineffable fragrance filled the air. The workman turned pale and was unable to speak. Mother Makaria told him to go and leave her there by herself. She knelt and reverently kissed the body. she cleared away more earth, she saw the sleeves of the saint’s rasson. The cloth was thick and appeared to have been woven on the loom of an earlier time. She uncovered the rest of the body and began to remove the bones, which appeared to be those of a martyr. Makaria was still in that holy place when evening fell, so she read the service of Vespers. she heard footsteps coming from the grave, moving across the courtyard toward the door of the church. The footsteps were strong and steady, like those of a man of strong character. The nun was afraid to turn around and look, but then she heard a voice say, “How long are you going to leave me here?” saw a tall monk with small, round eyes, whose beard reached his chest. In his left hand was a bright light, and he gave a blessing with his right hand. Mother Makaria was filled with joy and her fear disappeared. “Forgive me,” she said, “I will take care of you tomorrow as soon as God makes the day dawn.” The saint disappeared, and the abbess continued to read Vespers. the morning after Matins, Mother Makaria cleaned the bones and placed them in a niche in the altar area of the church, lighting a candle before them. That night Saint Ephraim appeared to her in a dream. He thanked her for caring for his relics, then he said, “My name is Saint Ephraim.” From his own lips, she heard the story of his life and martyrdom. Saint Ephraim glorified God in his life and by his death, the Lord granted him the grace of working miracles. who venerate his holy relics with faith and love have been healed of all kinds of illnesses and infirmities, and he is quick to answer the prayers of those who call upon him. Ephraim is also commemorated on May 5. New Martyr Ephraim, Commemorated on May 5;

Constantinople, Sea of Marmora Folder

Sea of Marmora, Constantinople
Sea of Marmora; Translation of the Image "Not-Made-By-Hands" of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third "Feast of the Savior in August" ; Monkmartyr and Confessor Stephen the New of Mt St Auxentius, Commemorated on November 28 ; Venerable Gregory of Crete, Commemorated January 5 ; Venerable Macarius the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on April 1; Venerable Hilarion the New, Abbot of the Dalmatian Monastery, Commemorated on June 6;

Prokonnesos Island, Sea of Marmora
Prokonnesos Island; Martyr Philetairus of Nicomedia, Commemorated December 30 ; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13;

Aphousia Island, Sea of Marmora
Aphousia; Venerable Macarius the Monk of Pelekete, Commemorated on August 18 ; Venerable Macarius the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on April 1; Venerable Hilarion the New, Abbot of the Dalmatian Monastery, Commemorated on June 6;

Akrita, Cape of Akrita (Sea of Marmora)
Cape of Akrita (Sea of Marmora), this cape chosen as Akrita by process of elimination (the others are too close to Constantinople and Nicaea). St Emilian the Confessor, Bishop of Cyzicus, Commemorated on August 8; Martyr Myron the Presbyter of Cyzicus, Commemorated on August 17; Venerable Gregory of Crete, Commemorated January 5 ;

Alona Island (an Island not far from Cyzicus)
Alona Island (an Island not far from Cyzicus); Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21;

Kyzikos (Sea of Marmara, between Constantinople and Troy)
Kyzikos (on the Sea of Marmara); Holy Woman Olympias (Olympiada) the Deaconess of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 25; the banishment of Saint John Chrysostom, someone set fire to a large church, and after this a large part of the city burned down. the supporters of Saint John Chrysostom came under suspicion of arson, and they were summoned for interrogation. They summoned Saint Olympias to trial, rigorously interrogating her. They fined her a large sum of money for the crime of arson, despite her innocence and a lack of evidence against her. After this the saint left Constantinople and set out to Kyzikos (on the Sea of Marmara). But her enemies did not cease their persecution. In the year 405 they sentenced her to prison at Nicomedia, where the saint underwent much grief and deprivation. Saint John Chrysostom wrote to her from his exile, consoling her in her sorrow. In the year 409 Saint Olympias entered into eternal rest. St Emilian the Confessor, Bishop of Cyzicus, Commemorated on August 8; St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated November 20 ; Virginmarty Fausta at Cyzicus, Commemorated February 6 ;

Cyzikus (Sea of Marmara, between Troy and Constantinople)
Cyzicus St Emilian the Confessor, Bishop of Cyzicus, Commemorated on August 8; Martyr Myron the Presbyter of Cyzicus, Commemorated on August 17; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; Martyr Sisinius the Bishop of Cyzicus, Commemorated on November 23 ; St Emilian the Confessor, Bishop of Cyzicus, January 8 ; Martyr Tryphaina at Cyzicus, Commemorated January 31; Virginmarty Fausta at Cyzicus, Commemorated February 6 ; St Parthenius the Bishop of Lampsacus on the Hellespont, Commemorated on February 7 ; Venerable Theophanes the Confessor of Sigriane, Commemorated on March 12; Martyr Nikon in Sicily, Commemorated on March 23; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26; Martyr Theognes at Cyzicus, Commemorated on April 29; St Germanus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 12;

Constantinople, Southwest Side, Studion Monastery Folder

Studion Monastery, Constantinople, monastery of Saint John the Forerunner, 462
The Studion Monestary ; Venerable Dionysius the Orator of St Anne Skete of Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 9; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Theodosius of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on August 14; Venerable Theodosius of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated September 2 ; St Athanasius of Serpukhov, Commemorated September 12 ; Venerable Theodore the Confessor the Abbot of the Studion, Commemorated on November 11 ; Venerable Evarestus of the Studion Monastery, Commemorated December 26 ; Venerable Thaddeus the Confessor of the Studion, Commemorated December 29 ; Saint Marcian the Presbyter in Constantinople, Commemorated on January 10; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Theodore the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated January 26 ; St Joseph the Bishop of Thessalonica, and brother of St Theodore of Studion, Commemorated January 26 ; Venerable Nicholas the Confessor the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated on February 4 ; Venerable Timothy of Symbola in Bithynia, Commemorated February 21 ; Venerable Simeon the New Theologian, Commemorated on March 12; St James the Confessor the Bishop of Catania, Commemorated on March 21; Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of œthe Ladder, Commemorated on March 30; Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, Commemorated on April 2; St Plato the Confessor of Studion, Commemorated on April 5; Venerable Theodosius the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves Monastery, and Founder of Coenobitic Monasticism in Russia, Commemorated on May 3; Venerable Hilarion the New, Abbot of the Dalmatian Monastery, Commemorated on June 6;

Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner, Studion Monastery, Constantinople, 462
The Studion Monestary ; Venerable Dionysius the Orator of St Anne Skete of Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 9; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Theodosius of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on August 14; Venerable Theodosius of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated September 2 ; St Athanasius of Serpukhov, Commemorated September 12 ; Venerable Theodore the Confessor the Abbot of the Studion, Commemorated on November 11 ; Venerable Evarestus of the Studion Monastery, Commemorated December 26 ; Venerable Thaddeus the Confessor of the Studion, Commemorated December 29 ; Saint Marcian the Presbyter in Constantinople, Commemorated on January 10; Translation of the relics of the Venerable Theodore the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated January 26 ; Venerable Nicholas the Confessor the Abbot of Studion, Commemorated on February 4 ; St Joseph the Bishop of Thessalonica, and brother of St Theodore of Studion ; Venerable Timothy of Symbola in Bithynia, Commemorated February 21 ; Venerable Simeon the New Theologian, Commemorated on March 12; St James the Confessor the Bishop of Catania, Commemorated on March 21; Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of œthe Ladder, Commemorated on March 30; Venerable Titus the Wonderworker, Commemorated on April 2; St Plato the Confessor of Studion, Commemorated on April 5; Venerable Theodosius the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves Monastery, and Founder of Coenobitic Monasticism in Russia, Commemorated on May 3; Venerable Hilarion the New, Abbot of the Dalmatian Monastery, Commemorated on June 6;

Peribleptos monastery, Constantinople
Peribleptos monastery; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15;

Church of the Life-giving Fountain at Constantinople
church of the Life-giving Fountain at Constantinople; Church of the Life-Giving Font of the Theotokos (Istanbul); Church of the Life-Giving Font of the Theotokos is the latest church, built in 1835, that bears the same dedication as the shrine erected in this place between the end of the fifth and beginning of the sixth centuries, for the wonderworking holy spring located there. Emperor Leo I the Thracian (457-474) oversaw the building of the church that was named in honour of the Most Holy Theotokos. For almost fifteen hundred years, this sanctuary has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Greek Orthodoxy.[1] Main article: Life-Giving Spring site was chosen by Leo due to a divine experience the emperor went through earlier in his life. Leo was walking in a forested area when he saw a blind man who asked him for water to quench his thirst. It was then that Leo heard a message from a voice saying that there was water deep within the woods that the man could drink. The clay from its waters would be able to heal the man's eyes. The Theotokos also prophesied at this time that Leo would one day become emperor of Constantinople. Leo listened to the voice, quenched the man's thirst, and allowed him to gain sight just as the Mother of God proclaimed. site was the place where Emperor Leo decided to build the church in her name. The blessed water continued to work miracles for others and earned the name "The Life-Giving Spring." of the Church its history, the church at the fountain had been destroyed and then rebuilt on many occasions, at the request of the Virgin Mother. era Byzantine times the sanctuary was one of the most important in Constantinople. On Ascension Day, the Emperor arrived by boat to the small harbor of the Golden Gate. He rode up to the sanctuary, where he was acclaimed by the factions, who offered him a cross and garlands. Later, he dressed in his ceremonial robe, and after receiving the Patriarch, the two entered the church hand-in-hand. Ascension, the Marriage at Cana (January 8), and the anniversary of the Miracle of Leo I on 16 August were celebrated here.[1] Each future Empress coming to Constantinople for her wedding was received by her future spouse in the Monastery of the Spring. to earthquakes, the building was rebuilt in 790, under Empress Irene, and after the great earthquake of 869, under Basil I (867–886).[1] On 7 September 924 Tsar Simeon I of Bulgaria burned the complex, which was at once restored by Romanos I Lekapenos (920–944).[2] Three years later the son of Simeon, Peter was married to Maria, the niece of Lekapenos.[1][2] to its position outside the city, the monastery was often used as place of exile. In 1078 Georgios Monomachos was banished there. In 1084, Emperor Alexios I Komnenos confined the philosopher John Italus to the monastery, because of his neoplatonic theories.[1] the Latin invasion of 1204, the church was occupied by the Latin clergy and, according to Byzantine sources, this caused the end of the so called "habitual miracle" (to synetés thauma).[1] 1328 Andronikos III Palaiologos used the monastery as base to attack Constantinople. Two years later, as he lay dying in the town of Didymoteicho, he drank water from the spring and recovered at once.[1] the Ottoman siege of Constantinople in 1422, Sultan Murad II camped in the sanctuary. It is unknown whether the Byzantines restored the building before the conquest of the city in 1453. Russian pilgrims of the fifteenth century do not mention the church, only the spring.[1] era serving the Christian people at Constantinople for about 1,000 years, Muslim invaders tore down the church in 1453 after taking over the city of Constantinople. The Church of the Life-giving Spring was destroyed and its building materials were used to construct the Bayezid II Mosque for the Sultan. The church site was covered with earth and crushed stone, so that the very foundations of the church disappeared from sight. The beautiful surrounding areas were turned into a Muslim cemetery. A Turkish sentinel, placed at the ruins of the church, forbade Christians not only to gather at the site, but even to approach there. 16th-century French scholar Pierre Gilles writes that in 1547 the church did not exist anymore, but the sick continued to attend the spring.[1] by little, the strictness of this ban eased, and Christians were permitted to build a small church there. In 1727 Metropolitan Nikodemos of Dercos and Neochorion, built a small chapel above the Hagiasma. Twenty-five steps led down into the chapel, which had a window in the roof to let the light in. The holy Spring was still there, surrounded by a railing. An icon, discovered in the foundations of the old church, was worshiped in the chapel. The Armenians tried to take possession of the spring, but several firmans secured the possession to the Greeks. The complex was controlled by Turkish guardians, who collected from the pilgrims a tax that they used for the maintenance of the prisons. Later the complex came into the possession of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. after the onset of Greek War of Independence in 1821, even this little chapel was destroyed by the Janissaries, who poisoned the spring and buried it under the rubble. the latter part of the reign of Sultan Mahmoud II (1808-39), the Orthodox received a measure of freedom to conduct religious services. In 1833, a firman allowed Patriarch Constantius I of Constantinople (1830-34) to rebuild the church. For the third time, a large and prestigious church was erected above the sacred Life-giving Spring, with work beginning in July of 1833. While workmen were clearing the ground, they uncovered the foundations of the earlier church.[note 1] The Sultan allowed them to build not just a chapel, but a new and beautiful church on the foundations of the old one. Construction began on September 14, 1833, and was completed on December 30, 1834. February 2, 1835, with great pomp, the Ecumenical Patriarch Constantius II of Constantinople (1834-35), celebrating with 12 bishops and an enormous flood of the faithful, consecrated the church which stands to this day, dedicating it to the Most Holy Theotokos. was built a hospital and alms-house. Even the Muslims spoke with great respect of the Life-giving Spring, and of the Theotokos, who through it pours out her grace-filled power. "Great among women Holy Mary" is how they refer to the Most Holy Virgin. The water from the Life-giving Spring they call the "water of Holy Mary." era September 6, 1955, during the anti-Greek Istanbul Pogrom, the church was one of the targets of the fanatic mob. The building was burned to the ground while the abbot was lynched and the 90 year-old Archimandrite Chrisanthos Mantas was assasinated by the mob.[3] small chapel has been rebuilt on the site, but the church has not yet been restored to its former size. Today, in addition to the church, the compound includes the underground shrine of the Zoodochos Pigi with the holy spring which has golden fish in it. The spring still flows to this day and is considered by the faithful to have wonderworking properties. sanctuary is directed by a titular bishop and is one of the most popular among the Orthodox of Istanbul, who visit it especially during the Friday after Easter, and on the feast day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross on September 14. On these two days, a great feast, both popular and religious takes place there.[1] Funerals of people to be buried in the nearby cemetery are also celebrated in the church. one kilometer south of the church an important Greek hospital is active, the “Balikli Greek Hospital Foundation” (Balikli Rum Hastanesi Vakf). of Churches and Monasteries Life-Giving Spring gave origin to many churches and monasteries bearing the same name in the Greek world. Most of them were erected after the end of the Byzantine Empire. Monasteries Original monastery in Constantinople. Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring -- Dunlap, California. Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring -- Kastri, Pellana municipality, Laconia prefecture, Greece.[note 2] Churches The Life-Giving Spring Acadimias, Athens Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring Russian Orthodox Mission -- Bryan, Texas See also Life-Giving Spring Panagia Blachernitissa Holy water The Life Giving Fountain of the Mother of God, Commemorated on April 4;

Constantinople, Northwest Side, Blachernae Folder

Blachernae church, Constantinople, 420
Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (Istanbul); The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated July 2; Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Founder of Monasticism in Russia, Commemorated on July 10 ; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectressÂ Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on August 15; Icon of the Mother of God of the Kiev Caves, Commemorated on August 17; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on September 2; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 9; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated September 10 ; Venerable Romanus the Melodist, œSweet-SingerÂ, Commemorated on October 1 ; The Protection of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on October 1; Blessed Andrew the Fool-For-Christ at Constantinople, Commemorated on October 2; Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, Commemorated October 12 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated October 29 ; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Monkmartyr and Confessor Stephen the New of Mt St Auxentius, Commemorated on November 28 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated on December 8 ; Venerable Maximus Kavsokalyvites of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 13 ; Venerable Stephen the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, and Bishop of Vladimir, in Volhynia, Commemorated on April 27 ; Prophet Isaiah, Commemorated on May 9 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated June 11 ; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; Hodegetria Icon of the Mother of God (Παναγία Οδηγήτρια), Commemorated on June 20; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Anastasia Gate
Anastasia Gate; Virginmartyr Theodosia the Nun of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 29;

Church of Saint Mary of Blachernae, Constantinople, 420
Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (Istanbul); Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Founder of Monasticism in Russia, Commemorated on July 10 ; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectress Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on August 15; Icon of the Mother of God of the Kiev Caves, Commemorated on August 17; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on September 2; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 9; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated September 10 ; Venerable Romanus the Melodist, œSweet-Singer, Commemorated on October 1 ; Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, Commemorated October 12 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated October 29 ; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Monkmartyr and Confessor Stephen the New of Mt St Auxentius, Commemorated on November 28 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated on December 8 ; Venerable Maximus Kavsokalyvites of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 13 ; Venerable Stephen the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, and Bishop of Vladimir, in Volhynia, Commemorated on April 27 ; Prophet Isaiah, Commemorated on May 9 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated June 11 ; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Church of the Holy Theotokos of Blachernae, Constantinople, 420
Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (Istanbul); Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Founder of Monasticism in Russia, Commemorated on July 10 ; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectress Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on August 15; Icon of the Mother of God of the Kiev Caves, Commemorated on August 17; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on September 2; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 9; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated September 10 ; Venerable Romanus the Melodist, œSweet-Singer, Commemorated on October 1 ; Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, Commemorated October 12 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated October 29 ; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Monkmartyr and Confessor Stephen the New of Mt St Auxentius, Commemorated on November 28 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated on December 8 ; Venerable Maximus Kavsokalyvites of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 13 ; Venerable Stephen the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, and Bishop of Vladimir, in Volhynia, Commemorated on April 27 ; Prophet Isaiah, Commemorated on May 9 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated June 11 ; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Prison of Anemas, Blachernae, Constantinople
Prison of Anemas, Blachernae, Constantinople; Prison of Anemas is a large Byzantine building attached to the walls of the city of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey). is traditionally identified with the prisons named after Michael Anemas, a Byzantine general who rose in unsuccessful revolt against Emperor Alexios I Komnenos (r. 1081–1118) and was the first person to be imprisoned there. prison features prominently in the last centuries of the Byzantine Empire, when four Byzantine emperors were imprisoned there. Martyr John the Soldier at Constantinople, Commemorated on July 30; Holy Martyr John the Soldier served in the Roman army during the reign of Emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363). He was sent with other soldiers to find and kill Christians. Although he seemed to persecute them, Saint John was actually a secret Christian, and provided much help to his fellow Christians. He freed those who had been arrested, warned others of the dangers which threatened them, and helped them to escape. Saint John displayed charity not only to Christians, but to all the destitute, and to those who needed help. He visited the sick, and consoled the grieving. When Emperor Julian the Apostate learned of the Saint's activities he arrested him and sent him to a prison in Constantinople. the year 363 the wicked Emperor who had denied Christ was killed in a war with the Persians. Saint John was set free and devoted his life to serving his neighbor, and living a life of holiness and purity. He reposed at an advanced age, but the exact year of his death is not known. time, Saint John's tomb was gradually forgotten. One day he appeared to a certain devout woman and revealed to her the details of his life. He also showed her the location of his tomb, and this became known throughout the region. His holy relics, which had the power to heal various ailments, were transferred to the church of the Apostle John the Theologian at Constantinople. Through the prayers of Saint John the Soldier, those who suffer grief and sorrow receive comfort. the Russian Orthodox Church, Saint John is revered as the protector of soldiers, and a great intercessor for those who experience sorrow and difficult circumstances. He is also invoked for the recovery of stolen articles and fugitive slaves. iconography, Saint John is usually depicted as a middle-aged man with light brown (or dark) hair, a high forehead, and a short beard. He is dressed in armor and a cloak. In some icons he may hold a cross, a scroll, or military weapons, while in others he is shown in patrician clothing, wearing a cloak over a long chiton. John the Soldier is commemorated on July 29 in Greek usage, and on July 30 in Slavic usage.

Blachernae, Constantinople
Blachernae; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated July 2; Venerable Romanus the Melodist, œSweet-SingerÂ, Commemorated on October 1 ; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectressÂ Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; Icon of the Mother of God of the Kiev Caves, Commemorated on August 17; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on September 2; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated on September 10; Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on October 1 ; Blessed Andrew the Fool-For-Christ at Constantinople, Commemorated October 2 ; Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, Commemorated October 12 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated October 29 ; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated on December 8 ; 12 Greeks who built the Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Lavra, Commemorated on February 14; Venerable Stephen the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, and Bishop of Vladimir, in Volhynia, Commemorated on April 27 ; Translation of the Dormition Icon of the Mother of God from Constantinople to the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Commemorated on May 3; Prophet Isaiah, Commemorated on May 9 ; St Germanus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 12; Icon of the Mother of God œthe Unbreakable WallÂ, Commemorated on May 28; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2; Translation of the "Blachernae" Icon of the Mother of God to Russia, Commemorated July 7 ;

Blachernae Palace, Constantinople, 500, Emperor's main residence from late 11th century
Blachernae Palace ; Palace of Blachernae [1] was an imperial Byzantine residence in the suburb of Blachernae, located in the northwestern section of Constantinople (today located in the quarter of Ayvansaray in Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey). The area of the palace is now mostly overbuilt, and only literary sources are available as to its description. Palace of Blachernae was constructed on the northern slopes of the Sixth Hill of the city in circa 500.[2] The hill itself was partially remodelled, particularly in later times, and a number of terraces created to support the various buildings comprising the palace complex.[3] Although the main imperial residence during the 4th–11th centuries was the Great Palace at the eastern end of the city, the Blachernae palace was used at times, and is attested in the ceremonial protocols contained in the 10th-century De Ceremoniis, or Explanation of the Order of the Palace, Chapters I.27, I.34, II.9, II.12) of Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitos (r. 913–959).[2] that time, it included several structures: the hall (triklinos) of Anastasius or Anastasiakos (Î¤ÏÎ¯ÎºÎ»Î¹Î½Î¿Ï‚ á¼ˆÎ½Î±ÏƒÏ„Î±ÏƒÎ¹Î±ÎºÏŒÏ‚), named after Emperor Anastasius I (r. 491–518) who built it, the hall of the Ocean or Okeanos, the portico of Joseph or Iosephiakos, and the hall of the Danube or Danoubios. The latter communicated with the nearby shrine of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Mary of Blachernae through a series of staircases.[1][2] was here that in the late 11th century the Emperor Alexios I Komnenos (r. 1081–1118) moved his main residence, and he and his grandson Manuel I Komnenos (r. 1143–1180) undertook great works there, fortifying the palace precinct and erecting new halls.[2] Manuel I, in particular, is credited with the construction of an elaborate outer wall,[4] and of several splendid new halls, such as the Hall of Irene (named after Empress Irene of Hungary) and the Polytimos Oikos ("Valuable House"). this time the palace complex became known as the "New Palace".[5] Among the structures of the time, only the so-called Prison of Anemas, which formed part of the palace's substructure, still survives.[6] After the Fourth Crusade, the Latin emperors favoured the Bucoleon Palace, but on the recapture of the city in 1261, the Palaiologan emperors restored the Blachernae complex as their principal residence.[2][7] Palace of the Porphyrogenitus, probably dating to the late 13th century, although a bit further south than the main Blachernae palace complex, is usually related to it. It is the only relatively intact example of Byzantine palace architecture in Constantinople.[8] Blachernae; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated July 2; Placing of the Venerable Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae: the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Leo the Great (457-474), the brothers Galbius and Candidus, associates of the emperor, set out from Constantinople to Palestine to venerate the holy places. a small settlement near Nazareth they stayed in the home of a certain old Jewish woman. In her house they noticed a room where many lamps were lit, incense burned, and sick people were gathered. When they asked her what the room contained, the pious woman did not want to give an answer for a long time. persistent requests, she said that she had a very precious sacred item: the Robe of the Mother of God, which performed many miracles and healings. Her Dormition the Most Holy Virgin bequeathed one of her garments to a pious Jewish maiden, an ancestor of the old woman, instructing her to leave it to another virgin after her death. the Robe of the Mother of God was preserved in this family from generation to generation. jewelled chest, containing the sacred Robe, was transferred to Constantinople. Saint Gennadius, Patriarch of Constantinople (August 31), and the emperor Leo, having learned of the sacred treasure, were convinced of the incorrupt state of the holy Robe, and they certified its authenticity. Blachernae, near the seacoast, a new church in honor of the Mother of God was constructed. On June 2, 458 Saint Gennadius transferred the sacred Robe into the Blachernae church with appropriate solemnity, placing it within a new reliquary. the maphorion (i.e., the outer robe) of the Mother of God, and part of Her belt were also put into the reliquary with Her Robe. This circumstance also influenced the Orthodox iconography of the Feast, in connecting the two events: the Placing of the Robe, and the Placing of the Belt of the Mother of God in Blachernae. The Russian pilgrim Stephen of Novgorod, visiting Constantinople in about the year 1350, testifies: “We arrived at Blachernae, where the Robe lies upon an altar in a sealed reliquary.â€ than once, during the invasion of enemies, the Most Holy Theotokos saved the city to which She had given Her holy Robe. Thus it happened during the time of a siege of Constantinople by the Avars in 626, by the Persians in 677, and by the Arabs in the year 717. Especially relevant for us are events of the year 860, intimately connected with the history of the Russian Church. June 18, 860 the Russian fleet of Prince Askold, a force comprising more than 200 ships, laid waste the coastal regions of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus, then entered into the Golden Horn and threatened Constantinople. The Russian ships sailed within sight of the city, setting ashore troops who “proceeded before the city, stretching forth their swords.â€ The emperor Michael III (842-867), interrupted his campaign against the Arabs and returned to the capital. All night he prayed prostrated upon the stone tiles of the church of the Mother of God at Blachernae. The holy Patriarch Photius spoke to his flock, calling for tears of repentance to wash away sins, and to seek the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos with fervent prayer. danger grew with each passing hour. “The city was barely able to stand against a spear,â€ says Patriarch Photius in another of his homilies. Under these conditions the decision was made to save the church’s sacred objects, especially the holy Robe of the Mother of God, which was kept in the Blachernae church, not far from the shore. serving an all-night Vigil, and taking it out from the Blachernae church, they carried the sacred Robe of the Mother of God in a procession around the city walls. They dipped its edge into the waters of the Bosphorus, and then they transported it to the center of Constantinople into the church of Hagia Sophia. The Mother of God protected the city and quelled the fury of the Russian warriors. An honorable truce was concluded, and Askold lifted the siege of Constantinople. June 25 the Russian army began to leave, taking with them a large tribute payment. A week afterwards, on July 2, the wonderworking Robe of the Mother of God was solemnly returned to its place in the reliquary of the Blachernae church. In remembrance of these events an annual feastday of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God was established on July 2 by holy Patriarch Photius. in October-November of the year 860, a Russian delegation arrived in Constantinople to conclude a treaty “in love and peace.â€ Some of the conditions of the peace treaty included articles concerning the Baptism of Kievan Rus, the payment of an annual tribute by the Byzantines to the Russians, permission for them to serve with the Byzantine army, an agreement to trade in the territory of the Empire (primarily in Constantinople), and to send a diplomatic mission to Byzantium. important was the point about the Baptism of Rus. The continuator of the Byzantine “Theophanes Chroniclesâ€ relates that “their delegation arrived in Constantinople with a request for them to receive holy Baptism, which also was fulfilled.â€ An Orthodox mission was sent to Kiev to fulfill this mutual wish of the Russians and the Greeks. Not very long before this (in 855) Saint Cyril the Philosopher (February 14 and May 11) had created a Slavonic alphabet and translated the Gospel. Saint Cyril was sent with his brother, Saint Methodius (April 6 and May 11), on a mission to Kiev with books translated into Slavonic. This was at the initiative of Saint Photius, whose student Saint Cyril was. The brothers spent the winter of 860/861 at Cherson, and in the spring of 861 they were at the River Dniepr, with Prince Askold. Askold was faced with a difficult choice, just as holy Prince Vladimir faced: both the Jews on the one hand, and the Moslems on the other, wanted him to accept their faith. But under the influence of Saint Cyril, the prince chose Orthodoxy. At the end of the year 861, Saints Cyril and Methodius returned to Constantinople and carried letters with them from Prince Askold to Emperor Michael III. Askold thanked the emperor for sending him “such men, who showed by both word and by example, that the Christian Faith is holy.â€ “Persuaded that this is the true Faith,â€ Askold further wrote, “we bid them to baptize in the hope that we may also attain sanctity. We are all friends of the Kingdom and prepared to be of service to you, as requested.â€ accepted holy Baptism with the name Nicholas, and many of his retinue were also baptized. Directly from Constantinople, the capital of Orthodoxy, through the efforts of the holy Apostles to the Slavs both the Slavonic divine services and the Slavonic written language arrived in Rus. Photius appointed Metropolitan Michael to Kiev, and the Russian metropolitan district was entered into the lists of dioceses of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Patriarch Photius in an encyclical of the year 867 called the Baptism of the Bulgarians and the Russians as among the chief accomplishments of his archpastoral service. “The Russians, who lifted their hand against the Roman might,â€ he wrote, almost quoting literally from the missive of Askold, “have now replaced the impious teaching which they held to formerly, with the pure and genuine Christian Faith, and with love having established themselves in the array of our friends and subjects.â€ (The Byzantines counted as “subjectsâ€ all accepting Baptism from Constantinople and entering into military alliance with the Empire.) “The desire and zeal of faith has flared up within them to such an extent, that they have accepted bishops and pastors, and they embrace Christian sanctity with great zeal and fervor.â€ Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos in Blachernae also marks the canonical establishment of the Russian Orthodox metropolitanate in Kiev. By the blessing of the Mother of God and by the miracle from Her holy Robe not only was the deliverence of Constantinople from the most terrible siege in all its history accomplished, but also the liberation of the Russians from the darkness of pagan superstition to life eternal. Together with this, the year 860 brought recognition to Kievan Rus from Byzantium, and signified the emergence of the young Russian realm into the arena of history. attempt of Prince Askold to renew the Christian evangelization begun by the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, which he intended as a religious and state reform, ended unsuccessfully. The time for the spread of Christianity in the Russian Land had not yet come. The adherents of the old paganism were too strong, and the princely power was too weak. In the clash of Askold with the pagan Oleg in 882 the Kievans betrayed their prince. Askold, lured into the camp of his enemies for talks, received a martyr’s death at the hand of hired killers. the deed of Blessed Askold (the Ioakimov Chronicle calls him such) was not extinguished in the Russian Church. Oleg the Sage, who killed Askold, occupied the Kiev princedom after him, and called Kiev the “Mother of Russian Cities.â€ most ancient chronicles of Kiev preserved the grateful memory of the first Kievan Christian prince: the church of the Prophet of God Elias, built by Askold and later mentioned in Igor’s Treaty with the Greeks (in 944), is on the site where the present church of this name now stands, and there is also the church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in the 950s by Saint Olga over Askold’s grave. most important achievement of Askold, entering forever into the Church inheritance not only of Rus, but of also all Orthodox Slavs, is the Slavonic Gospel and Slavonic services, translated by Saints Cyril and Methodius. Their apostolic activity among the Slavs began in Kiev at the court of Askold in 861, and continued afterwards in Moravia and Bulgaria. Following Blessed Askold, in the words of the ancient Alphabetic Prayers, “the Slavonic tribe now soars in flight, all striving toward Baptism.â€ outstanding works of Byzantine Church hymnology and homiletics are connected with the miracle of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae. There are two homilies of Saint Photius, one of which he preached within days of the siege of Constantinople, and the other soon after the departure of the Russian forces. Also associated with the campaign of Askold against Constantinople is the composition of a remarkable “Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos,â€ which certain Church histories ascribe also to holy Patriarch Photius. This Akathist forms an integral part of the services of Praise to the Most Holy Theotokos (i.e., the “Saturday of the Akathist,â€ Fifth Saturday of Great Lent). is not only Byzantine sources that relate the events of the year 860, but also Russian historical chronicles. Saint Nestor the Chronicler, stressing the significance of the Russian campaign against Constantinople, notes that from this time “it was begun to be called the Russian Land.â€ Certain of the chronicles, among them the Ioakimov and Nikonov, preserved accounts of the Baptism of Prince Askold and Kievan Rus after the campaign against Constantinople. The popular commemoration of this event is firmly associated with the names of the Kievan princes Askold and Dir, although in the opinion of historians, Dir was prince of Kiev somewhat earlier than Askold. veneration of the feast of the Placing of the Robe was long known in the Russian Church. Saint Andrew Bogoliubsky (July 4) built a church in honor of this feastday in the city of Vladimir at the Golden Gates. At the end of the fourteenth century, part of the Robe of the Mother of God was transferred from Constantinople to Rus by Saint Dionysius, Archbishop of Suzdal (June 26). holy Robe of the Mother of God, which previously saved Constantinople, later saved Moscow from hostilities. Tatars of the Horde of the princeling Mazovshi approached the walls of Moscow in the summer of 1451. Saint Jonah, Metropolitan of Moscow, with constant prayer and church services, encouraged the defenders of the capital. On the night of July 2, the Chronicle relates, great confusion occurred within the Tatar camp. The enemy abandoned their plundered goods and speedily departed in disarray. In memory of the miraculous deliverance of Moscow, Saint Jonah built the church of the Placing of the Robe in the Kremlin, making it his primary church. It burned, but in its place in the years 1484-1486 a new church, also dedicated to the Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God, was built thirty years later. This temple, standing at present, continued to serve as the primary church of Russian metropolitans and patriarchs until the cathedral of the Twelve Apostles was built under Patriarch Nikon. Translation of the "Blachernae" Icon of the Mother of God to Russia; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectressÂ Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; Icon of the Mother of God of the Kiev Caves, Commemorated on August 17; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated September 10 ; The Protection of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin; Blessed Andrew the Fool-For-Christ at Constantinople, Commemorated October 2 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated October 29 ; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated on December 8 ; Venerable Stephen the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, and Bishop of Vladimir, in Volhynia, Commemorated on April 27 ; Prophet Isaiah, Commemorated on May 9 ; 12 Greeks who built the Dormition Cathedral in the Kiev Caves, Far Caves, Lavra; Icon of the Mother of God œthe Unbreakable WallÂ, Commemorated on May 28; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Chora Church and monastery, Blachernae, Constantinople
Chora monastery in Constantinople; St Germanus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 12;

Patriarchal Academy, Constantinople, near Blachernae, 1454
Patriarchal Academy; Hieromonk Seraphim, Bishop of the Phanar, Commemorated on December 4 ; Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; New Martyr Euthymius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1;

Cosmos and Damian Monastery (Kosmidion, Blachernae) 450 approx
Cosmos and Damian Monastery (Kosmidion); St. Elizabeth the Wonderworker of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 24;

Pammakaristos Church and monastery, Center of Greek Orthodox Christiantiy during Ottoman Empire, Blachernae, 1071
Pammakaristos Church;

Constantinople, Phanar Golden Horn Greek Quarter Folder

Phanar, Constantinople (Neighborhood on Golden Horn, Greek Quarter)
Phanar (Greek Quarter of Constantinople); Repose of St. Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated September 14 ; Monk Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated on November 13 ; Hieromonk Seraphim, Bishop of the Phanar, Commemorated on December 4 ; St Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on June 13;

Phanariots, members of prominent Greek families in Phanar, Wallacian Rulers (Romania and Moldovia)
Phanariots, members of prominent Greek families in Phanar; Phanar (Greek Quarter of Constantinople); Repose of St. Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated September 14 ; Monk Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated on November 13 ; Hieromonk Seraphim, Bishop of the Phanar, Commemorated on December 4 ; St Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on June 13;

Constantinople patriarchal cathedral, St. George's Cathedral, Istanbul, Phanar, 1597
Constantinople patriarchal cathedral, St. George's Cathedral, Istanbul, Phanar 1597; St. George's Cathedral, Istanbul; All Blessed Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on September 1;

Phanar Greek Orthodox College, Constantinople
Phanar Greek Orthodox College, Constantinople; Hieromonk Seraphim, Bishop of the Phanar, Commemorated on December 4 ;

Patriarchal Academy, Constantinople, Phanar Greek Neighborhood, 1454
Patriarchal Academy; Hieromonk Seraphim, Bishop of the Phanar, Commemorated on December 4 ; Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; New Martyr Euthymius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1;

Pantocrator Church and monastery, Phanar, Constantinople, Greek Quarter, 1118
Pantocrator monastery in Constantinople ; The Holy Empress Irene, tonsured Xenia; Repose of Saint Stephen of Decani, Serbia, Commemorated on November 11; Venerable Macarius of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on January 6 ;

St Sopatra's Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols in the Phanar, 601
St Sopatra's Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols in the Phanar; Saint Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9;

Hesychius Church and monastery, Phanar, Constantinople, Greek Quarter, 1118
Pantocrator monastery in Constantinople ; The Holy Empress Irene, tonsured Xenia; Repose of Saint Stephen of Decani, Serbia, Commemorated on November 11; Venerable Macarius of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on January 6 ;

Dalmatian Monastery (Probably at Church of the Holy Apostles, Phanar, 330)
Dalmatian Monastery (Probably at Church of the Holy Apostles); Isaac of Dalmatia, founder of the Dalmatus Monastery, not from Dalmatia; Venerable Hilarion the New, Abbot of the Dalmatian Monastery, Commemorated on June 6 ;

Church of the Holy Apostles, and monastery, Phanar, Constantinople, 330
Church of the Holy Apostles; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated October 20 ; Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated November 25 ; Saint Marcian the Presbyter in Constantinople, Commemorated on January 10; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated January 22 ; Holy Empress Markianḗ, Commemorated on January 27; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13; Saint Nicephorus the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 2;

The Church at Constantinople, Church of the Holy Apostles, and monastery, Phanar, 330
Church of the Holy Apostles; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated October 20 ; Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated November 25 ; Saint Marcian the Presbyter in Constantinople, Commemorated on January 10; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated January 22 ; Holy Empress Markianḗ, Commemorated on January 27; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13; Saint Nicephorus the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 2;

Church of St. Polyeuctus, Constantinople, 524
Church of St. Polyeuctus; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20 ;

Constantinople, Galata, North Shore of Golden Horn Folder

Golden Horn (waters that define northern boundary of the penninsula)
Golden Horn; Golden Horn is a major urban waterway and the primary inlet of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey. a natural estuary that connects with the Bosphorus Strait at the point where the strait meets the Sea of Marmara, the waters of the Golden Horn help define the northern boundary of the peninsula constituting "Old Istanbul" (ancient Byzantium and Constantinople), the tip of which is the promontory of Sarayburnu, or Seraglio Point. This estuarial inlet geographically separates the historic center of Istanbul from the rest of the city, and forms a horn-shaped, sheltered harbor that in the course of history has protected Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and other maritime trade ships for thousands[1] of years. the reference to a "horn" is understood to refer to the inlet's aerial silhouette, the significance of the designation "golden" remains more obscure, with historians believing it to refer to either the riches brought into the city through the bustling historic harbor located along its shores, or to romantic artistic interpretations of the rich yellow light blazing upon the estuary's waters as the sun sets over the city. Its Greek and English names mean the same, while its Turkish name, Haliç, simply means "estuary", and derives from the Arabic word khaleej, meaning "gulf". its history, the Golden Horn has witnessed many tumultuous historical incidents, and has been depicted in numerous works of art. Icon of the Mother of God œthe Unbreakable WallÂ, Commemorated on May 28; “Unbreakable (or “Indestructibleâ€) Wallâ€ Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is commemorated on the Sunday of All Saints. It is an XI century mosaic icon of the Blachernae type, above the main altar of Kiev's Holy Wisdom Cathedral. The Mother of God is depicted against a golden background, standing with upraised hands on a quadrangular gold platform. some Icons of this type [but not in the mosaic Icon], Christ is depicted within a mandorla, an oval or circle, symbolizing the glory of Heaven, or the Divine Light. Icon is called the "Unbreakable Wall" because for ten centuries it has remained intact, in spite of the fact that both Kiev's Holy Wisdom Cathedral and the city have been damaged several times. An ancient description of this Icon has been preserved: "A gigantic full-length portrait of the Theotokos.... She stands upon a gold stone, as an unshakable foundation for all who resort to her protection. Her chiton is blue, and she wears a scarlet belt. Hanging from it is an embroidered cloth with which she wipes away so many tears. are several possible sources for this Icon's title: The Prophet-King David wrote "God is in the midst of her (i. e. the city of God); she shall not be moved: God shall help her with his countenance" (Psalm 45/46:5). "Thus the Lord showed me; and behold, he stood upon a wall of adamant..." (Amos 7:7, LXX). The Akathist to the Mother of God, Ikos 12. "Rejoice, indestructible wall of kingdoms" - Ikos XII). According to Kievan tradition, the wall of the church will not perish while the hands of the Mother of God are extended over it.

Galata, Constantinople (north shore of Golden Horn)
Galata (north shore of the Golden Horn Harbor on the outskirts of Constantinople ; Monastic Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated on November 13; Damascene was a monk from Constantinople. His parents Kyriakos and Kyriake lived in the Galatea district of the city, and they named their son Diamantes. at a young age, and without parental guidance, the boy became rather undisciplined in his conduct. One day he was caught doing something unlawful, and in order to save himself he agreed to convert to Islam. Later he came to his senses and repented his denial of Christ. Fleeing to the Holy Mountain, he became a monk at the Lavra, receiving the name Damascene. twelve years he labored in prayer and asceticism, and was tonsured into the Great Schema. Finally, he revealed to his spiritual Father his desire for martyrdom. Receiving a blessing for this struggle, he cut his hair and dressed as a sailor. the church of Hagia Sophia, which had been turned into a mosque, the monk Damascene made the Sign of the Cross and proclaimed Christ as the true God. Since the Moslems did nothing to him, he went to the Sultan Mehmed mosque and repeated his confession of faith, calling the Moslems ignorant and deceived because they did not believe in Christ. Those who heard him thought he was insane. next day Saint Damascene went to the vizier’s courtyard and shouted at those he found there, “Your faith is not true. Christ is the true God, and only the faith of Christ is true.” Not surprisingly, he was seized and beaten, then chased away. He continued to proclaim Christ in other places, but everyone thought he was crazy, and they ignored him. a Sunday, the holy martyr went to the Tophana mosque, where many Moslems had gathered. Again he was seized and beaten. This time, however, he was sent to the kadi and then to the Grand Vizier, Kara Mustapha. Seeing that the saint would not change his mind and live as a Moslem, the Vizier sentenced him to death. November 13, 1681, Saint Damascene was led to the Phanar, where he was forced to kneel before the gates of the Patriarchate. Thanking God for allowing him to fulfill the exploit of martyrdom, he bent his neck and was beheaded. The relics of the holy New Martyr Damascene were taken to Chalki and enshrined in the church of the Holy Trinity. New Martyr John Kalphes, the Apprentice, Commemorated on February 26; Icon of the Mother of God of Galatea, Commemorated July 4 ; Galatea Icon of the Mother of God is found in Galatea (one of the districts of Constantinople), at Perge (in a tower). In honor of the holy icon a monastery was formed, which existed until the seventeenth century. An exact copy of the icon is located in Moscow, in the Church of Saint Tikhon, at the Arbat Gate. Galatea Icon is of the Hodegetria type.

Galata Tower, Constantinople
Galata Tower, Constantinople; Icon of the Mother of God of Galatea, Commemorated July 4 ; Galatea Icon of the Mother of God is found in Galatea (one of the districts of Constantinople), at Perge (in a tower). In honor of the holy icon a monastery was formed, which existed until the seventeenth century. An exact copy of the icon is located in Moscow, in the Church of Saint Tikhon, at the Arbat Gate. Galatea Icon is of the Hodegetria type.

Revma on the Bosporos
Revma on the Bosporos; Holy Virgin Martyr Oraiozele, disciple of the Holy Apostle Andrew, Commemorated on July 26;

Galatea, Constantinople (north shore of the Golden Horn)
Galatea (Constantinople); Icon of the Mother of God of Galatea, Commemorated July 4 ; Galatea Icon of the Mother of God is found in Galatea (one of the districts of Constantinople), at Perge (in a tower). In honor of the holy icon a monastery was formed, which existed until the seventeenth century. An exact copy of the icon is located in Moscow, in the Church of Saint Tikhon, at the Arbat Gate. Galatea Icon is of the Hodegetria type.

Constantinople, 1669-1681, Damascene, Monastic of Athos Larva &oGalatea (north shore of the Golden Horn) beheaded by Moslems
Constantinople, 1669-1681, Damascene, Monastic of t Athos Larva &oGalatea (north shore of the Golden Horn), orphaned young, undiciplined, caught, islam convert to save himself, fled to Athos Larva, became monk, 12 yrs, great schema, blesed for martyrdom, proclaimed Christ in Mosques including Hagia Sophia, nothing happened, went to Sultan, ignored, more mosques, went to kadi and grand viser, condemned, beheaded Monastic Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated on November 13; Damascene was a monk from Constantinople. His parents Kyriakos and Kyriake lived in the Galatea district of the city, and they named their son Diamantes. at a young age, and without parental guidance, the boy became rather undisciplined in his conduct. One day he was caught doing something unlawful, and in order to save himself he agreed to convert to Islam. Later he came to his senses and repented his denial of Christ. Fleeing to the Holy Mountain, he became a monk at the Lavra, receiving the name Damascene. twelve years he labored in prayer and asceticism, and was tonsured into the Great Schema. Finally, he revealed to his spiritual Father his desire for martyrdom. Receiving a blessing for this struggle, he cut his hair and dressed as a sailor. the church of Hagia Sophia, which had been turned into a mosque, the monk Damascene made the Sign of the Cross and proclaimed Christ as the true God. Since the Moslems did nothing to him, he went to the Sultan Mehmed mosque and repeated his confession of faith, calling the Moslems ignorant and deceived because they did not believe in Christ. Those who heard him thought he was insane. next day Saint Damascene went to the vizier’s courtyard and shouted at those he found there, “Your faith is not true. Christ is the true God, and only the faith of Christ is true.” Not surprisingly, he was seized and beaten, then chased away. He continued to proclaim Christ in other places, but everyone thought he was crazy, and they ignored him. a Sunday, the holy martyr went to the Tophana mosque, where many Moslems had gathered. Again he was seized and beaten. This time, however, he was sent to the kadi and then to the Grand Vizier, Kara Mustapha. Seeing that the saint would not change his mind and live as a Moslem, the Vizier sentenced him to death. November 13, 1681, Saint Damascene was led to the Phanar, where he was forced to kneel before the gates of the Patriarchate. Thanking God for allowing him to fulfill the exploit of martyrdom, he bent his neck and was beheaded. The relics of the holy New Martyr Damascene were taken to Chalki and enshrined in the church of the Holy Trinity. Galatea (Constantinople);

Constantinople, Downtown Folder, Byzantium, Hagia Sophia, Imperial Palace, Sultan's Palace

Byzantium (downtown Constantinople)
Byzantium; Byzantine Empire; Holy Virgin Martyr Oraiozele, disciple of the Holy Apostle Andrew, Commemorated on July 26; Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Icon of the Mother of God “Areovindus”, Commemorated on February 10;

Gate of Eugenius (the Ottoman Yaakosku kapasa)
Gate of Eugenius (the Ottoman Yalkosku kap); Uncovering of the relics of the Holy Martyrs at the Gate of Eugenius at Constantinople, Commemorated on February 22; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 17 ;

Mangana and Mangana Monastery, Constantinople
Mangana and Mangana Monastery, Constantinople; Venerable Nicholas Cabasilas, Commemorated on June 20;

Monastery of the Guides or Hodegon Monastery, Hodegetria Icon
Monastery of the Guides or Hodegon Monastery; Hodegetria Icon of the Mother of God (Παναγία Οδηγήτρια), Commemorated on June 20;

Topkap Palace (Sultans Residence, Ottoman Empire, 1465-1856)
Topkap Palace (Sultans Residence, Ottoman Empire, 1465-1856);

Armatia Monastery, 491, Armatian Icon, deliverance from iconoclast heresy 787
Armatian monestary is somewhere in Constantinople. Icon of the Mother of God of Armatia, Commemorated on August 17 ; Armatia Icon of the Mother of God was in Constantinople at the Armatian monastery. The place where the monastery was located, was called “Armation” or “of the Armatians” and received its name from the military magister Armatias, nephew of the tyrant Basiliscus, and a contemporary of the emperor Zeno (474-491). celebration of the wonderworking icon was established to commemorate deliverance from the Iconoclast heresy. The Seventh Ecumenical Council of 787 drew up dogmatic definitions about icon veneration based on Holy Scripture and Church Tradition. Armatia Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is commemorated twice during the year, on July 21 and August 17.

Imperial Palace, Constantinople, 330 - 1081, Emperor's Residence
Imperial Palace, Constantinople, 330; Great Palace of Constantinople (Greek: ; Latin: Palatium Magnum, Turkish: Bak Saray), also known as the Sacred Palace (Greek:; Latin: Sacrum Palatium), was the large Imperial Byzantine palace complex located in the south-eastern end of the peninsula now known as Old Istanbul (formerly Constantinople), in modern Turkey. It served as the main royal residence of the Eastern Roman or Byzantine emperors until 1081 and was the centre of imperial administration for over 690 years. Only a few remnants and fragments of its foundations have survived into the present day. Martyr Eleutherius of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 4; Saint Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9;

Pharos Church of the Virgin, housed artifacts
Pharos Church of the Virgin, housed artifacts; Translation of the Image “Not-Made-By-Hands” of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third “Feast of the Savior in August”, Commemorated on August 16;

Daphne Palace, Constantinople, 568
Daphne Palace, Constantinople, 568; Venerable Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on October 9 and November 25;

Daphne Monastery of St Phocus, Constantinople, 568
Daphne Palace, Constantinople, 568; Venerable Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on October 9 and November 25;

Chalke (entrance to the Imperial Palace)
Chalke; Venerable Simeon of Philotheou, Commemorated on April 19;

Mangana Monastery, Constantinople, 1050
Mangana Monastery; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated February 6;

Santa Sophia Cathedral, Great Church (Hagia Sophia), Constantinople, 537
Hagia Sophia; St Hilarion, Metropolitan of Kiev; Venerable Paul the Founder of the Xeropotamou Monastery On Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 28 ; Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord (First of the three œFeasts of the SaviorÂ in August), Commemorated on August 1; St Menas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated August 25 ; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople, Commemorated September 9 ; Venerable Romanus the Melodist, œSweet-SingerÂ, Commemorated on October 1 ; Monk Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated November 13 ; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated November 14 ; St Justinian the Emperor, Commemorated on November 14 ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated December 6 ; St Theodore the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated December 27 ; Martyr Hermylus of Belgrade, Commemorated January 13 ; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 27 ; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); St John the New Martyr of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 5; Martyr Anastasia the Patrician of Alexandria, Commemorated on March 10; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13 ; St Theognostus the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia, Commemorated on March 14; St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Great Church (Hagia Sophia), Constantinople, 537
Hagia Sophia; St Hilarion, Metropolitan of Kiev; Venerable Paul the Founder of the Xeropotamou Monastery On Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 28 ; Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord (First of the three œFeasts of the Saviorin August), Commemorated on August 1; St Menas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated August 25 ; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople, Commemorated September 9 ; Venerable Romanus the Melodist, œSweet-SingerÂ, Commemorated on October 1 ; Monk Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated November 13 ; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated November 14 ; St Justinian the Emperor, Commemorated on November 14 ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated December 6 ; St Theodore the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated December 27 ; Martyr Hermylus of Belgrade, Commemorated January 13 ; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 27 ; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); St John the New Martyr of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 5; Martyr Anastasia the Patrician of Alexandria, Commemorated on March 10; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13 ; St Theognostus the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia, Commemorated on March 14; St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, 537
Hagia Sophia; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated July 2; Placing of the Venerable Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae: the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Leo the Great (457-474), the brothers Galbius and Candidus, associates of the emperor, set out from Constantinople to Palestine to venerate the holy places. a small settlement near Nazareth they stayed in the home of a certain old Jewish woman. In her house they noticed a room where many lamps were lit, incense burned, and sick people were gathered. When they asked her what the room contained, the pious woman did not want to give an answer for a long time. persistent requests, she said that she had a very precious sacred item: the Robe of the Mother of God, which performed many miracles and healings. Her Dormition the Most Holy Virgin bequeathed one of her garments to a pious Jewish maiden, an ancestor of the old woman, instructing her to leave it to another virgin after her death. the Robe of the Mother of God was preserved in this family from generation to generation. jewelled chest, containing the sacred Robe, was transferred to Constantinople. Saint Gennadius, Patriarch of Constantinople (August 31), and the emperor Leo, having learned of the sacred treasure, were convinced of the incorrupt state of the holy Robe, and they certified its authenticity. Blachernae, near the seacoast, a new church in honor of the Mother of God was constructed. On June 2, 458 Saint Gennadius transferred the sacred Robe into the Blachernae church with appropriate solemnity, placing it within a new reliquary. the maphorion (i.e., the outer robe) of the Mother of God, and part of Her belt were also put into the reliquary with Her Robe. This circumstance also influenced the Orthodox iconography of the Feast, in connecting the two events: the Placing of the Robe, and the Placing of the Belt of the Mother of God in Blachernae. The Russian pilgrim Stephen of Novgorod, visiting Constantinople in about the year 1350, testifies: “We arrived at Blachernae, where the Robe lies upon an altar in a sealed reliquary.â€ than once, during the invasion of enemies, the Most Holy Theotokos saved the city to which She had given Her holy Robe. Thus it happened during the time of a siege of Constantinople by the Avars in 626, by the Persians in 677, and by the Arabs in the year 717. Especially relevant for us are events of the year 860, intimately connected with the history of the Russian Church. June 18, 860 the Russian fleet of Prince Askold, a force comprising more than 200 ships, laid waste the coastal regions of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus, then entered into the Golden Horn and threatened Constantinople. The Russian ships sailed within sight of the city, setting ashore troops who “proceeded before the city, stretching forth their swords.â€ The emperor Michael III (842-867), interrupted his campaign against the Arabs and returned to the capital. All night he prayed prostrated upon the stone tiles of the church of the Mother of God at Blachernae. The holy Patriarch Photius spoke to his flock, calling for tears of repentance to wash away sins, and to seek the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos with fervent prayer. danger grew with each passing hour. “The city was barely able to stand against a spear,â€ says Patriarch Photius in another of his homilies. Under these conditions the decision was made to save the church’s sacred objects, especially the holy Robe of the Mother of God, which was kept in the Blachernae church, not far from the shore. serving an all-night Vigil, and taking it out from the Blachernae church, they carried the sacred Robe of the Mother of God in a procession around the city walls. They dipped its edge into the waters of the Bosphorus, and then they transported it to the center of Constantinople into the church of Hagia Sophia. The Mother of God protected the city and quelled the fury of the Russian warriors. An honorable truce was concluded, and Askold lifted the siege of Constantinople. June 25 the Russian army began to leave, taking with them a large tribute payment. A week afterwards, on July 2, the wonderworking Robe of the Mother of God was solemnly returned to its place in the reliquary of the Blachernae church. In remembrance of these events an annual feastday of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God was established on July 2 by holy Patriarch Photius. in October-November of the year 860, a Russian delegation arrived in Constantinople to conclude a treaty “in love and peace.â€ Some of the conditions of the peace treaty included articles concerning the Baptism of Kievan Rus, the payment of an annual tribute by the Byzantines to the Russians, permission for them to serve with the Byzantine army, an agreement to trade in the territory of the Empire (primarily in Constantinople), and to send a diplomatic mission to Byzantium. important was the point about the Baptism of Rus. The continuator of the Byzantine “Theophanes Chroniclesâ€ relates that “their delegation arrived in Constantinople with a request for them to receive holy Baptism, which also was fulfilled.â€ An Orthodox mission was sent to Kiev to fulfill this mutual wish of the Russians and the Greeks. Not very long before this (in 855) Saint Cyril the Philosopher (February 14 and May 11) had created a Slavonic alphabet and translated the Gospel. Saint Cyril was sent with his brother, Saint Methodius (April 6 and May 11), on a mission to Kiev with books translated into Slavonic. This was at the initiative of Saint Photius, whose student Saint Cyril was. The brothers spent the winter of 860/861 at Cherson, and in the spring of 861 they were at the River Dniepr, with Prince Askold. Askold was faced with a difficult choice, just as holy Prince Vladimir faced: both the Jews on the one hand, and the Moslems on the other, wanted him to accept their faith. But under the influence of Saint Cyril, the prince chose Orthodoxy. At the end of the year 861, Saints Cyril and Methodius returned to Constantinople and carried letters with them from Prince Askold to Emperor Michael III. Askold thanked the emperor for sending him “such men, who showed by both word and by example, that the Christian Faith is holy.â€ “Persuaded that this is the true Faith,â€ Askold further wrote, “we bid them to baptize in the hope that we may also attain sanctity. We are all friends of the Kingdom and prepared to be of service to you, as requested.â€ accepted holy Baptism with the name Nicholas, and many of his retinue were also baptized. Directly from Constantinople, the capital of Orthodoxy, through the efforts of the holy Apostles to the Slavs both the Slavonic divine services and the Slavonic written language arrived in Rus. Photius appointed Metropolitan Michael to Kiev, and the Russian metropolitan district was entered into the lists of dioceses of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Patriarch Photius in an encyclical of the year 867 called the Baptism of the Bulgarians and the Russians as among the chief accomplishments of his archpastoral service. “The Russians, who lifted their hand against the Roman might,â€ he wrote, almost quoting literally from the missive of Askold, “have now replaced the impious teaching which they held to formerly, with the pure and genuine Christian Faith, and with love having established themselves in the array of our friends and subjects.â€ (The Byzantines counted as “subjectsâ€ all accepting Baptism from Constantinople and entering into military alliance with the Empire.) “The desire and zeal of faith has flared up within them to such an extent, that they have accepted bishops and pastors, and they embrace Christian sanctity with great zeal and fervor.â€ Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos in Blachernae also marks the canonical establishment of the Russian Orthodox metropolitanate in Kiev. By the blessing of the Mother of God and by the miracle from Her holy Robe not only was the deliverence of Constantinople from the most terrible siege in all its history accomplished, but also the liberation of the Russians from the darkness of pagan superstition to life eternal. Together with this, the year 860 brought recognition to Kievan Rus from Byzantium, and signified the emergence of the young Russian realm into the arena of history. attempt of Prince Askold to renew the Christian evangelization begun by the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, which he intended as a religious and state reform, ended unsuccessfully. The time for the spread of Christianity in the Russian Land had not yet come. The adherents of the old paganism were too strong, and the princely power was too weak. In the clash of Askold with the pagan Oleg in 882 the Kievans betrayed their prince. Askold, lured into the camp of his enemies for talks, received a martyr’s death at the hand of hired killers. the deed of Blessed Askold (the Ioakimov Chronicle calls him such) was not extinguished in the Russian Church. Oleg the Sage, who killed Askold, occupied the Kiev princedom after him, and called Kiev the “Mother of Russian Cities.â€ most ancient chronicles of Kiev preserved the grateful memory of the first Kievan Christian prince: the church of the Prophet of God Elias, built by Askold and later mentioned in Igor’s Treaty with the Greeks (in 944), is on the site where the present church of this name now stands, and there is also the church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in the 950s by Saint Olga over Askold’s grave. most important achievement of Askold, entering forever into the Church inheritance not only of Rus, but of also all Orthodox Slavs, is the Slavonic Gospel and Slavonic services, translated by Saints Cyril and Methodius. Their apostolic activity among the Slavs began in Kiev at the court of Askold in 861, and continued afterwards in Moravia and Bulgaria. Following Blessed Askold, in the words of the ancient Alphabetic Prayers, “the Slavonic tribe now soars in flight, all striving toward Baptism.â€ outstanding works of Byzantine Church hymnology and homiletics are connected with the miracle of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae. There are two homilies of Saint Photius, one of which he preached within days of the siege of Constantinople, and the other soon after the departure of the Russian forces. Also associated with the campaign of Askold against Constantinople is the composition of a remarkable “Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos,â€ which certain Church histories ascribe also to holy Patriarch Photius. This Akathist forms an integral part of the services of Praise to the Most Holy Theotokos (i.e., the “Saturday of the Akathist,â€ Fifth Saturday of Great Lent). is not only Byzantine sources that relate the events of the year 860, but also Russian historical chronicles. Saint Nestor the Chronicler, stressing the significance of the Russian campaign against Constantinople, notes that from this time “it was begun to be called the Russian Land.â€ Certain of the chronicles, among them the Ioakimov and Nikonov, preserved accounts of the Baptism of Prince Askold and Kievan Rus after the campaign against Constantinople. The popular commemoration of this event is firmly associated with the names of the Kievan princes Askold and Dir, although in the opinion of historians, Dir was prince of Kiev somewhat earlier than Askold. veneration of the feast of the Placing of the Robe was long known in the Russian Church. Saint Andrew Bogoliubsky (July 4) built a church in honor of this feastday in the city of Vladimir at the Golden Gates. At the end of the fourteenth century, part of the Robe of the Mother of God was transferred from Constantinople to Rus by Saint Dionysius, Archbishop of Suzdal (June 26). holy Robe of the Mother of God, which previously saved Constantinople, later saved Moscow from hostilities. Tatars of the Horde of the princeling Mazovshi approached the walls of Moscow in the summer of 1451. Saint Jonah, Metropolitan of Moscow, with constant prayer and church services, encouraged the defenders of the capital. On the night of July 2, the Chronicle relates, great confusion occurred within the Tatar camp. The enemy abandoned their plundered goods and speedily departed in disarray. In memory of the miraculous deliverance of Moscow, Saint Jonah built the church of the Placing of the Robe in the Kremlin, making it his primary church. It burned, but in its place in the years 1484-1486 a new church, also dedicated to the Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God, was built thirty years later. This temple, standing at present, continued to serve as the primary church of Russian metropolitans and patriarchs until the cathedral of the Twelve Apostles was built under Patriarch Nikon. St Hilarion, Metropolitan of Kiev; Venerable Paul the Founder of the Xeropotamou Monastery On Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 28 ; Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord (First of the three œFeasts of the Savior" Â in August), Commemorated on August 1; St Menas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated August 25 ; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 9; Niketas the Hidden lived at Constantinople and occupied the position of “chartolarium” (“letter-writer”). They call him “the Hidden,” because living in the world amid the bustle of the city, with secret exploits of faith, he attained spiritual perfection and was a great saint of God. His saintly life was revealed through unusual circumstances. friends, a certain priest and the deacon Sozon, had quarreled. The priest died, and the deacon grieved that they had not been able to be reconciled. He told an experienced Elder of the sin that tormented his conscience. He gave Sozon a letter and ordered him to give it to the first person whom he would meet at midnight at the temple of Hagia Sophia, the Wisdom of God. Niketas the Chartolarian appeared before him. Having read the letter, he began weeping and said, that it made him responsible for this, and that it was beyond his strength, but with the prayers of the Elder who had sent Sozon, he would strive to accomplish this. Making a prostration before the church doors, Saint Niketas said: “Lord, open to us the doors of Thy mercy,” and the doors of the temple flew open by themselves. Leaving the deacon at the threshold, Saint Niketas began to pray, and Sozon saw that he shone with a strange light. they went from the church, and the doors again closed. Approaching the church of the Blachernae Mother of God, Saint Nikḗtas again began praying and again the doors opened in front of them. In the church there shone a light, and from the altar came two rows of priests, among whom Deacon Sozon recognized his dead friend. Saint Nikḗtas quietly said: “Father, speak to your brother, and cease the enmity between you.” the priest and Deacon Sozon greeted each other. They embraced one another with love and were reconciled. The priest went back, and the doors closed by themselves. Saint Niketas said to the deacon: “Brother Sozon, save your soul both for your sake, and for my benefit. To the Father who sent you, say that the purity of his holy prayers and his trust in God made possible the return of the dead.” these words Saint Niketas became invisible to Sozon. Having returned to his spiritual Father and Elder, the deacon thanked him with tears, that through his prayers, the great hidden saint of God Niketas the Chartolarian had removed the sin from both the living and the dead. Venerable Romanus the Melodist, "œSweet-Singer"Â, Commemorated on October 1 ; Monk Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated November 13 ; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated November 14 ; St Justinian the Emperor, Commemorated on November 14 ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated December 6 ; St Theodore the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated December 27 ; Martyr Hermylus of Belgrade, Commemorated January 13 ; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 27 ; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); St John the New Martyr of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 5; Martyr Anastasia the Patrician of Alexandria, Commemorated on March 10; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13 ; St Theognostus the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia, Commemorated on March 14; St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Temple of God aka Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, 537
Hagia Sophia; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated July 2; Placing of the Venerable Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae: the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Leo the Great (457-474), the brothers Galbius and Candidus, associates of the emperor, set out from Constantinople to Palestine to venerate the holy places. a small settlement near Nazareth they stayed in the home of a certain old Jewish woman. In her house they noticed a room where many lamps were lit, incense burned, and sick people were gathered. When they asked her what the room contained, the pious woman did not want to give an answer for a long time. persistent requests, she said that she had a very precious sacred item: the Robe of the Mother of God, which performed many miracles and healings. Her Dormition the Most Holy Virgin bequeathed one of her garments to a pious Jewish maiden, an ancestor of the old woman, instructing her to leave it to another virgin after her death. the Robe of the Mother of God was preserved in this family from generation to generation. jewelled chest, containing the sacred Robe, was transferred to Constantinople. Saint Gennadius, Patriarch of Constantinople (August 31), and the emperor Leo, having learned of the sacred treasure, were convinced of the incorrupt state of the holy Robe, and they certified its authenticity. Blachernae, near the seacoast, a new church in honor of the Mother of God was constructed. On June 2, 458 Saint Gennadius transferred the sacred Robe into the Blachernae church with appropriate solemnity, placing it within a new reliquary. the maphorion (i.e., the outer robe) of the Mother of God, and part of Her belt were also put into the reliquary with Her Robe. This circumstance also influenced the Orthodox iconography of the Feast, in connecting the two events: the Placing of the Robe, and the Placing of the Belt of the Mother of God in Blachernae. The Russian pilgrim Stephen of Novgorod, visiting Constantinople in about the year 1350, testifies: “We arrived at Blachernae, where the Robe lies upon an altar in a sealed reliquary.â€ than once, during the invasion of enemies, the Most Holy Theotokos saved the city to which She had given Her holy Robe. Thus it happened during the time of a siege of Constantinople by the Avars in 626, by the Persians in 677, and by the Arabs in the year 717. Especially relevant for us are events of the year 860, intimately connected with the history of the Russian Church. June 18, 860 the Russian fleet of Prince Askold, a force comprising more than 200 ships, laid waste the coastal regions of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus, then entered into the Golden Horn and threatened Constantinople. The Russian ships sailed within sight of the city, setting ashore troops who “proceeded before the city, stretching forth their swords.â€ The emperor Michael III (842-867), interrupted his campaign against the Arabs and returned to the capital. All night he prayed prostrated upon the stone tiles of the church of the Mother of God at Blachernae. The holy Patriarch Photius spoke to his flock, calling for tears of repentance to wash away sins, and to seek the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos with fervent prayer. danger grew with each passing hour. “The city was barely able to stand against a spear,â€ says Patriarch Photius in another of his homilies. Under these conditions the decision was made to save the church’s sacred objects, especially the holy Robe of the Mother of God, which was kept in the Blachernae church, not far from the shore. serving an all-night Vigil, and taking it out from the Blachernae church, they carried the sacred Robe of the Mother of God in a procession around the city walls. They dipped its edge into the waters of the Bosphorus, and then they transported it to the center of Constantinople into the church of Hagia Sophia. The Mother of God protected the city and quelled the fury of the Russian warriors. An honorable truce was concluded, and Askold lifted the siege of Constantinople. June 25 the Russian army began to leave, taking with them a large tribute payment. A week afterwards, on July 2, the wonderworking Robe of the Mother of God was solemnly returned to its place in the reliquary of the Blachernae church. In remembrance of these events an annual feastday of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God was established on July 2 by holy Patriarch Photius. in October-November of the year 860, a Russian delegation arrived in Constantinople to conclude a treaty “in love and peace.â€ Some of the conditions of the peace treaty included articles concerning the Baptism of Kievan Rus, the payment of an annual tribute by the Byzantines to the Russians, permission for them to serve with the Byzantine army, an agreement to trade in the territory of the Empire (primarily in Constantinople), and to send a diplomatic mission to Byzantium. important was the point about the Baptism of Rus. The continuator of the Byzantine “Theophanes Chroniclesâ€ relates that “their delegation arrived in Constantinople with a request for them to receive holy Baptism, which also was fulfilled.â€ An Orthodox mission was sent to Kiev to fulfill this mutual wish of the Russians and the Greeks. Not very long before this (in 855) Saint Cyril the Philosopher (February 14 and May 11) had created a Slavonic alphabet and translated the Gospel. Saint Cyril was sent with his brother, Saint Methodius (April 6 and May 11), on a mission to Kiev with books translated into Slavonic. This was at the initiative of Saint Photius, whose student Saint Cyril was. The brothers spent the winter of 860/861 at Cherson, and in the spring of 861 they were at the River Dniepr, with Prince Askold. Askold was faced with a difficult choice, just as holy Prince Vladimir faced: both the Jews on the one hand, and the Moslems on the other, wanted him to accept their faith. But under the influence of Saint Cyril, the prince chose Orthodoxy. At the end of the year 861, Saints Cyril and Methodius returned to Constantinople and carried letters with them from Prince Askold to Emperor Michael III. Askold thanked the emperor for sending him “such men, who showed by both word and by example, that the Christian Faith is holy.â€ “Persuaded that this is the true Faith,â€ Askold further wrote, “we bid them to baptize in the hope that we may also attain sanctity. We are all friends of the Kingdom and prepared to be of service to you, as requested.â€ accepted holy Baptism with the name Nicholas, and many of his retinue were also baptized. Directly from Constantinople, the capital of Orthodoxy, through the efforts of the holy Apostles to the Slavs both the Slavonic divine services and the Slavonic written language arrived in Rus. Photius appointed Metropolitan Michael to Kiev, and the Russian metropolitan district was entered into the lists of dioceses of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Patriarch Photius in an encyclical of the year 867 called the Baptism of the Bulgarians and the Russians as among the chief accomplishments of his archpastoral service. “The Russians, who lifted their hand against the Roman might,â€ he wrote, almost quoting literally from the missive of Askold, “have now replaced the impious teaching which they held to formerly, with the pure and genuine Christian Faith, and with love having established themselves in the array of our friends and subjects.â€ (The Byzantines counted as “subjectsâ€ all accepting Baptism from Constantinople and entering into military alliance with the Empire.) “The desire and zeal of faith has flared up within them to such an extent, that they have accepted bishops and pastors, and they embrace Christian sanctity with great zeal and fervor.â€ Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos in Blachernae also marks the canonical establishment of the Russian Orthodox metropolitanate in Kiev. By the blessing of the Mother of God and by the miracle from Her holy Robe not only was the deliverence of Constantinople from the most terrible siege in all its history accomplished, but also the liberation of the Russians from the darkness of pagan superstition to life eternal. Together with this, the year 860 brought recognition to Kievan Rus from Byzantium, and signified the emergence of the young Russian realm into the arena of history. attempt of Prince Askold to renew the Christian evangelization begun by the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, which he intended as a religious and state reform, ended unsuccessfully. The time for the spread of Christianity in the Russian Land had not yet come. The adherents of the old paganism were too strong, and the princely power was too weak. In the clash of Askold with the pagan Oleg in 882 the Kievans betrayed their prince. Askold, lured into the camp of his enemies for talks, received a martyr’s death at the hand of hired killers. the deed of Blessed Askold (the Ioakimov Chronicle calls him such) was not extinguished in the Russian Church. Oleg the Sage, who killed Askold, occupied the Kiev princedom after him, and called Kiev the “Mother of Russian Cities.â€ most ancient chronicles of Kiev preserved the grateful memory of the first Kievan Christian prince: the church of the Prophet of God Elias, built by Askold and later mentioned in Igor’s Treaty with the Greeks (in 944), is on the site where the present church of this name now stands, and there is also the church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in the 950s by Saint Olga over Askold’s grave. most important achievement of Askold, entering forever into the Church inheritance not only of Rus, but of also all Orthodox Slavs, is the Slavonic Gospel and Slavonic services, translated by Saints Cyril and Methodius. Their apostolic activity among the Slavs began in Kiev at the court of Askold in 861, and continued afterwards in Moravia and Bulgaria. Following Blessed Askold, in the words of the ancient Alphabetic Prayers, “the Slavonic tribe now soars in flight, all striving toward Baptism.â€ outstanding works of Byzantine Church hymnology and homiletics are connected with the miracle of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae. There are two homilies of Saint Photius, one of which he preached within days of the siege of Constantinople, and the other soon after the departure of the Russian forces. Also associated with the campaign of Askold against Constantinople is the composition of a remarkable “Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos,â€ which certain Church histories ascribe also to holy Patriarch Photius. This Akathist forms an integral part of the services of Praise to the Most Holy Theotokos (i.e., the “Saturday of the Akathist,â€ Fifth Saturday of Great Lent). is not only Byzantine sources that relate the events of the year 860, but also Russian historical chronicles. Saint Nestor the Chronicler, stressing the significance of the Russian campaign against Constantinople, notes that from this time “it was begun to be called the Russian Land.â€ Certain of the chronicles, among them the Ioakimov and Nikonov, preserved accounts of the Baptism of Prince Askold and Kievan Rus after the campaign against Constantinople. The popular commemoration of this event is firmly associated with the names of the Kievan princes Askold and Dir, although in the opinion of historians, Dir was prince of Kiev somewhat earlier than Askold. veneration of the feast of the Placing of the Robe was long known in the Russian Church. Saint Andrew Bogoliubsky (July 4) built a church in honor of this feastday in the city of Vladimir at the Golden Gates. At the end of the fourteenth century, part of the Robe of the Mother of God was transferred from Constantinople to Rus by Saint Dionysius, Archbishop of Suzdal (June 26). holy Robe of the Mother of God, which previously saved Constantinople, later saved Moscow from hostilities. Tatars of the Horde of the princeling Mazovshi approached the walls of Moscow in the summer of 1451. Saint Jonah, Metropolitan of Moscow, with constant prayer and church services, encouraged the defenders of the capital. On the night of July 2, the Chronicle relates, great confusion occurred within the Tatar camp. The enemy abandoned their plundered goods and speedily departed in disarray. In memory of the miraculous deliverance of Moscow, Saint Jonah built the church of the Placing of the Robe in the Kremlin, making it his primary church. It burned, but in its place in the years 1484-1486 a new church, also dedicated to the Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God, was built thirty years later. This temple, standing at present, continued to serve as the primary church of Russian metropolitans and patriarchs until the cathedral of the Twelve Apostles was built under Patriarch Nikon. St Hilarion, Metropolitan of Kiev; Venerable Paul the Founder of the Xeropotamou Monastery On Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 28 ; Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord (First of the three œFeasts of the Savior" Â in August), Commemorated on August 1; St Menas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated August 25 ; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 9; Niketas the Hidden lived at Constantinople and occupied the position of “chartolarium” (“letter-writer”). They call him “the Hidden,” because living in the world amid the bustle of the city, with secret exploits of faith, he attained spiritual perfection and was a great saint of God. His saintly life was revealed through unusual circumstances. friends, a certain priest and the deacon Sozon, had quarreled. The priest died, and the deacon grieved that they had not been able to be reconciled. He told an experienced Elder of the sin that tormented his conscience. He gave Sozon a letter and ordered him to give it to the first person whom he would meet at midnight at the temple of Hagia Sophia, the Wisdom of God. Niketas the Chartolarian appeared before him. Having read the letter, he began weeping and said, that it made him responsible for this, and that it was beyond his strength, but with the prayers of the Elder who had sent Sozon, he would strive to accomplish this. Making a prostration before the church doors, Saint Niketas said: “Lord, open to us the doors of Thy mercy,” and the doors of the temple flew open by themselves. Leaving the deacon at the threshold, Saint Niketas began to pray, and Sozon saw that he shone with a strange light. they went from the church, and the doors again closed. Approaching the church of the Blachernae Mother of God, Saint Nikḗtas again began praying and again the doors opened in front of them. In the church there shone a light, and from the altar came two rows of priests, among whom Deacon Sozon recognized his dead friend. Saint Nikḗtas quietly said: “Father, speak to your brother, and cease the enmity between you.” the priest and Deacon Sozon greeted each other. They embraced one another with love and were reconciled. The priest went back, and the doors closed by themselves. Saint Niketas said to the deacon: “Brother Sozon, save your soul both for your sake, and for my benefit. To the Father who sent you, say that the purity of his holy prayers and his trust in God made possible the return of the dead.” these words Saint Niketas became invisible to Sozon. Having returned to his spiritual Father and Elder, the deacon thanked him with tears, that through his prayers, the great hidden saint of God Niketas the Chartolarian had removed the sin from both the living and the dead. Venerable Romanus the Melodist, "œSweet-Singer"Â, Commemorated on October 1 ; Monk Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated November 13 ; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated November 14 ; St Justinian the Emperor, Commemorated on November 14 ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated December 6 ; St Theodore the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated December 27 ; Martyr Hermylus of Belgrade, Commemorated January 13 ; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 27 ; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); St John the New Martyr of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 5; Martyr Anastasia the Patrician of Alexandria, Commemorated on March 10; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13 ; St Theognostus the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia, Commemorated on March 14; St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Hagia Sophia, Patriarch's house, Downtown Constantinople, 537-1453 or 1597
Hagia Sophia; Commemoration of the Holy 165 Fathers of the Fifth Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on July 25; Venerable Paul the Founder of the Xeropotamou Monastery On Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 28 ; Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord (First of the three œFeasts of the SaviorÂ in August), Commemorated on August 1; Saint John the Cappadocian, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 25; St Menas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated August 25 ; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople, Commemorated September 9 ; Venerable Romanus the Melodist, œSweet-SingerÂ, Commemorated on October 1 ; Venerable Philotheus, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 11; St Hilarion, Metropolitan of Kiev, commemorated October 21; Monk Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated November 13 ; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated November 14 ; St Justinian the Emperor, Commemorated on November 14 ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated December 6 ; St Theodore the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated December 27 ; Martyr Hermylus of Belgrade, Commemorated January 13 ; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 27 ; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); St John the New Martyr of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 5; Martyr Anastasia the Patrician of Alexandria, Commemorated on March 10; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13 ; St Theognostus the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia, Commemorated on March 14; St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Hagia Sophia, Quarter of Olympiada, Woman's Monastery
Hagia Sophia; Women’s Monastery Founded by Saint Olympias in Constantinople Saint Olympias (also called Olympiada or Olympias the Deaconess) was a Christian noblewoman of Greek descent who lived in Constantinople during the late 4th and early 5th centuries. After the death of her husband, she chose a life of virginity and dedicated herself to charitable works, serving as a deaconess under Patriarch Nectarius and later as a close friend of Saint John Chrysostom Orthodox Church in America+1. In 387, after returning from the emperor’s war against the usurper Maximus, Theodosius I restored her control over her vast estates, which included the Quarter of Olympias near the Great Church (Saint Sophia) csla.history.ox.ac.uk. She then established a women’s monastery at the southern embolos (colonnaded street) of the cathedral csla.history.ox.ac.uk. This convent became a major center of monastic life and charity. The monastery was built on property she had acquired, including workshops and buildings along the embolos. She initially brought in 50 virgins from her own household (cubiculariae) as the first nuns, and soon her relatives and friends joined them, bringing the total to about 250 nuns csla.history.ox.ac.uk+1. The community was supported by four diaconiae (charity centres) run by women ordained to the diaconate csla.history.ox.ac.uk. The monastery’s purpose was both spiritual and social: it provided a place for women to live in monastic life while also serving the city through charitable works, hospitality, and care for the poor and exiled monks csla.history.ox.ac.uk+1. It survived into the 7th century, when relics of Saint Olympias were recovered and placed in the heart of Byzantium, in the very women’s monastery she had founded Saint Elisabeth Convent. Thus, the women’s monastery founded by Saint Olympias in Constantinople was not only a place of prayer and ascetic life but also a significant charitable institution, reflecting her lifelong commitment to mercy, service, and the spread of the Gospel.

Constantinople's Chalcoprateia district Church, 100 meters west of Hagia Sophia
Constantinople’s Chalcoprateia district Church, 100 meters west of Hagia Sophia; Hagia Sophia; The Placing of the Cincture (Sash) of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 31;

Pantocrator Monastery (Hagia Sophia), Constantinople, 537
Christ Pantocrator; Hagia Sophia; St Hilarion, Metropolitan of Kiev; Venerable Paul the Founder of the Xeropotamou Monastery On Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 28 ; Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord (First of the three ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂœFeasts of the SaviorÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ in August), Commemorated on August 1; St Menas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated August 25 ; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople, Commemorated September 9 ; Venerable Romanus the Melodist, ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂœSweet-SingerÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on October 1 ; Monk Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated November 13 ; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica, Commemorated November 14 ; St Justinian the Emperor, Commemorated on November 14 ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated December 6 ; St Theodore the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated December 27 ; Martyr Hermylus of Belgrade, Commemorated January 13 ; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 27 ; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); St John the New Martyr of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 5; Martyr Anastasia the Patrician of Alexandria, Commemorated on March 10; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13 ; St Theognostus the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia, Commemorated on March 14; St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Hagia Eirene, church of Hagia Eirene, Constantinople
Hagia Eirene; 33 Holy Martyrs of Melitene, Commemorated November 6 ; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 27 ;

Sublime Porte
Sublime Porte; St Callinicus of Cernica the Bishop of Rimnicului in Romania, Commemorated on April 11;

Ottoman Porte (Ottoman central government)
Ottoman Porte; St Callinicus of Cernica the Bishop of Rimnicului in Romania, Commemorated on April 11; New Martyr Acacius the Martyr of Mt Athos and Seres, Commemorated on May 1;

Constantinople, Walls of Constantinople
Walls of Constantinople, Golden Horn Wall: The wall facing towards the Golden Horn; Gate of Eugenius: the last gate of the Golden Horn wall was the Gate of Eugenius;; Uncovering of the relics of the Holy Martyrs at the Gate of Eugenius at Constantinople, Commemorated February 22 ; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 17 ;

Constantinople, Gate of Eugenius: the last gate of the Golden Horn wall
Walls of Constantinople, Golden Horn Wall: The wall facing towards the Golden Horn; Gate of Eugenius: the last gate of the Golden Horn wall was the Gate of Eugenius;; Uncovering of the relics of the Holy Martyrs at the Gate of Eugenius at Constantinople, Commemorated February 22 ; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 17 ;

Neorion Harbour
Neorion Harbour; The restoration of the church of the Theotokos at Neorion, Commemorated on August 31;

monastery of the holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus (Little Hagia Sophia)
monastery of the holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus (Little Hagia Sophia); Saint Gregory, Bishop of Agrigentum, Commemorated on November 23;

Armatia Monastery
Armatian monestary is somewhere in Constantinople. Icon of the Mother of God of Armatia, Commemorated on August 17 ;

Ergat-Bazara, near the Bedestan, Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, 1455
Ergat-Bazara, near the Bedestan, Grand Bazaar, Istanbul; Saint Kristo the Gardener of Albania, Commemorated on February 12; New Martyr John Kalphes, the Apprentice, Commemorated on February 26;

Chrysovolantou Monastery, Constantinople (somewhere in Constantinople), Saint Irene
monastery Chrysovolantou; St Irene Chrysovolantou, Commemorated July 28 ; Irene was the daughter of a wealthy family from Cappadocia, and was born in the ninth century. the death of her husband Theophilus, the empress Theodora ruled the Byzantine Empire as regent for her young son Michael. Saint Theodora (February 11) helped to defeat the iconoclast heresy, and to restore the holy icons. We commemorate this Triumph of O rthodoxy on the first Sunday of Great Lent. Michael was twelve years of age, Saint Theodora sent messengers throughout the Empire to find a suitably virtuous and refined girl to be his wife. Saint Irene was chosen, and she agreed to the marriage. While passing Mt. Olympus in Asia Minor, Irene asked to stop so she could receive the blessing of Saint Joannicius (November 4), who lived on the mountain. The saint, who showed himself only to the most worthy pilgrims, foresaw the arrival of Saint Irene, and also her future life. holy ascetic welcomed her and told her to proceed to Constantinople, where the women’s monastery of Chrysovalantou had need of her. Amazed at his clairvoyance, Irene fell to the ground and asked Saint Joannicius for his blessing. After blessing her and giving her spiritual counsel, he sent her on her way. the party arrived in Constantinople, Irene’s relatives met her with great ceremony. Since “the steps of a man are rightly ordered by the Lord” (Ps. 36/37:23), God arranged for Michael to marry another girl a few days before, so that Irene might be free to become a bride of Christ. Far from being disappointed, Irene rejoiced at this turn of events. the words of Saint Joannicius, Irene visited the Monastery of Chrysovalantou. She was so impressed by the nuns and their way of life that she freed her slaves and distributed her wealth to the poor. She exchanged her fine clothing for the simple garb of a nun, and served the sisters with great humility and obedience. The abbess was impressed with the way that Irene performed the most menial and disagreeable tasks without complaint. Irene often read the Lives of the Saints in her cell, imitating their virtues to the best of her ability. She often stood in prayer all night with her hands raised like Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 17:11-13). Saint Irene spent the next few years in spiritual struggles defeating the assaults of the demons, and bringing forth the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). the abbess sensed the approach of death, she told the other nuns that they should not accept anyone but Irene as the new abbess. Irene was not told of the abbess’s instructions, and when she died the community sent representatives to go and seek the advice of the patriarch, Saint Methodius (June 14). He asked them whom they wanted as their superior. They replied that they believed he would be guided by the Holy Spirit. Without knowing of the late abbess’s instructions to the nuns, he asked if there was a humble nun by the name of Irene in their monastery. If so, he said, they should choose her. The nuns rejoiced and gave thanks to God. Saint Methodius elevated Irene to the rank of abbess and advised her how to guide those in her charge. to the monastery, Irene prayed that God would help her to care for those under her, and redoubled her own spiritual efforts. She displayed great wisdom in leading the nuns, and received many revelations from God to assist her in carrying out her duties. She also asked for the gift of clairvoyance so that she would know what trials awaited her nuns. Thus, she was in a better position to give them the proper advice. She never used this knowledge to embarrass others, but only to correct their confessions in a way which let them know that she possessed certain spiritual gifts. Saint Irene performed many miracles during her life, let us mention only one. On great Feasts it was her habit to keep vigil in the monastery courtyard under the starry skies. Once, a nun who was unable to sleep left her cell and went into the courtyard. There she saw Abbess Irene levitating a few feet above the ground, completely absorbed in prayer. The astonished nun also noticed that two cypress trees had bowed their heads to the ground, as if in homage. When she finished praying, Irene blessed the trees and they returned to their upright position. that this might be a temptation from the demons, the nun returned the next night to see if she had been mistaken. Again she saw Irene levitating as she prayed, and the cypress trees bowing down. The nun tied handkerchiefs to the tops of the two trees before they went back to their places. When the other sisters saw the handkerchiefs atop the trees, they began to wonder who had put them there. Then the nun who had witnessed these strange events revealed to the others what she had seen. When Saint Irene learned that the nun had witnessed the miracle and told the others, she was very upset. She warned them not to speak of it to anyone until after her death. Irene observed the Feast of Saint Basil (January 1) with great devotion, since he also came from Cappadocia. One year, after celebrating the feast, Saint Irene heard a voice during the night telling her to welcome the sailor who would come to the door the next day. She was told to rejoice and eat the fruit which the sailor would bring her. During Matins, a sailor did come to the door and remained in church until after Liturgy. He told her that he had come from Patmos, where he boarded a ship. As the ship set sail, he noticed an old man on the shore calling for them to stop. In spite of a good wind, the ship came to a sudden halt. Then the old man walked across the water and entered the ship. He gave the sailor three apples which God was sending to the patriarch “from His beloved disciple John.” Then the old man gave the sailor three more apples for the abbess of Chrysovalantou. He told the sailor that if Irene ate the apples, all that her soul desired would be granted, “for this gift comes from John in Paradise.” Irene fasted for a week, giving thanks to God for this wonderful gift. For forty days, she ate small pieces of the first apple every day. During this time she had nothing else to eat or drink. On Holy Thursday, she told the nuns to receive the Holy Mysteries, then gave each one a piece of the second apple. They noticed an unusual sweetness, and felt as if their very souls were being nourished. angel informed Saint Irene that she would be called to the Lord on the day after Saint Panteleimon’s feast. The monastery’s feast day fell on July 26, so Saint Irene prepared by fasting for a week beforehand. She took only a little water and small pieces of the third apple sent to her by Saint John. The whole monastery was filled with a heavenly fragrance, and all discord disappeared. July 28, Saint Irene called the nuns together in order to bid them farewell. She also told them to select Sister Mary as her successor, for she would keep them on the narrow way which leads to life (Matthew 7:14). After entreating God to protect her flock from the power of the devil, she smiled when she saw the angels who had been sent to receive her soul. Then she closed her eyes and surrendered her soul to God. Irene was more than 101 years old when she died, yet her face appeared young and beautiful. A great crowd of people came for her funeral, and many miracles took place at her tomb. some parishes it is customary to bless apples on the feast of Saint Irene Chrysovalantou.

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

Church of Hagia Euphemia at the Hippodrome, Palace of Antiochos
Church of Hagia Euphemia at the Hippodrome, Palace of Antiochos; Virgin Martyr Theodosia the Nun of Constantinople,Commemorated on May 29;

Constantinople, Kagithane River Folder

Kagithane River

Kagithane River Mouth (Golden Horn Estuary)

Bosphorus Strait, Constantinople and Bithynia
Bosphorus;

Thracian Penninsula
Thracian Penninsula, also known as Thracian Italy; Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion, Commemorated on September 13; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11 ;

Dnieper (Varangian) Trade Route 1 (Constantinople)

Dnieper (Varanigan) Trade Route (Varangia to Constantinople)
The chief trade route of Rus, from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, was then called œthe Way from the Varangians to the Greeks

Constantinople (Clean), Local Roads, Walls, Rivers, places Folder

Constantinople (Clean), Local Roads, its Area
Constantinople, Local Roads, its Area

Constantinople (Clean), Straits Area, Hellespont of Troy and Bosphorus of Constantinople
Constantinople & Troy, Roman Roads, Straits, Hellespont of Troy and Bosphorus of Constantinople

Constantinople, Dnieper (Varanigan) Trade Route (Varangia to Constantinople)
The chief trade route of Rus, from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, was then called Tœthe Way from the Varangians to the Greeks.

Constantinople, gateway to Crimea and Russia, its Area
Constantinople, gateway to Crimea and Russia

Constantinople, gateway to Mediterranean, thru Sea of Marmora and Dardanelles Strait, its area
Constantinople, Sea of Marmora thru Dardanelles Strait to Mediterranean gateway, its area

Constantinople, next to Bithynia, its Area
Bithynia, its Area

Constantinople, near Armenia, its Area, Greater Armenia till 461, Buffer State for Western Roman Empire
Greater Armenia till 461, buffer state for Western Roman Empire, also includes Pontine and Cappadocia as revealed in many Saints' stories;

Constantinople, next to Bulgaria, its Area,
Bulgaria, its Area, Very important in the Roman Empire

Constantinople, near Arabian Plate, its Area

Constantinople (Clean) Roman Roads, Via Egnatia, Via Militarius

Constantinople (Clean), Roman Road, Via Militarius

A Patch, to Via Egnatia Folder (Main East West Roman Road)

Via Egnatia (The East West Roman Road)

Arabian Plate, its Area

Chalcedon, Bithynia (Bosphorus Strait)
Chalcedon;

Constantinople (aka Istanbul, Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn)
Constantinople;

Crimea, Gateway to Russia (through Dnieper (Varangian) Trade Route or Muravsky Trail)
Crimea; Crimean Tartars;

Crimea, in the Byzantine and Roman Empires until Vladimir in 988, Rus Baptism time
Crimea;

Cherson, Crimea, Byzantine Empire, Cherson is the Greek Name
Korsun, Crimea ; Korsun, , the Slav name for Cherson;

Crimea, Angelic Church of Pope Clement, Cherson, Crimea, Roman Empire, 101-867
Crimea, 101-867, Angelic Church of Pope Clement, Cherson, Crimea; Cherson, Crimea;

Byzantium, 330-1453 (Bryzantine Empire, Constantinople)
Byzantium; Byzantine Empire;

Istanbul, 1453-1922, Ottoman Empire in Constantinople, Sunni (the Turks)
Ottoman Empire in Constantinople, 1453-1922, Sunni (the Turks) ; Fall of Constantinople (1453);

Gate of Eugenius (the Ottoman YaAkosku kapAsA)
Gate of Eugenius (the Ottoman Yalkosku kap);

Constantinople (Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn)
Constantinople;

Byzantium (downtown Constantinople)
Byzantium; Byzantine Empire;

Constantinople (Clean), Downtown Folder, Byzantium

Constantinople (Clean), Downtown, its Area

Constantinople (Clean) Downtown, Eugenius Sector, its Area

Great Church (Hagia Sophia), Constantinople, 537
Hagia Sophia;

Hagia Sophia, Patriarch's house, Downtown Constantinople
Hagia Sophia;

Hagia Sophia, Quarter of Olympiada, Woman's Monastery
South Side of Hagia Sophia, Women’s Monastery Founded by Saint Olympias in Constantinople,Saint Olympias (also called Olympiada or Olympias the Deaconess);

Temple of God, aka Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia;

Santa Sophia Cathedral, Great Church (Hagia Sophia), Constantinople, 537

Imperial Palace, Constantinople, 330 - 1081, Emperor's Residence
Imperial Palace, Constantinople, 330;

Mangana and Mangana Monastery, Constantinople
Mangana and Mangana Monastery, Constantinople;

Mangana Monastery, Constantinople, 1050
Mangana Monastery;

Ottoman Porte (Ottoman central government)
Ottoman Porte;

Platia or Ergat-Bazara, near the Bedestan, Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, 1455
Ergat-Bazara, near the Bedestan, Grand Bazaar, Istanbul;

Church of Hagia Euphemia at the Hippodrome, Palace of Antiochos
Church of Hagia Euphemia at the Hippodrome, Palace of Antiochos;

Constantinople (Clean), Galata, North Shore of Golden Horn Folder

Galata, Constantinople (north shore of Golden Horn)
Galata (north shore of the Golden Horn Harbor on the outskirts of Constantinople ;

Constantinople (Clean), Kagithane River Folder

Dnieper (Varanigan) Trade Route (Varangia to Constantinople)
The chief trade route of Rus, from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, was then called œthe Way from the Varangians to the Greeks.

Muravsky Trail
Muravsky Trail To avoid major river crossings, the route followed the high ground between the basins of the Dnieper and Don, making an almost straight line from the Dnieper bend to Tula. It ran mostly through thinly populated tallgrass steppe country ('Murav¡' is an old Slavic word for prairie or grassland) avoiding forests, marshes and river crossings. ;

Constantinople (Clean), Northwest Side, Blachernae Folder

Constantinople (Clean), Northwest Side, its Area, Blachernae, Anastasia Gate, within Greek Quarter Phanar

Constantinople (Clean), Phanar Greek Quarter of Constantinople, its Area

Blachernae, Constantinople
Blachernae;

Blachernae church, Constantinople, 420
Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (Istanbul);

Anastasia Gate
Anastasia Gate;

Constantinople (Clean), Phanar Golden Horn Greek Quarter Folder

Phanar, Constantinople (Neighborhood on Golden Horn, Greek Quarter)
Phanar (Greek Quarter of Constantinople);

Constantinople (Clean), Southwest Side, Studion Monastery Folder

Studion Monastery, Constantinople, monastery of Saint John the Forerunner, 462
The Studion Monestary ;

Xerolophos on 7th Hill of Constantinople
7th Hill of Constantinople - Church of Peribleptos; The seventh hill, known in Byzantine times as the Xērolophos (Greek: ξηρόλοφος), or "dry hill," it extends from Aksaray to the Theodosian Walls and the Marmara. It is a broad hill with three summits producing a triangle with apices at Topkapı , Aksaray, and Yedikule Venerable Cassianḗ the Hymnographer, Commemorated on September 7;

Constantinople (Clean), Walls of Constantinople Folder

Blachernae church, Constantinople, 420
Church of St. Mary of Blachernae (Istanbul); The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated July 2; Placing of the Venerable Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae: the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Leo the Great (457-474), the brothers Galbius and Candidus, associates of the emperor, set out from Constantinople to Palestine to venerate the holy places. a small settlement near Nazareth they stayed in the home of a certain old Jewish woman. In her house they noticed a room where many lamps were lit, incense burned, and sick people were gathered. When they asked her what the room contained, the pious woman did not want to give an answer for a long time. persistent requests, she said that she had a very precious sacred item: the Robe of the Mother of God, which performed many miracles and healings. Her Dormition the Most Holy Virgin bequeathed one of her garments to a pious Jewish maiden, an ancestor of the old woman, instructing her to leave it to another virgin after her death. the Robe of the Mother of God was preserved in this family from generation to generation. jewelled chest, containing the sacred Robe, was transferred to Constantinople. Saint Gennadius, Patriarch of Constantinople (August 31), and the emperor Leo, having learned of the sacred treasure, were convinced of the incorrupt state of the holy Robe, and they certified its authenticity. Blachernae, near the seacoast, a new church in honor of the Mother of God was constructed. On June 2, 458 Saint Gennadius transferred the sacred Robe into the Blachernae church with appropriate solemnity, placing it within a new reliquary. the maphorion (i.e., the outer robe) of the Mother of God, and part of Her belt were also put into the reliquary with Her Robe. This circumstance also influenced the Orthodox iconography of the Feast, in connecting the two events: the Placing of the Robe, and the Placing of the Belt of the Mother of God in Blachernae. The Russian pilgrim Stephen of Novgorod, visiting Constantinople in about the year 1350, testifies: “We arrived at Blachernae, where the Robe lies upon an altar in a sealed reliquary.â€ than once, during the invasion of enemies, the Most Holy Theotokos saved the city to which She had given Her holy Robe. Thus it happened during the time of a siege of Constantinople by the Avars in 626, by the Persians in 677, and by the Arabs in the year 717. Especially relevant for us are events of the year 860, intimately connected with the history of the Russian Church. June 18, 860 the Russian fleet of Prince Askold, a force comprising more than 200 ships, laid waste the coastal regions of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus, then entered into the Golden Horn and threatened Constantinople. The Russian ships sailed within sight of the city, setting ashore troops who “proceeded before the city, stretching forth their swords.â€ The emperor Michael III (842-867), interrupted his campaign against the Arabs and returned to the capital. All night he prayed prostrated upon the stone tiles of the church of the Mother of God at Blachernae. The holy Patriarch Photius spoke to his flock, calling for tears of repentance to wash away sins, and to seek the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos with fervent prayer. danger grew with each passing hour. “The city was barely able to stand against a spear,â€ says Patriarch Photius in another of his homilies. Under these conditions the decision was made to save the church’s sacred objects, especially the holy Robe of the Mother of God, which was kept in the Blachernae church, not far from the shore. serving an all-night Vigil, and taking it out from the Blachernae church, they carried the sacred Robe of the Mother of God in a procession around the city walls. They dipped its edge into the waters of the Bosphorus, and then they transported it to the center of Constantinople into the church of Hagia Sophia. The Mother of God protected the city and quelled the fury of the Russian warriors. An honorable truce was concluded, and Askold lifted the siege of Constantinople. June 25 the Russian army began to leave, taking with them a large tribute payment. A week afterwards, on July 2, the wonderworking Robe of the Mother of God was solemnly returned to its place in the reliquary of the Blachernae church. In remembrance of these events an annual feastday of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God was established on July 2 by holy Patriarch Photius. in October-November of the year 860, a Russian delegation arrived in Constantinople to conclude a treaty “in love and peace.â€ Some of the conditions of the peace treaty included articles concerning the Baptism of Kievan Rus, the payment of an annual tribute by the Byzantines to the Russians, permission for them to serve with the Byzantine army, an agreement to trade in the territory of the Empire (primarily in Constantinople), and to send a diplomatic mission to Byzantium. important was the point about the Baptism of Rus. The continuator of the Byzantine “Theophanes Chroniclesâ€ relates that “their delegation arrived in Constantinople with a request for them to receive holy Baptism, which also was fulfilled.â€ An Orthodox mission was sent to Kiev to fulfill this mutual wish of the Russians and the Greeks. Not very long before this (in 855) Saint Cyril the Philosopher (February 14 and May 11) had created a Slavonic alphabet and translated the Gospel. Saint Cyril was sent with his brother, Saint Methodius (April 6 and May 11), on a mission to Kiev with books translated into Slavonic. This was at the initiative of Saint Photius, whose student Saint Cyril was. The brothers spent the winter of 860/861 at Cherson, and in the spring of 861 they were at the River Dniepr, with Prince Askold. Askold was faced with a difficult choice, just as holy Prince Vladimir faced: both the Jews on the one hand, and the Moslems on the other, wanted him to accept their faith. But under the influence of Saint Cyril, the prince chose Orthodoxy. At the end of the year 861, Saints Cyril and Methodius returned to Constantinople and carried letters with them from Prince Askold to Emperor Michael III. Askold thanked the emperor for sending him “such men, who showed by both word and by example, that the Christian Faith is holy.â€ “Persuaded that this is the true Faith,â€ Askold further wrote, “we bid them to baptize in the hope that we may also attain sanctity. We are all friends of the Kingdom and prepared to be of service to you, as requested.â€ accepted holy Baptism with the name Nicholas, and many of his retinue were also baptized. Directly from Constantinople, the capital of Orthodoxy, through the efforts of the holy Apostles to the Slavs both the Slavonic divine services and the Slavonic written language arrived in Rus. Photius appointed Metropolitan Michael to Kiev, and the Russian metropolitan district was entered into the lists of dioceses of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Patriarch Photius in an encyclical of the year 867 called the Baptism of the Bulgarians and the Russians as among the chief accomplishments of his archpastoral service. “The Russians, who lifted their hand against the Roman might,â€ he wrote, almost quoting literally from the missive of Askold, “have now replaced the impious teaching which they held to formerly, with the pure and genuine Christian Faith, and with love having established themselves in the array of our friends and subjects.â€ (The Byzantines counted as “subjectsâ€ all accepting Baptism from Constantinople and entering into military alliance with the Empire.) “The desire and zeal of faith has flared up within them to such an extent, that they have accepted bishops and pastors, and they embrace Christian sanctity with great zeal and fervor.â€ Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos in Blachernae also marks the canonical establishment of the Russian Orthodox metropolitanate in Kiev. By the blessing of the Mother of God and by the miracle from Her holy Robe not only was the deliverence of Constantinople from the most terrible siege in all its history accomplished, but also the liberation of the Russians from the darkness of pagan superstition to life eternal. Together with this, the year 860 brought recognition to Kievan Rus from Byzantium, and signified the emergence of the young Russian realm into the arena of history. attempt of Prince Askold to renew the Christian evangelization begun by the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, which he intended as a religious and state reform, ended unsuccessfully. The time for the spread of Christianity in the Russian Land had not yet come. The adherents of the old paganism were too strong, and the princely power was too weak. In the clash of Askold with the pagan Oleg in 882 the Kievans betrayed their prince. Askold, lured into the camp of his enemies for talks, received a martyr’s death at the hand of hired killers. the deed of Blessed Askold (the Ioakimov Chronicle calls him such) was not extinguished in the Russian Church. Oleg the Sage, who killed Askold, occupied the Kiev princedom after him, and called Kiev the “Mother of Russian Cities.â€ most ancient chronicles of Kiev preserved the grateful memory of the first Kievan Christian prince: the church of the Prophet of God Elias, built by Askold and later mentioned in Igor’s Treaty with the Greeks (in 944), is on the site where the present church of this name now stands, and there is also the church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, built in the 950s by Saint Olga over Askold’s grave. most important achievement of Askold, entering forever into the Church inheritance not only of Rus, but of also all Orthodox Slavs, is the Slavonic Gospel and Slavonic services, translated by Saints Cyril and Methodius. Their apostolic activity among the Slavs began in Kiev at the court of Askold in 861, and continued afterwards in Moravia and Bulgaria. Following Blessed Askold, in the words of the ancient Alphabetic Prayers, “the Slavonic tribe now soars in flight, all striving toward Baptism.â€ outstanding works of Byzantine Church hymnology and homiletics are connected with the miracle of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae. There are two homilies of Saint Photius, one of which he preached within days of the siege of Constantinople, and the other soon after the departure of the Russian forces. Also associated with the campaign of Askold against Constantinople is the composition of a remarkable “Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos,â€ which certain Church histories ascribe also to holy Patriarch Photius. This Akathist forms an integral part of the services of Praise to the Most Holy Theotokos (i.e., the “Saturday of the Akathist,â€ Fifth Saturday of Great Lent). is not only Byzantine sources that relate the events of the year 860, but also Russian historical chronicles. Saint Nestor the Chronicler, stressing the significance of the Russian campaign against Constantinople, notes that from this time “it was begun to be called the Russian Land.â€ Certain of the chronicles, among them the Ioakimov and Nikonov, preserved accounts of the Baptism of Prince Askold and Kievan Rus after the campaign against Constantinople. The popular commemoration of this event is firmly associated with the names of the Kievan princes Askold and Dir, although in the opinion of historians, Dir was prince of Kiev somewhat earlier than Askold. veneration of the feast of the Placing of the Robe was long known in the Russian Church. Saint Andrew Bogoliubsky (July 4) built a church in honor of this feastday in the city of Vladimir at the Golden Gates. At the end of the fourteenth century, part of the Robe of the Mother of God was transferred from Constantinople to Rus by Saint Dionysius, Archbishop of Suzdal (June 26). holy Robe of the Mother of God, which previously saved Constantinople, later saved Moscow from hostilities. Tatars of the Horde of the princeling Mazovshi approached the walls of Moscow in the summer of 1451. Saint Jonah, Metropolitan of Moscow, with constant prayer and church services, encouraged the defenders of the capital. On the night of July 2, the Chronicle relates, great confusion occurred within the Tatar camp. The enemy abandoned their plundered goods and speedily departed in disarray. In memory of the miraculous deliverance of Moscow, Saint Jonah built the church of the Placing of the Robe in the Kremlin, making it his primary church. It burned, but in its place in the years 1484-1486 a new church, also dedicated to the Feast of the Placing of the Robe of the Mother of God, was built thirty years later. This temple, standing at present, continued to serve as the primary church of Russian metropolitans and patriarchs until the cathedral of the Twelve Apostles was built under Patriarch Nikon. Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Founder of Monasticism in Russia, Commemorated on July 10 ; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectressÂ Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on August 15; Icon of the Mother of God of the Kiev Caves, Commemorated on August 17; St Callinicus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 23; Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Commemorated on September 2; Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople, Commemorated on September 9; Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress, Commemorated September 10 ; Venerable Romanus the Melodist, œSweet-SingerÂ, Commemorated on October 1 ; The Protection of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on October 1; Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos: “Today the Virgin stands in the midst of the Church, and with choirs of Saints she invisibly prays to God for us. Angels and Bishops venerate Her, Apostles and prophets rejoice together, Since for our sake she prays to the Eternal God!” miraculous appearance of the Mother of God occurred in the mid-tenth century in Constantinople, in the Blachernae church where her robe, veil, and part of her belt were preserved after being transferred from Palestine in the fifth century. Sunday, October 1, during the All Night Vigil, when the church was overflowing with those at prayer, the Fool-for-Christ Saint Andrew (October 2), at the fourth hour, lifted up his eyes towards the heavens and beheld our most Holy Lady Theotokos coming through the air, resplendent with heavenly light and surrounded by an assembly of the Saints. Saint John the Baptist and the holy Apostle John the Theologian accompanied the Queen of Heaven. On bended knees the Most Holy Virgin tearfully prayed for Christians for a long time. Then, coming near the Bishop’s Throne, she continued her prayer. completing her prayer she took her veil and spread it over the people praying in church, protecting them from enemies both visible and invisible. The Most Holy Lady Theotokos was resplendent with heavenly glory, and the protecting veil in her hands gleamed “more than the rays of the sun.” Saint Andrew gazed trembling at the miraculous vision and he asked his disciple, the blessed Epiphanius standing beside him, “Do you see, brother, the Holy Theotokos, praying for all the world?” Epiphanius answered, “I do see, holy Father, and I am in awe.” Ever-Blessed Mother of God implored the Lord Jesus Christ to accept the prayers of all the people calling on His Most Holy Name, and to respond speedily to her intercession, “O Heavenly King, accept all those who pray to You and call on my name for help. Do not let them go away from my icon unheard.” Andrew and Epiphanius were worthy to see the Mother of God at prayer, and “for a long time observed the Protecting Veil spread over the people and shining with flashes of glory. As long as the Most Holy Theotokos was there, the Protecting Veil was also visible, but with her departure it also became invisible. After taking it with her, she left behind the grace of her visitation.” the Blachernae church, the memory of the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God was remembered. In the fourteenth century, the Russian pilgrim and clerk Alexander, saw in the church an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos praying for the world, depicting Saint Andrew in contemplation of her. Primary Chronicle of Saint Nestor reflects that the protective intercession of the Mother of God was needed because an attack of a large pagan Russian fleet under the leadership of Askole and Dir. The feast celebrates the divine destruction of the fleet which threatened Constantinople itself, sometime in the years 864-867 or according to the Russian historian Vasiliev, on June 18, 860. Ironically, this Feast is considered important by the Slavic Churches but not by the Greeks. Primary Chronicle of Saint Nestor also notes the miraculous deliverance followed an all-night Vigil and the dipping of the garment of the Mother of God into the waters of the sea at the Blachernae church, but does not mention Saints Andrew and Epiphanius and their vision of the Mother of God at prayer. These latter elements, and the beginnings of the celebrating of the Feast of the Protection, seem to postdate Saint Nestor and the Chronicle. A further historical complication might be noted under (October 2) dating Saint Andrew’s death to the year 936. year of death might not be quite reliable, or the assertion that he survived to a ripe old age after the vision of his youth, or that his vision involved some later pagan Russian raid which met with the same fate. The suggestion that Saint Andrew was a Slav (or a Scythian according to other sources, such as S. V. Bulgakov) is interesting, but not necessarily accurate. The extent of Slavic expansion and repopulation into Greece is the topic of scholarly disputes. the PROLOGUE, a Russian book of the twelfth century, a description of the establishment of the special Feast marking this event states, “For when we heard, we realized how wondrous and merciful was the vision... and it transpired that Your holy Protection should not remain without festal celebration, O Ever-Blessed One!” in the festal celebration of the Protection of the Mother of God, the Russian Church sings, “With the choirs of the Angels, O Sovereign Lady, with the venerable and glorious prophets, with the First-Ranked Apostles and with the Hieromartyrs and Hierarchs, pray for us sinners, glorifying the Feast of your Protection in the Russian Land.” Moreover, it would seem that Saint Andrew, contemplating the miraculous vision was a Slav, was taken captive, and became the slave of the local inhabitant of Constantinople named Theognostus. in honor of the Protection of the Mother of God began to appear in Russia in the twelfth century. Widely known for its architectural merit is the temple of the Protection at Nerl, which was built in the year 1165 by holy Prince Andrew Bogoliubsky. The efforts of this holy prince also established in the Russian Church the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, about the year 1164. Novgorod in the twelfth century there was a monastery of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos (the so-called Zverin monastery) In Moscow also under Tsar Ivan the Terrible the cathedral of the Protection of the Mother of God was built at the church of the Holy Trinity (known as the church of Saint Basil the Blessed). the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos we implore the defense and assistance of the Queen of Heaven, “Remember us in your prayers, O Lady Virgin Mother of God, that we not perish by the increase of our sins. Protect us from every evil and from grievous woes, for in you do we hope, and venerating the Feast of your Protection, we magnify you.” Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, Commemorated October 12 ; Righteous Anna of Constantinople, Commemorated October 29 ; St Sopatra of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Monkmartyr and Confessor Stephen the New of Mt St Auxentius, Commemorated on November 28 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated on December 8 ; Venerable Maximus Kavsokalyvites of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 13 ; Venerable Stephen the Abbot of the Kiev Far Caves, and Bishop of Vladimir, in Volhynia, Commemorated on April 27 ; Prophet Isaiah, Commemorated on May 9 ; Venerable Patapius of Thebes, Commemorated June 11 ; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; St Anna and Her Son of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 13; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Church of the Holy Apostles, Constantinople, 330
Church of the Holy Apostles;

Constantinople (Clean), Hills of Constantinople Folder

First Hill

Second Hill

Third Hill

Fourth Hill

Fifth Hill

Sixth Hill

Seventh Hill

Constantinople (Clean), Sea of Marmora Folder

Sea of Marmora, Constantinople
Sea of Marmora;

Islands in the Sea of Marmora, Constantinople
Sea of Marmora;

Prokonnesos Island, Sea of Marmora
Prokonnesos Island;

Aphousia Island, Sea of Marmora
Aphousia;

Akrita, Cape of Akrita (Sea of Marmora)
Cape of Akrita (Sea of Marmora), this cape chosen as Akrita by process of elimination (the others are too close to Constantinople and Nicaea).

Alona Island (an Island not far from Cyzicus)
Alona Island (an Island not far from Cyzicus);

Cyzikus (Sea of Marmara, between Troy and Constantinople)
Cyzicus

Kyzikos (Sea of Marmara, between Constantinople and Troy)
Kyzikos (on the Sea of Marmara);

Constantinople (Clean), Roman Roads, Rivers. interesting points Folder

Byzantine Empire, its Area

Africa (Clean), Roman Province of Africa
Africa, North Africa, Roman Province of Africa (just along the Mediteranian Sea Coast to Egypt)

Spain and Portugal - Roman Road and 5 Major Rivers Folder

Way of St James (Camino Real)

Way of St James (Jaca)

Ebro River

Duero River

Tagus River

Guadiana River

Guadalquivir River

Gaul, Roman Roads Folder and major rivers

Gaul, Roman Roads or Major Rivers

Somme River

Seine River

Liore River

Massif Central (Central France)
Massif Central; PIERRE TEILHARD DE CHARDIN, SCIENTIST AND MILITARY CHAPLAIN, 1955, Commemorated April 10 ; EARLY ABBOTS of CLUNY, 30 April 909 ;

Puy de Dome (dormant lava dome of a volcano)
Puy de Dome (dormant lava dome of a volcano); PIERRE TEILHARD DE CHARDIN, SCIENTIST AND MILITARY CHAPLAIN, 1955, Commemorated April 10 ; EARLY ABBOTS of CLUNY, 30 April 909 ;

Britany Area

Brittany or Breton Region, France
Brittany; EDMUND OF EAST ANGLIA, KING AND MARTYR (20 NOV 870); St Brannock of Braunton, Commemorated January 7 ; St. Elian, Missionary to Cornwall, England, Commemorated on January 13; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; PETER ABELARD, Abbot, Theologian, Philosopher, 21 April 1142 ;

Normandy Area

Normandy, France (Lower Seine to Cotentin Peninsula)
Normandy; Duchy of Normandy; LOUIS IX, KING OF FRANCE (25 AUGUST 1270) ; WULFSTAN OF WORCESTER, Commemorated January 19 ;

Pitou Region (Poitevan Marsh, Poitiers, Limoge high point, Clain River)

Clain River

Poitou Region, (Poitiers, Limoge high point, Poitevan Marsh, Clain River)
Poitevan Marsh; LOUIS IX, KING OF FRANCE (25 AUGUST 1270) ; EARLY ABBOTS of CLUNY, 30 April 909 ;

Dordogne River

Garonne River

Aude River

Rhone River

Saone River

Maginot Line - French Line between France and Germany
Maginot Line;

Siegfried Line - German Line between Germany and France
Siegfried Line - German Line between Germany and France;

Germania, not Germany, the fertile plain North of this Line, difficult to protect

Lourdes, Southwest France (Healing Spring, East of Oloron, France on Way of St James, Spain)
Lourdes; Bernadette of Lourdes, Nun and Visionary, 16 April 1879 ;

Way of St James (Oloron)

Way of St James (Ostabat)

Gaul, German Frontier Folder- Roman Limes Germanticus
Frontier (Limes) Germanticus;

Gaul, German Frontier, Lower Rhine Frontier Folder

Roman German Frontier - Lower Limes Germanica

Roman German Frontier - Katwijk, South Holland, Netherlands
Roman German Frontier - Katwijk;

Roman German Frontier- Valkenburg, South Holland
Valkenburg, South Holland

Roman German Frontier - Leiden, South Holland
Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands;

Roman German Frontier - Alphen aan den Rijn, South Holland
Alphen aan den Rijn;

Roman German Frontier - Zwammerdam
Roman German Frontier - Zwammerdam;

Roman German Frontier - Bodegraven, South Holland

Roman German Frontier - Woerden, Central Netherlands
Woerden, Central Netherlands;

Roman German Frontier - Vleuten, Central Netherlands
Vleuten, Central Netherlands;

Roman German Frontier - Utrecht, Central Netherlands
Utrecht, Netherlands;

Roman German Frontier - Fectio, Central Netherlands
Roman German Frontier - Fectio, Central Netherlands;

Roman German Frontier - Rijswijk, Gelderland
Rijswijk, Gelderland; Central Eastern Netherlands

Roman German Frontier - Maurik, Gelderland
Maurik, Gelderland, Central Eastern Netherlands;

Roman German Frontier - Kesteren, Gelderland
Kesteren, Gelderland;

Roman German Frontier - Arnhem, Gelderland
Arnhem, Gelderland, Eastern Netherlands;

Roman German Frontier - Duiven, Eastern Netherlands
Duiven, Eastern Netherlands;

Roman German Frontier - Herwen, Eastern Netherlands
Herwen, Gelderland, Eastern Netherlands;

Roman German Frontier - Kleve, Germany
Kleve, Northwest Rineland, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Bedburg-Hau, Germany
Bedburg-Hau, Northwest Rineland, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Kalkar, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Kalkar, Northwest Rineland, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Xanten, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Xanten, Northwest Rineland, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Moers, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Moers, Rhine River 10, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Krefeld, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Krefeld, Rhine River 9.5, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Neuss, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Neuss, Rhine River 9, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Monheim am Rhein, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Monheim am Rhein, Rhine River 8.5, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Dormagen, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Dormagen, Rhine River 8.5, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Cologne, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Cologne, Rhine River 8, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Bonn, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Bonn, Rhine River 7, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Remagen, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Remagen, Rhine River 6.5, Germany;

Gaul, German Frontier, Upper Rhine Frontier Folder

Roman German Frontier - Upper Limes Germanticus

Roman German Frontier - Rheinbrohl, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Rheinbrohl, Rhineland Palentine, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Bad Ems, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Bad Ems, Rhineland Plaz, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Bad Schwalbach, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Bad Schwalbach, Hesse, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Bad Homburg vor der HÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¶he, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Bad Homburg vor der HÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¶he, Hesse, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Wetterau, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Wetterau, Hesse, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Grobkrotzenburg, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Grobkrotzenburg, Hesse, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Miltenberg, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Miltenberg, Bavaria, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Rehberg (Harz) Mountain, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Rehberg (Harz) Mountain, Lower Saxony, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Buchen, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Buchen, Badem Wurttemburg, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Osterburken, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Osterburken, Baden Wurttemburg, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Jagsthausen, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Jagsthausen, Baden Wurttemburg, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Welzheim, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Welzheim, Baden Wurttemburg, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Lorch (Wurttemberg), Germany
Roman German Frontier - Lorch (Wurttemberg), Baden Wurttemburg, Germany:

Gaul, German Frontier, Rhaetian Frontier Folder
Roman Province of Rhaetia; Reschen Pass;

Roman German Frontier - Rhaetian Limes Germaticus

Roman German Frontier - Aalen, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Aalen, Baden Wurttemburg, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Gunzenhausen, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Gunzenhausen, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Weibenburg in Bayern, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Weibenburg in Bayern, Middle Franconia, Germany;

Roman German Frontier, Kipfenberg, Germany
Roman German Frontier, Kipfenberg, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Regensburg, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany;

Roman German Frontier - Pfunz Roman Fort, Germany
Roman German Frontier - Pfunz Roman Fort, Bavaria, Germany;

Troy, Roman Roads, Straits, Hellespont of Troy to Bosphorus of Constantinople

Troy, Roman Roads, Straits, Hellespont of Troy and Bosphorus of Constantinople

Mesopotamia, Roman Roads Folder

Tigris River

Euphrates River

Jerusalem, Roman Roads Folder

Kings Highway (Nile River, Egypt to Euphrates River, Syria)

Way of the Sea (Egypt to Syria)

Judea (West Bank) Roman Road
Judea;

Hebron, Bethlehem Road to Jerusalem (Judea)

Judea to Way of the Sea Road

Samaria (West Bank) Roman Road
Samaria;

Benjamin, between Roman Roads to Jericho on West Bank
Jericho West Bank;

Jericho Jerusalem Road by Anathoth and St Georges

Roman Road to Gilgal - Galilee to Jericho Road

Road to Gilgal - Galilee to Jericho Road

Jerusalem to Bethel Road (avoided, very difficult hiking, see elevation profile)

Gibeon-Ajalon Road - Hwy 443

Ajalon and Valley Gate to Eleutheropolis and Way of the Sea Road

Wilderness Road South to Gaza and North to Hebron
Wilderness Road - Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ˜Get up and go towards the south* to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.™ (This is a wilderness road.); Acts 8:26-40, Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch ; Apostle Philip of the Seventy, One of the Seven Deacons, Commemorated on October 11; Apostle Philip of the Seventy, one of the 7 Deacons is not to be confused with Saint Philip one of the Twelve Apostles (November 14). This Philip was born in Palestine, was married and had children. the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Twelve Apostles made Philip a deacon in the Church of Jerusalem. Along with the other six deacons, they appointed him to deal with the offerings of the faithful and attend to the concerns of the widowed, the orphaned and the needy. eldest among the seven deacons was the holy Archdeacon Stephen. When the persecution of Christians began, the Jews stoned the Protomartyr Stephen. Apostle Philip left Jerusalem and settled in Samaria. There he successfully preached Christianity. Among the disciple’s converts was the noted magician Simon, who “after being baptized, continued with Philip.” (Acts 8:9-13) the command of an angel of the Lord, Saint Philip set out upon the road connecting Jerusalem with Gaza. There he met an official of the empress of Ethiopia, whom also he converted to Christianity (Acts 8:26-39). holy disciple Philip tirelessly preached the Word of God in many of the lands of the Near East adjoining Palestine. Jerusalem the Apostles made him a bishop and sent him to Tralles in Asia Minor, where he also baptized many. Saint Philip died in old age.

Egypt, Roman Roads Folder

Nile River Way

Cataracts of the Nile

Rome, Roman Roads Folder

Rome, Italy, Appian Way Folder

Appian Way 336 Miles or 540 Kilometers
Appian Way;

Appian Way Route 2

Terracina (Appian Way, south of Rome)
Terracina, near Rome ; Martyr Julian the Presbyter at Terracina, Commemorated October 7 ;

Appian Way (Rome)
Appian Way;

Appian Way (Naples)

Appian Way (Bari)

Appian Way (Brindisi)

Appian Way (Trullo)

Rome, Italy, Via Aurelia Folder

Via Aurelia (Roman Road, Pisa to Rome)
Via Aurelia;

Via Aurelia 1 (Pisa)
Via Aurelia, Roman Road from Pisa to Rome; Pisa;

Via Aurelia 2 (Cosa)
Via Aurelia 2 (Cosa);

Via Aurelia 3 - Alsium

Via Aurelia 4 - Aurelian gate, Porta St Pancrazio
Via Aurelia, Roman Road from Pisa to Rome - Aurelian gate, Rome aka Porta Pia. The Aurelian gate is known today as the Porta St Pancrazio. Martyr Pancratius, Commemorated on May 12;

Rome, Italy, Via Salaria Folder

Salarian Way, Via Salaria
Via Salaria;

Via Nomentana (ancient road from Rome to Nomentana, only 23 K)
Via Nomentana (ancient road from Rome to Nomentana, only 23 K, probably same route as the longer Via Salaria (Salt Road)); Virginmartyr Agnes of Rome, Commemorated January 21 ;

Via Salaria 1 (Porta Salaria Gate, Aurelain Walls)
Porta Salaria Gate, Gardens of Sallust, Aurelian Walls;

Via Salaria 2 (Rieti)
Rieti;

Interocrea (Antrodoco, between the mountains, Via Salaria) Severus brings back dead man in 6th C
Interocrea (Antrodoco, between the mountains); St Severus the Presbyter of Interocrea in Italy, Commemorated on June 27; Severus the Presbyter during the sixth century served in a church of the Most Holy Theotokos in the village of Interocrea in Central Italy. He was noted for his virtuous and God-pleasing life. One time, when the saint was working in his garden, cutting grapes in the vineyard, they summoned him to administer the Holy Mysteries for the dying. Saint Severus said: “Go back, and I’ll catch up with you soon.â€ remained only but a few more grapes to cut off, and Saint Severus dallied for awhile in the garden to finish the work. When he arrived at the sick person’s home, they told him that the person was already dead. Saint Severus, regarding himself as guilty in the death of a man without absolution, started to tremble and loudly he began to weep. He went into the house where the deceased lay. loud groans and calling himself a murderer, in tears he fell down before the dead person. Suddenly the dead man came alive and related to everyone that the demons wanted to seize his soul, but one of the angels said, “Give him back, since the priest Severus weeps over him, and on account of his tears the Lord has granted him this man.â€ Saint Severus, giving thanks to the Lord, confessed and communed the resurrected man with the Holy Mysteries. That man survived for another seven days, then joyfully went to the Lord.

Via Salaria 3 (Asculum, Ascoli Piceno)
Ascoli Piceno;

Via Salaria 4 (Castrum Truentinum, Adriatic Sea)
Castrum Truentinum;

Adrianium, Italy (Hadrianium)
Adrianium, Italy (Hadrianium) ; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30;

Theato, Italy
Theato, Italy; Martyr Eleutherius of Constantinople, Commemorated August 14

Via Salaria 5 (Ancona)
Ancona;

England, Roman Roads Folder

The Roman Wall - Hadrian's Wall

Great North Road

Ephesus, Roman Roads Folder

Great Road from Ephesus thru Colossae to the Euphrates at Melitine

Phrygia, Roman Roads Folder

Phrygia - Connecting Rivers Folder (a North South Route dividing Turkey)

Connecting Rivers Route (Akarcay and Sakarya Rivers)

Connecting Rivers Route (Akarcay and Sakarya) - Sakarya Mouth

Connecting Rivers Route - Sogut

Connecting River Route - Kotyaeion

Connecting Rivers Route - Synnada

Connecting Rivers Route - Polybotum

Connecting Rivers Route - Antioch, Pisidia

Connecting Rivers Route - Lake Beysehir

Connecting Rivers Route - Seleucia

Connecting Rivers Route - Akarcay River Mouth

Naples, Roman Roads Folder

Naples, Appian Way Folder

Terracina (Appian Way, north of Naples)
Terracina, near Rome ; Martyr Julian the Presbyter at Terracina, Commemorated October 7 ;

Gaeta, Naples (Roman Road Appian Way)
Gaeto or Gaeta, Italy; Hieromartyr Marcian the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on October 30 ; Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro (œthe RecruitÂ), Commemorated on February 17;

Formia, Naples (on the Appian Way between Rome and Naples)
Formia, Lazio, bordering Campania, half way between Rome and Naples; Hieromartyr Marcian the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on October 30 ; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4;

Sinuessa (on the Appian Way)
Sinuessa (in Campania); Sinuessa was a city on the line of the Via Appia, and was the last place where that great highroad touched on the sea-coast. Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on June 7;

Thracian Italy, Capua Gladiator School, Spartacus the Thracian
Thracian Italy, Capua Gladiator School, Spartacus the Thracian, The Third Servile War 73 BC; Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion, Commemorated on September 13;

Mount Garganus (north of Appian Way)
Mount Garganus; The Gargano peninsula is partly covered by the remains of an ancient forest, Foresta Umbra, the only remaining part in Italy of the ancient oak and beech forest that once covered much of Central Europe as well as the Apennine deciduous montane forests biome. Horace spoke of the oaks of Garganus in Ode II, ix.; Martyr Potitus at Naples, Commemorated on July 1;

Gargano, Mount Garganus (Adriatic Sea, east northeast of Naples)
Gargano, Mount Garganus; Martyr Potitus at Naples, Commemorated on July 1; Holy Martyr Potitus suffered under the emperor Antoninus Pius (reigned 138-161). Having become familiar with the Christian teaching, the young Potitus believed in the true God and accepted holy Baptism at thirteen years of age. When he learned of this, his pagan father was extremely upset and tried, first by endearments, and then by threats to dissuade his son from his faith in Christ the Savior, but his efforts were in vain. Impressed by the boy’s firmness of faith, the father also came to believe in the Son of God and became a Christian himself. Potitus traveled through many lands preaching about Christ, and by the power of God he worked wondrous miracles. the region of Epiros, lived the illustrious woman Kyriake, the wife of a senator; she was afflicted with leprosy. Hearing of Saint Potitus, she summoned him and asked him to heal her. The saint declared that if she believed in Christ, she would be healed. The woman accepted holy Baptism and was immediately made well. Seeing such a miracle, her husband and all their household believed in Christ and were baptized as well. this, the saint settled on Mount Garganus and lived in solitude, among the animals. He was found there by servants of the emperor Antoninus, whose daughter was possessed by a demon. Through the lips of the maiden, the devil said that he would come out of her only if Potitus should come. They brought the holy youth to the emperor, and through the prayers of Saint Potitus the demon released the girl. But instead of being grateful, the emperor treated the saint with inhuman cruelty. For his firm confession of faith in Christ the Savior, and for his refusal to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods, to whom the emperor imputed the healing of his daughter, he ordered that the saint’s tongue be torn out, and that he be blinded. After lengthy torture, Saint Potitus was finally beheaded.

Aecae, Italy (Appian Way)
Aecae, Italy (Appian Way) ; Martyr Cecilia at Rome, Commemorated on November 22 ;

Brindisi, Italy (Appian Way, K Triangle)
Brindisi; Martyr Cecilia at Rome, Commemorated on November 22 ; St Leucius the Bishop of Brindisi, Commemorated on June 20; St Angelina of Serbia, Commemorated on July 1;

Adriatic Sea
Adriatic Sea; Translation of the relics of St Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari, Commemorated on May 9;

Appian Way (Bari)
Bari, Italy;

Via Egnatia - Bari, Italy
Bari, Italy;

Bari, Italy ( on Appian Way and Via Egnatia, across Adriatic from K Triangle Via)
Bari, Italy; Arab Muslim Conquest of Southern Italy 827; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated December 6 ; NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) ; Blessed John the King of Serbia and his parents, Commemorated on December 10: Blessed Stephen the Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on December 10 ; Translation of the relics of St Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari, Commemorated on May 9;

Via Egnatia - Dyrrachium
Via Egnatia - Dyrrachium;

Via Egnatia - Claudiana
Via Egnatia - Claudiana ;

Via Egnatia - Thessalonica
Via Egnatia - Thessalonica;

Via Egnatia - Pydna
Via Egnatia - Pydna;

Via Egnatia - Amphipolis
Via Egnatia - Amphipolis;

Via Egnatia - Philippi
Via Egnatia - Philippi;

Via Egnatia - Neapolis
Via Egnatia - Neapolis;

Via Egnatia - Traianoupolis
Via Egnatia - Traianoupolis;

Via Egnatia - Kypsela
Via Egnatia - Kypsela ;

Via Egnatia - Aenus or Enos
Via Egnatia - Aenus or Enos;

Via Egnatia - Apros
Via Egnatia - Apros;

Via Egnatia - Adrianople
Via Egnatia - Adrianople ;

Via Egnatia - Drizipara
Drizipara, Bulgaria (on Via Egnatia, Martyr Alexander of Rome); Martyr Alexander of Rome, Commemorated on May 13;

Drizipara, Bulgaria (on Via Egnatia, Martyr Alexander of Rome)
Drizipara, Bulgaria (on Via Egnatia, Martyr Alexander of Rome); Martyr Alexander of Rome, Commemorated on May 13;

Via Egnatia - Perinthus or Heraclea Thracia
Via Egnatia - Perinthus or Heraclea;

Via Egnatia - Caenophrurium
Via Egnatia - Caenophrurium;

Via Egnatia - Selymbria
Via Egnatia - Selymbria ;

Via Egnatia - Melantias
Via Egnatia - Melantias;

Via Egnatia - Rhegion
Via Egnatia - Rhegion;

Via Egnatia - Byzantium
Via Egnatia - Byzantium;

Trullo, Appian Way east of Naples
Council in Trullo in 692; The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on March 25;

Greece, Macedonia, Roman Roads Folder

Greece, Macedonia, K Triangle area of Macedonia Folder, Kutmichivitsa, Albania, Via Egnatia

Kutmichevitsa, Southwest Macedonia or Albania (K Triangle Area)
Kutmichevitsa, (K Triangle Area), the northwestern part of the region of Macedonia and the southern part of Albania, broadly taken to be the area included in the triangle ; Equal of the Apostles Clement of Ochrid the Bishop of Greater Macedonia, Commemorated on July 27 ;

Ochrid, Greater Macedonia and Albania (Roman Roads, largest city on Lake Ochrid)
Ochrid (largest city on Lake Ochrid); Equal of the Apostles Clement of Ochrid the Bishop of Greater Macedonia, Commemorated July 27 ; Slavs; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25 ; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of St Cyril and Methodius, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated December 23 ; Venerable Gregory of Ochrid; Venerable Maximus Kavsokalyvites of Mt Athos; Repose of St Nicholas of Zhicha, Commemorated on March 18; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of St Cyril and Methodius, Equals of the Apostles, Commemorated on June 20;

Neochorion, Greece, on Roman Road Via Egnatia, near Adrianople
Neochorion, Evros; (Greek: Νεοχώρι meaning new village) is a village and a community in the municipality of Orestiada in the northern part of the Evros regional unit in Greece. The community includes the village Patagi. It is situated 7 km west of the centre of Orestiada. Year Neochori village Patagi Community 1981 1,612 - - 1991 1,138 - - 2001 1,159 278 1,437 2011 739 163 902 History[edit] It was annexed to Greece in 1920, prior it was ruled by the Ottomans. It adopted its current name after the annexation, refugees flowed into the village and the Turkish population was displaced eastward. New Martyr Theodore, Commemorated on February 17;

Bitolya, Center of K Triangle, Macedonia (Pelagonia Valley) Capital of First Bulgarian Empire
Bitolya ; Venerable Nectarius of Bitolya and Mt Athos, Commemorated December 5 ; St Nectarius of Bitel, Commemorated on December 15 ;

Heraclea Lyncestis, Macedonia (center of K Triangle)
Heraclea Lyncestis;

Galatea Region of West Macedonia
Galatea Region; Translation of the relics of St Theodore the Sykeote, Commemorated on June 15;

Verroia, Macedonia (Beroea, west of Axios River Mouth, K Triangle, Via Egnatia Roman Road)
Verroia; Venerable Theophanes of Dochiariou of Mt Athos, Commemorated August 19 ; Repose of the New-Hieromartyr Cosmas of Aitolia, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated August 24; Apostle Carpus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Venerable Dionysius of Olympus, Commemorated January 24 ; Apostle Carpus of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 26;

Kastoria, K Triangle, Macedonia
Kastoria, Macedonia; Venerable Theodosius the Metropolitan of Trebizond, Commemorated on January 11 ;

Kastorian Hills, K Triangle, Macedonia, Greece
Kastoria, Macedonia; Venerable Theodosius the Metropolitan of Trebizond, Commemorated on January 11 ;

Koritsa (Kastorian hills, right on Via Egnatia of K Triangle)
Koritsa (Kastorian hills) ; Venerable Theodosius the Metropolitan of Trebizond, Commemorated on January 11 ;

Pidna, Macedonia
Pidna; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; Martyr Alexander of Macedonia, Commemorated on March 13 ;

Mount Peristeros, Macedonia
Mount Peristeros; Venerable Euthymius the New of Thessalonica, and Monk of Mt Athos, Commemorated on October 15;

Prespa Lakes Region, Macedonia, Greece and Albania
Prespa Lakes (Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa); St Achilles the Bishop of Larissa, Commemorated on May 15;

Armenia, Roman Roads Folder

Armenia, Kizilirmak River Folder, Great Road from Ephesus to Euphrates, Cappadocia

Kizilirmak River

Kizilirmak River Source (Imranli)
Imranli;

Kizilirmak River 1 (Sivas or Sebastea)

Sebaste, Armenia (high point, Iris River Source, Kizilirmak River 1)
Sebaste, Cappadocia; Hieromartyr Athenogenes the Bishop of Heracleopolis, Commemorated on July 16; Martyr Antiochus the Physician of Sebaste, Commemorated on July 16; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379); Martyr Severian of Sebaste, Commemorated on September 9; Martyr Irenarchus at Sebaste, Commemorated on November 28 ; Martyr Eustratius at Sebaste, Commemorated December 13 ; St Modestus the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated December 18 ; St Emilia, the Mother of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 1 ; St Peter the Bishop of Sebaste, in Armenia, Commemorated on January 9 ; 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, Commemorated on March 9;

Kizilirmak River 2 (near Charsianon Fortress)

Kizilirmak River 3 (near Pinarbasi, Cappadocia)

Kizilirmak River 4 (Caesurea (Kayseri), Cappadocia)

Cappadocia, Armenia (Central Anatolia)
Cappadocia; Martyr Hilary of Ancyra, Commemorated July 12 ; Venerable Michael of Maleinus, Commemorated on July 12 ; Martyr Marcian of Iconium, Commemorated on July 13 ; Hieromartyr Athenogenes the Bishop of Heracleopolis, Commemorated on July 16; Martyr Antiochus the Physician of Sebaste, Commemorated on July 16; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Macrina the Sister of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on July 19 ; Venerable Anthusa the Abbess of Mantinea in Asia Minor, Commemorated on July 27; St Irene Chrysovolantou, Commemorated on July 28; Martyr Julitta at Caesarea, Commemorated July 31 ; Righteous Eudocimus of Cappadocia, Commemorated on July 31; Apostle Matthias of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 9; Hieromartyr Alexander the Bishop of Comana, Commemorated on August 12; St Simeon Stylites, the Elder, Commemorated September 1 ; Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on September 7 ; Martyr Severian of Sebaste, Commemorated on September 9 ; Martyr Theodota at Nicea, Commemorated on September 17 ; Hieromartyr Gregory the Bishop of Greater Armenia, Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Armenia, Commemorated on September 30; Martyr Orestes of Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 10 ; Greatmartyr Mercurius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 24 ; Venerable Macrina the Sister of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on July 19; Martyr Julitta at Caesarea, Commemorated on July 31 ; Righteous Eudocimus of Cappadocia, Commemorated on July 31; St Meletius the New, Commemorated September 1 ; Martyr Mamas of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on September 2 ; Martyr Theodotus of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on September 2 ; Martyr Theodota at Nicea, Commemorated September 17 ; Venerable Igantius the Abbot in Asia Minor, Commemorated September 27 ; 33 Holy Martyrs of Melitene, Commemorated November 6 ; Martyr Orestes of Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 10 ; St Proclus the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 20 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Damascus, Commemorated on December 4 ; Venerable Sava the Sanctified, Commemorated on December 5 ; Hieromartyr Alexander the Bishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated December 12 ; Venerable Theodora of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated December 30 ; Martyr Basil of Ancyra, Commemorated January 1 ; St Basil the Great the Archbishop of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated January 1 ; St Emilia, the Mother of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 1 ; St Peter the Bishop of Sebaste, in Armenia, Commemorated January 9 ; Venerable Theodosius the Great, the Cenobiarch, Commemorated on January 11 ; St Nino (Nina), Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated January 14 ; Martyr Speusippus in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Macarius the Stylite of Martkobsk, Georgia, Commemorated on January 19 ; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25 ; Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 27 ; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28 ; The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple, Commemorated on February 2 ; Martyr Eubulus at Caesarea, Cappadocia, February 2 ; Martyr Blaise of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated February 3 ; Virginmartyr Dorothy at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated Febuary 6 ; Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates œthe GeneralÂ, Commemorated on February 8 ; Venerable Shio Mgvime, Commemorated February 9 ; Martyr Pamphilius the Presbyter at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 16; St Agapitus the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia, Commemorated February 18 ; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; St Agapitus the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia, Commemorated February 18; St Leo of Cappadocia, Commemorated on February 28; Hieromartyr Theodotus the Bishop of Cyrenia, Commemorated on March 2; GREGORY OF NYSSA, (9 MAR 395); GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); St Hypatius the Wonderworker and Bishop of Gangra, Commemorated on March 31; Martyr Sava the Goth of Wallachia, Commemorated on April 15; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10; Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on April 9; Greatmartyr, Victory-bearer and Wonderworker George, Commemorated on April 23; Venerable Thomas the Fool of Syria, Commemorated on April 24; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); St Akaki Asistavi of Georgia, Commemorated on May 7; St Alexander the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on May 16 ; Glorification of the Venerable Zebulon, the father of St Nino Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated on May 20; Martyr Basiliscus the Bishop of Comana, Commemorated on May 22; Hieromartyr Therapon the Bishop of Sardis, Commemorated on May 27; St John the Russian and Confessor, whose relics are on the island of Euboia, Commemorated on May 27; Martyr Hermias at Comana, Commemorated on May 31 ; BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379); Hieromartyr Terence the Bishop of Iconium, Commemorated on June 21; Martyr Hyacinthus of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on July 3; Martyr Theodotus at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on July 4; Martyr Kyriake of Nicomedia, Commemorated on July 7;

Caesurea (Kayseri), Armenia, Cappadocian Capital (Great Road, Kizilirmak River 4)
Caesurea, Cappadocia; Martyr Antiochus the Physician of Sebaste, Commemorated on July 16; Martyr Julitta at Caesarea, Commemorated on July 31; Martyr Mamas of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on September 2 ; Martyr Theodotus of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on September 2; Martyr Theodotus of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on September 2 ; Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated September 2 ; Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on September 7 ; Martyr Theodota at Nicea, Commemorated September 17 ; Hieromartyr Gregory the Bishop of Greater Armenia, Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Armenia, Commemorated on September 30; Martyr Barlaam of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated November 19 ; St Amphilochius the Bishop of Iconium, Commemorated on November 23 ; Greatmartyr Mercurius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 24 ; Venerable Theodora of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated December 30 ; Martyr Basil of Ancyra, Commemorated January 1 ; St Basil the Great the Archbishop of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated January 1 ; St Emilia, the Mother of St Basil the Great, Commemorated January 1 ; Martyr Gordius at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated January 3 ; St Carterius of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated January 8 ; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 25 ; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28 ; Martyr Eubulus at Caesarea, Cappadocia, February 2 ; Martyr Blaise of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated February 3 ; Virginmartyr Dorothy at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated Febuary 6 ; GREGORY OF NYSSA, (9 MAR 395); Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on April 9; Venerable Thomas the Fool of Syria, Commemorated on April 24; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379); Martyr Hyacinthus of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on July 3; Martyr Theodotus at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on July 4;

Maza, temporary name of Caesarea (Kayseri) Armenia, by Julian the Apostate
Maza, temporary name of Caesarea (Kayseri) Armenia, by Julian the Apostate Eupsychius was filled with zeal for the Lord, and he destroyed the temple. He knew that this would inevitably result in his punishment. Saint Eupsychius distributed all his possessions to the poor and prepared himself for martyrdom. enraged emperor Julian loosed his wrath not only upon Saint Eupsychius, but against all the inhabitants of this city. Some of the citizens were executed, while the more respectable were sent into exile. Christian clergy were drafted into military service, and he looted the churches of anything valuable. The city was deprived of its title Caesarea [i.e. “Imperialâ€] and resumed its original name of Maza. He also imposed a severe tax on the inhabitants. The emperor threatened to annihilate the city altogether, if the people did not build a new pagan temple in place of the one destroyed. tried to compel Saint Eupsychius to offer sacrifice to idols. For many days they tormented the saint on a rack, and also with iron claws. But his faith was firm, and the judge sentenced the martyr to be beheaded with a sword. Julian embarked on a campaign against the Persians, marching through Cappadocia and approaching Caesarea. Danger threatened the city, since the emperor intended to raze it to its foundations. But then Saint Basil the Great (January 1), showing Julian the proper respect as sovereign authority, came out to meet him carrying with him three loaves of barley bread, which he ate. The emperor ordered his retainers to take the loaves, and to give Saint Basil a pinch of hay saying, “You have given us barley, cattle fodder. Now receive hay from us in return.â€ saint answered, “O Emperor, we bring you that which we ourselves eat, and you give us cattle feed. You mock us, since you, by your might, are not able to transform hay into bread, the essential food of mankind.â€ angrily retorted, “I’ll shove this hay down your throat when I return here from Persia. I shall raze this city to its very foundations, and plow over this ground and turn it into a field. I know that it was on your advice that the people dared to destroy the statues and temple of Fortuna.â€ this the emperor continued on his way, but soon perished in his campaign against the Persians. He was struck down in the year 363 by the holy Great Martyr Mercurius (November 24). the emperor’s demise, the Christians of the city of Caesarea built a splendid church over the grave of Saint Eupsychius, and from his holy relics they received help and healing. Caesurea, Cappadocia; Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on April 9; Holy Martyr Eupsychius was born in the city of Caesarea in Cappadocia and received a Christian upbringing by his illustrious parents. the reign of Julian the Apostate (361-363), Saint Eupsychius entered into a Christian marriage. Caesarea there was a pagan temple to the goddess Fortuna, whom Julian the Apostate revered. As Eupsychius was going to his wedding, the pagans were offering sacrifice to the goddess Fortuna. Eupsychius was filled with zeal for the Lord, and he destroyed the temple. He knew that this would inevitably result in his punishment. Saint Eupsychius distributed all his possessions to the poor and prepared himself for martyrdom. enraged emperor Julian loosed his wrath not only upon Saint Eupsychius, but against all the inhabitants of this city. Some of the citizens were executed, while the more respectable were sent into exile. Christian clergy were drafted into military service, and he looted the churches of anything valuable. The city was deprived of its title Caesarea [i.e. “Imperialâ€] and resumed its original name of Maza. He also imposed a severe tax on the inhabitants. The emperor threatened to annihilate the city altogether, if the people did not build a new pagan temple in place of the one destroyed. tried to compel Saint Eupsychius to offer sacrifice to idols. For many days they tormented the saint on a rack, and also with iron claws. But his faith was firm, and the judge sentenced the martyr to be beheaded with a sword. Julian embarked on a campaign against the Persians, marching through Cappadocia and approaching Caesarea. Danger threatened the city, since the emperor intended to raze it to its foundations. But then Saint Basil the Great (January 1), showing Julian the proper respect as sovereign authority, came out to meet him carrying with him three loaves of barley bread, which he ate. The emperor ordered his retainers to take the loaves, and to give Saint Basil a pinch of hay saying, “You have given us barley, cattle fodder. Now receive hay from us in return.â€ saint answered, “O Emperor, we bring you that which we ourselves eat, and you give us cattle feed. You mock us, since you, by your might, are not able to transform hay into bread, the essential food of mankind.â€ angrily retorted, “I’ll shove this hay down your throat when I return here from Persia. I shall raze this city to its very foundations, and plow over this ground and turn it into a field. I know that it was on your advice that the people dared to destroy the statues and temple of Fortuna.â€ this the emperor continued on his way, but soon perished in his campaign against the Persians. He was struck down in the year 363 by the holy Great Martyr Mercurius (November 24). the emperor’s demise, the Christians of the city of Caesarea built a splendid church over the grave of Saint Eupsychius, and from his holy relics they received help and healing.

Comana, Armenia (Pontica, Armenia, Cappadocia or Cilicia, Zamanti Seyhan River Valley)
Comana (Cappadocia);

Mount Argeos, Armenia
Mount Argeos; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated February 11;

Prokopion, Armenia, Asia Minor
Prokopion (renamed Urgup by the Turks) ; St John the Russian and Confessor, whose relics are on the island of Euboia, Commemorated on May 27;

Sasima, Armenia
Sasima, St Basil the Great made St Gregory bishop of the city of Sasima, a small town between Caesarea and Tyana. ;

Nazianzos, Cappadocia, Armenia (Great Road from Ephesus)
Nazianzos;

Tyana, Armenia, Cappadocia and Cilicia
Tyana the Hittite Capital; Martyr Orestes of Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 10 ; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 25 ; BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379) ; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389);

Kizilrmak River 5 (Nyssa, Cappadocia)

Nyssa, Cappadocia, Armenia (Kizilirmak River 5)
Nyssa, Cappadocia; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Macrina the Sister of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on July 19 ; St Gregory the Wonderworker of Neocaesarea, Commemorated November 17 ; St Emilia, the Mother of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 1 ; St Peter the Bishop of Sebaste, in Armenia, Commemorated January 9 ; St Gregory the Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated January 10; Blessed Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Sts Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Commemorated January 10 ; The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple, Commemorated on February 2 ; GREGORY OF NYSSA, (9 MAR 395);

Kizilirmak River 6 (Paphlagonia)

Armenia, Euphrates Kizilirmak Rivers Folder, Great Road, Syria

Euphrates River Route

Euphrates River - Western Euphrates

Euphrates River Source (Murat River)

Euphrates River Source

Euphrates River 1

Arabrak (Arabraces), Armenia (Euphreates River 1)
Arabrak (Arabraces), Armenia ;

Euphrates River 2 (Melitene)

Armenia, Edessa and Melitene area Folder, Top Left of the Fertile Crescent

Edessa area of Euphrates River

Armenia, Edessa and Melitene, Euphrates River Folder, Great Road

Melitene, Armenia (Intersection Road from Ephesus and Euphrates River 2)
Malatya; Finding of the Icon of the Mother of God at the Miasena Monastery, Commemorated September 1 ; Uncovering of the relics St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on September 15; Martyr Polyeuctus of Melitene, in Armenia, Commemorated on January 9 ; Martyr Kyriake of Nicomedia; Martyr Eudoxius; St Acacius the Confessor, Commemorated on March 31; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; St Eutychius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on May 28;

Erevan (Yerevan Fortress, Melitene)
Erevan (Yerevan Fortress, Melitene); Arab Muslim Conquest of Armenia 639;

Euphrates River 3 (Samosata and Edessa)

Samosata, Armenia (Euphrates River 3)
Samosata; Martyr Lucian the Presbyter of Antioch, Commemorated on October 15; St Gregory the Wonderworker of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on November 17 ; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11 ; Martyr Romanus at Samosata, Commemorated January 29 ; St Rabulas of Samosata, Commemorated February 19 ; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22;

Edessa, Armenia (Intersection and Euphrates River 3)
Edessa, Syria; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9 ; Venerable Simeon of Emessa the Fool-For-Christ, Commemorated on July 21; Apostle Matthias of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 9; Translation of the Image "œNot-Made-By-Hands"Â of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in August, Commemorated on August 16; Translation of the Image "œNot-Made-By-Hands"Â of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in AugustÂ, Commemorated on August 16 ; BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT, THEOLOGIAN, AND POET (20 AUGUST 1153); Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated August 21 ; Thaddeus, Apostle of the Seventy, was by descent a Hebrew, and he was born in the Syrian city of Edessa. The holy Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy must be distinguished from Saint Jude, also called Thaddeus or Levi (June 19), who was one of the Twelve Apostles. he came to Jerusalem for a feastday, he heard the preaching of John the Forerunner. After being baptized by him in the Jordan, he remained in Palestine. He saw the Savior, and became His follower. He was chosen by the Lord to be one of the Seventy Disciples, whom He sent by twos to preach in the cities and places where He intended to visit (Luke. 10: 1). the Ascension of the Savior to Heaven, Saint Thaddeus preached the good news in Syria and Mesopotamia. He came preaching the Gospel to Edessa and he converted King Abgar, the people and the pagan priests to Christ. He backed up his preaching with many miracles (about which Abgar wrote to the Assyrian emperor Nerses). He established priests there and built up the Edessa Church. Abgar wanted to reward Saint Thaddeus with rich gifts, but he refused and went preaching to other cities, converting many pagans to the Christian Faith. He went to the city of Beirut to preach, and he founded a church there. It was in this city that he peacefully died in the year 44. (The place of his death is indicated as Beirut in the Slavonic MENAION, but according to other sources he died in Edessa. According to an ancient Armenian tradition, Saint Thaddeus, after various tortures, was beheaded by the sword on December 21 in the Artaz region in the year 50). Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; St Barses the Confessor, Commemorated August 25 ; Finding of the Icon of the Mother of God at the Miasena Monastery, Commemorated on September 1 ; Martyr Juventinus the Soldier at Antioch, Commemorated on September 5 ; Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated September 5 ; Martyr Eudoxius, Commemorated September 6 ; Forefeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God. Commemorated September 7 ; Martyr Domnina with her daughters of Syria, Commemorated on October 4; Virginmartyr Pelagia of Antioch, Commemorated October 8 ; Apostle James the Son of Alphaeus, Commemorated on October 9; Martyr Lucian the Presbyter of Antioch, Commemorated on October 15 ; Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated October 15 ; Venerable Abramius the Recluse of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on October 29 ; Martyr and Confessor Gurias of Edessa, Commemorated on November 15 ; St Theodoulus the Eparch of Constantinople, Commemorated December 3 ; Martyr Gemellus of Paphlagonia, Commemorated December 10 ; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa; Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; St Eustratius the Wonderworker, Commemorated on January 9 ; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28 ; St Aphraates of Persia, Commemorated on January 29 ; St Sarbelus of Edessa, January 29 ; Wonderworker and Unmercenary Cyrus, Commemorated on January 31 ; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons; Martyr Domnina with her daughters of Syria; Venerable Alexander the founder of the Monastery, of the "Unsleeping Ones", Commemorated February 23 ; St John Zedazneli of Zaden, in Georgia with his 12 Disciples, Commemorated on May 7; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Hilarion the New the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on March 28 ; Apostle Trophimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15 ; Greatmartyr Irene of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 5; EARLY ABBOTS of CLUNY, 30 April 909 ; EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373); Apostle Jude the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on June 19; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the "œUnsleeping Ones"Â, Commemorated on July 3 ;

Edessa, Armenia (abundant water)
Edessa in Syria which is also called upper Messopotamia. County of Edessa; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9 ; Venerable Simeon of Emessa the Fool-For-Christ, Commemorated on July 21; Apostle Matthias of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 9 ; Translation of the Image "œNot-Made-By-Hands"Â of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in August"Â, Commemorated on August 16; Translation of the Image "Not-Made-By-Hands" of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in AugustÂ, Commemorated on August 16 ; BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT, THEOLOGIAN, AND POET (20 AUGUST 1153); Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated August 21 ; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; St Barses the Confessor, Commemorated August 25 ; Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated September 5 ; Forefeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God. Commemorated September 7 ; Martyr Domnina with her daughters of Syria, Commemorated on October 4; Virginmartyr Pelagia of Antioch, Commemorated October 8 ; Apostle James the Son of Alphaeus, Commemorated on October 9; Martyr Lucian the Presbyter of Antioch, Commemorated on October 15 ; Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated October 15 ; Venerable Abramius the Recluse of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on October 29 ; Martyr and Confessor Gurias of Edessa, Commemorated on November 15 ; St Theodoulus the Eparch of Constantinople, Commemorated December 3 ; Martyr Gemellus of Paphlagonia, Commemorated December 10 ; Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; St Eustratius the Wonderworker, Commemorated on January 9 ; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28 ; Abgar monastery; St Aphraates of Persia, Commemorated on January 29 ; St Sarbelus of Edessa, January 29 ; Wonderworker and Unmercenary Cyrus, Commemorated on January 31 ; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Hilarion the New the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on March 28; Apostle Trophimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15 ; EARLY ABBOTS of CLUNY, 30 April 909 ; Greatmartyr Irene of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 5; St John Zedazneli of Zaden, in Georgia with his 12 Disciples, Commemorated on May 7; Martyr Michael "œthe Black-Robed"Â of St Sava Monastery, Commemorated on May 23; EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373); Apostle Jude the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on June 19; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the "œUnsleeping Ones"Â, Commemorated on July 3 ; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9;

Unsleeping Ones Monastery, Edessa, Armenia, about 400 (Euphrates River 3)
Unsleepinge Ones Monastery, Edessa, Armenia advanced through all the degrees of monastic obedience, he received a blessing from the igumen to dwell in the wilderness. The saint lived an ascetical life in the wilderness, taking only the Holy Gospel with him. Afterwards, the Lord summoned him to preach to pagans. He converted to the faith the local city-head Rabbul, who afterwards prospered in the service of the Church, attaining the rank of bishop, and for thirty years, he occupied the bishop’s cathedra in the city of Edessa. Saint Alexander settled not far from the Euphrates River. Monks gathered around him, attracted by the loftiness of his prayerful asceticism and spiritual experience. A monastery of 400 monks eventually sprang up there. the holy igumen in his prayerful zeal decided to offer never-ceasing praise to the Lord at the monastery both by day and by night. For three years the holy abba prayed that God might reveal to him whether it was pleasing to Him to establish such a monastic rule. He received an answer by divine revelation. All the monks were divided into twenty-four watches of prayer. Changing shifts each hour, two choirs sang the holy Psalms both day and night, except when divine services were celebrated in church. Hence the name “Monastery of Unsleeping Ones,â€ since the ascetics offered unceasing praise to God. Alexander guided the monastery on the Euphrates for twelve years. Thereafter, having left the experienced Elder Trophimus as igumen, he set off with some chosen brethren through the cities bordering on Persia, to preach the Gospel. Having arrived at Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire, he also established a monastery there with his Rule of unceasing praise. The abba died at a great old age after fifty years of monastic struggles. His death occurred in the year 430. Venerable Alexander, founder of the Monastery of the “Unsleeping Onesâ€, Commemorated on February 23

Hellenopolis, Syria (Edessa area)
Hellenopolis ; Venerable Patermuthius the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on July 9;

Jacob's Ladder, Haran, Edessa, Syria
Jacob's Ladder, Haran ; Forefeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God, Commorated on September 7 ;

Carrhae, Armenia (modern Harran, near Edessa)
Carrhae (modern Harran) ; St Barses the Confessor, Commemorated August 25; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14 ;

Constantina, Armenia and Syria (Kurdish Turkey, NE of Edessa)
Constantina; Great Martyr Irene, Commemorated on May 5; was deposed by his son Sapor, who persecuted Christians with an even greater zeal than his father had done. Saint Irene went to her home town of Magedon in Persia to meet Sapor and his army, and ask him to end the persecution. When he refused, Saint Irene prayed and his entire army was blinded. She prayed again and they received their sight once more. In spite of this, Sapor refused to recognize the power of God. Because of his insolence, he was struck and killed by a bolt of lightning. this, Saint Irene walked into the city and performed many miracles. She returned to the tower built by her father, accompanied by the priest Timothy. Through her teaching, she converted five thousand people to Christ. Next, the saint went to the city of Callinicus, or Callinicum (possibly on the Euphrates River in Syria). The ruler of that place was King Numerian, the son of Sebastian. When she began to teach about Christ, she was arrested and tortured by the pagan authorities. They enclosed her inside three bronze oxen, one after another, which were heated until they were red-hot. When the Great Martyr was placed within the third ox, it began to walk about, and then it split asunder. Saint Irene emerged from it as if from the fires of hell. This resulted in thousands of souls converting to the faith of Christ. the approach of death, Numerian instructed his eparch Babdonus to continue torturing the saint in order to force her to sacrifice to idols. Once again, the tortures were ineffective, and many people turned to Christ. ’s holy martyr then traveled to the city of Constantina, forty miles northeast of Edessa. By 330, the Persian king Sapor II (309-379) had heard of Saint Irene’s great miracles. To prevent her from winning more people to Christ, she was arrested, beheaded, and then buried. However, God sent an angel to raise her up again, and she went into the city of Mesembria. After seeing her alive and hearing her preach, the local king was baptized with many of his subjects. Wishing to convert even more pagans to Christianity, Saint Irene went to Ephesus, where she taught the people and performed many miracles. The Lord revealed to her that the end of her life was approaching. Then Saint Irene left the city accompanied by six people, including her former teacher Apellian. On the outskirts of the town, she found a new tomb in which no one had ever been buried. After making the Sign of the Cross, she went inside, directing her companions to seal the entrance to the cave with a large stone, which they did. She also told them that that no one should move the stone until four days had passed. returned after only two days, and found that the stone had been rolled away and the tomb was empty. There are conflicting accounts about her holy relics being taken to Constantinople and other places, including Patras, Samos, and Patmos. According to the Western Martyrologies, Saint Irene was martyred in Thessaloniki after being thrown into the fire, while according to the Menologion of Emperor Basil II, Saint Irene completed her martyric contest by being beheaded. Irene led thousands of people to Christ through her preaching, and by her example. The Church continues to honor her memory and to seek her heavenly intercession. She is invoked by those wishing to effect a swift and happy marriage. In Greece, she is also the patron saint of policemen. Saint Irene is also one of the twelve Virgin Martyrs who appeared to Saint Seraphim of Sarov (January 2) and the Diveyevo nun Eupraxia on the Feast of the Annunciation in 1831. By her holy prayers, may the Lord have mercy upon us and save us. Amen.

Zeugma, Syria (Euphrates River 3.5)
Zeugma, Syria; St Publius the Ascetic of Syria, Commemorated January 25 ;

Kobane, Syria (Euphrates River 3.5)
Kobane, Syria;

Euphrates River 4 (Hieropolis, Syria)

Armenia, Edessa and Melitene, Euphrates River 4, Sajur River Folder

Sajur River 1

Sajur River 2

Sajur River 3

Sajur River Source (two streams at Gaziantep)

Sajur River Mouth (Hieropolis and Pethor, Euphrates River 4)

Hieropolis in Syria (Sajur River Mouth, Euphrates River 4)
Hieropolis in Syria (Euphrates River 4) 30 kilometers west of the Euphrates; Martyr Domnina with her daughters of Syria, Commemorated on October 4; Holy, All-Praised Apostle Philip, Commemorated November 14 ;

Pethor (Sajur River Mouth, Euphrates River 4)
Pethor (Sajur River Mouth, Euphrates River 4); Numbers 22:1-21. Balak Summons Balaam (from Pethor) to Curse Israel;

Euphrates River 5 (Kings Highway)

Callinicus, or Callinicum, Armenia or Syria (Euphrates River 5)
Callinicus, or Callinicum; Great Martyr Irene, Commemorated on May 5; was deposed by his son Sapor, who persecuted Christians with an even greater zeal than his father had done. Saint Irene went to her home town of Magedon in Persia to meet Sapor and his army, and ask him to end the persecution. When he refused, Saint Irene prayed and his entire army was blinded. She prayed again and they received their sight once more. In spite of this, Sapor refused to recognize the power of God. Because of his insolence, he was struck and killed by a bolt of lightning. this, Saint Irene walked into the city and performed many miracles. She returned to the tower built by her father, accompanied by the priest Timothy. Through her teaching, she converted five thousand people to Christ. Next, the saint went to the city of Callinicus, or Callinicum (possibly on the Euphrates River in Syria). The ruler of that place was King Numerian, the son of Sebastian. When she began to teach about Christ, she was arrested and tortured by the pagan authorities. They enclosed her inside three bronze oxen, one after another, which were heated until they were red-hot. When the Great Martyr was placed within the third ox, it began to walk about, and then it split asunder. Saint Irene emerged from it as if from the fires of hell. This resulted in thousands of souls converting to the faith of Christ. the approach of death, Numerian instructed his eparch Babdonus to continue torturing the saint in order to force her to sacrifice to idols. Once again, the tortures were ineffective, and many people turned to Christ. ’s holy martyr then traveled to the city of Constantina, forty miles northeast of Edessa. By 330, the Persian king Sapor II (309-379) had heard of Saint Irene’s great miracles. To prevent her from winning more people to Christ, she was arrested, beheaded, and then buried. However, God sent an angel to raise her up again, and she went into the city of Mesembria. After seeing her alive and hearing her preach, the local king was baptized with many of his subjects.

Euphrates River 6 (Chebar River Mouth)

Euphrates River 7 (Bagdagi)
Euphrates River;

Euphrates River 8 (Faluja)

Euphrates River 9 (Babylon)

Euphrates River 10

Euphrates River 11 (Samara)

Euphrates River 12

Euphrates River 13 (Tigris River)

Euphrates River Mouth (Persian Gulf)

Armenia, Silk Road to Great Road and Yerevan Trade Route Folder

Silk Road Great Road Trade Route

Silk Road Great Road Trade Route 1 - Trebizond, Pontine, Armenia (Black Sea, Silk Road, Harsit River)
Trebizond (Black Sea, Silk Road) ; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; looking up Patara in Herodion's story, I discovered the Armenian trade route North to South from Silk Road at Trebizond to Great Road at Melitene, Samosata and Edessa and then East to West from Edessa to Yerevan along the Upper Euphrates. still do not know if this is the correct Patera for Herodion's story, but it was an important high point and fort along an important Trade Route Apostle Matthias of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 9 ; Venerable Theodosius the Metropolitan of Trebizond, Commemorated on January 11 ; Martyr Neophytus of Nicea, Commemorated January 21; Martyr Eugene at Trebizond; Hieromartyr Theodore of Atchara, Commemorated February 17; St George the Bishop of Amastris on the Black Sea, Commemorated February 21 ; New Martyr John the New of Sochi, who suffered at Belgrade, Commemorated on June 2; Venerable Athanasius the Founder of the Great Lavra and Coenobitic Monasticism on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on July 5;

Trebizond, Pontine, Armenia (Black Sea, Silk Road, Harsit River)
Trebizond (Black Sea, Silk Road) ; Apostle Matthias of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 9 ; Venerable Theodosius the Metropolitan of Trebizond, Commemorated on January 11 ; Martyr Neophytus of Nicea, Commemorated January 21; Martyr Eugene at Trebizond; Hieromartyr Theodore of Atchara, Commemorated February 17; St George the Bishop of Amastris on the Black Sea, Commemorated February 21 ; New Martyr John the New of Sochi, who suffered at Belgrade, Commemorated on June 2; Venerable Athanasius the Founder of the Great Lavra and Coenobitic Monasticism on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on July 5;

Sild Road, Great Road Trade Route 2 - Patara (high point, Pontine, Armenia)
Patara (Cappadocia); city lay on the major trade road from Trapezus on the Black Sea to Satala, and thence to Lake Van. Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; looking up Patara in Herodion's story, I discovered the Armenian trade route North to South from Silk Road at Trebizond to Great Road at Melitene, Samosata and Edessa and then East to West from Edessa to Yerevan along the Upper Euphrates. still do not know if this is the correct Patera for Herodion's story, but it was an important high point and fort along an important Trade Route

Patara (high point on Trade Route connecting Silk Road Trebazond to Great Road at Mietelene to Yaravan)
Patara (Cappadocia); city lay on the major trade road from Trapezus on the Black Sea to Satala, and thence to Lake Van. Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; looking up Patara in Herodion's story, I discovered the Armenian trade route North to South from Silk Road at Trebizond to Great Road at Melitene, Samosata and Edessa and then East to West from Edessa to Yerevan along the Upper Euphrates. still do not know if this is the correct Patera for Herodion's story, but it was an important high point and fort along an important Trade Route

Silk Road Great Road Trade Route 3 - Satala, Pontine, Armenia (on the road from Trabzon to Samosata and Lake Van)
Satala, Pontine, Armenia; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; looking up Patara in Herodion's story, I discovered the Armenian trade route North to South from Silk Road at Trebizond to Great Road at Melitene, Samosata and Edessa and then East to West from Edessa to Yerevan along the Upper Euphrates. still do not know if this is the correct Patera for Herodion's story, but it was an important high point and fort along an important Trade Route

Silk Road to Great Road Trade Route 4 - Kemah Fortress, a high point
Kemah Fortress, a high point ; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; looking up Patara in Herodion's story, I discovered the Armenian trade route North to South from Silk Road at Trebizond to Great Road at Melitene, Samosata and Edessa and then East to West from Edessa to Yerevan along the Upper Euphrates. still do not know if this is the correct Patera for Herodion's story, but it was an important high point and fort along an important Trade Route

Silk Road Great Road Trade Route 5 - Melitene, Armenia (Intersection Road from Ephesus and Euphrates River 2)
Malatya; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; looking up Patara in Herodion's story, I discovered the Armenian trade route North to South from Silk Road at Trebizond to Great Road at Melitene, Samosata and Edessa and then East to West from Edessa to Yerevan along the Upper Euphrates. still do not know if this is the correct Patera for Herodion's story, but it was an important high point and fort along an important Trade Route Finding of the Icon of the Mother of God at the Miasena Monastery, Commemorated September 1 ; Uncovering of the relics St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on September 15; Martyr Polyeuctus of Melitene, in Armenia, Commemorated on January 9 ; Martyr Kyriake of Nicomedia; Martyr Eudoxius; St Acacius the Confessor, Commemorated on March 31; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; St Eutychius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on May 28;

Great Road To Yerevan Trade Route Folder - via Upper Euphrates

Great Road to Yerevan Armenia Trade Route via Upper Euphrates River

Great Road to Yerevan Armenia via Euphrates River Trade Route 1 - Samosata and Edessa, Armenia (Euphrates River 3)
Samosata; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; looking up Patara in Herodion's story, I discovered the Armenian trade route North to South from Silk Road at Trebizond to Great Road at Melitene, Samosata and Edessa and then East to West from Edessa to Yerevan along the Upper Euphrates. still do not know if this is the correct Patera for Herodion's story, but it was an important high point and fort along an important Trade Route Martyr Lucian the Presbyter of Antioch, Commemorated on October 15; St Gregory the Wonderworker of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on November 17 ; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11 ; Martyr Romanus at Samosata, Commemorated January 29 ; St Rabulas of Samosata, Commemorated February 19 ; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22;

Great Road to Yerevan Trade Route 2 - Melitene, Armenia (Intersection Road from Ephesus and Euphrates River 2)
Malatya; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; looking up Patara in Herodion's story, I discovered the Armenian trade route North to South from Silk Road at Trebizond to Great Road at Melitene, Samosata and Edessa and then East to West from Edessa to Yerevan along the Upper Euphrates. still do not know if this is the correct Patera for Herodion's story, but it was an important high point and fort along an important Trade Route Finding of the Icon of the Mother of God at the Miasena Monastery, Commemorated September 1 ; Uncovering of the relics St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on September 15; Martyr Polyeuctus of Melitene, in Armenia, Commemorated on January 9 ; Martyr Kyriake of Nicomedia; Martyr Eudoxius; St Acacius the Confessor, Commemorated on March 31; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; St Eutychius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on May 28;

Great Road to Yerevan Trade Route 3 - Armenia, 1071, Battle of Manzikert at Lake Van on Upper Euphrates
Armenia, Battle of Manzikert 1071; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; looking up Patara in Herodion's story, I discovered the Armenian trade route North to South from Silk Road at Trebizond to Great Road at Melitene, Samosata and Edessa and then East to West from Edessa to Yerevan along the Upper Euphrates. still do not know if this is the correct Patera for Herodion's story, but it was an important high point and fort along an important Trade Route

Great Road to Yerevan Trade Route 3 - Lake Van, Taron Region
Lake Van; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; looking up Patara in Herodion's story, I discovered the Armenian trade route North to South from Silk Road at Trebizond to Great Road at Melitene, Samosata and Edessa and then East to West from Edessa to Yerevan along the Upper Euphrates. still do not know if this is the correct Patera for Herodion's story, but it was an important high point and fort along an important Trade Route Taron Region; Arab Muslim Conquest of Armenia 639;

Great Road to Yerevan Trade Route 4 - Euphrates River Source (Murat River Source)
Murat River Source, the Major Source of the Euphrates; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; looking up Patara in Herodion's story, I discovered the Armenian trade route North to South from Silk Road at Trebizond to Great Road at Melitene, Samosata and Edessa and then East to West from Edessa to Yerevan along the Upper Euphrates. still do not know if this is the correct Patera for Herodion's story, but it was an important high point and fort along an important Trade Route Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8;

Great Road to Yervan Trade Route 5 - Erevan (Yerevan Fortress, Melitene)
Erevan (Yerevan Fortress, Melitene); Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; looking up Patara in Herodion's story, I discovered the Armenian trade route North to South from Silk Road at Trebizond to Great Road at Melitene, Samosata and Edessa and then East to West from Edessa to Yerevan along the Upper Euphrates. still do not know if this is the correct Patera for Herodion's story, but it was an important high point and fort along an important Trade Route Arab Muslim Conquest of Armenia 639;

Albania, Roman Roads Folder

Albania, K Triangle Folder, Via Egnatia, Western K Triangle

Kutmichevitsa Triangle - K Triangle
Kutmichevitsa triangle Saloniki-Skopje-Vlora; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25;

K Triangle Saloniki-Skopje-Vlora
Kutmichevitsa triangle Saloniki-Skopje-Vlora; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25;

K Triangle Skopje-Salonik-Vlora
Kutmichevitsa triangle Saloniki-Skopje-Vlora; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25;

K Triangle Vlora-Saloniki-Skopje

Valona, Albania (Aous River Mouth. K Triangle, Via Egnatia)
Valona, Albania; Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated January 16 ; Greatmartyr Anastasia the œDeliverer from PotionsÂ, Commemorated on December 22 ; Martyr Theodota who suffered under Diocletian, Commemorated December 22 ; Virginmartyr Anysia at Thessalonica, Commemorated on December 30 ;

Via Egnatia (The East West Roman Road)
Key towns along the Via Egnatia East West Roman Road Listed from west to east: Ancient name Modern name Modern country Dyrrachium, later Epidamnos Durras Albania Claudiana Peqin Albania Apollonia By the village of Pojani (7 km W of Fier) Albania Masio Scampa Elbasan Albania Lychnida Ohrid North Macedonia Resen Resen North Macedonia Heraclea Bitola North Macedonia Florina Florina Greece Edessa Edessa Greece Pella Pella Greece Thessalonike Thessaloniki Greece Pydna Possibly Kitros, 6 km SW of modern Pydna Greece Amphipolis Amfipoli Greece Philippi 14 km NW of Kavala Greece Neapolis Kavala Greece Traianoupolis Traianoupoli Greece Kypsela kypsala Turkey Aenus Enez Turkey Aproi Turkey Adrianople Edirne (not on the main Via Egnatia) Turkey Perinthus, later Heraclea Village of Marmaraere Turkey Caenophrurium Sinekli in Silivri district Turkey Selymbria Silivri Turkey Melantias Turkey Rhegion l Turkey Byzantium Turkey

Albania, Via Egnatia Folder (Main East West Roman Road, K Triangle)

Key towns along the Via Egnatia East West Roman Road Listed from west to east: Ancient name Modern name Modern country Dyrrachium, later Epidamnos Durras Albania Claudiana Peqin Albania Apollonia By the village of Pojani (7 km W of Fier) Albania Masio Scampa Elbasan Albania Lychnida Ohrid North Macedonia Resen Resen North Macedonia Heraclea Bitola North Macedonia Florina Florina Greece Edessa Edessa Greece Pella Pella Greece Thessalonike Thessaloniki Greece Pydna Possibly Kitros, 6 km SW of modern Pydna Greece Amphipolis Amfipoli Greece Philippi 14 km NW of Kavala Greece Neapolis Kavala Greece Traianoupolis Traianoupoli Greece Kypsela Turkey Aenus Enez Turkey Aproi Village of Kermeyan Turkey Adrianople Edirne (not on the main Via Egnatia) Turkey Perinthus, later Heraclea Village of MarmaraereaŸlisi Turkey Caenophrurium Sinekli in Silivri district Turkey Selymbria Silivri Turkey Melantias Turkey Rhegion Kaekmece, 15 km W of Istanbul Turkey Byzantium, later Constantinople Istanbul Turkey

Bithynia, Roman Roads Folder

Serbia, Roman Roads Folder

Sava River

Drava River

Danube River

Serbia, Roman Road, Via Militaris Folder, from Belgrade, Serbia to Adrianopolis, Bulgaia

Roman Road, Via Militarius

Roman Road, Via Militaris 1, Singidunum (Belgrade)
Roman Road, Via Militarius 1, Singidunum (Belgrade); Roman Road, Via Militarius;

Roman Road, Via Militaris 2 , Viminacium, Roman Moesia Superior (Prima) Capitol
Viminacium, capital of Roman Moesia Superior (Prima), on Via Militarius; Saint Donatus, Bishop of Euroea in Epirus, Commemorated on April 30;

Roman Road, Via Militaris 3 (Naissus or Nish, Serbia (South Morava River 5)
Roman Road, Via Militaris 3 (Naissus or Nish, Serbia (South Morava River 5) Nish, Serbia; Equal of the Apostles and Emperor Constantine with his Mother Helen, Commemorated on May 21;

Hemus Pass
Saturninus and Traianus blocked the Goths near the passes of the Haemus, building a line of fortifications that repulsed the Gothic attacks. The two generals hoped to force the Goths to suffer through the cold winter and the scarcity of food in order to force them into submission; alternatively, the two generals planned to call back the sentinels, luring the Goths of Fritigern into an open-field battle in the plains between the Haemus and the Danube, where they were confident of winning.[2] Fritigern did not accept battle, but enlisted Hunnic and Alan reinforcements. Saturninus realised that he could no longer fight the enemy with his troops, lifted the block on the mountain passes, and retired.[3] magister militum per Thracias, Emperor Theodosius I, who had succeeded Valens after his death in the Battle of Adrianople, entrusted Saturninus to negotiate peace with the Goths: in October 382 he signed a treaty according to which the Goths were to live in the Low Danube as foederati. successful negotiation guaranteed Saturninus the imperial favour, and he was appointed consul for the year 383. Themistius dedicated to him a panegyric. 400 Saturninus was serving under the Eastern Emperor Arcadius, when the magister militum Gainas deposed and exiled him.

Roman Road, Via Militaris 5, Philippopolis, Thrace, Bulgaria (Maritza River 5)
Philippoplis; Martyr Severus and 38 Soldiers in Thrace, Commemorated on August 20; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated October 8 ; Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Commemorated November 5 ; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 8; New Martyr Ignatius the Martyr of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; Martyr Alexander of Rome, Commemorated on May 13; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 31 ; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19;

Roman Road, Via Militaris 6, Adrianopolis, Thrace, Bulgaria
Adrianople; Venerable Cosmas the Eunuch and Hermit of Palestine, Commemorated on August 3; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated September 1 ; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; Repose of St. Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on September 14; St. Stephen of Serbia, œthe blind oneÂ, Commemorated on October 9; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22 ; St Athanasius the Patriarch of Constantinople; Venerable Athanasius the Younger the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated October 28 ; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; New Martyr Euthymius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; St Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on June 13;

Cilicia, Roman Roads Folder

Roman Road in Cilicia

Roman Road in Cilicia - From the East, Connection to Great Road

Roman Road in Cilicia - From the West, Connection to the Great Road through Cicilian Gates

Roman Road in Cilicia - Connecting Tarsus and Antioch, Cilicia (Adana, Incirlik)

Roman Road in Cilicia - Connecting Comana or Cucusus with Antioch, Cilicia and Syria

Roman Road in Cilicia - Connecting Antioch Cilicia with Comona and Great Road

Roman Road in Cicilia
Roman Road in Cicilia; Roman road in Cilicia (Turkish: Roma yolu) is a part of a Roman road in Mersin Province, Turkey. at the southern end road is thought to be a part of the main road connecting Cilicia to Capadocia during antiquity. northern terminus was likely in the town of Bahçeli, a part of the ancient city of Tyanna in Niğde Province. southern terminus was in Tarsus, a major district center in Mersin Province and an important ancient city. modern highway distance between these two locations is 148 kilometres (92 mi). presently only a small section of the road has been unearthed. unearthed road starts from a hill at about 37°03′N 34°54′E around Sağlıklı village which is 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from Tarsus, and continues about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) to the north. average altitude of the road is 300 metres (980 ft) to 400 metres (1,300 ft). the southern end of the unearthed section, where Tarsus is in the view, there is a gate which was either an arch gate or a border check point of Cilicia. is also a very short road in Tarsus urban fabric[1] called Ancient road which has been discovered only recently. But whether the two roads are connected is unclear. road is thought to have been constructed in the 1st century AD by the Roman Empire.[2] But according to a restoration inscription next to the road, it was rebuilt or repaired during the reign of Caracalla in the 3rd century. The original gate, dated to 5th century, was destroyed at some point, and the present gate was reconstructed much later. details[edit] road is stone pavement[3] and there are stone parapets on each side of the road. The width of the road excluding the parapet is about 3 metres (9.8 ft). The outer dimensions of the cut stone gate is 8.8 m. wide x 5.2 m. high ( 28.98 ft high x 17 ft wide).[4][5] The inner width is 4.11 metres (13.5 ft).

Roman Road of Cicilia - Bahcelia, Northern Terminal
Roman Road of Cicilia - Bahcelia, Northern Terminal;

Cicilian Gates

Heraclea Cybistra (Cilician Gates)
Heraclea Cybistra: the entry pont into the hills on the way to Cilicia; Martyr Aristion the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on September 3 ; Apostle Aquila of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates œthe Genera, Commemorated on February 8 ; Translation of the relics of the Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates, Commemorated on June 8; St Ephraim the Patriarch of Antioch, Commemorated on June 8 ;

Alexandria in Cilicia (Asia Minor, Cilician Gates route)
Alexandria in Cilicia (Asia Minor), Alexandria is probably Kitikien of the Ptolemaic Empire, along the Cilician Gates route ; Martyr Anthony of Alexandria, Commemorated on August 9; Martyr Anthony, a native of the city of Alexandria, was a Christian. For his confession of faith they tied him to a tree and tore at his body with iron hooks, and then sentenced him to burning. Standing in the fire, he calmly exhorted those standing about to toil not for the body but for the soul in aspiring towards God. After the fire flared up, the body of the saint remained unharmed. The time of his death is unknown. Martyr Aristion the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on September 3 ; Aristion was the bishop of lesser Alexandria in Cilicia (Asia Minor). He was born in the small town of Aribazo in the eparchy of Apamea, Syria at the beginning of the second century. His parents were pagans, and he spent his early years in an atmosphere of idolatry. do not know what sort of early education Saint Aristion received, nor where he studied, but it did not satisfy his search for the truth. A ten-year-old boy who lived in the same town, the future martyr Anthony, showed him the path which led to the truth. Anthony instructed him in the true Faith, and Aristion increased in piety and zeal for God. is significant that Anthony, despite the constant fear of persecution, exile and even danger to his own life, was not just a member of the local church, but also preached the Faith to others. It is certain that Aristion prayed for his young friend and remembered his courage and strength, for Anthony’s efforts to bring Aristion to the saving Faith had born fruit and were not in vain. Not only did Anthony give himself to the Church through his martyrdom at the age of twenty, he also gave it another saint and martyr: Saint Aristion later, Saint Aristion was consecrated bishop for Isso in Cilicia, which is found in lesser Alexandria. He was a good shepherd to his flock, and cared diligently for their souls. day the ruler of Alexandria had Saint Aristion arrested because he was a Christian. Although he was placed on public trial, the holy bishop was calm and showed no fear. His whole demeanor made the Roman eparch realize that it would not easy to deal with this man who stood before him. He tried to turn Aristion from Christ through flattery and promises of reward, but the saint stood firm. Seeing that his words had no effect on the bishop, he threatened him with fierce tortures. He was not influenced by these threats, however. Aristion stood before the eparch and his counselors, gazing at them with love and concern for their salvation. Even in his weakness, this captive was stronger than his captors, and he refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. a multitude of idolaters, Saint Aristion spoke of the Triune God, by Whom all things were created. He also told them about the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ, which was accomplished through God’s saving dispensation. He explained that Christ brings salvation to fallen man, thereby giving him another chance to attain the true purpose of his life—theosis. “How poor these soulless statues of the gods are,” the bishop said, “and how helpless the eparch looks in his radiant apparel.” who heard the saint speak were amazed and asked one another where he got such courage. Aristion invited them to believe in the truth which he was revealing to them. Those who watched understood that this holy man was someone special, and they wanted to hear more about his beliefs. Roman eparch could not find any way to resist Aristion except through violence, so he sentenced him to death. He commanded his soldiers to prepare a large furnace and then throw him into the flames.The saint went to his martyrdom without resistance, remaining brave and strong until the end. The few Christians who were present tried not to weep.They whispered prayers for him, and were saddened because their father was leaving them. They knew, however, that their archpastor would not cease praying for them, especially now that he was going to Christ. They could hear Saint Aristion singing hymns in the fire until his last breath. eparch did not know what a terrible mistake he had made. He did not realize that death is not the end for men, nor for the truth. Nothing could separate Saint Aristion from the Fountain of Life, and so the Lord bestowed upon him an imperishable crown of glory. the flames died down, his spiritual children approached the furnace and collected as many of his bones as they could. With great reverence they put the holy relics in a secret place, which remains unknown to the present day. more detailed biography of the saint has been published (in Greek): THE HOLY HIEROMARTYR ARISTION, by John G. Thalassinos (Athens, 2003). This volume also contains the Service to the saint, which was composed by Hieromonk Athanasius of Simonopetra Monastery on Mt. Athos.

Roman Road of Cicilia - Tarsus, Southern Terminal
Tarsus; /ˈtɑːrsəs/ (Hittite: Tarsa; Greek: Ταρσός Tarsós; Armenian: Տարսոն Tarson; Arabic: طَرسُوس Ṭarsūs) is a historic city in south-central Turkey, 20 km (12 miles) inland from the Mediterranean. It is part of the Adana-Mersin metropolitan area, the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Turkey with a population of 3 million people. Tarsus forms an administrative district in the eastern part of the Mersin Province and lies in the core of Çukurova region. a history going back over 6,000 years, Tarsus has long been an important stop for traders and a focal point of many civilizations. the Roman Empire, Tarsus was the capital of the province of Cilicia. was the scene of the first meeting between Mark Antony and Cleopatra, and the birthplace of Paul the Apostle. St. Paul well in Tarsus, Cilicia. St. Paul's Church Interior of Saint Paul's Church on the mouth of the Berdan River (Cydnus in antiquity), which empties into the Mediterranean, Tarsus is a junction point of land and sea routes connecting the Cilician plain (today called Çukurova), central Anatolia and the Mediterranean sea. The climate is typical of the Mediterranean region, with very hot summers and chilly, damp winters. has a long history of commerce, and is still a commercial centre today, trading in the produce of the fertile Çukurova plain; also Tarsus is a thriving industrial centre of refining and processing that produces some for export. Industries include agricultural machinery, spare parts, textiles, fruit-processing, brick-making and ceramics. is an important source of income: half the land area in the district is farmland (1,050 km2 [410 sq mi]) and most of the remainder is forest and orchard. The farmland is mostly well-irrigated, fertilised and managed with up-to-date equipment. has also one of the most famous and important highschools of Turkey which is Tarsus American College, known as TAC as well.

Bulgaria, Roman Roads Folder

Bulgaria, Roman Road, Via Militaris Folder, from Belgrade, Serbia to Adrianopolis, Bulgaia

Roman Road, Via Militarius 1, Singidunum (Belgrade)
Roman Road, Via Militarius 1, Singidunum (Belgrade); Roman Road, Via Militarius;

Roman Road, Via Militarius 2 , Viminacium, Roman Moesia Superior (Prima) Capitol
Viminacium, capital of Roman Moesia Superior (Prima), on Via Militarius; Saint Donatus, Bishop of Euroea in Epirus, Commemorated on April 30;

Roman Road, Via Militaris 4, Serdica or Sofia, Bulgaria
Roman Road, Via Militaris 4, Sofia, Bulgaria Sofia occupies a strategic position at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula, on Roman Road. Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated August 30; Greatmartyr George the New at Sofia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 26;

India & China, Apostles Silk Road Folder (from Black Sea)

Silk Road North 1 Luoyang

Silk Road North 2 Changan

Xi'an, ancient capital of China (Silk Road Starting Point)
Xi'an, ancient capital of China;

Xianyang, China (Silk Road North 2 Changan)
Xianyang; ERIC LIDDELL MISSIONARY TO CHINA, 1945, Commemorated February 22;

Bin County, Shaanxi, China (Includes Xiaozhang)
Bin County, Shaanxi (Includes Xiaozhang), and is part of Xianyang, Shaanxi, China; ERIC LIDDELL MISSIONARY TO CHINA, 1945, Commemorated February 22 ;

Silk Road North 3 Shaanxi Province

Silk Road North 4 Gansu Province

Silk Road North 5a north of Taklimakan Desert

Silk Road North 5b South of Taklimakan Desert

Silk Road North 5c Turpan

Silk Road North 6a Kashgar

Silk Road North 6b Talgar

Silk Road Divider (Tian Shan Mountains)
Tian Shan Mountains;

Silk Road North 7 Amaty

Alma-Atu, Silk Road North 7, Turkestan, Kazakistan
Alma-Atu, Silk Road North 7, Turkestan, Kazakistan; Hieromartyr Hilarion, Archbishop of Vereiya, Commemorated on December 15;

Silk Road North Kokand

Silk Road North Termiz

Silk Road North Balkh

Silk Road North Fergana Valley

Silk Road North Karakum Desert

Silk Road North and South at Merv

Silk Road North and South at Black Sea at Trabzon

Silk Road South Karakoram

Silk Road South Karakoram Highway

Silk Road South Khunjerab Pass

Silk Road South, K Hwy 1, Upal China

Silk Road South, K Hwy 2, Tashkurgan, Xinjiang China

Silk Road South, K Hwy 3, Sost

Silk Road South, K Hwy 4, Passu

Silk Road South, K Hwy 5, Gulmit

Silk Road South, K Hwy 6, Hunza Valley

Silk Road South, K Hwy 7, Nagar Valley

Silk Road South, K Hwy 8, Gilgit

Silk Road South, K Hwy 9, Parri Bangla

Silk Road South, K Hwy 10, Chilas

Silk Road South, K Hwy 11, Kohistan

Silk Road South, K Hwy 12, Besham

Silk Road South over the Hindu Kush Mountains

Silk Road South, Hindu Kush Mountains to Merv

Silk Road South, Kashgar, China to Hindu Kush Mountains (Tea Horse Route)

Silk Road North to Kashgar by north of the Taklimakan Desert route

Silk Road North to Kashgar by south of the Taklimakan Desert route

Silk Road North and North of the Tian Shan Mountains

Silk Road from Kashgar to Fergana Valley to Koland to Merv

Silk Road from Kashgar to Termiz to Balkh to Merv

Silk Road, Trabezon to Merv
Western reaches of the Silk Road

Grand Trunk Road (between South China and Afganistan)

Grand Trunk Road 1 (Chittagong, Bangladesh)

Grand Trunk Road 2 (Dhaka, Bangladesh)

Grand Trunk Road 3 (Serampore Colony, Kolkata, West Bengal, India)

Grand Trunk Road 4 (Howrah, West Bengal, India)

Grand Trunk Road 5 (Murshidabad, West Bengal, India)

Grand Trunk Road 6 (Patna, Bihar, India)

Grand Trunk Road 7 (Banares, India)

Grand Trunk Road 8 (Ilhabad)

Grand Trunk Road 9 (Delhi, India)

Grand Trunk Road 10 (Lahore, Pakistan)

Grand Trunk Road 11 (Peshawar, Pakistan)

Grand Trunk Road 12 (Kabul, Afganistan)

Grand Trunk Road (Southeast Asia to Afganistan)

Southern Silk Road

Southern Silk Road - The Tea Route (Hunnan to Bengal)

Southern Silk Road- the Tea Route (Yunnan)

Southern Silk Road - The Tea Route (Dhaka, Bengal