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

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, 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.

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.