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

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.