Syria Folder, its rivers and mountains, Greater Syria - The Fertile Crecent.kmz

Syria Folder, its rivers and mountains, Greater Syria - The Fertile Crecent

Syria, Greater Syria (The Fertile Crescent, a country without a nation)
Greater Syria (The Fertile Crescent); The Pace Teamswin Locations Abstract of the Fertile Crescent; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9 ; Hieromartyr Pancratius the Bishop of Taormina in Sicily, Commemorated on July 9 ; Venerable Patermuthius the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on July 9; St Joseph of Damascus and his companions, Commemorated July 10 ; Icon of the Mother of God œof the Three HandsÂ on Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 12 ; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Dius the Abbot of Antioch, Commemorated on July 19; Prophet Ezekiel, Commemorated on July 21 ; Venerable Simeon of Emessa the Fool-For-Christ, Commemorated on July 21; Hieromartyr Apollinaris the Bishop of Ravenna, Commemorated on July 23; St Hilarion of Tvali, Commemorated on July 24; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectressÂ Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; Martyr Acacius of Apamea, Commemorated July 28 ; Virginmartyr Seraphima (Serapia) of Antioch, Commemorated on July 29; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated July 30 ; WILLIAM WILBERFORCE [and ANTHONY ASHLEY-COOPER, 7th EARL OF SHAFTESBURY], PROPHETIC WITNESSES, 1833, 1885, Commemorated July 30 ; 7 Holy Maccabee Martyrs, Commemorated on August 1; Venerable Cosmas the Eunuch and Hermit of Palestine, Commemorated on August 3; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Martyr Dometius of Persia, Commemorated on August 7; Apostle Matthias of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 9 ; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Apamea, Commemorated August 14 ; Translation of the Image œNot-Made-By-HandsÂ of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in AugustÂ, Commemorated on August 16 ; Venerable Gerasimus the New Ascetic of Cephalonia, Commemorated on August 16 ; Martyr Paul of Syria, Commemorated on August 17; Martyr Andrew Stratelates in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 19; Venerable Theophanes of Dochiariou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 19; BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT, THEOLOGIAN, AND POET (20 AUGUST 1153); Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated August 21 ; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; Hieromartyr Athanasius the Bishop of Tarsus in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 22 ; Venerable Anthusa the Nun, Commemorated August 22 ; Return of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from Anastasiopolis to Lipari, Commemorated August 25 : By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon. ; St Barses the Confessor, Commemorated August 25 ; The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John, Commemorated on August 29 ; St Gabriel I the Patriarch, Commemorated on August 30; St Simeon Stylites, the Elder, Commemorated September 1 ; Venerable Martha the Mother of St Simeon Stylites, Commemorated on September 1 ; Martyr Aristion the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on September 3 ; Martyr Juventinus the Soldier at Antioch, Commemorated on September 5 ; Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated September 5 ; Martyr Eudoxius, Commemorated September 6 ; Apostle Evodius (Euodias) of the Seventy, Commemorated September 7 ; Forefeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God. Commemorated September 7 ; Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 10; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; New Martyr Isaac of Georgia, Commemorated on September 16 ; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 1 ; Martyr David the Prince of Georgia, Commemorated on October 2; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 5; St Agabbas of Syria, Commemorated on November 22 ; JOHN OF DAMASCUS, HYMN-WRITER, DEFENDER OF ICONS (4 DEC 750); Martyr Athenodorus of Mesopotamia, Commemorated December 7 ; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11 ; St Modestus the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated December 18 ; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20 ; St Philogonius the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated December 20 ; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the "Unsleeping Ones", Commemorated December 29 ; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commerated December 30 ; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31 ; St Basil the Great the Archbishop of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated January 1 ; St Sylvester the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 2 ; Apostle and Evangelist Luke of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Euodius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Mark the Evangelist of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ; St Eustratius the Wonderworker, Commemorated on January 9 ; St Theodosius of Antioch, Commemorated Janaury 11; St James the Bishop of Nisibis, Commemorated January 13 ; St Ephraim the Lesser, Commemorated January 18 ; Venerable Marcian of Cyrrhus in Syria, Commemorated January 18 ; St Macarius the Stylite of Martkobsk, Georgia, Commemorated on January 19 ; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20 ; St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated January 21 ; Venerable Mausimas the Syrian, Commemorated January 23 ; St Macedonius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated January 24 ; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25 ; St Mares the Singer in Syria, Commemorated January 25 ; St Publius the Ascetic of Syria, Commemorated January 25 ; SILAS, MISSIONARY COMPANION OF PAUL, Commemorated January 26 ; St Isaac the Syrian the Bishop of Nineveh, Commemorated on January 28 ; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28 ; Venerable Palladius the Hermit, of Antioch, Commemorated on January 28 ; Martyr Ashot Curapalati, King of of Artanuji, Commemorated on January 29 ; Martyr Romanus at Samosata, Commemorated January 29 ; Martyr Silvanus Bishop of Emesa, Commemorated January 29 ; St Aphraates of Persia, Commemorated on January 29 ; St Sarbelus of Edessa, January 29 ; Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on January 29 ; Venerable Zeno the Hermit of Antioch the Disciple of St Basil the Great, Commemorated January 30 ; Wonderworker and Unmercenary Cyrus, Commemorated on January 31 ; Martyr Tryphon of Campsada Near Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple, Commemorated on February 2 ; Martyr Julian of Emesa, Commemorated on February 6 ; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6; Martyr Nicephorus of Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 9 ; Venerable Shio Mgvime, Commemorated February 9 ; Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12 ; St Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 12 ; St Prochorus of Georgia, Commemorated February 12 ; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated February 13 ; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14 ; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated February 14 ; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated February 14 ; St Flavian, Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 16 ; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; St Eugene the Presbyter and Confessor at Antioch, Commemorated February 19 ; St Rabulas of Samosata, Commemorated February 19 ; St Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 21; Martyr Maurice at Apamea in Syria, Commemorated February 22 ; Venerable Baradates, Hermit of Syria, Commemorated February 22 ; Venerable Alexander the founder of the Monastery, of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated February 23 ; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated February 23 ; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated on February 24; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated February 27 ; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable Thalelaeus the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 27 ; Venerable Marana of Syria, Commemorated on February 28 ; Virginmartyr Domnina of Syria, Commemorated on March 1 ; Martyr Antonina of Nicea, in Bithynia, Commemorated on March 1; Martyr Eudokia of Heliopolis, Commemorated on March 1; St James the Faster of Phoenicia, Syria, Commemorated on March 4; 42 Martyrs of Ammoria in Phrygia, Commemorated on March 6; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10 ; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; Martyr Julian of Anazarbus, Commemorated on March 16; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Aninas of the Euphrates, Commemorated on March 18; St Cyril the Bishop of Catania, Commemorated on March 21 ; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26; St Malchus of Chalcis in Syria, Commemorated on March 26 ; Venerable Hilarion the New the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on March 28; Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29; Martyr Cyril the Deacon of Heliopolis, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29 ; St Platonida (Platonis) of Nisibis, Syria, Commemorated on April 6; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8 ; Monkmartyr Menas of Palestine, Commemorated on April 12; St Isaac the Syrian, Abbot of Spoleto, Commemorated on April 12; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Icon of the Mother of God of Vilnius, Commemorated on April 14; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15; Apostle Trophimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15 ; St Ephraim the Great of Atsquri, Commemorated on April 15; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; Venerable Anastasius the Abbot of Sinai, Commemorated on April 20; GEORGE, SOLDIER and MARTYR, 23 APRIL 303, Commemorated April 23; Venerable Thomas the Fool of Syria, Commemorated on April 24; Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25; MARK THE EVANGELIST, (25 APR NT) ; EARLY ABBOTS of CLUNY, 30 April 909 ; Martyr Bata the Persian, Commemorated on May 1; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4; Greatmartyr Irene of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 5; St John Zedazneli of Zaden, in Georgia with his 12 Disciples, Commemorated on May 7; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); Martyr Christopher of Lycia, Commemorated on May 9 ; Repose of the Venerable Shio the Anchorite of Georgia, Commemorated on May 9; Martyr Hesychius of Antioch, Commemorated on May 10; Hieromartyr Hermogenes the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on May 12; St Pausicacus the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 13; Martyr Michael œthe Black-RobedÂ of St Sava Monastery, Commemorated on May 23; Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger of Wonderful Mountain, Commemorated on May 24; St Eutychius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on May 28; Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4 ; St Ephraim the Patriarch of Antioch, Commemorated on June 8; Translation of the relics of the Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates, Commemorated on June 8; Venerable Zosimus of Phoenicia, Syria, Commemorated on June 8; St David Gareji, Commemorated on June 9; EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373); Venerable Theophanes of Antioch, Commemorated on June 10; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on June 11 ; Apostle Bartholomew of the Twelve, Commemorated on June 11 ; Venerable Peter of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on June 12 ; Prophet Elisha, Commemorated on June 14; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; Martyr Leontius at Tripoli in Syria, Commemorated on June 18 ; Apostle Jude the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on June 19; Martyr Julian of Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on June 21 ; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22; Martyr Eustochius of Ancyra, Commemorated on June 23; ISABEL FLORENCE HAPGOOD, ECUMENIST and JOURNALIST, 1929, Commemorated June 26 ; Venerable George of Mt. Athos, Georgian, Commemorated on June 27; Icon of the Mother of God of œthe Three HandsÂ, Commemorated on June 28; IRENAEUS, BISHOP OF LYONS, THEOLOGIAN (28 JUN 202) ; PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64); The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Paul, Commemorated on June 29; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, Commemorated on June 29 ; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on July 3 ; St George the God-Bearer, Commemorated on July 3; St Andrew the Archbishop of Crete, Commemorated on July 4; Venerable Martha the Mother of the Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger, Commemorated on July 4 ; Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on July 8;

Syria, Levant (The Fertile Crescent)
Levant (Latin name for The Fertile Crescent, from the Eastern sunrise, levitate); The Pace Teamswin Locations Abstract of the Fertile Crescent; Greater Syria (The Fertile Crescent); St Agabbas of Syria, Commemorated on November 22 ; Martyr Athenodorus of Mesopotamia, Commemorated December 7 ; St Modestus the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated December 18 ; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20 ; St Philogonius the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated December 20 ; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commerated December 30 ; Apostle and Evangelist Luke of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ; Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Venerable Thalelaeus the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 27 ; St Platonida (Platonis) of Nisibis, Syria, Commemorated on April 6; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8 ; Monkmartyr Menas of Palestine, Commemorated on April 12; St Isaac the Syrian, Abbot of Spoleto, Commemorated on April 12; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Icon of the Mother of God of Vilnius, Commemorated on April 14; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15; Martyr Bata the Persian, Commemorated on May 1; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4; Greatmartyr Irene of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 5; Hieromartyr Hermogenes the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on May 12; St Pausicacus the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 13; Martyr Julian of Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on June 21 ; ANTHONY ASHLEY-COOPER, 7th EARL OF SHAFTESBURY], PROPHETIC WITNESS, 1885 "a country without a nation" for "a nation without a country";

Zargos Mountains - Around the Fertile Crescent
Zargos Mountains, around the Fertile Crescent;

Syria, Middle East (Greater Syria, Levant)
Middle East; Rex Humbard, PENTECOSTAL SAINT, 2007, Commemorated September 21 ; St Agabbas of Syria, Commemorated on November 22 ; Martyr Athenodorus of Mesopotamia, Commemorated December 7 ; St Modestus the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated December 18 ; St Philogonius the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated December 20 ; Apostle and Evangelist Luke of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ;

Syria, Syrian Deserts (Land of the Saracens)
Syrian Deserts; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated February 23 ; Venerable Antiochus, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts; Venerable Antoninus, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts; Venerable Zebinas, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts; Venerable Polychronius, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated February 23 ; Venerable Damian, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts; Venerable Alexander the founder of the Monastery, of the "Unsleeping Ones", Commemorated February 23 ; Monkmartyr Menas of Palestine, Commemorated on April 12;

Syria, Damascus
Syria; Hieromartyr Pancratius the Bishop of Taormina in Sicily, Commemorated on July 9 ; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9 ; Venerable Patermuthius the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on July 9; St Joseph of Damascus and his companions, Commemorated July 10 ; Icon of the Mother of God ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Âœof the Three HandsÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ on Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 12 ; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Dius the Abbot of Antioch, Commemorated on July 19; Prophet Ezekiel, Commemorated on July 21 ; Venerable Simeon of Emessa the Fool-For-Christ, Commemorated on July 21; Appearance of the Smolensk ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂœDirectressÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; Martyr Acacius of Apamea, Commemorated July 28 ; Virginmartyr Seraphima (Serapia) of Antioch, Commemorated on July 29; 7 Holy Maccabee Martyrs, Commemorated on August 1; Venerable Cosmas the Eunuch and Hermit of Palestine, Commemorated on August 3; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Martyr Dometius of Persia, Commemorated on August 7; Apostle Matthias of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 9; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Apamea, Commemorated August 14 ; Translation of the Image ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂœNot-Made-By-HandsÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂœFeast of the Savior in AugustÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on August 16 ; Venerable Gerasimus the New Ascetic of Cephalonia, Commemorated on August 16 ; Martyr Paul of Syria, Commemorated on August 17; Martyr Andrew Stratelates in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 19; Venerable Theophanes of Dochiariou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 19; BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT, THEOLOGIAN, AND POET (20 AUGUST 1153); Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated August 21 ; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; Hieromartyr Athanasius the Bishop of Tarsus in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 22 ; Venerable Anthusa the Nun, Commemorated August 22 ; St Gabriel I the Patriarch, Commemorated on August 30; St Simeon Stylites, the Elder, Commemorated September 1 ; Venerable Martha the Mother of St Simeon Stylites, Commemorated on September 1 ; Martyr Aristion the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on September 3 ; Martyr Juventinus the Soldier at Antioch, Commemorated on September 5 ; Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated September 5 ; Apostle Evodius (Euodias) of the Seventy, Commemorated September 7 ; Forefeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God. Commemorated September 7 ; Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 10 ; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; New Martyr Isaac of Georgia, Commemorated on September 16 ; Martyr David the Prince of Georgia, Commemorated on October 2; St Abercius the Bishop and Wonderworker of Hieropolis, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Sergius in Syria; Venerable Akepsimas the Hermit of Cyrrhus in Syria, Commemorated November 3 ; Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, November 16 ; St Agabbas of Syria, Commemorated on November 22 ; Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated on November 26; JOHN OF DAMASCUS, HYMN-WRITER, DEFENDER OF ICONS (4 DEC 750); Martyr John of Damascus, Commemorated December 4 ; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11 ; St Modestus the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated December 18 ; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20 ; St Philogonius the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated December 20 ; Hieromartyr Gregory (Peradze) of Georgia; Sunday after the Nativity: Commemoration of the Holy Righteous David the King, Joseph the Betrothed, and James the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated December 26 ; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the "Unsleeping Ones", Commemorated December 29 ; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commerated December 30 ; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31 ; St Basil the Great the Archbishop of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated January 1 ; St Sylvester the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 2 ; Apostle and Evangelist Luke of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Euodius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Mark the Evangelist of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ; St Eustratius the Wonderworker, Commemorated on January 9 ; St Theodosius of Antioch, Commemorated Janaury 11; St Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 12 ; St James the Bishop of Nisibis, Commemorated January 13 ; St Ephraim the Lesser, Commemorated January 18 ; Venerable Marcian of Cyrrhus in Syria, Commemorated January 18 ; St Macarius the Stylite of Martkobsk, Georgia, Commemorated on January 19 ; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20 ; St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated January 21 ; Venerable Mausimas the Syrian, Commemorated January 23 ; St Macedonius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated January 24 ; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25 ; St Publius the Ascetic of Syria, Commemorated January 25 ; St Mares the Singer in Syria, Commemorated January 25 ; SILAS, MISSIONARY COMPANION OF PAUL, Commemorated January 26 ; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28 ; St Isaac the Syrian the Bishop of Nineveh, Commemorated on January 28 ; Venerable Palladius the Hermit, of Antioch, Commemorated on January 28 ; Martyr Ashot Curapalati, King of of Artanuji, Commemorated on January 29 ; Martyr Romanus at Samosata, Commemorated January 29 ; Martyr Silvanus Bishop of Emesa, Commemorated January 29 ; St Aphraates of Persia, Commemorated on January 29 ; St Sarbelus of Edessa, January 29 ; Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on January 29 ; Venerable Zeno the Hermit of Antioch the Disciple of St Basil the Great, Commemorated January 30 ; Wonderworker and Unmercenary Cyrus, Commemorated on January 31 ; Martyr Tryphon of Campsada Near Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple, Commemorated on February 2 ; Martyr Julian of Emesa, Commemorated on February 6 ; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6; Martyr Nicephorus of Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 9 ; Venerable Shio Mgvime, Commemorated February 9 ; Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12 ; St Prochorus of Georgia, Commemorated February 12 ; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated February 13 ; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14 ; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated February 14 ; Venerable Eusebius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated February 15 ; St Flavian, Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 16 ; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; St Eugene the Presbyter and Confessor at Antioch, Commemorated February 19 ; St Rabulas of Samosata, Commemorated February 19 ; St Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 21; Martyr Maurice at Apamea in Syria, Commemorated February 22 ; Venerable Limnaeus Hermit of Syria, Commemorated February 22 ; Venerable Baradates, Hermit of Syria, Commemorated February 22 ; Hieromartyr Polycarp the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Alexander the founder of the Monastery, of the ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂœUnsleeping OnesÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable John, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated February 23 ; Venerable Moses, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts, Commemorated February 23 ; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated on February 24; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated February 27 ; Venerable Thalelaeus the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 27 ; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27 ; Venerable John-Barsanuphius the Bishop of Damascus, Commemorated on February 28 ; Venerable Marana of Syria, Commemorated on February 28 ; Virginmartyr Domnina of Syria, Commemorated on March 1 ; 42 Martyrs of Ammoria in Phrygia, Commemorated on March 6; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10 ; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; Martyr Julian of Anazarbus, Commemorated on March 16; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Aninas of the Euphrates, Commemorated on March 18; St Cyril the Bishop of Catania, Commemorated on March 21 ; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26; St Malchus of Chalcis in Syria, Commemorated on March 26; Venerable Hilarion the New the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on March 28; Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29; St Platonida (Platonis) of Nisibis, Syria, Commemorated on April 6; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8 ; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Icon of the Mother of God of Vilnius, Commemorated on April 14; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15; Apostle Trophimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15 ; St Ephraim the Great of Atsquri, Commemorated on April 15; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; Venerable Anastasius the Abbot of Sinai, Commemorated on April 20; GEORGE, SOLDIER and MARTYR, 23 APRIL 303, Commemorated April 23; Venerable Thomas the Fool of Syria, Commemorated on April 24; Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25; MARK THE EVANGELIST, (25 APR NT) ; EARLY ABBOTS of CLUNY, 30 April 909 ; Martyr Bata the Persian, Commemorated on May 1; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4; Greatmartyr Irene of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 5; St John Zedazneli of Zaden, in Georgia with his 12 Disciples, Commemorated on May 7; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); Martyr Christopher of Lycia, Commemorated on May 9 ; Repose of the Venerable Shio the Anchorite of Georgia, Commemorated on May 9; Martyr Hesychius of Antioch, Commemorated on May 10; Hieromartyr Hermogenes the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on May 12; St Pausicacus the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 13; Martyr Michael ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Âœthe Black-RobedÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ of St Sava Monastery, Commemorated on May 23; Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger of Wonderful Mountain, Commemorated on May 24; St Eutychius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on May 28; Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4 ; St Ephraim the Patriarch of Antioch, Commemorated on June 8; Translation of the relics of the Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates, Commemorated on June 8; Venerable Zosimus of Phoenicia, Syria, Commemorated on June 8; St David Gareji, Commemorated on June 9; EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373); Venerable Theophanes of Antioch, Commemorated on June 10; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on June 11; Apostle Bartholomew of the Twelve, Commemorated on June 11 ; Venerable Peter of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on June 12 ; Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Syria, Commemorated on June 13 ; Prophet Elisha, Commemorated on June 14; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; Apostle Jude the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on June 19; Martyr Julian of Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on June 21 ; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22; Martyr Eustochius of Ancyra, Commemorated on June 23; Icon of the Mother of God of ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Âœthe Three HandsÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on June 28; IRENAEUS, BISHOP OF LYONS, THEOLOGIAN (28 JUN 202) ; PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64); The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Paul, Commemorated on June 29; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, Commemorated on June 29 ; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂœUnsleeping OnesÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on July 3 ; St George the God-Bearer, Commemorated on July 3; Venerable Martha the Mother of the Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger, Commemorated on July 4 ; Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on July 8;

Syria, 586 BC-516 BC, Prophet Ezekiel, During the 70 Yrs
Jerusalem, 586 BC-516 BC, Prophet Ezekiel, During the 70 Yrs Jerusalem Prophet, 586 BC-551 BC, Habakkuk, During the 70 Yrs; Jerusalem Prophet, 586 BC-516 BC, Daniel, During the 70 Yrs; Jerusalem King, 586 BC-551 BC, Shealtiel, Fall of Jerusalem, Begin 70 Yrs ; Holy Prophet Malachi, Commemorated on January 3;

Syria, 240-63 BC, Seleucid Empire in Antioch
Syria, 240-63 BC, Seleucid Empire in Antioch; 7 Holy Maccabee Martyrs, Commemorated on August 1;

Syria, 64 BC-314 AD, Roman Province (Antioch)
Syria, Roman Province; Hieromartyr Pancratius the Bishop of Taormina in Sicily, Commemorated on July 9 ; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9 ; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Dius the Abbot of Antioch, Commemorated on July 19; Hieromartyr Apollinaris the Bishop of Ravenna, Commemorated on July 23; St Hilarion of Tvali, Commemorated on July 24; Appearance of the Smolensk ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂœDirectressÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; Martyr Acacius of Apamea, Commemorated July 28 ; Virginmartyr Seraphima (Serapia) of Antioch, Commemorated on July 29; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated July 30 ; 7 Holy Maccabee Martyrs, Commemorated on August 1; Venerable Cosmas the Eunuch and Hermit of Palestine, Commemorated on August 3; Martyr Dometius of Persia, Commemorated on August 7; Apostle Matthias of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 9 ; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Venerable Gerasimus the New Ascetic of Cephalonia, Commemorated on August 16 ; St Gabriel I the Patriarch, Commemorated on August 30; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 1 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 5; St Agabbas of Syria, Commemorated on November 22 ; St Modestus the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated December 18 ; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20 ; St Philogonius the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated December 20 ; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commerated December 30 ; Apostle and Evangelist Luke of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ; St Flavian, Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 16 ; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8 ; GEORGE, SOLDIER and MARTYR, 23 APRIL 303, Commemorated April 23; Venerable Thomas the Fool of Syria, Commemorated on April 24; Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25; MARK THE EVANGELIST, (25 APR NT) ; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4; Martyr Hesychius of Antioch, Commemorated on May 10; Hieromartyr Hermogenes the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on May 12; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on June 11; Martyr Eustochius of Ancyra, Commemorated on June 23; Venerable George of Mt. Athos, Georgian, Commemorated on June 27; IRENAEUS, BISHOP OF LYONS, THEOLOGIAN (28 JUN 202) ; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂœUnsleeping OnesÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on July 3 ; St George the God-Bearer, Commemorated on July 3; Venerable Martha the Mother of the Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger, Commemorated on July 4 ;

Syria, 314-637, Byzantine Province (Antioch and Apamea)
Syria - Byzantine Province (Antioch and Apamea), 314-637;

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

Syria, 637, Arab Moslem Conquest of Antioch, Iron Bridge Battle
Syria, 637, Arab Moslem Conquest of Antioch; Battle of the Iron Bridge; In 637, during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Heraclius, Antioch was conquered by the Rashidun Caliphate during the Battle of the Iron Bridge.;

Syria, First Muslim Civil War, 656-661
Syria, First Muslim Civil War, 656-661;

Syria, 661-750, Arab Umayyad Caliphate, Sunni Islam
Syria, Arab Umayyad Caliphate, 661-750, Sunni Islam; Martyr David the Prince of Georgia, Commemorated on October 2; Martyr Peter of Capetolis, Commemorated on October 4; JOHN OF DAMASCUS, HYMN-WRITER, DEFENDER OF ICONS (4 DEC 750); Martyr John of Damascus, Commemorated on December 4;

Syria, 750-1517, Abbasid, Caliphates, Arab, based in Baghdad, Shia
Abbasid, Caliphates, 750-1517, Arab, based in Baghdad, Shia; Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25;

Coelesyria (all of Syria)
Coelesyria (all of Syria), from the hollow of the Beqaa Valley between Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon to Antioch, and over to Damascus and Aleppo, 1 Maccabees Ch 10,

Seleucia, Syria, Messopotamia & Persia (Tigris River 7)
Seleucia; Hieromartyr Athanasius the Bishop of Tarsus in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 22 ; Venerable Anthusa the Nun, Commemorated August 22 ; Virginmartyr Syra of Persia, Commemorated on August 24; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated December 20 ; Apostle Mark the Evangelist of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18; Virginmartyr Pherbutha (Phermoutha) of Persia, with her sister and servant, Commemorated on April 4; Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on June 11;

Syria 740BC-1831, Syria History Folder

Syria, 740BC, History Folder, Israel Assyrian Captivity

Syria, 740 BC, Israel Assyrian Captivity, Gozan, Syria, Chebar River
Gozan, Syria, Assyrian captivity, 740 BC 2 Kings 17:5-8,13-18, Israel Carried Captive to Assyria;

Syria, 240BC to 63BC, History Folder, Seleucid Empire

Syria, 240-63 BC, Seleucid Empire in Antioch, Helenist
Syria, 240-63 BC, Seleucid Empire in Antioch; 7 Holy Maccabee Martyrs, Commemorated on August 1;

Syria, 175-164 BC, Syrian King, Antiochus IV Epiphanes
Syrian King, BC 175-164, Antiochus IV Epiphanes; 7 Holy Maccabee Martyrs, Commemorated on August 1;

Syria, 166 BC, 7 Holy Maccabee Martyrs, Antiocus IV at Antioch, Eleazar, the 7 & their mother s faithful, inspired Judas M
Jerusalem, 166 BC, 7 Holy Maccabee Martyrs, at Antioch, Antiocus IV Epiphanes desecrated Temple, Eleazar, the 7 & their mother stayed faithful, tongue cut out, hands feet off, caldron, frying pan, these inspired Judas Maccabeus lead revolt and purify temple; Temple in Jerusalem; ,, Commemorated on August 1; seven holy Maccabee martyrs Abim, Antonius, Gurias, Eleazar, Eusebonus, Alimus and Marcellus, their mother Solomonia and their teacher Eleazar in the year 166 before Christ under the impious Syrian king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. foolish ruler loved pagan and Hellenistic customs, and held Jewish customs in contempt. He did everything possible to turn people from the Law of Moses and from their covenant with God. desecrated the Temple of the Lord, placed a statue of the pagan god Zeus there, and forced the Jews to worship it. people abandoned the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but there were also those who continued to believe that the Savior would come. ninety-year-old elder, the scribe and teacher Eleazar, was brought to trial for his faithfulness to the Mosaic Law. He suffered tortures and died at Jerusalem. disciples of Saint Eleazar, the seven Maccabee brothers and their mother Solomonia, also displayed great courage. were brought to trial in Antioch by King Antiochus Epiphanes. They fearlessly acknowledged themselves as followers of the True God, and refused to eat pig’s flesh, which was forbidden by the Law. eldest brother acted as spokesmen for the rest, saying that they preferred to die rather than break the Law. He was subjected to fierce tortures in sight of his brothers and their mother. tongue was cut out, he was scalped, and his hands and feet were cut off. a cauldron and a large frying pan were heated, and the first brother was thrown into the frying pan, and he died. next five brothers were tortured one after the other. seventh and youngest brother was the last one left alive. Antiochus suggested to Saint Solomonia to persuade the boy to obey him, so that her last son at least would be spared. the brave mother told him to imitate the courage of his brothers. child upbraided the king and was tortured even more cruelly than his brothers had been. all her seven children had died, Saint Solomonia, stood over their bodies, raised up her hands in prayer to God and died. martyric death of the Maccabee brothers inspired Judas Maccabeus, and he led a revolt against Antiochus Epiphanes. God’s help, he gained the victory, and then purified the Temple at Jerusalem. He also threw down the altars which the pagans had set up in the streets. All these events are related in the Second Book of Maccabees (Ch. 8-10). Fathers of the Church preached sermons on the seven Maccabees, including Saint Cyprian of Carthage, Saint Ambrose of Milan, Saint Gregory Nazianzus and Saint John Chrysostom.

Syria, 64BC-314AD, History Folder, Roman Province (Antioch)

Syria, 64 BC-314 AD - Roman Province (Antioch)
Syria, Roman Province; Hieromartyr Pancratius the Bishop of Taormina in Sicily, Commemorated on July 9 ; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9 ; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Dius the Abbot of Antioch, Commemorated on July 19; Hieromartyr Apollinaris the Bishop of Ravenna, Commemorated on July 23; St Hilarion of Tvali, Commemorated on July 24; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectressÂ Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; Martyr Acacius of Apamea, Commemorated July 28 ; Virginmartyr Seraphima (Serapia) of Antioch, Commemorated on July 29; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated July 30 ; 7 Holy Maccabee Martyrs, Commemorated on August 1; Venerable Cosmas the Eunuch and Hermit of Palestine, Commemorated on August 3; Martyr Dometius of Persia, Commemorated on August 7; Apostle Matthias of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 9 ; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Venerable Gerasimus the New Ascetic of Cephalonia, Commemorated on August 16 ; St Gabriel I the Patriarch, Commemorated on August 30; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 1 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 5; St Agabbas of Syria, Commemorated on November 22 ; St Modestus the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated December 18 ; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20 ; St Philogonius the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated December 20 ; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commerated December 30 ; Apostle and Evangelist Luke of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ; St Flavian, Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 16 ; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8 ; GEORGE, SOLDIER and MARTYR, 23 APRIL 303, Commemorated April 23; Venerable Thomas the Fool of Syria, Commemorated on April 24; Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25; MARK THE EVANGELIST, (25 APR NT) ; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4; Martyr Hesychius of Antioch, Commemorated on May 10; Hieromartyr Hermogenes the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on May 12; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on June 11; Martyr Eustochius of Ancyra, Commemorated on June 23; Venerable George of Mt. Athos, Georgian, Commemorated on June 27; IRENAEUS, BISHOP OF LYONS, THEOLOGIAN (28 JUN 202) ; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on July 3 ; St George the God-Bearer, Commemorated on July 3; Venerable Martha the Mother of the Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger, Commemorated on July 4 ;

Syria, 4 BC - 50 AD, Syrian and Armenian King, Abgar V
Syrian King, BC 4 - AD 50, Abgar V; Translation of the Image œNot-Made-By-Hands of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in August, Commemorated on August 16; Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 21; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 27; Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4;

Syria, 9 BC - AD 40, Aretas IV Philopatris, King of Damascus, whose daugter was divorced from Herod Antipas, war with Herod
Syria, 9 BC - AD 40, Aretas IV Philopatris, King of Damascus, whose daugter was divorced from Herod Antipas, war with Herod; IV Philopatris [1] was the King of the Nabataeans from roughly 9 BC to AD 40. daughter Phasaelis was married to, and divorced from, Herod Antipas. Herod then married his stepbrother's wife, Herodias. It was opposition to this marriage that led to the beheading of John the Baptist. After he received news of the divorce, Aretas invaded the territory of Herod Antipas and defeated his army. Damascus (Barada River foothills); The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John, Commemorated on August 29 ; THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST, (24 JUNE NT), Commemorated June 24;

Syria, 10-66, Evodius, Syrian Saint, Bishop, writer, mary birth at 15, died under Nero in 66
Syrian Saint, 10-66, Evodius; Evodius or Euodias (died circa 69) was an Early Christian bishop of Antioch, succeeding Saint Peter. He is regarded as one of the first identifiable Christians, and venerated as a saint. is known of the life of Evodius. the time, Antioch was an opulent and cosmopolitan city where both Hellenized Jews and pagans were influenced by monotheism. According to the Book of Acts, one of the first evangelised communities were these Jews and pagans of Antioch. It was there that the term "Christian" was coined for these Gentiles, mainly Syrian and Greek converts.[citation needed] Peter became the bishop of Antioch and led the church there. Evodius is said to have been one of the pagans converted to Christianity due to the apostolic work of Saint Peter.[citation needed] eventually succeeded Peter as bishop of Antioch when Peter left for Rome.[1] Evodius was bishop of Antioch until 66 AD, and was succeeded by Saint Ignatius of Antioch. Catholic tradition says it is likely that Saint Evodius died of natural causes, however, the Eastern Orthodox tradition holds that he was martyred under Emperor Nero in 66 AD.[2] As one of the first pagans to come to the new church, he is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church as well as in the Eastern Orthodox Church and in Oriental Orthodoxy including the Assyrian Church of the East. His feast day is 6 May in the Catholic Church and 7 September in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Apostle Evodius (Euodias) of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 7; Holy Apostle Evodius of the Seventy was, after the holy Apostle Peter, the first bishop in Syrian Antioch. His successor, the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer (December 20), disciple of the holy Apostle John the Theologian, mentions him in his Letter to the Antiochians: “Remember your blessed father Evodus, who was made your first pastor by the Apostles.” Evodius served as bishop for 27 years and died as a martyr under the emperor Nero (54-68). Saint Evodus wrote several compositions. In one of them he writes that the Most Holy Virgin Mary gave birth to the Savior of the world at the age of fifteen. writings of the saint have not survived. A book entitled THE STAR is mentioned by the fourteenth century church historian Nikēphóros Callistus. Saint Evodus received the crown of martyrdom in the year 66.

Syria, 30-45, Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Damascus bishop, h Paul's eyes& baptized h, healed m, prayed f stoners
Syria, 30-67, Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, bishop of Damascus, Syria (Barada River foothills, Kings Highway 17, Way of the Sea 17), restored Paul's eyes & baptized him, went to Eleutheropolis, healed many, tortured, stoned, prayed for stoners; Damascus (Barada River foothills); Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 1 ; Holy Apostle Ananias of the Seventy (October 1), the first Bishop of Damascus. Lord ordered him to restore the sight of Saul, the former persecutor of Christians, then baptize him (Acts 9:10-19, 22:12). became the great preacher and Apostle Paul. Ananias boldly and openly confessed Christianity before the Jews and the pagans, despite the danger. Damascus he went to preach at Eleutheropolis, he healed many of their infirmities. the prefect of the city, tried to persuade the holy one to offer sacrifice to idols. Because of Ananias’ staunch and solid confession of Christ, Lucian ordered that he be tortured. Harsh torments did not sway the witness of Truth. the torturers led him out beyond the city, where they stoned him. The saint prayed for those who put him to death. His relics were later transferred to Constantinople.

Syria, 30-66, Apostle Evodius (Euodias) of the Seventy, 2nd bishop of Antioch, Syria, for 27 yrs, writer, wrote MOG birth at 15
Syria, 30-66, Apostle Evodius (Euodias) of the Seventy, 2nd bishop of Antioch, Syria (Orontes River 7), for 27 yrs, writer, wrote MOG birth at 15; Antioch (Orontes River 7); Apostle Evodius (Euodias) of the Seventy, Commemorated September 7 ; Holy Apostle Evodius of the Seventy was, after the holy Apostle Peter, the first bishop in Syrian Antioch. successor, the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer (December 20), disciple of the holy Apostle John the Theologian, mentions him in his Letter to the Antiochians: “Remember your blessed father Evodus, who was made your first pastor by the Apostles.” Evodius served as bishop for 27 years and died as a martyr under the emperor Nero (54-68). Evodus wrote several compositions. In one of them he writes that the Most Holy Virgin Mary gave birth to the Savior of the world at the age of fifteen. writings of the saint have not survived. A book entitled THE STAR is mentioned by the fourteenth century church historian Nikēphóros Callistus. Saint Evodus received the crown of martyrdom in the year 66.

Syria, 30-70, Lucius of the Seventy, Apostle, Laodicia, Syria, then controlled by Parthia, Med China trade
Laodicea in Syria; Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 10; Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated September 10; Saint Luke (or Loukias) Luke, or Loukias (not the Evangelist), lived during the first century. Some lists of these Saints identify him as the Evangelist Luke, who was also one of the 70 Apostles, but Greek sources say he was someone other than the Evangelist Luke. However, Saint Demetrios of Rostov, and Slavic Tradition say that he was the Evangelist Luke (See his Life on October 18). Saint was consecrated as the Bishop of Laodikeia in Syria, and completed the course of his life spreading the Gospel and caring for his flock, as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; ----------- Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Syria, 30-84, Luke t Evangelist&Apostle, f Antioch, a salvation preaching f Christ, Luke&Acts, icons h Jesus' Grace& MOG mercy
Syria, 30-84, Luke the Evangelist and Apostle, Antioch, Syria (Orontes River 7), hearing about Christ accepted salvation preaching from Christ, Luke and Acts, Paul's companion, physician, iconographer, MOG said his icons have Jesus' grace and MOG mercy, chronologica order L and A, council of Jerusalem in 51, Acts focus on Holy Spirit ; Antioch (Orontes River 7); Apostle and Evangelist Luke, Commemorated on October 18; Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, was a native of Syrian Antioch, companion of the holy Apostle Paul (Phil.1:24, 2 Tim. 4:10-11), a physician enlightened in the Greek medical arts. about Christ, Luke arrived in Palestine and fervently accepted the preaching of salvation from the Lord Himself. one of the Seventy Apostles, Saint Luke was sent by the Lord with the others to preach the Kingdom of Heaven during the Savior’s earthly life (Luke 10:1-3). the Resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Saints Luke and Cleopas on the road to Emmaus. accompanied Saint Paul on his second missionary journey, and from that time they were inseparable. Paul’s coworkers had forsaken him, only Luke remained to assist him in his ministry (2 Tim. 4:10-11). the martyric death of the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul, Saint Luke left Rome to preach in Achaia, Libya, Egypt and the Thebaid. ended his life by suffering martyrdom in the city of Thebes. credits Saint Luke with painting the first icons of the Mother of God. “Let the grace of Him Who was born of Me and My mercy be with these Icons,” said the All-Pure Virgin after seeing the icons. Luke also painted icons of the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul. Luke’s Gospel was written in the years 62-63 at Rome, under the guidance of the Apostle Paul. the preliminary verses (1:1-3), Saint Luke precisely sets forth the purpose of his work. proposes to record, in chronological order, everything known by Christians about Jesus Christ and His teachings. doing this, he provided a firmer historical basis for Christian teaching (1:4). carefully investigated the facts, and made generous use of the oral tradition of the Church and of what the All-Pure Virgin Mary Herself had told him (2:19, 51). Saint Luke’s Gospel, the message of the salvation made possible by the Lord Jesus Christ, and the preaching of the Gospel, are of primary importance. Luke also wrote the Acts of the Holy Apostles at Rome around 62-63 A.D. Book of Acts, which is a continuation of the four Gospels, speaks about the works and the fruits of the holy Apostles after the Ascension of the Savior. the center of the narrative is the Council of the holy Apostles at Jerusalem in the year 51, Church event of great significance, which resulted in the separation of Christianity from Judaism and its independent dissemination into the world (Acts 15:6-29). theological focus of the Book of Acts is the coming of the Holy Spirit, Who will guide the Church “into all truth” (John 16:13) until the Second Coming of Christ. holy relics of Saint Luke were taken from Constantinople and brought to Padua, Italy at some point in history. this was during the infamous Crusade of 1204. In 1992, Metropolitan Hieronymus (Jerome) of Thebes requested the Roman Catholic bishop in Thebes to obtain a portion of Saint Luke’s relics for the saint’s empty sepulchre in the Orthodox cathedral in Thebes. Roman Catholic bishop Antonio Mattiazzo of Padua, noting that Orthodox pilgrims came to Padua to venerate the relics while many Catholics did not even know that the relics were there, a committee to investigate the relics in Padua, and the skull of Saint Luke in the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Vico in Prague. skeleton was determined to be that of an elderly man of strong build. 2001, a tooth found in the coffin was judged to be consistent with the DNA of Syrians living near the area of Antioch dating from 72-416 A.D. skull in Prague perfectly fit the neck bone of the skelton. tooth found in the coffin in Padua was also found to fit the jawbone of the skull. Mattiazzo sent a rib from the relics to Metropolitan Hieronymus to be venerated in Saint Luke’s original tomb in the Orthodox cathedral at Thebes. Luke is also commemorated on April 22. LUKE THE EVANGELIST, (18 OCTOBER) ; all that we know about Luke comes from the New Testament. was a physician (Col 4:14), a companion of Paul on some of his missionary journeys (Acts 16:10ff; 20:5ff; 27-28). found in his Gospel and not elsewhere includes much of the account of Our Lord's birth and infancy and boyhood, some of the most moving parables, such as that of the Good Samaritan and that of the Prodigal Son, and three of the sayings of Christ on the Cross: "Father, forgive them," "Thou shalt be with me in Paradise," and "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." Luke's account of the Gospel, we find an emphasis on the human love of Christ, on His compassion for sinners and for suffering and unhappy persons, for outcasts such as the Samaritans, tax collectors, lepers, shepherds (not a respected profession), and for the poor. role of women in Christ's ministry is more emphasized in Luke than in the other Gospel writings. the book of Acts, we find the early Christian community poised from the start to carry out its commission, confident and aware of Divine guidance. see how the early Christians at first preached only to Jews, then to Samaritans (a borderline case), then to outright Gentiles like Cornelius, and finally explicitly recognized that Gentiles and Jews are called on equal terms to the service and fellowship of Christ. St. Luke, from an old Book of Common Prayer makes many casual references throughout his writings (especially in Acts) to local customs and practices, often with demonstrable and noteworthy precision. mention just one example, he refers to two centurions by name, Cornelius in Acts 10 and Julius in Acts 27, and he calls them both by nomen only, rather than by nomen and cognomen (Sergius Paulus in Acts 13;7) or cognomen only (Gallio in Acts 18:12), as he does when speaking of civilian officials. is a distinction that would have been routine at the time that Luke is writing about, but one that had largely died out by, say, 70 AD. preserving it shows either that (1) he wrote fairly close to the events he described, or (2) he was describing persons and events on which he had good information, or (3) he was an expert historical novelist, with an ear for the authentic-sounding detail. is commonly thought to be the only non-Jewish New Testament writer. writings place the life of Christ and the development of the early Church in the larger context of the Roman Empire and society. the other hand, his writings are focused on Jerusalem and on the Temple. Gospel begins and ends in the Temple, and chapters nine through nineteen portray Jesus as journeying from Galilee to Jerusalem. the Book of Acts describes the Church in Jerusalem (and worshipping in the Temple) and then describes the missionary journeys of Paul as excursions from and returns to Jerusalem. ***** ***** ***** ***** writer wrote more pages of the New Testament than anyone else? If you say Paul, try again. In my pocket Bible, Acts and the Gospel of Luke occupy a total of sixty pages, while all the letters traditionally attributed to Paul (not counting Hebrews) total fifty-six. writer of the Third Gospel and the Book of Acts does not give his name in his writings. (Except for Nehemiah, no Biblical writer of a narrative book does.) does claim to be a traveling companion of Paul, and his interests and vocabulary suggest that he is a physician. Since Paul tells us that he had a companion named Luke who was a physician, the conclusion that Luke is the writer we are looking for is reasonable. the two-volume work Luke-Acts in fact written by a companion of Paul? Scholars are not agreed on the answer. and large, most German writers favor a negative answer. reasons are that (1) the chronology of Paul's life found in the Book of Acts presents certain apparent conflicts with that found in Paul's letter to the Galatians, and that (2) the writer seems unfamiliar with the geography of Israel. the other hand, most English scholars favor an affirmative answer. reasons are that the "We" sections in Acts (the sections in which the author explicitly claims to have been present at the events he describes) contain a wealth of circumstantial detail that make invention extremely unlikely. (Thus, for example, Mr. James Smith of Jordan Hill, FRS, having sailed a vessel over the same route described in Acts 27-28, argues in his book, The Voyage and Shipwreck of Saint Paul, that the account must have been written by someone who had sailed that route. It used to be a popular theory that the writer had somehow gotten his hands on a travel diary of the real "Luke" and incorporated it into his work. However, a detailed analysis of the writing style of various sections of the work shows none of the differences that would be expected on this theory. on the affirmative side generally answer the negative objections mentioned above by supposing that (1) the conferences mentioned in Acts 15 and Galatians 2 are not the same conference, and that (2) Luke uses the word "Judea" sometimes to mean the southern portion of the land of Israel, and sometimes to mean the whole land. some comments on the historical reliability of the opening chapters of the Gospel of Luke, go to the following URLs: by James Kiefer

Syria, 30-84 , Apostle Luke of the Seventy, f Antioch S Dr, Emmaus, w Paul, Achaia, Libya, Egypt, Thebaid, Icons, Gospel & Acts
Syria, 30-84 , Apostle Luke of the Seventy; Antioch (Orontes River 7); Apostle and Evangelist Luke, Commemorated on October 18 ; Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, was a native of Syrian Antioch, a companion of the holy Apostle Paul (Phil.1:24, 2 Tim. 4:10-11), and a physician enlightened in the Greek medical arts. about Christ, Luke arrived in Palestine and fervently accepted the preaching of salvation from the Lord Himself. one of the Seventy Apostles, Saint Luke was sent by the Lord with the others to preach the Kingdom of Heaven during the Savior’s earthly life (Luke 10:1-3). the Resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Saints Luke and Cleopas on the road to Emmaus. accompanied Saint Paul on his second missionary journey, and from that time they were inseparable. When Paul’s coworkers had forsaken him, only Luke remained to assist him in his ministry (2 Tim. 4:10-11). the martyric death of the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul, Saint Luke left Rome to preach in Achaia, Libya, Egypt and the Thebaid. He ended his life by suffering martyrdom in the city of Thebes. credits Saint Luke with painting the first icons of the Mother of God. “Let the grace of Him Who was born of Me and My mercy be with these Icons,” said the All-Pure Virgin after seeing the icons. Luke also painted icons of the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul. Luke’s Gospel was written in the years 62-63 at Rome, under the guidance of the Apostle Paul. In the preliminary verses (1:1-3), Saint Luke precisely sets forth the purpose of his work. He proposes to record, in chronological order, everything known by Christians about Jesus Christ and His teachings. By doing this, he provided a firmer historical basis for Christian teaching (1:4). He carefully investigated the facts, and made generous use of the oral tradition of the Church and of what the All-Pure Virgin Mary Herself had told him (2:19, 51). Saint Luke’s Gospel, the message of the salvation made possible by the Lord Jesus Christ, and the preaching of the Gospel, are of primary importance. Luke also wrote the Acts of the Holy Apostles at Rome around 62-63 A.D. The Book of Acts, which is a continuation of the four Gospels, speaks about the works and the fruits of the holy Apostles after the Ascension of the Savior. the center of the narrative is the Council of the holy Apostles at Jerusalem in the year 51, a Church event of great significance, which resulted in the separation of Christianity from Judaism and its independent dissemination into the world (Acts 15:6-29). The theological focus of the Book of Acts is the coming of the Holy Spirit, Who will guide the Church “into all truth” (John 16:13) until the Second Coming of Christ. holy relics of Saint Luke were taken from Constantinople and brought to Padua, Italy at some point in history. Perhaps this was during the infamous Crusade of 1204. 1992, Metropolitan Hieronymus (Jerome) of Thebes requested the Roman Catholic bishop in Thebes to obtain a portion of Saint Luke’s relics for the saint’s empty sepulchre in the Orthodox cathedral in Thebes. Roman Catholic bishop Antonio Mattiazzo of Padua, noting that Orthodox pilgrims came to Padua to venerate the relics while many Catholics did not even know that the relics were there, appointed a committee to investigate the relics in Padua, and the skull of Saint Luke in the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Vico in Prague. skeleton was determined to be that of an elderly man of strong build. In 2001, a tooth found in the coffin was judged to be consistent with the DNA of Syrians living near the area of Antioch dating from 72-416 A.D. The skull in Prague perfectly fit the neck bone of the skelton. The tooth found in the coffin in Padua was also found to fit the jawbone of the skull. Mattiazzo sent a rib from the relics to Metropolitan Hieronymus to be venerated in Saint Luke’s original tomb in the Orthodox cathedral at Thebes. Saint Luke is also commemorated on April 22. LUKE THE EVANGELIST, (18 OCTOBER) ;

Syria, 30 1st century, Timon the Deacon, Bishop of Bosra in Syria (Kings Highway 16) of the Seventy, red hot furnace
Syria, 30- 1st century, Timon the Deacon, Bishop of Bosra in Syria (Kings Highway 16) of the Seventy, red hot furnace; Bosra in Syria; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commerated December 30 ; Holy Apostle Timon was one of the seven deacons appointed by the Apostles (Acts 6:5) to minister to destitute Christian widows. he was chosen bishop of the city of Bosra in Syria, where he led many to Christianity. was thrown into a red-hot furnace and received the crown of martyrdom. He is also commemorated on July 28.

Syria, 30 1st Century, Hieropolis, Apostle Philip
Syria, 1st Century, Hieropolis, Apostle Philip ; Holy, All-Praised Apostle Philip, Commemorated on November 14; Azotus the Apostle Philip set out to Syrian Hieropolis (there were several cities of this name) where, stirred up by the Pharisees, the Jews burned the house of Heros, who had taken in the Apostle Philip, and they wanted to kill the apostle. The apostle performed several miracles: the healing of the hand of the city official Aristarchus, withered when he attempted to strike the apostle; and restoring a dead child to life. When they saw these marvels, they repented and many accepted holy Baptism. After making Heros the bishop at Hieropolis, the Apostle Philip went on to Syria, Asia Minor, Lydia, Emessa, and everywhere preaching the Gospel and undergoing sufferings. Both he and his sister Mariamne (February 17) were pelted with stones, locked up in prison, and thrown out of villages. Holy and All-praised Apostle Philip was a native of the city of Bethsaida in Galilee. He had a profound depth of knowledge of the Holy Scripture, and rightly discerning the meaning of the Old Testament prophecies, he awaited the coming of the Messiah. Through the call of the Savior (John 1:43), Philip followed Him. Apostle Philip is spoken about several times in the Holy Gospel: he brought to Christ the Apostle Nathaniel (i.e. Bartholomew, April 22, June 30, and August 25. See John. 1:46). The Lord asks him where to buy bread for five thousand men (John. 6: 5-7). He brought certain of the Hellenized Jews wanting to see Jesus (John. 12:21-22); and finally, at the Last Supper he asked Christ to show them the Father (John. 14:8). the Ascension of the Lord, the Apostle Philip preached the Word of God in Galilee, accompanying his preaching with miracles. Thus, he restored to life a dead infant in the arms of its mother. From Galilee he went to Greece, and preached among the Jews that had settled there. Some of them reported the preaching of the Apostle to Jerusalem. In response, some scribes arrived in Greece from Jerusalem, with one of the Jewish chief priests at their head, to interrogate the Apostle Philip. Apostle Philip exposed the lie of the chief priest, who said that the disciples of Christ had stolen away and hidden the body of Christ. Philip told instead how the Pharisees had bribed the soldiers on watch, to deliberately spread this rumor. When the Jewish chief priest and his companions began to insult the Lord and lunged at the Apostle Philip, they suddenly were struck blind. By his prayer the Apostle restored everyone’s sight. Seeing this miracle, many believed in Christ. The Apostle Philip provided a bishop for them, by the name of Narcissus (one of the Seventy Apostles, January 4). Greece the Apostle Philip went to Parthia, and then to the city of Azotus, where he healed an eye affliction of the daughter of a local resident named Nikoklides, who had received him into his home, and then baptized his whole family. Azotus the Apostle Philip set out to Syrian Hieropolis (there were several cities of this name) where, stirred up by the Pharisees, the Jews burned the house of Heros, who had taken in the Apostle Philip, and they wanted to kill the apostle. The apostle performed several miracles: the healing of the hand of the city official Aristarchus, withered when he attempted to strike the apostle; and restoring a dead child to life. When they saw these marvels, they repented and many accepted holy Baptism. After making Heros the bishop at Hieropolis, the Apostle Philip went on to Syria, Asia Minor, Lydia, Emessa, and everywhere preaching the Gospel and undergoing sufferings. Both he and his sister Mariamne (February 17) were pelted with stones, locked up in prison, and thrown out of villages. the Apostle Philip arrived in the city of Phrygian Hieropolis, where there were many pagan temples. There was also a pagan temple where people worshiped an enormous serpent as a god. The Apostle Philip by the power of prayer killed the serpent and healed many bitten by snakes. those healed was the wife of the city prefect, Amphipatos. Having learned that his wife had accepted Christianity, the prefect Amphipatos gave orders to arrest Saint Philip, his sister, and the Apostle Bartholomew traveling with them. At the urging of the pagan priests of the temple of the serpent, Amphipatos ordered the holy Apostles Philip and Bartholomew to be crucified. an earthquake struck, and it knocked down all those present at the place of judgment. Hanging upon the cross by the pagan temple of the serpent, the Apostle Philip prayed for those who had crucified him, asking God to save them from the ravages of the earthquake. Seeing this happen, the people believed in Christ and began to demand that the apostles be taken down from the crosses. The Apostle Bartholomew was still alive when he was taken down, and he baptized all those believing and established a bishop for them. the Apostle Philip, through whose prayers everyone remained alive, except for Amphipatos and the pagan priests, died on the cross. his sister buried his body, and went with the Apostle Bartholomew to preach in Armenia, where the Apostle Bartholomew was crucified (June 11); Mariamne herself then preached until her own death at Lykaonia. holy Apostle Philip is not to be confused with Saint Philip the Deacon (October 11), one of the Seventy.

Syria, 48-107, Ignatius the God-Bearer, Antioch, Theologian John's disciple w Polycarp, Jesus hugged him, bore God in his heart
Syria, 48-107, Ignatius the God-Bearer, Antioch, Syria (Orontes River 7), Theologian John's disciple w Polycarp, 2nd Bishop of Antioch, little boy Jesus hugged, bore God in his heart, prayed unceasingly, antiphonal singing, by angels example, Trajan 107, I came to him, T sent I to Rome for wild beasts to I joy, from Seleucia to Smyrna and Polycarp, to Troas, to Neapolis, to Philippi, visited churches, wrote 7 epistles to Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, Rome, Philidelphia, Smyrna, to Polycarp; joy of roman christians meeting, lions tore him to pieces leaving heart w gold JC, Trajan stopped persecution, relics to Antioch then to San Clemente church Rome; Antioch (Orontes River 7); Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20 ; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, was a disciple of the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, as was also Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna (February 23). Saint Ignatius was the second bishop of Antioch, and successor to Bishop Euodius, Apostle of the Seventy (September 7). suggests that when Saint Ignatius was a little boy, the Savior hugged him and said: “Unless you turn and become as little children, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt. 18:3). The saint was called “God-Bearer” (Theophoros), because he bore God in his heart and prayed unceasingly to Him. He also had this name because he was held in the arms of Christ, the incarnate Son of God. Ignatius was a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian, together with Saint Polycarp of Smyrna. As Bishop of Antioch, Saint Ignatius was zealous and spared no effort to build up the church of Christ. To him is attributed the practice of antiphonal singing (by two choirs) during church services. He had seen a vision of the angels in heaven alternately singing praises to God, and divided his church choir to follow this example. In the time of persecution he was a source of strength to the souls of his flock, and was eager to suffer for Christ. the year 106 the emperor Trajan (98-117), after his victory over the Scythians, ordered everyone to give thanks to the pagan gods, and to put to death any Christians who refused to worship the idols. In the year 107, Trajan happened to pass through Antioch. Here they told him that Bishop Ignatius openly confessed Christ, and taught people to scorn riches, to lead a virtuous life, and preserve their virginity. Saint Ignatius came voluntarily before the emperor, so as to avert persecution of the Christians in Antioch. Saint Ignatius rejected the persistent requests of the emperor Trajan to sacrifice to the idols. The emperor then decided to send him to Rome to be thrown to the wild beasts. Saint Ignatius joyfully accepted the sentence imposed upon him. His readiness for martyrdom was attested to by eyewitnesses, who accompanied Saint Ignatius from Antioch to Rome. the way to Rome, the ship sailed from Seleucia stopped at Smyrna, where Saint Ignatius met with his friend Bishop Polycarp. Clergy and believers from other cities and towns thronged to see Saint Ignatius. He exhorted everyone not to fear death and not to grieve for him. In his Epistle to the Roman Christians, he asked them to assist him with their prayers, and to pray that God would strengthen him in his impending martyrdom for Christ: “I seek Him Who died for us; I desire Him Who rose for our salvation... In me, desire has been nailed to the cross, and no flame of material longing is left. Only the living water speaks within me, saying, ‘Hasten to the Father.’” Smyrna, Saint Ignatius went to Troas. Here he heard the happy news of the end of the persecution against Christians in Antioch. From Troas, Saint Ignatius sailed to Neapolis (in Macedonia) and then to Philippi. the way to Rome Saint Ignatius visited several churches, teaching and guiding the Christians there. He also wrote seven epistles: to the churches of Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, Rome, Philadelphia, and Smyrna. He also addressed a letter to Saint Polycarp, who mentions a collection of the letters of Saint Ignatius in his letter to the Philippians (Ch. 13). Saint Irenaeus of Lyons quotes from Saint Ignatius’s letter to the Romans (AGAINST HERESIES 5:28:4). All these letters have survived to the present day. Roman Christians met Saint Ignatius with great joy and profound sorrow. Some of them hoped to prevent his execution, but Saint Ignatius implored them not to do this. Kneeling down, he prayed together with the believers for the Church, for love between the brethren, and for an end to the persecution against Christians. December 20, the day of a pagan festival, they led Saint Ignatius into the arena, and he turned to the people: “Men of Rome, you know that I am sentenced to death, not because of any crime, but because of my love for God, by Whose love I am embraced. I long to be with Him, and offer myself to him as a pure loaf, made of fine wheat ground fine by the teeth of wild beasts.” this the lions were released and tore him to pieces, leaving only his heart and a few bones. Tradition says that on his way to execution, Saint Ignatius unceasingly repeated the name of Jesus Christ. When they asked him why he was doing this, Saint Ignatius answered that this Name was written in his heart, and that he confessed with his lips Him Whom he always carried within. When the saint was devoured by the lions, his heart was not touched. When they cut open the heart, the pagans saw an inscription in gold letters: “Jesus Christ.” After his execution Saint Ignatius appeared to many of the faithful in their sleep to comfort them, and some saw him at prayer for the city of Rome. of the saint’s great courage, Trajan thought well of him and stopped the persecution against the Christians. The relics of Saint Ignatius were transferred to Antioch (January 29), and on February 1, 637 were returned to Rome and placed in the church of San Clemente.

Syria, 48-107, IGNATIUS of Antioch, Syria, arrested by Romans, taken to Rome to d in Arena, but visited many spots along the way, wrote 7 letters
Syria, 48-107, IGNATIUS of Antioch, Syria (Orontes River 7), arrested by Romans, taken to Rome to die in Arena, but visited many spots along the way, wrote 7 letters; Antioch (Orontes River 7); IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP AND MARTYR (17 OCT 107) ; the Apostles, Ignatius was the second bishop of Antioch in Syria. predecessor, of whom little is known, was named Euodius. he knew any of the Apostles directly is uncertain. is known of his life except for the very end of it. in the second century (perhaps around 107 AD, during the reign of the Emperor Trajan), he was arrested by the Imperial authorities, condemned to death, and transported to Rome to die in the arena. thus dealing with a leader, the rulers hoped to terrify the rank and file. Ignatius took the opportunity to encourage them, to groups of Christians at every town along the way. the prison escort reached the west coast of Asia Minor, it halted before taking ship, and delegations from several Asian churches were able to visit Ignatius, to speak with him at length, to assist him with items for his journey, and to bid him an affectionate farewell and commend him to the grace of God. response he wrote seven letters that have been preserved: to congregations that had greeted him, en masse or by delegates (Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Philadelphians, and Smyrnaeans), to the congregation that would greet him at his destination (Romans), one to Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna and disciple of the Apostle John. letters are available in several modern translations. the most accessible is the Penguin Paperback, Early Christian Writings, translated by Maxwell Staniforth. themes with which he is chiefly concerned are the importance of maintaining Christian unity in love and sound doctrine (with warnings against factionalism and against the heresy of Docetism -- the belief that Christ was not fully human and did not have a material body or really suffer and die), the role of the clergy as a focus of Christian unity, Christian martyrdom as a glorious privilege, eagerly to be grasped. writes: am God's wheat, ground fine by the lion's teeth to be made purest bread for Christ. early pleasures, no kingdoms of this world can benefit me in any way. prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire. time for my birth is close at hand. me, my brothers. Do not stand in the way of my birth to real life; do not wish me stillborn. desire is to belong to God. Do not, then, hand me back to the world. do not try to tempt me with material things. Let me attain pure light. Only on my arrival there can I be fully a human being. me the privilege of imitating the passion of my God. by James Kiefer

Syria, 48-108 , Ignatius, 3rd Bishop of Antioch, God Bearer, gold J C in his heart, to Rome, incouraging letters and preacing
Syria, 107-18 , Ignatius of Antioch; of Antioch (died c. 108/140 AD),[3][4][7][8][9] also known as Ignatius Theophorus (the God-bearing), was an early Christian writer and Patriarch of Antioch. While en route to Rome, where he met his martyrdom, Ignatius wrote a series of letters. This correspondence now forms a central part of a later collection of works known to be authored by the Apostolic Fathers. He is considered to be one of the three most important of these, together with Clement of Rome and Polycarp. His letters also serve as an example of early Christian theology. Important topics they address include ecclesiology, the sacraments, and the role of bishops. Antioch (Orontes River 7); IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP AND MARTYR (17 OCT 107) ; the Apostles, Ignatius was the second bishop of Antioch in Syria. His predecessor, of whom little is known, was named Euodius. he knew any of the Apostles directly is uncertain. is known of his life except for the very end of it. in the second century (perhaps around 107 AD, during the reign of the Emperor Trajan), he was arrested by the Imperial authorities, condemned to death, and transported to Rome to die in the arena. thus dealing with a leader, the rulers hoped to terrify the rank and file. Ignatius took the opportunity to encourage them, speaking to groups of Christians at every town along the way. the prison escort reached the west coast of Asia Minor, it halted before taking ship, and delegations from several Asian churches were able to visit Ignatius, to speak with him at length, to assist him with items for his journey, and to bid him an affectionate farewell and commend him to the grace of God. response he wrote seven letters that have been preserved: five to congregations that had greeted him, en masse or by delegates (Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Philadelphians, and Smyrnaeans), one to the congregation that would greet him at his destination (Romans), and one to Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna and disciple of the Apostle John. His letters are available in several modern translations. Perhaps the most accessible is the Penguin Paperback, Early Christian Writings, translated by Maxwell Staniforth. The themes with which he is chiefly concerned are (1) the importance of maintaining Christian unity in love and sound doctrine (with warnings against factionalism and against the heresy of Docetism -- the belief that Christ was not fully human and did not have a material body or really suffer and die), (2) the role of the clergy as a focus of Christian unity, (3) Christian martyrdom as a glorious privilege, eagerly to be grasped. He writes: I am God's wheat, ground fine by the lion's teeth to be made purest bread for Christ. No early pleasures, no kingdoms of this world can benefit me in any way. I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire. The time for my birth is close at hand. Forgive me, my brothers. Do not stand in the way of my birth to real life; do not wish me stillborn. My desire is to belong to God. Do not, then, hand me back to the world. do not try to tempt me with material things. Let me attain pure light. Only on my arrival there can I be fully a human being. Give me the privilege of imitating the passion of my God. by James Kiefer Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, was a disciple of the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, as was also Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna (February 23). Saint Ignatius was the second bishop of Antioch, and successor to Bishop Euodius, Apostle of the Seventy (September 7). suggests that when Saint Ignatius was a little boy, the Savior hugged him and said: “Unless you turn and become as little children, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt. 18:3). saint was called “God-Bearer” (Theophoros), because he bore God in his heart and prayed unceasingly to Him. He also had this name because he was held in the arms of Christ, the incarnate Son of God. Ignatius was a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian, together with Saint Polycarp of Smyrna. Bishop of Antioch, Saint Ignatius was zealous and spared no effort to build up the church of Christ. To him is attributed the practice of antiphonal singing (by two choirs) during church services. He had seen a vision of the angels in heaven alternately singing praises to God, and divided his church choir to follow this example. the time of persecution he was a source of strength to the souls of his flock, and was eager to suffer for Christ. the year 106 the emperor Trajan (98-117), after his victory over the Scythians, ordered everyone to give thanks to the pagan gods, and to put to death any Christians who refused to worship the idols. the year 107, Trajan happened to pass through Antioch. Here they told him that Bishop Ignatius openly confessed Christ, and taught people to scorn riches, to lead a virtuous life, and preserve their virginity. Ignatius came voluntarily before the emperor, so as to avert persecution of the Christians in Antioch. Saint Ignatius rejected the persistent requests of the emperor Trajan to sacrifice to the idols. The emperor then decided to send him to Rome to be thrown to the wild beasts. Ignatius joyfully accepted the sentence imposed upon him. His readiness for martyrdom was attested to by eyewitnesses, who accompanied Saint Ignatius from Antioch to Rome. the way to Rome, the ship sailed from Seleucia stopped at Smyrna, where Saint Ignatius met with his friend Bishop Polycarp. Clergy and believers from other cities and towns thronged to see Saint Ignatius. He exhorted everyone not to fear death and not to grieve for him. In his Epistle to the Roman Christians, he asked them to assist him with their prayers, and to pray that God would strengthen him in his impending martyrdom for Christ: “I seek Him Who died for us; I desire Him Who rose for our salvation... In me, desire has been nailed to the cross, and no flame of material longing is left. Only the living water speaks within me, saying, ‘Hasten to the Father.’” Smyrna, Saint Ignatius went to Troas. Here he heard the happy news of the end of the persecution against Christians in Antioch. From Troas, Saint Ignatius sailed to Neapolis (in Macedonia) and then to Philippi. the way to Rome Saint Ignatius visited several churches, teaching and guiding the Christians there. He also wrote seven epistles: to the churches of Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, Rome, Philadelphia, and Smyrna. He also addressed a letter to Saint Polycarp, who mentions a collection of the letters of Saint Ignatius in his letter to the Philippians (Ch. 13). Saint Irenaeus of Lyons quotes from Saint Ignatius’s letter to the Romans (AGAINST HERESIES 5:28:4). All these letters have survived to the present day. Roman Christians met Saint Ignatius with great joy and profound sorrow. Some of them hoped to prevent his execution, but Saint Ignatius implored them not to do this. Kneeling down, he prayed together with the believers for the Church, for love between the brethren, and for an end to the persecution against Christians. December 20, the day of a pagan festival, they led Saint Ignatius into the arena, and he turned to the people: “Men of Rome, you know that I am sentenced to death, not because of any crime, but because of my love for God, by Whose love I am embraced. I long to be with Him, and offer myself to him as a pure loaf, made of fine wheat ground fine by the teeth of wild beasts.” this the lions were released and tore him to pieces, leaving only his heart and a few bones. Tradition says that on his way to execution, Saint Ignatius unceasingly repeated the name of Jesus Christ. When they asked him why he was doing this, Saint Ignatius answered that this Name was written in his heart, and that he confessed with his lips Him Whom he always carried within. When the saint was devoured by the lions, his heart was not touched. When they cut open the heart, the pagans saw an inscription in gold letters: “Jesus Christ.” After his execution Saint Ignatius appeared to many of the faithful in their sleep to comfort them, and some saw him at prayer for the city of Rome. of the saint’s great courage, Trajan thought well of him and stopped the persecution against the Christians. The relics of Saint Ignatius were transferred to Antioch (January 29), and on February 1, 637 were returned to Rome and placed in the church of San Clemente.

Syria, 54-91, Eutychius the Bishop of Melitene, Armenia, fell out of window
Armenia, 54-91, Eutychius the Bishop of Melitene; Malatya; St Eutychius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on May 28;

Syria, 60, 1st Century, Edessa, Armenia, Apostle Jude
Persia, 70, 1st Century, Parthia, Apostle Jude; Apostle Jude the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on June 19;

Syria, 66-70, Martyr Acasius of Apamea, brought to 3 governors, Syria, Thessalonica, Ephesus, Phrygia
Syria, 66-70, Martyr Acasius of Apamea, brought to 3 governors, Syria, Greece, Phrygia; Apamea, Syria; Martyr Acacius of Apamea, Commemorated July 28 ; Holy Martyr Acacius was brought to trial for his belief in Christ. Three governors attempted to compel the holy martyr to offer sacrifice to idols, having subjected him to fierce tortures. Governor Licinius gave orders to rend the body of Saint Acacius with instruments of torture. He then sent him to Governor Terence, who gave orders to throw Acacius into a cauldron filled with boiling tar and tallow, but the martyr remained unharmed. Terence went to the cities of Apamea and Apollonia and gave orders to bring the martyr after him. In one of these cities Saint Acacius was led into a pagan temple, but by his prayer all the idols there fell down. beat the saint viciously and gave him over to be eaten by wild beasts. When they saw that he remained unharmed, they threw him into a red-hot furnace. The martyr also remained unharmed there. The governor, wanting to check whether the furnace was sufficiently hot, went near it and was burned himself. They then took the holy Martyr Acacius for torture to a certain Posidonius, who put heavy fetters on the holy martyr and gave orders to take him to the city of Miletus. There also the saint, by his prayer, destroyed idols. Finally, the exhausted torturers beheaded Saint Acacius. A priest by the name of Leontius buried his body in the city of Synados (Asia Minor). Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea, in Palestine, "Procopius in Apamea on the way to Alexandria" ; Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Apamea, Commemorated August 14 ; Martyr Aristion the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on September 3 ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated September 27 ; Martyr Anthony of Apamea, Commemorated on November 9 ; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the "Unsleeping Ones", Commemorated December 29 ; Martyr Tryphon of Campsada Near Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Martyr Maurice at Apamea in Syria, Commemorated February 22 ; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10 ; Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29; Icon of the Mother of God of Vilnius, Commemorated on April 14; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15; St Pausicacus the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 13; Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on July 8;

Syria, 63BC-114, History Folder, Kingdom of Osroene, Parthian Empire

Syria, 63BC-114, Kingdom of Osroene, Parthian Empire including Armenia
Syria, 63BC-114, Kingdom of Osroene, Parthian Empire; Syrian King, BC 4 - AD 50, Abgar V;

Syria, 120-160, Aristion, Bishop, Lesser Alexandria, Cilician Gates r, boyhood f martyr Anthony, life's purpose-theosis
Alexandria in Cilicia (Asia Minor), Alexandria is probably Kitikien of the Ptolemaic Empire, along the Cilician Gates route ; Martyr Anthony of Alexandria, Commemorated on August 9; Martyr Anthony, a native of the city of Alexandria, was a Christian. For his confession of faith they tied him to a tree and tore at his body with iron hooks, and then sentenced him to burning. Standing in the fire, he calmly exhorted those standing about to toil not for the body but for the soul in aspiring towards God. After the fire flared up, the body of the saint remained unharmed. The time of his death is unknown. Martyr Aristion the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on September 3 ; Aristion was the bishop of lesser Alexandria in Cilicia (Asia Minor). He was born in the small town of Aribazo in the eparchy of Apamea, Syria at the beginning of the second century. His parents were pagans, and he spent his early years in an atmosphere of idolatry. do not know what sort of early education Saint Aristion received, nor where he studied, but it did not satisfy his search for the truth. A ten-year-old boy who lived in the same town, the future martyr Anthony, showed him the path which led to the truth. Anthony instructed him in the true Faith, and Aristion increased in piety and zeal for God. is significant that Anthony, despite the constant fear of persecution, exile and even danger to his own life, was not just a member of the local church, but also preached the Faith to others. It is certain that Aristion prayed for his young friend and remembered his courage and strength, for Anthony’s efforts to bring Aristion to the saving Faith had born fruit and were not in vain. Not only did Anthony give himself to the Church through his martyrdom at the age of twenty, he also gave it another saint and martyr: Saint Aristion later, Saint Aristion was consecrated bishop for Isso in Cilicia, which is found in lesser Alexandria. He was a good shepherd to his flock, and cared diligently for their souls. day the ruler of Alexandria had Saint Aristion arrested because he was a Christian. Although he was placed on public trial, the holy bishop was calm and showed no fear. His whole demeanor made the Roman eparch realize that it would not easy to deal with this man who stood before him. He tried to turn Aristion from Christ through flattery and promises of reward, but the saint stood firm. Seeing that his words had no effect on the bishop, he threatened him with fierce tortures. He was not influenced by these threats, however. Aristion stood before the eparch and his counselors, gazing at them with love and concern for their salvation. Even in his weakness, this captive was stronger than his captors, and he refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. a multitude of idolaters, Saint Aristion spoke of the Triune God, by Whom all things were created. He also told them about the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ, which was accomplished through God’s saving dispensation. He explained that Christ brings salvation to fallen man, thereby giving him another chance to attain the true purpose of his life—theosis. “How poor these soulless statues of the gods are,” the bishop said, “and how helpless the eparch looks in his radiant apparel.” who heard the saint speak were amazed and asked one another where he got such courage. Aristion invited them to believe in the truth which he was revealing to them. Those who watched understood that this holy man was someone special, and they wanted to hear more about his beliefs. Roman eparch could not find any way to resist Aristion except through violence, so he sentenced him to death. He commanded his soldiers to prepare a large furnace and then throw him into the flames.The saint went to his martyrdom without resistance, remaining brave and strong until the end. The few Christians who were present tried not to weep.They whispered prayers for him, and were saddened because their father was leaving them. They knew, however, that their archpastor would not cease praying for them, especially now that he was going to Christ. They could hear Saint Aristion singing hymns in the fire until his last breath. eparch did not know what a terrible mistake he had made. He did not realize that death is not the end for men, nor for the truth. Nothing could separate Saint Aristion from the Fountain of Life, and so the Lord bestowed upon him an imperishable crown of glory. the flames died down, his spiritual children approached the furnace and collected as many of his bones as they could. With great reverence they put the holy relics in a secret place, which remains unknown to the present day. more detailed biography of the saint has been published (in Greek): THE HOLY HIEROMARTYR ARISTION, by John G. Thalassinos (Athens, 2003). This volume also contains the Service to the saint, which was composed by Hieromonk Athanasius of Simonopetra Monastery on Mt. Athos. Martyr Anthony of Alexandria Commemorated on August 9

Syria, 169-185, Syrian Saint and Patriarch, Theophilus of Antioch
Syria, 169-185, Syrian Sain tand Patriarch, Theophilus of Antioch; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectress Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28; Smolensk Hodegetria Icon of the Theotokos, or “She who leads the way,” was, according to Church Tradition, painted by the holy Evangelist Luke during the earthly life of the Most Holy Theotokos. The holy hierarch Demetrius of Rostov suggests that this icon was painted at the request of Theophilus, the prefect of Antioch. From Antioch the holy image was transferred to Jerusalem. From there the empress Eudokia, the spouse of Arcadius, gave it at Constantinople to Pulcheria, the sister of the emperor, who put the holy icon in the Blachernae church. 1046, the Byzantine emperor Constantine IX Monomachos (1042-1054), gave his daughter Anna in marriage to Prince Vsevolod Yaroslavich, the son of Yaroslav the Wise. He blessed her on her way with this icon. After the death of Prince Vsevolod the icon went to his son Vladimir Monomachos, who transferred it at the beginning of the twelfth century into the Smolensk cathedral church in honor of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. From that time, the icon was known as the Smolensk Hodēgḗtria. the year 1238, at the bespeaking of the icon, the self-sacrificing Orthodox warrior Mercurius went by night into the camp of Batu and killed many of the enemy, in whose number was their most powerful warrior. Having accepted a martyr’s death in battle, he was included by the Church in the ranks of the Saints (November 24). the fourteenth century, Smolensk came into the possession of the Lithuanian princes. The daughter of prince Vitovt, Sophia, was given in marriage to the Moscow Great Prince Basil Dimitrievich (1398-1425). In 1398, she brought the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God with her to Moscow. They set the holy image in the Annunciation cathedral of the Kremlin, on the right side of the Royal Doors. 1456, at the request of the inhabitants of Smolensk with Bishop Misael at the head, the icon was solemnly returned to Smolensk in a church procession, and at Moscow there remained two copies. One was put in the Annunciation cathedral, and the other, “a measure for measure,” was put in the Novodevichi monastery, founded in memory of the return of Smolensk to Russia. The monastery was built on Devichi Pole (Virgin’s Field), where “with many tears” the Muscovites handed over the holy icon to Smolensk. In 1602 an exact copy was painted from the wonderworking icon (in 1666 together with the ancient icon they brought a new copy to Moscow for restoration), which they placed in the tower of the Smolensk fortress wall over the Dneprovsk Gates, under a specially constructed cover. Afterwards, in 1727, a wooden church was built there, and in 1802, a stone church. new copy took on the power of the old image, and when the Russian armies left Smolensk on August 5, 1812, they took the icon with them for defense from the enemy forces. On the eve of the Battle of Borodino they carried this icon through the camp, to encourage and inspire the soldiers to great deeds. The ancient image of the Smolensk Hodēgḗtria, taken to the Dormition cathedral on the day of the Battle of Borodino went in procession with the Ivḗron and Vladimir Icons of the Mother of God through the Belo and Kitai quarters and the Kremlin walls, and then they sent it to the sick and wounded at the Lefortovo palace. After leaving Moscow, the icon was taken to Yaroslavl. were these sister-icons preserved, and the Mother of God defended Russia through Her icons. After the victory over the enemy forces the Hodēgḗtria Icon was returned to Smolensk together with its glorified copy. celebration in honor of this wonderworking icon on July 28 was established in the year 1525 in memory of the return of Smolensk to Russia. exist many venerated copies of the Smolensk Hodegetria, for which the celebration is set on this day. There is also a day of celebration for the Smolensk Icon (November 5), glorified in the nineteenth century when this image was returned to Smolensk on the orders of the commander-in-chief of the Russian army M. I. Kutuzov. In memory of the expulsion of the enemy from Russia, it was decided to celebrate this day annually at Smolensk. holy icon of the Hodegetria Mother of God is one of the chief holy objects of the Russian Church. Believers have received and do receive from it an abundant help of grace. The Mother of God through Her holy icon intercedes for and strengthens us, guiding us on the way to salvation, and we call out to Her, “Thou art the All-Blessed Hodegetria for faithful peoples, Thou art the affirmation, the Praiseworthy of Smolensk and all the Russian land. Rejoice, Hodegetria, salvation of Christians!”

Syria, 264-269, 3 Synods of Antioch, Council of Antioch
Syria, 264-269, 3 Synods of Antioch; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 5;

Syria, 114-314, Roman Syria, with Palmyra under Rome

Syria, 161-180, Victor, Soldier and Martyr at Damascus, Syria
Syria, 161-180, Victor, Soldier and Martyr at Damascus, Syria; Victor and Corona (also known as Saints Victor and Stephanie) are two Christian martyrs. was a Roman soldier who was tortured and killed; Corona was killed for comforting him. Corona is invoked as a patron of causes involving money; she was not historically associated with pandemics or disease, but has been invoked against the coronavirus pandemic. St Victor of Siena (left) and St Corona by the Master of the Palazzo Venezia Madonna in the National Gallery of Denmark. legend states that Victor was a Roman soldier of Italian ancestry, who was tortured, including having his eyes gouged out, and was beheaded. sources state that he and Corona were killed in Roman Syria during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (around the 160s-170s AD), but various hagiographical texts disagree about the site of their martyrdom, with some stating that it was Damascus, while Coptic sources state that it was Antioch. Some Western sources state that Alexandria or Sicily was their place of martyrdom. also disagree about the date of their martyrdom. They may have been martyred during the reign of Antoninus Pius, or Diocletian, while the Roman Martyrology states that it was in the third century when they met their death.[1] he was suffering from the tortures, the sixteen-year-old wife of another soldier, named Corona or Stephanie (or Stefania or Stephana, the Greek version of her Latin name, which also means "crown")[2][3][4] comforted and encouraged him. this, she was arrested and interrogated. According to the passio of Corona, Corona was bound to two bent palm trees and torn apart as the trunks were released; the passio is considered largely fictional, and she herself may also be fictional.[5] Other sources state that Victor and Corona were husband and wife.[6][7] is also debate as to where Corona was from; differing accounts place her in Syria, Sicily, and Marseille.[7] and Corona's memorial day is 24 November (11 November in the Orthodox church calendar). feast day is 14 May. the town of Feltre in northern Italy, on the slopes of Mount Miesna, is the church of SS. Vittore e Corona, erected by the Crusaders from Feltre after the First Crusade. is especially venerated in Austria and eastern Bavaria. There is a chapel dedicated to her in Sauerlach, near Munich.[7] There are two churches named after her in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Passau and two towns named after her in Lower Austria.[7] A statue of her stands in the Münster Cathedral.[7] 1000 AD Otto III, Holy Roman Emperor brought Corona's relics to Aachen in western Germany.[7] relics were rediscovered during excavation work at Aachen Cathedral in 1910. The relics were removed from a crypt and placed in a shrine inside the cathedral.[7] is the patroness of causes involving money, such as gambling and treasure hunting, a result of a later treasure hunter who credited his success to invoking her.[5][8][9] She is called upon by a treasure hunter to bring treasure, and then sent away through a similarly elaborate ritual.[10] was not historically a patron saint of or invoked against pandemics or disease, but has been invoked against the COVID-19 pandemic.[5][9] Her relics will be available for public veneration once the pandemic has passed.[9][11] Damascus (Barada River foothills); Martyr Victor at Damascus, Commemorated on November 11 ; Holy Martyr Victor at Damascus was a soldier during the reign of the emperor Marcus Aurelius the Philosopher (161-180). the emperor began a persecution against Christians, Victor refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Such obligatory sacrifices were a test of a soldier’s loyalty to the gods, the emperor and the state. The saint was given over to torture, but he came through all the torments unharmed. By the power of prayer he was victorious over a sorcerer, who from that point gave up give sorcery and became a Christian. Saint Victor’s prayers, blind soldiers suddenly received their sight. the miracle worked by the Lord through Saint Victor, Stephanida, the young Christian wife of one of the torturers, openly glorified Christ, for which she was condemned to a cruel death. She was tied to two palm trees bent to the ground, which when released, sprung back and tore her apart. She was fifteen years old. torturer ordered that the holy Martyr Victor be beheaded. Hearing the commander’s order, Saint Victor told his executioners that they would all die in twelve days, and that the commander would be captured by the enemy in twenty-four days. As he foretold, so it came to pass. martyrs suffered in the second century at Damascus, where their venerable relics were buried. Martyr Stephanida of Spain, Commemorated November 11 ; Stephanida witnessed the martyrdom at Damascus of the Holy Martyr Victor, a soldier, during the reign of the emperor Marcus Aurelius the Philosopher (161-180). was tortured, but he came through all the torments unharmed. the power of prayer he was victorious over a sorcerer, who from that point gave up give sorcery and became a Christian. Saint Victor’s prayers, blind soldiers suddenly received their sight. the miracle worked by the Lord through Saint Victor, Stephanida, the young Christian wife of one of the torturers, openly glorified Christ, for which she was condemned to a cruel death. was tied to two palm trees bent to the ground, which when released, sprung back and tore her apart. She was fifteen years old. martyrs suffered in the second century at Damascus, where their venerable relics were buried.

Syria, 161-180, Stephanida of Spain, with Victor, Martyr at Damascus
Syria, 161-180, Stephanida of Spain, with Victor, Martyr at Damascus; Victor and Corona (also known as Saints Victor and Stephanie) are two Christian martyrs. was a Roman soldier who was tortured and killed; Corona was killed for comforting him. Corona is invoked as a patron of causes involving money; she was not historically associated with pandemics or disease, but has been invoked against the coronavirus pandemic. St Victor of Siena (left) and St Corona by the Master of the Palazzo Venezia Madonna in the National Gallery of Denmark. legend states that Victor was a Roman soldier of Italian ancestry, who was tortured, including having his eyes gouged out, and was beheaded. sources state that he and Corona were killed in Roman Syria during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (around the 160s-170s AD), but various hagiographical texts disagree about the site of their martyrdom, with some stating that it was Damascus, while Coptic sources state that it was Antioch. Some Western sources state that Alexandria or Sicily was their place of martyrdom. also disagree about the date of their martyrdom. They may have been martyred during the reign of Antoninus Pius, or Diocletian, while the Roman Martyrology states that it was in the third century when they met their death.[1] he was suffering from the tortures, the sixteen-year-old wife of another soldier, named Corona or Stephanie (or Stefania or Stephana, the Greek version of her Latin name, which also means "crown")[2][3][4] comforted and encouraged him. this, she was arrested and interrogated. According to the passio of Corona, Corona was bound to two bent palm trees and torn apart as the trunks were released; the passio is considered largely fictional, and she herself may also be fictional.[5] Other sources state that Victor and Corona were husband and wife.[6][7] is also debate as to where Corona was from; differing accounts place her in Syria, Sicily, and Marseille.[7] and Corona's memorial day is 24 November (11 November in the Orthodox church calendar). feast day is 14 May. the town of Feltre in northern Italy, on the slopes of Mount Miesna, is the church of SS. Vittore e Corona, erected by the Crusaders from Feltre after the First Crusade. is especially venerated in Austria and eastern Bavaria. There is a chapel dedicated to her in Sauerlach, near Munich.[7] There are two churches named after her in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Passau and two towns named after her in Lower Austria.[7] A statue of her stands in the Münster Cathedral.[7] 1000 AD Otto III, Holy Roman Emperor brought Corona's relics to Aachen in western Germany.[7] relics were rediscovered during excavation work at Aachen Cathedral in 1910. The relics were removed from a crypt and placed in a shrine inside the cathedral.[7] is the patroness of causes involving money, such as gambling and treasure hunting, a result of a later treasure hunter who credited his success to invoking her.[5][8][9] She is called upon by a treasure hunter to bring treasure, and then sent away through a similarly elaborate ritual.[10] was not historically a patron saint of or invoked against pandemics or disease, but has been invoked against the COVID-19 pandemic.[5][9] Her relics will be available for public veneration once the pandemic has passed.[9][11] Damascus (Barada River foothills); Martyr Stephanida of Spain, Commemorated November 11 ; Stephanida witnessed the martyrdom at Damascus of the Holy Martyr Victor, a soldier, during the reign of the emperor Marcus Aurelius the Philosopher (161-180). was tortured, but he came through all the torments unharmed. the power of prayer he was victorious over a sorcerer, who from that point gave up give sorcery and became a Christian. Saint Victor’s prayers, blind soldiers suddenly received their sight. the miracle worked by the Lord through Saint Victor, Stephanida, the young Christian wife of one of the torturers, openly glorified Christ, for which she was condemned to a cruel death. was tied to two palm trees bent to the ground, which when released, sprung back and tore her apart. She was fifteen years old. martyrs suffered in the second century at Damascus, where their venerable relics were buried. Martyr Victor at Damascus, Commemorated on November 11 ; Holy Martyr Victor at Damascus was a soldier during the reign of the emperor Marcus Aurelius the Philosopher (161-180). the emperor began a persecution against Christians, Victor refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Such obligatory sacrifices were a test of a soldier’s loyalty to the gods, the emperor and the state. The saint was given over to torture, but he came through all the torments unharmed. By the power of prayer he was victorious over a sorcerer, who from that point gave up give sorcery and became a Christian. Saint Victor’s prayers, blind soldiers suddenly received their sight. the miracle worked by the Lord through Saint Victor, Stephanida, the young Christian wife of one of the torturers, openly glorified Christ, for which she was condemned to a cruel death. She was tied to two palm trees bent to the ground, which when released, sprung back and tore her apart. She was fifteen years old. torturer ordered that the holy Martyr Victor be beheaded. Hearing the commander’s order, Saint Victor told his executioners that they would all die in twelve days, and that the commander would be captured by the enemy in twenty-four days. As he foretold, so it came to pass. martyrs suffered in the second century at Damascus, where their venerable relics were buried.

Syria, 227-303, Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, great story, animals speaking and more
Syria, 227-303, Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, animals speaking and prophecising, very old, destroyed pagan temple gods, Patricius healed but thought by witchcraft, Artémon followed by six wild donkeys and two deer by Word of Christ, eagle angels throw P caldron burning pitch; Laodicea in Syria; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Hieromartyr Artémon was born of Christian parents in Laodίkeia, Syria in the III century. his youth, he devoted himself to the service of the Church, and was a Reader for sixteen years. For his zeal, Bishop Sisίnnius ordained him as a Deacon. Saint Artémon also carried out this service with fervor and diligence for twenty-eight years, then he was ordained to the priesthood. In that position, Saint Artémon served the Church of God for another thirty-three years, preaching Christianity among pagans. Emperor Diocletian (reigned 284-305) began his fierce persecution of the Church, issuing an edict ordering Christians to offer sacrifice to the idols, Saint Artémon was already quite old. of the impending arrival of the military commander Patricius at Laodίkeia, Saint Sisίnnius went with the priest Artémon and some other Christians into the temple of the "goddess" Artemis. There they smashed and burned the idols, reducing them all to dust. Saint Sisίnnius and Saint Artémon gathered the flock into the church and fervently exhorted the Christians to remain firm in the Faith, and not to fear the threats of torturers. he arrived in Laodίkeia, Patricius celebrated a five-day festival in honor of the pagan "gods," and then entered the temple of Artemis to offer sacrifice. When he was told who had destroyed the temple, he went with a detachment of soldiers to the church where the Christians were praying. he approached the church, Patricius suddenly felt a chill, and then developed a fever, which left him scarcely alive. He was carried him home and put to bed. “The Christians have put a curse on me, and their God torments me,” he said to those around him. Although Patricius prayed to the idols, they did not relieve his sufferings. sent a messenger to Bishop Sisίnnius, asking for his help, and promised to set up a gold statue of that Hierarch in the middle of the city. The Saint replied, “Keep your gold, but if you believe in Christ, He will heal you.” was afraid of death, so he declared that he believed in Christ, and the affliction left him. But even this miracle did not affect the obdurate pagan's soul. Although he did not raise a hand against Bishop Sisίnnius, he did enforce the imperial edict against other Christians in the city of Caesarea. the way he encountered Saint Artémon, who was followed by six wild donkeys and two deer. Patricius asked how he was able to control these wild beasts, Saint Artémon replied that he held them with the Word of Christ. learned from the idolaters that it was Artémon who had destroyed the pagan temple of Artemis, so he ordered that Artémon be arrested and taken to the city of Caesarea. The Saint went with the soldiers without fear, but he told the animals to go to Saint Sisίnnius. Seeing the animals, Bishop Sisίnnius asked, “Why have these animals come here?” doe received the gift of speech from God and said, “The servant of God Artémon is being held by the impious Patricius, and is being brought to Caesarea in chains. He commanded us to come here to give you this news.” not be astonished that the Lord, Who opened the mouth of Balaam’s ass (Numbers 22:28), also permitted the doe to speak. The Bishop sent Deacon Phileas to Caesarea to verify what he had been told. Caesarea, Patricius brought Saint Artémon to trial and tried to force him to offer sacrifice in the temple of Asclepius. In that pagan temple there were many poisonous vipers. The pagan priest never opened the doors, nor did he place the sacrifice before the idol. Saint Artémon, calling on the Name of Jesus Christ, went into the temple and drove the snakes out. The pagans fled, but the Saint stopped them and killed the snakes by his breath. Vitalius, one of the pagan priests, believed in Christ and asked Saint Artémon to baptize him. thought that Saint Artémon killed the snakes by sorcery, and again he interrogated and tortured him. the doe which had spoken arrived at Caesarea. She lay down at the Martyr's feet, licking his wounds. By God’s command the doe spoke again, denouncing the impious pagans. Addressing Patricius, the doe predicted that he would be seized by two birds of prey, and dropped into a cauldron of burning pitch. was enraged because he had been censured by a wild beast. He commanded his soldiers to shoot the doe with arrows, but she escaped. that the miracles performed by Saint Artémon would attract more people to him, Patricius ordered his execution. enormous cauldron was filled with boiling pitch, and the soldiers intended to throw Saint Artémon into it. But when Patricius rode up to the cauldron on horseback to see if the pitch was indeed boiling, two Angels in the form of eagles seized him and dropped him into the cauldron. His body was consumed so that not a single bone remained, but Saint Artémon survived. this miracle, everyone ran away except Saint Artémon, who blessed and glorified God. When the Saint finished his prayer, a spring of water gushed forth from the ground. Saint Artémon baptized the pagan priest Vitalius and many pagans, who had come to believe in Christ. On the following morning, Saint Artémon communed the newly-baptized with the Holy Mysteries. Many of the baptized were ordained to the diaconate and the priesthood, and Vitalius was made Bishop of Palestine. Bishop of Caesarea came to visit Saint Artémon, noting the place where he had suffered. Subsequently, a church was built on that site. by God's voice, Saint Artémon preached the Gospel in Asia Minor. Then an Angel appeared and transported him to the place which had been revealed to him, and there he converted many to Christ. The pagans arrested the Saint and beheaded him († 303). the Roman Martyrology, Saint Artémon is listed under October 8, while in Greek usage he is commemorated on April 12. Artémon the Presbyter of Laodίkeia should not be confused with Saint Artémon the Bishop of Seleukeia (March 24).

Syria, 249-251, Hieromartyr Babylas of Antioch, blocked Decius, Lord's e not worthy respect, these chains venerable
Syria, 249-251, Hieromartyr Babylas, bishop of Antioch, Syria (Orontes River 7), blocked curious Decius f church, fired church, why insult, not worthy respect, Lord's enemy, these chains venerable, suffering desirable, death precious, 3 spiritual children, test them, whipped by age, Decius lied about them, but B not believe, all burned and beheaded ; Antioch (Orontes River 7); Hieromartyr Babylas, Bishop of Antioch, and those with him, Commemorated on September 4; Hieromartyr Babylas and with him the three youths Urban, Prilidian, Epolonius and their mother Christodoula died as martyrs under the emperor Decius (249-251). his stay in their city of Antioch, the emperor arranged for a large festival in honor of the pagan gods. the same time, Babylas, the holy and God-fearing Bishop of Antioch, was serving the Divine Liturgy in church. He prayed for his flock and taught them to endure all tribulations for Christ with courage. idolater Decius, curious to witness the Divine Mysteries, decided to enter the church. of this reached the bishop, so he went out to meet Decius and blocked the path to the church, for he was unwilling to permit impiety in the temple of God. the emperor approached the church doors, Saint Babylas refused to let him enter, so the emperor had to abandon his intention. He wanted to take revenge on the saint right away, but when he saw the large throng of Christians, he feared they might riot. next day the angry emperor ordered that the church be set on fire, and for Bishop Babylas to be brought before him. asked why he had insulted the imperial dignity by not allowing the emperor to enter the church, the holy bishop answered, “Anyone who would rise up against God and want to desecrate His sanctuary, is not worthy of respect, but has become the enemy of the Lord.” declared that the holy bishop must worship the idols in order to make up for his lack of respect for the emperor, or else face execution. convincing himself that the martyr would remain steadfast in his faith, he commanded the military commander Victorinus to put him in heavy chains and lead him through the city in disgrace. holy martyr replied, “Emperor, these chains are as venerable for me as your imperial crown is for you. For me, suffering for Christ is as desirable as the imperial power is for you. Death for the Immortal King is as precious to me as your life is to you.” the trial with Bishop Babylas were three young brothers, who did not forsake him even in this most difficult moment. Seeing them, the emperor asked, “Who are these children? “ “These are my spiritual children,” the saint replied, “and I have raised them in piety, I have given them an education, cultivated them with guidance, and here before you in a small body are these great young men and perfect Christians. Test them and see.” emperor tried in all sorts of ways to entice the youths and their mother Christodoula to renounce Christ, but in vain. in a rage, he ordered each of them to be whipped with a number of blows corresponding to their age. The first received twelve blows, the second, ten, and the third, seven. the mother and children, the torturer again summoned the bishop, telling him that the children had renounced Christ. He did not believe the lie, however. he commanded all the martyrs be tied to a tree and burned with fire. Seeing the stoic bravery of the saints, the emperor finally condemned them to be beheaded with the sword.

Syria, 250 3rd Century, Barbara and Juliana at Heliopolis, B's Bathhouse, trinity of light, traced cross miraculously etched
Syria, 250 3rd Century, Barbara and Juliana at Heliopolis, in Syria, tower, pagan teachers, beauty, first cause questions, idols human hands w, not able to make, desire to know god life' goal, virginity, fame her beauty, refused marriage, warned father of split, permitted freedom, christian maidens, priest disguised merchant, baptism, Barbara's bathhouse, trinity of light, traced cross, miraculously etched, footprints too, healing water, many B miracles, father's rage, escape, hill opens up, crevice, shepherds, torture, Jesus, Juliana's sympathetic loud voice, torture, angel c nakedness w robe, beheaded by f and perfect, both killed by lightning; Barbara, known in the Eastern Orthodox Church as the Great Martyr Barbara, was an early Christian Lebanese and Greek saint and martyr. Accounts place her in the 3rd century in Heliopolis Phoenicia, present-day Baalbek, Lebanon.[1][2] There is no reference to her in the authentic early Christian writings nor in the original recension of Saint Jerome's martyrology. Despite the legends detailing her story, the earliest references to her supposed 3rd-century life do not appear until the 7th century, and veneration of her was common, especially in the East, from the 9th century.[3] of doubts about the historicity of her legend,[4] she was removed from the General Roman Calendar in the 1969 revision, though not from the Catholic Church's list of saints.[5] Barbara is often portrayed with miniature chains and a tower. As one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, Barbara continues to be a popular saint in modern times, perhaps best known as the patron saint of armourers, artillerymen, military engineers, miners and others who work with explosives because of her legend's association with lightning, and also of mathematicians. A 15th-century French version of her story credits her with thirteen miracles, many of which reflect the security she offered that her devotees would not die before getting to make confession and receiving extreme unction.[3] Heliopolis, in Syria (Baalbeck, Lebanon); Greatmartyr Barbara at Heliopolis, in Syria, Commemorated December 4 ; Holy Great Martyr Barbara lived and suffered during the reign of the emperor Maximian (305-311). Her father, the pagan Dioscorus, was a rich and illustrious man in the Syrian city of Heliopolis. After the death of his wife, he devoted himself to his only daughter. Barbara’s extraordinary beauty, Dioscorus decided to hide her from the eyes of strangers. Therefore, he built a tower for Barbara, where only her pagan teachers were allowed to see her. From the tower there was a view of hills stretching into the distance. By day she was able to gaze upon the wooded hills, the swiftly flowing rivers, and the meadows covered with a mottled blanket of flowers; by night the harmonious and majestic vault of the heavens twinkled and provided a spectacle of inexpressible beauty. the virgin began to ask herself questions about the First Cause and Creator of so harmonious and splendid a world. she became convinced that the souless idols were merely the work of human hands. her father and teachers offered them worship, she realized that the idols could not have made the surrounding world. desire to know the true God so consumed her soul that Barbara decided to devote all her life to this goal, to spend her life in virginity. fame of her beauty spread throughout the city, and many sought her hand in marriage. But despite the entreaties of her father, she refused all of them. warned her father that his persistence might end tragically and separate them forever. Dioscorus decided that the temperament of his daughter had been affected by her life of seclusion. therefore permitted her to leave the tower and gave her full freedom in her choice of friends and acquaintances. Barbara met young Christian maidens in the city, and they taught her about the Creator of the world, about the Trinity, and about the Divine Logos. the Providence of God, a priest arrived in Heliopolis from Alexandria disguised as a merchant. After instructing her in the mysteries of the Christian Faith, he baptized Barbara, then returned to his own country. this time a luxurious bathhouse was being built at the house of Dioscorus. By his orders the workers prepared to put two windows on the south side. But Barbara, taking advantage of her father’s absence, asked them to make a third window, thereby forming a Trinity of light. one of the walls of the bath-house Barbara traced a cross with her finger. The cross was deeply etched into the marble, as if by an iron instrument. her footprints were imprinted on the stone steps of the bathhouse. water of the bathhouse had great healing power. Simeon Metaphrastes (November 9) compared the bathhouse to the stream of Jordan and the Pool of Siloam, because by God’s power, many miracles took place there. Dioscorus returned and expressed dissatisfaction about the change in his building plans, his daughter told him about how she had come to know the Triune God, about the saving power of the Son of God, and about the futility of worshipping idols. went into a rage, grabbed a sword and was on the point of striking her with it. The holy virgin fled from her father, and he rushed after her in pursuit. His way became blocked by a hill, which opened up and concealed the saint in a crevice. the other side of the crevice was an entrance leading upwards. Saint Barbara managed then to conceal herself in a cave on the opposite slope of the hill. a long and fruitless search for his daughter, Dioscorus saw two shepherds on the hill. One of them showed him the cave where the saint had hidden. Dioscorus beat his daughter terribly, and then placed her under guard and tried to wear her down with hunger. he handed her over to the prefect of the city, named Martianus. They beat Saint Barbara fiercely: they struck her with rawhide, and rubbed her wounds with a hair cloth to increase her pain. By night Saint Barbara prayed fervently to her Heavenly Bridegroom, and the Savior Himself appeared and healed her wounds. Then they subjected the saint to new, and even more frightful torments. the crowd where the martyr was tortured was the virtuous Christian woman Juliana, an inhabitant of Heliopolis. Her heart was filled with sympathy for the voluntary martyrdom of the beautiful and illustrious maiden. Juliana also wanted to suffer for Christ. She began to denounce the torturers in a loud voice, and they seized her. martyrs were tortured for a long time. Their bodies were raked and wounded with hooks, and then they were led naked through the city amidst derision and jeers. Through the prayers of Saint Barbara the Lord sent an angel who covered the nakedness of the holy martyrs with a splendid robe. Then the steadfast confessors of Christ, Saints Barbara and Juliana, were beheaded. Dioscorus himself executed Saint Barbara. The wrath of God was not slow to punish both torturers, Martianus and Dioscorus. They were killed after being struck by lightning. the sixth century the relics of the holy Great Martyr Barbara were transferred to Constantinople. Six hundred years later, they were transferred to Kiev (July 11) by Barbara, the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenos, Barbara, wife of the Russian prince Michael Izyaslavich. They rest even now at Kiev’s Saint Vladimir cathedral, where an Akathist to the saint is served each Tuesday. pious Orthodox Christians are in the habit of chanting the Troparion of Saint Barbara each day, recalling the Savior’s promise to her that those who remembered her and her sufferings would be preserved from a sudden, unexpected death, and would not depart this life without benefit of the Holy Mysteries of Christ.

Syria, 253-268, Nikephoros of Antioch, friends Sapricius and N b enemies, N a forgiveness, S s no, after apostacy N dies for S
Syria, 253-268, Nikephoros of Antioch, Syria (Orontes River 7) friends Sapricius and N become enemies, N asks forgiveness, but S says no, N dies for S after S apostacy; Antioch (Orontes River 7); Martyr Nikephoros of Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 9; Holy Martyr Nikephoros lived in the city of Syrian Antioch. In this city lived also the presbyter Sapricius, with whom Nikephoros was very friendly, so that they were considered as brothers. They quarreled because of some disagreement, and their former love changed into enmity and hate. a certain time Nikephoros came to his senses, repented of his sin and more than once asked Sapricius, through mutual friends, to forgive him. Sapricius, however, did not wish to forgive him. Nikephoros then went to his former friend and fervently asked forgiveness, but Sapricius was adamant. this time the emperors Valerian (253-259) and Gallius (260-268) began to persecute Christians, and one of the first brought before the court was the priest Sapricius. He firmly confessed himself a Christian, underwent tortures for his faith and was condemned to death by beheading with a sword. As they led Sapricius to execution, Nikephoros tearfully implored his forgiveness saying, “O martyr of Christ, forgive me if I have sinned against you in any way.” priest Sapricius remained stubborn, and even as he approached death he refused to forgive his fellow Christian. Seeing the hardness of his heart, the Lord withdrew His blessing from Sapricius, and would not let him receive the crown of martyrdom. At the last moment, he suddenly became afraid of death and agreed to offer sacrifice to idols. In vain did Saint Nikephoros urge Sapricius not to lose his reward through apostasy, since he already stood on the threshold of the heavenly Kingdom. Nikephoros then said to the executioner, “I am a Christian, and I believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. Execute me in place of Sapricius.” The executioners reported this to the governor. He decided to free Sapricius, and to behead Nikephoros in his place. Thus did Saint Nikephoros inherit the Kingdom and receive a martyr’s crown.

Syria, 312, Julian of Emesa, Phoenecia Segunda, skilled physician, converted many,encouraged martyrs, martyred w long nails
Syria, 312, Julian of Emesa, Syria or Phoenecia Segunda (Homs, Orontes River 2), skilled physician, converted many,encouraged martyrs, martyred w long nails; Emesa, Syria (Homs); Martyr Julian of Emesa, Commemorated on February 6 ; Holy Martyr Julian was a native of the Phoenician city of Emesa, and he suffered in the year 312 under the emperor Maximian. was a skilled physician, and healed illnesses not only of the body but also of the soul, and he converted many people to faith in Christ the Savior. they led away the holy Martyrs Bishop Silvanus, Deacon Luke and the Reader Mocius (February 29) to be eaten by wild beasts, Julian encouraged them and urged them not to fear death for the Lord. was also arrested and put to death. His head, hands and feet were pierced with long nails.

Syria, 314-673, History Folder, Byzantine Province of Syria

Syria, 320-337, Syrian Saint, Eustathius of Antioch, Orthodox
Syria, 320-337, Syrian Saint, Eustathius of Antioch, Orthodox; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated on February 24;

Syria, 320-341, Eusebius of Nicomedia, Arian
Syria, 320-341, Eusebius of Nicomedia, Arian; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated on February 24;

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

Syria, 326-373, Saint, Ephrem the Syrian, Hymn writer, theologian, popular
Syria, 326-373, Saint, Ephrem the Syrian; the Syrian (Classical Syriac:; c. 306 – 373), also known as Saint Ephrem, Ephrem of Edessa or Ephrem of Nisibis, ----------------------------------was a prominent Christian theologian and writer, who is revered as one of the most notable hymnographers of the Eastern Christianity. ------------------------------------ He was born in Nisibis, served as a deacon and later lived in Edessa.[1][2] is venerated as a saint by all traditional Churches. He is especially revered in Syriac Christianity, most notaby in the Syriac Orthodox Church, and also counted as a Venerable Father (i.e., a sainted Monk) in the Eastern Orthodox Church. His feast day is celebrated on 28 January and on the Saturday of the Venerable Fathers. He was declared a Doctor of the Church in the Roman Catholic Church in 1920. wrote a wide variety of hymns, poems, and sermons in verse, as well as prose exegesis. These were works of practical theology for the edification of the Church in troubled times. So popular were his works, that, for centuries after his death, Christian authors wrote hundreds of pseudepigraphal works in his name. He has been called the most significant of all of the fathers of the Syriac-speaking church tradition.[3] The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, Commemorated on December 25; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28; EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373), Commemorated June 10;

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

Syria, 340-404, Flavian I of Antioch and Tarsus, Syrian Saint, Raised Chrysostom, Orthodox
Syria, 399-404, Syrian Saint, Flavian I of Antioch and Tarsus, Raised Chrysostom, Orthodox; Syria, 357-381, Syrian Saint, Meletius of Antioch; St. Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 12; Syrian Saint, 367-407, St John Chrysostom ; St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 13;

Syria, 341 or 264-383, Council of Antioch, the matter of Paul of Samosata and homoousios
Council of Antioch (383); with three synods convened between 264 and 269 in the matter of Paul of Samosata, more than thirty councils were held in Antioch in ancient times. Most of these dealt with phases of the Arian and of the Christological controversies.[1] For example, the Catholic Encyclopedia article on Paul of Samosata states: must be regarded as certain that the council which condemned Paul rejected the term homoousios; but naturally only in a false sense used by Paul; not, it seems because he meant by it a unity of Hypostasis in the Trinity (so St. Hilary), but because he intended by it a common substance out of which both Father and Son proceeded, or which it divided between them, — so St. Basil and St. Athanasius; but the question is not clear. The objectors to the Nicene doctrine in the fourth century made copious use of this disapproval of the Nicene word by a famous council.[2] most celebrated convened in the summer of 341 at the dedication of the Domus Aurea, and is therefore called in encaeniis or dedication council. Nearly a hundred Eastern bishops were present, but the bishop of Rome was not represented. The emperor Constantius II attended in person.[1] Synods of Antioch in 264-269[edit] [icon] This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2021) Synod of Antioch in 341[edit] council approved three creeds.[3] Whether or not the so-called "fourth formula"[4] is to be ascribed to a continuation of this synod or to a subsequent but distinct assembly of the same year, its aim is like that of the first three; while repudiating certain Arian formulas it avoids the orthodox term homoousios, fiercely advocated by Athanasius of Alexandria and accepted by the First Council of Nicaea (Nicaea I). The somewhat colourless compromise doubtless proceeded from the party of Eusebius of Nicomedia, and proved not unacceptable to the more nearly orthodox members of the synod.[1] twenty-five canons adopted regulate the so-called metropolitan constitution of the church. Ecclesiastical power is vested chiefly in the metropolitan (later called archbishop), and the biannual provincial synod (see Nicaea I, canon 5.), which he summons and over which he presides. Consequently, the powers of country bishops (chorepiscopi) are curtailed, and direct recourse to the emperor is forbidden. The sentence of one judicatory is to be respected by other judicatories of equal rank; re-trial may take place only before that authority to whom appeal regularly lies.[5] Without due invitation, a bishop may not ordain, or in any other way interfere with affairs lying outside his proper territory; nor may he appoint his own successor. Penalties are set on the refusal to celebrate Easter in accordance with the Nicaea I decree, as well as on leaving a church before the service of the Eucharist is completed.[1] numerous objections made by scholars in past centuries about the canons ascribed to this council have been elaborately stated and probably refuted by Hefele. The canons formed part of the Codex canonum used at Chalcedon in 451 and are found in later Eastern and Western collections of canons.[1] Paul of Samosata, 220-275, Bishop of Antioch and Theif of Samosata ( lived from 200 to 275 AD) was Bishop of Antioch from 260 to 268 and the originator of the Paulianist heresy named after him. He was a believer in monarchianism, a nontrinitarian doctrine; his teachings reflect adoptionism. was born at Samosata into a family of humble origin. He was elected bishop of Antioch in 260. He held the civil office of Procurator ducenarius.[1] Monarchianist teachings aroused strong opposition in the church. He was also accused of corruption on a grand scale. Edward Gibbon describes him as follows: wealth of that prelate was a sufficient evidence of his guilt, since it was neither derived from the inheritance of his fathers, nor acquired by the arts of honest industry. But Paul considered the service of the church as a very lucrative profession. His ecclesiastical jurisdiction was venal and rapacious; he extorted frequent contributions from the most opulent of the faithful, and converted to his own use a considerable part of the public revenue. By his pride and luxury the Christian religion was rendered odious in the eyes of the Gentiles. His council chamber and his throne, the splendour with which he appeared in public, the suppliant crowd who solicited his attention, the multitude of letters and petitions to which he dictated his answers, and the perpetual hurry of business in which he was involved, were circumstances much better suited to the state of a civil magistrate than to the humility of a primitive bishop. When he harangued his people from the pulpit, Paul affected the figurative style and the theatrical gestures of an Asiatic sophist, while the cathedral resounded with the loudest and most extravagant acclamations in the praise of his divine eloquence. Against those who resisted his power, or refused to flatter his vanity, the prelate of Antioch was arrogant, rigid, and inexorable; but he relaxed the discipline, and lavished the treasures of the church on his dependent clergy, who were permitted to imitate their master in the gratification of every sensual appetite. For Paul indulged himself very freely in the pleasures of the table, and he had received into the episcopal palace two young and beautiful women, as the constant companions of his leisure moments.[2] 269, seventy bishops, priests and deacons assembled at Antioch as a Pre-Ecumenical synod or council called the Synods of Antioch. Egypt to the Euxine Sea, the bishops were in arms and in motion. Several councils were held, confutations were published, ex-communications were pronounced, ambiguous explanations were by turns accepted and refused, treaties were concluded and violated.[3] synod deposed Paul as bishop and elected Dominus as his successor. They also wrote an encyclical letter to Dionysius and Maximus, bishops of Rome and Alexandria respectively. This letter is the only indisputably contemporary document concerning him and was preserved in Eusebius of Caesarea's Ecclesiastical History.[4] because the synod had acted without consulting the clergy or the people, its authority was in question,[3] enabling Paul to claim continued possession of his bishopric. Since he had friendly relations with Zenobia, the separatist queen of Palmyra ruling in Syria, he maintained his occupancy of the bishop's house in Antioch for another four years. Late in 272, however, when the emperor Aurelian defeated Zenobia, Paul lost her protection. Aurelian allowed the two parties, for and against Paul, to present their cases before his own tribunal. Aurelian was not a Christian and had no interest in the doctrinal issues of the Church. Wishing only to restore order, he relied on the judgment of the bishops of Italy and Rome. The unanimous verdict was for Paul to relinquish his position as bishop. ruling of Aurelian occurred during the "Little Peace of the Church", a roughly 40-year period when Christianity flourished without official sanctions from the central government. It was the first time the Church had sought the emperor's intervention in an internal dispute.[5] teaching is a form of Monarchianism, which emphasized the oneness of God. Paul taught that Jesus was born a mere man, but that he was infused with the divine Logos or word of God. Hence, Jesus was seen not as God-become-man but as man-become-God. In his Discourses to Sabinus, of which only fragments are preserved in a book against heresies ascribed to Anastasius, Paul writes: been anointed by the Holy Spirit he received the title of the anointed (i.e. Christos), suffering in accordance with his nature, working wonders in accordance with grace. For in fixity and resoluteness of character he likened himself to God; and having kept himself free from sin was united with God, and was empowered to grasp as it were the power and authority of wonders. By these he was shown to possess over and above the will, one and the same activity (with God), and won the title of Redeemer and Saviour of our race." Saviour became holy and just; and by struggle and hard work overcame the sins of our forefather. By these means he succeeded in perfecting himself, and was through his moral excellence united with God; having attained to unity and sameness of will and energy (i.e. activity) with Him through his advances in the path of good deeds. This will be preserved inseparable (from the Divine), and so inherited the name which is above all names, the prize of love and affection vouchsafed in grace to him." do not award praise to beings which submit merely in virtue of their nature; but we do award high praise to beings which submit because their attitude is one of love; and so submitting because their inspiring motive is one and the same, they are confirmed and strengthened by one and the same indwelling power, of which the force ever grows, so that it never ceases to stir. It was in virtue of this love that the Saviour coalesced with God, so as to admit of no divorce from Him, but for all ages to retain one and the same will and activity with Him, an activity perpetually at work in the manifestation of good." not that the Saviour had one will with God. For as nature manifests the substance of the many to subsist as one and the same, so the attitude of love produces in the many a unity and a sameness of will which is manifested by unity and sameness of approval and well-pleasingness." was an early forerunner of Adoptionism. It was suggested that the Paulicians of Armenia adhered to his teachings, and received their name from him. However, historical records show that the Paulicians were bitterly persecuted more for their gnostic and iconoclastic views than for their adherence to Adoptionism. pupil Lucian of Antioch is considered to have had a major influence on Arius the founder of Arianism. account[edit] major source of information we have of Paul of Samosata comes from Eusebius of Caesarea, who described some of the doctrines and practices Paul displayed openly, which included: Receiving money for his religious services,[6] as well as paying others to preach his doctrines.[7] Preferring to be called an imperial procurator of queen Zenobia, rather than bishop.[8] He stopped the production of psalms to Christ, and trained women to sing psalms to himself[9] as an angel come down from heaven.[10] Likewise, Eusebius hints to the fact that Paul was "too familiar" with his women followers,[11] whom he called "subintroductae".[7] 19 of the First Council of Nicaea dealt with the Paulianists: the Paulianists who have flown for refuge to the Catholic Church, it has been decreed that they must by all means be rebaptized; and if any of them who in past time have been numbered among their clergy should be found blameless and without reproach, let them be rebaptized and ordained by the Bishop of the Catholic Church; but if the examination should discover them to be unfit, they ought to be deposed. Likewise in the case of their deaconesses, and generally in the case of those who have been enrolled among their clergy, let the same form be observed. And we mean by deaconesses such as have assumed the habit, but who, since they have no imposition of hands, are to be numbered only among the laity.[12] of Alexandria explained that despite the fact that the followers of Paul of Samosata baptised in the name of the Trinity, they did not make it in the orthodox sense, making their baptism invalid.[13] The Paulianists seemed to have disappeared soon after the council, although the Paulicianists, a 7th-century dualistic sect, were often misidentified as being one and the same.[14] St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16;

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

Syria, 357-381, Meletius of Antioch, Syrian Saint, Raised Chrysostom, 3 Exiles, Orthodox
Syria, 357-381, Syrian Saint, Meletius of Antioch; St. Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 12; Syrian Saint, 367-407, St John Chrysostom ; St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 13;

Syria, 360-378, Titus of Bostra, Bishop, theologian, anti manichaean works, literal exegesis
Syrian Saint, 360-378, Saint and Bishop Titus of Bostra; of Bostra (died c. 378[1]) was a Christian theologian and bishop. Sozomen[2] names Titus among the great men of the time of Constantius. also tells[3] of a mean trick played upon Titus by Julian the Apostate. It was expected that the reestablishment of paganism would cause riots, as it had elsewhere. Julian wrote to Titus, as bishop of Bostra (now Bosra) that he would hold him and the clergy responsible for any disorder. Titus replied that though the Christians were equal in number to the pagans they would obey him and keep quiet. Julian then wrote to the Bostrians urging them to expel Titus because he had calumniated them by attributing their quiet conduct not to their own good dispositions but to his influence. Titus remained bishop at Bostra until c. 371.[4] to Socrates[5] Titus was one of the bishops who signed the Synodal Letter, addressed to Jovian by the Council of Antioch (363), in which the Nicene Creed was accepted, though with a clause "intended somewhat to weaken and semiarianize the expression homoousios".[6] Jerome[7] names Titus among writers whose secular erudition is as marvellous as their knowledge of Scripture; in his De Viris Illustribus, cii, he speaks of his "mighty" (fortes) books against the Manichaean and nonnulla alia. He places his death under Valens. the nonnulla alia only fragments of exegetical writings have survived. These show that Titus followed the Antiochene School of Scripture exegesis in keeping to the literal as opposed to the allegorical interpretation. Contra Manichæos is the most important work of the kind that has come down to us; it is extremely valuable because of the number of quotations it contains from Manichaean writers. The work consists of four books of which the fourth and the greater part of the third are only extant in a Syriac translation. The Greek and Syriac texts of the Contra Manichæos were published by Paul de Lagarde (Berlin, 1859). Earlier editions of the Greek text suffer from an insertion from a work of Serapion owing to the misplacement of a leaf in the original codex. The latest edition by Paul-Huber Poirier of the extant Greek text and the more extensive Syriac translation appeared 2013 (Corpus Christianorum Series Graeca 82).[8] In 2015 a French translation of the texts in this edition appeared in the Corpus Christianorum in Translation-series.[9] one passage Titus seems to favour Origen's view that the pains of the damned are not eternal.[10] Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke is attributed to Titus, which survives in excerpts principally in catenae. For this, and other writings attributed to Titus see Migne and Gallandi. The genuine exegetical fragments of this commentary were published by Sickenberger.[11] Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated on November 26; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4 ;

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

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

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

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

Syria, 400-459, Saint, Simeon Stylites the Elder, lived in a well, angels, back, stone cave, 40 d s fast, first pillar
Syria, 400-459, Saint, Simeon Stylites the Elder (Queig (Aleppo) River 2); St Simeon Stylites, the Elder, Commemorated September 1 ; Simeon the Stylite was born in the Cappadocian village of Sisan of Christian parents, Sisotian and Martha. At thirteen years of age he began to tend his father’s flock of sheep. He devoted himself attentively and with love to this, his first obedience. after he heard the Beatitudes in church, he was struck by their profundity. Not trusting to his own immature judgment, he turned therefore with his questions to an experienced Elder. The Elder readily explained to the boy the meaning of what he had heard. The seed fell on good soil, and it strengthened his resolve to serve God. Simeon was eighteen, he received monastic tonsure and devoted himself to feats of the strictest abstinence and unceasing prayer. His zeal, beyond the strength of the other monastic brethren, so alarmed the igumen that he told Simeon that to either moderate his ascetic deeds or leave the monastery. Simeon then withdrew from the monastery and lived in an empty well in the nearby mountains, where he was able to carry out his austere struggles unhindered. After some time, angels appeared in a dream to the igumen, who commanded him to bring back Simeon to the monastery. monk, however, did not long remain at the monastery. After a short while he settled into a stony cave, situated not far from the village of Galanissa, and he dwelt there for three years, all the while perfecting himself in monastic feats. Once, he decided to spend the entire forty days of Great Lent without food or drink. With the help of God, the monk endured this strict fast. From that time he abstained from food completely during the entire period of the Great Lent, even from bread and water. For twenty days he prayed while standing, and for twenty days while sitting, so as not to permit the corporeal powers to relax. whole crowd of people began to throng to the place of his efforts, wanting to receive healing from sickness and to hear a word of Christian edification. Shunning worldly glory and striving again to find his lost solitude, the monk chose a previously unknown mode of asceticism. He went up a pillar six to eight feet high, and settled upon it in a little cell, devoting himself to intense prayer and fasting. of Saint Simeon reached the highest church hierarchy and the imperial court. Patriarch Domninos II (441-448) of Antioch visited the monk, celebrated Divine Liturgy on the pillar and communed the ascetic with the Holy Mysteries. living in the desert heard about Saint Simeon, who had chosen a new and strange form of ascetic striving. Wanting to test the new ascetic and determine whether his extreme ascetic feats were pleasing to God, they sent messengers to him, who in the name of these desert fathers were to bid Saint Simeon to come down from the pillar. the case of disobedience they were to forcibly drag him to the ground. But if he was willing to submit, they were to leave him on his pillar. Saint Simeon displayed complete obedience and deep Christian humility. The monks told him to stay where he was, asking God to be his helper. Simeon endured many temptations, and he invariably gained the victory over them. He relied not on his own weak powers, but on the Lord Himself, Who always came to help him. The monk gradually increased the height of the pillar on which he stood. His final pillar was 80 feet in height. Around him a double wall was raised, which hindered the unruly crowd of people from coming too close and disturbing his prayerful concentration. in general, were not permitted beyond the wall. The saint did not make an exception even for his own mother, who after long and unsuccessful searches finally succeeded in finding her lost son. He would not see her, saying, “If we are worthy, we shall see one another in the life to come.” Saint Martha submitted to this, remaining at the foot of the pillar in silence and prayer, where she finally died. Saint Simeon asked that her coffin be brought to him. He reverently bid farewell to his dead mother, and a joyful smile appeared on her face. Simeon spent 80 years in arduous monastic feats, 47 years of which he stood upon the pillar. Many pagans accepted Baptism, struck by the moral staunchness and bodily strength which the Lord bestowed upon His servant. first one to learn of the death of the saint was his close disciple Anthony. Concerned that his teacher had not appeared to the people for three days, he went up on the pillar and found the dead body stooped over at prayer. Patriarch Martyrius of Antioch performed the funeral before a huge throng of clergy and people. They buried him near his pillar. At the place of his ascetic deeds, Anthony established a monastery, upon which rested the special blessing of Saint Simeon. pray to Saint Simeon for the return to the Church of those who have forsaken Her, or have been separated from Her. Venerable Martha the Mother of St Simeon Stylites, Commemorated on September 1 ; Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated on November 26; Hieromartyr Abibus, Bishop of Nekressi in Georgia, Commemorated on November 29; St Macarius the Stylite of Martkobsk, Georgia; Venerable Shio Mgvime;

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

Syria, 413-466, Theologian, Theodoret of Cyrrhus, pro Nestorius, anti Cyril, writings condemned
Syria, 413-466, Theologian, Theodoret of Cyrrhus, Syria (Afrin River 1) ; of Cyrus or Cyrrhus (c. AD 393 - c. 458/466) was an influential theologian of the School of Antioch, biblical commentator, and Christian bishop of Cyrrhus (423–457). played a pivotal role in several 5th-century Byzantine Church controversies that led to various ecumenical acts and schisms. wrote against Cyril of Alexandria's 12 Anathemas which were sent to Nestorius and did not personally condemn Nestorius until the Council of Chalcedon. writings against Cyril were included in the Three Chapters Controversy and were condemned at the Second Council of Constantinople. Some Chalcedonian and East Syriac Christians regard him as a "full" saint.[a] Cyrrhus; Venerable Maximus the Greek, Commemorated on January 21;

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

Syria, 428-442, John of Antioch, Patriarch, Nestorius supporter, council, robber c, then Formula of Reunion
Syrian Patriarch, 428-442, John of Antioch; I of Antioch was Patriarch of Antioch (429–441).[1] He led a group of moderate Eastern bishops during the Nestorian controversy. He is sometimes confused with John Chrysostom, who is occasionally also referred to as John of Antioch. gave active support to his friend Nestorius in the latter's dispute with Cyril of Alexandria. In the year 431, he arrived too late for the opening meeting of the First Council of Ephesus. Cyril, suspecting John of using procrastinating tactics to support Nestorius, decided not to wait and convened the council without John and his supporters, condemning Nestorius. When John reached Ephesus a few days after the council had begun, he convened a counter-council which condemned Cyril and vindicated Nestorius. years later, in 433 John reconciled with Cyril based on the Formula of Reunion, a theological formula devised as a compromise. In the process, John lost many of his own supporters within his patriarchate. Some of his letters are extant. St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on June 9; Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria, a distinguished champion of Orthodoxy and a great teacher of the Church, came from an illustrious and pious Christian family. studied the secular sciences, including philosophy, but most of all he strove to acquire knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and the truths of the Christian Faith. his youth Cyril entered the monastery of Macarius in the Nitreia hills, where he stayed for six years. Theophilus (385-412), the Patriarch of Alexandria, ordained him as a deacon, numbered him among the clergy and entrusted him to preach. the death of Patriarch Theophilus, Cyril was unanimously chosen to the patriarchal throne of the Alexandrian Church. He led the struggle against the spread of the Novatian heresy in Alexandria, which taught that any Christian who had fallen away from the Church during a time of persecution, could not be received back into it. seeing the futility of admonishing the heretics, sought their expulsion from Alexandria. The Jews appeared a greater danger for the Church, repeatedly causing riots, accompanied by the brutal killing of Christians. The saint long contended with them. In order to wipe out the remnants of paganism, the saint cast out devils from an ancient pagan temple and built a church on the spot, and the relics of the Holy Unmercenaries Cyrus and John were transferred into it. A more difficult struggle awaited the saint with the emergence of the Nestorian heresy. a presbyter of the Antiochian Church, was chosen in 428 to the see of Constantinople and there he was able to spread his heretical teaching against the dogma about the uncommingled union of two natures in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nestorius called the Mother of God not the Theotokos, but rather Christotokos or “Birth-giver of Christ,” implying that she gave birth not to God, but only to the man Christ. The holy Patriarch Cyril repeatedly wrote to Nestorius and pointed out his error, but Nestorius continued to persevere in it. Then the saint sent out epistles against Nestorianism to the clergy of Constantinople and to the holy emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450), denouncing the heresy. Cyril wrote also to other Churches, to Pope Celestine and to the other Patriarchs, and even to monks of several monasteries, warning of the emergence of a dangerous heresy. started an open persecution against the Orthodox. In his presence one of his partisans, Bishop Dorotheus, pronounced an anathema against anyone who would call the Most Holy Virgin Mary the Theotokos. hated Cyril and brought out against him every kind of slander and fabrication, calling him a heretic. The saint continued to defend Orthodoxy with all his powers. The situation became so aggravated, that it became necessary to call an Ecumenical Council, which convened in the city of Ephesus in the year 431. At the Council 200 bishops arrived from all the Christian Churches. awaiting the arrival of Bishop John of Antioch and other Syrian bishops, did not agree to the opening of the Council. But the Fathers of the Council began the sessions with Cyril presiding. Having examined the teaching of Nestorius, the Council condemned him as a heretic. did not submit to the Council, and Bishop John opened a “robber council”, which decreed Cyril a heretic. The unrest increased. By order of the emperor, Patriarch Cyril of Alexandria and Archbishop Memnon of Ephesus were locked in prison, and Nestorius was deposed. Saints Cyril and Memnon were freed, and the sessions of the Council continued. Nestorius, not submitting himself to the determinations of the Council, was deprived of priestly rank. By order of the emperor he was sent to the faraway place Sasim in the Libyan wilderness, where he died in grievous torments. His tongue, having blasphemed the Mother of God, was overtaken by punishment -- in it there developed worms. Even Bishop John of Antioch and the remaining Syrian bishops signed the decrees of the Council of Ephesus. guided the Alexandrian Church for 32 years, and towards the end of his life the flock was cleansed of heretics. Gently and cautiously Cyril approached anyone, who by their own simpleness and lack of knowledge, fell into false wisdom. There was a certain Elder, an ascetic of profound life, who incorrectly considered the Old Testament Priest Melchizedek to be the Son of God. Cyril prayed for the Lord to reveal to the Elder the correct way to view the righteous one. After three days the Elder came to Cyril and said that the Lord had revealed to him that Melchizedek was a mere man. learned to overcome his prejudice against the memory of the great John Chrysostom (November 13). Theophilus, the Patriarch of Alexandria, and uncle of Cyril, was an antagonist of John, and presided in a council in judgment of him. Cyril thus found himself in a circle antagonistic to John Chrysostom, and involuntarily acquired a prejudice against him. Isidore of Pelusium (February 4) repeatedly wrote to Cyril and urged him to include the name of the great Father of the Church into the diptychs of the saints, but Cyril would not agree. in a dream he saw a wondrous temple, in which the Mother of God was surrounded by a host of angels and saints, in whose number was John Chrysostom. When Cyril wanted to approach the All-Holy Lady and venerate her, John Chrysostom would not let him. The Theotokos asked John to forgive Cyril for having sinned against him through ignorance. Seeing that John hesitated, the Mother of God said, “Forgive him for my sake, since he has labored much for my honor, and has glorified me among the people calling me Theotokos.” John answered, “By your intercession, Lady, I do forgive him,” and then he embraced Cyril with love. repented that he had maintained anger against the great saint of God. Having convened all the Egyptian bishops, he celebrated a solemn feast in honor of John Chrysostom. died in the year 444, leaving behind many works. In particular, the following ought to be mentioned: commentaries On the Gospel of Luke, On the Gospel of John, On the Epistles of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians and to the Hebrews; also an Apologia in Defense of Christianity against the Emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363). Of vast significance are his Five Books against Nestorius; a work on the Most Holy Trinity under the title Thesaurus, written against Arius and Eunomios. Also two dogmatic compositions on the Most Holy Trinity, distinguished by a precise exposition of the Orthodox teaching on the Procession of the Holy Spirit. Cyril wrote Against Anthropomorphism for several Egyptians, who through ignorance depicted God in human form. Among Cyril’s works are also the Discussions, among which is the moving and edifying Discourse on the Exodus of the Soul, inserted in the Slavonic “Following Psalter”. we commemorate the repose of this great Father of the Church. He is also remembered on January 18, the date of his flight from Alexandria.

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

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

Syria, 510-556, Saint Romanos the Melodist
Syria, 510-556, Saint Romanos the Melodist; Venerable Romanus the Melodist, œSweet-SingerÂ, Commemorated on October 1;

Syria, 520's - 540's, Saint John of Zadazeni, he and the 13 Georgian Fathers were from Antioch Wilderness
Syria, 540's, Saint John of Zadazeni, he and the 13 Georgian Fathers were from Antioch Wilderness; Saint John Zedazeni of Zaden, Georgia, with his 12 disciples, Commemorated on May 7; Holy Father John of Zedazeni and his twelve disciples, Abibus of Nekresi, Anthony of Martqopi, David of Gareji, Zenon of Iqalto, Thaddeus of Stepantsminda, Jesse of Tsilkani, Joseph of Alaverdi, Isidore of Samtavisi, Michael of Ulumbo, Pyrrhus of Breti, Stephen of Khirsa, and Shio of Mgvime, were Syrian ascetics and the founding fathers of Georgian monastic life. John received his spiritual education in Antioch. Early in his youth he was tonsured a monk and withdrew to the wilderness. The Lord, recognizing his humility, diligence in fasting, and devout watchfulness, blessed His faithful servant with the gift of healing the sick and casting out demons. Saint John was celebrated for his holy deeds and miracles. Curious crowds would swarm around him, and after some time he found it necessary to withdraw into even deeper seclusion. with him several of his disciples, he chose a remote area, fashioned for himself a cell, and began to labor as a hermit. Once the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to Saint John and told him, “Take twelve monks and go with them to Georgia, the nation enlightened by the Equal-to-the-Apostles Nino, and strengthen the Christian soul of its people.â€ John related the vision to his disciples, and after much fasting and prayer he chose twelve of them: Abibus, Anthony, David, Zenon, Thaddeus, Isidore, Joseph, Jesse, Michael, Pyrrhus, Stephen, and Shio. He left his remaining disciples in the wilderness in the care of the abbot, the blessed elder Euthymius, and set off for Georgia with the twelve he had chosen. divine revelation the Georgian king Parsman and Catholicos Evlavios received the good news that the venerable fathers were in Mesopotamia, on their way to Georgia, and they hurried to greet them with the proper honors. King Parsman and Catholicos Evlavios met the holy fathers as they were approaching Mtskheta. holy fathers venerated the myrrh-streaming wood of the Living Pillar and the Robe of Christ at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. From there Saint John and his disciples traveled throughout Georgia, visiting its many holy sites. the blessing of Catholicos Evlavios, Saint John and his disciples settled on Zedazeni Mountain, where a pagan temple to the idol Zadeni had previously stood. The monks lived in wretched cells, eating only plants and praying ceaselessly.

Syria, 520's - 540's, Saint Shio of Mgvine, from Antioch and John's Antiochian Wilderness
Syria, 540's, Saint Shio of Mgvine, from Antioch and John's Antiochian Wilderness; Antiochian by birth, Saint Shio of Mgvime was among the Thirteen Syrian Fathers who preached the Christian Faith in Georgia. His parents were pious nobles who provided their son with a sound education. When the twenty-year-old Shio heard about the great ascetic labors of Saint John of Zedazeni and his disciples who labored in the wilderness, he went in secret to visit them. Saint John promised to receive Shio as a disciple, provided his parents agreed to his decision. ----------------------------------------------- But when Shio returned home he said nothing to his parents about what had transpired. passed and Shio’s parents both entered the monastic life. Shio sold all his possessions, distributed the profits to the poor, widows, orphans, and hermits, freed all his family’s slaves, and returned to Fr. John. John received Shio joyfully, tonsured him a monk, and blessed him to remain in the wilderness. He labored there with Saint John for twenty years. Then John was told in a divine revelation to choose twelve disciples and travel to Georgia to increase the faith of its people. Shio was one of the disciples chosen to follow him on this holy mission. Syria, 540's, Saint John of Zadazeni, he and the 13 Georgian Fathers were from Antioch Wilderness; Saint John Zedazeni of Zaden, Georgia, with his 12 disciples, Commemorated on May 7; Holy Father John of Zedazeni and his twelve disciples, Abibus of Nekresi, Anthony of Martqopi, David of Gareji, Zenon of Iqalto, Thaddeus of Stepantsminda, Jesse of Tsilkani, Joseph of Alaverdi, Isidore of Samtavisi, Michael of Ulumbo, Pyrrhus of Breti, Stephen of Khirsa, and Shio of Mgvime, were Syrian ascetics and the founding fathers of Georgian monastic life. John received his spiritual education in Antioch. Early in his youth he was tonsured a monk and withdrew to the wilderness. The Lord, recognizing his humility, diligence in fasting, and devout watchfulness, blessed His faithful servant with the gift of healing the sick and casting out demons. Saint John was celebrated for his holy deeds and miracles. Curious crowds would swarm around him, and after some time he found it necessary to withdraw into even deeper seclusion. with him several of his disciples, he chose a remote area, fashioned for himself a cell, and began to labor as a hermit. Once the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to Saint John and told him, “Take twelve monks and go with them to Georgia, the nation enlightened by the Equal-to-the-Apostles Nino, and strengthen the Christian soul of its people.â€ John related the vision to his disciples, and after much fasting and prayer he chose twelve of them: Abibus, Anthony, David, Zenon, Thaddeus, Isidore, Joseph, Jesse, Michael, Pyrrhus, Stephen, and Shio. He left his remaining disciples in the wilderness in the care of the abbot, the blessed elder Euthymius, and set off for Georgia with the twelve he had chosen. divine revelation the Georgian king Parsman and Catholicos Evlavios received the good news that the venerable fathers were in Mesopotamia, on their way to Georgia, and they hurried to greet them with the proper honors. King Parsman and Catholicos Evlavios met the holy fathers as they were approaching Mtskheta. holy fathers venerated the myrrh-streaming wood of the Living Pillar and the Robe of Christ at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. From there Saint John and his disciples traveled throughout Georgia, visiting its many holy sites. the blessing of Catholicos Evlavios, Saint John and his disciples settled on Zedazeni Mountain, where a pagan temple to the idol Zadeni had previously stood. The monks lived in wretched cells, eating only plants and praying ceaselessly.

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

Syria, 527-592, Simeon Stylites, Simeon the Younger, translated Abibus a letter of courage
Syria, 527-592, Simeon Stylites, Simeon the Younger; Hieromartyr Abibus, Bishop of Nekresi in Georgia, Commemorated on November 29; Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger of Wonderful Mountain, Commemorated on May 24;

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

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

Syria, 656-661, First Muslim Civil War, within Rashidun C, Uthman killed after nepotism, centralization surplus, arbitration
Syria, First Muslim Civil War, 656-661; First Fitna was a civil war within the Rashidun Caliphate which resulted in the overthrowing of the Rashidun caliphs and the establishment of the Umayyad dynasty. began when the caliph Uthman was assassinated by rebels in 656 and continued through the four-year reign of Uthman's successor, Ali. It ended in 661 when Ali's heir Hasan ibn Ali concluded a treaty acknowledging the rule of Muawiyah, the first Umayyad caliph.[1] Muhammad's death in 632, Abu Bakr became the new leader of the Muslim community. After reasserting Muslim control over the dissident tribes of Arabia, he sent the Muslim armies against the empires of Byzantium and Sassanian Persia initiating a wave of conquests which were continued by his successor Umar (r. 634–644) bringing about almost complete collapse of the Sassanians, and restricting the Byzantine Empire to Anatolia, North Africa, and its European holdings.[2] conquests brought Muslims bounteous revenue and lands.[3] Particularly in Iraq, the former crown-lands and the lands of the Persian aristocracy were now in Muslim hands. These became communal property administered by the state. The revenue was distributed among the conquering armies, who had settled in Iraq.[4] Umar also left the provincial administration to the respective governors, who ruled with considerable autonomy, and provincial surplus was spent on the settlers of the conquered territories instead of being sent to the capital.[5] succeeded Umar after the latter's assassination in 644. His policies earned him displeasure of the Muslim elite and accusations of nepotism. He began centralizing the power by reliance on his Umayyad relatives, the clan who had long opposed Muhammad, to the exclusion of other Quraysh[a] who had enjoyed significant authority during the reign of his two predecessors. He appointed his kinsmen to all of the provincial governorships.[6][7] Empire and Sasanian Empire, 600 CE he continued the expansion in eastern Persia and Africa west of Egypt, the conquests came to a halt in roughly the later part of his reign.[3][8] The influx of spoils ceased, and the economic issues that had previously been ignored by the conquest tribesmen due to incoming revenue started coming to the fore.[9] This was coupled with the dislike of the Arab nomads for the central authority which had hitherto been superseded by the continued war effort.[8] The continued migration of tribes from Arabia to the conquered territories also resulted in reduced payments from the revenue of the lands, which led to resentment in the old settlers.[3][10] Uthman's interference in the provincial affairs, that consisted of his declaration of the crown lands of Iraq as the state assets, and his demand that provincial surplus be forwarded to the caliph in Medina, brought about widespread opposition to his rule, especially from Iraq and Egypt, where majority of the conquest armies had settled.[11] The old settlers also saw their status threatened by the land grants in conquered territories to prominent Quraysh like Talha ibn Ubayd Allah and Zubayr ibn al-Awwam and the caliph allowing late arriving tribal chiefs, such as Ash'ath ibn Qays, to acquire lands there in exchange for their lands in Arabia.[12][10] by the Medinese elite including the companions like Talha, Zubayr, Amr ibn al-A's, the conqueror of Egypt whom Uthman had deposed, and Muhammad's widow A'isha, the provincial opposition subsequently precipitated into open rebellion and the people from Egypt and Iraq marched on Medina, killing the caliph in June 656.[13][8] death had a polarizing effect in the Muslim world at the time. Questions were raised not only regarding his character and policies but also about the relationship between Muslims and the state, religious beliefs regarding rebellion and governance, and the qualifications of rulership in Islam.[14] Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, was subsequently recognized caliph.[15] of the Camel[edit] Main article: Battle of the Camel bint Abu Bakr (Muhammad's widow), Talhah ibn Ubayd-Allah, and Zubayr ibn al-Awam opposed Ali's succession and gathered in Mecca calling for vengeance against Uthman's killers, and election of a new caliph through Shura. they moved to Basra, taking it from Ali's governor, with the intention of strengthening their numbers. in response sent his son Hasan and the leaders of Kufan mutineers to raise an army in Kufa. Ali himself soon followed; with the combined army, they marched against Basra.[16] armies met outside Basra. After three days of failed negotiations, battle started in the afternoon of 8 December 656 and lasted till the evening. left the field without fighting but was pursued and killed. Ali's army emerged victorious and Talha was also killed. After admonishing Ayesha, Ali sent her back to Medina, escorted by her brother Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr.[17] Marwan probably paid allegiance to Ali and the latter let him go.[17] of Siffin[edit] Main article: Battle of Siffin Combat between the forces of Ali and Muawiyah I during the Battle of Siffin, from the Tarikhnama inability to punish the murderers of Uthman and Muawiyah's refusal to pledge allegiance eventually led Ali to move his army north to confront Muawiyah. The two armies encamped themselves at Siffin for more than one hundred days, most of the time being spent in negotiations. side wanted to fight. on 29 July 657 (11th Safar), the Mesopotamians under Ashtar's command, the Qurra in Ali's army, who had their own camp, started the fighting in earnest. The battle lasted three days. The loss of life was terrible. one of the Syrians, Ibn Lahiya, out of fear of further civil war and unable to bear the spectacle rode forward with a copy of the Quran on the ears of his horse to call for judgement by the book of Allah, and the other Syrians followed suit. Everyone on both sides took up the cry, eager to avoid killing their fellow Muslims - except for the conspirators. The majority of Ali's followers supported arbitration. Nasr b Muzahim, in one of the earliest sources states that al-Ashath ibn Qays, one of Ali's key supporters and a Kufan, then stood up and said: company of Muslims! You have seen what happened in the day which has passed. In it some of the Arabs have been annihilated. By Allah, I have reached the age which Allah willed that I reach. but I have never ever seen a day like this. Let the present convey to the absent! If we fight tomorrow, it will be the annihilation of the Arabs and the loss of what is sacred. I do not make this statement out of fear of death, but I am an aged man who fears for the women and children tomorrow if we are annihilated. O Allah, I have looked to my people and the people of my deen and not empowered anyone. There is no success except by Allah. On Him I rely and to Him I return. Opinion can be both right and wrong. When Allah decides a matter, He carries it out whether His servants like it or not. I say this and I ask Allah's forgiveness for me and you. Nasr b Muzahim says people looked at Muawiya who said is right, by the Lord. If we meet tomorrow the Byzantines will attack our women and children and the people of Persia will attack the women and children of Mesopotamia. Those with forebearance and intelligence see this. Tie the copies of the Quran to the ends of the spears. So the fighting stopped.[18] time Ali tried to negotiate the Qurra and the Sabait started wars and launched night attacks, fearing that if there was peace, then they will be arrested.[19] hidePart of a series on Islam Muhakkima Muhakkimite Creed.png hide Beliefs and practices Monotheism Kitman Takfir Theology hide History Early First Fitna Battle of Siffin Battle of Nahrawan Dynasties Rustamids Nabhanids Ya'rubids Zanzibar Oman Ibadi Hadith Canon Jami Sahih Tartib al-Musnad hide Notable Individuals Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam Nafi ibn al-Azraq Najda ibn Amir al-Hanafi Abu Bilal Mirdas Abu Qurra Abdullah ibn Ibadh Jabir ibn Zayd Abu Yazid Abd Allah ibn Yazid al-Fazari hide Branches and sects Khawarij Azariqah Sufriyyah Najdat Ibadiyyah Wahbiyyah Nukkari Azzabas Allah-green.svg Islam portal vte was decided that the Syrians and the residents of Kufa should nominate an arbitrator, each to decide between 'Ali and Mu'awiya. Syrians chose 'Amr ibn al-'As who was the rational soul and spokesman of Muawiya, and was one of the generals involved in conquering Syria and also Egypt.[20] A few years earlier, 'Amr ibn al-'As with 9,000 men in Palestine had found himself confronting Heraclius's 100,000-man army until Khalid crossed the Syrian desert from Mesopotamia to assist him.[20] He was a highly skilled negotiator and had previously been used in negotiations with the Heraclius the Roman Emperor.[21] wanted Malik Ashtar or Abdullah bin 'Abbas to be appointed as an arbitrator for the people of Kufa, the Qurra strongly demurred, alleging that men like these two were responsible for the war and, therefore, ineligible for that office of trust. nominated Abu Musa al-Ash'ari as their arbitrator (during the time of 'Uthman, they had appointed Abu Musa al-Ash'ari as the Governor of Kufa and removed 'Uthman's governor before they started fighting 'Uthman). found it expedient to agree to this choice in order to ward off bloody dissension in his army. According to Usd al-G̲h̲āba, Ali therefore took care to personally explain to the arbitrators, "You are arbiters on condition that you decide according to the Book of God, and if you are not so inclined you should not deem yourselves to be arbiters."[22] the arbitrators assembled at Dumat al-Jandal, which lay midway between Kufa and Syria and had therefore been selected as the place for the announcement of the decision, a series of daily meetings were arranged for them to discuss the matters in hand. the time arrived for taking a decision about the caliphate, 'Amr ibn al-'As convinced Abu Musa al-Ash'ari that they should deprive both Ali and Mu'awiya of the caliphate, and give the Muslims the right to elect the caliph. Musa al-Ash'ari decided to act accordingly. As the time for announcing the verdict approached, the people belonging to both parties assembled. 'Amr ibn al-'As requested Abu Musa take the lead in announcing the decision he favoured. Abu Musa al-Ash'ari agreed to open the proceedings, and said, "We have devised a solution after a good deal of thought and it may put an end to all contention and separatist tendencies. It is this. Both of us remove 'Ali as well as Mu'awiya from the caliphate. Muslims are given the right to elect a caliph as they think best."[23] On his turn 'Amr bin al-'As stated that he agreed with the part of Abu Musa Ash'ari's verdict that 'Ali should be deposed but he himself was in favour of retaining Mua'wiyah on his post[citation needed]. refused to accept the verdict.[24][25][26] This put Ali in a weak position even amongst his own supporters.[24] most vociferous opponents of Ali in his camp were the very same people who had forced Ali to appoint their arbitrator, the Qurra.[23] Feeling that Ali could no longer look after their interests[27] they felt that their status was being reduced and therefore started to cause trouble.[27] that they could be arrested for the murder of 'Uthman if there were peace, they broke away from Ali's force, rallying under the slogan, "arbitration belongs to God alone."[23] The Qurra then became known as the Kharijites ("those who leave"). with Kharijites[edit] forces finally moved against the Kharijites in 659, and they finally met in the Battle of Nahrawan. Although Ali won the battle, the constant conflict had begun to affect his standing.[23] Tom Holland writes "Ali won a victory over them as crushing as it was to prove pyrrhic: for all he had done, in effect was to fertilise the soil of Mesopotamia with the blood of their martyrs. Three years later, and there came the inevitable blowback: a Kharijite assassin."[28] dealing with the Iraqis, Ali found it hard to build a disciplined army and effective state institutions to exert control over his areas, and as a result later spent a lot of time fighting the Kharijites. As a result, on the Eastern front, Ali found it hard to expand the state.[29] was assassinated by Kharijites in 661. On the 19th of Ramadan, while praying in the Great Mosque of Kufa, Ali was attacked by the Kharijite Abd-al-Rahman ibn Muljam. He was wounded by ibn Muljam's poison-coated sword while prostrating in the Fajr prayer.[30] When Alī was assassinated, Muawiyah had the largest and the most organized and disciplined force in the Muslim Empire. treaty with Hasan[edit] months later in 661, in the interest of peace, Hasan ibn Ali, who by now only ruled the area around Kufa, made a peace treaty with Muawiyah. By the Hasan-Muawiya treaty, he handed over power to Muawiya on condition that he was just to the people and keep them safe and secure, and after his own death did not establish a dynasty.[31] the year 661, Muawiyah was crowned as caliph at a ceremony in Jerusalem.[32] Ali's caliphate had lasted for four years. After the treaty with Hasan, Muawiyah ruled for nearly 20 years,[1] most of which were spent expanding the state.

Syria, 661-750, History Folder, Umayaad Caliphate, Sunni

Syria, 661-680, Muawiyah I, Caliph , in Damascus
Arab Caliph, 661-680, Muawiyah I ; St Phanourius, Commemorated on August 27; Icon of the Mother of God of Damascus, Commemorated on December 4;

Syria, 685-705, Abdul Malek, Damascus, Arab Umayyad Caliph
Syria, Arab Umayyad Caliph, 685-705, khalif Abdul Malek, Damascus, Greater Syria; Martyr Peter of Capetolis, Commemorated on October 4; JOHN OF DAMASCUS, HYMN-WRITER, DEFENDER OF ICONS (4 DEC 750); Martyr John of Damascus, Commemorated on December 4;

Syria, 695-749, John of Damascus, Saint, Iconodule, Three Hands Icon
Syria, 695-749, Saint, John of Damascus; Martyr John of Damascus, Commemorated on December 4; Icon of the Mother of God “Of the Three Handsâ€, Commemorated on June 28; Icon of the Mother of God, “Of the Three Handsâ€: In the eighth century during the time of the Iconoclasts, Saint John of Damascus (December 4) was zealous in his veneration of holy icons. Because of this, he was slandered by the emperor and iconoclast Leo III the Isaurian (717-740), who informed the Damascus caliph that Saint John was committing treasonous acts against him. The caliph gave orders to cut off the hand of the monk and take it to the marketplace. Towards evening Saint John, having asked the caliph for the cut-off hand, put it to its joint and fell to the ground before the icon of the Mother of God. The monk begged Our Lady to heal the hand, which had written in defense of Orthodoxy. After long prayer he fell asleep and saw in a dream that the All-Pure Mother of God had turned to him promising him quick healing. this the Mother of God bid him toil without fail with this hand. Having awakened from sleep, Saint John saw that his hand was unharmed. In thankfulness for this healing Saint John placed on the icon a hand fashioned of silver, from which the icon received its name “Of Three Hands.â€ (Some iconographers, in their ignorance, have mistakenly depicted the Most Holy Theotokos with three arms and three hands.) According to Tradition, Saint John wrote a hymn of thanksgiving to the Mother of God: “All of creation rejoices in You, O Full of Grace,â€ which appears in place of the hymn “It is Truly Meetâ€ in the Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great. John Damascene accepted monasticism at the monastery of Saint Savva the Sanctified and there bestowed his wonderworking icon. The Lavra presented the icon “Of Three Handsâ€ in blessing to Saint Savva, Archbishop of Serbia (+ 1237, January 12). During the time of an invasion of Serbia by the Turks, some Christians who wanted to protect the icon, entrusted it to the safekeeping of the Mother of God Herself. They placed it upon a donkey, which without a driver proceeded to Athos and stopped in front of the Hilandar monastery. The monks put the icon in the monastery’s cathedral church (katholikon). During a time of discord over the choice of igumen, the Mother of God deigned to head the monastery Herself, and from that time Her holy icon has occupied the igumen’s place in the temple. At the Hilandar monastery there is chosen only a vicar, and from the holy icon the monks take a blessing for every obedience. Greek usage, this Icon is commemorated on June 28; but on July 12 in Slavic usage. Icon of the Mother of God œof the Three HandsÂ on Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 12;

Syria, 705-715, Al-Walid I, Arab Umayyad Caliph
Syria, Arab Umayyad Caliph, 705-715, Al-Walid I; Martyr Peter of Capetolis, Commemorated on October 4;

Syria, 717-720, Umar II, Arab Umayyad Caliph
Syria, Arab Umayyad Caliph, 717-720, Umar II ; Martyr Peter of Capetolis, Commemorated on October 4;

Syria, 717-740, Icon of Three Hands, John of Damascus' hand, Syria, MOG heals hand, to Sabbas, to 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.

Syria, 720-724, Yazid II, Arab Umayyad Caliph
Syria, Arab Umayyad Caliph, 720-724, Yazid II; Martyr Peter of Capetolis, Commemorated on October 4;

Syria, 724-743, Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, Arab Umayyad Caliph
Syria, Arab Umayyad Caliph, 724-743, Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik; Martyr Peter of Capetolis, Commemorated on October 4;

Syria, 735-736, Marwan bin Muhammad, Arab invasion of Georgia
Syria, Marwan bin Muhammad (Marwan II) Arab invasion of Georgia 735-736; Martyr David the Prince of Georgia, Commemorated on October 2 ; Martyr Abo the Perfumer, of Tibilisi, Georgia, Commemorated on January 8; Martyr Ashot Curapalati, King of of Artanuji, Commemorated on January 29 ;

Syria, 744-750, Marwan II bin Muhammad (Marwan the Deaf), Arab Umayyad Caliph
Syria, Arab Umayyad Caliph, 744-750, Marwan II bin Muhammad (Marwan the Deaf) ; Arab general Marwan the Deaf; Martyr David the Prince of Georgia, Commemorated on October 2; Martyr Peter of Capetolis, Commemorated on October 4; St Sarmean, the Catholicos of Kartli, Georgia, Commemorated on August 21; Martyr Abo the Perfumer, of Tibilisi, Georgia, Commemorated on January 8; Martyr Ashot Curapalati, King of of Artanuji, Commemorated on January 29 ;

Syria, 750-1145, History Folder, Abbasid Caliphate, Sunni, Persian bureaucrats

Syria, 750-1517, Abbasid Caliphate, first based in Baghdad, Sunni, Revolution, Persian bureaucrats, Seljuk Turks in 1055
Arab Caliphates, 750-1517, Abbasid, based in Baghdad, Shia ; The Abbasid Caliphate was the third caliphate to succeed the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It was founded by a dynasty descended from Muhammad's uncle, Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib (566-“653 CE), from whom the dynasty takes its name.[2] They ruled as caliphs for most of the caliphate from their capital in Baghdad in modern-day Iraq, after having overthrown the Umayyad Caliphate in the Abbasid Revolution of 750 CE (132 AH). Abbasid Caliphate first centered its government in Kufa, modern-day Iraq, but in 762 the caliph Al-Mansur founded the city of Baghdad, near the ancient Sasanian capital city of Ctesiphon. Abbasid period was marked by reliance on Persian bureaucrats (notably the Barmakid family) for governing the territories as well as an increasing inclusion of non-Arab Muslims in the ummah (national community). customs were broadly adopted by the ruling elite, and they began patronage of artists and scholars.[3] became a center of science, culture, philosophy and invention in what became known as the Golden Age of Islam. this initial cooperation, the Abbasids of the late 8th century had alienated both non-Arab mawali (clients)[4] and Iranian bureaucrats.[5] were forced to cede authority over al-Andalus (Spain) to the Umayyads in 756, Morocco to the Idrisids in 788, Ifriqiya and Southern Italy to the Aghlabids in 800, Khorasan and Transoxiana to the Samanids and Persia to the Saffarids in the 870s, and Egypt to the Isma'ili-Shia caliphate of the Fatimids in 969. political power of the caliphs was limited with the rise of the Iranian Buyids and the Seljuq Turks, who captured Baghdad in 945 and 1055, respectively. Abbasid leadership over the vast Islamic empire was gradually reduced to a ceremonial religious function in much of the Caliphate, the dynasty retained control over its Mesopotamian domain. Abbasids' period of cultural fruition and its (reduced) territorial control ended in 1258 with the sack of Baghdad by the Mongols under Hulagu Khan and the execution of Al-Musta'sim. Abbasid line of rulers, and Muslim culture in general, re-centred themselves in the Mamluk capital of Cairo in 1261. lacking in political power (with the brief exception of Caliph Al-Musta'in of Cairo), the dynasty continued to claim religious authority until after the Ottoman conquest of Egypt in 1517.[6] Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25;

Syria, 1145-1149, History Folder, Second Crusade, County of Edessa

Second Crusade (County of Edessa, 1145-1149)
Second Crusade; EARLY ABBOTS of CLUNY, 30 April 909 ;

Syria, 1831, Muhammad Ali's Conquest of Greater Syria

Syria, 1831, Muhammad Ali's conquest of Greater Syria
Syria, Muhammad Ali's conquest of Greater Syria (1831); ANTHONY ASHLEY-COOPER, 7th EARL OF SHAFTESBURY], PROPHETIC WITNESS, 1885;

Syria, Orontes River Folder, Northern SYR, Antioch, Homs, Apamea

Orontes River

Orontes River Source (Great Springs of Labweh)

Seleucia ad Belum, Syria (at the headwaters of the Orantes River)
Seleucia ad Belum, Syria (at the headwaters of the Orantes River); Venerable Anthusa the Nun, Commemorated on August 22;

Kadesh, Syria (Orantes River 1, Lake of Homs)
Kadesh, Syria (Orantes River 1, Lake of Homs) ; Kadesh of the Levant, 1 Maccabees Ch 11; Battle of Kadesh, 1274BC, Egypt and the Hittites, Largest Chariot Battle ever fought;

Orontes River 1 (Lake of Homs, Kadesh)

Ash Sha'irat Airbase

Orontes River 2 (Homs, Emessa)

Emessa, Syria (Homs, Orontes River 2)
Emesa, Syria (Homs); Venerable Simeon of Emessa the Fool-For-Christ, Commemorated on July 21; dispassion (apathia); Venerable Romanus the Melodist, "œSweet-Singer"Â, Commemorated on October 1 ; Martyr Galacteon and his wife at Emesa, Commemorated on November 5 ; St Paul the Confessor the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 6 ; Venerable Nilus the Faster of Sinai, Commemorated November 12 ; Martyr Silvanus Bishop of Emesa, Commemorated January 29 ; Martyr Julian of Emesa, Commemorated on February 6 ; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated February 24 ; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27;

Homs, Syria (Lake of Homs, Emessa, Orontes River 2)
Homs; Martyr Galacteon and his wife at Emesa, Commemorated on November 5 ; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27; Greatmartyr, Victory-bearer and Wonderworker George, Commemorated on April 23;

Orontes River 3 (Arethusa)

Arethusa (see and city) near Apameia, Syria
Arethusa (see and city) near Apameia, Syria; Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29 ;

Orontes River 4 (Hamath)

Hamath, Syria (Orontes River 4)
Hamath, Syria;

Orontes River 5 (Apamea, Seleukia)

Apamea, Syria (Orontes River 5)
Apamea, Syria; Martyr Acacius of Apamea, Commemorated July 28 ; Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea, in Palestine, "Procopius in Apamea on the way to Alexandria" ; Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Apamea, Commemorated August 14 ; Martyr Aristion the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on September 3 ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated September 27 ; Martyr Anthony of Apamea, Commemorated on November 9 ; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the "Unsleeping Ones", Commemorated December 29 ; Martyr Tryphon of Campsada Near Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Martyr Maurice at Apamea in Syria, Commemorated February 22 ; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10 ; Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29; Icon of the Mother of God of Vilnius, Commemorated on April 14; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15; St Pausicacus the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 13; Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on July 8;

Seleukia (Orantes River 5)
Seleukia; Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger of Wonderful Mountain, Commemorated on May 24;

Targala in Byzantine Syria, near its Capital, Apamea
Targala in Byzantine Syria, near its Capital Apamea; Venerable Thalassius Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Venerable Limnaeus Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22

Byzantine Syria (Theodosius)
Byzantine Syria (Theodosius) ; Venerable Thalassius Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Venerable Limnaeus Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 22

Khan Sheikhun, Sarin Gas
Khan Sheikhun, Serin Gas

67.5 Miles

Orontes River 6 (Lake of Antioch)

Syria, Orontes River 6, Afrin River Folder

Afrin River

Afrin River Source (Kartal Mountains)

Afrin River 1 (Cyrrhus, Syria)

Cyrrhus, Syria (Afrin River 1)
Cyrrhus; Martyr Dometius of Persia, Commemorated on August 7; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2 ; Venerable Akepsimas the Hermit of Cyrrhus in Syria, Commemorated on November 3 ; St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25 ; Venerable James the Solitary of Syria, Commemorated November 26 ; Venerable Marcian of Cyrrhus in Syria, Commemorated January 18 ; Venerable Mausimas the Syrian, Commemorated January 23 ; St Mares the Singer in Syria, Commemorated January 25 ; Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated February 14 ; St Asclepius of Syria, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable Marana of Syria, Commemorated on February 28 ; Virginmartyr Domnina of Syria, Commemorated on March 1 ;

Afrin River 2 (Queig (Aleppo) River Mouth)

Syria, Orontes River 6, Afrin River 2, Queig (Aleppo) River folder

Queig (Aleppo) River

Queig (Aleppo) River Source (Southwestern Aintab plateau)

Queig (Aleppo) River 1 (Chalcis)

Chalcis, Syria (Queig (Aleppo) River 1)
Chalcis, Syria; St Malchus of Chalcis in Syria, Commemorated on March 26; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Queiq (Aleppo) River 2 (Beroea, Aleppo, Syria's largest city)

Aleppo, Syria or Armenia (Beroea), (Queig (Aleppo) River 2)
Aleppo; Martyr Andrew Stratelates in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 19; Venerable Theophanes of Dochiariou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 19; St Simeon Stylites, the Elder, Commemorated September 1 ; Venerable Martha the Mother of St Simeon Stylites, Commemorated on September 1 ; St Macarius the Stylite of Martkobsk, Georgia, Commemorated on January 19 ; St Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 21;

Lavra of St Simeon, Aleppo, Syria or Armenia
Aleppo; Martyr Andrew Stratelates in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 19; Venerable Theophanes of Dochiariou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 19; St Simeon Stylites, the Elder, Commemorated September 1 ; Venerable Martha the Mother of St Simeon Stylites, Commemorated on September 1 ; St Macarius the Stylite of Martkobsk, Georgia, Commemorated on January 19 ; St Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 21;

Veria (or Berea) in Syria (Queig (Aleppo) River 2)
Beroea in Syria, modern day Aleppo; Martyr Andrew Stratelates in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 19; St Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated February 21 ; Venerable Marana of Syria, Commemorated on February 28 ;

skete monastery of St John the Forerunner, Veria, Berea, Syria

Queig (Aleppo) River 3

Queig (Aleppo) River 4

Queig (Aleppo) River 5

Queig (Aleppo) River Mouth (Afrin River 2)

Afrin River 3

Afrin River 4

Telanissa (Taladah), Syria (Afrin River 4, Site of Simeon the Elder's Pillar)
Telanissa (Taladah), Syria (Afrin River 4, Site of Simeon the Elder's Pillar); St. Simeon Stylites, the Elder, Commemorated on September 1;

Afrin River 5

Afrin River Mouth (Lake Antioch, Orontes River 6)

Orontes River 7 (Antioch)

Antioch, Syria (Orontes River 7)
Antioch (Orontes River 7); St George the God-Bearer, Commemorated July 3 ; Venerable Martha the Mother of the Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger, Commemorated July 4 ; Hieromartyr Pancratius the Bishop of Taormina in Sicily, Commemorated on July 9 ; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Dius the Abbot of Antioch, Commemorated on July 19; Virginmartyr Seraphima (Serapia) of Antioch; Hieromartyr Apollinaris the Bishop of Ravenna, Commemorated on July 23; St Hilarion of Tvali, Commemorated on July 24; Appearance of the Smolensk œDirectress Â Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople, Commemorated on July 28 ; Virginmartyr Seraphima (Serapia) of Antioch, Commemorated on July 29; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated July 30 ; 7 Holy Maccabee Martyrs, Commemorated on August 1; Venerable Cosmas the Eunuch and Hermit of Palestine, Commemorated on August 3; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Apostle Matthias of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 9; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5 ; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Venerable Gerasimus the New Ascetic of Cephalonia, Commemorated on August 16 ; St Gabriel I the Patriarch, Commemorated on August 30; St Simeon Stylites, the Elder, Commemorated September 1 ; Hieromartyr Babylas, Bishop of Antioch, and those with him, Commemorated on September 4; Martyr Juventinus the Soldier at Antioch, Commemorated on September 5 ; Martyr Juventinus the Soldier at Antioch, Commemorated on September 5 ; Apostle Evodius (Euodias) of the Seventy, Commemorated September 7 ; JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP OF ANTIOCH AND OF CONSTANTINOPLE, PREACHER, THEOLOGIAN, LITURGIST (13 Sept. 407) ; Martyr Trophimus of Synnada, Commemorated on September 19 ; Protomartyr and Equal of the Apostles Thekla, Commemorated on September 24; Hieromartyr Cyprian of Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 2 ; Virginmartyr Pelagia of Antioch, Commemorated October 8 ; Venerable Andronicus of Egypt with his Wife, Commemorated on October 9 ; Martyr Juventinus at Antioch, Commemorated on October 9 ; St Publia the Confessor and Deaconess of Antioch, Commemorated on October 9 ; Martyr Theotecnus of Antioch, Commemorated October 10 ; Martyr Lucian the Presbyter of Antioch, Commemorated on October 15 ; Apostle and Evangelist Luke, Commemorated on October 18; LUKE THE EVANGELIST, (18 OCTOBER) ; IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP AND MARTYR (17 OCT 107) ; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated on October 20 ; JAMES OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND MARTYR (23 OCT NT); St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople ; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2 ; St John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 12 ; St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 13 ; Martyr Roman the Deacon of Caesarea, Commemorated November 18 ; Martyr Romanus the Deacon, of Caesarea, Commemorated on November 18 ; The youth Barulus, Commemorated on November 18; Martyr Barlaam of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated November 19 ; Martyr Theodore of Antioch, Commemorated on November 23 ; St Peter of Galatia, Commemorated on November 25 ; St Romanus, Commemorated on November 27 ; Hieromartyr Abibus, Bishop of Nekressi in Georgia, Commemorated on November 29 ; ANDREW THE APOSTLE, (30 NOV NT) ; Hierarch Peter, First Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on November 30 ; St Vakhtang Gorgasali, King of Georgia, Commemorated on November 30 ; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20 ; St Philogonius the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated December 20 ; The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, Commemorated on December 25 ; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the "Unsleeping Ones", Commemorated December 29 ; St Basil the Great the Archbishop of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated January 1 ; St Sylvester the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 2 ; Apostle Mark the Evangelist of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle and Evangelist Luke of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Euodius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ; St Gregory the Bishop of Nyssa, Commemorated January 10; St Theodosius of Antioch, Commemorated Janaury 11; St Ephraim the Lesser, Commemorated January 18 ; Venerable Euthymius the Great, Commemorated on January 20; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25 ; SILAS, MISSIONARY COMPANION OF PAUL, Commemorated January 26 ; Venerable Palladius the Hermit, of Antioch; Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch ; St Aphraates of Persia; Venerable Zeno the Hermit of Antioch the Disciple of St Basil the Great, Commemorated January 30 ; Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria; The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple; Martyr Nicephorus of Antioch, in Syria; St Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated February 13 ; Venerable Maron the Hermit of Syria; St Flavian, Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 16; St Eugene the Presbyter and Confessor at Antioch, Commemorated February 19 ; St Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated February 21 ; Venerable Alexander the founder of the Monastery, of the "Unsleeping Ones". Commemoratedd December 29; St Sylvester the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 2; Venerable Palladius the Hermit, of Antioch, Commemorated on January 28 ; Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on January 29 ; St Aphraates of Persia, Commemorated on January 29 ; Venerable Peter the Hermit of Galatia Near Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple, Commemorated on February 2 ; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated on February 6; Martyr Nicephorus of Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 9 ; St Meletius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 12 ; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated February 13 ; St Flavian, Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 16 ; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16; St Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 21; Hieromartyr Polycarp the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 23; Venerable Alexander the founder of the Monastery, of the ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂœUnsleeping OnesÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on February 23; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; Martyr Julian of Anazarbus, Commemorated on March 16; St Cyril the Bishop of Catania, Commemorated on March 21 ; St Malchus of Chalcis in Syria, Commemorated on March 26 ; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8; St Ephraim the Great of Atsquri, Commemorated on April 15; GEORGE, SOLDIER and MARTYR, 23 APRIL 303, Commemorated April 23; Venerable Thomas the Fool of Syria, Commemorated on April 24; Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25; MARK THE EVANGELIST, (25 APR NT) ; GEORGE, SOLDIER and MARTYR, 23 APRIL 303; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4; St John Zedazneli of Zaden, in Georgia with his 12 Disciples, Commemorated on May 7; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); Repose of the Venerable Shio the Anchorite of Georgia, Commemorated on May 9; Martyr Christopher of Lycia, Commemorated on May 9 ; Repose of the Venerable Shio the Anchorite of Georgia, Commemorated on May 9; Martyr Hesychius of Antioch, Commemorated on May 10; Hieromartyr Hermogenes the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on May 12; Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Second Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on May 22 Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger of Wonderful Mountain, Commemorated on May 24; JOAN OF ARC, VISIONARY, 30 May 1431; St Ephraim the Patriarch of Antioch, Commemorated on June 8; EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373); Venerable Theophanes of Antioch, Commemorated on June 10; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on June 11; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; Martyr Julian of Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on June 21 ; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22; Martyr Eustochius of Ancyra, Commemorated on June 23; Venerable George of Mt. Athos, Georgian, Commemorated on June 27; IRENAEUS, BISHOP OF LYONS, THEOLOGIAN (28 JUN 202) ; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂœUnsleeping OnesÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on July 3 ; St George the God-Bearer, Commemorated on July 3; Venerable Martha the Mother of the Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger, Commemorated on July 4 ;

Antigonia, Syria, Antioch (Orantes River 7), Island of Antigonia (may be Cyprus?)
Antigonia, Syria, Antioch (Orantes River 7); Saint Methodius, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 14;

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

Tvali Monastery, Syria (somewhere not far from Antioch)
Tvali Monastery St Hilarion of Tvali, Commemorated on July 24; Hilarion of Tvali (Tulashvili) served as abbot of Khakhuli Monastery in southwestern Georgia at the beginning of the 11th century. his work The Life of George of the Holy Mountain, George the Lesser writes that Venerable Hilarion was outstanding in virtue and celebrated for his sermons and ascetic labors. Hilarion raised the young George of the Holy Mountain to be a brilliant writer, translator, theologian and patriot. From him George also received a blessing to enter the monastic life. to the chronicle Life of Kartli, Saint Hilarion was a famous translator and writer and an eminent theologian. Saint Hilarion moved from Khakhuli to Tvali Monastery, not far from Antioch, where he remained for the rest of his life. According to the 19th-century historian-iconographer Michael Sabinin, Saint Hilarion reposed in the year 1041. St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on July 3;

Orontes River Mouth (Antioch, Latakia Bay)

Black Mountains or Wonderful Mountain West, near Antioch
Black Mountains or Wonderful Mountain, East or West, near Antioch; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated February 6 ; Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger of Wonderful Mountain, Commemorated on May 24; Venerable George of Mt. Athos, Georgian, Commemorated on June 27; St George the God-Bearer, Commemorated on July 3;

Wonderful Mountain or Black Mountains East, near Antioch
Black Mountains or Wonderful Mountain, East or West, near Antioch; St Arsenius of Iqalto in Georgia, Commemorated February 6 ; Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger of Wonderful Mountain, Commemorated on May 24; Venerable George of Mt. Athos, Georgian, Commemorated on June 27; St George the God-Bearer, Commemorated on July 3;

Desert of Chalcis, southeast of Antioch
Desert of Chalcis, southeast of Antioch St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; Jerome of Stridon was born into a Christian family in the city of Stridon located on the border between Dalmatia and Pannonia. full name is Eusebius Hieronymos Sophronius. His parents sent him to Rome, where he studied the secular sciences. At the beginning of his life in the capital, the youth was captivated by worldly vanities and fell into temptation. At the end of his time in Rome, Jerome resolved to change his life and to live in goodness and purity. the youth was about 20 years old, he accepted holy Baptism. After this he visited in Gaul (France). Then Saint Jerome decided to dedicate himself totally to God, and to become a monk. about the year 372 Saint Jerome returned to his native city, but his parents had already departed this life. On him fell the responsibility of raising his younger sisters and his brother Paulinian. These cares forced him to put aside his plans to enter a monastery, at least for a time. made arrangements for the care of his siblings, he journeyed to the East with several of his friends. 374, he decided to dwell in the desert of Chalcis southeast of Antioch. There he remained for about 5 years, combining work on the Holy Scriptures with austere ascetic deeds. Besides this, Saint Jerome mastered the Hebrew and Chaldean languages. this period he began his correspondence with numerous persons upon a variety of questions. About 120 letters, considered as authentically written by Saint Jerome, have been preserved. the beginning of the 360s there arose a controversy between the proponents of bishops Meletius, Paulinos and Vitalis. The controversy also reached the monastery where Saint Jerome toiled. In consequence, the disputes caused him to leave the monastery and go to Antioch. Here Bishop Paulinos ordained him to the priesthood. Saint Jerome visited Constantinople and conversed with the holy hierarchs Gregory the Theologian and Gregory of Nyssa the year 381 he set off for Rome. At Rome he continued his studies. The holy Pope Damasus I (366-384), who also devoted much of his time to the study of Holy Scripture, made Jerome his secretary. because the saint denounced the morals of the contemporary Christian society, a whole party of those bearing malice towards the saint came forward to spread slanders about him. a three year stay at Rome, Saint Jerome felt compelled to abandon this city for good. Together with his brother Paulinian and friends, Saint Jerome visited the Holy Land, and also the monks of the Nitria wilderness monastery. the year 386 he settled into a cave at Bethlehem near the cave where Christ was born, and there he began a life of austere asceticism. was the period of blossoming of his creative activity. Attending to the studies of his time, Saint Jerome left to the Church a rich written legacy: collections of dogmatic-polemic works, moral-ascetic works, commentaries on Scripture, and historical works. the most important of his works was a new translation the books of the Old and New Testaments into the Latin language. This Latin translation is called the “Vulgate,” and it passed into general use throughout the Western Church. Jerome lived through the fall of his beloved city Rome, which was sacked by the Goths in the year 410. In the year 411 a new ordeal beset the saint, Bethlehem was invaded by wild Bedouin Arabs. Only through the mercy of God was the community of the aged ascetic saved from complete destruction. He finished his life at the cave in Bethlehem. Saint Jerome is believed to have reposed in 420. relics were transferred from Bethlehem to Rome in 642, but their present location is unknown. His hand is enshrined in a church near Rome’s Piazza Farnese.

Daphne (a suburb of Antioch)
Daphne (a suburb of Antioch) Martyr Theodore of Antioch, Commemorated on November 23 ; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the "œUnsleeping Ones", Commemorated on July 3;

Seleucia by the sea (Orantes River Mouth)
Seleucia by the sea (Orantes River Mouth); Seleucia by the sea, 1 Maccabees Ch 11; Acts 12:24-13:5, Paul and Barnabas Commissioned, Apostles Preach in Cyprus;

Syria, Lebanon Border and Laodicea, Syria Folder, Western SYR

Mount Lebanon (Mount Libanus)
Mount Lebanon; Greatmartyr, Victory-bearer and Wonderworker George, Commemorated on April 23; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4;

Mount Lebanon Range
Mount Lebanon Range;

Anti-Lebanon mountains
Anti-Lebanon mountains including Mt Hermon;

Eleutherus River (Syrian Border with Lebanon)
Eleutherus River, 1 Maccabees Ch 11, Ch 12;

Aradus (Arwad)
Aradus, 1 Maccabees Ch 15;

Laodicia, Syria
Laodicea in Syria; Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 10; Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated September 10; Saint Luke (or Loukias) Luke, or Loukias (not the Evangelist), lived during the first century. Some lists of these Saints identify him as the Evangelist Luke, who was also one of the 70 Apostles, but Greek sources say he was someone other than the Evangelist Luke (άλλος του Ευαγγελιστή Λουκά). However, Saint Demetrios of Rostov, and Slavic Tradition say that he was the Evangelist Luke (See his Life on October 18). Saint was consecrated as the Bishop of Laodikeia in Syria, and completed the course of his life spreading the Gospel and caring for his flock, as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; ----------- Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Latakia, Syria (built on old Laodicia)
Latakia or Laodicia; Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 10; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Eleutherus River Source (Mt Lebanon)

Biblos, Lebanon, Greater Syria, Levant
Biblos; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, Commemorated September 27 ; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Syria, Commemorated on June 13 ;

Eleutherus River 1 (Homs Gap)
Homs Gap, the Gateway to Syria;

Eleutherus River Mouth (Tripoli, Mediterranean Sea)

Syria, Damascus Folder, Southern SYR

Syria, Damascus History Folder

Syria, Damascus, 9 BC - AD 40, Aretas IV Philopatris, King of Damascus, whose daugter was divorced from Herod Antipas, war with Herod
Syria, 9 BC - AD 40, Aretas IV Philopatris, King of Damascus, whose daugter was divorced from Herod Antipas, war with Herod; IV Philopatris [1] was the King of the Nabataeans from roughly 9 BC to AD 40. daughter Phasaelis was married to, and divorced from, Herod Antipas. Herod then married his stepbrother's wife, Herodias. It was opposition to this marriage that led to the beheading of John the Baptist. After he received news of the divorce, Aretas invaded the territory of Herod Antipas and defeated his army. Damascus (Barada River foothills); The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John, Commemorated on August 29 ; THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST, (24 JUNE NT), Commemorated June 24;

Syria, Damascus, Way of the Sea Folder (Egypt to Syria)

Way of the Sea (Egypt to Syria)

Way of the Sea 1 (El-Qantarah)

Way of the Sea 2 (Pelusium)

Way of the Sea 3 (Arish, Egypt)

Way of the Sea 4 (Rafah, Gaza Strip, Palestine)

Way of the Sea 5 (Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine)

Way of the Sea (Askalon, Gaza Strip, Palestine)

Way of the Sea 6 (Ashdod, Gaza Strip, Palestine)

Way of the Sea 7 (Joppa, Israel)

Way of the Sea 8 (Caesarea, Dor, Israel)

Way of the Sea 9 (Megiddo, Israel)

Way of the Sea 10 (Jezreel Valley)

Way of the Sea 11 (Tiberias, Israel)

Way of the Sea 12 (Migdal, Israel)

Way of the Sea 13 (Capernaum, Israel)

Way of the Sea 14 (Hazor, Israel)

Way of the Sea 15 (Jacob's Ford, Israel)

Way of the Sea 17 (Damascas, Syria)

Damascus, Syria (Barada River foothills, Way of the Sea 17, Kings Highway 17)
Damascus (Barada River foothills); St Joseph of Damascus and his companions, Commemorated July 10 ; Icon of the Mother of God œof the Three HandsÂ on Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 12 ; Venerable Gerasimus the New Ascetic of Cephalonia, Commemorated on August 16 ; The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John, Commemorated on August 29 ; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 1 ; Martyr Tarachus at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 12 ; St Cosmas the Hymnographer the Bishop of Maiuma, Commemorated on October 12 ; Martyr Nicholas Dvali, Commemorated October 19 ; Martyr Caesarius at Damascus, Commemorated on November 1 ; Martyr Victor at Damascus, Commemorated on November 11 ; Martyr Stephanida of Spain, Commemorated November 11 ; JOHN OF DAMASCUS, HYMN-WRITER, DEFENDER OF ICONS (4 DEC 750) ; Martyr John of Damascus, Commemorated December 4; Icon of the Mother of God of Damascus, Commemorated on December 4 ; The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, Commemorated on December 25 ; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31 ; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; THE CONVERSION OF THE APOSTLE PAUL, (JANUARY 25) ; St Prochorus of Georgia, Commemorated February 12 ; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable John-Barsanuphius the Bishop of Damascus, Commemorated on February 28; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; Translation of the relics of the Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates, Commemorated on June 8; PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64); The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple, Commemorated on February 2 ; Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12 ; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable John-Barsanuphius the Bishop of Damascus, Commemorated on February 28 ; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; Translation of the relics of the Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates, Commemorated on June 8; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on June 11 ; Prophet Elisha, Commemorated on June 14; THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST, (24 JUNE NT); Icon of the Mother of God of œthe Three HandsÂ, Commemorated on June 28; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, Commemorated on June 29; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Paul, Commemorated on June 29 ; PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64); The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, Commemorated on June 29 ; St Andrew the Archbishop of Crete, Commemorated on July 4;

Way of the Sea 16 (Golan Heights, Israel)

Barada (Abana) River

Barada (Abana) River Source (Lake Barada, 8k from Zabadani)

Barada River (Abana) (Damascus)

Oasis of Ghouta (7 branches of the Brada River)
Oasis of Ghouta;

Barada River Sink (Damascus)

Pharpar River

Pharpar River Source (Mt Hermon)

Mount Hermon, Damascus, Syria
Mount Hermon;

Pharpar River Sink (Damascus)

Syria, Kings Highway Folder, Greater Syria, Left half of the Fertile Crescent

Kings Highway (Nile River, Egypt to Euphrates River, Syria)

Kings Highway 1 (Heliopolis, Egypt)

Kings Highway 2 (Clysma, Egypt)

Kings Highway 3 (Mitla Pass, Egypt)

Kings Highway 4 (Nekhel Fortress, Egypt)

Kings Highway 5 (Eilat and Aquaba, Israel)

Kings Highway 6 (Arabah of the Jordan Rift)

Kings Highway 7 (Petra, Jordan)

Kings Highway 8 (Maan, Jordan)

Kings Highway 9 (Shaubak, Bozrah, Jordan)

Kings Highway 10 (Sela, Edom, Jordan)

Kings Highway 11 (Kerak, Moab, Jordan)

Kings Highway 12 (Madaba, Jordan)

Kings Highway 13 (Moab, Jordan, Bethany Baptismal Site)
Baptismal Site Bethany (Beyond the Jordan); (Arabic: meaning "baptism" or "immersion") is the traditional site of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist and venerated as such since at least the Byzantine period.[1] place has also been referred to as Bethany (Beyond the Jordan) and Bethabara. The name is currently used primarily for the eastern side of the site, officially known as Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond the Jordan", an archaeological World Heritage site in Jordan, on the east bank of the Jordan River. western side of the ancient site is currently known as Qasr el-Yahud. This article deals primarily with the eastern section, located in Jordan. includes two principal archaeological areas: the remnants of a monastery on a mound known as Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah's Hill) and an area close to the river with remains of churches, baptism ponds and pilgrim and hermit dwellings.[3] The two areas are connected by a stream called Wadi Kharrar.[4][5] strategic location between Jerusalem and the King's Highway is already evident from the Book of Joshua report about the Israelites crossing the Jordan there. Mar-Elias is traditionally identified as the site of the ascension of the prophet Elijah to heaven.[6] complete area was abandoned after the 1967 Six-Day War, when both banks of the Jordan became part of the frontline. The area was heavily mined then.[7] the signing of the Israel–Jordan peace treaty in 1994, de-mining of area soon took place after an initiative of Jordanian royalty, namely Prince Ghazi.[8] site has then seen several archaeological digs, four papal visits and state visits, and attracts tourists and pilgrimage activity.[9] In 2015, the site was designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, excluding the western side of the river. Approximately 81,000 people visited the site in 2016, mostly European, American, and Arab tourists.[10] Thousands flock to the site on January 6 to mark Epiphany.[9]

Kings Highway 14 (Rabbah Ammon/Philadelphia, Jordan)

Kings Highway 15 (Gerasa, Jordan)

Kings Highway 16 (Bosra, Syria)

Bosra in Syria (Kings Highway 16)
Bosra in Syria; Martyr Peter of Capetolis. Commemorated October 4 Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commerated December 30 ;

Kings Highway 17 (Damascus, Syria)

Damascus, Syria (Barada River foothills, Kings Highway 17, Way of the Sea 17)
Damascus (Barada River foothills); St Joseph of Damascus and his companions, Commemorated July 10 ; Icon of the Mother of God œof the Three HandsÂ on Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 12 ; Venerable Gerasimus the New Ascetic of Cephalonia, Commemorated on August 16 ; The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John, Commemorated on August 29 ; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 1 ; Martyr Tarachus at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 12 ; St Cosmas the Hymnographer the Bishop of Maiuma, Commemorated on October 12 ; Martyr Nicholas Dvali, Commemorated October 19 ; Martyr Caesarius at Damascus, Commemorated on November 1 ; Martyr Victor at Damascus, Commemorated on November 11 ; Martyr Stephanida of Spain, Commemorated November 11 ; JOHN OF DAMASCUS, HYMN-WRITER, DEFENDER OF ICONS (4 DEC 750) ; Martyr John of Damascus, Commemorated December 4; Icon of the Mother of God of Damascus, Commemorated on December 4 ; The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, Commemorated on December 25 ; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31 ; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; THE CONVERSION OF THE APOSTLE PAUL, (JANUARY 25) ; St Prochorus of Georgia, Commemorated February 12 ; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable John-Barsanuphius the Bishop of Damascus, Commemorated on February 28; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; Translation of the relics of the Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates, Commemorated on June 8; PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64); The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple, Commemorated on February 2 ; Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12 ; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27; Venerable John-Barsanuphius the Bishop of Damascus, Commemorated on February 28 ; St Sophronius the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 11; Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; Translation of the relics of the Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates, Commemorated on June 8; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on June 11 ; Prophet Elisha, Commemorated on June 14; THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST, (24 JUNE NT); Icon of the Mother of God of œthe Three HandsÂ, Commemorated on June 28; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, Commemorated on June 29; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Paul, Commemorated on June 29 ; PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64); The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, Commemorated on June 29 ; St Andrew the Archbishop of Crete, Commemorated on July 4;

Antiochian Monastery of the Mother of God, Saidnaya, Damascas, Syria, 547
Antiochian Monastery of the Mother of God, Saidnaya, Syria, 547; Saint Eulogius, Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 13;

Kings Highway 18 (Tadmor, Syria)

Kings Highway 19 (Resafa, Syria, (Euphrates River 5))

Syria, Edessa and Melitene area Folder, Top Left of the Fertile Crescent

Great Road from Ephesus thru Colossae to the Euphrates at Melitine

Syria, Edessa and Melitene, Euphrates River Folder, Great Road

Euphrates River Route

Euphrates River - Western Euphrates

Euphrates River

Euphrates River Source (Murat River)

Euphrates River Source

Euphrates River 1

Euphrates River 2 (Melitene)

Melitene, Syria (Intersection Road from Ephesus and Euphrates River 2)
Malatya; Finding of the Icon of the Mother of God at the Miasena Monastery, Commemorated September 1 ; Uncovering of the relics St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on September 15; Martyr Polyeuctus of Melitene, in Armenia, Commemorated on January 9 ; Martyr Kyriake of Nicomedia; Martyr Eudoxius; St Acacius the Confessor, Commemorated on March 31; St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on April 17; St Eutychius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on May 28;

Euphrates River 3 (Samosata and Edessa)

Samosata, Syria (Euphrates River 3)
Samosata; Martyr Lucian the Presbyter of Antioch, Commemorated on October 15; St Gregory the Wonderworker of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on November 17 ; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11 ; Martyr Romanus at Samosata, Commemorated January 29 ; St Rabulas of Samosata, Commemorated February 19 ; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22;

Edessa, Syria (Intersection and Euphrates River 3)
Edessa, Syria; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9 ; Venerable Simeon of Emessa the Fool-For-Christ, Commemorated on July 21; Apostle Matthias of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 9; Translation of the Image œNot-Made-By-HandsÂ of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in AugustÂ, Commemorated on August 16; Translation of the Image œNot-Made-By-HandsÂ of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in AugustÂ, Commemorated on August 16 ; BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT, THEOLOGIAN, AND POET (20 AUGUST 1153); Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated August 21 ; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; St Barses the Confessor, Commemorated August 25 ; Finding of the Icon of the Mother of God at the Miasena Monastery, Commemorated on September 1 ; Martyr Juventinus the Soldier at Antioch, Commemorated on September 5 ; Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated September 5 ; Martyr Eudoxius, Commemorated September 6 ; Forefeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God. Commemorated September 7 ; Martyr Domnina with her daughters of Syria, Commemorated on October 4; Virginmartyr Pelagia of Antioch, Commemorated October 8 ; Apostle James the Son of Alphaeus, Commemorated on October 9; Martyr Lucian the Presbyter of Antioch, Commemorated on October 15 ; Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated October 15 ; Venerable Abramius the Recluse of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on October 29 ; Martyr and Confessor Gurias of Edessa, Commemorated on November 15 ; St Theodoulus the Eparch of Constantinople, Commemorated December 3 ; Martyr Gemellus of Paphlagonia, Commemorated December 10 ; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa; Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; St Eustratius the Wonderworker, Commemorated on January 9 ; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28 ; St Aphraates of Persia, Commemorated on January 29 ; St Sarbelus of Edessa, January 29 ; Wonderworker and Unmercenary Cyrus, Commemorated on January 31 ; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons; Martyr Domnina with her daughters of Syria; Venerable Alexander the founder of the Monastery, of the "Unsleeping Ones", Commemorated February 23 ; St John Zedazneli of Zaden, in Georgia with his 12 Disciples, Commemorated on May 7; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Hilarion the New the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on March 28 ; Apostle Trophimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15 ; Greatmartyr Irene of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 5; EARLY ABBOTS of CLUNY, 30 April 909 ; EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373); Apostle Jude the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on June 19; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on July 3 ;

Edessa, Syria (abundant water)
Edessa in Syria which is also called upper Messopotamia. County of Edessa; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9 ; Venerable Simeon of Emessa the Fool-For-Christ, Commemorated on July 21; Apostle Matthias of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 9 ; Translation of the Image œNot-Made-By-HandsÂ of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in AugustÂ, Commemorated on August 16; Translation of the Image œNot-Made-By-HandsÂ of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third œFeast of the Savior in AugustÂ, Commemorated on August 16 ; BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT, THEOLOGIAN, AND POET (20 AUGUST 1153); Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated August 21 ; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; St Barses the Confessor, Commemorated August 25 ; Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated September 5 ; Forefeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God. Commemorated September 7 ; Martyr Domnina with her daughters of Syria, Commemorated on October 4; Virginmartyr Pelagia of Antioch, Commemorated October 8 ; Apostle James the Son of Alphaeus, Commemorated on October 9; Martyr Lucian the Presbyter of Antioch, Commemorated on October 15 ; Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated October 15 ; Venerable Abramius the Recluse of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on October 29 ; Martyr and Confessor Gurias of Edessa, Commemorated on November 15 ; St Theodoulus the Eparch of Constantinople, Commemorated December 3 ; Martyr Gemellus of Paphlagonia, Commemorated December 10 ; Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; St Eustratius the Wonderworker, Commemorated on January 9 ; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28 ; Abgar monastery; St Aphraates of Persia, Commemorated on January 29 ; St Sarbelus of Edessa, January 29 ; Wonderworker and Unmercenary Cyrus, Commemorated on January 31 ; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Hilarion the New the Abbot of Pelecete, Commemorated on March 28; Apostle Trophimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15 ; EARLY ABBOTS of CLUNY, 30 April 909 ; Greatmartyr Irene of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 5; St John Zedazneli of Zaden, in Georgia with his 12 Disciples, Commemorated on May 7; Martyr Michael œthe Black-RobedÂ of St Sava Monastery, Commemorated on May 23; EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373); Apostle Jude the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on June 19; St Alexander the Founder of the Monastery of the œUnsleeping OnesÂ, Commemorated on July 3 ; St Theodore the Bishop of Edessa, Commemorated on July 9;

Abgar monestary, Edessa, Syria
Abgar monastery; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28 ; Martyr Michael œthe Black-Robed of St Sava Monastery, Commemorated on May 23;

Hellenopolis, Syria (Edessa area)
Hellenopolis ; Venerable Patermuthius the Ascetic of Egypt, Commemorated on July 9;

Jacob's Ladder, Haran, Edessa, Syria
Jacob's Ladder, Haran ; Forefeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God, Commorated on September 7 ;

Carrhae, Syria (modern Harran, near Edessa)
Carrhae (modern Harran) ; St Barses the Confessor, Commemorated August 25; St Abraham the Bishop of Charres in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 14 ;

Constantina, Syria (Kurdish Turkey, NE of Edessa)
Constantina; Greatmartyr Irene of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 5;

Zeugma, Syria (Euphrates River 3.5)
Zeugma, Syria; St Publius the Ascetic of Syria, Commemorated January 25 ;

Kobane, Syria (Euphrates River 3.7)
Kobane, Syria;

Euphrates River 4 (Hieropolis, Syria)

Syria, Edessa and Melitene, Euphrates River 4, Sajur River Folder

Sajur River 1

Sajur River 2

Sajur River 3

Sajur River Source (two streams at Gaziantep)

Sajur River Mouth (Hieropolis and Pethor, Euphrates River 4)

Pethor (Sajur River Mouth, Euphrates River 4)
Pethor (Sajur River Mouth, Euphrates River 4); Numbers 22:1-21. Balak Summons Balaam (from Pethor) to Curse Israel;

Hieropolis in Syria (Sajur River Mouth, Euphrates River 4)
Hieropolis in Syria (Euphrates River 4) 30 kilometers west of the Euphrates; Martyr Domnina with her daughters of Syria, Commemorated on October 4; Holy, All-Praised Apostle Philip, Commemorated November 14 ;

Euphrates River 5 (Kings Highway)

Callinicus, or Callinicum, Syria (Euphrates River 5)
Callinicus, or Callinicum; Greatmartyr Irene of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 5 ;

Euphrates River 6 (Chebar River Mouth)

Euphrates River 7 (Bagdagi)
Euphrates River;

Euphrates River 8 (Faluja)

Euphrates River 9 (Babylon)

Euphrates River 10

Euphrates River 11 (Samara)

Euphrates River 12

Euphrates River 13 (Tigris River)

Euphrates River Mouth (Persian Gulf)

Syria, Eastern Syria, Gozan, Nisibis and River Chebar Folder, Top Right of the Fertile Crescent

Syria, Eastern Syria (River Chebar, Al-Hasakah)
Eastern Syria (River Chebar, Al-Hasakah); Martyr Dometius of Persia, Commemorated on August 7; Return of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from Anastasiopolis to Lipari, Commemorated August 25 : By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon. ; Martyr Sergius in Syria, Commemorated on October 7 ;

River Chebar
River Chebar; Prophet Ezekiel, Commemorated on July 21 ;

River Chebar Source (Sikan Springs)
Sikan Springs;

Theodosiopolis, Syria (near Chebar River Source)
Theodosiopolis, Syria; New Martyr Isaac of Georgia, Commemorated September 16 ;

Gozan, Syria, Chebar River, Assyrian captivity, 740 BC
Gozan, Syria, Assyrian captivity, 740 BC 2 Kings 17:5-8,13-18, Israel Carried Captive to Assyria;

River Chebar 1

Nisibis, Syria (Tigris River 3, Chebar River 1)
Nisibis, Syria; Martyr Dometius of Persia, Commemorated on August 7; Return of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from Anastasiopolis to Lipari, Commemorated August 25 : By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon. ; St James the Bishop of Nisibis, Commemorated January 13 ; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28 ; St Platonida (Platonis) of Nisibis, Syria, Commemorated on April 6; Martyr Bata the Persian, Commemorated on May 1; Apostle Bartholomew of the Twelve, Commemorated on June 11 ; Virginmartyr Febronia of Nisibis, Commemorated on June 25;

Martyropolis, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Armenia (Tigris River 2)
Martyropolis; St Maruthas the Bishop of Martyropolis in Mesopotamia, Commemorated on February 16;

Dura, Syria
Dura (Anastasiopolis or Dara, Messopotamia) ; Apostle Bartholomew of the Twelve, Commemorated on June 11 ;

River Chebar 2

River Chebar Mouth (Euphrates River 6)

Assyria (Assyria (Chebar) River Mouth, Syria)
Assyria; Prophet Hosea, Commemorated on October 17 ; Prophet Micah, Commemorated January 5;

Halah, Assyria (Chebar (Habor) River Mouth, Euphrates River 6)
Halah, Assyria; 2 Kings 17:5-8,13-18;