Akathist to St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr of Magnesia

St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr with scenes from his life and martyrdom (source)

  
Akathist to St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr of Magnesia
written by Monk Niphon of the Skete of Iveron

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.
To the victorious Hieromartyr of Christ, and the wonderworking physician of soul and body, let us hymn Charalampos with our song. But as you are a great torrent of healings, deliver us from passions, illnesses and the demons, for those who cry out: Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
 
The bodiless Angels, beholding your struggles, were astonished, O Martyr Charalampos, (3) and together with the Angels, all the faithful offer you a hymn, and both, being made more joyous with your glory, then cry out these things:
Rejoice, the great Hieromartyr,
Rejoice, you who stand before the Trinity.
Rejoice, the offspring of pious parents,
Rejoice, glory and boast of Magnesia.
Rejoice, for before your conception you were chosen by God,
Rejoice, for from youth you were famed everywhere.
Rejoice, canon and pride of the Priesthood,
Rejoice, the most-divine beauty of holiness.
Rejoice, the great teacher of the people,
Rejoice, our all-comely protector.
Rejoice, through whom our hope is fulfilled,
Rejoice, through whom God is entreated.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
  
Beholding your enduring of pains surpassing human nature, the inhumane ruler wished to torture you, O healer of Christ and great one among the Martyrs, Charalampos, you were not dismayed by the threat of death, and cried out: Alleluia.
  

St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr with scenes from his life (source)

  
Having divine knowledge, you who were known by God, you censured the delusion of Seviros, and brought a multitude of people to Christ, O Charalampos, while the tyrant was shamed, and all the faithful were roused to cry out these things with reverence:
Rejoice, O Martyr of the truth,
Rejoice, preacher of piety.
Rejoice, you who deposed the religion of the idols,
Rejoice, you who were filled with godly wisdom.
Rejoice, for you conquered the terrible Satan,
Rejoice, for you gave honor to the people as to Christ.
Rejoice, teacher of the precepts of the Apostles,
Rejoice, you who adorned the council of the Champions.
Rejoice, servant of the worship of God,
Rejoice, adornment of your sacred temple.
Rejoice, you who lifted up the horn of the Cross,
Rejoice, you who trampled upon the thorns of the enemy.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
  
Having power from on high as a weapon, O Charalampos, you endured terrible tortures manfully on behalf of Christ, even the flaying of your flesh with iron instruments, O all-blessed one, crying out to Him in the highest: Alleluia.
  

St. Charalampos with scenes from his life (Source)

  
Having vain zeal, the Duke, who was a worshiper of the idols, flayed your flesh, but his hands were cut off by bodiless hands, while you then healed him. Angels and men were astonished at this, and cry out these things:
Rejoice, O Champion Charalampos,
Rejoice, invincible Cross-bearer.
Rejoice, you who trampled upon the boldness of the Duke,
Rejoice, you who healed his mindset.
Rejoice, you who endured many forms of evil in your flesh,
Rejoice, you who withstood the tyrant's judgment seat.
Rejoice, for your body was burned with fire,
Rejoice, for you were crowned with the radiance of martyrdom.
Rejoice, through whom many were saved,
Rejoice, through whom lepers are cleansed.
Rejoice, O physician of the sick, and deliverance,
Rejoice, priest, granting to those who entreat of you.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
  
Having been filled with demonic zeal, Seviros beheld you casting out demons, O Father, and making the blind to see, O Charalampos, and raising the dead, as you cried out to the God Who works wonders: Alleluia.
  

St. Charalambos with scenes from his life (source)

  
When Seviros heard of the things worked by you, he sought to pierce your body with nails, and he left you half-dead to your fellow people who received you. Your surpassingly radiant martyrdom astonished Greece, which cries out to you:
Rejoice, great trauma to the demons,
Rejoice, divine wonder of men.
Rejoice, O Charalampos, great one among the Martyrs,
Rejoice, Champion, perfect among the Priests.
Rejoice, for you were pained like no one else among the Champions,
Rejoice, for you were pierced with nails like Christ.
Rejoice, for you were impaled on a spike,
Rejoice, for your flesh was flayed.
Rejoice, through whom God has worked wonders,
Rejoice, through whom the enemy is put to death.
Rejoice, unspeakable endurance,
Rejoice, invinsible manliness.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
  
You worked wonders and mighty acts through the power of the Paraclete [the Comforter], astonishing the heavenly Powers, and the wonderworking Saints, among whom you were shown as surpassing. Beholding this, that the spirits were subject to you, they cried out to God: Alleluia.
  

St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr (source)

  
Those who beheld you were in ecstasy, as they saw paradoxical wonders worked by you, for the dead man who was lying breathless, you resurrected through your word, O Charalampos, and they who beheld this all cried out with fervor:
Rejoice, you who raised the dead through your prayer,
Rejoice, you who trampled upon the potions of the enemy.
Rejoice, bestower of the Father, Word and Spirit,
Rejoice, stone of Christ, like diamond and emerald.
Rejoice, you whose face was beaten with stones on behalf of Christ,
Rejoice, you whose face was burnt with flames for Him.
Rejoice, priest, serving the awesome mysteries of Christ,
Rejoice, wonderworker, working surpassingly awesome wonders.
Rejoice, intercessor to the Lord on behalf of sinners,
Rejoice, speedy visitation of those suffering.
Rejoice, you who drive away the miasma of death,
Rejoice, song of victory of life.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
  
Seviros received evils from heaven, as did Krispos, who maniacally blasphemed Christ and you, O Champion, as the mindless ones were trampled upon, while they entreated you, as you cried out on behalf of them: Alleluia.
  

St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr (source)

  
Seeking deliverance from you, Seviros was lifted up in the air. But you, O Charalampos, who endured beatings and breaking of your flesh, prayed for your enemies, while you heard:
Rejoice, offspring of compassion,
Rejoice, son of guilelessness.
Rejoice, you who through your deeds made the earth to be heaven,
Rejoice, you who brought down heaven to earth through your wonders.
Rejoice, most-radiant lamp enlightening the faithful,
Rejoice, tower the breadth of heaven that ever protects them.
Rejoice, you who loved your enemies more than yourself,
Rejoice, you who healed the pains of your torturers,
Rejoice, through whom cholera is cast out,
Rejoice, through whom the plague is removed.
Rejoice, great Martyr and sacrifice of Christ,
Rejoice, my protector and deliverer.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
  
"Great is your God!" Seviros cried out, entreating you, O Charalampos to be delivered, and in condescension he descended to earth. Having been brought peace through the intercession of the Martyr, the Martyr cried out to the Lord: "Alleluia."
  

St. Charalampos depicted kneeling in prayer to Christ, and thereby driving away the demonic plague (source)

  
New tortures did Seviros breathe against you next, O Charalampos the brave champion of Christ, as he ordered that molten brass be put in your mouth. And while they taunted you, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, hero among the Martyrs,
Rejoice, worshipper of the Savior.
Rejoice, treasure of the virtues of love,
Rejoice, destroyer of the most-evil plague.
Rejoice, for you ruled over all the passions,
Rejoice, for you obtained the glory of the greatest of the Champions.
Rejoice, and I entreat you, O Martyr, to cease the pains,
Rejoice, and may you receive my prayers, O Saint, and become my physician.
Rejoice, healing of the illnesses of mortals,
Rejoice, deliverer of many who have fallen.
Rejoice, you who cast down the fall gods,
Rejoice, the foundation of the people bearing the name of Christ.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.

Again, the king of darkness wished to crush his daughter, who desired to suffer for Christ, but she became a Virgin-Martyr, together with the Angels, O Charalampos, and she cried out together with you to God, the King of Kings: Alleluia.
  

St. Charalampos with scenes from his life (source)

You appear as a tree full of shading branches, O Martyr Charalampos, whose height I am unable to look upon. Who can rightly praise you? For your wonders only the Angels are able to hymn, while we, astonished by you, cry out these things:
Rejoice, triumph of the Trinity,
Rejoice, amazement of the ends of the earth.
Rejoice, who before your death worked awesome wonders,
Rejoice, who every day works more wonders.
Rejoice, you who make the dry pillar to sprout,
Rejoice, you who drive away cataclysm with your might.
Rejoice, for you were seen as a disciple of the Great Teacher [Christ],
Rejoice, for you granted His heavenly mansions.
Rejoice, through whom Seviros was shaken,
Rejoice, in whom the people wonder greatly.
Rejoice, star of the Church of Christ,
Rejoice, shepherd of His inheritance.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.
 
The beastly ruler, having learned of every godly deed of yours, and of your wonders, O Martyr, ordered your death, which you received, O Charalampos, with ceaseless rejoicing, as you prayed to your Lord on behalf of all who chant: Alleluia.
 

St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr (source)

"Deliver, O God of all, from all dangers," the Martyr cried out in prayer, "O Christ, King of all, through this, the prayer of your servant." And a divine voice was heard: "Your will be done." While we, hearing this, cry out:
Rejoice, Martyr of the love of God,
Rejoice, scourger of the spirits of hate.
Rejoice, surpassing the struggles of the Martyrs,
Rejoice, humiliating the boldness of the demons.
Rejoice, for you heard that Christ would fulfill all your requests,
Rejoice, for you save from death the peoples that cry out to you.
Rejoice, you who beheld Heaven open,
Rejoice, you who beheld God and spoke with Him.
Rejoice, you who sensed the beauty of Eden,
Rejoice, you who rejoice in eternal glory.
Rejoice, you who lift up the fallen faithful,
Rejoice, you who grant them the joy of divine knowledge.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.

Wishing to save everyone, you ever entreat the life-giving Trinity on behalf of all, O Charalampos, and as you have greatest boldness before God, one who formerly lived wailing for five years, now ever rejoices to chant: Alleluia.  
 

St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr (source)

Awesome and strange and terrible wonders! For the bones of Charalampos work healings from God, and pour forth wonders like the Nile River from his Icon, as we who have obtained his intercessions, cry out:
Rejoice, abyss of wonders,
Rejoice, torrent of healings.
Rejoice, you who heal incurable illnesses,
Rejoice, you whose temple has been shown to be another Pool of Siloam.
Rejoice, for your glory amazes both in Heaven and on the earth,
Rejoice, for the demons are afraid of your might.
Rejoice, intercessor and protector of your entreater,
Rejoice, you who ever grant joy to those who hymn you.
Rejoice, you who deliver us from our enemy,
Rejoice, you who offer us to Christ.
Rejoice, you who shine with light and joy,
Rejoice, you who as fire burn the demons.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.

Every hymn befits you, our benefactor Charalampos and our divine protector, for you ever hasten to help everywhere. For which land has not received your help? Greece especially, which possesses your Skull as a treasure, cries out: Alleluia.
 

St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr (source)

Having borne the wounding of your whole body, do hasten to lift up your hands to God for us, for the memory of your martyrdom ceases the rage of the Judge, and moves the Righteous One to forgive offenses, for those who cry out to you with fervor:
Rejoice, you who beheld heavenly things,
Rejoice, you who behold our earthly needs.
Rejoice, you whose Relics pour forth unspeakable fragrance,
Rejoice, you whose grace works incomparable wonders.
Rejoice, for from your Skull pours forth rivers of life,
Rejoice, for there you still bear the marks of the nails.
Rejoice, for you stand beside Meteora as their patron,
Rejoice, for you became the trophy-bearer of Magnesia.
Rejoice, for you uproot the tares of pestilence,
Rejoice, for you trample upon the thorns of delusion.
Rejoice, unassailable pillar of the faith,
Rejoice, unquenchable lamp of the world.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.

The Monastery of the First-Martyr [St. Stephen] in Meteora has been filled with grace, as she is enriched with grace through your Holy Skull, O all-glorious Charalampos, and together with her we glorify you, ceaselessly crying out to God Who glorified you: Alleluia.
 

St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr (source)

Chanting the hymn to you, in your Holy Church, at your Holy Relics and Icon, we pray that we be delivered from the plague and from every illness. Therefore, intercede with God, that you might become the deliverer of those in dangers, as we all cry out:
Rejoice, soldier of Christ,
Rejoice, most-steadfast among the Saints.
Rejoice, the Champion Cross-bearer of the people,
Rejoice, the great fighter against the devil.
Rejoice, for you sleeplessly deliver me from the enemy,
Rejoice, for even in sleep, you protect me from him.
Rejoice, you whose blood has sanctified the earth,
Rejoice, you whose Holy Icon has been shown wondrous.
Rejoice, for the Archangels have crowned you,
Rejoice, for the demons tremble before you.
Rejoice, through whom the passions are healed,
Rejoice, through whom God is glorified.
Rejoice, O Martyr Charalampos.

O Blessed Charalampos, most-beloved servant of Christ and greatly-suffering Martyr, (3) through your intercessions, deliver all of those who hymn you, O Wonderworker, from  every affliction, and from eternal fire, as we cry out to God: Alleluia.

And again, the Kontakion.

(source)
  

St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr (source)

  

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

"Neither fire, nor the sword..."

St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr (source)

  
Neither fire, nor the sword, nor death, nor persecutions, nor trials, nor hunger, nor danger, nor any tortures that could be devised, could truly overtake your love, or separate you from your Beloved [Christ], O Champion worthy to be praised.
-from the Matins Canon to St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr

(source)

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

The healing of Elder Iakovos Tsalikis by St. Charalambos

St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr (source)

  
"Once," as Elder Iakovos Tsalikis related: "When I was a small child, I suffered a severe cold, as I was struck bed-bound with great shortness of breath and terrible pain in the left side of my chest.

There was no doctor in the village, and our only refuge was God and His Saints. We had in our home a small silver icon of St. Charalambos--it was wonderworking--over 600 years old, and we had brought it from Asia Minor as a family heirloom.

My mother therefore, offered much prayer and prostrations, entreating the Saint. Then, I saw the hand of a Priest, from the wrist down, pass over my head, and descend to my chest where I was having pain, and make the sign of the cross over my and pat my head. Immediately, the pain passed along with the shortness of breath, and I became well. I told me mother:

"Mother, I saw the hand of a Priest cross me and pat me on the head, and now I'm fine. It all passed." I even told her with such detail, even about the hair on the wrist, as I saw it.

"My child," my mother said, "it was St. Charalambos, who came to heal you. You should remember this day forever (it was the feast of the Holy Apostle Thomas) when the miracle happened, because you were dead, and resurrected."
  
(amateur translation of text from source)
  

Elder Iakovos Tsalikis (source)

  

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

St. Charalambos appears to St. Arsenios of Cappadocia

St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr and Wonderworker (source)

 
Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain, in his Life of St. Arsenios of Cappadocia (Hatziefenti), relates a wondrous appearance of St. Charalambos to St. Arsenios and his chanter, Prodromos Kortsinoglou.
"Once, during the feast of St. Charalambos," Prodromos related, "we were going to Panagia (in Kantsi) to celebrate a vigil. When we reached the Praises [hymns near the end of the Orthros], Hatziefentis exited the Holy Altar, that we might chant together. While we were chanting at the same analogion [chanter's stand], I saw straightaway a white-haired Elder at the opposite analogion, who was bent over, leaning on his cane, and I began to tremble out of reverence.

Hatziefentis, when he saw me, asked: "Are you cold?"

And I told him "no", as I pointed to the white-haired Elder who was across from us. Hatziefentis was not at all shaken, but spoke to him in Turkish: "Come and let's chant together."

The white-haired Elder, however, did not respond, but only made a motion that we continue by ourselves. Because I was not paying attention to the book, because I was secretly gazing at that Elder while my mind was on him, there was created a cacophony, and the white-haired Elder moved to leave. He left, and we saw him disappear into the small pool of Holy Water, as the water splashed all over the Church.

Hatziefentis said that that white-hairded Elder was St. Charalambos.

We completed the Divine Liturgy, and afterwards went to the village to relate what happened. Then, the people of Farasa ran to the Chapel of Panagia out of reverence to gather the Holy Water which was splashed around the Church from the miracle from the Saint."

After this event, Hatziefentis remained locked within his cell for forty days and said that he was not available, while the villagers thought that he was sick. Others said that he was shaken by this event."
 
Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain, St. Arsenios the Cappadocian, published by the Holy Hesychasterion of St. John the Evangelist, the Theologian, Souroti, Thessaloniki 1999, pgs. 62-63. Amateur translation of text from source.
 

St. Arsenios of Cappadocia (source)

 

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

Selected hymns to St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr

St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr of Magnesia - Commemorated February 10 (http://iconsv.ru/index.php?option=com_joomgallery&func=watermark&catid=372&id=1356&Itemid=3)

  

Selected hymns to St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr

Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
A pillar unshakable are you in Christʹs holy Church, * and, as your own name denotes, an ever radiant lamp, * all‐blessed Haralambos, * shining throughout the whole world * by your feats as a martyr, * driving away the darkness of the worship of idols. * With confidence, therefore, pray to Christ, * entreating Him to save our souls.

Idiomelon from the Orthros in the Plagal of the Second Tone

Come, you fans of the Martyrs, let us honor the God‐crowned phalanx led by the radiant Martyr, that select and holy company of Hieromartyr Haralambos, which was eagerly sacrificed for Christ. Let us spiritually observe his all‐sacred memory, and call out to him: ʺFree your people, who correctly believe in God; free us from the threat of plague, and deliver us from every adversity.ʺ

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

Since the holy Church of Christ is in possession of your highly honored skull as priceless treasure, she is glad, O Hieromartyr Haralambos. Therefore she praises the Maker of all with joy.

Oikos

Let us come together and extol Haralambos, the all‐glorious great Martyr, the steadfast warrior and soldier of Christ. He contended splendidly for Christ and the truth. He openly preached the Orthodox faith, and put an end to the error of idolatry. He rebuked the most unlawful king, and with joy and exultation he was beheaded. Therefore he received the crown from the right hand of the Most High, and he became a fellow citizen of the Angels. This is why the Orthodox Church venerates his all‐honored skull, and crowns it with praises. By it she is freed from many hardships and diseases, and she praises the Maker of all with joy.

St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr (http://ia700502.us.archive.org/13/items/Icoane/0210SfMcHaralambie04.jpg)

Synaxarion

On the tenth of this month (February) we commemorate the holy Hieromartyr Haralampus of Magnesia.

Verses

You were made worthy, O Charalampos, through swords,

Of the radiance and joy of the Martyrs.

On the tenth, Charalampos was cut by the throat.

(amateur translation from: http://analogion.gr/glt/texts/Feb/10.uni.htm)

  

Prosomoia of the Praises in the First Tone

Come all you children of Greece now, * and you who love the Saints, * let us give rightful honor * to the skull of the Martyr * Haralambos, saluting it with a kiss; * for he preached in the stadium * that Christ is God and Creator, and he rebuked * the deception of the impious.

Thrice‐blessed Saint, you are numbered * with the celestial hosts, * and as you stand in honor * near the Trinity, Father, * you pray for us who honor your precious skull * with devout faith and reverence. * O Hieromartyr Haralambos, we entreat * that you keep us safe from any harm.

In all of Greece has the festive * and bright memorial * of holy Hieromartyr Saint Haralambos risen * most glorious and splendid; for she is blest * to possess his most honored skull, * which had proclaimed Christ the Savior, both God and man. * Hence she celebrates it festively.

Doxastikon of the Praises in the Plagal of the First Tone

Your precious skull, O divine Saint, is like an alabaster box that is full and pouring out cures, like very costly fragrant oil. It wondrously perfumes the faithful, and it delivers from every evil those who approach it with faith. It exterminates foul‐smelling delusion, diseases of every kind, and the pandemic plague, and it grants good health to all, as well as peace and great mercy.

(http://www.ematins.org/matins.htm)

  

St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr (http://days.pravoslavie.ru/jpg/ih3388.jpg)

  

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

A miracle of St. Charalampos in Athens

St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr - Commemorated February 10th (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)

  
Miracle of St. Charalampos at the Polyclinic of Athens (amateur translation)
This occurred to Konstantinos Livadan, an official of the Election Council [υπάλληλον του Ελεγκτικού Συνεδρίου], when he was young. He himself relates:

“January 1931 I was hospitalized in the Polyclinic of Athens with a liver abscess. For four weeks I was tortured by a fever. Day and night I had a 38-40 degree (Celsius) fever and terrible pains. It was decided that I should have surgery.

It was the day before the feast of St. Charalampos: February 9th 1931. That night, as I was in a terrible condition with a great fever and lethargy, I saw a magnificent priest come to me with a long beard. He approached me, and not the sick person across from me, who was at death’s door with peritonitis. He touched my head and said:

‘Don’t be afraid…Tomorrow you will be totally well. You are a good boy.’

I asked my nearby nurse, Nun Evanthia: ‘Who was that Priest who came?’

‘There was no Priest,’ she responded.

I related to her what occurred. She crossed herself and told me: ‘Tomorrow is the feast of St. Charalampos; you will be well.’

I then fell into a deep sleep. The fever began to decline from that instant. In the morning I was afebrile, totally well and without pains in the liver. In the morning the surgeon-professor N. Alivizatos and his brother Andreas (a pathologist) tested me, to get ready for the surgery. They studied and searched to find the liver abscess, but they couldn’t find it, neither did they find sclerosis or other disease of the liver (eight finger). [ούτε την σκλήρυνσιν και την διόγκωσιν (οκτώ δακτύλων) του ήπατος] The liver was normal!

The Nun related to the Professor what happened at night. She also showed me the Icon of St. Charalampos, whom I recognized. It was he that I saw. The professors related in astonishment:

‘We put up our hands, and put down our knives. Today a miracle of St. Charalampos occurred at the Polyclinic!’

Later I learned that St. Charalampos is especially a physician of infectious diseases, which is what I had.”
(http://www.impantokratoros.gr/agios-charalampos.el.aspx)

For the life of the Saint, see: http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2010/02/st-charalambos-hieromartyr-of-magnesia.html.

For two additional posts with miracles of the Saint, see: http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2010/02/modern-miracles-of-st-charalambos-in.html and http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2010/02/miracle-of-st-charalampos-in-filiatra.html.

Doxastikon of the Praises in the Plagal of the First Tone
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit

Your precious skull, O divine Saint, is like an alabaster box that is full and pouring out cures, like very costly fragrant oil. It wondrously perfumes the faithful, and it delivers from every evil those who approach it with faith. It exterminates foul‐smelling delusion, diseases of every kind, and the pandemic plague, and it grants good health to all, as well as peace and great mercy.

(http://www.ematins.org/bilingual/Feb10.pdf)

 

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr of Magnesia, and those with him

St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr of Magnesia, and those with him - Commemorated on February 10th (http://vatopaidi.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/cf83ceaccf81cf89cf83ceb70050-ceb1ceb3-cf87ceb1cf81ceaccebbceb1cebccf80cebfcf82cebaceb1ceb9-cf83cebaceb7cebdceadcf82-cf84cebfcf85-cebc.jpg)

"The Hieromartyr Charalampus, Bishop of Magnesia, the Martyrs Porphyrius and Baptus and Three Women Martyrs suffered in the year 202.

St Charalampus, Bishop of Magnesia (Asia Minor), successfully spread faith in Christ the Savior, guiding people on the way to salvation. News of his preaching reached Lucian, the governor of the district, and the military commander Lucius. The saint was arrested and brought to trial, where he confessed his faith in Christ and refused to offer sacrifice to idols.

St. Charalambos confessing Christ (http://www.tv4e.gr/)

Despite the bishop's advanced age (he was 113 years old), he was subjected to monstrous tortures. They lacerated his body with iron hooks, and scraped all the skin from his body. During this the saint turned to his tormentors, "I thank you, brethren, that you have restored my spirit, which longs to pass over to a new and everlasting life!"

St. Charalambos being cut with iron hooks (http://www.tv4e.gr/)

Seeing the Elder's endurance and his complete lack of malice, two soldiers (Porphyrius and Baptus) openly confessed Christ, for which they were immediately beheaded with a sword. Three women who were watching the sufferings of St Charalampus also began to glorify Christ, and were quickly martyred.

The enraged Lucius seized the instruments of torture and began to torture the holy martyr, but suddenly his forearms were cut off as if by a sword. The governor then spat in the face of the saint, and immediately his head was turned around so that he faced backwards.

Then Lucius entreated the saint to show mercy on him, and both torturers were healed through the prayers of St Charalampus. During this a multitude of witnesses came to believe in Christ. Among them also was Lucius, who fell at the feet of the holy bishop, asking to be baptized.

Lucian reported these events to the emperor Septimus Severus (193-211), who was then at Pisidian Antioch (western Asia Minor). The emperor ordered St Charlampos to be brought to him in Antioch. Soldiers twisted the saint's beard into a rope, wound it around his neck, and used it to drag him along. They also drove an iron nail into his body. The emperor then ordered them to torture the bishop more intensely, and they began to burn him with fire, a little at a time. But God protected the saint, and he remained unharmed.

St. Charalambos being tortured (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)

Many miracles were worked through his prayer: he raised a dead youth, and healed a man tormented by devils for thirty-five years, so that many people began to believe in Christ the Savior.

[When St. Haralambos was being tortured, the persecuting emperor found out about his miracle-working power and ordered an insane man to be brought to Haralambos so that the emperor could be convinced that Haralambos could heal him. The devil tormented this man for thirty-five years driving him into the wilderness and hills and hurling him into mud or into gorges. When this deranged person approached Haralambos, the demon sensed a sweet-smelling fragrance emanating from this holy man and shouted: "I beg you, O servant of God, do not torment me before my time, rather command me and I will depart and, if you wish, I will tell you how it came about that I entered into this man." The saint commanded the demon to relate the story. The demon said: "This man wanted to steal from his neighbor and thought to himself: `If I don't kill the man first, I will not be able to seize his goods.' He proceeded and killed his neighbor. Having caught him in the act, I entered him and behold for thirty-four years I dwelt in him." Upon hearing this, the saint of God commanded the demon to depart from the man immediately and to leave him in peace. The demon departed and the demented man was restored to health and became tranquil. (http://www.westsrbdio.org/prolog/prolog.htm)]

St. Charalampos depicted binding and flogging the demons through the power of Christ (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s2185/s2185006.jpg)

  
Even Galina, the daughter of the emperor, began to believe in Christ, and twice smashed the idols in a pagan temple. On the orders of the emperor they beat the saint about the mouth with stones. They also wanted to set his beard on fire, but the flames burned the torturer.

Full of wickedness, Septimus Severus and an official named Crispus hurled blasphemy at the Lord, mockingly summoning Him to come down to the earth, and boasting of their own power and might. The Lord sent an earthquake, and great fear fell upon all, the impious ones were both suspended in mid-air held by invisible bonds, and only by the prayer of the saint were they put down. The dazed emperor was shaken in his former impiety, but again quickly fell into error and gave orders to torture the saint.

St. Charalambos praying before his executioners (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)

And finally, he sentenced St Charalampus to beheading with a sword. During his final prayer, the heavens opened and the saint saw the Savior and a multitude of angels. The holy martyr asked Him to grant that the place where his relics would repose would never suffer famine or disease. He also begged that there would be peace, prosperity, and an abundance of fruit, grain, and wine in that place, and that the souls of these people would be saved. The Lord promised to fulfill his request and ascended to heaven, and the soul of the hieromartyr Charalampus followed after Him. By the mercy of God, the saint died before he could be executed. Galina buried the martyr's body with great honor.

The martyrdom of St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s2185/s2185002.jpg)

  

In Greek hagiography and iconography St Charalampus is regarded as a priest, while Russian sources seem to regard him as a bishop."
(http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=100475)
  

The miraculous portion of the Skull of St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr, treasured by the Monastery of St. Stephen, Meteora (http://romfea.gr/images/stories/photos/2012/02/diafora/synedr/kara-ag.xaralampous.JPG)

  
St. Charalampos is greatly loved and works many wonders throught the whole Christian world. He is especially held in great honor in parts of Greece, as he was not only from Thessaly, but many of his relics are preserved there (e.g. a large portion of his Sacred Skull is treasured by the Monastery of St. Stephen, Meteora) and he has healed and defended the Orthodox so many times.
   

The wonderworking hand of St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr, still wondrously incorrupt and in the gesture of blessing 1800 years after his sufferings for Christ. This is a great treasure of the Holy Monastery of the Mega Spileon (the Great Cave), Kalavryta, Greece (source)

   
For two pages of miracles of St. Charalambos from various parts of Greece, see: http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2010/02/modern-miracles-of-st-charalambos-in.html and http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2010/02/miracle-of-st-charalampos-in-filiatra.html. May St. Charalambos intercede for us all and help us!

St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr (http://vatopaidi.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/st-charalambos.jpg)

Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone

O wise Haralambos, you were proven an unshakable pillar of the Church of Christ; an ever-shining lamp of the universe. You shone in the world by your martyrdom. You delivered us from the moonless night of idolatry O blessed one. Wherefore, boldly intercede to Christ that we may be saved.

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

O Priest-martyr, athlete, champion Haralambos, your relics are a priceless treasure of the Church. Wherefore she rejoices, glorifying the Creator.

(http://goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=423)

 

St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr, with scenes from his life (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s2185/s2185004.jpg)

  

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

Modern Miracles of St. Charalambos in Pyrgou

St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr - Commemorated on February 10th (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)

Modern Miracles of St. Charalambos, patron Saint of Pyrgou of Eleias

The saving of the inhabitants of Pyrgou from the terrible threat of plague in 1860. This sickness was disbanded by St. Charalambos after fervent prayer and supplication towards him. In fact the people of Pyrgou saw an astounding sight. The Saint with a staff drove away a white cloud like cotton into the sky until he threw it into the sea. This was the sickness which the Saint banished. And in other places the presence of St. Charalambos appeared driving away the plague, such as in Thessaly in Savalia and Demetsana, where they renamed the Church of the Entrance of the Theotokos after St. Charalambos because of the wonderworking intervention of the Saint.

To St. Charalambos is attributed the deliverance from the deadly threat of influenza in 1918, from Eleia and in Greece, from which thousands of people were dying for months in Greece.

In 1687 the Turks with their terrible leader Ahmet Efendi, besieged Pyrgou. After supplications of the inhabitants to St. Charalambos, a pestiferous sickness struck the army of the Efendi and many of his soldiers died, with the result being their withdrawal from the siege and the city being saved.

In 1821 the Turks entered the port and besieged Pyrgou in an attempt to head towards Tripolitsa and to clean out the revolutionary soldiers from the area. After they burned part of the city, they tried to head towards the center road with carriages and their weapons. However, outside of the small Church of St. Charalambos a small number of committed Greek soldiers were camped, who, with the help of the Saint, drove away the large number of Turks. Then the Turks would have to take other paths for weeks to reach Tripolitsa. The only pass that remained was the heroic Pousi, where the Greeks had organized, and as a result of the delay of the Turks at Pyrgou and they gave the fatal blow to the enemy.

In the Italian bombing of 1941, a few hours before it occurred, a dense fog covered Pyrgou which resulted in the delay and eventually cancellation of the mission, and the salvation of the city. Before the Germans understood, Pyrgou had prepared for the bombing. However, none of inhabitants suffered anything, because the bombs fell in uninhabited places and many didn't go off.

On March 26th 1993, a great earthquake hit Pyrgou at 14:10, divided into two quakes of 5.5 and 5.8 on the Richter scale, separated by a three minute gap, so the damage was not terrible. This dividing of the quake was a scientific phenomenon of note. For a while before there were small vibrations at night, as a forewarning to the inhabitants to prepare for the time of the earthquake. At the hour of the quake, many small children with innocent eyes saw the “Pappou” ["Grandpa"] as they said holding the homes of Pyrgou with extended hands so that they wouldn't fall. After the earthquake many inhabitants saw St. Charalambos in their sleep relating that with his intervention the great earthquake was separated into two smaller ones, and because of this there was a procession of the icon of the Saint in the city.
(amateur translation of Greek text from: http://orthodox-world.pblogs.gr/2008/02/10-flebarh-eorth-toy-agioy-haralampoy-bios-kai-thaymata.html)

For the life of St. Charalambos, see: http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2010/02/st-charalambos-hieromartyr-of-magnesia.html.

St. Charalambos the Hieromartyr (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)

Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone

O wise Haralambos, you were proven an unshakable pillar of the Church of Christ; an ever-shining lamp of the universe. You shone in the world by your martyrdom. You delivered us from the moonless night of idolatry O blessed one. Wherefore, boldly intercede to Christ that we may be saved.

(http://goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=423)

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

Miracle of St. Charalampos in Filiatra

St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr - Commemorated on February 10th (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)

Miracle of St. Charalampos in Filiatra
"The miracle took place in the small Peloponnesian town of Filiatra in 1943, during the dark days of the occupation of Greece by the Germans. This miracle has moved and continues to move, to this today, not only the people of Filiatra but also the people of all Greece.

From the German Headquarters in Tripoli, orders were issued to Officer Kondau, in charge in Filiatra, to burn the town, because of a sabotage that the rebels had instigated. The Commandant was ordered to kill a certain number of notable Filiatrians, to take as prisoners the 1,500 other citizens, and to send them to Germany, after which it is was obvious they would never return.
Officer Kondau, feeling no pity, in turn, gave the orders to his soldiers to follow through with implementing the destruction, on the following day at 6:00AM in the morning.
In Tripol, the Priest, Archimandrite Theodore Kotsakis, who was originally from Filiatra, learned of this plan. Grief and worry overcame everyone; no one knew what to do to save Filiatra and its people. So, the priest Theodore found someone who knew German, and together they went to the house of the German Officer in Tripoli. But while they waited outside his office, loud voices, cursing and a great upheaval were heard. A Greek woman pulled on the priest's cassock, urging him to leave, so that they might not be killed there, right on the spot!

Thereby, upon leaving, the Priest notified all the people from Filiatra who were living in Tripoli, to pray that night to Saint Charalambos, who was Patron Saint of Filiatra, asking him to intercede for the town and its people. Then the Priest Theodore closed himself in his room and prayed with much pain and sorrow. And the citizens of Filiatra did the same, as they had caught wind of something going on, themselves.

Saint Charalambos heard their prayers and performed the miracle! The Saint then appeared that night to Officer Kondau while he was sleeping. He appeared to him as a serious, old and dignified man of holy countenance, dressed in priestly robes and having a long white beard. This German conqueror, who was a protestant, had never seen such a face or such an appearance ever before in his life. The solemn Elder then said to him with such sweetness: "Listen, my son, do not carry out the orders you were given."

The dream was so real that it created a great impression on him. He awakened suddenly and then went back to sleep, but, with determination, however, to carry out the order he was given. Then once again the Saint appeared to him in his sleep and said: "That which I have told you to do, do it. Do not execute the order. Do not be afraid. I will make sure that you are not punished." Again, he awakened, and the words spoken to him were whirling around in his mind. But it was impossible for him not to carry out the order, after all the Germans would execute him if he didn't. Once again he fell asleep. And once again the solemn Elder appeared to him for a third time, saying: "I told you not to be afraid. I will see to it that you are not punished. I will protect you and all your men. You will all return to your homes and nothing will happen to you."

At first, the Commandant wanted to ignore the order of Saint Charalambos, in order to appear the giant. But despite all his intransigence, he yielded, because afterwards, as this German Officer himself related, he heard in his sleep shouts and cries, as if coming from people being tortured right in his own courtyard. Then, real life figures appeared like women, many women, who were beating themselves on the heads and chests out of unbearable misfortune and pain.

They were mourning, showing desperation, and cursing, out of agony in anticipation of the slaughter of their children and grandchildren that was to take place. All of these voices then became like a big cloud that ascended on high, into the heavens, without anything falling to the earth.

And furthermore, as he slept, the German Officer saw long black clouds that were coming out of his room, ascending, and casting a shadow upon the sun, with the sun trying to hide from the clouds as if it were a person who in turn was casting shadows on the faces of his soldiers. Some of soldiers were afraid, while others were asking for help as they made the sign of the cross. And still others were running and hiding behind the olive groves.

From his fright he woke up. He tried to speak but couldn't, rather his mouth was agape as he looked at the image in his dream, the old man that he saw three times in his dream who had the appearance of a Saint of the Orthodox church. When he came to his senses, he began thinking of the evil that was about to happen: the slaughter of human beings, like dogs to remain on the streets without burial and of houses burning in seconds which had taken centuries to be built!

These reflections stirred him. But still he said to himself: "I said I was going to burn this town and burn it I will!"

Then he closed his eyes. And the old man, Saint Charalambos, appeared once again before him, in a threatening and persistent manner. In a loud and emphatic voice, the Saint said to him: "Be careful! This town is not going to burn and its people are not going to be captured. They are innocent. Do you hear me?"

The German Officer stood up, steadied himself, as his knees were shaking from fright and he picked up the telephone. With a trembling voice, he called Tripoli to speak to the German Commandant of all Peloponesos. And when this commandant tried to respond to give orders, he faltered. He tried to get fierce so that his orders would be carried out, but he wasn't able to! So what was going on? That same night he also had also seen Saint Charalambos in his sleep, just as the Officer Kondau from Filiatra had described him on the telephone. And finally, the Commandant resolutely told the Officer in Filiatra: "Write this down. I am suspending the destruction of the town. Come immediately to see me tomorrow at noon!"

At daybreak, the decision by the Germans to revoke the order was announced. ''Ôï åóðåñáò áõëéóèçóåôáé êëáõèìïò êáé åéò ôï ðñùé áãáëëéáóéò.''

Everywhere there were shouts of joy to be heard by the townspeople, in the cafes, in the square, in the streets....

One battalion, then, of German soldiers with Officer Kondau and two Orthodox priests in the middle, walked down the street going from Church to Church. They started at Saint John's, then Saint Nicholas', then Saint Athanasios' and finally headed for the Church of the Panagia (The All holy one).

Officer Kondau was searching for the icon of the Saint that he saw in his dream. When they opened for him he door of the Temple of the Panagia, he recognized among the icons, Saint Charalambos, whom he had seen in his dream, who had commanded him. His voice broke. He became ashamed of his pride. He hid his face with his hands. Shortly, he lowered them. And this Protestant, on bended knee, made the sign of the cross. He uttered a few prayers in his own language, of which the priests present were unable to interpret.

Afterwards, he asked the priests to tell him who this geronda (elder) depicted in the icon was. They related to him that it was Saint Charalambos who bore many torments for Christ. Then they told him of the many miracles that the Saint had performed, and still does to this day.

There are no words to describe the joy felt by the people of Filiatra and their gratitude toward the Saint. They glorified God and they thanked Saint Charalambos for the miracle. And just as the Saint had told Officer Kondau, the leader of the garrison, and all his men, after the war was over, they returned safely to Germany and to their homes, without anyone being harmed. The German Officer, thus, preserved vividly the memory of this miracle and showed gratitude to the Saint. He hoped to return from Germany to venerate him. And in fact, after two years, he came with his wife to the town of Filiatra. But, on his first pilgrimage, he didn't quite make it for the Feast Day of the Saint. He came one day later, on February 11th.

When, however, the people of Filiatra saw him, they were so overjoyed that they celebrated the Feast Day all over again. They chanted the doxology; they held receptions and dinners and other festivities. And up until recent times this German Officer with wife and family and other countrymen have come on the 10th of February to the town of Filiatra to venerate and pay homage with faith to this Saint. In their hearts Orthodoxy had blossomed [i.e. they converted to Orthodoxy].

Apolytikion of St. Charalampos the Hieromartyr and Wonderworker

O wise Haralambos, you were proven an unshakable pillar of the Church of Christ; an evershining lamp of the universe. You shone in the world by your martyrdom. You delivered us from the moonless night of idolatry O blessed One. Wherefore, boldly intercede to Christ that we may be saved.

Holy Saint Charalambos Pray to God for Us!"

(Translation by Narthex Press - Translated from the Greek by V.A.C.; http://www.davidicke.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37400&page=2; see account in Greek here: http://img.pathfinder.gr/clubs/files/46665/93.pdf)

For the life of St. Charalambos, see: http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2010/02/st-charalambos-hieromartyr-of-magnesia.html.

Procession with the icon of St. Charalampos on his feast in Filiatra (http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/7038/505z.jpg)

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!