Sts. Boniface the Martyr of Tarsus and Aglais the Righteous

Greetings!

Today (December 19th) we celebrate two great Saints and examples of our Faith: Sts. Boniface and Aglais. Below is the account of their lives from: http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?FSID=103583.

Icon of St. Boniface the Martyr of Tarsus (taken from: http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?FSID=103583)

"The Holy Martyr Boniface was the slave of a rich young Roman woman named Aglaida and he dwelt with her in an iniquitous cohabitation. But they both felt the sting of conscience and they wanted somehow to be cleansed of their sin. And the Lord granted them the possibility to wash away their sin with their blood and to finish their life in repentance.

Aglaida learned that whoever keeps relics of the holy martyrs in the home and venerates them receives great help in gaining salvation. Under their influence, sin is diminished and virtue prevails. She arranged for Boniface to go to the East, where there was a fierce persecution against Christians, and she asked him to bring back the relics of some martyr, who would become a guide and protector for them.

St. Boniface the Martyr (source)

  
As he was leaving, Boniface laughed and asked, "My lady, if I do not find any relics, and if I myself suffer for Christ, will you accept my body with reverence?" Aglaida scolded him, saying that he was setting off on a sacred mission, but he was not taking it seriously. Boniface pondered her words, and during the whole journey he thought that he was unworthy of touching the bodies of the martyrs.

Arriving at Tarsus in Cilicia, Boniface left his companions at the inn and proceeded to the city square, where they were torturing Christians. Struck by the beastly horrible torments, and seeing the faces of the holy martyrs radiant with the grace of the Lord, Boniface marveled at their courage. He embraced them and kissed their feet, asking them to pray that he might be found worthy to suffer with them.

St. Boniface the Martyr (http://www.ruicon.ru/exhibition/1x1.php?page_30=6&)

  
The judge asked Boniface who he was. He replied, "I am a Christian," and then refused to offer sacrifice to idols. They stripped him and hung him upside down, beating him so hard that the flesh fell from his body, exposing the bone. They stuck needles under his nails, and finally they poured molten tin down his throat, but by the power of the Lord he remained unharmed. The people who witnessed this miracle shouted, "Great is the God of the Christians!" Then they began to throw stones at the judge, and then they headed for the pagan temple, in order to cast down the idols.

On the following morning, when things had quieted down somewhat, the judge directed that the holy martyr be thrown into a cauldron of boiling tar, but this also caused the sufferer no harm. An angel come down from Heaven and bedewed him as he stepped into the cauldron. The tar overflowed the cauldron, splattering and burning the torturers themselves. St Boniface was then sentenced to beheading by the sword. Blood and a milky fluid flowed from his wounds. Beholding such a miracle, about 550 men believed in Christ.

The martyrdom of St. Boniface (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s0461/s0461002.jpg)

St Boniface's companions, waiting for two days at the inn for him in vain, began searching for him, thinking that he had gotten drunk somewhere. At first their search was without success, but finally they came across a man who had been an eyewitness to the martyr's death. The man also led them to the place where the decapitated body lay. St Boniface's companions tearfully begged his forgiveness for their unseemly thoughts about him. After they ransomed the martyr's remains, they brought them back to Rome.

On the eve of their arrival an angel appeared to Aglaida in her sleep and told her to prepare herself to receive her former slave, now the brother and fellow-servant of the angels. Aglaida summoned the clergy, and she received the holy relics with great reverence. Then she built a church on the site of his grave and dedicated it to the holy martyr. There she enshrined his relics, glorified by numerous miracles. After distributing all her wealth to the poor, she withdrew to a monastery, where she spent fifteen years in repentance, then fell asleep in the Lord. She was buried beside St Boniface. The sins of the one were washed away by his blood, the other was purified by her tears and asceticism. Both were found worthy to appear unsullied before our Lord Jesus Christ, Who desires not the death of a sinner, but that he should turn from his wickedness and live (Ezek. 33:11).

We pray to St Boniface for deliverance from drunkenness." (taken from: http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?FSID=103583)

Icon of Sts. Boniface, Aglais and Grigentius of Ethiopia, all celebrated on December 19th (taken from: http://christopherklitou.com/icon_19_dec_boniface_aglais_of_rome_gregentius_of_ethiopia.htm)

   

Apolytikion of St. Boniface in the Fourth Tone

Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee received the prize of the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

Thou didst offer up thyself of thine own choosing as a spotless sacrifice to Him that for thy sake, O Saint, shall soon be born of a Virgin Maid, O all-renowned and wise crown-bearer Boniface.
(The two hymns above are taken from: http://goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=344&type=saints)

Another Apolytikion of Sts. Boniface and Aglais (amateur translation)

The boast of martyrs, you followed fervently, you confessed Christ before the unfaithful valiantly, O wise Boniface, therefore as an inexhaustible treasure, O Martyr, you gave your body to the righteous Aglais, from which the world is watered with deliverance and mercy.

(http://www.synaxaristis.googlepages.com/19%CE%B4%CE%B5%CE%BA%CE%B5%CE%BC%CE%B2%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BF%CF%85)

  

St. Aglais of Rome, holding the sacred icon of St. Boniface the Martyr (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmjUBfQc6K5qiO3dRSWC9AFz1tTClxy9yQPxtPoZgS6cDf1079X7Dx58wwckYIqkTutD3YSrBBaPkspqc5puq7uU3OiVaZPWut10VpDJgQjPcrzvoljU2dNaD1zBgGMz1wIe-82m-KyY/s1600/ag-Aglaia.png)

  

Sts. Boniface and Aglais, intercede for us!

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

The Prophets Daniel and the Three Children in the Furnace: Christ Prefigured

Greetings!

Today (December 17th), along with the two Sundays before Christmas celebrate the memory of the Holy Prophets who were Christ's ancestors through the Holy Theotokos, especially the Prophets Daniel and Ananias, Azarias and Misael, the Three Hebrew Children in the Furnace. There is an excellent description of their feastday today on: http://goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=341&type=saints :

Icon of the Three Holy Youths in the Furnace - A Depiction by Christians from the Late 3rd to 4th Century in the Catacombs of Priscilla, Rome (taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fiery_furnace_01.jpg)
  

"Daniel the Prophet & Ananias, Azarias, & Misail, the Three Holy Youths - December 17
Reading:
The Prophet Daniel and the Three Children were all descended from the royal tribe of Judah In the year 599 before Christ, in the reign of Joachim, who was also called Jechonias (I Chron. 3:16, and II Chron. 36:8), while yet children, these righteous ones were led away as captives into Babylon together with the other Jews by Nabuchodonosor. He singled them out from among the other captives to serve him, and renamed them thus: Daniel was named Baltazar; Ananias, Sedrach: Misael, Misach; and Azarias, Abednago. They were reared in the royal court, and taught the wisdom of the Chaldeans; and after the passage of three years, they surpassed all the Chaldean sages (Dan. 1).

Thereafter, Daniel, being still a lad, interpreted that mysterious image seen by Nabuchodonosor in a dream, an image that was composed of different metals, but was shattered and ground to dust by a certain stone which had been hewn out of a mountain without the hand of man. This vision clearly portrayed through the mountain the height of the Virgin's holiness and the power of the Holy Spirit which overshadowed her. Through the image of the Stone, Christ was portrayed, Who was seedlessly born of her, and Who by His coming as the Godman would shatter and destroy all the kingdoms of the word, which were portrayed through the image; and He would raise them that believe in Him into His Heavenly Kingdom, which is eternal and everlasting (ibid. 2:31-45). Thereupon, he signified in prophecy the time of His appearance in the Jordan, the beginning of His preaching of the Gospel, the time of His saving Passion, and the cessation of the worship according to the Mosaic Law, (ibid. 9:14-27). He portrayed most excellently the majestic and dread image of His second coming, presenting by means of words, as with living colours, the fiery throne which shall be set, the Eternal Judge Who shall sit thereon, the river of fire that shall flow forth before Him, the calling to account before the impartial judgment seat, the opened books of each ones deeds, the thousands upon thousands of them that minister to Him, and the ten thousands of them that stand in His presence (ibid. 7: 9-10). Daniel (whose name means "God is judge) was called "man of desires" by the Angels that appeared (ibid. 9:23), because he courageously disdained every desire of the body, even the very bread that is necessary for nourishment. Furthermore, he received this name because, in his longing for the freedom of those of his tribe, and his desire to know their future condition, he ceased not supplicating God, fasting and bending the knee three times a day. Because of this prayer he was cast into the den of lions, after he had been accused by his enemies as a transgressor of the decree issued through the proclamation of the king, that no one should worship or ask for anything from God or from men for thirty days, but only from the king. But having stopped the mouths of the lions by divine might, and appearing among them as though he were a shepherd of sheep, Daniel showed the impious the might of godlinness (ibid. 6:1-23).

As for the Three Children, Ananias ("Yah is gracious"), Misael ("Who is what God is?), and Azarias ("Yah is keeper"), since they refused to offer adoration to Nabuchodonosor's image, they were cast into the furnace of fire. They were preserved unharmed amidst the flames - even their hair was untouched - by the descent of the Angel of the Lord, that is, the Son of God. Walking about in the furnace, as though in the midst of dew, they sang the universal hymn of praise to God, which is found in the Seventh and Eighth Odes of the Holy Psalter. And coming forth therefrom, without even the smell of the fire on their clothes (Dan. 3), they prefigured in themselves the Virgin's incorrupt giving of birth; for she, on receiving the Fire of the Godhead within her womb, was not burned, but remained virgin, even as she was before giving birth.
Therefore the Church celebrates the Three Children and Daniel on this day, on the Sunday of the Forefathers, and on the Sunday before the Nativity of Christ, since they prefigured and proclaimed His Incarnation. Furthermore, they were of the tribe of Judah, wherefrom, Christ sprang forth according to the flesh. The holy Three Children completed their lives full of days; as for the Prophet Daniel, he lived until the reign of Cyrus, King of Persia, whom he also petitioned that his nation be allowed to return to Jerusalem and that the Temple be raised up again, and his request was granted. He reposed in Peace, having lived about eighty-eight years. His prophetical book, which is divided into twelve chapters, is ranked fourth among the greater Prophets." (taken from:http://goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=341&type=saints)

Here are some excerpts from the Old Testement Readings that are alluded to above. The first is read at the Great Vespers for Christ's Nativity, and as mentioned above, is a prophecy of Christ's Incarnation (and his destruction of the kingdoms of the earth) from the Most-Holy Theotokos. The second is taken from the Great Vespers on Holy Saturday (and is followed by the hymn that is attributed to the Three Holy Youths in the Furnace. A quick explanation by Fr. Schmemann: "the pivotal point of the service [of Great Vespers on Holy Saturday] occurs after the Entrance, when fifteen lessons from the Old Testament are read, all centered on the promise of the Resurrection, all glorifying the ultimate Victory of God, prophesied in the victorious Song of Moses after the crossing of the Red Sea ("Let us sing to the Lord for gloriously has He been glorified"), the salvation of Jonah, and that of the three youths in the furnace." (taken from: http://www.schmemann.org/byhim/holysaturday.html) Both texts below are transled by Fr. Ephraim Lash:

Icon of the Holy Prophet Daniel (Taken from: http://www.christopherklitou.com/saints_17th_december.htm)
  

"The Reading is from the Prophecy of Daniel.(2:31-36, 44-45)
Daniel said to Nabuchodonosor, ‘You saw, O king, and behold, a great image. This image, mighty and of exceeding brightness, stood before you, and its appearance was lightening. The head of this image was of pure gold, its hands, breast and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. As you looked, a stone was cut out from a mountain by no human hand, and it smote the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces; then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. This was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation. the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall this kingdom be left to another people. It shall crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever; just as you saw that a stone was cut from the mountain not by hands, and that it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. The great God has informed the king what shall be hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation trustworthy.’" (taken from the text of Great Vespers for Christ's Nativity: http://www.anastasis.org.uk/25decves.htm)

"The Reading is from the Prophecy of Daniel.[3:1-88]
In the eighteenth year Nabuchodonosor made a golden image; its height was sixty cubits and its breadth was six cubits; and he set it up in the plain of Deοra, in the country of Babylon. And he sent to gather all the governors and generals and magistrates and chiefs and princes, all those with authority, all the governors of countries to come to the dedication of the image. And they were gathered, the magistrates, governors, generals, chiefs, great princes, those with authority, all the governors of countries for the dedication of the image which Nabuchodonosor the king had set up; and they stood before the image. And the herald cried loudly: To you it is ordered, peoples, tribes, languages, at what hour you shall hear the sound of trumpet, pipe, harp, sackbut, psaltery and every kind of music, you shall fall down and worship the golden image which Nabuchodonosor the king has set up. And any one who does not fall down and worship, at that hour shall be cast into the burning furnace of fire. And it came to pass that when the people heard the sound of trumpet, pipe, harp, sackbut, psaltery and every kind of music, all the peoples, tribes and languages fell down and worshipped the golden image which Nabuchodonosor had set up. Then certain Chaldean men approached and accused the Jews and they spoke and said to king Nabuchodonosor: O king, live for ever! You, O king, have given an order that everyone who hears the sound of trumpet, pipe, harp, sackbut, psaltery and every kind of music and does not fall down and worship the golden image, shall be cast into the burning furnace of fire. There are Jewish men, whom you have placed over the works of the country of Babylon, Sedrach, Misach and Abdenago, who have not obeyed your order, O king, and do not serve your gods and who do not worship the golden image which you have set up. Then in rage and anger Nabuchodonosor ordered Sedrach, Misach and Abdenago to be brought; and they were brought before the king; and Nabuchodonosor answered and said to them: Is it true, Sedrach, Misach and Abdenago that you do not serve my gods, and do not worship the golden image that I have set up? Now therefore, when you hear the sound of trumpet, pipe, harp, sackbut, psaltery and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that I have set up; and if you do not worship, in that hour you will be cast into the burning furnace of fire. And who is the god that will rescue you from my hands? Sedrach, Misach and Abdenago answered king Nabuchodonosor: We have no need to answer you over this matter; for our God, whom we serve, is in heaven, able to rescue us from the burning furnace of fire and he will from your hands, O king, because we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden image that you have set up. Then Nabuchodonosor was filled with rage, and his countenance was changed towards Sedrach, Misach and Abdenago, and he ordered the furnace to be heated sevenfold, so that it should burn to the uttermost; and he ordered his strongest men to fetter Sedrach, Misach and Abdenago and to cast them into the burning furnace of fire. Then the man bound then with their coats, caps, leggings and other clothing and they were cast into the middle of the burning fiery furnace, since the word of the king was pressing; and the furnace was heated exceedingly, sevenfold. And these three, Sedrach, Misach and Abdenago, fell bound into the midst of the burning furnace of fire, and they walked in the middle of the flame, praising god and blessing the Lord. And Azarias prayed thus; and opening his mouth in the middle of the fire he said: Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers: and praised and glorified is your name to the ages. For you are just in all that you have done for us. And all your works are true, and your ways are right, and all your judgements are true. And judgements of truth you have executed in all that you have brought upon us. And upon Jerusalem the holy city of our fathers. Because in truth you have brought all these things upon us, because of our sins. Because we have sinned and committed iniquity in departing from you, and we have sinned in all things, and we have not obeyed your commandments, nor kept them, nor have we done as you commanded us, that it might be well with us. And all that you have done to us, and all that you have brought upon us, you have done with true judgement; and you handed us over into the hands of our lawless foes, hateful rebels, and to an unjust king, the most wicked in all the earth. And now we cannot open our mouth; we have become a shame and disgrace to your servants, and to those who honour you. Do not hand us over for ever, for your holy name’s sake, and do not annul your covenant, and do not withdraw your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham your beloved, and Isaac your servant, and Israel your holy one. To whom you said that you would multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that is by the shore of the sea. Because, Master, we have become smaller than all the nations, and we are humbled in all the earth to-day because of our sins. And at this moment there is neither prince, nor prophet nor leader; neither holocaust, nor sacrifice, not offering, nor incense; no place to make an offering before you and to find mercy. Yet with a contrite heart and with a spirit of humility may we be accepted, as though with holocausts of rams and bulls and tens of thousands of fat lambs, so may our sacrifice be acceptable before you to-day, and may it be perfected behind you; because there is no shame for those who trust in you. And now we are following you with our whole heart, and we fear you, and seek your face; do not put us to shame. But do with us according to your fairness, and according to the multitude of your mercy. Deliver us according to your wondrous works, and give glory to your name, O Lord. And let all who harm your servants be disgraced, and put to shame from all their power, and let their strength be smashed. And let them know that you Lord, alone are God, and glorious in the whole inhabited world. And the king’s servants, who cast them in, did not cease stoking the furnace with naphtha, pitch, tow and brushwood. And the flame poured out above the furnace forty nine cubits; and it spread out and burnt up those of the Chaldeans it found around the furnace. But the Angel of the Lord came down into the furnace with Azarias and his companions, and shook the flame of the fire out of the furnace. And he made the midst of the furnace as though a moist wind were whistling through it; and the fire did not touch them at all, nor hurt them, nor trouble them. Then the Three as with one voice, hymned, blessed and glorified God in the furnace, saying: Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers: to be praised and exalted unto the ages. And blessed is your glorious, holy name: to be praised and exalted unto the ages. Blessed are you in the temple of your glory: to be praised and exalted unto the ages. Blessed are you who behold the deeps and sit upon the Cherubim: to be praised and exalted unto the ages. Blessed are you on the glorious throne of your kingdom: to be praised and exalted unto the ages. Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven: to be praised and exalted unto the ages."

Icon of the Holy Three Youths in the Furnace (taken from: http://www.christopherklitou.com/saints_17th_december.htm)
  

[Then we stand and sing in Tone 6 [Tone 1]]
Praise the Lord, and highly exalt him, unto the ages.[Then the Canonarch reads the following hymn, while we, after each verse sing the refrain: Praise the Lord as above.]
Bless the Lord all you works of the Lord; praise, and highly exalt him to all the ages.
Bless the Lord Angels of the Lord, heavens of the Lord;
Bless the Lord all you waters above the heavens, all you powers of the Lord;
Bless the Lord sun and moon, stars of heaven;
Bless the Lord, every shower and dew, all the winds;
Bless the Lord fire and warmth, cold and heat;
Bless the Lord dews and snows, ice and cold;
Bless the Lord frosts and snows, lightnings and clouds;
Bless the Lord light and dark, nights and days;
Bless the Lord earth, mountains and hills, and all that grow in it;
Bless the Lord springs, seas and rivers, whales and all that move in the waters;
Bless the Lord all you birds of the air, beasts and cattle;
Bless the Lord you sons of men. Let Israel bless the Lord;
Bless the Lord priests of the Lord, servants of the Lord;
Bless the Lord spirits and souls of the just, holy and humble of heart;
Bless the Lord Ananias, Azarias and Misael;
Bless the Lord Apostles, Prophets and Martyrs of the Lord;
We bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,[Singers:] We praise the Lord and highly exalt him unto the ages.[Reader:] Both now.[Singers:] Praise the Lord, and highly exalt him, unto the ages.[Reader:] We praise, bless and worship the Lord, praising and highly exalting him unto the ages. [Singers:] We praise the Lord and highly exalt him unto the ages." (Reading and Hymn of the Three Holy Youths, taken from the Great Vespers of Holy Saturday: http://www.anastasis.org.uk/HWSat-V.htm)

Icon of the Holy Prophets Daniel and the Three Youths in the Furnace (taken from: http://www.uncutmountainsupply.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1TY10)

Apolytikion in the Second Tone
Great are the accomplishments of faith. In the fountain of flame the three Holy Youths rejoiced as though they were resting by the waters. And the Prophet Daniel showed himself to be a shepherd to the lions, as though they were sheep. Through their prayers O Christ our God, save our souls.
  

Kontakion in the Third Tone
Since thy pure and hallowed heart had been made pure by the Spirit, it became His dwelling-place and clearest prophecy's vessel; for thou didst behold things far off as near and present, and when cast into the den, thou didst muzzle lions; for which cause, O blessed Prophet, glorious Daniel, we all revere thee in faith.

(taken from:http://goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=341&type=saints)

Holy Prophets Daniel, Ananias, Azarias and Misael, intercede for us!

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

The Most-Holy Robe of the Theotokos

Greetings!

The Orthodox Church celebrates the Deposition of the Holy Robe of the Theotokos on July 2nd. Here is some information about the feast (from http://goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=187) and below this is a picture of the Holy Robe today (or possibly a portion of or one of numerous robes of the Theotokos), and how it came it rest in Georgia.

It should be noted that this Sacred Robe of the Theotokos (Esthitos in Greek) is distinct from the Holy Belt or Sash of the Theotokos (Zoni in Greek). While the deposition of the Robe of the Theotokos is celebrated on July 2nd, that of her Holy Belt is celebrated on August 31st. A portion exists to this day in Vatopedi Monastery, Mount Athos. For more, see: http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2009/06/holy-belt-zoni-of-theotokos-and.html.

Deposition of the Precious Robe of the Theotokos in Vlachernae - July 2
"During the reign of Leo the Great (457-474) two patricians and brethren on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land lodged with an old widow, a Christian of Jewish descent. Seeing the many miracles wrought at a small shrine in her house, they pressed her until she revealed to them that she had raiment of the most holy Theotokos kept in a small coffer. Our Lady had had two virgins in her lifetime who attended upon her; before her holy dormition, she gave each of them one of her divine garments as a blessing. This old widow was of the family of one of those two virgins, and it had come through the generations into her hands. With the permission of God, that this holy relic might be had for the profit of many, the two men took the garment by stealth and brought it to Blachernae near Constantinople, and building a church in honor of the Apostles Peter and Mark, they secretly enshrined the garment therein. But here again, because of the multitude of miracles that were worked, it became known to the Emperor Leo, and a magnificent church was built, as some say, by that same Leo, but according to others, by his predecessors Marcian and Pulcheria, and enlarged by Leo when the holy raiment was found. The Emperor Justin the Younger completed the church, which the Emperor Romanus IV Diogenes raised up immediately again after it had burned in 1070. It burned again in 1434, and from that time it remained a small house of prayer together with the renowned holy spring. After the seventh century, the name Blachernae was given to other churches and monasteries by their pious founders out of reverence for this famous church in Constantinople. In this church John Catacuzene was crowned in 1345; also, the Council against Acindynus, the follower of Barlaam, was convoked here (see the Second Sunday of the Great Fast)."

The Robe of the Theotokos - presently kept in a museum in Zugdidi, Georgia. The picture was given out as a blessing by the Monastery of the Paraklitos [the Comforter], Oropos, Attica (http://www.pigizois.net/afieromata/xiton_panagias.htm)
  

The reading below is taken from: http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/7292.htm:

Feast of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos - Memory 2 (15) July
"A history museum in Zugdidi (in western Georgia) has preserved many of the sacred artifacts confiscated from churches and monasteries at the beginning of the Soviet rule, from 1923 to 1936. Included among the artifacts is the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos, which was brought there from the Dormition Monastery in Khobi (near Zugdidi).

There are several different explanations as to how the Robe came to Georgia. According to one account, it was brought from Jerusalem at the beginning of the 12th century. According to another, it was brought to Georgia in the 8th century, during the period of iconoclasm in Byzantium. According to the chronicle Life of Kartli, the wonder-working Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos had been preserved in the church at Khobi for many centuries.

In 1640 the Russian envoys Fedot Elchin and Pavel Zakharev visited western Georgia and reported having seen the Precious Robe. It was also described in the accounts of various travelers through western Georgia including Giuseppe Maria Zampi the Italian missionary, the patriarch of Alexandria (in the 17th century); and several monks of Mt. Athos.

The Robe of the Theotokos was preserved in a silver case on the altar in Khobi, under the seals of both the catholicos and Prince Levan II Dadiani.

According to tradition, many miracles have occurred and a great number of people have been healed by the wonder-working Robe.

Every year on July 2, the Most Precious Robe is carried from the Zugdidi Museum to the Cathedral of the Blachernae Icon of the Theotokos. After the festal Liturgy the faithful joyfully venerate this most priceless treasure of the Christian Faith.

Pilgrims from many countries have traveled to Zugdidi to venerate the Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God.

Thy Robe, O Virgin Theotokos, was bestowed upon the nation that venerates thee as a rampart against enemies both visible and invisible. For this we chant unto thee with glorious hymns!Archpriest Zakaria Machitadze

For further information on the book THE LIVES OF THE GEORGIAN SAINTS by Archpriest Zakaria Machitadze contact St. Herman Press:St. Herman Press, P.O. Box 70, Platina, CA 96076 http://www.stherman.com/catalog/chapter_five/Lives_of_the_georgian_saints.htm"

Icon of the Deposition of the Holy Robe of the Theotokos in the Church of Blachernae (taken from: http://www.christopherklitou.com/icon_2_july_placing_of_robe_at_blachernae.htm)

  
Apolytikion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
O Ever-Virgin Theotokos, shelter of mankind, thou hast bestowed upon thy people a mighty investure, even thine immaculate body's raiment and sash, which by thy seedless childbirth have remained incorrupt; for in thee nature and time are made new. Wherefore, we implore thee to grant peace to the world, and great mercy to our souls.

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
O godly shelter that dost cover all mankind, the sacred robe that covered thy sacred body hast thou bestowed on all the faithful graciously, O pure Virgin, as a robe of divine incorruption. As we celebrate with love its august deposition, we cry to thee with fear, O graced of God: Rejoice, O modest one, boast of the Christian race.

(taken from: http://goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=187)
  

Most-Holy Theotokos, save us, help us, and protect us all! Amen!

Sts. Eleutherios the Hieromartyr and his mother Anthia

Greetings!

Here is from today's reading (December 15th) of the Prologue by St. Nikolai (taken from: http://www.westsrbdio.org/prolog/prolog.htm):

Icon of Sts. Eleutherios the Hieromartyr and his mother Anthia (taken from: http://www.christopherklitou.com/icon_15_dec_eleutherius_and_his_mother_anthia.htm)

  
"From a good tree comes good fruit. This wonderful saint had noble and greatly eminent parents. Eleutherius was born in Rome, where his father was an imperial proconsul. His mother Anthia heard the Gospel from the great Apostle Paul and was baptized by him. Having been left a widow early, she entrusted her only son for study and service to Anicetus the Bishop of Rome.

St. Anthia, the mother of St. Eleutherios (source)

 
Seeing how Eleutherius was gifted by God and illumined by the grace of God, the bishop ordained him a deacon at the age of fifteen, a priest at the age of eighteen, and a bishop at the age of twenty. Eleutherius's God-given wisdom made up for what he lacked in years, and this chosen one of God was appointed Bishop of Illyria with his seat in Valona (Avlona), Albania. The good shepherd guarded his flock well and increased their number day by day. Emperor Hadrian, a persecutor of Christians, sent the commander Felix with soldiers to seize Eleutherius and bring him to Rome. When the raging Felix arrived in Valona and entered the church, he saw and heard the holy hierarch of God; suddenly his heart changed, and he became a Christian. Eleutherius baptized Felix and departed for Rome with him, returning joyfully as if he were going to a feast and not to trial and torture.

St. Eleutherios the Hieromartyr (source)

 
The emperor subjected the noble Eleutherius to harsh torture: flogging, roasting on an iron bed, boiling in pitch, and burning in a fiery furnace. But Eleutherius was delivered from all these deadly tortures by God's power. Seeing all this, Caribus the Roman eparch declared that he also was a Christian. Caribus was tortured and then beheaded, and so was Blessed Felix. Finally, the imperial executioners cut off the honorable head of St. Eleutherius.

The Martyrdom of Sts. Eleutherios and Anthia (source)

  
When his mother, the holy Anthia, came and stood over the dead body of her son, she also was beheaded. Their bodies were translated to Valona, where even today St. Eleutherius glorifies the name of Christ by his many miracles. He suffered during the reign of Hadrian in the year 120."

Another icon of St. Eleutherios the Hieromartyr and Wonderworker (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)

  
And some other interesting information about Sts. Eleutherios and Anthia and their veneration (from: http://www.groupsrv.com/religion/about93388.html):
"Orthodox Christians solemnly commemorate [Sts. Eleutherios and Anthia] on December 15, the day of the dedication of a great church to the Saints in Constantinople during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Arkadios. This was in the fifth century and the church dominated the Xerolophos district of Constantinople. Ever since many others have been erected in their honour, particularly in Greece. In the West the Saints are honoured on April 18, traditionally the day of their martyrdom in Rome. A portion of their relics are still treasured in Reati, in Italy. In the Nea Ionia area of Athens, inhabited mainly by refugees from Asia Minor, other relics of the Saints are venerated by pilgrims from across Greece and Cyprus. A twelfth century church dedicated to St. Eleutherios served as the Athenian cathedral during the centuries of "Turkocratia" or Ottoman rule. This small church is dwarfed by the neighboring large cathedral, built in the nineteenth century, but it continues to draw many more visitors and tourists.

For centuries Orthodox believers have considered Saints Eleutherios and Anthia to be the patrons of expectant mothers and of childbirth. Their fame as wonder workers, the fact that they were mother and son and the implications of their names contributed to this.

St. Eleutherios the Hieromartyr (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s0763/s0763001.jpg)

  
[Note: "Eleutherios" is a variant of "Freedom" in Greek, thus, mothers pray that they might safely be free of their pregnancies by giving birth to healthy children. "Anthia" resembles "anthos" meaning flower, and as mentioned above, she was the mother of St. Eleutherios.]

Furthermore St Eleutherios is held to be the protector of the oppressed, prisoners and all those undergoing any kind of trial. It is believed that these two Saints, like Kyprianos and Justina, dispel all demonic influences. Orthodox Christians living in the Ottoman Empire thought of St. Eleutherios as their helper in the movement for independence. In Albania where the previous Communist regime had banned the Orthodox faith and all religion, the Saints became a focus for Orthodox Christian resistance -particularly amongst the Greek Epirote minority in the south.

Picture of the Holy Skull of St. Eleutherios visiting his church in Gkyze. It is treasured by the Holy Metropolis of Elassonos after previously being in the Monastery of St. Eleutherios Klimadon near Olympus (taken from: http://www.immenseblue.gr//images/rsgallery/original/1.Kara_Agiou_Eleftheriou.JPG)

  
The standard life of the Saints was recorded by St. Symeon Metaphrastes in the tenth century, this was translated into Modern Greek by Agapios the Cretan in the book "the New Paradise". The office of the Saints was published by Athanasios Parios in Leipzig in 1784. In 1987 Archimandrite Nicolas Protopapas published a study titled "Saint Eleutherios the Hieromartyr". St. Eleutherios of Avlona is not to be confused with the Byzantine St. Eleutherios or a number of other saints bearing the same name. Better known in the West is another St. Eleutherios, the Pope of Rome who succeeded St. Soter in 175 A.D. He was a Greek by origin but other than this very little is known about him. It is thought that this Pope sent missionaries to the British Isles; Phaganos (or Fugatius) and Deruvian (or Damian) are the names given to two of these missionary Saints. They are commemorated on May 26 with St. Eleutherios the Pope. "

Most of the incorrupt Holy Body of St. Eleutherios is treasured in the Church of the Dormition Neopoleos, in the Metropolis of Nea Ionia of Athens, here seen during the recent transfer of the Holy Relics to a new and beautiful reliquary (source)

   

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

  

Apolytikion of St. Eleutherios the Hieromartyr in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
Adorned with flowing priestly vesture and with dripping streams of blood you at once went to your Lord Christ, O blessed wise Eleftherios, annihilator of Satan. Wherefore, do not cease to intercede for those who honor your blessed struggles in faith.

Kontakion in the Second Tone
O venerable One, we all praise and entreat you, Eleftherios, Priest-Martyr, comeliness of Priests and exaltation of champions. Deliver from diverse dangers those fervently honoring your memory, interceding unceasingly for us all.(taken from: http://goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=337&type=saints)

  

St. Eleutherios the Hieromartyr (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s0763/s0763004.jpg)

  

Sts. Eleutherios and Anthia, intercede for us!

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

The Complaint of Christ

Icon of Christ "Extreme Humility" and Panagia (Icon courtesy of www.eikonografos.com used with permission)

Τὸ Παράπονο τοῦ ΧριστοῦΜὲ ὀνομάζετε Κύριον ἀλλὰ δὲν μὲ Ὑπακούετε.
Μὲ ὀνομάζετε Φῶς, ἀλλὰ δὲν μὲ Βλέπετε.
Μὲ ὀνομάζετε Ὁδὸν ἀλλὰ δὲν μὲ Ἀκολουθεῖτε.
Μὲ ὀνομάζετε Ζωὴν ἀλλὰ δὲν μὲ Ἐπιθυμεῖτε.
Μὲ ὀνομάζετε Σοφία, ἀλλὰ δὲν μὲ Συμβουλεύεσθε.
Μὲ ὀνομάζετε Ἀλήθεια, ἀλλὰ δὲν μὲ Πιστεύετε.
Μὲ ὀνομάζετε Παντοδύναμον, ἀλλὰ δὲν μὲ Ἐμπιστεύεσθε.
Μὲ ὀνομάζετε Δίκαιο, ἀλλὰ δὲν μὲ Φοβεῖσθε.
Μὲ ὀνομάζετε Πατέρα, ἀλλὰ δὲν γίνεσθε Παιδιά μου.
Μὲ ὀνομάζετε Σωτῆρα ἀλλὰ δὲν θέλετε τὴν Σωτηρία Σας.




The Complaint of Christ
(author unknown)
You call me Lord, but don't Obey me.
You call me Light, but you don't See me.
You call me Way, but you don't Follow me.
You call me Life, but you don't Desire me.
You call me Wisdom, but you don't Agree with me.
You call me Truth, but you don't Believe me.
You call me All-powerful, but you don't Trust in me.
You call me Just, but you don't Fear me [or Respect me].
You call me Father, but you don't become my Children.
You call me Savior, but you don't want Your Salvation.

(taken from: http://www.phys.uoa.gr/~nektar/orthodoxy/prayers/proseyxai.htm)

Sts. Herman of Alaska, Peter the Aleut and Juvenaly

Greetings!

Yesterday and today are celebrated (for those in the New Calendar) the first Orthodox Saints of North America. Yesterday (December 12th) was the Feast of the Synaxis of the First Martyrs of the American Land, which includes St. Juvenaly and St. Peter the Aleut. Today (December 13th) is one of the feasts of St. Herman of Alaska the Wonderworker. Also, the Synaxis of All Saints of North America is celebrated the Sunday after Pentecost I believe. Their full lives are included elsewhere, but I thought I would post some links to their lives, etc.

Icon of All Saints who have shown forth in North America (taken from: http://ocaphoto.oca.org/MiscEventViewer.asp?EID=894 )

December 12th - The Synaxis of the First Martyrs of the American Land (Sts. Juvenaly and Peter the Aleut)

Troparion to St. Juvenaly (from: http://www.allsaintsofamerica.org/orthodoxy/juvenaly.html):

Thy martyr, O Lord, Holy Hieromartyr St. Juvenaly of Alaska, through his suffering, an incorruptible crown did obtain from Thee, our God; for, rejoicing in Thy strength, he laid low his tormentors and did beat off impotent affronts of the demons also; at his intercessions save our souls.

Troparion to St. Peter the Aleut (from: http://www.allsaintsofamerica.org/orthodoxy/peter.html):

Thy martyr, O Lord, St. Peter the Aleut, through his suffering, an incorruptible crown did obtain from Thee, our God; for, rejoicing in Thy strength, he laid low his tormentors and did beat off impotent affronts of the demons also; at his intercessions save our souls.

-Introduction to the Protomartyrs of America, Sts. Juvenaly and Peter: http://www.roca.org/OA/7/7a.htm
-For the life of St. Juvenaly, see: http://www.oca.org/FS.NA-Saint.asp?SID=4&Saint=Juvenaly , http://www.allsaintsofamerica.org/orthodoxy/juvenaly.html
-For the life of St. Peter the Aleut, see: http://www.oca.org/FS.NA-Saint.asp?SID=4&Saint=Peter , http://www.allsaintsofamerica.org/orthodoxy/peter.html

December 13th - St. Herman the Wonderworker of Alaska

Troparion of St. Herman in Tone IV (taken from: http://www.allsaintsofamerica.org/orthodoxy/herman.html):

O venerable Herman, ascetic of the northern wilderness and gracious advocate for all the world, teacher of the Orthodox Faith and good instructor of piety, adornment of Alaska and joy of all America: entreat Christ God, that He save our souls.

-For the life, writings, hymns, etc. of St. Herman, see: http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/herman.htm#n2 , http://www.oca.org/FS.NA-Saint.asp?SID=4&Saint=Herman , and http://www.allsaintsofamerica.org/orthodoxy/herman.html


We are truly blessed by God to be in the same land where, only after a few hundred years of Orthodoxy, many Saints and miracles have shown forth. May God bless our Land as well as every Land, and may all the Holy Saints of America intercede for us all and help us!

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

The Veneration of St. Spyridon on Kerkyra [Corfu]

The Bell-tower of St. Spyridon, Kerkyra (taken from: http://www.imcorfu.gr/agios%20foto/agios%20foto.htm)

Greetings!

Today (December 12th) was the feast of St. Spyridon, and I thought to include some information gathered from various places about how the Saint is venerated on Kerkyra, where his Holy Relics came to rest. For a very through account of his life that I just came across, see: http://www.saint-spyridon.com/archive_spyridon.htm. The first excerpt, on how he came to Kerkyra, is from (http://goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=332&type=saints):

"By the divine grace which dwelt in him, [St. Spyridon] wrought such great wonders that he received the surname 'Wonderworker." So it is that, having tended his flock piously and in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord about the year 350, leaving to his country his sacred relics as a consolation and source of healing for the faithful. About the middle of the seventh century, because of the incursions made by the barbarians at that time, his sacred relics were taken to Constantinople, where they remained, being honoured by the emperors themselves. But before the fall of Constantinople, which took place on May 29, 1453, a certain priest named George Kalokhairetes, the parish priest of the church where the Saint's sacred relics, as well as those of Saint Theodora the Empress, were kept, took them away on account of the impending peril. Travelling by way of Serbia, he came as far as Arta in Epirus, a region in Western Greece opposite to the isle of Corfu. From there, while the misfortunes of the Christian people were increasing with every day, he passed over to Corfu about the year 1460. The relics of Saint Theodora were given to the people of Corfu; but those of Saint Spyridon remain to this day, according to the rights of inheritance, the most precious treasure of the priest's own descendants, and they continue to be a staff for the faithful in Orthodoxy, and a supernatural wonder for those that behold him; for even after the passage of 1,500 years, they have remained incorrupt, and even the flexibility of his flesh has been preserved. Truly wondrous is God in His Saints! (Ps. 67:3 5)"
   

The Holy Reliquary of St. Spyridon, Kerkyra (taken from: http://www.imcorfu.gr/agios%20foto/agios%20foto.htm)

St. Spyridon, as was mentioned, is beloved throughout the whole world, however, the people of the island of Kerkyra are especially devoted to him. Four times a year, I believe, they have a procession of his holy and incorrupt Relics, in commemoration of the numerous miracles of his to save the island. The following info on those feasts is taken from: http://www.corfunext.com/saint_spyridon.htm.

"The Religious Processions of Saint Spyridon

Drawing of the Litany of St. Spyridon (taken from: http://oldkerkyraphoto.blogspot.com/2007_07_08_archive.html)
   

On Palm Sunday, Easter Saturday, August 11th and the first Sunday in November the body of St. Spyridon, is carried in solemn procession along the streets of Corfu on routes prescribed by tradition.

The great Palm Sunday procession commemorates the miraculous deliverance of the island from a deadly plague. The windows of most houses along the route of the procession are decorated with purple, gold-fringed draperies in honor of the Saint; the custom dates back to Venetian times and has its origin in Byzantium. The procession is attended by the clergy, headed by the Metropolitan, by representatives of the secondary schools and Boy Scouts, the three brass bands of Corfu town, and others from the villages. All the civic and state authorities, as well as detachments of the armed forces, take part in the procession. We must return to the seventeenth century to learn the origin of the procession. Large crowds gathered in despair in St. Spyridon’s Church and prayed to the Saint for salvation from the plague, which had already taken the lives of sixty citizens. From that day the number of death was gradually reduced and at the same time a light like that of a small lamp was seen at night on the top of the Saint’s belfry and was observed by the night sentinels of the Old Fortress. By Palm Sunday the epidemic was over and this was ascribed to the miraculous intervention of the Saint. The whole of the rejoicing population, in a show of gratitude, carried their Patron Saint in procession. The Venetian Governor, at the request of the people of Corfu, decreed on the 21st of June 1630 that henceforth a procession would be held on Palm Sunday every year.

St. Spyridon working a miracle (taken from: http://www.imcorfu.gr/litanies.htm)
   

The Easter Saturday procession commemorates the relief of the island from famine, and is the oldest of the four processions and the most solemn, since it is combined with the Orthodox ritual carrying the ‘Epitaph’, a gilt bier representing the body of Jesus Christ being borne to the grave. On this occasion the canopy is not held over the Saint but over the Epitaph. This custom dates back to 1574, when the Venetian Senate prohibited the Greek Orthodox processions of the Epitaph taking place on Good Friday. Local custom and tradition has for this reason moved the Epitaph procession from Good Friday to Easter Saturday exclusively for the Church of St. Spyridon. The Saint’s body is not replaced in its permanent silver casket when the procession is over, but is exposed day and night for general [veneration] by the faithful until the afternoon of Easter Tuesday. The story of this procession reaches back to the middle of the sixteenth century. According to the legend of the Saint, the inhabitants of Corfu were suffering from famine since no grain ships could sail owing contrary winds. Unexpectedly, on Easter Saturday, ships loaded with flour sailed into Corfu harbor. They were sailing past the island and had been diverted thither by St. Spyridon who appeared in a dream to the captains and induced them to change their course and sail at once to Corfu because the population was starving. The flour was unloaded and distributed to the inhabitants who thus satisfied their hunger and celebrated Easter joyfully. According to historical evidence Easter Saturday procession was probably first held in the second half of the sixteenth century.

The Litany of St. Spyridon on Pascha (taken from: http://www.bellavistahotel.gr/gr/kerkira-hotel-gr-easter.htm)
   

The third procession of St. Spyridon is held on 11th of August, in remembrance of the Saint’s deliverance of the island from the Turkish siege of 1716. The legend of the Saint mentions that there appeared to the enemy Saint Spyridon surrounded by a glorious heavenly host, holding in his right hand flashing sword, and furiously pursuing them. On its return to the church the Saint’s body is exposed for general [veneration] for three days and two nights.
   
See the following links for more information on the great miracles of St. Spyridon in driving back the Turks from the island of Corfu, and defending his church from the Latins.

 
St. Spyridon working a miracle (taken from: http://www.imcorfu.gr/litanies.htm)
   

The last in the calendar of the processions of St. Spyridon is that on the first Sunday in November in commemoration of the miraculous intercession of the Saint in saving Corfu from deadly plague, which twice visited the island in the seventeenth century. The history of the procession goes back to 1673. The pestilence was first identified in one of the suburbs and soon spread all over the town; the entire population was gripped by terror of death. For three nights a light was seen by the local inhabitants on the bell-tower of his Church and the figure of Saint Spyridon, carrying cross in one hand, appeared driving the pestilence away. The Venetian Governor, at request of the people of Corfu, sanctioned by decree on the 29th of October 1673 that the procession be held every year on the first Sunday in November.Bibliography: STAMATOPOULOS, N.: Old Corfu, History and Culture"

Some of the faithful refer to St. Spyridon as "The Walking Saint", because his slippers must be replaced every year because they are worn out from his various miraculous travels to heal and help people (http://orthodoxwiki.org/Spyridon_of_Trimythous).

 

"One of the pairs of St. Spyridon's slippers, housed at the cathedral dedicated to him in Worcester, Massachusetts" (taken from: http://orthodoxwiki.org/Spyridon_of_Trimythous)
   

May St. Spyridon intercede for all of us and help us!
   

Kontakion of St. Spyridon in the Second Tone
Wounded by your love for Christ, O holy One, your mind given wings by the radiance of the Spirit, you put the practice of theory into deeds, becoming a sacred altar, O Chosen by God, and praying for the divine illumination of all.
(http://www.imcorfu.gr/agios%20spiridon.htm, http://goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=332&type=saints)
   

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (source)

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