Science of the Saints, 1 November, Holy Martyrs and Wonderworkers Cosmas and Damian, Unmercenary Healers

 Saints Cosmas and Damian were natives of Asia Minor. Their father, a pagan, died while they were still quite small children. Their mother, Theodotia, raised the brothers in Christian piety. The example of their mother and the reading of holy books preserved them in chasteness of life in accord with the command of the Lord, and Cosmas and Damian grew up into righteous and virtuous men.

Trained and having become skilled as physicians, they acquired a graced gift of the Holy Spirit - to heal by the power of prayer people's illnesses both of body and soul, and they treated even animals. With fervent love for both God and neighbour, the brothers went forth into social service. For the maladies which the brothers treated they never took payment, and they strictly observed the command of our Lord Jesus Christ: "Freely have ye received, freely in turn give" (Mt. 10: 8). The fame of Saints Cosmas and Damian spread throughout all the surrounding region, and people called them unmercenaries.

One time the saints were summoned to a grievously ill woman whom all the doctors had refused to treat because of her seemingly hopeless condition. Through the faith of Palladia (thus was her name) and through the fervent prayer of the holy brothers, the Lord healed the deadly disease and she got up from her bed perfectly healthy and giving praise to God. In gratitude for being healed and wanting them to accept a small gift from her, Palladia went quietly to Damian. She presented him with three eggs and said: "Take this small gift in the Name of the Holy Life-Creating Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." Hearing the Name of the Holy Trinity, the unmercenary one did not dare to refuse.

Cosmas, however, when he learned of what had happened, became very sad. He thought that his brother had broken their strict vow. And soon approached the time when Saint Cosmas was to expire to the Lord. Dying, he gave last instructions that his brother should not be buried alongside him. After a short while Saint Damian also died. All were greatly perplexed where Saint Damian's grave should be. But through the will of God a miracle occurred: there came to the people a camel, which the saints had treated for its wildness, and it spoke with a human voice saying that they should not doubt to put Damian alongside Cosmas, because it was not for the reward that Damian accepted the gift from the woman, but on account of the Name of God. The venerable remains of the holy brothers were buried together at Theremanea (Mesopotamia).

Many miracles were worked upon the death of the holy unmercenaries. There lived at Theremanea, nearby the church of Cosmas and Damian, a certain man by the name of Malchos. One day in setting off on a distant journey, and leaving behind his wife all alone for what would be a long time, he prayerfully entrusted her to the heavenly protection of the holy brothers. But the enemy of the race of mankind, having taken hold over one of Malchos' friends, planned to destroy the woman. A certain while went by, and this man went to her at home and said that Malchos had sent him to take her to him. The woman believed him and went along. He led her to a solitary place and wanted to molest and kill her. The woman, seeing that disaster threatened her, called upon God with deep faith. Two fiercesome men then appeared, and the cunning man let go of the woman, and took to flight: he fell off a cliff! The men led the woman home. At her own home, bowing to them deeply she asked: "What name do they call you, my rescuers, to whom I shalt be grateful to the end of my days?" "We are the servants of Christ, Cosmas and Damian," they answered, and became invisible. The woman with trembling and with joy told everyone about what had happened with her, and glorifying God she went up with tears to the icon of the holy brothers and offered up prayers of thanks for her deliverance. And from that time the holy brothers were venerated as protectors of the holiness and inviolability of Christian marriage, and as givers of harmony to conjugal life. And from ancient times their veneration spread also to Russia.

Science of the Saints, 31 October, Holy Apostles Stachys, Apelles, Amplias, Urban, Narcissus, And Aristobulus Of The Seventy

The Holy Disciples from the Seventy,  Stachys, Apelles, Amplias, Urban, Narcissus, And Aristobulus.

The holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called ordained Stachys to the dignity of bishop of Byzantium, where he was bishop for sixteen years, zealously preaching the Gospel of Christ and converting pagans to the true faith. 

Saint Amplias was bishop in the city of Diospolis. Saint Urban was bishop in Macedonia. They also were bishops by the consecration of the holy Apostle Andrew. For preaching the Gospel they were put to a martyr's death by Jews and pagan Greeks. 

Saint Narcissus was bishop in the city of Athens. Saint Apellias was bishop at Heraclium. 

Saint Paul made Saint Aristobulus a bishop and sent him to preach the Gospel in Britain, where he converted many to Christ. 

Science of the Saints, 30 October, Holy Martyrs Zenobius Bishop Of Aegea And His Sister Zenobia

The Hieromartyr Zenobius, Bishop of Aegea, and his sister Zenobia suffered a martyr's death in the year 285 in Cilicia. 

From childhood they were raised in the holy Christian faith by their parents, and they led pious and chaste lives. In their mature years, shunning the love of money, they distributed away their wealth and inheritance, giving it to the poor. For his beneficence and holy life the Lord rewarded Zenobius with the gift of healing various maladies. He was chosen bishop of a Christian community in Cilicia.

In the dignity of bishop, Saint Zenobius zealously spread the Christian faith among the pagans. When the emperor Diocletian (284-305) began a persecution against Christians, Bishop Zenobius was the first one arrested and brought to trial to the governor Licius. "I shalt speak with thee but briefly," said Licius to the saint, "for I propose to thee: life, if thou worshipest our gods; or death, if thou dost not." The saint answered, "This present life without Christ is death; better I prepare to endure the present torment for my Creator, and then with Him live eternally, than to renounce Him because of the present life, and then be tormented eternally in hades."

By order of Licius, they nailed him to a cross and began the torture. The sister of the bishop, seeing the suffering of her brother, wanted then to stop it with him. She bravely confessed her own faith in Christ before the governor, for which she also was given over to torture. 

By the power of the Lord they remained alive after torture on a red-hot cot and in a boiling kettle. The saints were then beheaded. Presbyter Hermogenes secretly buried the bodies of the martyrs. 

Science of the Saints, 29 October, Saint Anastasia Of Rome, Virgin And Martyr

The Monastic Martyress Anastasia the Roman in infancy lost her parents, and she was then taken under the care of the head of a women's monastery, named Sophia. The hegumeness raised Anastasia in fervent faith, in the fear of God and obedience. 

During these times there began the persecution against Christians by the emperor Decius (249-251). The city administrator, Probus, on the orders of the emperor commanded that Anastasia be brought to him. 

Having been blessed by her eldress-mentor for the deed of suffering for the Name of Christ, the young Martyress Anastasia humbly came out to meet the armed soldiers. Seeing her youth and beauty, Probus at first attempted by false flattery to tempt her and lead her into a renunciation of faith in Christ: "Why waste thy years, deprived of pleasure? What is there to gain in giving thyself over to tortures and death for the Crucified? Worship our gods, get thyself some handsome husband, and live in glory and honour."

The saint steadfastly replied: "My Bridegroom, my riches, my life, and my happiness is my Lord Jesus Christ, and with the threat of torments thou canst not part me from the Lord!" 

Fiercesome tortures were then begun. The holy martyress bravely endured them, glorifying and praising the Lord. In anger the torturers cut out her tongue. The people, seeing the inhuman and disgusting treatment of the saint, became indignant, and the governor of the city was compelled to bring the torture to a close, by beheading the martyress. 

The body of Saint Anastasia was thrown out beyond the city for devouring by wild animals, but the Lord did not permit that a mockery should be made with the holy remains. Learning of this through the Lord, the hegumeness Sophia found the torn body of the martyress, and with the help of two Christians she consigned it to earth.

Science of the Saints, 28 October, Holy Martyress Paraskeva of Iconium.

The Holy Martyress Paraskeva, named also Piatnitsa, lived during the third century at Iconium in a rich and pious family. The parents of the saint reverenced especially the day of the Passion of the Lord, and therefore they called their daughter Paraskeva this name, since she had been born on a Friday - Piatnitsa - and the name Paraskeva in Slavic translation from the Greek means also Piatnitsa - Friday.

Young Paraskeva with all her heart loved purity and the lofty morality of the virginal life, and she took a vow of celibacy. She wanted to devote all her life to God and to the enlightenment of pagans with the light of the faith of Christ. Upon this righteous path Saint Paraskeva was brought to judgment, bearing in her own name the memory of the day of the terrible sufferings of Jesus, and she shared in the Passion of Christ also in her own life through her bodily torments. 

Because of her confession of the Orthodox faith, the pagans in a frenzy seized hold of her and brought her to the city governor. Here they demanded that she offer unholy sacrifice to the pagan idol. With a steady heart, and trusting on God, the saint refused this demand. For this she underwent great torments: having tied her to a tree, the torturers tore at her pure body with iron nails, and then exhausted by the torture, they threw her into prison, all lacerated to the bone. But God did not forsake the holy sufferer, and miraculously healed her torn body. Not heeding this divine miracle, the executioners continued with their torture of Saint Paraskeva, and finally, they cut off her head.

By Church belief, Saint Paraskeva is protectress of fields and cattle. Therefore on the day of her memory it was the custom to bring fruit to church for blessing, which as a blessed object was kept until the following year. Moreover, Saint Paraskeva is prayed to for protection of cattle from disease. Saint Paraskeva is likewise an healer of people from grievous illness of both body and soul.

Science of the Saints, 27 October, Nestor the Chronicler, of Pechersk in the Nearer Caves (+ c. 1114)

The Monk Nestor the Chronicler was born at Kiev in 1050. He came in his youth to the Monk Theodosius and became a novice. The Monk Nestor took monastic vows under the successor to the Monk Theodosius, the hegumen Stephen, and under him was ordained monk-deacon.

Concerning his lofty spiritual life it is said that amidst the number of other monastic fathers he participated in the casting out of a devil from Nikita the Hermit, having become fascinated by the Hebrew wisdom of the Old Testament. The Monk Nestor deeply appreciated true knowledge, conjoined with humility and penitence. "Great is the benefit of book learning," said he, "for books point out and teach us the way to repentance, since from the words of books we discover wisdom and temperance. This is the stream, watering the universe, from which springs wisdom. In books is a boundless depth, by them we are comforted in sorrows, and they are a bridle for moderation. If thou do enter diligently into the books of wisdom, thou then shalt discover great benefit for thy soul. Wherefore that one who readeth books, doth converse with God or the saints."

In the monastery the Monk Nestor had the obedience of being the chronicler. In the 1080s he wrote the "Account about the Life and Perishing of the Blessed Passion-Bearers Boris and Gleb" in connection with the transfer of the relics of the saints to Vyshgorod in the year 1072. In the 1080s the Monk Nestor also compiled the Life of the Monk Theodosius of Pechersk. And in 1091 on the eve of the altar-feast of the Pechersk monastery, he was entrusted by the hegumen John to dig up out of the ground, for transfer to the church, the holy relics of the Monk Theodosius.

The chief work in the life of the monk Nestor was the compiling in the years 1112-1113 of the "Tale of Bygone Years." "Here is the tale of years gone by, from whence the Russian land came to be, who at Kiev started first to be prince and from whither the Russian land is arrayed" - so with the very first line the Monk Nestor specifies his purpose. His is an extraordinarily wide circle of sources: of prior Russian chronicle accounts and sayings, monastery records, the Byzantine Chronicles of John Malalos and George Amartolos, various historical collections, the accounts of the boyar-elder Ian Vyshatich and of tradesmen and soldiers, of journeymen and of those who knew - all set together by him with an unified and strict Church point of view. This permitted the Monk Nestor to write his history of Russia as an inclusive part of world history - the history of the salvation of the human race.

The Monk Nestor died in about the year 1114, having left to the Pechersk monk-chroniclers the continuation of his great work.  He was buried in the Nearer Caves of the Monk Antonii of Pechersk. 

Science of the Saints, 26 October, Holy And Great Martyr Demetrius Of Thessalonica

The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius was the son of a Roman proconsul in Thessalonica. 

Three centuries had then already elapsed, and Roman paganism, spiritually shattered and defeated by the multitude of martyrs and confessors of the Crucified Saviour, intensified its persecutions. 

Both the father and mother of saint Demetrius were clandestine Christians. In a secret house-church at the home of the proconsul, the child was baptised and raised in the Christian faith. When the father died, and the child had reached the age of maturity, the emperor Galerius Maximian - having ascended the throne in the year 305 - summoned him, and confident in his education and military administrative abilities, appointed him to the position of his father as proconsul of the Thessalonica district. The chief task expected of this young commander consisted in the defence of the city from barbarians, and in the extermination of Christianity. In regard to Christians the will of the emperor was expressed simply: "Put to death anyone who calls on the name of the Crucified." The emperor did not suspect in appointing Demetrius, how wide a swath of confessors acts he had opened up for the clandestine ascetic.

Accepting the appointment, Demetrius returned to Thessalonica and in front of everyone immediately confessed and glorified our Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of persecuting and executing Christians, he openly began to teach the inhabitants of the city the Christian faith and to extirpate pagan customs and idol-worship. The compiler of his life, Metaphrastes, says that in his teaching zeal he became for Thessalonica "a second Apostle Paul," particularly since "the Apostle to the Gentiles" once founded at this city the first community of believers. The Lord also destined Saint Demetrius to follow the holy Apostle Paul to a death by martyrdom.

When Maximian learned that the proconsul newly appointed by him was a Christian, and that he had converted to Christianity many Roman subjects who were influenced by his example, the rage of the emperor know no bounds. Returning from a campaign in the Black Sea region, the emperor decided to lead his army through Thessalonica, filled with the desire to make a massacre of the Soluneia Christians.

Learning of this, Saint Demetrius opportunely ordered his faithful servant Luppos to distribute his wealth to the poor with the words: "Give away the earthly riches amongst them, for we shalt seek for ourselves heavenly riches." And he gave himself over to prayer and fasting, preparing himself for the accepting of a martyr's crown.

When the emperor came into the city, he summoned Demetrius, who boldly confessed himself a Christian and denounced the falsehood and futility of Roman polytheism. Maximian gave orders to lock up the confessor in prison, and an Angel came to him in confinement, comforting and encouraging him for the act. 

The emperor meanwhile concerned himself with a foul gladiators spectacle, esteeming as his beloved champion a German by the name of Leo, who made a challenge for a Christian to struggle with him on the platform over the spears of the victorious soldiers. A brave youth from the Soluneia Christians, Nestor by name, went to the prison to his advisor Demetrius and requested to be given the blessing for single combat with the barbarian. With the blessing of Demetrius and through his prayers, Nestor prevailed over the fierce German and hurled him from the daïs onto the spears of the soldiers, just as the murderous pagan would have done with the Christian. The enraged commander gave orders to immediately execute the holy Martyr Nestor and dispatched a guard to the prison to run through with spears the one who had blessed this deed, Saint Demetrius.

At dawn on 26 October 306 soldiers appeared in the underground prison of the holy saint and ran him through with spears. His faithful servant, Saint Luppos, gathered up on a towel the blood of Saint Demetrius, and he took from his finger the imperial ring, a symbol of his high status, and likewise dipped it also in the blood. With the ring and other holy things sanctified by the blood of Saint Demetrius, Saint Luppos began to heal the infirm. The emperor gave orders to arrest and kill him.

The body of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius was cast out for devouring by wild animals, but the Soluneia Christians took it and secretly committed it to earth. During the reign of holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine (306-337), a church was erected over the grave of Saint Demetrius. An hundred years later, during the construction of a majestic new church on the old spot, the incorrupt relics of the holy martyr were uncovered. From the time of the seventh century beneath the crypt of the Great Martyr Demetrius was found a miraculous flowing of fragrant myrrh, in regard to which the Great Martyr Demetrius receives the church title "Myrrh-flowing." Several times those venerating the Soluneia wonderworker made attempts at a transfer of his holy relics, or part of them, to Constantinople. But invariably Saint Demetrius secretly made apparent his will to remain the protector and defender of the people of Thessalonica.

Science of the Saints, 25 October, Holy Martyrs Marcian The Church Reader And Martyrius The Sub-Deacon

The Holy Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius served in a Constantinople cathedral. Marcian was a reader, and Martyrius a sub-deacon. They both likewise performed duty in the capacity of notaries, i.e. secretaries, for the Patriarch Paul the Confessor.

Arian heretics expelled and secretly executed the righteous Patriarch Paul, and his cathedra was given over to the heretic Macedonios. The heretics attempted to entice Saints Marcian and Martyrius over to their side by flattery, they offered them gold and promised them cathedras as archbishops. But all the Arian efforts were in vain.

Then the impious threatened to slander them before the emperor, and sought to intimidate them with torture and death. But the saints steadfastly confessed Orthodoxy, as handed down by the fathers of the Church. Marcian and Martyrius were sentenced to death. 

Before death, the martyrs raised up to the Lord a fervent prayer: "Lord God, Who hath invisibly created our hearts, and directed all our deeds, accept with peace the souls of Thy servants, since we do perish for Thee and art considered as sheep for the slaughter. We do rejoice, that by such a death we shalt depart this life for Thy Name. Grant us to be partakers of life eternal with Thee, the Source of life."

After their prayer, the martyrs with quiet rejoicing bent their necks beneath the sword of the impious (+ c. 335). Their holy bodies were reverently buried by Orthodox Christians. Later on, by decree of the holy Bishop John Chrysostom, the relics of the holy martyrs were transferred into an especially built church. Believers here were healed of many infirmities through the prayers of the saints, to the glory of the One Life-Originating Trinity. 

Science of the Saints, 24 October, Holy Martyr Arethas And His 4299 Fellow Martyrs

The Martyr Arethas and with him 4299 Martyrs suffered for the Lord Jesus Christ in the sixth century. 

Arethas was governor of the city of Negran in Arabia, the inhabitants of which were Christian. The Arabian (or Omirite) king, Dunaan, who was Jewish, decided to extirpate Christianity from the land, and he issued an edict that all followers of Christ were to be put to death. The inhabitants of Negran remained faithful to the Lord, and Dunaan came with a large army to destroy the city. 

At the city-walls of Negran the king's heralds announced, that Dunaan would let live only those who renounced the Crucified Galileian and His Cross, as a "sign of malediction." Not daring to assault the Christian city by force, Dunaan resorted to a ruse, swearing an oath that he would not force the Christians into Judaism, but would merely impose a tribute-tax on Negran. The inhabitants of the city would not heed the advice of Saint Arethas, and putting their trust in Dunaan, they opened wide the city-gates. 

The very next day Dunaan gave orders to start up an immense bonfire and throw in it all the clergy of the Church of the city, so as to frighten all the rest of the Christians. Thus were burnt 427 men. The governor Arethas and the other chief men were thrown into prison. Then the oppressor sent out through the city his messengers, to convert the Christians to Judaism. And Dunaan himself conversed with those inhabitants brought forth from the prisons, saying, "I do not demand of you that ye should renounce the God of heaven and earth, nor do I want that ye should worship idols, but I want merely that ye do not believe in Jesus Christ, since the Crucified One was a man, and not God." 

The holy martyrs replied to this that Jesus is God the Word, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, Who for the salvation of mankind had become flesh from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary. "We shalt not abjure Christ, since that He is for us Life, and death for Him is the finding of Life," declared the sufferers to Dunaan. 

And more than four thousand Christians - men, women, both the aged and children - from the city of Negran and surrounding villages accepted a martyr's death for Christ. 

Science of the Saints, 23 October, Holy Apostle James The Brother Of The Lord, First Bishop Of Jerusalem

The Apostle James, Brother of the Lord, was the son of Righteous Joseph the Betrothed. From his early years James was a Nazorite, a man especially dedicated to God. The Nazorites gave a vow to preserve virginity, to abstain from wine, to refrain from eating meat, and not to cut their hair. The vow of the Nazorites symbolised a life of holiness and purity, commanded formerly by the Lord for all Israel. 

When the Saviour began to teach the nation about the Kingdom of God, Saint James believed in Christ and became His apostle. For his God-pleasing life he was chosen first bishop in the Church at Jerusalem. 

Saint James presided over the Council of the Apostles at Jerusalem, and his word was decisive (Acts 15). In his thirty years as bishop the Apostle James converted many of the Jews to Christianity. Annoyed by this, the Pharisees and the Scribes plotted together to kill Saint James. Having led the saint up on the roof of the Jerusalem Temple, they demanded that he renounce the Saviour of the world. But the holy Apostle James instead began to bear witness, that Christ is the True Messiah. Then the Jewish teachers shoved him off downwards. The saint did not die immediately, but gathering his final strength, he prayed to the Lord for his enemies, who at this while were stoning him. The martyr's death of Saint James occurred in about the year 63.

The holy Apostle James composed a Divine Liturgy, which has formed the basis of the liturgies, composed by Saints Basil the Great and John Chrysostom. The Church has preserved an Epistle of the Apostle James, which under his name is included among the books of the New Testament of Holy Scripture.

Science of the Saints, 22 October, The Holy Bishop Abercius of Hieropolis, Equal to the Apostles, Wonder-worker.

The Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Abercius the Wonderworker, Bishop of Hieropolis, was glorified in the second century  in Phrygia. 

The city of Hieropolis back then basically was inhabited by pagans. The saint prayed the Lord for the salvation of their souls and their conversion to the True Light. An Angel appeared and bid Saint Abercius to destroy the idols in the pagan temple. With zeal he fulfilled the command of God. 

Upon hearing that the idol-worshippers wanted to kill him, the saint went out to the place where the people had gathered and openly he denounced the failings of the pagans. The pagans tried to seize hold of the saint. At this moment in the crowd cried out three demon-possessed youths. The people became dumbfounded, as the saint by his prayer expelled the devils from them. Seeing the youths restored to normal, the Hieropolis people besought Saint Abercius to instruct them in the Christian faith, and then they accepted Holy Baptism. 

After this the saint set off to surrounding cities and villages, healing the sick and preaching the Kingdom of God. With his preaching he made the rounds of Syria, Cilicia, Mesopotamia, he visited Rome and everywhere he converted multitudes of people to Christ. Saint Abercius because of his great works is termed "Equal-to-the-Apostles." For many years he guarded the Church against heretics, he affirmed Christians in the faith, he set the prodigal upon the righteous path, he healed the sick, and propagated the glory of Christ.

Science of the Saints, 21 October , Saint Hilarion The Great

The Monk Hilarion the Great was born in the year 291 in the Palestinian village of Tabath. He was sent for study to Alexandria, where he became acquainted with Christianity and accepted holy Baptism. 

Hearing an account of the angelic life of the Monk Anthony the Great, Hilarion set out to him, in order to study that which is pleasing to God. Hilarion soon returned to his native land. His parents had already died. 

Having distributed his familial inheritance to the poor, Hilarion set out into the wilderness surrounding he city of Maium. The monk struggled intensely with impure thoughts, vexations of the mind, and the burning of the flesh, defeating them with heavy toil, fasting, and fervent prayer.

The devil sought to terrorise the saint with phantoms and apparitions. During times of prayer Saint Hilarion heard children crying, women wailing, and the growling of lions and other wild beasts. The monk perceived that it was the demons causing these terrors, in order to drive him away from the wilderness, and therefore he overcame his fear with the help of fervent prayer. 

One time robbers fell upon the Monk Hilarion, and he by the power of his words persuaded them to forsake the life of crime.

Soon all Palestine learned about the holy ascetic. The Lord vouchsafed to the Monk Hilarion the power to cast out unclean spirits. With this graced gift he loosed the bounds of many of the afflicted. The sick came for healing, and the monk cured them free of charge, saying, that the grace of God is not for sale. By means of smell the saint learned with which passion this or that man was afflicted. And they came to the Monk Hilarion wanting to save their soul under his guidance. With the blessing of the Monk Hilarion, monasteries began to spring up throughout all of Palestine. Going from one monastery to another, he set in them a strict ascetic manner of life. About seven years before his death (+ 371-372) the Monk Hilarion resettled to Cyprus, where he asceticised in a solitary place, until the Lord summoned him to Himself.

Science of the Saints, 20 October, Holy And Great Martyr Artemius

The Holy Great Martyr Artemius was a prominent military leader during the reign of the Equal-to-the-Apostles emperor Constantine the Great, and later also of his son and successor Constantius.

Artemius held many awards for distinguished service and courage, and he was appointed viceroy of Egypt. In this official position he did much for spreading and strengthening Christianity in Egypt. 

The emperor Constantius was succeeded on the throne by Julian the Apostate (361-363). Julian in his desire to restore paganism carried on an implacable struggle with Christianity, sending hundreds to their death.At Antioch he ordered the torture of two bishops unwilling to forsake the Christian faith. During this time Saint Artemius arrived in the city and publicly denounced Julian for his impiety. The enraged Julian subjected the saint to terrible tortures, after which they threw the great martyr Artemius into prison. During the time of prayer which the saint offered to the Lord, Christ Himself appeared to him surrounded by angels and said, "Take courage, Artemius! I am with thee and wilt preserve thee from every hurt which the tormentors may inflict upon thee, and already have I prepared thy crown of glory. Wherefore as thou hast confessed Me before the people on earth, so also shalt I confess thee before Mine Heavenly Father. Therefore, take courage and rejoice, thou shalt be with Me in My Kingdom." Hearing this of the Lord Himself, Artemius rejoiced and began fervently to offer up glory and thanksgiving to Him.

On the following day, Julian demanded that the great martyr Artemius honour the pagan gods. Meeting with steadfast refusal, the emperor resorted to torture. The saint endured all without a single moan. The saint then predicted to Julian that he would soon receive just recompense for the evil done by him to Christians. Julian became furious and resorted to even more fiercesome tortures, but they did not break the will of the saint, and finally the great martyr Artemius was beheaded (+ 362).

His remains were buried by Christians. And after the death of the holy great martyr Artemius, his prophecy about the impending perishing of Julian the Apostate came true.

Julian left Antioch for a war with the Persians. Near the Persian city of Ctesiphon he came upon an elderly Persian, who agreed to betray his countrymen and guide Julian's army. But the old man deceived Julian and led his army into an impassable place in the Karmanite wilderness, where there was neither food nor water. Worn down by hunger and thirst, the Greco-Roman army of Julian had to do battle against fresh Persian forces. 

Divine retribution caught up here with Julian the Apostate. At the time of battle he was mortally wounded by an unseen hand and an unseen weapon. Julian groaned deeply, and dying, he said: "Thou hast conquered, Gallileian!" After the perishing of the apostate-emperor, the relics of the great martyr Artemius were transferred with honour from Antioch to Constantinople.

Science of the Saints, 19 October, Holy Prophet Joel

The Holy Prophet Joel lived 800 years before the Birth of Christ. He made prediction about the desolation of Jerusalem. He likewise prophesied, that upon all flesh would be poured out the Holy Spirit through the Saviour of the world (Joel 2: 28-32).

Science of the Saints, 18 October, Holy Apostle And Evangelist Luke

The Holy Disciple and Evangelist Luke, was a native of Syrian Antioch, a Disciple from amongst the Seventy, a companion of the holy Apostle Paul (Phil. 1: 24, 2 Tim. 4: 10-11), and a physician enlightened in the Greek medical arts. 

Hearing about Christ, Luke arrived in Palestine and here he fervently accepted the preaching of salvation from the Lord Himself. Included amidst the number of the Seventy Disciples, Saint Luke was sent by the Lord with the others for the first preaching about the Kingdom of Heaven while yet during the earthly life of the Saviour (Lk. 10:1-3). After the Resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Saints Luke and Cleopas on the road to Emmaus.

The Disciple Luke took part in the second missionary journey of the Apostle Paul, and from that time they were inseparable. At a point when all his co-workers had left the Apostle Paul, the Disciple Luke stayed on with him to tackle all the toiling of pious deeds (2 Tim. 4:10-11). After the martyr's death of the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul, Saint Luke left Rome to preach in Achaeia, Libya, Egypt and the Thebaid. In the city of Thebes he finished his life in martyrdom.

Tradition ascribes to him the writing of the first icons of the Mother of God. "Let the grace of He born of Me and My mercy be with these icons," said the All-Pure Virgin in beholding the icons. Saint Luke wrote likewise icons of the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul. He wrote his Gospel was written in the years 62-63 at Rome, under the guidance of the Apostle Paul. Saint Luke in the preliminary verses (1:3) spells out exactly the aim of his work: he recorded in greater detail the chronological course of events in the framework of everything known by Christians about Jesus Christ and His teachings, and by doing so he provided a firmer historical basis of Christian hope (1:4). He carefully investigated the facts, and made generous use of the oral tradition of the Church and of what the All-Pure Virgin Mary Herself had told him (2:19, 51).

In the theological content of the Gospel of Luke there stands out first of all the teaching about the universal salvation effected by the Lord Jesus Christ, and about the universal significance of the preaching of the Gospel. 

The holy disciple likewise wrote in the years 62-63 at Rome, the Book of the Acts of the Holy Apostles. The Acts, which is a continuation of the Four Gospels, speaks about the works and effects of the holy Apostles after the Ascension of the Saviour. At the centre of the narrative is the Council of the holy Apostles at Jerusalem (year 51 A.D.), a Church event of great critical significance, with a dogmatic basis for the distancing of Christianity from Judaism and its independent dispersion into the world (Acts 15: 6-29). The theological objective of the Book of Acts is that of the Dispensation-Economy of the Holy Spirit, actualised in the Church founded by the Lord Jesus Christ, from the time of the Ascension and Pentecost to the Second Coming of Christ.

Science of the Saints, 17 October, Holy Prophet Hosea

The Holy Prophet Hosea, the first of the minor prophets, belonged to the tribe of Issachar. 

He lived during the ninth Century before Christ, in the kingdom of Israel. He was a contemporary of the holy Prophets Isaiah, Micah and Amos. During this time, many of his fellow Israelites had forgotten the true God, and worshipped idols. The holy Prophet Hosea attempted to turn them again to the faith of their Fathers by his wise counsels. Denouncing the iniquities of the people of Israel (i.e. the northern kingdom Israel), the prophet proclaimed to them great misfortunes from a foreign people and their removal into captivity by Assyria.

Almost a thousand years before the coming of the Savior, and through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the prophet foretold the end of sacrificial offerings and of the priesthood of Aaron (Hos. 3:4-5), and that the knowledge of the True God would spread through all the earth (Hos. 2:20-23). Hosea spoke also about Christ, how He would return from out of Egypt (Hos. 11:1; compare Mt. 2:15), that He would be resurrected on the third day (Hos. 6 and especially Hos.6:2; compare with 1 Cor.15:4), and that He would conquer death (Hos.13-14. Compare 1 Cor.15:54-55).

The prophesies of Saint Hosea are included in the book that bears his name. The prophetic service of Saint Hosea continued for more than sixty years. The God-inspired prophet died in deep old age, having devoted all his life to fulfilling the Will of God.

Science of the Saints, 16 October, Holy Martyr Longinus

The Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion, a Roman soldier, saw service in Judea under the command of the procurator, Pontius Pilate. 

During the time of the execution of the Saviour it was the detachment of soldiers under the command of Longinus which stood watch around Golgotha, at the very foot of the holy Cross. Longinus and his soldiers were eyewitnesses of the final moments of the earthly life of the Lord, and of the great and awesome portents that appeared at His death. These events jolted the soul of the soldier. Longinus believed then in Christ and before everyone confessed that, "in truth this was the Son of God." (Mt. 27:54). According to Church tradition, Longinus was that soldier, who with a spear pierced the side of the Crucified Saviour, and from the outflowing of blood and water received healing from an eye affliction.

After the Crucifixion and Burial of the Saviour, Longinus with his company stood watch at the Sepulchre of the Lord. Here the soldiers were given to behold the All-Radiant Resurrection of Christ. The Jews persuaded them with a bribe to bear false witness that His disciples had stolen away the Body of Christ, but Longinus and two of his comrades refused to be seduced by the Jewish gold. 

Having believed in the Saviour, the soldiers accepted Baptism from the apostles and decided to forsake military service. Longinus quit Judea and set out preaching about Christ Jesus the Son of God in his native land, in Cappadocia. His two comrades also followed after him. The fiery words of actual participants of the great occurrences in Judea swayed the hearts and minds of the Cappadocians. Christianity began quickly to spread about in the city and the surrounding villages. 

Having learned of this, the Jewish elders persuaded Pilate to dispatch a company of soldiers to Cappadocia, to kill Longinus and his comrades. The dispatched company of soldiers arrived in the native village of Longinus; the former centurion himself came out to meet the soldiers and took them to his home. After a meal, the soldiers told about the purpose of their arrival, not knowing that the master of the house was that very selfsame man, whom they were seeking. Then Longinus and his fellows identified themselves and asked the surprised soldiers, unperturbedly, to do their duty of military service. The soldiers wanted to set free the saints and advised them to flee, but the saints refused to do this, showing firmness of will to accept suffering for Christ. 

The holy martyrs were beheaded, and their bodies were buried there where the saints made their final witness, and the cut-off heads were sent on to Pilate. Pilate gave orders to cast the martyrs on the trash-heap outside the city walls. 

After a certain while a certain blind woman arrived in Jerusalem to pray at the holy places. Saint Longinus appeared to her in a dream and said that she should find his head and bury it. They led the blind woman to the rubbish heap. Having touched the head of the martyr, the woman was granted sight to her eyes. She reverently conveyed the venerable head to Cappadocia and there gave it burial.

Science of the Saints, 15 October, Holy Martyr Lucian, Elder of the Church in Antioch

The Monk-Martyr Lucian, Presbyter of Antioch, was born in the Syrian city of Samosata. 

At twelve years of age he was left orphaned. Lucian distributed his possessions to the poor, and went to the city of Edessa to the confessor Makarios, under the guidance of whom he diligently read Holy Scripture and learned the ascetic life. For his pious and zealous spreading of Christianity amongst the Jews and pagans, Lucian was made presbyter. 

At Antioch Saint Lucian opened a school, where there gathered many students whom he instructed in book wisdom. Saint Lucian occupied himself with teaching work, and he corrected the text of Holy Scripture, having been corrupted by copyists and heretics. (The entire Greek text of the Bible corrected by him was hidden away in a wall during the time of his confessor's deed, and it was found during the time of Saint Constantine the Great). 

During the persecution of Diocletian, Saint Lucian was arrested, having been informed on by heretics, and he was dispatched to prison in Nicomedia, where over the course of nine years he encouraged Christians together with him in the confessor's deed, urging them not to fear tortures and death.

Saint Lucian died in prison from many terrible tortures and hunger. Before death, wanting to partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ on the feast of Theophany, the hieromartyr, bound by chains to a box, was compelled to offer the Bloodless Sacrifice upon his chest, and all the Christians situated there in prison communed. 

The body of the holy martyr was thrown into the sea, but after thirty days dolphins brought it to shore. Believers with reverence buried the body of the much-suffering Saint Lucian.

Science of the Saints, 14 October, Holy Martyrs Nazarius, Celsus, Gervase, and Protase Of Milan

 The Holy Martyrs Nazarius, Celsus, Gervase, and Protase suffered during the reign of the emperor Nero (54-68). 

Saint Nazarius (son of the Christian Perpetua and the Jew Africanus) was born at Rome and was baptised by Bishop Linus. From his youthful years Nazarius decided to devote his life to preaching the teachings of Christ and to aid wandering Christians. With this intent he left Rome and arrived in Mediolanum (Milan). 

While visiting Christians at the Mediolanum prison, Nazarius made the acquaintance of the twins Protase and Gervase. The twin brothers had been born in the city of Mediolanum into a family of rich Roman citizens - Vitalius and Valeria. But having been left orphans (their parents had been martyred for the Christian faith), the brothers distributed their substance to the poor, emancipated their slaves, and occupied themselves with fasting and prayer. The pagans locked them up in prison for their confession of faith in Christ. 

Saint Nazarius esteemed the twins, and as much as he was able he relieved their sufferings. But for this the pagans gave him a beating and banished him from Mediolanum. 

Saint Nazarius proceeded on to Gaul (modern France), and there he successfully preached Christianity and converted many pagans. In the city of Kimel he baptised the son of a certain Christian by name Celsus, and in teaching him, acquired a faithful student and co-worker in their missionary labours. For their confession of faith in Christ, the pagans gave them over for devouring by wild beasts, but the beasts would not touch the saints. Afterwards they tried to drown the martyrs in the sea, but they went through the water, as though on dry land. The soldiers carrying out the orders were so amazed that they themselves accepted Christianity and released the holy martyrs.

Set free, Nazarius and Celsus went to Mediolanum and visited Gervase and Protase in prison. For this, they were delivered over to Nero, who ordered that Saints Nazarius and Celsus be beheaded. Soon after this they executed also the holy brothers Gervase and Protase.

Many years later, during the reign of the holy Emperor Theodosius (408-450), Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, through a revelation from above discovered the relics of the holy martyrs. The holy relics, glorified by many an healing, were solemnly transferred to the Mediolanum cathedral.

Science of the Saints, 13 October, Holy Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, Agathodorus, and Agathonica

 The Holy Martyrs Carpus, Bishop of Phiatirea, Deacon Papylus, Agathodorus, and Agathonica the sister of Papylus, suffered during a time of persecution against Christians under the emperor Decius in the third century. 

The governor of the district where the saints lived became aware that Carpus and Papylus did not celebrate the pagan feasts. He gave orders to arrest the transgressors and first to try to persuade them in the veracity of the Roman pagan religion. 

The saints answered that it would be improper to worship false gods. The judge then ordered them to be bound and led through the city in iron chains, and then to be tied to horses and dragged to the nearby city of Sardis. 

Agathodorus and Agathonica voluntarily followed after Carpus and Papylus. 

In Sardis they choked Agathonica to death with ox sinews, and beheaded Carpus, Papylus and Agathodorus. 

Saint Papylus during life was known for his gift of treating the sick. After his martyr's death he invariably gives healing to all who have recourse to him with faith.

Science of the Saints, 12 October, Holy Martyrs Probus, Tarachus, And Andronicus Of Tarsus In Cilicia

 The Holy Martyrs Probus, Tarachus, and Andronicus suffered for Christ in the year 304 in the city of Cilician Tarsus. 

To the proposal of the pagans to offer sacrifice to the idols, the old soldier Tarachus replied that he offered sacrifice to the One, True God in a pure heart. Seeing the firmness of the saints in confessing the true faith, the proconsul gave them over to torture. 

"When my body doth suffer," said Saint Probus to the idol-worshippers, "then my soul is healed and invigorated." 

The tormentors refined their tortures, such as their rage could invent, and then they tore the bodies of the saints apart. Christians secretly took up the remains of the saints and buried them.

Science of the Saints, 11 October, Holy Apostle Philip Of The Seventy, One Of The Seven Deacons

The Holy Disciple Philip from amongst the Seventy (not to be confused with Saint Philip the Apostle from amongst the Twelve), was born in Palestine. He was married and had children.

After the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Twelve Apostles made him a deacon in the Jerusalem Church, and with the other six deacons they entrusted him to deal with the offerings of the faithful and attend to the concerns of the widowed, the orphaned and the needy. 

The eldest among the Seven First-Deacons was the holy Archdeacon Stephen. When a persecution began, and the Jews had stoned the First-Martyr Stephen, the Disciple Philip departed from Jerusalem. He settled in Samaria, and there he successfully preached Christianity. Among the converts of the disciple was the noted magician Simon who, "having been baptised, did not leave from Philip." (Acts 8:9-13)

At the command of an Angel of the Lord the disciple set out upon the road connecting Jerusalem with Gaza, and there he met a dignitary of the empress of Ethiopia, whom also he converted to Christianity (Acts 8:26-39). 

The holy disciple Philip tirelessly preached the Word of God in many of the lands of the Near East adjoining Palestine. At Jerusalem the Apostles ordained him to the dignity of bishop and sent him to Lydia, where he baptised many. Saint Philip died in old age.

Science of the Saints, 10 October, Holy Martyrs Eulampius And His Sister Eulampia

The Holy Martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia, a brother and sister by birth, lived at the beginning of the fourth century in the city of Nicomedia. 

Having read the decree of the emperor Maximian (284-305) putting every Christian under a sentence of death by execution, Eulampius became upset that the emperor, rather than going off to fight the enemies of his fatherland, instead was taking up arms against his own subjects. 

They brought the youth to trial and demanded that he renounce the Christian faith. For his refusal they first tore at him with iron hooks, and then they placed him upon a red-hot bed. 

Of a sudden the sufferer expressed a wish to visit the pagan temple. The judges were delighted, supposing that they had swayed the youth from Christianity. In the pagan temple of Mars the saint cried out: "In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I command thee, idol dumb and without soul, fall down upon the ground and be turned to dust!" The idol with a crash smashed down upon the ground. People exclaimed: "The Supreme God is the Christian God, great and mighty!" The saint again was taken off for torture. 

This time the sister of the sufferer, Eulampia, appeared before the judges and declared that she also was a Christian. Eulampius encouraged his sister: "Sister, fear not those killing the body, but unable to kill the soul" (Mt. 10:28). After tortures they threw the martyrs into a red-hot furnace, but the Lord protected them from the fire. Finally, they beheaded the brother, and the sister died from the tortures.

Science of the Saints, 9 October, Holy Apostle James, Son Of Alphaeus

Saint James Alphaeus - one of the Twelve Apostles - was brother of the holy Evangelist Matthew. 

After the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle James Alphaeus, together with the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, made missionary journeys preaching in Judea, Edessa, Gaza, Eleutheropolis, converting many on the path of salvation. 

In the Egyptian city of Ostrazin Saint James finished his apostolic work with a martyr's death on a cross.

Science of the Saints, 8 October, Saint Pelagia The Penitent

The Nun Pelagia was converted to Christianity by Saint Nonnos, Bishop of Edessa. 

Before her acceptance of saving Baptism, Pelagia was head of a dance troupe in Palestinian Antioch, living life in frivolity and profligacy. 

But one time Pelagia, elegantly dressed, was making her way past a church, at the doors of which Saint Nonnos was preaching a sermon. Believers turned their faces away from the sinner, but the bishop long glanced after her. Struck by the outer beauty of Pelagia and having foreseen the spiritual greatness in her, the saint in his cell prayed long to the Lord for the sinner, grieving that the poverty attiring his soul could not compare with the splendid garb and beauty of the profligate.

On the following day, when Saint Nonnos was teaching in the church about the Dread Last Judgement and its consequences, Pelagia came. The teaching made such an impression upon her, that betaken with the fear of God and bursting out in tears of repentance, she besought the saint for Baptism. Seeing the sincere and full repentance of Pelagia, Bishop Nonnos baptised her.

By night the devil appeared to Pelagia, urging her to return to her former life. In answer to this the saint made prayer, signed herself with the Sign of the Cross, and the devil vanished. Having gathered up her valuables, Saint Pelagia took them to Bishop Nonnos. The bishop gave orders to distribute it amidst the poor with the words: "Let be wisely dispersed what is miraculously gathered." 

After this Saint Pelagia in hair-shirt journeyed to Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives. There, until her end (457), she asceticised in seclusion under the masculine name Pelagios, and attained to great spiritual gifts. 

Science of the Saints, 7 October, Holy Martyrs Sergius And Bacchus

The Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus were appointed to high positions in the army by the emperor Maximian (284-305), who did not know that they were Christians. 

Malevolent persons made a denunciation to Maximian, that his two military commanders did not honour the pagan gods, and this was considered a crime against the state.

The emperor, wanting to convince himself of the veracity of the denunciation, ordered Sergius and Bacchus to offer sacrifice to the idols, but they answered that they honoured but the One God and Him only did they worship.

Maximian commanded that the martyrs be stripped of the insignia of military rank, and then having dressed them in feminine clothing to lead them through the city with an iron chain on the neck, for the mockery by the people. 

Then he again summoned Sergius and Bacchus to him and in a friendly approach advised them not to be swayed by Christian fables and instead return to the Roman gods. But the saints remained steadfast. 

Then the emperor commanded that they be dispatched to the governor of the eastern part of Syria, Antiochus, a fierce hater of Christians. Antiochus had received his position with the help of Sergius and Bacchus. 

"My fathers and benefactors!" he addressed the saints, "Have pity not only upon yourself, but also on me: I want not to condemn ye to martyrdom." The holy martyrs replied, that for them life is Christ, and death for Him its acquisition. 

In a rage Antiochus ordered Bacchus to be mercilessly beaten, and the holy martyr expired to the Lord. They shod Sergius with iron shoes inset with nails and sent him off to another city, where he as beheaded with the sword (c. year 300).

Science of the Saints, 6 October, Holy And Glorious Apostle Thomas

 The Holy Apostle Thomas was born in the Galilean city of Pansada and plied the trade of fisherman. Hearing the good tidings of Jesus Christ, he left all and followed after Him. The Apostle Thomas is included in the number of the holy Twelve Apostles, the twelve closest disciples of the Saviour.

By the account of Holy Scripture, the holy Apostle Thomas did not believe the reports of the other disciples about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ: "Unless I see in His hand the wound of the nail, and place my finger into the wound of the nail, and place my hand in His side, I shalt not believe." (Jn. 20: 25) 

On the eighth day after the Resurrection the Lord appeared to the Apostle Thomas and showed His wounds. "My Lord and my God,"cried out the holy apostle (Jn. 20: 28). 

"Thomas, being once weaker in faith than the other apostles," says Saint John Chrysostom, "toiled through the grace of God more bravely, more zealously and tirelessly than them all, such that he went preaching almost over nearly all the earth, not fearing to announce the Word of God to savage nations."

According to Church Tradition, the holy apostle Thomas founded Christian churches in Palestine, Mesopotamia, Parthia, Ethiopia, and India. Preaching the Gospel earned the apostle a martyr's death. For having converted the wife and son of the governor of the Indian city of Meliapur (Melipur), the holy apostle was locked up in prison, suffered torture, and finally, having been pierced with five spears, he expired to the Lord. 

Part of the relics of the holy Apostle Thomas are in India, in Hungary, and on Athos. With the name of the Apostle Thomas is connected the Arabian (or Arapet) Icon of the Mother of God.

Science of the Saints, 5 October, Holy Martyr Charitina

The Holy Martyress Charitina was orphaned in childhood and raised like an actual daughter by the pious Christian Claudius. The young woman was very pretty, very sensible, kind, and fervent in faith. She imparted to other people her love for Christ, and she converted many to the way of salvation.

During a time of persecution under the emperor Diocletian (284-305), Saint Charitina was subjected to horrible torments for her strong confession of the Lord Jesus Christ, and she died with prayer to the Lord (in the year 304).

Science of the Saints, 4 October, Holy Hieromartyr Hierotheus Of Athens

The Hieromartyr Hierotheos, Bishop of Athens, was a member of the Athenian Areopagia and was converted to Christ by the Apostle Paul together with Saint Dionysius the Areopagite. 

The saint was consecrated by the Apostle Paul to the dignity of bishop. By tradition, Bishop Hierotheos was present together with Bishop Dionysios at the funeral of the Most Holy Mother of God. 

Saint Hierotheos died a martyr's death in the first century.

Science of the Saints, 3 November, Holy Martyrs Akepsimos the Bishop, Joseph the Presbyter and Haiphal the Deacon.

 Bishop Akepsimos headed the Christian Church in the Persian city of Naesson. His flock devotedly loved their hierarch for his ascetic life and tireless pastoral work. The emperor Sapor gave orders to seek out and kill Christian clergy. Saint Akepsimos also was arrested, being then already an eighty year old man. They took him to the city of Arbela, where he came before the judge Ardarkh - a pagan priest of the sun god. The holy elder refused to offer sacrifice to the Persian gods. For this he was fiercely beaten and thrown into prison, where on the following day they threw in with him, after fierce beatings, the seventy year old Presbyter Joseph and Deacon Haiphal. For three years the saints were held in confinement, and worn down by hunger and thirst. 

Emperor Sapor came to the temple of the god of fire, located not far from Arbela, and wanted to take a look at the three holy martyrs. Exhausted and covered with festering wounds, the saints were brought before the emperor and at his demand they again firmly refused to worship the pagan gods, instead confessing their faith in Christ. The holy bishop was beheaded, but the presbyter and deacon were sent off within the city and there to be stoned.

The execution of the presbyter Joseph was prolonged for several hours. A guard was placed near the place of execution, so that Christians would not take the body of the holy martyr. On the fourth night a strong windstorm raged near the city, lightning killed the guard, the wind threw about stones, and the body of Saint Joseph disappeared.

The deacon Haifal was taken to the village of Patrias and there he was stoned. Christians secretly buried his body. On the grave of the saint there grew a tree, the fruit of which brought healings.

Science of the Saints, 3 October, Holy Hieromartyr Dionysius The Areopagite

The Hieromartyrs Dionysius (Denis), Bishop of Athens, Presbyter Rusticus, and Deacon Eleutherius were killed at Lutetium (ancient name of Paris) in Gaul (modern-day France, where Saint Dionysius is honoured as patron of all France, under the French name-forms "Denis" or "Denys"). This occurred in the year 96 (another source suggests the year 110, during the time of persecution under the Roman emperor Dometian [81-96]). 

Saint Dionysius lived originally in the city of Athens. He was raised there and received a fine classical Greek education. He then set off to Egypt, where he studied astronomy at the city of Heliopolis. Together with his friend Apollophonos he witnessed the solar eclipse occurring at the moment of the death by Crucifixion on the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Either now the Creator of all the world doth suffer, or this visible world is coming to an end," Dionysius said then. Upon his return to Athens from Egypt, he was chosen to be a member of the Areopagus Council (Athenian high court).

When the holy Apostle Paul preached at the place of the Athenian Areopagus (Acts 17:16-34), Dionysius accepted his salvific proclamation and became a Christian. Over the course of three years Saint Dionysius remained a companion of the holy Apostle Paul in preaching the Word of God. Later on, the Apostle Paul established him as bishop of the city of Athens. And in the year 57 Saint Dionysius was present at the repose of the Most Holy Mother of God.

Already during the lifetime of the Mother of God, Saint Dionysius had journeyed especially from Athens to Jerusalem, so as to meet Her. He wrote to his teacher the Apostle Paul: "I witness by God, that besides God Himself, there be naught else in such measure filled with Divine power and grace. No one amongst mankind can fully grasp in mind what I beheld. I confess before God: when I was with John, who did shine out amidst the Apostles, like the sun in the sky - when I was brought before the countenance of the Most Holy Virgin, I experienced an inexpressible sensation. Before me gleamed a sort of Divine radiance. It transfixed my spirit. I perceived the fragrance of indescribable aromatics and was filled with such delight, that my very body became faint, and my spirit fain but could bear these signs and marks of eternal beatitude and Heavenly power. The grace from Her overwhelmed my heart, and shook my very spirit. Had I not in mind thine instruction, I should have mistaken Her for the very God. It is impossible to stand before greater blessedness than this, which I then perceived."

After the death of the Apostle Paul, and wanting to continue on with his work, Saint Dionysius set off preaching into the Western lands, accompanied by the Presbyter Rusticus and Deacon Eleutherius. They converted many to Christ at Rome, and then in Germany, and then in Spain. In Gaul, during the time of a persecution against Christians by the pagan authorities, all three confessors were arrested and thrown into prison. By night Saint Dionysius made Divine Liturgy with co-serving Angels of God. In the morning the martyrs were beheaded. According to an old tradition, Saint Dionysius took up his head, proceeded with it to the church and only there fell down dead. A pious woman named Catulla buried the remains of the saint.

The written works of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite are of extraordinary significance in the Theology of the Orthodox Church [and also for late Medieval Western theology]. Over the expanse of almost four centuries - until the beginning of the fourth century - the works of this holy father of the Church were preserved in an obscure manuscript tradition, primarily by theologians of the Alexandrian Church. The concepts in these works were known and utilised by Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Dionysius the Great - pre-eminent figures of the catechetical school in Alexandria, and also by Sainted Gregory the Theologian. Saint Dionysius of Alexandria wrote to Saint Gregory the Theologian a Commentary on the "Areopagitum." The works of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite received general Church recognition during the sixth-seventh centuries. Particularly relevant are the Commentaries written on them by the Monk Maximus the Confessor (+ 662).

Science of the Saints, 2 October, Holy Hieromartyr Cyprian & Martyr Justina

The Hieromartyr Cyprian, the Holy Martyress Justina, and the Martyr Theoctist perished at Nicomedia in the year 304.

Saint Cyprian was a pagan, a native of Antioch. While still in early childhood he was given over by his misguided parents for service to the pagan gods. From seven years of age until thirty, Cyprian studied at the most outstanding centres of paganism - on Mount Olympus, in the cities of Argos and Tauropolis, in the Egyptian city of Memphis and at Babylon. 

Having attained to eminent wisdom in pagan philosophy and the sorcerer's craft, on Olympus he was consecrated into the pagan priesthood. Having discovered great power by the summoning of unclean spirits, he beheld the very prince of darkness, and conversed with him and received from him a host of demons in attendance.

Having returned to Antioch, Cyprian became revered by the pagans as an eminent pagan priest, amazing people by his ability to conduct spells, to summon pestilence and plagues, and to seance the dead. The mighty pagan priest brought many a human soul to ruin, teaching them magic spells and service to demons.

But in this city there lived a Christian - the Virgin Justina. Having turned her own father and mother away from pagan error and led them to the true faith in Christ, she dedicated herself to the Heavenly Bridegroom and spent her time in fasting and prayer, remaining a virgin. 

When the youth Aglaides proposed marriage to her, the saint responded with a refusal. Agalides turned to Cyprian and sought his help for a magic spell to charm Justina into marriage. But no matter what Cyprian tried, he could accomplish but nothing, since the saint by her prayers and fasting wrecked all the wiles of the devil. 

By his conjured spells Cyprian set loose demons upon the holy virgin, trying to rouse in her the fleshly passions, but she dispelled them by the power of the Sign of the Cross and by fervent prayer to the Lord. Even one of the demonic princes and Cyprian himself, by the power of sorcery having assumed various guises, were not able to sway Saint Justina, guarded round about by her firm faith in Christ. All the spells dissipated, and the demons fled at the mere look or even name of the saint. Cyprian in a rage sent down pestilence and plague upon the family of Justina and upon all the city, but this was beaten back by her prayer.

Cyprian's soul, corrupted by its domination over people and by its incantations, showed up in all the depth of its downfall, and the abyss of nothingness of that which he served. "If thou dost take fright at even the mere shadow of the Cross and the Name of Christ indeed maketh thee to tremble," said Cyprian to Satan, "then what wilt thou do, when Christ Himself is come before thee?" 

The devil thereupon flung himself upon the pagan priest who was in the process of repudiating him, and began to beat and strangle him. Saint Cyprian then first tested for himself the power of the Sign of the Cross and the Name of Christ, in guarding himself from the fury of the enemy. Afterwards, with deep repentance he went to the local Bishop Anthymos and consigned all his books to the flames. And the very next day, having gone into the church, he did not want to emerge from it, though he did not yet accept Holy Baptism.

By his effort to follow a righteous manner of life, Saint Cyprian discerned the great power of fervent faith in Christ, and redeemed his more than thirty year service to Satan: seven days after Baptism he was ordained reader, on the twelfth day: sub-deacon, on the thirtieth: deacon, and after a year he was ordained priest. And in a short while Saint Cyprian was elevated to the dignity of bishop. 

The Hieromartyr Cyprian converted to Christ so many pagans, that in his diocese there was no one left to offer sacrifice to idols, and their pagan temples fell into disuse. Saint Justina withdrew to a monastery and there was chosen hegumeness. 

During the time of the persecution against Christians under the emperor Diocletian, Bishop Cyprian and Hegumeness Justina were arrested and brought to Nicomedia, where after fierce tortures they were beheaded with the sword. The Soldier Theoctist, looking upon the guiltless sufferings of the saints, declared himself a Christian and was executed together with them. 

Knowing about the miraculous conversion to Christ of the holy Hieromartyr Cyprian, a former servant of the prince of darkness and by faith shattering his grip, Christians often resort to the prayerful intercession of the saint in their struggle with unclean spirits.