Disciple
Andronicus from the 70, and Saint Junia (I)
Martyred Soldiers Solokhon, Pamphamyros
and Pamphalon (+284-305)
Nun Evphrosynia, in the world
Evdokia, the Great Princess of Moscow (+1407)
Monkmartyr Adrian, Hegumen of Ondrusovsk
(Uncovering Relics, 1551)
Saint Stephen, Patriarch of Constantinople
(+893)
Saint Nicephoros, Hegumen of Mydiceia (+c.814)
Saint Atanasias, Bishop of Christianoupolis (XVIII)
Monk Nicephoros, Hegumen of Mydiceia (+c.814)
Monks Nektarios and Theophan, churchwardens, and brothers
by birth
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The
Holy Disciple from the 70 Andronicus and his
helper in apostolic works, Saint Junia [June], were
relatives of the holy Apostle Paul. They laboured much,
preaching the Gospel to pagans, about which the Apostle
Paul makes mention in his Epistle to the Romans: "Greet
Andronicus and Junia, my kinsfolk and prisoners with me,
acknowledged amongst the Apostles and having still before
me believed in Christ" (Rom 16:7). Saint Andronicus was
ordained bishop of Pannonia, but the preaching took Saint
Junia and him also to other lands, far from the boundaries
of his diocese. By the efforts of Saints Andronicus and
Junia the Church of Christ was strengthened, pagans were
converted to the knowledge of God, many pagan temples ceased
functioning, and in their place were erected Christian churches.
From the service in honour of these saints it is known,
that they suffered martyrdom for the Name of Christ.
In
the V Century, during the reign of the emperors Arcadius
and Honorius, their holy relics were uncovered on the outskirts
of Constantinople together with the relics of other martyrs
"at the Eugenius gate" (commemorated 22
February).
It
was revealed to the pious cleric Nicholas Kalligraphos that
among these 17 martyrs were also the relics of the holy
Disciple Andronicus. Afterwards on this spot was built a
magnificent church.
The
Holy Martyrs Solokhon, Pamphamyros and Pamphalon:
The holy Martyr Solokhon, a native Egyptian, suffered for
Christ during the reign of the emperor Maximian (284-305).
The holy Martyrs Pamphamyros and Pamphalon also at the same
time accepted death for Christ together with him. All of
them served in the imperial armies in the regiment of the
tribune Campanus. During the time of persecution against
Christians by the emperors Maximian and Diocletian, Campanus
with his soldiers was sent to the city of Chalcedon. All
the soldiers of his regiment were required to offer sacrifice
in an idolous pagan temple there. The three soldiers --
Saints Solokhon, Pamphamyros and Pamphalon -- refused to
offer sacrifice to idols explaining that they worship only
the True God, the Lord Jesus Christ. On the orders of Campanus
they subjected them to terrible tortures, during the time
of which the holy Martyrs Pamphamyros and Pamphalon died.
Saint Solokhon survived the torture and remained alive,
glorifying Christ. The torturer in great anger gave orders
to open the mouth of Saint Solokhon and pour in it by force
the idol-worship blood. But Saint Solokhon so strongly clenched
his teeth, that they were not able to open them even with
iron, the sword bent, and the saint broke his bonds and
stood before the torturer, continuing to glorify Christ.
There was a voice from the heavens to Saint Solokhon, encouraging
him to endure to the end. At the command of the torturer
they subjected the saint to a merciless beating, after which
they dragged the bruised man over sharp stones, demanding
a renunciation of Christ, but the holy martyr remained steadfast.
Then it was commanded to hang him up by one hand, and to
his leg tie an heavy weight. In such a position Saint Solokhon
hung for about three hours. When finally however they cut
the ropes, then to the surprise of everyone Saint Solokhon
stood up straight on his feet, like an healthy man. Crazed
with anger, Campanus seized a writing-reed and with force
thrust it deeply into the ear of the holy martyr. The sufferer
fell down, and Campanus and the soldiers departed, having
cast him aside. Christians carried the martyr to the house
of a certain pious widow and placed him on a cot. The saint
partook of food and conversed with the Christians, exhorting
them to stand firmly for the faith, and then having prayed
and lifted up his eyes to heaven, he gave up his soul to
the Lord Jesus Christ.
The
Nun Evphrosynia, in the world Evdokia, GreatPrincess
of Moscow -- the account about her is located under 7
July.
The
MonkMartyr Adrian of Ondrosov (+ 1549, commemorated
26 August).
On this day is celebrated the uncovering of the relics of
the saint, which occurred in the year 1551. The account
about him is located under 26
August.
Sainted
Stephen, Patriarch of Constantinople, was the younger
son of the emperor Basil the Macedonian and was a brother
by birth of the emperor Leo the Wise. He received the priestly
dignity under the Patriarch Photios. When Patriarch Photios
was compelled in the year 886 to resign the patriarchal
throne, Saint Stephen was elevated to the Constantinople
cathedra-chair. The saint vigilantly stood watch over his
spiritual flock, he was merciful and interceded for the
defenseless, he concerned himself about widows and orphans,
and distinguished himself by extreme temperance. He died
peacefully in the year 893 and was buried in the Sikellian
monastery.
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