THE PARAGON Saturday Feb. 11/24 ns 2024 • St. Vlásios, Archbishop of Sebastia; St. Theodora the Empress ~ II St. Tim. 2:11-19; St. Luke 18:2-8 ~ QUOTE from Elder Thaddeus of Athos KNOW IT ALL - There is an important NOTE for you. Scroll down and read it!

 † The Holy Hieromartyr Vlásios, Archbishop of Sebastia;

St. Theodora the Empress

No fasting throughout the coming week

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Vlásios (Blaise) was born in the Province of Cappadocia. From his early childhood, he was God-fearing and meek. Because of his great virtues, he was chosen as bishop of the city of Sebasté [in Armenia]. Vlásios was a great spiritual and moral beacon in this pagan city. At the time of a grave persecution of Christians, St. Vlásios encouraged his flock and visited the martyrs of Christ in prison, especially among them was the eminent and glorious Evstratius.

When the city of Sebasté was completely depleted of Christians - some were slain, and others fled - the Elder Vlásios withdrew to Mt. Argeos and settled there in a cave. Wild beasts recognized the holy man, gathered around him and he tenderly caressed them. But the persecutors found the saint in this remote place and brought him to trial.

 

Along the way, Vlásios cured a young boy who had a bone caught in his throat. To the plea of the poor widow whose pig had been snatched by a wolf, the saint, by the power of his prayer, commanded the wolf to return it. 

The sinister judges tortured Vlásios severely: flogging him and scrapping him with an iron comb. By his steadfastness in the Faith of Christ, Vlásios converted many pagans to the Faith. Seven women and two children languished in prison with him. The women were beheaded first and, after that, the wonderful Vlásios with these two children was beheaded. He suffered and was glorified in the year 316 A.D.

People pray to St. Vlásios for the well being of their domestic livestock and for protection against wild beasts. However, in the west, he is also invoked for diseases of the throat.

2 Saint Timothy 2:11-19 KJV

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Saint Luke 18:2-8 KJV

2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

K N O W    I T    A L L

Elder Thaddeus of Athos

We think we know a lot, but what we know is very little. Even all those who have striven all their life to bring progress to mankind — learned scientists and highly educated people — all realize in the end that all their knowledge is but a grain of sand on the seashore. All our achievements are insufficient.

WAS DER HEILIGE SAGT, IST WAHR

Trans. from German: What the saint says is true!

Don't say you don't have time!  Just take it!

NOTE: We don't know for how long, but we have been given an adequate amount of time in this temporary life, so yes, you can take a few minutes to click on the link and read about the sinful woman.  If you have no desire to put yourself in position for the God you claim to carry a cross for to grant you constant joy and eternal life, the don't read it.  

Link to

ON THE SINFUL WOMAN

by Saint Ephraem the Syrian