Thursday, December 26, 2024

Friday Dec 14/27 ns 2024 • Holy Martyrs Thýrsos, Lévkios, & Callínicos; Holy Martyrs Philémon, Apollónios, Arrianós, et al. ~ Fast day ~ II St. Tim. 1:1-2, 8-18; St. Mark 9:33-41 ~ On the Benefit of Consultation by St. Dorotheos of Gaza


Holy Martyrs Thýrsos,

Lévkios, & Callínicos;

Holy Martyrs Philémon,

Apollónios, Arrianós, et al.

~ Fast Day~

The Holy Martyrs Thýrsos and Lévkios were honorable citizens of Caesarea of Bithynia, the former being baptized and the latter being a Christian catechumen. Callínicos, however, was a pagan priest. When Emperor Decius's heir, Cumbricius, began to mercilessly torture and murder Christians, the fearless Lévkios appeared before him and, reproaching him, said: "Why have you waged war against your own soul, O Cumbricius?'' The enraged judge ordered that he be flogged, tortured and finally beheaded. The tortured Lévkios went to his beheading as joyfully as if he were going to a wedding. Witnessing the death of the courageous Lévkios, blessed Thýrsos, inflamed with divine zeal like that of Lévkios, also appeared before the judge and reproached him for his evil crimes and for his unbelief in the One True God. He also was flogged and cast into prison. The invisible hand of God healed him of his wounds, opened the prison door and led him out. immediately went to Phileas, the Bishop of Caesarea, to be baptized by him. After his baptism, he was again seized and tortured, but he endured the tortures, bearing them as though in a dream and not in reality. By the power of his prayer, many idols fell down. The pagan priest Callinicos, upon seeing this, converted to the Christian Faith, and both he and Thyrsos were condemned to death. Callinicos was beheaded, and they placed Thýrsos in a wooden coffin to be sawn in half. However, the power of God would not permit this, and the saw was unable to cut into the wood. Then St. Thýrsos arose from the coffin and prayed to God, rendering Him thanks for the tortures, and he peacefully gave up his soul to his Lord.

At the end of the fourth century, the Emperor Flavian built a church to St. Thýrsos near Constantinople and placed his holy relics in it. The saint appeared in a vision to Empress Pulcheria and counseled her to bury the relics of the Forty Martyrs alongside his.

2 Saint Timothy 1:1-2, 8-18
King James Version

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.

18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.


Saint Mark 9:33-41
King James Version

33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

40 For he that is not against us is on our part.

41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

On the Benefit of Consultation
FROM 
DICOURSES
BY ST DOROTHEOS OF GAZA
It is written in the book of Proverbs that, "Those who have no guidance fall like leaves but there is security in much counsel." Look closely at this saying, brothers. See what scripture is teaching us. It asserts that we should not set ourselves up as guide posts, and that we should not suppose that we are wise, and that we should not trust in our own ability to direct ourselves. We need help and guidance, in addition to the grace of God. 

No one is more miserable, no one is more easily caught unprepared, than a man who has no one to direct him on the road to God. It states, "Those who have no guidance fall like leaves." Leaves are perpetually green at the start, they grow well and are pleasing to behold. Then after a time they dry up and fall off, and finally they are blown about by the wind and trampled under foot. So it is with the man who is not directed by someone. At first he has great zeal about fasting, maintaining vigils, being silent, and obedient and keeping other good habits. Then after a time the fire is quenched and not having anyone to direct him and strengthen him and kindle his fire, he shrivels up and so, by being disobedient, he fails and finally ends up as a mere tool for his enemies, who do whatever they want with him.








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