Re: Eastern Rite Saints of the Day October 11, 2006
Byzantine and Maronite Rites
St. Philip the Deacon
The Holy Deacon Philip, whose apostolic labors are recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, was ordained as one of the original Seven Deacons by the Apostles. He preached in Samaria, baptized Simon the Magician (where we get the word "Simony" from), explained the Messianic Prophecies to the Ethiopian Eunuch, the treasurer of the Ethiopian Queen, and baptized him. St. Philip's four daughters were gifted with the charisma of prophecy.
Re: Eastern Rite Saints of the Day October 18, 2006
Byzantine and Maronite Rites
St. Luke the Evangelist
The author of the Third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles was apparently originally a pagan, and was born in Antioch, Syria. He practiced medicine in Antioch, and eventually became a disciple of St. Paul, converted to Christianity, and became Paul's travelling companion and close friend. Luke's symbol is the bull, one of the four animals in the vison of the Prophet Ezechiel. Luke's feast is also celebrated on this day in the Latin Church.
Kontakion
Thou didst become a disciple of God the Word, and with Paul thou didst enlighten the whole world, and cast out its darkness, by composing the Holy and Divine Gospel of Christ.
Re: Eastern Rite Saints of the Day November 13, 2006
Byzantine and Maronite Rites
St. John Chrysostom
St. John Chrysostom, Patriarch of Constantinople, whose name means "golden tongued", revised the Liturgy of St. Basil, and therefore the Byzantine Liturgy bears his name today.
He was born in Antioch of a pagan Roman father and devout Christian mother, around 344-47. He was baptized by the Patriarch of Antioch, and after his ordination to the priesthood, quickly demonstrated his ability to preach and interpret the Bible.
He was elected Patriarch of Constantinople in 397. He was exiled for various reasons during his tenure, one reason being his denunciation of the immorality of Empress Eudoxia. Worn out from exiles and persecutions, he died on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 14, 407. Pope St. Pius X declared him patron of all Christian orators.
Troparion
The grace that shines forth from thy mouth has enlightened the whole universe, bestowed treasures of generosity upon the world, and shown us the depth of thy humility. While thou dost teach us by thy words, O father, pray to the Word, Christ our God, that He may save our souls.
Re: Eastern Rite Saints of the Day November 17
Byzantine and Maronite Rites
St. Gregory the Wonderworker (Thaumaturgus)
St. Gregory was appointed the bishop of his hometown, Neo-Caesarea. When he was consecrated bishop of his hometown, there were only 17 Christians in the city. Due to his missionary efforts, when he died, there were only 17 pagans.
Gregory was renowned for his working of miracles, due to his great faith. His feast is also celebrated on this day in the Traditional Latin Rite. In that rite, the Gospel from St. Mark 11, 22-24 is read, which emphasizes the necessity of unwavering faith in the working of miracles and in order for our prayers to be answered, virtues which Gregory demonstrated admirably. He died in 270.
Re: Eastern Rite Saints of the Day December 6
Byzantine and Maronite Rites
St. Nicholas of Myra
St. Nicholas is widely venerated in the Eastern Churches, and his feast on Dec. 6 is celebrated universally throughout the Eastern and Latin Churches.
His feast in many Eastern countries is celebrated as a "little Christmas"-gifts are given, especially to children, in imitation of the great generosity that Nicholas demonstrated towards the poor.
St. Nicholas was Archbishop of Myra, in Asia Minor. He was imprisoned during the persecutions of Christians by Emperor Diocletian, attended the Council of Nicaea, where he condemned Arianism, and was intensely devoted to the conversion of sinners and the relief of the sufferings of the poor.
It is thought that his name, combined with his legendary goodness towards the poor, eveolved into the figure of Santa Claus. In any event, he is one of the most beloved saints of the East, and many Eastern Christian men bear his name.
