Haralambos
Charalambos
Prochoros
10 February
Haralambos
Haralambos was a presbyter in the second century who lived in Magnesia in Asia Minor. He preached openly (and into old age) in a time of the persecutions of Emperor Septimius Severus.
At the age of 113, he was arrested by Governor Lukianos, who attempted to force Haralambos to renounce Christ. However, Haralambos healed the afflicted who were brought to him and won converts, and he drove a demon out of a mad man who had been possessed for 35 years. So, the people protested his proposed death and the governor had to send Haralambos to the emperor, by whom he was condemned. But, Haralambos converted the emperor's daughter, Gallina (see notes).
Nevertheless he was condemned. Before he died, he prayed for the sins of all men and the abundance of the fruits of the earth, then gave up his soul before he could be beheaded. The executioners were converted, and Gallina buried his body.
(Life of St. Haralambos from St. Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain)
Notes for Haralambos:
People:
- Another biography
- Emperor Septimius Severus
- Gallina -- Septimius Severus had no children, so the chronology of this traditional telling of Haralambos' life is a bit suspect
- St. Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain
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Almighty and everlasting God, who didst enkindle the flame of thy love in the heart of thy holy martyr Haralambos: Grant to us, thy humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in him triumph may profit by his example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Charalambos
Charalambos lived during the reign of Emperor Severus and governor Lucianus in 198. He was a presbyter of the Christians in the city of Magnesia and he used to teach the way to truth and preach the faith in Christ. But he was condemned to be stripped of his priestly garments and flayed alive. When governor Lucianus saw that Charalambos was courageously suffering the torments, Lucianus got angry and tried to skin him with Charalambos own hands. But Lucianus' hands were immediately cut off and hung on the Charalambos' body.
Therefore, Charalambos prayed and restored Lucianus to health. When the torturers Porphyrios and Baptos saw this miracle, they denied the idols and believed in Christ. Likewise, three women, who were standing by watching the martyrdom, also believed.
Lucianus arrested them all and had them executed because, even though Charalambos had cured his body, Lucianus' soul remained incurable.
Notes for Charalambos:
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Almighty God, who didst give thy servant Charalambos boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of the same our Lord Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prochoros
Prochoros was a monk towards the end of the eleventh century near Kiev. Orach was a spinach grown in the hills that he made into bread. With his blessings, it was sweet; but, without his blessings it was not edible.
At a time when there was a shortage of salt in Russia, he blessed ashes and the ashes became salt. The prince once ordered that the ashes from the cell of Prochoros be brought to him, but the ashes remained ashes. Prochoros told the people to take the ashes from where the prince had discarded them, and they would become salt, and it happened in this way. This act converted the prince, who later buried Prochoros himself.
Notes for Prochoros:
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O God, by whose grace your servant Prochoros, kindled with the flame of your love, became a burning and a shining light in your Church: Grant that we also may be aflame with the spirit of love and discipline, and walk before you as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.