Silvester, Pope of Rome Martyrdom of Abba Ignatius, Patriarch of Antioch Departure of Abba Philogonus, Patriarch of Antioch St. Takla-Haymanot the Ethiopian

Silvester, Pope of Rome

On this day we celebrate the memory of our holy father Silvester, Pope of Rome.

This saint was consecrated bishop of elder Rome due to his ascent to the peak of virtue, when the previous bishop of Rome Miltiades slept. Having performed a lot of miracles, he guided Constantine, the greatest of kings, to the faith of Christ, through holy baptism he cleaned the passions both of his soul and body and proved that Christ was proclaimed lawfully.

This saint rose Taurus whom Zambres the Jew had killed but could not rise. Having become the course of salvation for other people as well, this blessed father departed to the Lord full of years.

Martyrdom of Abba Ignatius, Patriarch of Antioch

On this day, we commemorate the martyrdom of the honored Abba Ignatius, Patriarch of Antioch. He was a disciple of St. John the Evangelist and he traveled with St. John to many cities.

St. John ordained him Patriarch of Antioch. He preached the life-giving gospel, converted many to the knowledge of God, baptized them and showed them how erroneous it was to worship idols.

The pagans were enraged, they seize and tortured him in many ways. They put a burning coal in his hand and pressed his hand for two hours. They also burnt his side with red hot pitch and burning oil. Another time they combed his body with iron combs.

When they became tired from torturing him, they cast him in prison and they left him for a long time. When they remembered that he was in the prison, they brought him out and promised him great rewards and then they threatened him. As he was steadfast in his faith, they cast him to wild beasts that devoured him and rendered him into pieces. He delivered his spirit into the hands of the Lord Who loved him.

Glory be to God forever. Amen.

Also on this day, we commemorate the departure of Abba Philogonus, Patriarch of Antioch.

This saint was married and had a daughter. When his wife died, he became a monk. He was chosen Patriarch of Antioch because of his many virtues, his bountiful knowledge, his ascetic life and his deep devotion. He shepherded the flock of Christ very well and protected them from Arian wolves and the followers of Macdonius and Sabilius.

As a Patriarch, he lived in poverty, renouncing the world, and he never possessed even one Dinar or a second tunic. He completed his life and departed in peace.

Glory be to God forever. Amen.

Today also, we commemorate the birthday of St. Thakla Haymanot, the great Ethiopian saint.