Saint Elia Orthodox Church of Akron, OH

Saint Anthony of the Kiev Caves was born in the year 983 at Liubech, not far from Chernigov, and was named Antipas in Baptism. Possessing the fear of God from his youth, he desired to be clothed in the monastic schema. When he reached a mature age, he wandered until he arrived on Mt. Athos, burning with the desire to emulate the deeds of its holy inhabitants. Here he received monastic tonsure, and the young monk pleased God in every aspect of his spiritual struggles on the path of virtue. He particularly excelled in humility and obedience, so that all the monks rejoiced to see his holy life.

The igumen saw in Saint Anthony the great future ascetic, and inspired by God, he sent him back to his native land, saying, “Anthony, it is time for you to guide others in holiness. Return to your own Russian land, and be an example for others. May the blessing of the Holy Mountain be with you.”

Returning to the land of Rus, Anthony began to make the rounds of the monasteries about Kiev, but nowhere did he find that strict life which had drawn him to Mt. Athos.

Through the Providence of God, Anthony came to the hills of Kiev by the banks of the River Dnieper. The forested area near the village of Berestovo reminded him of his beloved Athos. There he found a cave which had been dug out by the Priest Hilarion, who later became Metropolitan of Kiev (October 21). Since he liked the spot, Anthony prayed with tears, “Lord, let the blessing of Mt. Athos be upon this spot, and strengthen me to remain here.” He began to struggle in prayer, fasting, vigil and physical labor. Every other day, or every third day, he would eat only dry bread and a little water. Sometimes he did not eat for a week. People began to come to the ascetic for his blessing and counsel, and some decided to remain with the saint.

Among Anthony’s first disciples was Saint Nikon (March 23), who tonsured Saint Theodosius of the Caves (May 3) at the monastery in the year 1032.

The virtuous life of Saint Anthony illumined the Russian land with the beauty of monasticism. Saint Anthony lovingly received those who yearned for the monastic life. After instructing them how to follow Christ, he asked Saint Nikon to tonsure them. When twelve disciples had gathered about Saint Anthony, the brethren dug a large cave and built a church and cells for the monks within it.

After he appointed Abbot Barlaam to guide the brethren, Saint Anthony withdrew from the monastery. He dug a new cave for himself, then hid himself within it. There too, monks began to settle around him. Afterwards, the saint built a small wooden church in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God over the Far Caves.

At the insistence of Prince Izyaslav, the igumen Barlaam withdrew to the Dimitriev monastery. With the blessing of Saint Anthony and with the general agreement of the brethren, the meek and humble Theodosius was chosen as igumen. By this time, the number of brethren had already reached a hundred men. The Kiev Great Prince Izyaslav (+ 1078) gave the monks the hill on which the large church and cells were built, with a palisade all around. Thus, the renowned monastery over the caves was established. Describing this, the chronicler remarks that while many monasteries were built by emperors and nobles, they could not compare with those which are built with holy prayers and tears, and by fasting and vigil. Although Saint Anthony had no gold, he built a monastery which became the first spiritual center of Rus.

For his holiness of life, God glorified Saint Anthony with the gift of clairvoyance and wonderworking. One example of this occurred during the construction of the Great Caves church. The Most Holy Theotokos Herself stood before him and Saint Theodosius in the Blachernae church in Constantinople, where they had been miraculously transported without leaving their own monastery. Actually, two angels appeared in Constantinople in their forms (See May 3, the account of the Kiev Caves Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos). Having received gold from the Mother of God, the saints commissioned master architects, who came from Constantinople to the Russian land on the command of the Queen of Heaven to build the church at the Monastery of the Caves. During this appearance, the Mother of God foretold the impending death of Saint Anthony, which occurred on July 10, 1073.

Through Divine Providence, the relics of Saint Anthony remain hidden.

Troparion — Tone 8

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile, / and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance. / By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe! / O our holy father Anthony, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

More saints commemorated today: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/09/02

Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/september

The first day of the Church New Year is also called the beginning of the Indiction. The term Indiction comes from a Latin word meaning, “to impose.” It was originally applied to the imposition of taxes in Egypt. The first worldwide Indiction was in 312 when the Emperor Constantine (May 21) saw a miraculous vision of the Cross in the sky. Before the introduction of the Julian calendar, Rome began the New Year on September 1.

According to Holy Tradition, Christ entered the synagogue on September 1 to announce His mission to mankind (Luke 4:16-22). Quoting Isaiah 61:1-2, the Savior proclaimed, “The spirit of the Lord is upon Me; because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to proclaim release to captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord...” This scene is depicted in a Vatican manuscript (Vatican, Biblioteca. Cod. Gr. 1613, p.1).

Tradition says that the Hebrews entered the Promised Land in September.

Troparion — Tone 2

O Creator of the universe, / Thou didst appoint times by Thy power; / bless the crown of this year with Thy goodness, O Lord. / Preserve in safety Thy rulers and cities: / and through the intercessions of the Theotokos, save us!

Kontakion — Tone 4

O Creator and Master of time and the ages, / Triune and Merciful God of all: / grant blessings for the course of this year, / and in Thy boundless mercy save those who worship Thee and cry out in fear: / “O Savior, grant blessings to all mankind!”

More saints commemorated today: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/09/01

Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/september

O timeless Word and Son without beginning,
united with the Holy Spirit,
Co-maker of all and Co-creator of all things visible and invisible:
bless the beginning of this year;
and bring peace to Thine Orthodox people,
through the prayers of the Theotokos and all the saints!
Stikhera at Lord, I Call, Vespers, Indiction (Tone 6)
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Tomorrow, September 1, Orthodox faithful ring in the Ecclesiastical New Year. Blessed Feast!
Read His Beatitude Met. Tikhon's Church New Year greeting at OCA.org https://buff.ly/3ANgA1j

The new Liturgical Year begins tomorrow! As we head into shorter days, may our hearts be filled with gratitude, as in these lines from the Akathist of Thanksgiving:

“Glory to You for calling me into being; glory to You, showing me the beauty of the universe.

Glory to You, spreading out before me heaven and earth, like the pages in a book of eternal wisdom.

Glory to You for Your eternity in this fleeting world; glory to Your for Your mercies, seen and unseen.

Glory to You through every sigh of my sorrow; glory to You for every step of my life’s journey, for every moment of glory.

Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age!”

This simplified visual representation of the Liturgical Calendar is taken from our Beautiful Days coloring book, illustrated by Abigail Holt ( .holt.art ) available in the Ancient Faith Store: https://store.ancientfaith.com/beautiful-days-an-orthodox-coloring-book-for-children/

May God grant His Eminence Archbishop Alexander of Dallas, the South, and the Bulgarian Diocese many years on the occasion of his Name Day!
Eis polla eti despota!!

Saints Alexander, John and Paul, Patriarchs of Constantinople, lived at different times, but each of them happened to clash with the activities of heretics who sought to distort the teachings of the Church. Saint Alexander (325-340) was a vicar bishop during the time of Saint Metrophanes (June 4), the first Patriarch of Constantinople.

Because of the patriarch’s extreme age, Alexander substituted for him at the First Ecumenical Synod at Nicea (325). Upon his death, Saint Metrophanes left instructions in his will to elect his vicar to the throne of Constantinople. During these times His Holiness Patriarch Alexander had to contend with the Arians and with pagans. Once, in a dispute with a pagan philosopher the saint said to him, “In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ I command you to be quiet!” and the pagan suddenly became mute. When he gestured with signs to acknowledge his errors and affirm the correctness of the Christian teaching, then his speech returned to him and he believed in Christ together with many other pagan philosophers. The faithful rejoiced at this, glorifying God Who had given such power to His saint.

The heretic Arius was punished through the prayer of Saint Alexander. Arius had apparently agreed to enter into communion with the Orthodox. When the Emperor asked him if he believed as the Fathers of Nicea taught, he placed his hand upon his breast (where he had cunningly concealed beneath his clothes a document with his own false creed written upon it) and said, “This is what I believe!” Saint Constantine (May 21), unaware of the deceitful wickedness of Arius, set a day for receiving him into the Church. All night long Saint Alexander prayed, imploring the Lord not to permit this heretic to be received into communion with the Church.

In the morning, Arius set out triumphantly for the church, surrounded by imperial counselors and soldiers, but divine judgment overtook him. Stopping to take care of a physical necessity, his bowels burst forth and he perished in his own blood and filth, as did Judas (Acts 1:18).

His Holiness Patriarch Alexander, having toiled much, died in the year 340 at the age of 98. Saint Gregory the Theologian (January 25) mentioned him afterwards in an encomium to the people of Constantinople.

The Service to Saint Alexander was printed in Venice in 1771. According to some ancient manuscripts, Saint Alexander ought to be commemorated on June 2. Today he is remembered together with the holy Patriarchs John the Faster (September 2) and Paul the New (eighth century).

Troparion — Tone 4

O God of our Fathers, / always act with kindness towards us; / take not Your mercy from us, / but guide our lives in peace / through the prayers of the Patriarchs Alexander, John, and Paul.

Troparion — Tone 4
(Podoben: "Go quickly before us...")

Christ, the God over all, / has appointed you as a venerable shepherd of His Church, O Godly-wise Alexander, / a light upon the lampstand, a faithful steward, / and the most holy example of a pillar of Orthodoxy. / Therefore, we keep festival in your memory.

Kontakion — Tone 8

Set aflame by the love of Christ, O glorious ones, / you took up the yoke of His precious Cross revealing yourselves as followers in His footsteps by your way of life, / and you became partakers of His divine glory, / divinely-wise Alexander, with wonderful John and glorious Paul. / As you stand before His throne, earnestly pray for our souls.

Kontakion — Tone 8

With your flock, as one who was delivered from the ungodly, / I bring tokens of victory and thanksgiving to you, O invincible valiant hierarch, / for you overcame the foolish Arius, and silenced the arrogant philosopher. / Therefore, I say to you: Rejoice, thrice-happy Father.

More saints commemorated today: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/08/30

Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/august

Music Downloads - September Index of various liturgical music for daily worship in the month of September

For 41 years, the Three Hierarchs Chapel has served as not only our house of worship, but as a classroom for future priests, deacons, altar servers, music directors, and readers. This spring, the chapel roof started leaking and must be replaced to stop further damage. It will cost $35,000 to replace the roof. We need your help! Our seminarians and the community need a safe chapel to pray, confess, and worship.
Learn more and give today: https://buff.ly/3MlBLdn

Statement of the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem regarding the urgent need to conclude the present war and turn from the pursuit of death and destruction towards the promotion of life and peace.

Saint Moses lived in Egypt during the fourth century. He was an Ethiopian, and since he was black of skin he was called “Murin” (meaning “like an Ethiopian”). In his youth he was the slave of an important man, but after he committed a murder, his master banished him, and he joined a band of robbers.

Because of his bad character and great physical strength, they chose him as their leader. Moses and his band of brigands were feared because of their many evil exploits, including murders and robberies. People trembled at the mere mention of his name.

Moses the brigand spent several years leading a sinful life, but through the great mercy of God he repented, left his band of robbers and went to one of the desert monasteries. Here he wept for a long time, begging to be admitted as one of the brethren. The monks were not convinced of the sincerity of his repentance, but the former robber would neither be driven away nor silenced. He continued to implore that they accept him.

Saint Moses was completely obedient to the hegoumen and the brethren, and he poured forth many tears of sorrow for his sinful life. After a certain while Saint Moses withdrew to a solitary cell, where he spent his time in prayer and the strictest fasting.

Once, four of the robbers of his former band descended upon the cell of Saint Moses. He had lost none of his great physical strength, so he tied them all up. Throwing them over his shoulder, he brought them to the monastery, where he asked the Elders what to do with them. The Elders ordered that they be set free. The robbers, learning that they had chanced upon their former ringleader, and that he had dealt kindly with them, followed his example: they repented and became monks. Later, when the rest of the band of robbers heard about Saint Moses’ repentance, then they also gave up their thievery and became fervent monks.

Saint Moses was not quickly freed from the passions. He went often to the hegoumen, Abba Isidore, seeking advice on how to be delivered from the passions of profligacy. Being experienced in the spiritual struggle, the Elder taught him never to eat too much food, to remain partly hungry while observing the strictest restraint. But the passions did not cease to trouble Saint Moses in his dreams.

Then Abba Isidore taught him the all-night vigil. The monk stood the whole night at prayer, so he would not fall asleep. As a result of his prolonged struggles, Saint Moses fell into despondency, and when he began to have thoughts about leaving his solitary cell, Abba Isidore instead strengthened the resolve of his disciple.

In a vision he showed him many demons in the west, prepared for battle, and in the east a still greater quantity of holy angels, also ready for fighting. Abba Isidore explained to Saint Moses that the power of the angels would prevail over the power of the demons, and in the long struggle with the passions it was necessary for him to become completely cleansed of his former sins.

Saint Moses drove himself to additional labors. Making the rounds of the wilderness cells at night, he carried water from the well to each brother. He did this especially for the Elders, who lived far from the well and who were not easily able to carry their own water. Once, kneeling over the well, Saint Moses felt a powerful blow upon his back and he fell down at the well like one dead, laying there in that position until dawn. Thus did the devils take revenge upon the monk for his victory over them. In the morning the brethren carried him to his cell, and he lay there crippled for a whole year. After he recovered, the monk with firm resolve confessed to the hegoumen, that he would continue with his ascetic struggles. But the Lord Himself put limits to this toil which lasted for many years: Abba Isidore blessed his disciple and told him that the passions had already left him. The Elder commanded him to receive the Holy Mysteries, and to go to his own cell in peace. From that time, Saint Moses received from the Lord power over demons.

Accounts about his exploits spread among the monks and even beyond the bounds of the wilderness. The governor of the land wanted to see the saint. When he heard of this, Saint Moses decided to hide from any visitors, and he departed his own cell. Along the way he met servants of the governor, who asked him how to get to the cell of the desert-dweller Moses. The monk answered them: “Go no farther to see this false and unworthy monk.” The servants returned to the monastery where the governor was waiting, and they told him the words of the Elder they had chanced to meet. The brethren, hearing a description of the Elder’s appearance, told them that they had encountered Saint Moses himself.

After many years of monastic exploits, Saint Moses was ordained deacon. The bishop clothed him in white vestments and said, “Now Abba Moses is entirely white!” The saint replied, “Only outwardly, for God knows that I am still dark within.”

Through humility, the saint believed himself unworthy of the office of deacon. Once, the bishop decided to test him and he bade the clergy to drive him out of the altar, reviling him as an unworthy Ethiopian. In all humility, the monk accepted the abuse. Having put him to the test, the bishop then ordained Saint Moses to the priesthood. Saint Moses labored for fifteen years in this rank, and gathered 75 disciples around himself.

When the saint reached the age of 75, he warned his monks that soon brigands would descend upon the skete and murder all those who remained there. The saint blessed his monks to leave, in order to avoid violent death. His disciples begged the saint to leave with them, but he replied: “For many years now, I have awaited the time when the words spoken by my Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, should be fulfilled: ‘All who take up the sword, shall perish by the sword’” (Matt. 26: 52). After this, seven of the brethren remained with Saint Moses, and one of them hid nearby during the attack of the robbers. The robbers killed Saint Moses and the six monks who remained with him. Their death occurred about the year 400.

Troparion — Tone 1

You abandoned the Egypt of the passions, O Father, l ascending the mount of the virtues with fervent faith, l taking the Cross of Christ upon your shoulders;l and being glorified in godly works, / you proved to be a model for monastics, O Moses, summit of the Fathers. l With them, pray unceasingly that our souls may find mercy.

Troparion — Tone 1
(Podoben: “When the stone had been sealed...”)

You were shown to be a citizen of the desert,l an Angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker, O Moses, our God-bearing Father.l By fasting, vigil, and prayer, lyou obtained heavenly gifts, and you heal the sick, and the souls of those who have recourse to thee with faith. lGlory to Him Who gave you strength. lGlory to Him Who crowned you. lGlory to Him Who, through you, works healings for all.

Kontakion — Tone 3

Your mind was filled with holy inspiration from God, / turning you from the lust and pleasures of the flesh, / bringing you to the height of the city of God. / O Holy Father Moses, intercede with Christ God that He may grant us great mercy.

Kontakion — Tone 3
(Podoben: “The Divine Faith...”)

O most blessed and righteous Father Moses, / you drove away the darkness of the passions, being richly illumined with divine light; / and by your vigilant prayers, / you withered the wanton pride of the flesh, / and ascended to the citadel on high, / where you entreat Christ God to grant us great mercy.

More saints commemorated today: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/08/28

Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/august

St. Moses the Black is a favorite example of holiness and repentance among the team here at ByziKids! His feast is coming up tomorrow, August 28, and we've got some great ways to honor him in this issue from our archives!
Check it out:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bea5cKtIYCh8GZ2LMpi3tDUcaWl5ZWnf/view?usp=drivesdk

For our St. Elia school scholars:

As we gear up for the upcoming week, many are also preparing for the start of a new academic year. No matter which year you're entering, may this prayer empower you to face the journey ahead with strength.

In both the best of times and when facing challenges, may we strive to focus on Christ in all aspects. Know that we are here to support you as you embark on this upcoming year, cheering on your utmost success!

This Sunday, August 25, 2024, has been designated by The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America as College Student Sunday.

For those who do not know, Orthodox Christian Fellowship continues to support a network of over 250 on-campus chapters, while also providing dynamic programming through local and regional retreats, virtual opportunities for students, College Conference, Real Break, and the Summer Leadership Institute - as well as the newest Campus Ministry Initiative.

College life brings unique challenges for our youth. The OCF's wonderful and life-giving ministry ensures our Orthodox Church and faith remain an active part of campus life.Y2AM asks for your assistance in recognizing the college students within your parish, inviting them to share their OCF experience, and encourage donations to this vital ministry.Parishes are asked to please acknowledge and celebrate their Orthodox College Students by taking a special collection to aid the student ministry of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF).

In addition, donations can be made by scanning the QR code on the image, or by visiting https://www.ocf.net/donate . We extend our heartfelt thanks for your generosity and support on behalf of our young people! For more information about OCF College Student Sunday, visit: https://www.ocf.net/college-student-sunday

Photo: Y2AM - Orthodox Christian Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

Saint Titus, Apostle of the Seventy was a native of the island of Crete, the son of an illustrious pagan. In his youth he studied Hellenistic philosophy and the ancient poets. Preoccupied by the sciences, Titus led a virtuous life, not devoting himself to the vices and passions characteristic of the majority of pagans. He preserved his virginity, as the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-bearer (December 20) testifies of him.

For such a manner of life the Lord did not leave him without His help. At age twenty Saint Titus heard a voice in a dream, suggesting that he abandon Hellenistic wisdom, which could not provide salvation for his soul, but rather to seek that which would save him. After this dream, Saint Titus waited yet another year, since it was not actually a command, but it did guide him to familiarize himself with the teachings of the prophets of God. The first that he happened to read was the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. Having opened it to the 47th Chapter, he was struck by the words, speaking as it were about his own spiritual condition.

When news reached Crete about the appearance of a Great Prophet in Palestine, and about the great miracles He worked, the governor of the island of Crete (an uncle of Titus) sent him there. This Prophet was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, incarnate of the Most Holy Virgin Mary Who came into the world for the redemption of the race of mankind from the oppression of ancestral sin.

At Jerusalem, Saint Titus saw the Lord. He heard His preaching and believed in Him. He witnessed the suffering and death of the Savior on the Cross, His glorious Resurrection and Ascension to Heaven. On the day of Pentecost the future apostle heard how the Twelve Apostles, after the descent of the Holy Spirit, spoke in various languages, among which was the Cretan language (Acts 2: 11).

Saint Titus accepted Baptism from the Apostle Paul and became his closest disciple. He accompanied Saint Paul on his missionary journeys, fulfilling the tasks entrusted to him. He was involved in establishing new churches, and was with Paul in Jerusalem.

Saint Titus was numbered among the Seventy Apostles and was made Bishop of Crete by the Apostle Paul. Around the year 65, not long before his second imprisonment, the Apostle Paul sent a pastoral epistle to his son in the Faith (Tit. 1: 4).

When the Apostle Paul was taken like a criminal to Rome to stand trial before Caesar, Saint Titus left his flock in Crete for a time and went to Rome to be of service to his spiritual Father. After Saint Paul’s death by martyrdom, Titus returned to Gortyna, the chief city of Crete.

Saint Titus peacefully guided his flock and toiled at enlightening the pagans with the light of faith in Christ. He was granted the gift of wonderworking by the Lord. During one of the pagan feasts in honor of the goddess Diana, Titus preached to a crowd of pagans.

When he saw that they would not listen to him, he prayed to the Lord, so that the Lord Himself would show to the mistaken people the falseness of idols. By the prayer of Saint Titus, the idol of Diana fell down and shattered before the eyes of all. Another time Saint Titus prayed that the Lord would not permit the completion of a temple of Zeus, and it collapsed.

By such miracles Saint Titus brought many to faith in Christ. After bringing the light of faith to the surrounding regions, Saint Titus died peacefully at the age of 97. At the time of his death, his face shone like the sun.

Troparion — Tone 3

Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Titus, / entreat the merciful God, / to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.

Kontakion — Tone 2

Titus, worthy of all praise and preacher of Christ’s mysteries, / you were Paul’s companion, and with him taught us the doctrine of God. / Therefore we cry out to you: / Never cease to intercede for the sake of us all!

More saints commemorated today: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/08/25

Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/august

Diocese of Alaska Reaches $1 Million Goal for the Clergy Endowment Fund His Grace Bishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska has announced that the Clergy Endowment Stipend has successfully reached its $1 Million goal. In recognition of this, His Grace has released a…

The Wolf and the Cross - An Orthodox Christian Pilgrimage in Lithuania Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Richard Rohlin make an Orthodox pilgrimage to the Baltic country of Lithuania, telling the centuries-long story of the Church t...

The New Hieromartyr Cosmas, Equal of the Apostles, in the world Constas, was a native of Aitolia. He studied at first under the guidance of the archdeacon Ananias Dervisanos, and afterwards continued his education on Mount Athos, at the Vatopedi school renowned for teachers such as Nicholas Tzartzoulios (from Metsovo) and Eugenius Voulgaris (afterwards in the years 1775-1779 the archbishop of Ekaterinoslav and the Chersonessus).

Remaining on Athos at the Philotheou monastery to devote himself to spiritual labors, he was tonsured a monk with the name Cosmas, and later was ordained hieromonk. The desire to benefit his fellow Christians, to guide them upon the way of salvation and strengthen their faith, impelled Saint Cosmas to seek the blessing of his spiritual fathers and go to Constantinople. There he mastered the art of rhetoric and, having received a written permit of Patriarch Seraphim II (and later from his successor Sophronius) to preach the Holy Gospel.

So the saint began to proclaim the Gospel at first in the churches of Constantinople and the surrounding villages, then in the Danube regions, in Thessalonica, in Verroia, in Macedonia, Chimaera, Akarnania, Aitolia, on the islands of Saint Maura, Kephalonia and other places.

His preaching, filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit, was simple, calm, and gentle. It brought Christians great spiritual benefit. The Lord Himself assisted him and confirmed his words with signs and miracles, just as He had confirmed the preaching of the Apostles.

Preaching in the remote areas of Albania, where Christian piety had almost disappeared among the rough and coarse people entrenched in sin, Saint Cosmas led them to sincere repentance and improvement with the Word of God.

Under his guidance, church schools were opened in the towns and villages. The rich offered their money for the betterment of the churches, for the purchase of Holy Books (which the saint distributed to the literate), veils (which he gave women, admonishing them to come to church with covered heads),for prayer ropes and crosses (which he distributed to the common folk), and for baptismal fonts so that children could be baptized in the proper manner.

Since the churches could not accommodate everyone wanting to hear the wise preacher, Saint Cosmas with forty or fifty priests served the Vigil in the fields, and in city squares, where thousands of people prayed for the living and for the dead, and were edified by his preaching. Everywhere that Saint Cosmas halted and preached, the grateful listeners set up a large wooden cross, which remained thereafter in memory of this.

The apostolic service of Saint Cosmas was brought to a close by his martyric death in the year 1779. At 65 years of age, he was seized by the Turks and strangled. His body was thrown into a river, and after three days, was found by the priest Mark and buried near the village of Kolikontasi at the monastery of the Entrance into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos. Afterwards, part of his relics were transferred to various places as a blessing.

He was glorified by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1961.

Troparion — Tone 3

By teaching the Divine Faith, / you richly adorned the Church / and became a zealous emulator of the Apostles; / for being lifted up on the wings of divine precepts, / you spread the message of the Gospel far and wide. / O glorious Cosmas, / beseech Christ God that He may grant us great mercy.

Kontakion — Tone 4
(Podoben: “You appeared today...”)
After leading a blameless life on Athos, / like Moses, you were deemed worthy of divine revelations; / therefore, you truly gladden the Church exceedingly / by your deeds and your God-inspired words, O Father Cosmas, / having contended for these, you were adorned with a double crown.

More saints commemorated today: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2024/08/24

Music downloads: https://www.oca.org/liturgics/music-downloads/august