συνοδικός
April 18 / April 5
2018 (7526)
• The Icon of the Mother of God of KASPEROV (19th c.) // OCT 1 // JUN 29 // BRIGHT WEDNESDAY //
The icon is painted with oils on a canvas mounted on wood. The Mother of God holds Her Son on her left arm. The Child is holding a scroll. Saint John the Baptist (Janurary 7) is depicted on one border of the icon, and Saint Tatiana (January 12) on the other. These were probably the patron saints of the original owners of the icon.
Οἱ Ἅγιοι Οὐϊκτωρίνος, Οὐΐκτωρ, Νικηφόρος, Κλαύδιος, Διόδωρος, Σαραπίων καὶ Παπίας οἱ Μάρτυρες
• Martyrs AGATHOPODES 阿伽托颇迪 a Deacon, and THEODULUS 德奥杜洛 a Lector, and those with them (286-305) thrown into the sea at Salonika with a stone around their necks during the reign of Maximinian Herculius for refusing to give up the sacred books
Οἱ Ἅγιοι Θεόδουλος καὶ Ἀγαθόπους οἱ Μάρτυρες
阿伽托颇迪是德撒洛尼基教堂里的辅祭，特奥杜洛是诵经士。阿伽托颇迪经验老到，而特奥杜洛则年轻有为、纯洁质朴。在戴克里先对基督徒进行迫害时期，他们两人奉命出庭受审。他们愉快地回答了审讯，并相互手挽手走在大街上，大声叫道：“我们是基督徒！”无论法官如何劝说他们扬弃基督、敬拜偶像，这对他们来说都是徒劳的。两人在经过长时间的监禁和忍受饥饿之后被判处死刑，投入到大海中。他们两人的双手被捆绑在后背，并在脖子上坠上石头，然后被押解到海边。他们决定首先处置阿伽托颇迪，当他们行到深水处准备将其投入到大海中时，阿伽托颇迪高呼到：“看哪！通过这第二次受洗，洗净了我们所有的罪，使得我们能够洁净见主。”不久之后，海浪将他们的尸体冲向了岸边，一些基督徒荣耀地埋葬了他们。圣特奥杜洛身着闪亮圣装如同天使一般出现在他的生前好友面前，并命令他们将他留下的财产都分送给穷人。这两位荣耀的基督的士兵于公元303年为主献身，当时正是戴克里先皇帝和德撒洛尼基王子法乌斯蒂努斯在位期间。
• MM The Holy Noble Lady (sister of martyr Thermos/Fermus) along with her Servant, by the sword
Οἱ Ἁγίες κυρία καὶ δούλη οἱ Μάρτυρες
• Martyrs MAXIMUS and TERENTIUS by the sword
Οἱ Ἅγιοι Μάξιμος καὶ Τερέντιος οἱ Μάρτυρες
• Holy 5 Young Virgin Martyrs of Nenidor of Lesbos, by the sword
Οἱ Ἁγίες Πέντε Μάρτυρες νεάνιδες ἀπὸ τὴν Λέσβο
The local hagiographic tradition of Lesvos is that they lived in Gabatha near Antissa, and that on Mount Ordymnos there was a monastery dedicated to them which in 1331 flourished with two other monasteries, that of Saint John the Theologian and Saint Theophano. An old chapel dedicated to their memory is in Pterounta.
• VM THEODORA 德奥多拉 and Martyr DIDYMUS 狄迪默 the Soldier of Alexandria (304)
Οἱ Ἅγιοι Δίδυμος καὶ Θεοδώρα οἱ Μάρτυρες
• Venerables ascetics THEONAS 德奥纳, SYMEON 西面 and FERVINUS (Phorbinus) 佛尔维诺 of Egypt (4th c.) Οἱ Ὅσιοι Θεωνᾶς, Συμεὼν καὶ Φερβίνος
• Holy Martyrs of North-West Africa: a large group martyred at the Easter liturgy by Genseric, the Arian King of the Vandals (459)
A large group martyred at the Easter liturgy by Genseric, the Arian King of the Vandals. The reader who was singing the Alleluia had his throat pierced by an arrow.
• PROBUS and his wife GRACE of Cornwall (5th c.)
• MM CYRIA and DULA: mistress and maidservant
• New Hieromartyr ALEXIS 阿莱克西 Krotenkov, presbiter, priest (1878-1930) day of martyrdom, shoted in Irbit of Sverdlovsk (Eaterinburg)
• New Hieromartyr NICHOLAS 尼科拉 Simo, presbiter, archriest (1875-1931) day of martyrdom, shoted in Leningrad after Solovki KZ
• Blessed DARYA Kurdyukova of Orenburg, W., Nun (1931)
• Martyrdom of the Optina monastics (Optina martyrs) on Pascha 1993: Hieromonk VASILY (Igor Roslyakov) with Riassaphoremonks THERAPONTUS (Vladimir Pushkariov) and TROPHIMUS (Alexei Tatarnikov)
In the year 1993 the Orthodox world was shocked by a tragic event, which had happened in Optina Hermitage: three inhabitants of the monastery were brutally murdered on Easter night. They were Hieromonk Basil (Roslyakov), Monk Therapont (Pushkaryov) and Monk Trophim (Tatarinov). According to the investigator, the murderer Nikolay Averin inflicted the injuries with unusual professionalism, "deliberately — they were not too deep — to make the victim bleed to death over a long time." The knife was double-edged, five centimeters wide, and resembled a sword. It was engraved on its blade with "666" and "satan." This is a narrative about three martyrs from the Optina Pustyn monastery in Central Russia. All three monks were killed by a satanist on Easter night in 1993. We would like to pay homage to the memory of these three remarkable people, hoping their story will serve to strengthen the spirit of many Christians, who sincerely embrace the Faith.
Father Basil had a large wooden cross that he'd been given as a gift, featuring an image of the Savior, a cross he preciously guarded. Russian pilgrims had carried this cross when entering Jerusalem, walking along the Calvary to the Lord's Tomb, where they had it sanctified. It is often recalled how Father Basil would say that the most important thing in life was to carry one's cross to the end, never stumbling on the rise upwards before meeting our Maker. This is why this cross, that had been carried through Jerusalem, along the Calvary, and sanctified at the Lord's Tomb, had so special a significance for him, occupying pride of place in his small cell. Not long before his death, Father Basil took this cross and went with it to the icon workshop, where two monks — icon-painters were working. One of them was celebrating his Name day. Father Basil congratulated him, and presented him with his cross, saying: "I should like you to keep it with you for a while. Let's go find a place for it together." The cross was hung on the wall near the Icon corner. Later it transpired that Father Basil had brought this Calvary cross to the place of his own private Calvary: he was killed near the icon workshop, falling down right opposite the cross. On August 9, 1993, holy chrism was seen to appear on this cross, on the left side, under the Savior's ribs. The drops were large and didn't dry for two weeks. It seemed as if the cross was miracle-working. He was already Hieromonk Basil, when the believers asked him: "Father, do you have a special, sacred wish?" "Yes," he replied, "I would like to die at Easter, to the chiming of bells." His wish was granted in 1993.
On the eve of Easter, monk Therapont was in a state of radiant joy, obviously having received from the Lord the gift of enlightenment and foresight. In any case, some of the monks testified that he could read their minds, while one young lay-brother admitted Therapont had told him his future. On Easter night, before the murder, monk Therapont was standing in church, not in his usual place, but near the table, where services for the repose of the souls are usually conducted. He stood, as if immobile, head bowed in prayer and sorrow. There were a great many people in the church. He was being shoved and crowded, yet he seemed to notice nothing. Then, he set off for the last confession of his life. A satanist struck him with a ritual knife when, together with monk Trofim, he was chiming the bells.
Trofim had been ringing the bells, summoning all for Easter midnight service when the satanist by the name of Nikolay Averin struck him in the back with a ritual knife. Thus ended the almost three-year-long monkhood of Trofim.
• ARGYRA (Argyre, Argere or Argiri) 阿尔吉拉 the Neomartyress of Prussa (1721) at Constantinople; Patron Saint of Marriage // APR 5 // APR 30 //
Ἡ Ἁγία Ἀργυρὴ ἡ Νεομάρτυς
Argyre, the golden Martyr of Christ, was from Proussa, and the daughter of pious parents. She possessed both a beautiful face and the fear of God In time the blessed maiden wed. But, the newlywed caught the covetous eyes of a certain Turk in the neighborhood who fell in love with her. He schemed to bring her over to fulfill his wicked intention. Since he was unable to persuade her he slandered her to the judge of Proussa, pretending that she declared a willingness to become a Muslim. The judge immediately imprisoned the Saint. Argyre’s husband considered it more favorable to have the case transferred to the court at Constantinople. However the Saint’s accuser also appeared there and falsely charged her, maintaining the same allegations against the Martyr. Argyre affirmed that she had no knowledge of ever uttering a word denying the Faith, and stated she was a Christian and a Christian she would die. Consequently, by the judge’s order, they beat the Saint and afterwards confined her to prison. Eventually they conducted a second examination, and again they smote, punished, and jailed Argyre. These events occurred repeatedly throughout the next seventeen years. O, her courageousness! Even inside the prison the Saint met with constant troubles and insults from the Turkish women inmates who were in detention because of their criminal actions. The devil incited them to harass Argyre through excessive affliction and torments. Nevertheless, the ever-memorable one withstood everything magnanimously, by the love and yearning she possessed for her Bridegroom Christ. Perhaps you wonder whether this was all? But in addition to this, she herself subjected her body to fasting, bore every trial and underwent hardships just as the other multitudes of Christian women who were also prisoners with the Saint in that very jail. The heart of blessed Argyre was filled with exceeding joy and such thankfulness, since she was imprisoned for Christ, that she thought discomforts were conveniences. Such was the case that when the pious Christian, Manolis Kiourtzibasis, the maker of fishing nets, succeeded in having the charge against her withdrawn so she could be at liberty, Argyre did not assent to the reprieve but regarded the prison to be the king’s palace, Thus, incarcerated and in bonds for Christ, she ended her life receiving the imperishable crown of martyrdom in the year 1725 (April 5). Then the Christians took possession of her holy relics and buried her in a place called Haskoy. At the uncovering of her relics after three years her sacred body was discovered whole and intact, emitting an unspeakable fragrance. O, the wonder! The priests and Christians received it with great devotion and placed her within the Church of Saint Paraskevi by permission of the then most holy Patriarch Paisios. To this day, her hallowed relics exist and are venerated by patriarchs, archbishops, notable people, and all Orthodox Christians, to the glory of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. In 1955 a riot ensued in Constantinople and thousands of Greeks were forced to flee from their homes by the Turks. Among the victims was St Argyre whose relics suffered a second martyrdom by being burned after the church was damaged. The faithful salvaged the relics and brought them to Mytilene where they lie to this day. The transfer of her relics is what is celebrated every year on April 30. Her regular feast day is on April 5.
According to the author of the source site, when the people of Panagiouda were in the process of building the above chapel of the Saint, St Argyre appeared in a dream to the priest, Fr Theologos Sakales, and told him: "When you make my icon for my chapel, don't make it like this one here, but depict me holding the two stefana (crowns) of marriage." True to her guidance, the icon above depicts St Argyre holding both the Holy Cross of a martyr and the marriage crowns as a defender and patron saint of marriage.
St Argyra's name comes from the Greek word for silver (argyre). The Tomb of Saint Argyre in the garden of the church of St Paraskevi, Chaskioi (or Haskoy) outside Constantinople.
• Queen ÆTHELBURH (also Tata, Ethelburgh or Aedilburh) of Kent; Fndr., Nun and Abbess of Lyming (647)
Saint Ethelburga was the daughter of King Saint Ethelbert of Kent, who had been converted to Christianity by his wife Bertha (Tata) and Saint Augustine of Canterbury. Ethelburga married the pagan King Edwin of Northumbria. She and her chaplain Saint Paulinus helped persuade Edwin to become a Christian in 627 and a saint. He encouraged the advancement of Christianity in his kingdom, but on his death, paganism returned, and Ethelburga and Paulinus were forced to return to her native Kent. There she founded an abbey at Lyminge and was its abbess until her death. Saint Ethelburga is portrayed in art as a crowned abbess with the Abbey of Lyminge, where she is venerated.
• BÉCÁN (Began) of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland (6th c.) at Imlech-Fiaich, in Fera-Cul-Breagh, now Emlagh, County of Meath
Ὁ Ἅγιος Μπέκαν ὁ ἐξ Ἰρλανδίας
Saint Becan, named as one of the 12 Apostles of Ireland in the life of Saint Molossus, is said to be the son of Murchade and Cula, of the royal house of Munster and a blood relative of Saint Columba. Becan has been declared one of the three greatest champions of virtue, together with Saint Endeus and Saint Mochua, all of whom were leaders of saints in that fruitful age of holy men. He founded a monastery at Kill-Beggan, Westmeath, which centuries later became a Cistercian abbey. While building his church, he worked frequently on his knees, and while his hands were thus employed, he prayed with his lips and his eyes streamed with tears of devotion. He also gave his name to the church and parish of Imleach-Becain, Meath.
• M CLAUDIAN the Persian (4th c.)
• DERFEL-GADARN (also known as Derfel Cadarn or Derfel Gdarn) a soldier and afterwards a hermit in Llanderfel in Gwynedd in Wales (6th c.)
Saint Derfel was a great Welsh soldier who fought at the Battle of Camlan (537), where King Arthur was killed. He may have been a monk and abbot at Bardsey and later a solitary at Llanderfel, Merionethshire, Wales, thus becoming its founder and patron.
• New Martyr GEORGE 格奥尔吉 of Ephesus (1801) at Samos
Ὁ Ἅγιος Γεώργιος ὁ Νεομάρτυρας ἐκ χώρας Σάμου
For three days George sat in front of the tree on which the Holy New Martyr Polydoros (September 3) was hanged, thus giving the Muslims an opportunity to see him and bring him before the judge. But nothing happened. So he went to the local coffee house where he hoped his presence would provoke his arrest, but nothing happened again. He therefore decided to put an end to the drama and appeared by himself before the judge and confessed his faith in Christ. This took place on Wednesday, April 3. The executioner struck off the head of George. That night a light shined on his body. On Saturday the judge was informed of this, and ordered two porters, together with some Orthodox Christians, to bury George with his fellow martyr Polydoros.
• VM IRENE at Thessalonica, Macedonia (304)
Died at Thessalonica, Macedonia, April 5, 304. The martyrdom of Irene's sisters Agape and Chionia is described on April 3. Irene was sent to a soldiers' brothel, where she was stripped and chained but was miraculously protected from molestation. So, after again refusing a last chance to conform, she was sentenced to death. She died two days after her sisters either by being forced to throw herself into flames or, more likely, by being shot in the throat with an arrow. The books, including the Sacred Scripture, were publicly burned. Three other women and a man were tried with these martyrs, of whom one woman was remanded because she was pregnant. It is not recorded what happened to the others.
• Translation (1652) of the relics of Sainted JOB 约弗 Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus (1607) // APR 5 // JUN 19 // 1ST SUNDAY AFTER THE FEAST OF STS PETER AND PAUL //
Μετακομιδὴ Τιμίων Λειψάνων Ἁγίου Ἰὼβ Πατριάρχου Μόσχας καὶ πάσης Ρωσίας
After his death in 1607, the relics of Patriarch Job were buried by the western doors of the Dormition Church of the monastery in Staritsa. Many miracles took place at his grave. In 1652, on the recommendation of Metropolitan Nikon of Novgorod, Tsar Alexei ordered that the relics of St Job and St Philip (January 9) be transferred to Moscow. Metropolitan Barlaam of Rostov presided at the uncovering of St Job's relics in Staritsa. The Patriarch's incorrupt and fragrant relics became the source of healing for many who were afflicted by physical and mental illnesses. On March 27 a procession set off for Moscow with the relics. On Monday of the sixth week of Lent (April 5), the relics of Patriarch Job were brought to the Passions Monastery. From there, the procession proceeded to the Kremlin, and the relics of the saint were placed in the Dormition cathedral. A few days later, Patriarch Joseph died and was buried next to St Job.
• Venerable MARK 马可 the Anchorite of Athens (400) of Trache
他也被称为“雅典的玛尔克”，因为雅典是他的出生地。玛尔克在雅典完成了高等教育之后，他的父母就去世了。他此时想到了自己也将不可避免地面对死亡，因此，人应当先前为荣耀地离开这个世界作好准备。于是，玛尔克将他的全部财产分给了穷人，而后自己坐上了独木舟在海上漂流，他深信上帝能帮助他，并恒切向上帝祷告，任凭上帝的意旨引导他向何方。上帝在暗中一直都在保护他，将他带到了利比亚（或埃塞俄比亚）的一个名叫特拉凯的山中。玛尔克在山上过着禁欲生活长达95年的时间，期间他没有看见任何一个人或是一头野兽。30年的时间他同邪恶的灵进行争斗，并忍受了饥饿、饥渴、严寒和酷暑。他食用肮脏的食物，并饮用海水。在经受30年的最艰难的苦难之后，邪恶的魔鬼远离了他，而后上帝派来天使每天为他送面包、鱼和水果。圣塞拉皮昂在玛尔克去世之前访问了他，由此得知了这位圣人的奇妙的生活。玛尔克问圣塞拉皮昂说：“目前还有基督徒能够使这座山拔地而起、自行颠覆到大海中吗？”就在那时，他们所站立的那座山自行向大海的方向移动。玛尔克挥手并停止了山的移动。这就是上帝的这位仆人所具有的施行奇迹的能力。在玛尔克去世之前，他向上帝祷告，请求能够拯救人类，之后便魂归天国。圣塞拉皮昂看到了天使托着玛尔克的灵魂，同时他还看到了一个从天国伸出来的手接收了他。圣玛尔克在世活了130岁，于公元400年离世。
• The Paschal Martyrdom of New Martyr PANAGIOTES 帕纳乔提 of Jerusalem (1820)
Ὁ Ἅγιος Παναγιώτης ὁ Νεομάρτυρας
• Repose of Elder PHILEMON of Valaam and Jordanville (1953)
• Repose of Sainted PHILIPP I Metropolitain of Moskow (1473)
• Venerable PLATON 普拉托 the Studite (Plato of Sakkoudion), Abbot of the Studion and Confessor (812)
Ὁ Ὅσιος Πλάτων
• Martyr POMPEIUS by the sword
Ὁ Ἅγιος Πομπήιος ὁ Μάρτυρας
• Venerable Ascetic PUBLIUS (Poplios) 普弗利 the Egyptian (4th c.)
Ὁ Ὅσιος Πόπλιος ὁ Αἰγύπτιος
• Repose of Righteous SYMEON Klimych (1837)
• THEODOR of Svira (1822)
• Hosiosmartyress THEODORA of Thessalonica, W., Nun (886)
Ἡ Ὁσία Θεοδώρα ἡ ἐν Θεσσαλονίκῃ
The Nun Theodora of Soluneia was born of Christian parents, Anthony and Chrysantha, living on the island of Aegina. At mature age Saint Theodora entered into marriage, and soon gave birth to a daughter. During an invasion of the Saracens (823) the young spouses moved away to the city of Soluneia (Thessalonika). Here Saint Theodora dedicated her daughter to the service of God in a monastery, and after the death of her husband she also accepted monasticism at this monastery. By works of obedience, fasting and prayer she so pleased God, that she received the gift of wonderworking and worked miracles not only during her lifetime, but also upon her death (+ 892). When the hegumeness of the monastery died, they wanted to put her grave alongside the grave of the Nun Theodora. Then the nun, as though alive, pushed herself beneathe the grave and vacated the spot for her superiour, showing even after death an example in humility. From her relics flowed myrh. When the Turks seized Soluneia in 1430, they hacked apart the holy remains of the Nun Theodora.
• Venerabless THEOPISTA of Thessalonica, Abbess; daughter of HM Theodora of Thessalonica
• Martyr THERMOS (Fermus, Firmus) by fire
Ὁ Ἅγιος Θέρμος ὁ Μάρτυρας
• Hosiosmartyress YPOMONI (Hypomoni, Evpomoni)
Ἡ Ἁγία Ὑπομονὴ ἡ Μάρτυς
• Martyr ZENON burned alive by fire
Ὁ Ἅγιος Ζήνων ὁ Μάρτυρας
• Feast of Saint Patrick's First Baptism in Ireland
This means, not the day, on which St Patrick himself was baptized but the day on which he baptized his first convert. It seems to have been celebrated, from a very remote period, since it occurs, in the "Feilire" of St Aengus, on the 5th day of April. From the commentary appended, we learn, that "The first baptism of Patrick" means how Sinell, the son of Finnchadh of the Ui Garchon, was the first person baptized in Ireland, by Patrick. On the 5th of April in the Martyrology of Tallagh we find entered Baptisma Patricii venit ad Hiberniam, i.e. "the Baptism of Patrick came to Ireland". The remarkable event of St Patrick regenerating, in the saving waters of Baptism his first Irish convert, is recorded, likewise, in the Martyrology of Donegal; and, in reference to it, the "Feilire" of St Aengus is quoted :
"On the great festival of the son of Cula,
Of Becan with the victory of austerity,
The first baptism of Patrick
Which he performed in Erinn."
The Twelve Apostles of Ireland (also known as Twelve Apostles of Erin, Irish: Dhá Aspal Déag na hÉireann) were twelve early Irish monastic saints of the 6th century who studied under St Finian (d. 549) at his famous monastic school Clonard Abbey at Cluain-Eraird (Eraird's Meadow), now Clonard in County Meath.
A list of the Twelve is preserved in various sources, for the reputation of Saint Finnian as 'tutor of the saints of Ireland ' was firmly established and hagiographers sought to portray their subjects as having been numbered among his pupils. The individuals listed among the Twelve can vary from one place to another, this, for example is the list given in the scholiast notes to the Martyrology of Oengus.
Ireland's Twelve Apostles:
• CIARÁN of Saighir (Seir-Kieran). In the Martyrology of Oengus, saint Ciarán of Saighir is not listed as one of the twelve apostles of Ireland, and instead is replaced by Finnian of Clonard himself. The numbering of Finnian as one of the Twelve, and not Ciarán of Saighir appears to be the older tradition, by which Ciarán was attached to pair with Ciarán of Clon
• CIARÁN of Clonmacnoise, on the Shannon, in the barony of Garrycastle, County Offaly, died in the year 549
• BRENDAN of Birr, now Birr, County Offaly. He died on 29 November 571
• BRENDAN of Clonfert (Brendan the Navigator). He was the son of Finnloga, the patron saint of the see of Clonfert, in County Galway, was born in 484, and died in 577 aged 94
• COLUMBA of Terryglass, abbot of Tir-da-glas, now Terryglass, in the barony of Lower Ormond, in the county of Tipperary, and died in 552
• COLUMBA was born in the year 521, and died in the year 597, aged 75. Columba was an outstanding figure among the Gaelic missionary monks who some of his advocates claim introduced Christianity to the Kingdom of the Picts during the early medieval period
• MOBHÍ of Glasnevin, patron of Glasnaidhen, now Glasnevin, near Dublin. He died on 12 October 545
• RUADHAIN of Lorrha, the patron of Lothra, now Lorrha, in County Tipperary. He died on 15 April 584
• SENAN of Iniscathay (Scattery Island) off the southwest coast of County Clare
• NINNIDH the Saintly of Lough Erne, the Pious, the patron of the parish of Inis Muighe Samh, now Inismacsaint, in the north-west of County Fermanagh. He was alive in 530 but the year of his death is uncertain
• LAISRÉN mac Nad Froích, the son of Nadfraech, he was the brother of Aengus, the first Christian king of Munster and died in 564
• CANICE the patron of Aghaboe in County Laois, who died in 600 at the age of 84
Holy emigrations of the Irish were distinguished by a peculiarity never, or but very seldom, found among other nations. As soon as it became known that any eminent monk had resolved to undertake one of those sacred expeditions, twelve men of the same order placed themselves under his command, and were selected to accompany him; a custom probably introduced by St Patrick, who had been ably supported by twelve chosen associates in converting the Irish from the darkness of paganism to the light of the true faith. St Rioch, nephew to St Patrick, and walking in his footsteps, was attended in his sacred missions to foreign tribes and regions by twelve colleagues of his own order; and when St Rupert, who had been baptized by a nephew of St Patrick, apostle of Ireland, departed to draw down the fertilising dews of true religion on pagan Bavaria, twelve faithful companions shared the perils and labours of his journey and mission. St Finnian, bishop of Clonard, selected twelve from the thronged college of his disciples, to devote them in a special manner to establish and animate the principles of the Christian religion among the Irish, and hence they were styled by posterity the twelve apostles of Ireland. St Columba was accompanied in his apostolic mission to Albany by twelve monks. Twelve followed St Finbar in his pilgrimage beyond the seas, and twelve St Maidoc, bishop of Ferns, in one of his foreign missions. St Colman Fin was never seen without his college of twelve disciples. When the ceaseless irruptions of foreign enemies, or the negligence of the bishops, had well nigh extinguished the virtue of religion in Gaul, and left nothing but the Christian Faith when the medicine of penance and the love of mortification were found nowhere, or but with a few, 'then', says Jonas, 'St Columbanus descended on Gaul, supported by twelve associates, to arouse her from her torpor, and enlighten her sons with the beams of the most exalted piety. Twelve disciples followed St Eloquius from Ireland to illumine the Belgians with the rays of faith; twelve accompanied St Willibrod from Ireland to Germany; the pilgrimage and labours of St Farrannan in Belgium were shared by twelve faithful brothers of the cowl; and the same number were fellow-exiles with St Macallan. Perhaps the reason why the Irish clung with such invincible attachment to this custom, was the number of the apostles chosen by our Saviour, and the same number of disciples appointed by the Apostolic See to accompany Palladius to Ireland.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
愿上帝怜恤我罪人
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,
for the sake of the prayers
of Thy most pure Mother,
our holy and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us.
Amen.
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Blessed be God.
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