συνοδικός
May 12 / April 29
2019 (7527)
NINE MARTYRS AT CYZICUS: THEOGNES, RUFUS, ANTIPATER,THEOSTICHUS, ARTEMAS, MAGNUS, THEODOTUS, THAUMASIUS, AND PHILEMON (3RD C.). ST. MEMNON THE WONDERWORKER OF CORFU (2ND C.)
3rd Sunday of Pascha: THE MYRRH BEARING WOMEN // 2019 //
Κυριακὴ τῶν Μυροφόρων
STS. MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN, RIGHTEOUS JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA AND NICODEMUS
• Synaxis of Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos "PALAIOKASTRITSA", Corfu (1228)
This Sunday the church services are taken from the contents of the Gospel narration about the appearance of the risen Lord to the Myrrhbearing women. This all-joyful appearance of the Lord was the first after His rising from the grave and consequently it is glorified by the Church at the present time as the undoubted proof of His resurrection. Besides these seven Myrrhbearing women, “there were also others, very many others, who served Christ and His disciples out of their means”.
On the Sunday of the Myrrhbearers, the Church celebrates the memory of all the Saints associated with the city of Thessaloniki. Among these, it counts first of all the holy Apostle PAUL who exhorted the Thessalonians to "stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle" (2 Thess. 2:15). But immediately after St Paul comes Thessaloniki’s Great Martyr St DEMETRIUS the Myrrh Gusher, whose relics continue to pour forth miracles even to this day. Perhaps next in fame are the great Apostles to the Slavs ― Ss CYRIL and METHODIUS ― to whom all Slavs are eternally indebted for bringing them the Gospel in their own language. Finally, we must not neglect to note the great Archbishop St GREGORY Palamas, who so courageously defended the Faith against the heresies of Barlaam and Akindynos. But these 5 are only the most renowned of a multitude of cœlestial luminaries standing before the throne of God in intercession for Thessaloniki.
1 Thessalonians 2:10-12: "You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory."
A feast that recognizes the great and saintly early abbots of Cluny Abbey. The abbey was notable for its stricter adherence to the Rule of St Benedict, whereby Cluny became acknowledged as the leader of western monasticism.
• AYMARDUS of Cluny (955) monk of Cluny Abbey in France. Brother monk to St Odo of Cluny. Abbot of Cluny in 942. Aymard became blind and c.952 resigned his position, handing it over to St Majolus
• BERNO of Cluny (927)
Born: mid-9th century in Burgundy, France. For a man whose work has had such an impact, surprisingly little is known about him. May have been a member of a noble and wealthy family, but records are obscure. Benedictine monk at Saint Martin’s monastery, Autun, France. Abbot of the Baume Abbey where he rebuilt, restored and reinvigorated the monastery. Spiritual director of Saint Odo of Cluny. Founded the monastery of Gigny, Bourg-Dieu, Massay, and served as its abbot. Planned, founded, and built the monastery of Cluny whose reform has had enormous influence throughout western Christendom. He served as its first abbot from 910 to 926.
• MAYEUL (906-994)
Archdeacon of Macon, France. When he saw he was to be made bishop, he became a monk at Cluny Abbey. Chosen assistant abbot in 954, and then abbot in 965 much against his will. Mayeul was devoted to learning, and led his brothers by good example. Counselor to Emperor Otto I and Emperor Otto II. Otto II wanted to put him forth as papabile, but Mayeul would have none of it. Born c.906 at Avignon, France. Died 994 at Souvigny, France en route to Paris.
• ODILO (Archangel of Monks, Odilo of the Poor Souls, Olon, Odilón) of Cluny (962-962)
Born 962 at Auvergne, France, to the French nobility, the son of Berald de Mercoeur and Gerberga who became a nun when widowed. Cured of unnamed malady in childhood by the intervention of Our Lady. Monk at Cluny at age 29. Abbot at Cluny in 994 at age 32 until his death. Promoted the Truce of God whereby military hostilities were suspended at certain times for ostensibly religious reasons, but which allowed enough commerce that people could survive, and which guaranteed sanctuary to those who sought refuge in a church. Instituted the feast now know as All Soul’s Day. Known to sell Church property and treasures to feed the poor during times of famine. Declined the archbishopric of Lyon. Increased the Cluniac houses from 37 to 65. Died 1 January 1049 at Souvigny, France of natural causes; relics burned in 1793 during the French Revolution.
• ODO of Cluny (879-942)
Born c.879 at Le Mans, France, to the nobility, the son of Abbo. Raised in the courts of Count Fulk II of Anjou and Duke William of Aquitaine. Received the Order of Tonsure at age nineteen. Canon of the church of St Martin of Tours. Studied music and theology in Paris for four years, studying under Remigius of Auxerre. Returning home, he spent years as a near-hermit in a cell, studying and praying. Benedictine monk at Baume, diocese of Besancon, France in 909, bringing all his worldly possessions – a library of about 100 books. Spiritual student of the abbot, St Berno of Cluny. Headmaster of the monastery school at Baume. Abbot of Baume in 924. Abbot of Cluny, Massey and Deols in 927. In 931, Pope John XI asked Odo to reform all the monasteries in the Aquitaine, northern France and Italy. Negotiated a peace between Heberic of Rome and Hugh of Provence in 936; returned twice in six years to renegotiate the peace between them. Persuaded many secular leaders to give up control of monasteries so they could return to being spiritual centers, not sources of cash for the state. Founded the monastery of Our Lady on the Aventine in Rome. Wrote a biography of St Gerald of Aurillac, three books of essays on morality, some homilies, an epic poem on the Redemption, and twelve choral antiphons in honour of St Martin of Tours. Noted for his knowledge, his administrative abilities, his skills as a reformer, and as a writer; also known for his charity, he has been depicted giving the poor the clothes off his back. Died 18 November 942 in Tours, France of natural causes while travelling to Rome, Italy; buried in the church of Saint Julian; most relics burned by Huguenots.
Οἱ Ἅγιοι Ἰάσονας καὶ Σωσίπατρος οἱ Ἀπόστολοι
Ἡ Ἁγία Κέρκυρα ἡ Μάρτυς
Οἱ Ἅγιοι Ἰακισχόλος, Ἰανουάριος, Εὐφράσιος, Μάμμινος, Μαρσάλιος, Σατορνίνος καὶ Φαυστιανὸς οἱ Μάρτυρες πρώην ληστές
Both were disciples of the Apostle Paul, who mentions them in his Epistle to the Romans: "Jason and Sosipater my kinsmen greet you" (16:21). Jason was born in Tarsus of Cilicia (as was the Apostle Paul), and became bishop of that town. Sosipater was from Patras of Achaia (now Greece), and became bishop of Iconium. After serving their flocks for many years, these two travelled together to Corfu, where they were the first to preach the Gospel. They were furiously opposed by the ruler of that island, but when he died, the new king came to faith in Christ and was baptised with the name Sebastian. Jason and Sosipater remained on Corfu, freely preaching the Gospel and building up the Church until they reposed in great old age. An ancient church in the city of Corfu, dating from the first centuries, bears inscriptions that mention the Saints by name.
• Martyrs ZENO 兹诺, EUSEBIUS 艾弗塞维, NEON 奈翁 and VITALIS 维塔利 and his wife VALERIA at Ravenna and Milan (1-2nd c.) early martyrs in Milan in Italy who were converted by Apostles Jason and Sosipater
Οἱ Ἅγιοι Βιτάλιος καὶ Βαλερία οἱ Μάρτυρες
Ὁ Ἅγιος Ζήνων ὁ Μάρτυρας
Ὁ Ἅγιος Νέων ὁ Μάρτυρας
• VMM TERTULLA and ANTONIA, along with Hieromartyrs AGAPIUS (also Agape) and SECUNDINUS Bishops in Numidia, and M EMILIAN, at Cirta in Numidia, North Africa (260)
Οἱ Ἅγιοι Ἀγάπιος καὶ Σεκουνδίνος οἱ Ἱερομάρτυρες καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτοῖς μαρτυρήσαντες
Τέρτουλα καὶ Ἀντωνία οἱ Παρθένες καὶ ἀνώνυμη Μάρτυς μετὰ τῶν δύο τέκνων αὐτῆς
Agapius and Companions. Born in Spain, Agapius and Secundinus, bishops or priests, were exiled to Cirta in Numidia in North Africa in the persecution under Valerian. There they suffered martyrdom together with Tertulla and Antonia, virgins, and a certain woman with her twin children.
• 9 Martyrs of Cyzicus (3rd c.) THEOGNIS 德奥格尼斯, RUFUS 路弗, ANTIPATER 安提帕提尔, THEOSTOICHUS 德奥斯提霍, ARTEMAS 阿尔特玛, MAGNUS 玛格诺, THEODOTUS 德奥多特, THAUMASILAS 塔弗玛西 and PHILEMON 斐利蒙
Οἱ Ἅγιοι ἐννέα Μάρτυρες ἐν Κυζίκῳ, ὁ Ἀντίπατρος, Ἀρτεμᾶς, ὁ Θαυμάσιος, ὁ Θεόγνις, ὁ Θεόδουλος, ὁ Θεόστιχος, ὁ Μάγνος, ὁ Ροῦφος καὶ ὁ Φιλήμονας
西吉库斯的九名殉道者
这九名勇敢的殉道者充满了对基督火一般的爱，拒绝向偶像献祭，坚守基督信仰，由此他们九人遭到了残酷的折磨，并被斩首。君士坦丁大帝在位期间，在西吉库斯修建了一座教堂，以纪念这九位殉道者，他们的圣髑也被安放在这里。这九位殉道者的圣髑医治了很多病人。他们的名字是：特奥郭尼乌斯、鲁孚、安提帕特、特奥克蒂斯特、阿尔特马斯、马戈努斯、德奥多特、陶马斯鲁斯和斐利蒙。这九位殉道者舍弃短暂的世间的一切，换得了永生。因此，上帝带领他们来到永恒的家园，为他们戴上了不朽的荣耀的冠冕。这九位殉道者于公元8世纪荣耀为基督而殉道。
These holy Martyrs, who were from various regions, suffered martyrdom together when they were beheaded in Cyzicus, a city in Asia Minor on the southern coast of the Sea of Marmara.
• Martyrs DIODORUS 迪奥多若 and RHODOPIANUS 若多彼安 the Deacon, at Aphrodisia in Anatolia (284-305)
The Holy Martyrs Diodorus and Rhodopianus the Deacon suffered under the emperor Diocletian (284-305) in Aphrodisias, Caria. They were stoned to death for spreading the Christianity among the pagans.
• Martyrs ATTICUS and CYNTIANUS (Cyntion)
Οἱ Ἅγιοι Ἀττικὸς καὶ Κυντιανὸς οἱ Μάρτυρες
• THEOCHARUS and APOSTOLUS of Arte
• 300 Holy Martyrs of Lazeti, Georgia (17-18th c.)
The martyrdoms took place on Mt Dudikvati (“the place of beheading”) and on Mt Papati (“the place of the clergy”) respectively.
• Venerable Elder NEKTARY 奈克塔里 (Nicholas Tikhonov) of Optina (1853-1928) Hieroschemamonk
Saint Nectarius was born in the city of Elets in the Orel province in 1853, the son of Basil and Elena Tikhonov. At his baptism, he was named Nicholas. Saint Nectarius completed the course of his earthly life on April 29, 1928. The Moscow Patriarchate authorized local veneration of the Optina Elders on June 13,1996, glorifying them for universal veneration on August 7, 2000.
• Hosiosmartyress Abbess ATHANASIA (Aleksandra Lepöshkina) iconographer; of Zosima Hermitage and of the Smolensk Hodigitria Convent near Moscow (1885-1932) day of death in exile in Kazakhstan
• New Hieromartyr ALEXANDER Petrovskij, Archbisop of Kharkov (1940)
• Repose of hieromonk EULOGIUS of Valaam (1969)
• Venerable AMPHILOCHIUS (Yakov Holovatük) of Pochaev, Schemaabbot of Pochaev (1894-1970) an ascetic hieromonk and spiritual struggler of the twentieth century who was noted for his ability to heal the sick
St Amphilokhy was a Ukrainian patriot who supported an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He was arrested and incarcerated under Stalin in a mental asylum. He told the director of the asylum that he could cure everyone there within a couple of weeks. When he was told to do so, he asked for Holy Water, his Cross and his Gospel. “No,” the atheist director told him. “You do the healing without those things.” “Well,” said the Venerable Amphilokhy, “Would you send out a soldier to fight without his weapons?” St Amphilokhy also tended to wounded members of the UPA, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. Three wounded insurgents were brought to him and a woman who witnessed their healing said, “I wondered about the kinds of herbs he used to heal them so quickly so that they were soon back on their feet . . .” When some students came to St Amphilokhy to tell them they were very “nervous, “ the holy monk told them, “You are nervous? Here, do 300 prostrations with the Jesus Prayer daily etc.” Somehow, their nervousness ended . .
• AVE (also Ava or Avia), Nun and Abbess at Denain (Denais) in Hainault, Belguim (845)
A niece of King Pepin, in her childhood and youth she was blind, but she was miraculously healed by St Rainfredis. She became a nun at Denain in Hainault, now in Belgium, where she became abbess.
• ARSENIUS 阿尔塞尼 archbishop of Suzdal (1627)
• BASIL 瓦西里 bishop of Ostrog in Montenegro (Serbia) (1671) Wonderworker and myrhh-streamer, Metropolitan of Zahumlje
Ὁ Ἅγιος Βασίλειος ὁ Θαυματουργός ἐκ Σερβίας
奥斯特罗格的圣瓦西里
瓦西里出生于黑塞戈维纳的波波瓦村，父母简朴且畏惧上帝。从年轻时起，瓦西里就对上帝的教会充满了爱，在长大成人之后，瓦西里来到了特雷宾耶的圣母安息修道院，并在那里接受了剪发仪式，成为一名修士。瓦西里因其真挚且罕见的修行生活很快就被众人所知。圣瓦西里不断地提高自己的修行生活层次，一次比一次更苛刻、更艰难。后来，在违背他意愿的情况下，瓦西里被选为扎姆尔耶和斯肯德里亚的主教。作为高级司祭，瓦西里起初在特乌尔多什修道院；作为一名好牧人，瓦西里强壮了他的信众的正教信仰，使他们免受土耳其人的恶毒和罗马人的诡诈。后来，瓦西里受到敌人的压迫，同时特乌尔多什修道院也遭到了土耳其人的蹂躏，由此，他来到了奥斯特罗格，在那里过着艰苦的修行生活，用他不间断的祷告来保护他的信众（*）。瓦西里于公元16世纪安然离世，他那不朽坏的圣髑经常创造奇迹，时至今日。圣瓦西里的圣髑所创造的奇迹无数。许多基督徒呵穆斯林人来到他的圣髑前，使他们的病痛呵苦恼得到了医治。每年的五旬节期间，有很多朝圣者来圣瓦西里的陵墓前朝圣。 （*）目前在原有的特乌尔多什修道院的遗址上修建了一座新教堂，修建者是特雷宾耶附近的伯尔基卡村的尼克拉•伦耶瓦克。在上帝和上帝的臣民面前，这座教堂确实是一座荣耀的建筑。
As a monk, he was known for his very severe asceticism. Against his will, he was made Bishop of Zahum, where he served his flock faithfully for many years, "keeping it from the cruelty of the Turks and the guile of the Latins" (Prologue). When his monastery was destroyed by the Turks he moved to Ostrog, where he reposed. His body has remained whole, incorrupt, healing and wonderworking to this day. Innumerable miracles have been worked at his grave; both Christians and Muslims seek out his relics for healing from sicknesses and sufferings. A story heard from a parishioner at St Basil of Ostrog Church in Illinois: while the Saint's relics remain intact, reputedly his shoes wear out from time to time and need to be replaced.
• CUACH (Coach, Coningen, Coiningean) of Fionnmagh Church (or Cell Findmiune) in Leinster, Co. Kildare (5-6th c.)
• Martyr DANIEL of Gerona (9th c.) born in Asia Minor, he became a hermit and was martyred in Spain
According to an unreliable legend, the hermit Daniel was a native of Asia Minor, who lived during the time of Charlemagne. The circumstances of his martyrdom are unknown, but he is the patron of the abbey-church of the Benedictine nuns of Gerona, Spain.
• New Martyr DEMETRIUS of the Peloponnesos (1803) // 3RD SUNDAY OF PASCHA // APR 13 //
• DICHU of Saul (5th c.) on of an Ulster chieftain, he was a swineherd in his youth. Saint Patrick's first convert in Ireland. Gave Patrick the ground at Saul for his first Irish church
Dichu, son of an Ulster chieftain and a swineherd in his youth, succeeded to the kingdom of Lecale in County Down, Ireland, and bitterly opposed Saint Patrick (f.d. March 17) when he landed there in 432. He became Patrick's first Irish convert, gave Patrick a church in Saul, capital of Lecale, the first of Patrick's foundations in Ireland, and the two became close friends. After his conversion he continued to the end faithful to Christ.
• Nun ENDELIENTA (Endellion, Endelion, Endellon, Endelient) Reclusess of Endellion (6th c.) Daughter of Saint Brychan of Brycheiniog. Sister of Saint Nectan of Hartland
Saint Endellion is another of the numerous children of the saintly King Brychan of Brecknock. Nothing is known of her life, but she gave her name to a place in Cornwall, where part of her tomb survives and where two wells honor her memory. A chapel was dedicated to her at Tregony, where she is reputed to have lived on the milk of only one cow. This animal was killed by the lord of Tregony because it trespassed on his land. Her godfather, a great man, had the lord killed for this offense, but Endellion miraculously brought him back to life. There is another chapel dedicated to her at Lundy Island, opposite her brother Nectan's settlement at Hartland in Devonshire. Part of her shrine in St Endellion in Cornwall still exists.
• FIACHAN (Fiachina, Fianchne, Fianchine) (7th c.) born in Munster in Ireland, he was a monk at Lismore and a disciple of St Carthage the Younger
Born in Desies, Munster, Ireland; 7th century. An Irish monk of Lismore, whose sterling quality was obedience, Saint Fiachan was the disciple of Saint Carthage the Younger. He is titular saint of the parish of Kill-Fiachna, in the diocese of Ardfert.
• Hosiosmartyr GUNDEBERT of Gumber (8th c.) Frankish courtier. Brother of Saint Nivard. Married to Saint Bertha of Avenay. With Bertha's approval, he separated from her to become a monk. Travelled to Ireland where he was martyred by pagans attacking his monastery
• JOHN 约翰 Tolaius 托莱, patriarch of Alexandria (482)
• JOHN of Romania
• Sainted JOHN 约翰 (John of Kaloktenos, John the New) metropolitan of Thebes, the new Merciful One (1182-1193)
Ὁ Ἅγιος Ἰωάννης ὁ Καλοκτένης Μητροπολίτης Θηβῶν
• LIBERIUS I a greek Philosoph, Bishop of Ravenna (200)
• Venerable MEMNON 麦穆农 the Wonderworker of Cyprus (2nd c.) said to have performed a number of miracles, including causing a spring to gush forth, destroying a plague of locusts, curing illnesses and saving boats from destruction
Ὁ Ὅσιος Μέμνων ὁ Θαυματουργός
奇工创造者－可敬的孟农
从年轻时起孟农就恒切祷告、斋戒、生活洁净，由此他的身体为圣灵提供了居所。孟农医治了疑难病症，并施行了很多奇迹。有一次，孟农出现在海上的暴风雨中，使船只脱离了危险。孟农于公元2世纪安息主怀，得以进入上帝永恒的家园。
• NICEPHORUS 尼基佛尔 of Sebaze (9th c.)
• NICETAS 尼基塔 abbot of Synnada (9th c.)
• PAULINUS of Brescia (545) Bishop of Brescia in Italy (c 524-545). His relics are enshrined in the church of San Pietro in Oliveto
• Venerablesss ROSWITHA (Rosweidis) Abbess in Liesborn (847)
• SECUNDELLAS 塞昆德拉 the Deacon, in Gaul
• SENAN (7th c.) a hermit in the north of Wales
• SEVERUS (409) Bishop of Naples in Italy and a famous wonderworker
Bishop of Naples, Italy from 363 to 409. Friend of Saint Ambrose of Milan. Built four basilicas and other churches. Miracle worker; he once brought a dead man back to life so he could clear his persecuted widow of false accusations by a creditor.
• New Martyr STANKO 斯坦科 the Shepherd of Montenegro (1712)
• The Holy Nobleborn Empress of Gruzia (Georgia) TAMARA the Great // 3RD SUNDAY OF PASCHA // MAY 1 //
• Martyr THEODORE of Byzantium, suffered in Mytilene (1784)
• Martyr TORPES (Tropez) (65) in Pisa in Italy under Nero
Martyred in the persecutions of Nero. Nothing else is known for sure, though that never slowed early writers who created lengthy biographies of him. Saint-Tropez, France is named for him.
• TYCHICUS bishop of Paphos B (1st c.) disciple of Saint Paul the Apostle (Acts 20:4, 21:29) and his fellow worker (Col. 4:7; Eph. 6:21ff), Saint Tychicus is said to have ended his days as bishop of Paphos in Cyprus
• WILFRID the Younger (744) monk and favourite disciple of St John of Beverley in England, whom he succeeded. Before his repose he lived at the monastery at Ripon
Benedictine abbot and bishop of York, England. A monk and disciple of St John of Beverley, he studied at Whitby Abbey and received ordination. He became John's chaplain when John was named bishop of York, and received appointment as abbot of the cathedral community in the city. Soon after, he was appointed John's coadjutor and succeeded to the see atYork at his benefactor's passing in 721. He eventually retired to a monastery, most likely Ripon, where he died.
Synaxarion: THE SUNDAY OF THE HOLY MYRRHBEARING WOMEN
The Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearing Women, St Joseph of Arimathea, and StNicodemus
On this day, the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, we celebrate the memory of the Holy Myrrhbearing Women. We also commemorate St Joseph of Arimathea, who was one of the seventy secret Apostles. We also remember St Nicodemus, who came to Christ at night and was one of the leaders of the Jews.
We remember the women because they were the first to truthfully bear witness to the Resurrection, while Joseph and Nicodemus were the first to bear witness to the burial of Christ. These two facts are both true and well known by us. Nicodemus was immediately banished from the synagogue and was forbidden to rejoin it. After burying the Body of Jesus, Joseph was thrown into a deep pit; however, by the grace of God, he was delivered from it and went to his estate in Arimathea. After His Resurrection, Christ showed Himself to Joseph, who was tied in bonds, thus firmly confirming the mystery of the Resurrection. Joseph suffered a great deal at the hands of his persecutors, but he could not bear to keep silent concerning all these mystical events and boldly taught all people about what had taken place regarding Jesus. It is said that Nicodemus, was the first to proclaim in detail what had occurred at the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. Since he was one of the foremost in the Council of the Jews and a Pharisee, he knew firsthand the councils and plots of the Jewish leaders and all that had come to pass regarding the Lord. Thus, as was first stated, St Nicodemus and St Joseph are commemorated after the Resurrection, together with the women who saw the risen Christ, because they are true and authentic witnesses of the Burial.
Although St Thomas was commemorated last Sunday, it is still right that the descendants of Eve ― this same Eve that first fell into sin and inherited the curse ― should be the first to behold the Resurrection and to hear the joyful tidings concerning it. The reason they are called "Myrrhbearers" is this: since that Friday was the day before the Passover, for great was that Saturday, Joseph and Nicodemus struggled to bury the Lord's Body, anointing It with ointments according to the custom of the Jews, but not in a fittingly proper manner. They were able only to apply some aloes and a bit more myrrh on His most pure Body before wrapping Him in thin linen and laying Him in the tomb that was hewn out of rock. This tomb belonged to Joseph, and since the burial was carried out so quickly and because of his love for his Master, he gave his own tomb to hold the most Pure Body of Christ ― that Body that even the whole universe cannot contain. Because of this, the women in their fervent love for Christ, as true disciples, purchased expensive ointments, myrrh-oils, and came to the tomb while it was night ― either because of their fear of the Jews or because it was the custom to weep at the site of the grave in the early morning. In short, they strongly desired to anoint Him properly and fulfill all that had been omitted due to the hurried manner of the burial. When they arrived at the tomb, they saw many signs, such as two radiant angels who were inside the tomb and another who was seated on the stone. They then saw Christ and worshiped Him, but Mary Magdalene thought He was the gardener and inquired concerning the Lord's Body. Yet, we should know that there were more Myrrhbearers than those mentioned by the Evangelists, for they named only those who were more well known and were silent concerning the others. The 1st one of them is MARY MAGDALENE from whom Christ had cast out seven devils. After the Resurrection of Christ, she went to Rome, where she told Tiberius Caesar all that Pilate and the leaders of the Jews had done to the Savior. Her testimony was enough to condemn them to death. When Mary Magdalene visited the Emperor Tiberius Caesar in Rome, holding a plain egg in her hand, she greeted him with the words: "Christ is Risen!" Th Emperor exclaimed: "How can someone rise from the dead? This is hard to believe. It is just as likely that Christ rose from the dead as it is likely that the egg you an holding will turn red." Even as he spoke the egg's color began turning into a brilliant red. She then began preaching Christ to the Emperor and the imperial household. Following this, Mary Magdalene went to Ephesus, where she died and was buried by John the Theologian. Later her body was moved to Constantinople by the emperor Leo the Wise. The 2nd woman is SALOME who was the daughter of Joseph, the guardian of the Theotokos. (This is what many of the Fathers believed. However, both St John of Damascus and St Jerome, among others, held firmly that St Joseph had no children, nor had he been previously married.) She was the wife of Zebedee and the mother of John the Theologian and the Holy Apostle James. Joseph had four sons: James (called the Less), Joses, Simon, and Jude; and three daughters: Esther, Tamara, and Salome, the wife of Zebedee. Thus, when you hear the Gospel say Mary, the mother of James the Less and Joses, you should be aware that this refers to the Theotokos, for she was considered their mother (step- mother). Thus, John the Theologian would be the son of Jesus' sister (step-sister), His nephew. The 3rd Myrrhbearer is JOANNA the wife of Chouza, who was an administrator and steward in the house of King Herod Antipas. The 4th and 5th women were MARY and MARTHA the sisters of Lazarus. The 6th was MARY the wife of Cleopas, and the 7th was SUSANNA. There were also other women, as St Luke says, who served Christ and the disciples from their own abundance.
Thus, the Church has designated this day, the 1st Sunday after Thomas Sunday, to commemorate these women who preached the Resurrection and the many other signs that confirmed and verified the Resurrection of Christ. Therefore, Christ's Church has determined to celebrate these women as the ones who were the first to behold Christ risen from the dead, who announced to all the prophecy of salvation, and who lived their lives in Christ in a fitting manner as ones who had been taught by Christ Himself.
Through the prayers of the Holy Myrrhbearing Women,
St Joseph of Arimathea and St Nicodemus,
O Christ our God, have mercy on us and
save us. Amen.
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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