Patriarch's Homilies

09-05Holy Prophet Zacharias, Father of the Venerable Forerunner

In the vesture of a priest, according to the Law of God, thou didst offer unto Him well-pleasing whole-burnt offerings, as it befitted a priest, O wise Zacharias. Thou wast a shining light, a seer of mysteries, bearing in thyself clearly the signs of grace; and in God's temple, O wise Prophet of Christ God, thou wast slain with the sword. Hence, with the Forerunner, make entreaty that our souls find salvation.

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09-06The Commemoration of the Miracle Wrought by Archangel Michael in Colossae

O Michael, who standest altogether radiant before the Trinity together with all the heavenly Hosts, and with them dost cry aloud the song inspired of God: As thou dost pass throughout the earth by God's command and art made wondrous with exceedingly great marvels, cease not to intercede for us all.

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09-07Cassiani

The 9th century saint Kassiani was supposed to be in love with the Emperor Theophilos, who rejected her when she proved to be more intelligent than he. 

09-08The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

Your birth, O Theotokos, brought joy to the whole world, for from you dawned the sun of righteousness, Christ our God. Freeing us from the curse, He gave us His blessings. Abolishing death, He granted us eternal life.

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09-09The Holy & Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna

Today, the day following the Nativity of the most holy Theotokos, we celebrate the synaxis of Saints Joachim and Anna, honouring them as her parents.

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09-11St‭. ‬Euphrosynos the Cook‭er

Euphrosynos the cook replied?, ??"?This is the dwelling place of God’s elect?, ?and by God’s great goodness I have made my abode here as well?.?"

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09-12Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy

Apodosis of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy

O wise one, thou wast initiated solemnly in matters divine, O Martyr, blest Autonomos. Thou wast made a pleasing sacrifice when thou drankest the cup of Christ; and while standing before Him now, thou ceaselessly prayest Him for all of us.

> Click here to read the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

> Click here to read the life of the Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy

09-13Saint Cornelius the Centurion and Martyr

The Church hath received thee as the holy first-fruits of the nations; for thou dost illumine her with thy great deeds of godly virtues, O hallowed and sacred initiate, most godly Cornelius.

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09-15Nikitas the Great Martyr

Destroying the might of error by thy firm resolve, and taking the crown of vict'ry through thy sufferings, O Nikitas, namesake of vict'ry, thou rejoicest with angel-kind, and with them, O glorious one, thou ceaselessly prayest Christ God for us all.

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09-16Saint Euphemia the Great Martyr

The 3rd- 4th Century A.D.

"An angel of the Lord, came down from Heaven, removed Euphemia from the wheel and healed her of her wounds. The saint gave thanks unto the Lord with gladness."

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09-17Sophia & her three daughters

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10: 28)

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09-21

09-22 St. Sophia and Her Three Daughters

The Holy Martyrs Saint Sophia and her Daughters Faith, Hope and Love were born in Italy. Sophia was a pious Christian widow who named her daughters for the three Christian virtues. At the time of their martyrdom, Faith was twelve, Hope was ten, and Love was nine. St. Sophia raised them in the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, and they did not hide their faith, openly confessing it before everyone.

An official named Antiochus denounced them to Emperor Hadrian who ordered that they be brought to Rome. The holy virgins prayed fervently to the Lord asking that He give them the strength not to fear torture and death. When they appeared before the emperor, all those present were amazed at their composure. They looked as though they had been brought to some happy festival, rather than to torture. Summoning each of the sisters in turn, Hadrian urged them to offer sacrifice to the goddess Artemis, but the girls remained unyielding.

The emperor then ordered them to be tortured. They were burned over an iron grating, thrown into a red-hot oven, and finally into a cauldron with boiling tar, but the Lord preserved them. The youngest child, Love, was tied to a wheel and beat with rods until her body was covered with bloody welts. After undergoing unspeakable torments, the holy virgins glorified their Heavenly Bridegroom and remained steadfast in the Faith.

St. Sophia was subjected to another type of grievous torture: she was forced to watch the suffering of her daughters. She displayed adamant courage, and urged her daughters to endure their torments for the sake of the Heavenly Bridegroom. All three maidens were beheaded, and joyfully bent their necks beneath the sword.

In order to intensify St. Sophia’s suffering, the emperor permitted her to take the bodies of her daughters for burial. She placed their remains in coffins and loaded them on a wagon. She drove beyond the city and reverently buried them on a high hill. Sitting by their graves for three days, she gave up her soul to the Lord. Even though she did not suffer for Christ in the flesh, she was not deprived of a martyr’s crown. Instead, she suffered in her heart. Believers buried her body there beside her daughters. Their relics have rested at El’zasa, in the Church of Esho, since the year 777.

09-22St Silwan

09-22Phocas the Martyr, Bishop of Sinope

Latinized form of the Greek name Φωκας (Phokas), which meant "a seal" from Greek φωκη (phoke).

This saint was known for the many miracles he worked and for his apostolic zeal in shepherding the flock of Sinope.

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09-23The Conception of St. John the Baptist

The Conception of St. John the Baptist
(For more infor press here)

09-24St Takla

09-24Thecla the Protomartyr & Equal to the Apostles

09-24St. Silouan of Athos

09-26St John the theologian