July 28
Reading:
Saint Irene, who was from Cappadocia, flourished in the
ninth century. Because of her great beauty and virtue, she was brought
to Constantinople as a prospective bride for the young Emperor Michael
(842-867); however, as Saint Joannicius the Great foretold, it was God's
will that she assume the monastic habit instead. She shone forth in
great ascetical labours, and suffered many attacks from the demons;
while yet a novice, she attained to the practice of Saint Arsenius the
Great, of praying the whole night long with arms stretched out towards
Heaven (see May 8). God showed forth great signs and wonders in her, and
she became the Abbess of the Convent of Chrysovalantou. She was granted
the gift of clairvoyance and knew the thoughts of all that came to her.
She appeared in a vision to the king and rebuked him for unjustly
imprisoning a nobleman who had been falsely accused. Through a sailor
from Patmos to whom he had appeared, Saint John the Evangelist sent her
fragrant and wondrous apples from Paradise. She reposed at the age of
103, still retaining the youthful beauty of her countenance. After her
repose, marvelous healings beyond number have been wrought by her to the
present day.
Apolytikion in the Plagal of the First Tone
Not a temporal kingdom on earth didst thou obtain, but Christ,
thy most comely Bridegroom, vouchsafed thee heavenly crowns, and thou
reignest as a queen with Him eternally; for thou didst dedicate thyself
unto Him with all thy soul, O Irene, our righteous Mother, thou boast of
Chrysovalantou, and mighty help of all the Orthodox.
Kontakion in the Third Tone
Leaving all the world behind with its impermanent glory, thou
wast wedded unto Christ, the King immortal and holy, bringing Him as
precious dowry thy maiden beauty and thy trophies won through abstinence
over demons. O Irene, our righteous Mother, entreat thy Bridegroom to
show His mercy to us.
SOURCE:
SAINT OR FEAST POSTED THIS DATE 2010(with 2009's link here also and further, 2008's, even 2007!
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