December 20
Reading:
Saint Ignatius was a disciple of Saint John the
Theologian, and a successor of the Apostles, and he became the second
Bishop of Antioch, after Evodus. He wrote many epistles to the faithful,
strengthening them in their confession, and preserving for us the
teachings of the holy Apostles. Brought to Rome under Trajan, he was
surrendered to lions to be eaten, and so finished the course of
martyrdom about the year 107. The remnants of his bones were carefully
gathered by the faithful and brought to Antioch. He is called
God-bearer, as one who bare God within himself and was aflame in heart
with love for Him. Therefore, in his Epistle to the Romans (ch. 4),
imploring their love not to attempt to deliver him from his longed-for
martyrdom, he said, "I am the wheat of God, and am ground by the teeth
of the wild beasts, that I may be found to be the pure bread of God."
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the
Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of
ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of
truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O
Hieromartyr Ignatius. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be
saved.
Kontakion in the Third Tone
The divine and brilliant day of thine illustrious contests doth
proclaim to all mankind Him that was born of a Virgin; for it was for
Him that thou didst thirst to delight in, and didst haste to be devoured
by beasts in thy longing. Hence, O glorious Ignatius, the name
God-bearer was rightly given to thee.
SOURCE:
SAINT OR FEAST POSTED THIS DATE 2011(with 2010's link here also and further, 2009, 2008's, even 2007!)
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