August 31
Reading:
Saint Cyprian was born of pagan parents in Carthage of
Roman Africa about the year 190. An eloquent teacher of rhetoric, he was
converted and baptized late in life, and his conversion from a proud
man of learning to a humble servant of Christ was complete; he sold his
great possessions and gave them to the poor, and because of his zeal and
virtue, was ordained presbyter in 247, then Bishop of Carthage in 248.
He was especially steadfast in defending the sanctity and uniqueness of
the Baptism of the Church of Christ against the confusion of those who
would allow some validity to the ministrations of heretics; his writings
continue to guide the Church even in our own day. Having survived the
persecution of Decius about the year 250, he was beheaded in confession
of the Faith during the persecution of Valerian in 258, on September 14;
that day being the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, his feast is
kept today.
Apolytikion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
Guide of Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness, luminary of
Carthage, God-inspired adornment of confessors, O wise Cyprian, by thy
teachings thou has enlightened all, O harp of the Spirit. Intercede with
Christ God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion in the First Tone
We honour thee, O Cyprian, as a true shepherd * who with thy
sacred words and divinely-wise doctrines * hast shown us the
bound'ry-stones marking out the one Church of Christ. * Even unto death
didst thou bear witness with courage; * wherefore, we extol thee as a
hierarch and Martyr. * Entreat that we all be saved.
SOURCE:
SOURCE FOR ICON:
SAINT OR FEAST POSTED THIS DATE 2012(with 2011's link here also and further, 2010, 2009, 2008 and even 2007!)
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