Commemorated on September 29
Saint Theophanes the Merciful was an inhabitant of the Syrian city of
Gaza. He was very kind and merciful. He took in vagrants, he helped the
poor and the sick, and he spent all his substance on help for the
needy, while he himself remained in want.
St Theophanes did not
grieve at all over the loss of his property, but he lost his health, and
sickness caused him great suffering. His body began to swell up, to
rot, and to give off a stench. This ordeal the monk also endured in good
spirit, giving thanks to God for all things.
A fierce storm
raged while he was dying, and his wife grieved that she would not be
able to give him proper burial. The saint comforted her: “Weep not,
woman, for up to now the trial has lasted, but here comes help from the
Merciful God, since in the hour of my death the storm will cease, by the
will of God.” So it occurred: just as he gave up his soul to God,
calmness prevailed. After death the body of St Theophanes became
completely cleansed of wounds and decay and became fragrant, giving
forth abundant healing myrrh.
SOURCE:
SAINT OR FEAST POSTED THIS DATE 2013(with 2012's link here also and further, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and even 2007!)
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