Monday, January 04, 2016

Apostle Ananias of the Seventy

Commemorated on January 4

The Holy Apostle Ananias of the Seventy was the first Bishop of Damascus. The Lord ordered him to restore the sight of Saul, the former persecutor of Christians, then baptize him (Acts 9:10-19, 22:12). Saul became the great preacher and Apostle Paul. St Ananias boldly and openly confessed Christianity before the Jews and the pagans, despite the danger.

From Damascus he went to preach at Eleutheropolis, where he healed many of their infirmities. Lucian, the prefect of the city, tried to persuade the holy one to offer sacrifice to idols. Because of Ananias’ staunch and solid confession of Christ, Lucian ordered that he be tortured. Harsh torments did not sway the witness of Truth. Then the torturers led him out beyond the city, where they stoned him. The saint prayed for those who put him to death. His relics were later transferred to Constantinople.

St Ananias is also commemorated on October 1.

TROPARION - TONE 3

Holy apostle Ananias of the Seventy; / entreat the merciful God / to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.

KONTAKION - TONE 4

The Church ever sees you as a shining star, O apostle Ananias, / Your miracles have manifested great enlightenment. / Therefore we cry out to Christ: / “Save those who with faith honor Your apostle, O Most Merciful One.”

SOURCE:

SAINT OR FEAST POSTED THIS DATE 2014(with 2013's link here also and further:, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, and even 2008!):

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