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St. Demetrios Church
Publish Date: 2024-09-22
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St. Demetrios Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (440) 331-2246
  • Fax:
  • (440) 331-8407
  • Street Address:

  • 22909 Center Ridge Road

  • Rocky River, OH 44116
  • Mailing Address:

  • 22909 Center Ridge Road

  • Rocky River, OH 44116


Contact Information








Services Schedule

Sundays 8:30 a.m. Orthros and 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Special weekday feastday services to be announced in the bulletin.


Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 16:13-24.

Brethren, be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; I urge you to be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicos, because they have made up for your absence; for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men. The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. All the brethren send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. If any one has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.


Gospel Reading

1st Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 5:1-11

At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.


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Parish Announcements

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

SUNDAY

9/22

8:20; 9:30 a.m.

Orthros; Divine Liturgy; Sunday School

MONDAY

9/23

 

 

TUESDAY

9/24

5:00-6:30 p.m.

Greek School

WEDNESDAY

9/25

9:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Pickleball @ Tri-City Park

Bible Study

THURSDAY

9/26

10:30 a.m.

5:00-6:30 p.m.

6:45-7:30 p.m.

Prayer Group

Greek School

Kyklonas Dance practice

This week, the church office will only be open in the mornings. Please contact the Operations Manager for access in the afternoon and Fr. Andy directly with any pastoral emergencies.

SUNDAY

9/29

8:20; 9:30 a.m.

Orthros; Divine Liturgy; Sunday School

MONDAY

9/30

6:00 p.m.

Movie Monday

TUESDAY

10/1

11:30 a.m.

5:00-6:30 p.m.

Yassou Club Potluck

Greek School

WEDNESDAY

10/2

9:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

6:00 p.m.

Pickleball@Tri-City Park (weather permitting)

Bible Study

Daughters of Penelope meeting

THURSDAY

10/3

10:30 a.m.

5:00-6:30 p.m.

6:45-7:30 p.m.

Prayer Group

Greek School

Kyklonas Dance practice

FRIDAY

10/4

 

 

SATURDAY

10/5

5:00 p.m.

FOCUS Friends @ St Herman’s


BON VOYAGE

 Sun., Sept 22, the Parish Council and Philoptochos invites you to coffee hour after Liturgy to say farewell to Fr. Jim and Presvytera Goldie Doukas who are moving out of state to be closer to their children.


GOYA NEWS

Sun., Sept. 29 after Liturgy in the loop driveway next to the church courtyard. Free will donations accepted to benefit our youth organization.

 


MOVIE MONDAY

This year’s film series explores the intent, wording, and application of the

Ten Commandments. Screenings at 6 p.m. in the Cultural Hall. Free and open to all.

September 30: VIII Commandment:  You shall not steal.  Millions (2009;  98 minutes;  Rated PG) In this family-friendly comedy, bank robbers accidentally drop a bag of stolen money on the playhouse of a 7-year-old British boy. Since his mum’s death, he’s been talking to saints, and sees the windfall as a miracle. But he is soon grappling with the morals of using ill-gotten gains while evading the gang that’s looking for their loot, and worse – his greedy big brother! Can one ‘do good’ with stolen goods?

In celebration of National Church Music, come see the musical version of Victor Hugo’s extraordinary tale, which also ties into our year-long series on the 10 Commandments. Jean Valjean breaks the 7th Commandment and sets into motion the events of this epic story. We’ll check off which commandments were broken and which were observed, and discuss the consequences to each character.  Special matinee screenings at 3:00 p.m.

Les Miserables  (2012, Rated PG-13; starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe)  October 7, Part I (1 hour & 20 minutes);   October 21,  Part II (1 hour & 20 minutes)


YASSOU POTLUCK

Tue., Oct. 1,  11:30 a.m. in the hall for parish seniors. The club will provide a chicken entrée. Attendees invited to bring a side dish or dessert. RSVP to Jackie Lekas ([email protected] or 216-389-0970)


WINE & CHEESE

Daughters of Penelope invite you read Circe by Madeline Miller. This modern novel tells the ancient story of Odysseus’ “other woman” from her perspective. We will meet on Wed., Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room  for a discussion with wine & cheese (even if you don’t finish the book!) Available at the library, book stores and audio.


OPA!

The Kyklonas Dancers (ages 13 & up) are now rehearsing for two performances:

Saturday, November 2 –Sterea Ellas  banquet, held here at St Demetrios Cultural Hall.

Nov. 8-10 – Folk Dance Festival. Registration forms will be available during rehearsals.

Rehearsals in the hall, 6:45-7:30  p.m. : Thu., Oct. 3, 10, 17 and Tuesdays, Oct. 22 & 29

 


FRIENDS OF THE POOR

SERVING DINNER AT ST. HERMAN’S Volunteer to feed the homeless with your parish family:

~FOCUS Friends next service date: Sat.,  Oct. 5.  Contact Linda Glynias (216-469-2663)

~Philoptochos next service date:  Tue., Oct. 8.    Contact Joanne Harootunian (440-353-0910)


MEMORIALS

Coming up… Oct. 6: 

10 years for James Coutris, husband of Janet, father of Maria, John and Michael

10 years for James Selos,  husband of Dora, father of Maria, Elaine and Valerie

1 year for Virginia Tasi, sister of Helen Carmine

Deceased parish musicians:  George Bowdouris, Eugenia Burpulis, Vasiliki Delaney, Maria Diamantis, Donna Fisher, Louis Fisher, Connie Georgeson, Mary Georgeson, George Kapottos, Manoli Katrakazos, Anastasia Kolas, Mary Kolas Klassa, Markella Lakos, Georganne Latkovic, Michael Loejos, Presvytera Emilia Metallinos, Dena Nikokirakis, James Pappadakes, Jack Pyros, Sylvia Pyros, David Richards, Kay Schmitz, Fr. Nick Theodosian, Angela Tjotjos, Bill Vassos, Mary Westbrook, and Artemis York.


FESTIVAL APPRECIATION

Sun., Oct. 13, in the hall after Liturgy. The Parish Council and the Festival Committee invites our festival volunteers to a complimentary brunch. Meal by Coyne Catering.


TRUNK OR TREAT

Wed., Oct. 23, all the children in our community invited to the Zapis Activity Center parking lot, starting at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments provided by GOYA.  (No scary/evil costumes)  All families invited to decorate their cars and distribute candy. RSVP to Kelly (216-410-2068.) Decorated cars must be in the parking lot by 6 p.m. so we can close off lot for safety.


ST DEMETRIOS FEASTDAY

Celebrate  our parish patron saint and our 65th Anniversary!

*Friday, October 25: 6 p.m. Vespers.  Coffee Social to follow

*Saturday, October 26 : 8:20 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Coffee Social to follow

*Sunday, October 27: 8:20 a.m. Orthros; 9:39 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Luncheon to follow in the Metallinos Cultural Hall, Hosted by Philoptochos ~ Meal by Coyne Catering. Adults $20.00, Children under 10 years old- $10.00. Call Pela Telidis at 440-590-0704 to reserve your tickets.


OXI DAY

Join us remembering the onset of World War II in Greece & their heroic “No” to fascism on Oct. 28, 1940. Monday, October 28:

  • 8:20 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy for the Protection of the Theotokos (Αγία Σκέπη της Θεοτόκου).
  • 6:00 p.m. Screening of Echoes of the Past  in the Cultural Hall. This fictional drama is inspired by the true events of the 1943 Massacre of Kalavryta.

 

Tuesday, October 29: 5:00 p.m. Greek School OXI Day Parade & Program in the Cultural Hall. Open to all. Refreshments by PTO.


NOVEMBER HOLY DAYS

Synaxis of the Archangels : Fri., Nov. 8, 8:30 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

 

St. Nektarios:  Fri., Nov. 8, 6:00 p.m. Vespers;

                        Sat., Nov. 9, 8:30 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

 

Entrance of the Theotokos: Thu., Nov. 21,  8:30 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

 

St. Andrew: Sat., Nov. 30,  8:30 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy


ARCHANGELS DINNER

Fri., November 8, the Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Archangels, patron saints of the armed forces and first responders. For the past few years, our staff has provided dinner for the Rocky River police and fire departments on behalf of our community.  This year, we hope to put together a team of volunteers who can help prepare and deliver dinner to the first responders in both Rocky River and Westlake, the two cities in which our church is located geographically. Please email [email protected] if you are available to donate, cook, and/or deliver food that day.


BOOK & BIBLE STUDY

Meeting on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Library. All welcome! 


PRAYER GROUP

Thursdays at 10:30  a.m. in St Philothei Chapel. Contact Diakonissa Amy ([email protected] or 330-519-3100) to join, or to submit names for whom we can pray.

 


EVENTS ELSEWHERE

ST. KYRANNA COOKING CLASS  Sat., Sept. 21, at Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral (3352 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights. Great Vespers at 5:00 p.m., followed by class on  "Peloponnese Pasta." Attending Young Adults (21-35) asked to bring a bottle of wine and a fun board game to share. RSVP at [email protected]  by September 16th.

GODLY MARRIAGE AND VIRGINITY Sept. 20-22, weekend retreat with Fr. Josiah Trenham, PhD, author and podcaster. At St. Matthew Orthodox Church, 10383 Albion Road, North Royalton.

Fri, 7-9 p.m. 1st Talk ;  Sat, 9:30 a.m.  Continental breakfast, 10 am 2nd Talk, Noon Lunch, 1 p.m.          3rd Talk, 4 p.m.            Vespers. Sun,  10 a.m. Divine Liturgy & Homily by Fr. Josiah. Luncheon to follow

Registration deadline: September 8. Contact: Cindy George ([email protected])

Free-will offerings gratefully accepted.

 GROWING IN GRATITUDE Sept. 20-22, Family Camp at Camp Nazareth, Mercer, PA. Open to families of all sizes and ages where your relationship with Christ and one another will grow and flourish. Adult track speakers Dr. Peter & Theanne Gagianas;  Youth Track speaker Pres. Sarah Mandeville. Registration: tinyurl.com/MPFC2024

METROPOLIS CLERGY LAITY 

Hosted by Holy Cross Church, 123 Gilkeson Rd., Pittsburgh.

Sat., Sept 21:  Philoptochos Assembly.

Sat., Sept 28: Clergy-Laity. Our parish is sending 4 delegates but an unlimited number of educators and youth workers welcome to come and observe the Religious Educators & Youth Workers meetings. More info at  https://www.pittsburgh.goarch.org/clergy-laity

THE THORN Sept. 24 or 25, 7 p.m. at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. This show about Christ’s Passion combines drama, music, dance, martial arts and aerial acrobatics. For ticket prices go to https://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/outback-presents-the-thorn

  THE ART OF ANTIQUITY Sun., Sept. 29, 2:00 p.m., the Collis lecture presents John K. Papadopoulos, Director of Excavations at the Athenian Agora. The talk will take place at Case Western Reserve University’s Tinkham Veal Center, 11038 Bellflower Road, Cleveland. Tickets are free by reservation required thru the Cleveland Museum of Art.

EASTERN ORTHODOX WOMEN’S GUILD FUNDRAISER Thu., Oct. 10 Dinner to benefit

St. Theodosius Cathedral Rebuilding Fund, hosted by Holy Trinity Church Hall, 6822 Broadview Road, Parma. Doors open at 6 p.m.;  Dinner at 7 p.m. $20/adult;  $10/ child ages 6-12; under 6 free. Appetizers during social hour followed by homemade dinner. Delicious pastries and auction gift baskets.  Contact cantor Irene Georgantas during coffee hour.

TOPGOLF FUNDRAISER Sat., Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at TopGolf  5820 Rockside Woods Blvd N,  Independence.   Sponsored by AHEPA Chapter 144. $50/person for 3 hours of golf. $25/non-golfer. All tickets include breakfast buffet. Register by 10/5 by calling Nick Stamatis (440-785-2981)

DEAN PARAS FOUNDATION CLAMBAKE Sun., Oct. 13, 4 p.m. at Veranda Bistro & Bar, 32045 Detroit Rd., Avon. $75/person to benefit Research of Neuroendocrine Cancer. Tickets at Deanparasfoundation.net 

METROPOLIS YAL CONFERENCE Oct. 18-20.  at the Doubletree by Hilton-Green Tree, 500 Mansfield Ave., Pittsburgh. $250 Early Bird registration for first 100 (now open); $295  regular. Hotel rate: $139/night.  Learn more and register at: https://y2am.pittsburgh.goarch.org/ya/2024-yal-conference

IOCC WINE  BENEFIT Mon., Oct. 21, IOCC Benefit at St. Michael’s Woodside Event Center, 5025 Mill Road, Broadview Heights. Enjoy a four-course dinner with wine pairings, a basket drawing, a wine cork pull for a chance to win an expensive bottle of wine, and learn about IOCC’s work around the world.  $70 / person . Tickets available at https://give.iocc.org/events  Anyone interested in being our parish rep for IOCC, contact Fr. Andy.

 BOOK SIGNING Sat., Nov. 2, 11 a.m. HPA invites you to a meet & greet with author Yvette Manessis Corporon, discussing her new novel Daughter of Ruins, at Sts. Constantine and Helen, 3352 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Hts. $50 includes a copy of the book. Tickets at hpsneo.org

STEREA ELLAS NATIONAL CONVENTION Sat., Nov. 2 at St Demetrios Cultural Hall. Dinner-dance $90; $25 for children 4-20; Dance only (after 9 p.m.) $35. Doors open at 6 p.m. Live music from Greece! For tickets, call Peggy Kachevas (440-554-0425)

 FALL RETREAT Sat., Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sts. Constantine & Helen, 3352 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Heights. Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis will lead a retreat on “Finding Gratitude.” For more info, contact Anna Warren (216-287-6890.)


PARISH PICKLEBALL

Now thru the summer months, we will be meeting at Tri-City Park (behind the church) at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays only. 


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Saints and Feasts

September 22

Phocas the Martyr, Bishop of Sinope

This saint was known for the many miracles he worked and for his apostolic zeal in shepherding the flock of Sinope. He contested for the Faith during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, in the year 102, when he was burned to death in a bath-house. A homily in his honour was composed by Saint John Chrysostom. The translation of his holy relics is celebrated on July 23.


September 23

The Conception of St. John the Baptist

This came to pass fifteen months before the birth of Christ, after the vision of the Angel that Zacharias, the father of the Forerunner, saw in the Temple while he executed the priest's office in the order of his course during the feast of the Tabernacles, as tradition bears witness. In this vision, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias and said to him, "Thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John" (Luke 1:13). Knowing that Elizabeth was barren, and that both he and she were elderly, Zacharias did not believe what the Angel told him, although he had before him the example of Abraham and Sarah, of Hannah, mother of the Prophet Samuel, and of other barren women in Israel who gave birth by the power of God. Hence, he was condemned by the Archangel to remain speechless until the fulfilment of these words in their season, which also came to pass (Luke 1:7-24).


September 24

Thekla the Protomartyr & Equal-to-the-Apostles

This saint was from the city of Iconium. When she was eighteen years of age, she was instructed in the Faith of Christ and the hope of the resurrection by the Apostle Paul, whom also she followed, forsaking her betrothed and espousing a life of virginity for the sake of the Heavenly Bridegroom. Having preached Christ in various cities and suffered many things, she reposed in Seleucia of Cilicia at the age of 90.


September 25

Euphrosyne of Alexandria

Our righteous Mother Euphrosyne, who lived during the reign of Saint Theodosius the Younger (408-450), was the daughter of Paphnutius of Egypt. Forsaking her father and his wealth, she renamed herself Smaragdus, and pretending to be a eunuch of the imperial palace, she dressed herself as a man and entered a monastery of men where her identity remained unknown until her repose thirty-eight years later.


September 26

The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian

This Apostle was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the brother of James the elder. First a fisherman by trade, he became an Apostle and the beloved Disciple of Christ. Only he of all the Disciples followed Him even to the Cross, and was entrusted with the care of our Saviour's Mother, as it were another son to her, and a brother of Christ the Teacher. After this, he preached throughout Asia Minor, especially in Ephesus. When the second persecution against the Christians began in the year 96 during the reign of Domitian, he was taken in bonds to Rome, and there was cast into a vat filled to the brim with boiling oil. Coming forth therefrom unharmed, he was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. Returning again to Ephesus after the death of the tyrant, he wrote his Gospel (after the other Evangelists had already written theirs) and his three Catholic Epistles. In all, he lived ninety-five years and fell asleep in the Lord during the reign of Trajan in the year 100. He was called Theologian because he loftily expounded in his Gospel the theology of the inexpressible and eternal birth of the Son and Word of God the Father. It is for this cause that an eagle-a symbol of the Holy Spirit, as Saint Irenaeus says-is depicted in his icon, for this was one of the four symbolic living creatures that the Prophet Ezekiel saw (Ezek. 1:10).


September 27

Akylina the New Martyr of Thessaloniki

By St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite

Akylina, the holy New Martyr of Christ was from Thessalonica, from the village of Zagliveri situated in the Ardameri Diocese. She was the offspring of a pious mother. Her martyrdom took place from the following set of circumstances.

One day the Saint’s father quarreled and wrestled with a Turkish neighbour (since both Christians and Turks lived side by side in this place). By the Evil One’s collaboration he struck and slew the Hagarene. Whereupon he was arrested by the local authorities, who led him to the pasha of Thessalonica to have him condemned. Now he was terrified of death and sought acquittal, so he offered to become a Muslim. (Alas, his fall!) Therefore, they did not execute him. At that time Akylina was an infant nursing on her mother’s milk. After the passage of some time, the Turks enjoined her father that he must have his daughter become a Muslim. He told them:

"Do not be concerned about my daughter. She is under my authority and I will convert her when I want."

However, Akylina’s mother remained anchored in the Faith of Christ and never ceased every hour to exhort her child to stand firmly in the Faith of Christ and not to ever deny Jesus Christ.

When the maiden reached 18 years of age, the Turks once again spoke with her father concerning the conversion. At this point he summoned Akylina and said:

“My child, other Turks have approached me daily on the matter of your accepting Mohammedanism. Therefore, either now or a little later, you will become a Muslim, only make the decision in a day or two, so the Muslims will not harass me.”

Yet the Saint, who was ignited and inflamed with the love of Christ, with great courage declared:

“Perhaps you think that I have the same little faith as yourself to deny my Maker and Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ Who submitted to the cross and death for our sake? I refuse. I am prepared to undergo the woeful torment, even death, for the love of Christ.”

By these superb and admirable statements she was not the daughter of the thrice-miserable father, but truly the daughter of Christ the Heavenly King!

Observing the Saint’s unswerving belief, the father went before the Turks and divulged to them:

“I am unable to induce my daughter to change her beliefs; you do with her whatever you will."

Upon hearing this they went into a flurry, and immediately dispatched men of the court to apprehend the Martyr. Seeing them approaching, the Saint’s blessed mother took hold of Akylina, and gave her this final instruction:

“Lo, my most beloved child and my sweetest daughter, Akylina. Behold, fruit of my womb, the hour has arrived of which I have warned you. Therefore, my girl, attend and obey my admonition. Display courage in the torments which you will face and do not renounce Christ.”

Likewise, Akylina replied:

“Have no fear, my mother, for I have this intention. The All-kind God will be my help. Pray for me.”

Thus, they bid each other farewell with tears.

The servant of the judge bound the Saint and led her to the tribunal. The compassionate mother followed after her beloved daughter to the place of condemnation, since motherly feelings could not conceive of being separated from her dear child. However those that had taken her intocustody, locked her outside the courtyard. Akylina was taken inside into the presence of the judge, who in a coarse manner blurted out to her:

“Eh! You, become a Muslim.”

The Saint exclaimed:

“No, I will not become one. Never will I forsake my belief and my Master Christ!”

Hearing this, the judge became incensed. Therefore he commanded that the Saint be undressed and be left wearing only her chemise. Then they tied Akylina to a column and two servants beat her with rods for many hours. Notwithstanding, the Martyr underwent this torture bravely.

Afterwards the judge and other Turks had the Martyr brought forward again before them. They began to flatter Akylina and promise her expensive gifts if she would renounce the faith. But the bride of Christ possessed in her heart love towards her sublime Bridegroom Christ and would not even consider their offers. Furthermore, since he was extremely wealthy, he brazenly proposed to her:

“Akylina, become a Muslim and I will make you my son’s bride.”

Christ’s Martyr replied with an immense daring:

“You and your son go to perdition.”

With these words the judge’s wrath was kindled. They tied her again as before and flogged her for many hours. When they unfettered her for a third examination, the judge asked her:

“Hapless one, are you not embarrassed to be beaten naked in front of so many men?”

He said this because from the countless blows her slip was in shreds and she was exposed. The judge continued:

“Either you become a Muslim or have your bones shattered before all.”

In refutation she declared:

“And what attraction does your faith have for me to deny my Christ, or what miracle of your religion shall I believe, since you have filthy and indecent lives?”

O fearless testimony! A noble reply worthy of heavenly praise, not from a gentle and delicate young girl, but from a valiant giant!

All within earshot were disgraced, essentially by the brilliancy of her truthful speech. They were at a loss at how to deal with her. In their rage they scourged the Saint mercilessly a third time, leaving her as dead. The earth was reddened by her blood and her flesh fell in pieces to the ground. Next they untied the Martyr and had her carried by a Christian who was present to her mother’s home. Whereupon the mother embraced her daughter who was breathing her last, and asked:

“My child, what have you done?”

As she came to herself slightly, the Martyr exerted much effort to answer, and opening her eyes, beheld her mother:

“O my mother, what else could I do except that which you instructed me? Behold, according to your command I have preserved my confession of faith inviolate.”

Akylina’s mother raised her arms and eyes towards heaven and glorified God. After conversing with her mother, the Martyr surrendered her soul into the hands of God on September 27, 1764 and received the martyr’s crown.

St. Akylina’s most venerable and sacred relics straightaway emitted a marvelous fragrance so divine that all the streets which they traversed with her martyric relics for burial were filled with scent. At night a heavenly light descended upon and illuminated Akylina’s tomb like a shining star. All the Christians who observed this phenomena praised God, to Whom is due glory and power unto endless ages. Amen.

September 28

Chariton the Confessor

Saint Chariton was born in the city of Iconium during the reign of Aurelian, about the year 274. He was arrested, tortured, and condemned to death because of his Christian Faith, but finally set free by imperial edict. He came to Palestine, where he took up the ascetic life. He also brought many Jews and pagans to the Faith. Having dwelt in the desert of Judea for many years, and established several monasteries throughout the region, he reposed in peace.


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