Sundays: Orthros (Matins): 8:30 AM | Divine Liturgy: 9:30 AM
Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 1:10-17.
Brethren, I appeal to you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispos and Gaius; lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any one else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Προκείμενον. Grave Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 28.11,1.
Κύριος ἰσχὺν τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ δώσει.
Στίχ. Ἐνέγκατε τῷ Κυρίῳ υἱοὶ Θεοῦ, ἐνέγκατε τῷ Κυρίῳ δόξαν καὶ τιμήν.
τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 1:10-17.
Ἀδελφοί, παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, διὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἵνα τὸ αὐτὸ λέγητε πάντες, καὶ μὴ ᾖ ἐν ὑμῖν σχίσματα, ἦτε δὲ κατηρτισμένοι ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ νοῒ καὶ ἐν τῇ αὐτῇ γνώμῃ. Ἐδηλώθη γάρ μοι περὶ ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί μου, ὑπὸ τῶν Χλόης, ὅτι ἔριδες ἐν ὑμῖν εἰσιν. Λέγω δὲ τοῦτο, ὅτι ἕκαστος ὑμῶν λέγει, Ἐγὼ μέν εἰμι Παύλου, Ἐγὼ δὲ Ἀπολλώ, Ἐγὼ δὲ Κηφᾶ, Ἐγὼ δὲ Χριστοῦ. Μεμέρισται ὁ Χριστός; Μὴ Παῦλος ἐσταυρώθη ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, ἢ εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου ἐβαπτίσθητε; Εὐχαριστῶ τῷ θεῷ ὅτι οὐδένα ὑμῶν ἐβάπτισα, εἰ μὴ Κρίσπον καὶ Γάϊον· ἵνα μή τις εἴπῃ ὅτι εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα ἐβάπτισα. Ἐβάπτισα δὲ καὶ τὸν Στεφανᾶ οἶκον· λοιπὸν οὐκ οἶδα εἴ τινα ἄλλον ἐβάπτισα. Οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλέν με Χριστὸς βαπτίζειν, ἀλλʼ εὐαγγελίζεσθαι· οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ λόγου, ἵνα μὴ κενωθῇ ὁ σταυρὸς τοῦ Χριστοῦ.
8th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 14:14-22
At that time, Jesus saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves." Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
8th Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 14:14-22
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐξελθὼν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶδε πολὺν ὄχλον, καὶ ἐσπλαγχνίσθη ἐπ᾿ αὐτοῖς καὶ ἐθεράπευσε τοὺς ἀρρώστους αὐτῶν. ὀψίας δὲ γενομένης προσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ λέγοντες· ἔρημός ἐστιν ὁ τόπος καὶ ἡ ὥρα ἤδη παρῆλθεν· ἀπόλυσον τοὺς ὄχλους, ἵνα ἀπελθόντες εἰς τὰς κώμας ἀγοράσωσιν ἑαυτοῖς βρώματα. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν ἀπελθεῖν· δότε αὐτοῖς ὑμεῖς φαγεῖν. οἱ δὲ λέγουσιν αὐτῷ· οὐκ ἔχομεν ὧδε εἰ μὴ πέντε ἄρτους καὶ δύο ἰχθύας. ὁ δὲ εἶπε· φέρετέ μοι αὐτοὺς ὧδε. καὶ κελεύσας τοὺς ὄχλους ἀνακλιθῆναι ἐπὶ τοὺς χόρτους, λαβὼν τοὺς πέντε ἄρτους καὶ τοὺς δύο ἰχθύας, ἀναβλέψας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εὐλόγησε, καὶ κλάσας ἔδωκε τοῖς μαθηταῖς τοὺς ἄρτους, οἱ δὲ μαθηταὶ τοῖς ὄχλοις. καὶ ἔφαγον πάντες καὶ ἐχορτάσθησαν, καὶ ἦραν τὸ περισσεῦον τῶν κλασμάτων δώδεκα κοφίνους πλήρεις. οἱ δὲ ἐσθίοντες ἦσαν ἄνδρες ὡσεὶ πεντακισχίλιοι χωρὶς γυναικῶν καὶ παιδίων. Καὶ εὐθέως ἠνάγκασεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ ἐμβῆναι εἰς τὸ πλοῖον καὶ προάγειν αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ πέραν, ἕως οὗ ἀπολύσῃ τοὺς ὄχλους.
Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick, and champion of kings, O trophy-bearer, Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
Ως τών αιχμαλώτων ελευθερωτής, καί τών πτωχών υπερασπιστής, ασθενούντων ιατρός, βασιλέων υπέρμαχος, τροπαιοφόρε μεγαλομάρτυς Γεώργιε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.
Today at the Cathedral:
We welcome all newcomers to our Cathedral and are glad you are here! Please join us after Liturgy in the Social Hall; we would love to get to know you!
Memorials:
Emmanuel Zervos, 63 years
Efstratia (Stella) Zervos, 15 years
Christopher Haralambous, 40 days
Coffee and sweets are offered in memory of Emmanuel and Efstratia Zervos and Christopher Haralambous.
This week at the Cathedral:
Wednesday, August 6th
9:30 am - Orthros and Divine Liturgy - Holy Transfiguration
Thank you to Elaina Varunes and the ladies of Philoptochos for providing and preparing the grapes for today's service.
Friday, August 8th
7pm - Small Paraklesis
Reading of the names of the living (for the health and salvation)
Forms are on the Pangari
Announcements:
The Dormition of the Panagia - August 1-15, 2025
Each year on August 15 or Dekapentavgoustos on the Greek Orthodox Christian calendar, the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is celebrated. It is a religious holiday that marks the “falling asleep,” repose or kimisis of the Virgin Mary, mother of the Lord Jesus Christ. We invite you to attend the beautiful services of Paraklesis on Wednesday and Friday evenings at 7 pm. Please join us in prayer to the Panagia at this special time in our church dedicated to her as we ask for her intercession with her son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, for His Mercy and Great Grace upon us. Names of the living are read for the health and well-being of loved ones during the Paraklesis services. Forms for the reading of the names are in the narthex. (see flyer)
Anyone interested in donating towards flowers for the Epitafio honoring the Panagia – in memory of a loved one or as a remembrance of someone special in your life - may do so by calling the church office, 860-956-7586, M-F - 9 am – 4 pm.
7-Day Vigil Candles are lit at the Icon of the Panagia for anyone who wishes to honor her and may also be offered in memory, honor, or in remembrance of a special woman or mother figure in your life. Please go to the church website: www.stgeorgecathedral.org “Ways to Give” and choose the Light a Candle method. ($10 for each 7 day candle)
Frozen, delicious Festival Moussaka trays are available for sale after services on Sundays - $50 plus the pan deposit - to order please call Dot Barry at 860-280-7750.
Canned Goods Drive
Please help us to help those in need! It is our belief that food is a basic human right and that everyone should have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. To this goal, we have marked receptacles in the lower entrance area for anyone who wishes to donate and help support the health and well-being of our local individuals and communities in need. (see flyer)
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Program for Girl Delegates to the United Nations is seeking high schoolers who are eager to engage in global diplomacy, advocate for gender equality, and represent the voices of Orthodox young women at the United Nations. Open to high school girls age 15 and up, this program provides a platform for young women to address issues related to the rights of girls around the world, their individual rights, and their beliefs at the United Nations. Working in partnership with girl-focused organizations from around the world, their goal is to ensure that GOA Girl Delegates consistently participate in and contribute to UN events and advocacy efforts, both virtually and in person at the UN Headquarters in New York City. Applications and further info can be found here: https://www.goarch.org/-/applications-open-for-the-goarch-s-girl-delegates-to-the-united-nations%C2%A0program The deadline for applications is August 4th. (see flyer)
SAVE THE DATE: The Nathan Hale Chapter #58 of the Order of AHEPA will be holding their Centennial Gala on October 18th, 2025, celebrating 100 years of promoting Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. More information to come... (see flyer)
Stewardship Update
Thank you St. George parishioners for your generous 2025 Stewardship contributions of $142,830 as of 7/31/25. We are on our way to meeting our goal of $275,000!
In order to acknowledge our Stewardship contributors, we have been listing all Stewards who have made their 2025 contribution (partial or total) and we will update the listing every other week in the bulletin. Please note that stewardship contributions will need to be submitted by August 13th in order to be acknowledged in that week’s bulletin. If you have any questions, please contact Sooty Montanari at 860-402-5467 (text or call) or [email protected].
2025 Stewardship Contributors
Michelle Adamidis | Manousos Kavroudakis | Russell Patterson |
Irene Alexis | Pandelis Kavroudakis | David Paul |
John Alexopoulos | Stavros Kavroudakis | Hrisanthi Paul |
Neke Alexopoulos | Waseem Khoury | Dimitri Perdikis |
Nancy Anastasiades | Constance King | Theodora Perdikis |
Andrew Andrews | Lora Klementon | Thalia Pergantis |
Nicole Andrews | Marie Klementon | Peter Perrotta |
Louis Antonio | Peter Klementon | Thomas Peters |
Paraskeve Apostolidis | John Kokinis | Arthur Poly |
Tsampika Apostolidis | Peter Kokinis | Athena Psaras |
William Apostolidis | Priscilla Kokinis | Anna Rafti |
Virginia Argiros | Priscilla Kokinis | Ektor Rafti |
Angie Augustinos | Martha Konefal | Chrisoula Raptelis-Mack |
Theodore Augustinos | Helena Kono | Dream Roldan |
Dorothy Barry | Esmeralda Kore | Dr. James Rouman |
Hope Battistine | Mimoza Kore | Marie Rozanitis |
Kristina Beasley | Dorian Koruni | Elena Russo |
Evangelia Bikakis | Fotiona Koruni | Jack Russo |
Jason Bikakis | Maria Kostellis | John Sakoulos |
Kostas Bikakis | Dimitra Kostopoulos | Maria Sakoulos |
Michael Bikakis | Mary Kotiadis | Panagiotis Samiotis |
Stella Bikakis | Alexander Koutmos | Savva Savvides |
Voula Bikakis | Alexia Krionidou- Wing | Maria Scanlon |
Kassiani Bisbikos | Debra Kurker | Gabriela Schumacher |
Matina Bolger | Richard Kurker | Rita Scuris |
Craig Bond | Anastasia Kyprillis | John Sembrakis |
Cynthia Bond | Giannis Kyprillis | Cynthia Lou Serbegis |
Jim Bradley | Andrew Kyriacou | Peter Serbegis |
George Calos | Elias Lake | Tolis Serbegis |
Therese Calos | Marguerite Lake | Ferdinant & Esmeralda Shamo |
Patricia Caratasios | Apostol Laske | Eleni Skouloudis |
Leonidas Charalambides | Patricia Lazos Hood | Christina Skouloudis-Marques |
Jerry Copsinis | Annemarie Leaska | Christina Smith |
Georgia D'Agoustino | Joanne Lemnios-Knotts | Peter Smith |
Nicholas Demetriadis | Dimitrios Lergos | Alexandra Spaniotis |
Catherine Deros | John Lergos | Harry Spaniotis |
Jennifer Deros | Stergos Lergos | Nicholas Spaniotis |
Paula DeTuccio | Triantafylla Lergos | Tara Spaniotis |
Emmanuel Diacosavvas | Helen Limnios | Despina Spyros |
Socrates Diacosavvas | Kristiana E. Litts Chockey | George Spyros |
Zoi Dikegoros | Maria Litzendorf | Nicholas Stamboulis |
Christos Dimitrakopoulos | Athena Loukellis | Tsambika Stamos |
Poly Dimitrakopoulos | Costas Loukellis | Marianthi Statoulas |
Panagitois Emmanouilidis | Pat Loulakis-Paradis | Nektaria Statoulas |
Rhea Emmanuel | Staci Lynch (Antonio) | Nicholas Statoulas |
Stella Emmanuel | Marie Machado | Eleftheria Stavropoulos |
Mica Ensign | Dustin Mack | Emmanuil Stergakis |
Constantina Fas | Penny Makris | Edana Sullivan |
Constantinos Fas | Perry K. Makris | Kelsey Sullivan |
Emmanuel Fas | Michael Malesta | Maria Synodi |
Joseph Fazzino | Pauline Mantzaris | Maria (Kottas) Tackett |
Georgia Feigel | Chris Mantziaris | Maria K. Tougas |
Eleni Filintarakis | Marilyn Mantziaris | Demetrios Triantafylidis |
Mary Filintarakis | Sophia Marangoudakis | Penelope Triantafylidis |
Georgia Fleming | Maria Matarangas | James Triarhos |
Alexa Fleury -Melonopoulos | Ariana McClean | George Troullas |
Patricia Fluet | Mary Meggie | Maria Troullas |
Scott Fluet | Sofia Melabianakis | Maria Tsiknis Gemme |
Efrosini Gavrilis | Emmannuel Meleounis | Nitsa Tsipouras |
Cornelia Georgantas | Konstantinos Meleounis | Panagiotis Tsipouras |
Evangelos Giannakopoulos | Michael Meleounis | Vasilios Tsipouras |
Margaret Giannakopoulos | Stella Meleounis | John Tyropolis |
Elizabeth Giannaros | Helen Melonopoulos | Sideroula Tyropolis |
Elliot Giese | John K. Menoutis | Stephanie Uccello |
Aleni Hagi | Rania Menoutis | Angie Varlas |
Maria Haldezos | James Mermegas | Elaina Varunes |
Panagiotis Haldezos | Argereos Mermegas Jr | Melitsa Vasilakis |
Margarita Haldous Galey | Maria Mintatos | Kaliopi Venoutsos |
Peter Hantzos | Sotoria Montanari | Brianna Violano |
Vangjel Hoda | Olga Nako | George Vlahopoulos |
Zoja Hoda | Vera Nako | Joanna Vlahopoulos |
Sean Howard | Tina Newman | Andrew Walsh |
Anna Illescas | Tony Newman | Catherine Walsh |
Alexandra Ingrassia | Terry Nezames | Kevin Ward |
George Johns | John Nisyrios | Christine White |
Pamela Johnson | Pandelis Nisyrios | Paige Wolfe |
Ioanna Kalas | Themalina Nisyrios | Stephen Wolfe |
Christina Kaliff | Anastasia Nisyrios-Clark | Parthena Yaakob |
Alexia R Kalogianes | Constantina Nisyrios-Colt | Gregory Yatrousis |
Anna Kanaras | Anesti Nova | Lazaros Yiannos |
John Kanaras | Julia Tsaoussis Odell | Georgia Zafiris |
Stillani ( Stella) Kanaris | Antonios Orsaris | James Zafiris |
Andreas Kapetanopoulos | Erini Orsaris | Mary Zafiris |
Sophie Kapetanopoulos | Katholiki Orsaris | Theodora Zafiris |
Joanne Karabetsos | David Pagan | Theodore Zafiris |
Kostas Karabetsos | Nicholas Paindiris | Damien Zaharis |
William Karabetsos | Dorothy Paleologos | Stephanie Zaharis |
Dennis Karageanis | Martha Pangakis | Vasilios Zaharis |
George Karageorge | Denise Panos | Stephanie Zapatka |
Maria Karagiannis | Paul Panos | Dr. Constantine Zariphes |
Mercourios Karagiannis | Anita Papadimitrakopoulos | Emmanuel Zervos |
Savas Karagiannis | Helen Papadogiannis | Kathryn Zervos |
Vasilia Karagiannis | Marguerita Papageorge | Eugenia Zessos |
Anastasia Karayanis | Savas Papageorge | Mary Zocco |
Phyllis Karayanis | Asimina Papageorgiou | Fr George Zugravu |
Stacy Kardos | Clarence Papanic | Presbytera Claudia Zugravu |
Evangelos Karelas | Maria Papapanos | Josh Zup |
Konstantinos Kasolis | Paraskevi Papastamatious | Yasmi Zup |
Persefone Kasolis | Katherine Papathanasis | Erica Zup- Baloga |
Eleni Kavros | Dr. Tania Papayannopoulou | |
Anastasia Kavroudakis | Katie Patterson |
Anyone interested in donating towards flowers for the Epitafio honoring the Panagia – in memory of a loved one or as a remembrance of someone special in your life - may do so by calling the church office, 860-956-7586, M-F - 9 am – 4 pm. 7-Day Vigil Candles are lit at the Icon of the Panagia for anyone who wishes to honor her and may also be offered in memory, honor, or in remembrance of a special woman or mother figure in your life. Please go to the church website: www.stgeorgecathedral.org “Ways to Give” and choose the Light a Candle method. ($10 for each 7 day candle)
Each year on August 15 or Dekapentavgoustos on the Greek Orthodox Christian calendar, the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is celebrated. It is a religious holiday that marks the “falling asleep,” repose or kimisis of the Virgin Mary, mother of the Lord Jesus Christ. We invite you to attend the beautiful services of Paraklesis on Wednesday and Friday evenings at 7 pm. Please join us in prayer to the Panagia at this special time in our church dedicated to her as we ask for her intercession with her son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, for His Mercy and Great Grace upon us. Names of the living are read for the health and well-being of loved ones during the Paraklesis services. Forms for the reading of the names are in the narthex.
Form for writing down the names of those loved ones you may wish to commemorate. These forms can be submitted in the Narthex or at the office during regular business hours.
Please help us to help those in need! It is our belief that food is a basic human right and that everyone should have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. To this goal, we have marked receptacles in the lower entrance area for anyone who wishes to donate and help support the health and well-being of our local individuals and communities in need.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Program for Girl Delegates to the United Nations is seeking high schoolers who are eager to engage in global diplomacy, advocate for gender equality, and represent the voices of Orthodox young women at the United Nations. Open to high school girls age 15 and up, this program provides a platform for young women to address issues related to the rights of girls around the world, their individual rights, and their beliefs at the United Nations. Working in partnership with girl-focused organizations from around the world, their goal is to ensure that GOA Girl Delegates consistently participate in and contribute to UN events and advocacy efforts, both virtually and in person at the UN Headquarters in New York City. Applications and further info can be found here: https://www.goarch.org/-/applications-open-for-the-goarch-s-girl-delegates-to-the-united-nations%C2%A0program The deadline for applications is August 4th.
The Nathan Hale Chapter #58 of the Order of AHEPA will be holding their Centennial Gala on October 18th, 2025, celebrating 100 years of promoting Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. More information to come...
Of these, Saint Isaacius is celebrated also on May 30. He became a monk at an early age and was a worker of every virtue; a zealot for the Orthodox Faith, he was also deemed worthy of the gift of prophecy. The Saint dwelt in a small hut near Constantinople. When Valens the Arian marched against the Goths, who were at the Danube River, this righteous one went out himself to meet the Emperor and, taking in hand the reins of the Emperor's horse, said to him with boldness that God had incited the barbarians to come against him, since he himself had incited many to speak against God in blasphemy, and had driven God's true worshippers out of the divine houses of prayer. Furthermore, he told him, if he ceased fighting against God by means of heresy and returned the good shepherds (that is, the Orthodox bishops) to the flock of Christ, he would easily gain the victory over his enemies. However, if he did not desist from these things, nor have God as his ally, at the very outset of the battle both he and his army would certainly be destroyed. "Learn from experience," he said, "that it is hard to kick against the pricks. Thou shalt not return, and this expedition will be destroyed." But the Emperor became angry and had the righteous one locked in prison that he might punish him and put him to death on his return after he conquered the barbarians. But he was utterly defeated and was burned alive in a certain village in the year 378 (Theodoret of Cyrrhus, Eccl. Hist., ch. 4: 31-32). When his surviving soldiers returned from the war, wishing to tempt the Saint, they came to him and said, "Prepare to make thy defense before the Emperor, who is coming to fulfil what he spoke against thee." But the Saint answered, "It has already been seven days that I smelled the stink of his bones, which were burned in the fire." Thus the righteous one was released from prison. All marveled because of his prophecy, and he became even more wondrous by means of the zeal he displayed in behalf of Orthodoxy in 381, when the Second Ecumenical Council was convoked. After this, a monastery was built in Constantinople for him, and he piously shepherded those struggling with him in asceticism. Having served as an example of the monastic life for them, he reposed in peace about the end of the fourth century, leaving Dalmatus as his successor.
As for Saint Dalmatus, he was at first a soldier in the second division of the soldiers known as the Scholarii. Later, however, he forsook all things and taking his son Faustus, went to the above-mentioned monastery of Saint Isaacius, where he donned the monastic habit. Through his virtue he became venerable in the sight of all. He was present at the Third Ecumenical Council that was convoked in Ephesus in 431, and there displayed his zeal for Orthodoxy against Nestorius. The Council elected him Archimandrite of the monasteries in Constantinopie. Having lived for more than eighty years, he reposed in the Lord.
The Seven Youths hid themselves in a certain cave near Ephesus in the year 250, to escape the persecution of Decius. By divine grace, a sleep came upon them and they slept for 184 years, until the reign of Saint Theodosius the Younger, when the doctrine of the resurrection was being assailed by heretics. They then awoke, that is, were resurrected, confirming in the sight of all the bodily resurrection; and again after a short time, by divine command, they reposed in the Lord in the year 434.
This Martyr was from Antioch, and had been a soldier from the time of the reign of Constantius Chlorus (the father of Saint Constantine the Great) to that of Julian the Apostate. He censured Julian's ungodliness and reminded him that he was the nephew of Saint Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor. He reminded him further, that from his tender youth he had been nourished on the milk of piety and instructed in the Faith of Christ, had been a fellow student of Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian, had been a reader of the Church of Nicomedia, and that he had set all these things at nought and become a transgressor of the promises made in his divine Baptism, and had offered to the idols the adoration that is due to God alone. Reminding the Apostate of all these things and reproving him, he was beheaded in the year 361, having lived altogether 110 years, and been a soldier for more than sixty.
Our Lord had spoken to His disciples many times not only concerning His Passion, Cross, and Death, but also concerning the coming persecutions and afflictions that they themselves would endure. Since all these evils were near at hand, but the enjoyment of good things which they hoped to receive in their stead was yet to come, our Savior desired to give them full assurance, evidently and openly, concerning that glory which is prepared for those who endure to the end. Therefore, fulfilling that which He had promised shortly before, that "there be some standing here which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom" (Matt. 16:28), He took His three foremost disciples and ascended Mount Tabor, where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as the light. Suddenly, together with this dread and marvelous effulgence of light, there appeared those pinnacles of the Prophets, Moses and Elias, who spoke with the Lord Jesus concerning His saving Passion which was about to take place. Standing before Him as reverent servants, they showed that He is the Lord of both the living and the dead, for Moses came forth from Hades, having died many centuries before, and Elias, as it were from heaven, whither he had been taken up while yet alive. After a little while a radiant cloud overshadowed them and out of the cloud they heard that same voice which had been heard at the Jordan at the Baptism of Christ, testifying to the Divinity of Jesus and saying: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased; hear ye Him" (Matt. 17: 5).
Such are the marvels, truly worthy of God, celebrated in this present feast, which is an image and prefiguring of the future state of the righteous, whose splendor the Lord spoke of, saying: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun" (Matt. 13:43). It is because of this that the Kontakion of this Feast is said daily (when there is not a great feast) in the Service of the Typica in perpetual commemoration of the glory that will be the lot of the Saints. According to tradition, the Lord's Transfiguration came to pass forty days before His Crucifixion; this is why the Transfiguration is celebrated forty days before the Exaltation of the Cross.
This Martyr, who lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, was a Persian by race and an idolater by religion. He was catechized by a certain Christian named Abarus. He went to Nisibis, a city of Mesopotamia, where he was baptized and donned the monastic habit in a certain monastery. He afterwards ascended a mountain and there endured in extreme ascetical struggles, working miracles for those that came to him, and converting many unbelievers. Julian the Apostate learned of these things as he was marching against the Persians in 363, and at his command the Saint and his two disciples were stoned to death, as they were chanting the Sixth Hour.
This Saint was one of the illustrious Orthodox Bishops called to Constantinople by the holy Patriarch Nicephorus to defend the veneration of the holy icons against Leo the Armenian (see Mar. 8). Saint Emilian was sent into exile by Leo about the year 815, and gave up his soul to the Lord amidst many afflictions and sufferings for the sake of his confession.
After Judas by transgression fell from his apostleship (Acts 1: 25), and hanging himself out of despair ended his life with a wretched and shameful death (Matt. 27: 5), then, that the number of the Twelve not be lacking, all the disciples gathered in one place after the Ascension of the Savior (the number of men and women being 120), and they chose two men from among them, Joseph, called Barsabas, who was also surnamed Justus, and Matthias, and they set them in the midst. Then they prayed to God and cast lots, "and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles" (Acts 1: 15-26). And thus, having taken the place of Judas, Matthias fulfilled the work of apostleship and the prophecy concerning Judas, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David: "And his bishopric let another take" (Ps. 108(109):8). After this, it is said, Matthias preached the Gospel in Ethiopia, and completed his life there in martyrdom.