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23rd March: Today's SaintO Saint of God, intercede for us.The Saint of the day 23 March
† Monk-martyr Nikon and 199 disciples, in Sicily (251)
audio.ancientfaith.com/sotd/03_23_nikon_pc.mp3
He was born in Neapolis (Naples) to a pagan father and a Christian mother, and became an officer in the Roman army. Though he was not baptised, his mother had secretly instructed him in the Christian faith. Once, in a battle, his company was completely surrounded by the enemy, and Nikon recalled his mother's counselling that, whenever he was in trouble, he should make the sign of the Cross and call upon Christ. This he did, and was immediately filled with strength and resolution, so that the enemy's army was routed. Nikon went home, openly crying out 'Great is the God of the Christians!' to the great joy of his mother.
He travelled secretly to Cyzicus in Asia, where the bishop Theodosius baptised him. He then entered a monastery to spend his days in prayer and study. But some years later Theodosius, who was near death, had a vision in which he was told to consecrate Nikon as his successor. He summoned Nikon from the monastery and, to the monk's amazement, immediately ordained him a deacon, then a priest, then a bishop.
Later, bishop Nikon returned to Italy to preach the Gospel of Christ. In Naples, he found his mother still alive, and remained with her until her death. He then set out with nine disciples, former fellow-soldiers, to proclaim the Faith. Through the Saint's grace-filled preaching and example, many more disciples were soon added to this number. At that time a great persecution of Christians was underway, and Quintinianus, ruler of that region, seized Nikon and his companions and handed them over to the torturers. One hundred ninety of Nikon's companions perished under torture. Nikon himself was beaten, flayed, and even thrown from a high cliff, but was miraculously preserved. Finally he was slain by the sword and his body thrown in a field to be eaten by the beasts. A shepherd boy, possessed by a spirit of madness, found the body, fell on it, and was instantly healed. He told his story to some Christians, who found the body and gave it honourable burial. Saint Nikon contested during the reign of the Emperor Decius.
Troparion — Tone 4
By your ascetic way of life / you conquered the crafty one, Holy Father Nikon. / By virtue of your holy life you became a rule and model to your disciples, / and with them you struggled for the Faith in the West. / You have all attained glory in heaven.
Kontakion — Tone 8
Of like discipline with the Ascetics, and rivaling the holy Athletes in zeal, / you were offered to the Lord through martyrdom, steadfast and righteous Martyrs. / As your sure guide you had the glorious Nikon; / fighting together with him you sang: Alleluia.
21st March: Today's SaintO Saint of God, intercede for us.The Saint of the day 21 March
† Our Holy Father James the Confessor, bishop, of the Studion (8th c.)
media.ancientfaith.com/sotd/03_21_James_Confessor_Studion_pc.mp3
His birthplace and the place of his episcopate are unknown. He was a monk of the Studion monastery in Constantinople, and a disciple of St Theodore the Studite.
As a bishop he was severely persecuted by the iconoclasts in the time of the Emperor Constantine Copronymus, enduring hunger, imprisonment and mocking, thus earning the title "Confessor." Saint Theodore wrote a homily in honor of him.
Troparion — Tone 5
Shining forth in holy abstinence, / you rightly rightly divide the inspired word of truth as a hierarch and minister of God the Word. / By your virtuous struggle you revealed and confirmed the grace granted to you, O James, / instructing all to venerate the image of the Savior, / to whom you pray for us all.
Kontakion — Tone 8
You excelled in the gifts of the priesthood, / and through your labors You became illustrious in confessing the faith. / Since you are a fruitful branch of Christ the True Vine, / grant the new wine of forgiveness and salvation to those who cry: / “Rejoice, O Father James!”
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