Category: Others

Both martyrs and terrorists sacrifice themselves. Both may indeed die for what they believe in, but there is a profound and fundamental difference between them. The martyrs of our Church sacrifice themselves for the true God, Jesus Christ, who suffered, was buried, and rose from the dead. This is of immense significance, and it is…

Brief introduction The Romans worshipped many gods and regarded participation in the public religious ceremonies of the empire as an expression of loyalty to the Roman state. Christians, however, worshipped Christ alone. They proclaimed: “One is holy, one is Lord: Jesus Christ.” For this reason, they refused to offer sacrifices to the pagan gods or…

Once again, we see the truth of the Apostle Paul’s words: “All things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28). General Eustathius camped outside Beirut. From the entire army, he chose two soldiers whom he considered capable and trustworthy to serve in his tent. Those he selected were, unknowingly, his own…

“All things work together for good to them that love God.” (Romans 8:28) The Parthian Empire, Rome’s powerful eastern rival, had begun to cause serious trouble. At that time, Emperor Trajan was preparing to go to war against the Parthians. “Without General Placidus, I can do nothing,” he declared. He therefore ordered his soldiers and…

Theopiste, Eustathius’ wife, was eagerly waiting at their country estate for news of her husband’s meeting with Jesus. When she learned that it was the Lord’s will for them to suffer in this world, she accepted His will with all her heart. “Let us only be careful not to fall and betray our God,” she…

 We begin a new series of articles on the miraculous life of Saint Eustathius the Great Martyr and his family. Before his conversion, Eustathius was known by his pagan name, Placidus, and served as a general in the Roman army. The Lord, Who knows the depths of the human heart, saw the faithfulness and goodness…

Triantafyllia had a burning desire within her—to find Symeon, to fall at his feet, and to ask his forgiveness. But how and where could she find him? She expressed her fiery longing to the monk before her. “I want to see my husband, Symeon! I want to fall at his feet, ask him to forgive…

Symeon could never forget the enchanting Chapel of the Holy Trinity in his hometown, to which he had been deeply attached since childhood. “I have left my home and my parents, but I cannot forget this chapel,” he repeated to himself. Now, having come down to the city to meet the bishop on matters concerning…

Symeon had made a vow to God—not to man—to become a monk. The way had now been opened for him to fulfill his vow. At that time, those who entered monastic life severed all ties with their former life. The long-awaited moment had come for the twenty-four-year-old Symeon to bid his parents farewell forever. They…