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| Sts. Marcellus, Philagrius and Pancratius (Feast Day - February 9) |
Verses
Three men unbound to ties with the flesh,
Partake now of the delights of Eden.
These Saints were disciples of the Holy Foremost of the Apostles Peter. Saint Markellos was the father according to the flesh of Saint Pankratios, and while our Lord Jesus Christ was still alive physically on the earth and worked wonders, he heard of His miracles, and taking his son Pankratios and his wife they went from Antioch to Jerusalem to see the Lord, but since He already Ascended to Heaven, they were thus baptized by the Apostle Peter. Markellos and Pankratios then became disciples of the Apostle Peter.
Saint Pankratios was consecrated by the Apostle Peter as Bishop of the Sicilian city of Taormina. There he preached the word of Christ, and was secretly killed by the Montanists. He is also celebrated by the Church on July 9th.
Saint Markellos was ordained Bishop of Sicily, and converted many Greek pagans to the Lord. He completed his life in peace.
Saint Philagrios was ordained Bishop of Cyprus, where he taught and preached the name of Christ. After enduring many trials and temptations on behalf of the true faith, he departed to the Lord.