On the twenty-sixth of this month, we commemorate our Holy Father Xenophontos, his wife Maria, and his children Arcadius and John.
Verses
Though the earth is absent of Xenophontos,
It delights in the graceful banquet of his words.
Xenophon with his wife and children died on the twenty-sixth.
It delights in the graceful banquet of his words.
Xenophon with his wife and children died on the twenty-sixth.
Saint Xenophon lived during the reign of Emperor Justinian (527-565), was from Constantinople, and was rich according to external wealth, as well as in internal piety and in his conduct according to God. He had sent his two sons Arcadius and John to the city of Beirut, in order to study the laws there. On their way they shipwrecked at sea. Thus their father Saint Xenophon, together with his wife Maria, departed Constantinople and went to go find their sons. They found them in Jerusalem dressed in the schema of monks, therefore they also became monastics. The renowned ones, both parents and children, progressed so much in virtue, that they were granted by God to work miracles. Well-pleasing to God until the end, they departed to Him.
Apolytikion in the Third Tone
Radiant with love and having mortified the passions, you were shown forth as victors, O Saints. You rightly hated all earthly delights and glory, and became partakers of heavenly grace. O glorious Xenophon with thine august companions, intercede for our souls.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
Thou didst keep vigil in the courts of the Lord with thy wife and children, O blessed one, and didst gladly lavish thy wealth on the poor. Wherefore you have all inherited divine joy.