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| St. Alexander of Pydna (Feast Day - March 14) |
Verses
You did not offer the loss of crowns,
You offer your head, which you lost Alexander.
You offer your head, which you lost Alexander.
While in the darkness of error, Saint Alexander shined as a multi-luminous star. He rebuked the error of the impious idolaters, and the noetic devil who boasted in this error he wounded with his words like a snake. Wherefore the deluded Greeks, unable to bear the boldness and the bravery of the Saint, tried to defeat the greatness of his soul in various ways and with flatteries. Unable to accomplish this, they cut off his holy head. God rewarded him with the gifts of healing. His holy relic heals every disease of those who run to him with faith.*
Notes:
* Pydna is located in Thessaly, but hagiographers identify this Saint Alexander with Saint Alexander of Thessaloniki who is celebrated on November 9. His holy skull is located in the Great Lavra Monastery at Mount Athos.
Apolytikion in the Third Tone
You were clothed, with the full armor, of the divine Spirit, through faith, you were distinguished in contest Alexander, and in Pydna you ended your path, having been found worthy of a brilliant martyrdom. Glorious Martyr, entreat Christ God, to grant us the great mercy.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
In Pydna Holy One, you firmly contested, Christ you glorified, being slaughtered on His behalf, in the heavens the incorruptible crown, you received O Alexander.
Megalynarion
You are seen as a luminous star, having contested bravely, in Pydna on behalf of Christ, Martyr Alexander, fellow citizen of Angels, cover with you intercessions, those who honor you.