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| St. Eutyches of Melitene (Feast Day - May 28) |
Verses
As a fortunate one you gained fortune thrice-blessed one,
Of your divine allotment prepared for you Eutychios.
On the twenty-eighth Eutychios was carried up.
Of your divine allotment prepared for you Eutychios.
On the twenty-eighth Eutychios was carried up.
Almost nothing is known of the Holy Hieromartyr Eutychios, called Eutyches in some sources. He lived during the first centuries of Christianity, when Christianity was persecuted by the pagan Romans, and he served as the Bishop of Melitene. One source tells us that he voluntarily presented himself before the ruler of the city and refused to sacrifice to the idols, confessing Jesus Christ as the true God, for which reason he was tortured then martyred by being cast into the sea and drowning.
In the Canon of Saint Joseph the Hymnographer for his feast, it is stated that his relics were venerated in Constantinople (Ode 9, Troparion 3). He also says that Eutychios was instructed by the apostles of Christ and preached the word of salvation (Ode 1, Troparion 2; Ode 6, Troparion 2). This may indicate that he was the disciple of Saint John the Theologian commemorated on August 24th, whose memory in some Greek and Slavic sources is also celebrated on May 30th, and may have been celebrated in Constantinople on May 28th instead since it possessed a relic of his. The Menologion of Basil II does not mention him in the month of May.
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
Thou didst share in the glory of the martyrs, having achieved the heights of virtue, O blessed Eutychios. Thou didst serve our God in purity, and redden thy garments in the blood of martyrdom. Thus adorned thou art standing near Christ in His service, and dost ever intercede for our souls.
Kontakion in the Second Tone
Thou didst steadfastly guide and guard the Church, and lay down thy life for her, O Father Eutychios. Preserve her unshaken in all true doctrine, for thou art her pillar and foundation.