Hieromartyr Charalampus (Haralambos) the Bishop of Magnesia in Thessaly

Commemorated on February 10/23

The Hieromartyr Charalampus, Bishop of Magnesia, the Martyrs Porphyrius and Baptus and Three Women Martyrs suffered in the year 202.

Saint Charalampus, Bishop of Magnesia (Asia Minor), successfully spread faith in Christ the Savior, guiding people on the way to salvation. News of his preaching reached Lucian, the governor of the district, and the military commander Lucius. The saint was arrested and brought to trial, where he confessed his faith in Christ and refused to offer sacrifice to idols.

Despite the bishop’s advanced age (he was 113 years old), he was subjected to monstrous tortures. They lacerated his body with iron hooks, and scraped all the skin from his body. During this the saint turned to his tormentors, “I thank you, brethren, that you have restored my spirit, which longs to pass over to a new and everlasting life!”

Seeing the Elder’s endurance and his complete lack of malice, two soldiers (Porphyrius and Baptus) openly confessed Christ, for which they were immediately beheaded with a sword. Three women who were watching the sufferings of Saint Charalampus also began to glorify Christ, and were quickly martyred.

The enraged Lucius seized the instruments of torture and began to torture the holy martyr, but suddenly his forearms were cut off as if by a sword. The governor then spat in the face of the saint, and immediately his head was turned around so that he faced backwards.

Then Lucius entreated the saint to show mercy on him, and both torturers were healed through the prayers of Saint Charalampus. During this a multitude of witnesses came to believe in Christ. Among them also was Lucius, who fell at the feet of the holy bishop, asking to be baptized.

Lucian reported these events to the emperor Septimus Severus (193-211), who was then at Pisidian Antioch (western Asia Minor). The emperor ordered Saint Charalampus to be brought to him in Antioch. Soldiers twisted the saint’s beard into a rope, wound it around his neck, and used it to drag him along. They also drove an iron nail into his body. The emperor then ordered them to torture the bishop more intensely, and they began to burn him with fire, a little at a time. But God protected the saint, and he remained unharmed.

Many miracles were worked through his prayer: he raised a dead youth, and healed a man tormented by devils for thirty-five years, so that many people began to believe in Christ the Savior. Even Galina, the daughter of the emperor, began to believe in Christ, and twice smashed the idols in a pagan temple. On the orders of the emperor they beat the saint about the mouth with stones. They also wanted to set his beard on fire, but the flames burned the torturer.

Full of wickedness, Septimus Severus and an official named Crispus hurled blasphemy at the Lord, mockingly summoning Him to come down to the earth, and boasting of their own power and might. The Lord sent an earthquake, and great fear fell upon all, the impious ones were both suspended in mid-air held by invisible bonds, and only by the prayer of the saint were they put down. The dazed emperor was shaken in his former impiety, but again quickly fell into error and gave orders to torture the saint.

And finally, the emperor sentenced Saint Charalampus to beheading with a sword. During Saint Charalampus' final prayer, the heavens opened and the saint saw the Savior and a multitude of angels. The holy martyr asked Him to grant that the place where his relics would repose would never suffer famine or disease. He also begged that there would be peace, prosperity, and an abundance of fruit, grain, and wine in that place, and that the souls of these people would be saved. The Lord promised to fulfill his request and ascended to heaven, and the soul of the hieromartyr Charalampus followed after Him. By the mercy of God, the saint died before he could be executed. Galina buried the martyr’s body with great honor.

In Greek hagiography and iconography Saint Charalampus is regarded as a priest, while Russian sources seem to regard him as a bishop.

Troparion — Tone 4

You became a firm column in the Church of Christ, wise Charalampus; / A lamp of everlasting light to the world: / Well known to the world through your martyrdom, / You dispelled the dark night of idolatry. / Boldly intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

Kontakion — Tone 4

You rose from the east like a star, hieromartyr Charalampus, / And enlightened the faithful with the brightness of your miracles. / Therefore we honor your holy contest!

The Orthodox Church in America

23 февраля 2017 г.

Подпишитесь на рассылку Православие.Ru

Рассылка выходит два раза в неделю:

  • В воскресенье — православный календарь на предстоящую неделю.
  • Новые книги издательства Сретенского монастыря.
  • Специальная рассылка к большим праздникам.
Храм Новомученников Церкви Русской. Внести лепту
Смотри также
Martyr Agatha of Palermo in Sicily Martyr Agatha of Palermo in Sicily Martyr Agatha of Palermo in Sicily Martyr Agatha of Palermo in Sicily
Commemorated on February 5
During her interrogation under Quintianus, the holy martyr was swayed neither by the flattery, nor by the threats, and she was subjected to cruel torments.
Martyr Boniface at Tarsus, in Cilicia Martyr Boniface at Tarsus, in Cilicia Martyr Boniface at Tarsus, in Cilicia Martyr Boniface at Tarsus, in Cilicia
Commemorated on December 19
The Holy Martyr Boniface was the slave of a rich young Roman woman named Aglaida and he dwelt with her in an iniquitous cohabitation. But they both felt the sting of conscience and they wanted somehow to be cleansed of their sin.
Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch
Tradition suggests that when St Ignatius was a little boy, the Savior hugged him and said: “Unless you turn and become as little children, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven”. The saint was called “God-Bearer” (Theophoros), because he bore God in his heart and prayed unceasingly to Him.
 Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates “the General” Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates “the General”
Commemorated February 8/21 and June 8/21
 Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates “the General” Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates “the General”
Commemorated February 8/21 and June 8/21
The Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates came from the city of Euchaita in Asia Minor. He was endowed with many talents, and was handsome in appearance. For his charity God enlightened him with the knowledge of Christian truth.
Martyr Gordius at Caesarea, in Cappadocia Martyr Gordius at Caesarea, in Cappadocia Martyr Gordius at Caesarea, in Cappadocia Martyr Gordius at Caesarea, in Cappadocia
Commemorated on January 3
In the year 320, Gordius openly appeared before the prefect of a city where pagan games were being held, and identified himself as a Christian. He was arrested, suffered terrible torments, then was beheaded.
Martyr Basil of Ancyra Martyr Basil of Ancyra Martyr Basil of Ancyra Martyr Basil of Ancyra
Commemorated on January 1
Saint Basil lived in the time of Julian the Apostate (331-363), and confessed his faith in Christ before the governor Saturninus.
Комментарии
Здесь вы можете оставить к данной статье свой комментарий, не превышающий 700 символов. Все комментарии будут прочитаны редакцией портала Православие.Ru.
Войдите через FaceBook ВКонтакте Яндекс Mail.Ru Google или введите свои данные:
Ваше имя:
Ваш email:
Введите число, напечатанное на картинке

Осталось символов: 700

×