September 3
1. The Holy Hieromartyr Anthimus. Born in Nicomedia and raised as a true Christian from childhood, “his body mortified, his spirit humble, envy uprooted, anger tamed, laziness cast away;… having love for all, peace with all, wisdom among men, and zeal for the glory of God, known to all.” It is no wonder that such a man of virtue was appointed as a bishop. St. Anthimus served as the Bishop of Nicomedia during the fierce persecution of Christians under the wicked emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Christian blood flowed in streams, especially in Nicomedia. One year, on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, 20,000 martyrs were burned alive in a church (see December 28). This occurred during Anthimus’ episcopacy, and the persecution did not end there. Many Christians were imprisoned, awaiting torture and death. St. Anthimus retreated to a village called Oman—not to escape martyrdom, but so he could encourage his flock in their struggle for the faith, ensuring that no one would fall away out of fear. One of his letters to the Christians in prison was intercepted and handed over to Emperor Maximian, who sent 20 soldiers to arrest Anthimus. The holy, elderly bishop came out to meet the soldiers, welcomed them into his home, and offered them hospitality. It was only after this that he revealed to them that he was Anthimus, the one they were searching for. Astonished by his kindness, the soldiers urged him to flee, promising to report that they had been unable to find him. But Anthimus replied, “I cannot permit myself to break God’s commandment through deceit to save my life,” and willingly accompanied the soldiers. Along the way, all the soldiers believed in Christ and were baptized by Anthimus. When brought before the emperor, Anthimus was tortured severely and finally beheaded with an axe. He glorified the Lord and peacefully reposed in the Lord at the beginning of the 4th century.
2. The Holy Martyr Basilissa. A nine-year-old girl, she suffered martyrdom in Nicomedia shortly after the death of St. Anthimus. Her entire body was covered with wounds from torture, yet she remained faithful to Christ. God preserved her unharmed in both fire and before wild beasts. Witnessing these miracles, her tormentor, Alexander, repented and accepted the Christian faith. Basilissa went out into a field, knelt in prayer, giving thanks to God for the suffering she had endured, and peacefully gave up her spirit to the Lord around the year 309.
3. St. Joanikije, Archbishop and First Patriarch of Serbia. Born in Prizren, he first served as a secretary to King Dušan. He became Archbishop in 1339 and was elevated to Patriarch in 1346. A zealous archpastor and organizer of the Serbian Church, he was known for “greatly establishing the ecclesiastical laws.” He reposed on September 3, 1349, and his relics rest in Peć.
4. St. Theoctistus. A companion and fellow ascetic of St. Euthymius the Great, Theoctistus was abbot of Euthymius’ lavra, located six miles from Jerusalem on the road to Jericho. He was a disciple of St. Euthymius in all things, and under his spiritual guidance, he led the monastery until his death at the age of ninety. He pleased God with his life and reposed peacefully in the mid-5th century, during the time of Patriarch Anastasius of Jerusalem.
Reflection
Whoever desires salvation must be obedient to spiritual authority. Without such obedience, even the most sincere desire for salvation may lead to destruction. The great saints, who have prescribed obedience as essential for salvation, themselves fulfilled obedience to perfection. When St. Simeon chose his ascetic practice on the pillar, this novelty surprised the other ascetics. Unsure whether this way of life was inspired by the Holy Spirit or by pride, the desert fathers sent messengers to find out. They instructed the messengers to order Simeon, in their name, to come down from the pillar. “If he refuses,” they said, “it will be a sign that his asceticism is rooted in pride. But if he obeys and descends, it will show that his way of life is from God.” When the messengers delivered the order, Simeon immediately began descending. Seeing this, the messengers joyfully called out to him, “Do not come down, holy father, but remain where you are; we now see that your ascetic labor is from God.”
Contemplation
Let me reflect on God’s punishment of David for his sins (II Samuel 13), and consider:
1. How Amnon, David’s son, violated Tamar, David’s daughter;
2. How Absalom, David’s son, killed Amnon, his brother, in revenge;
3. How David wept bitterly.
Homily on the Word of God Made Flesh
“And the Word became flesh” (John 1:14).
Brothers, here is a new beginning, more blessed and more salvific for us. This is the beginning of our salvation. Adam, while in the body, fell under the power of sin and death. Now, the Creator of Adam appears in the body to deliver Adam and his descendants from the power of sin and death. The Son of God, the Word, Wisdom, Light, and Life, descended among men, clothed in human flesh and soul, incarnate yet without separating from His divinity; He descended without departing from His Father. Retaining everything He possessed from eternity, He only added something new: human nature. His eternal attributes were not diminished by the Incarnation, nor did His relationship with the Father and the Spirit change. See how the Father at the Jordan and on Tabor testified, “This is My beloved Son!” He did not say, “This was My Son,” but “This is My Son.” The Holy Spirit was with Him at His conception and throughout His earthly ministry until the end. The divine and human natures in Him were united, but not confused. How? Do not ask how, for you cannot even explain how your soul and body are united in you. Simply know that God has come to earth, bringing unspeakable gifts, royal gifts—imperishable, incorruptible, priceless, and irreplaceable. Know this and let your heart rejoice. Strive to cleanse your hands, purify all your senses, wash your soul, whiten your heart, and straighten your mind to receive these royal gifts. For to the impure, these gifts are not given.
O Lord Jesus Christ, help us to cleanse and wash ourselves in Your blood and Spirit, that we may be deemed worthy of Your royal gifts. To You be glory and eternal praise. Amen.
