|
Commemorated on December 5
"Determined to impose the union of the Churches accepted under
pressure at the Council of Lyon (1274) to secure Papal support for the Byzantine
Empire Michael VIII Palaeologos sent troops to Mount Athos, the stronghold of
Orthodoxy and centre of opposition to his policy, with orders to take sanguinary
measures against monks who would not recognize the false union.
"When the Emperor's soldiers reached Karyes, the capital of Athos, which was
organized as a lavra in those days, they seized the Protos of Athos, who had
been an example to all of what a steadfast monk should be. They put him to the
sword together with many other fathers there, and in their fury ransacked and
fired the Church and monastic buildings, leaving rack and ruin behind them.
Emerging from the wild places and thick forests where they had taken refuge, the
Orthodox monks buried the holy Martyrs at the entrance to the Church of the
Protaton. Through the centuries, generations of monks piously lit the lamp each
day above the 'tomb of the Protos'; but it was not until 5 December 1981 that
his relics were solemnly taken from the earth, and that a service was held in
his honour in the presence of a great crowd." (Synaxarion)
|
Close window |