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Commemorated on June 13
Sainted
Triphyllios, Bishop of Leukyssa, was born in Constantinople, and he
received his education at Berit (Beirut, in Lebanon). He was very intelligent
and eloquent. In spite of this, the saint chose as his guide a man not bookish
nor learned, but of profound holiness – Sainted Spyridon of Trimiphunteia (+
348, Comm. 12 December). The emperor Constantine II (337-340) fell grievously
ill and, having received no help from the doctors, he turned with fervent
prayer to God. In a dream he saw an Angel, directing him to a gathering of
saintly hierarchs. Pointing out two of them, the Angel said that only through
them could he receive healing. Constantine circulated an imperial edict
throughout all the districts, commanding the bishops to gather. Saint Spyridon
also received this order. Together with his disciple Saint Triphyllios, he set
out to the emperor. The sick one immediately recognised them as the healers
pointed out by the Angel. He bowed to them and asked them to pray for his
health. Saint Spyridon with a prayer touched the head of the emperor, and he
became well. Saint Triphyllios was charmed by the beautiful palace, the
majestic figure of the emperor, and the pomp of palace life. Saint Spyridon
said to this: "Why art thou astonished? Doth then this lustre make the
emperor any more righteous? All of them – emperors and dignitaries – will
alike die and stand together with the very poorest before the judgement-seat of
God. One ought to seek after the eternal blessings and Heavenly glories".
Soon Saint
Triphyllios was made bishop of the city of Leukyssa on Cyprus. He often visited
with Saint Spyridon. One time they passed together through an area of vineyards
and gardens of especial beauty and abundance, named Parimnos. Saint
Triphyllios, attracted by the beauty of nature, began to consider how they
might explore this land. Saint Spyridon discerned the thoughts of Saint
Triphyllios and said: "Why dost thou incessantly think about earthly and
transitory blessings? Our habitation and riches art in Heaven, to which we
ought to strive". Thus did Saint Spyridon constantly lead his student
towards spiritual perfection, which Saint Triphyllios attained through the
prayers of his preceptor. Saint Triphyllios had a charitable soul, an heart
without malice, right faith and love towards all, and many other virtues.
One time a Council of
bishops assembled on Cyprus. The father of the Council requested that Saint
Triphyllios, known for his erudition and eloquence, give an edifying speech to
the people. Speaking about the healing of the paralytic by the Lord (Mk. 2 : 11).
in place of the word "cot" he used the word "bed".
Impatient with the imprecise rendering of the Gospel text, Saint Spyridon
roused himself and said to Saint Triphyllios: "Art thou better than He
that spake "cot", that thou be ashamed of His wording?" – and
abruptly he left the church. Thus did Saint Spyridon give Saint Triphyllios a
lesson in humility, so that he would not get puffed up with pride over the
talent of eloquence bestown on him. Saint Triphyllios wisely shepherded his
flock. From the means left him by his mother, he built a monastery at Leukyssa.
The saint died in old age in about the year 370.
At the beginning of
the XII Century the Russian pilgrim Hegumen Daniel saw the relics of Saint
Triphyllios on Cyprus.
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.
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