October 21, 2024 - Baba 11, 1741 Departure of St. James the Patriarch of Antioch On this day was the departure of the holy father Abba James, the patriarch of Antioch. Great tribulations befell him, and he was exiled for keeping the Orthodox faith. After he remained in exile for a period of time, the people of the city gathered and brought him back. Then the Arians went back and exiled him again and he stayed in exile for seven more years, then departed in peace. May his prayers and blessings be with us all. Amen. Departure of St. Pelagia On this day also departed St. Pelagia. This righteous woman was born in the city of Antioch from pagan parents, and she had both a corrupt faith and a corrupt manner of life. She met a holy bishop whose name was Paul who preached to her. She believed in the Lord Christ through him, and confessed to him everything which she had done. He encouraged her and taught her not to despair but to repent with a true determination. Then he baptized her in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and she was illuminated by the grace of baptism. She led a penitent life with a firm heart and a pure determination, and she consumed her body with strenous worship. Then she dressed herself in the garb of men and went to Jerusalem and worshipped in its sanctuaries. She met Abba Alexandros the patriarch of Jerusalem who sent her to one of the convents outside Jerusalem. She dwelt there for forty years and departed in peace. May her prayers and blessings be with us all, and Glory be to God forever. Amen. |