Our Venerable and God-bearing Father Euthemius the Great (473)
Hebrews 13: 17-21; Luke 6: 17-23
Polyeleos Feast
Read Hebrews 13: 17-21
Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Today we commemorate a great monastic saint born around 376—about 20 years after Anthony the Great of Egypt fell asleep in the Lord. St. Euthemius the Great was born in Melitene, Armenia to pious Christian parents who were not able to have children for many years. After having their prayer heard they dedicated their son to God. After Euthemius’ father died his mother gave him to her brother a priest to raise and educate the child in the faith. Seeing his love for the Lord and quick learning he was eventually made a reader, later tonsured a monk and ordained to the holy priesthood. His heart desired solitude and quiet, so Euthemius withdrew into the desert to be with the Lord. Wherever he went very soon people were attracted to him. They desired to learn from him and some wanted to stay as disciples. Several times in his life he tried to escape deeper into the desert after starting a monastic community, but each time the result was the same. One day the Lord appeared to him and told him not to drive away those who were coming to him, so Euthemius obeyed the Lord and for the rest of his life did not move.
Not only was he a great teacher in the faith, but God also granted him the gift of miracles and clairvoyance. Many testify that often when he served the Divine Liturgy fire from heaven would encircle him. St. Euthemius revealed that he often saw an angel celebrating the Divine Liturgy with him.
At ninety-seven he celebrated the all-night vigil for the feast of St. Anthony the Great, Jan 17. He then received knowledge that the time of his death was coming soon. The last instruction he gave his monks before he passed was this:
“If you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). Love is the highest virtue and the bond of perfectness (Col. 3:14). Every virtue is made secure by love and humility. The Lord humbled Himself because of His Love for us and became man. Therefore, we ought to praise Him unceasingly, especially since we monks have escaped worldly distractions and concerns. Look to yourselves, and preserve your souls and bodies in purity. Do not fail to attend the church services, and keep the traditions and rules of our community. Never refuse hospitality to visitors. Offer a bed to every stranger. Give whatever you can to help the poor in their misfortune.”
May we also heed these words, for this instruction is timeless and universal for all Christians. Through the prayers of St. Euthemius, Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us and save us. Amen.