The Holy Apostle Andronicus and those with him; Blessed Hieromartyr Ivan Ziatyk.
Acts 12:1-11; John 8:31-42.
Read John 8:31-42
True discipleship involves more than belief—it requires perseverance in Jesus’ word. The “truth” He speaks of is not abstract, but personal and liberating: it is Christ Himself, who said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
St. Augustine reflects on this freedom: “You are made free, but it is through the truth; this truth is Christ. He who sins is the slave of sin. The grace of God liberates you: the truth makes you free”(Tractate on John 41.10). In knowing Christ, we are freed not only from ignorance, but from the bondage of sin. Freedom in Christ is not license to do as we please, but the power to live as we ought, in communion with God.
St. Cyril of Alexandria emphasizes, “Christ himself is the truth, and the mark of those who love the truth is their steady and continual perseverance in his word” (Commentary on John, Book 5). Perseverance, then, is the key to true freedom. To abide in Christ’s word is to enter a life of sanctifying truth—a truth that purifies, guides, and ultimately liberates us into the fullness of life with God.