Wednesday, June 3, 2009

St. Loukillianos (Lucillian), those with him, and the appearance to Elder Paisios

Icon of St. Loukillianos (Lucillian) of Byzantium, and St. Paula the Virgin (taken from: http://www.christopherklitou.com/icon_3_june_loucillianus_paula.htm)
  
Sts. Loukillianos (Lucillian) of Byzantium, 4 martyred Youths (Claudius, Hypatius, Paul, and Dionysius) and Paula the Virgin - June 3rd
Formerly a priest of the idols near Nicomedia, the Saint came to the Christian Faith in his old age; this was during the reign of Aurelian (270-275). Lucillian was brought before Silvan the Count; when he refused to return to the service of the idols, his jaw was broken, he was beaten with rods, and hanged upside down, then imprisoned with four Christian children, Claudius, Hypatius, Paul, and Dionysius. All of them were brought out again before Silvan, and remaining constant in their faith, were cast into a raging furnace. Preserved unharmed, they were sent to Byzantium, where the children were beheaded, and Lucillian was crucified. The virgin Paula, a Christian, buried their holy relics. For this, she was taken before the Count, and refusing to sacrifice to the idols, was stripped naked and mercilessly thrashed; after other torments, she was beheaded, in 270. There was a church in their honor in Constantinople." (taken from: http://goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=75&type=saints&date=6/3/2009&D=W)
  
The Martyrdom of St. Loukillianos (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s1303/s1303002.jpg)
  
Apolytikion of St. Loukillianos and those with him, in the First Tone
Let all of us entreat Christ the Lord's holy Martyrs, for they make supplication for our souls' salvation; with faith and with longing, therefore, let us draw nigh unto them, for they overflow with the divine grace of healings, and they drive away the ranks of demons in terror, as guardians of the Faith.
(taken from: http://goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=75&type=saints&date=6/3/2009&D=W) 
  
The Chapel of the Panagouda Cell, where Elder Paisios lived for a number of years on Mount Athos (taken from: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elder-Paisios/41315912880)
  
The appearance of St. Loukillianos to Elder Paisios
In 1979, Elder Paisios moved from the Precious Cross hermitage to the Panagouda Cell of Koutloumousiou. It was June 3rd, and the Elder, because of the move, had not yet unpacked his liturgical books and did not know exactly the date or the celebrating saint. He performed the services with the prayer rope, and when he began to pray to the Saint of the day, his mind was busy trying to remember who the Saint was. Then in the chapel, two Saints appeared, one in front and another behind. The second was St. Panteleimon, whom the Elder recognized. The first was unknown however. Because of his bewilderment, the Saint himself responded: “Elder, I am Loukilianos”. The Elder was not paying attention well and asked: “What was that? Loukianos?” “No, Elder. I am Loukilianos.” And immediately the two Saints disappeared. The Elder was moved and found the June Menaion to confirm if St. Loukilianos was celebrating. In reality it was the day of his commemoration.” (From the book of Fr. Dionysios Tatse: The Ascetic of Panagoudas, translated from: http://www.agiooros.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=9969)
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Really nice to find. It shows how even gentle constancy in prayer manifests aspects of all truth whatever the circumstances, place or time.
vincit omnia veritas