St. Eleutherios Hieromartyr

The Icon

Eleutherios was born in Rome in the 2nd century. He astounded his elders with his prodigious intellect and early development. Had his father, a high official of pagan Rome lived to guide his talented son, things might have taken a different turn but his widowed mother, Anthea, had accepted Christianity and raised him to apply his talents of Christian endeavors. Because of his great intelligence, the Bishop of Rome, took him under his personal supervision. Eleutherios embarked on a priestly career acquiring before he was 12 the equivalent of a college education. He became a deacon at 15 and was ordained a priest at the age of 17. He was elevated to the episcopacy at the age of20 and served in Illyricum. He was an outstanding theologian, orator and benefactor of Christians and pagans alike. Because of his popularity and ability convert pagans to Christianity, the Emperor Hadrian had him brought to trial and he was martyred at an early age.

Feast Day - December 15

Troparion in tone 4

In your manner a participant
And in your throne a successor of the Apostles.
You discovered action an entrance into visions,
O inspired one of God.
Therefore directing the Word of Truth
You suffered for the faith even unto blood.
O Bishop and Martyr Eleutherius,
Pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved!

For information concerning the life of St. Eleutherios Hieromartyr please click here