Commemorations
Meshir 5, 1121
The Transfer of the Relics of the 49 Elders of Sheheet
On this day, we commemorate the transfer of the bodies of the pure holy fathers, the 49 elders of the wilderness of Sheheet, to their church in the Monastery of Saint Macarius.
The Departure of Pope Agrippinus
On this day in the year 181 A.D., the holy father Anba Agrippinus, the tenth Pope of Alexandria, departed. This father was a holy, pure man who feared God. He was ordained a priest over the Church of Alexandria. When the father Claudianus, the ninth pope, departed, this saint was chosen by the clergy and people of the city as patriarch. By the grace of God, he assumed the succession of the apostolic throne, walking in an apostolic manner, preaching and teaching the people the foundations of faith and its life-giving laws. He devoted all his strength to guarding the flock, teaching and praying for all of them. He did not acquire gold or silver except what was necessary to meet his needs only. He completed his struggle for twelve years and departed in peace. May his prayer be with us. Amen.
The Departure of Saint Bishay, the Abbot of the Red Monastery
On this day, we commemorate the saints Anba Bishay, the abbot of Akhmim Monastery, and Anba Abanoub, the abbot of the Golden Fan. May their prayers be with us, Amen.
The Departure of Saint Apollo, Companion of Saint Abib
On this day, we commemorate the departure of Saint Apollo, companion of Anba Abib. May his prayers be with us, Amen.
The Departure of Saint Apollides, Pope of Rome
On this day, the Church commemorates the appearance of the body of Saint Apollides, Pope of Rome. This saint was a virtuous and perfect man in his generation; they chose him for the See of Rome after Pope Eugenius. This occurred in the first year of the enthronement of Saint Anba Khladianos, the ninth pope on the See of Alexandria. He was diligent in teaching his people and guarding them from pagan beliefs, strengthening them in the faith in the Lord Christ. His reputation reached the ears of the unbelieving king Claudius Caesar, who seized him and inflicted painful beatings upon him. Finally, he tied a heavy stone to his foot and threw him into the sea on the fifth day of Amshir. The next day, a believer found the saint’s body floating on the water’s surface, with the stone tied to his foot. He took it to his home, wrapped it in a shroud, and this news spread throughout the city of Rome and its territories until it reached the emperor, who requested the body. But the man hid it and did not reveal it. This father left many teachings, some about faith and the Incarnation, and some sermons for correcting conduct. He also established thirty-eight canons. May his prayers be with us, Amen.