Synaxarium

On this day, Saint Agapitus the Bishop reposed. He was born of Christian parents during the time of the two pagan kings Diocletian and Maximian. They raised him with Christian upbringing and made him a deacon. Then he went to one of the monasteries and served the elders there, learning from them worship and asceticism, becoming accustomed to constant fasting and prayer. His food after fasting was a little lupine. He increased in asceticism and advanced in every virtue. God performed many signs through him, including healing a girl who was sick and whom doctors could not cure. Once he prayed, and God destroyed a wild beast that was attacking people. By his prayers, God granted healing to many of the sick. His asceticism, virtue, and the power of his prayers became widely known. Licinius the governor heard of this and summoned him unwillingly, appointing him a soldier. This did not prevent him from continuing his asceticism and worship; rather, he increased in virtue. After a while, God destroyed Diocletian, and the God-loving King Constantine the Great reigned. The saint wished to be released and return to his monastery, and God answered his wish. Constantine had a beloved young servant who was greatly afflicted by an evil spirit that tormented him much. Some friends advised the king to seek Agapitus to pray for him and heal him. The king was surprised that among the soldiers there was one with such a gift. He immediately sent for him, and Agapitus prayed over the youth and signed him with the sign of the holy cross. God healed him. The king rejoiced and wanted to reward him, but he accepted only to be released from the military service to return to his place of asceticism. The king granted his request, and the saint returned to where he was before and sought solitude, remaining in a solitary place. After some time, he was ordained a priest. After the repose of the bishop of his town, they requested this saint from the head of the monastery, who allowed them to have him. He was ordained a bishop and shepherded the flock of Christ with the best care. He was granted the grace of prophecy and performed miracles. He made sinners weep over their secret deeds and rebuked priests for neglecting to teach the people, admonishing them. His life included the performance of one hundred miracles. Then he reposed in a righteous old age. May his prayer be with us. Amen.

On this day, we commemorate the martyrdom of Saint Timothy in Gaza and Saint Matthias in the city of Qus.

May their prayers be with us, and to our Lord be glory forever and ever. Amen.