Synaxarium

On this day, the holy father Alexandros, Bishop of Jerusalem, departed. This saint was bishop over Cappadocia and came to Jerusalem to be blessed by the holy places, then intended to return. At that time, Saint Narcissus, Bishop of Jerusalem (in the second century A.D.), was very old, having passed one hundred and ten years. He had repeatedly offered to his people to relinquish the bishopric, but they did not accept. When Saint Alexandros completed his visit and intended to return to Cappadocia, the seat of his bishopric, the people of Jerusalem heard a heavenly voice saying: "Go out to the outer gate and seize the first one who enters, and appoint him bishop over you." They went out and found this father, seized him, but he refused, protesting that he could not leave his flock whom the Lord Christ had appointed him to shepherd. They informed him of the voice they heard and that it was God's command. He accepted and wrote to his diocese explaining what had happened and excusing them by stating that they had appointed a bishop in his place. He stayed in Jerusalem to assist its bishop, Anba Narcissus, for about five years. After the departure of Narcissus, he continued to shepherd the people of Jerusalem with good care until Maximianus the unbeliever seized him and tortured him with various torments, then imprisoned him. When Gordianus became king, he released him, and when Philip became king, he released the remaining confessors. But the period of peace was short because Dacius killed Philip, seized the kingdom, and stirred persecution against the Christians. This saint was seized with many others and tortured, especially this father, who was painfully beaten with sharp nails until his ribs were broken. Then he was ordered to be dragged by his feet and thrown into prison, where he remained until he surrendered his pure soul to the Lord and received the kingdom prepared for the saints. May his prayers be with us. Amen.

On this day, the Church celebrates the commemoration of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts, the Honorable Archangel Michael, the intercessor for the human race. May his intercession be with us. Amen.

On this day is the commemoration of Saint Antonius, Bishop of Tmouh. May his prayers be with us. And to our Lord be glory forever. Amen.