Synaxarium

On this day, the saint Lazarus, brother of Mary and beloved of the Lord, departed after he became bishop of Cyprus. After the Lord raised him from the dead, he followed the disciples from that time. When the grace of the Comforter came upon them, they ordained him as a bishop, shepherding the flock of Christ with the best care. He lived for forty years and then departed in peace.

May his prayers be with us. And to our Lord be glory forever. Amen.

On this day in the year 232 A.M. (May 22, 516 A.D.), the holy Pope Anba John II, the thirtieth patriarch of the Markian preaching, departed. He had become a monk from his youth and exerted himself in all kinds of struggles. He lived in seclusion, increasing in asceticism and austerity. His fame spread for his knowledge and piety, so he was chosen for the patriarchate of the great city of Alexandria on 3 Paoni, 221 A.M. (May 29, 505 A.D.). He wrote many epistles and sermons. The church during his days was in calm and peace, helped by the reign of the righteous Orthodox King Anastasius on the throne. At that time, Saint Severus sat on the chair of Antioch and wrote to Anba John a letter about the union, saying: "Christ our God, after the union, is of one nature and one will without separation. And he is believed in according to the faith of Father Cyril and Father Dioscorus."

When Anba John received this letter, he rejoiced with the bishops and then sent him a reply filled with the grace of faith, testifying to the unity of God's essence and the Trinity of His attributes, and to the incarnation of the eternal Son by human nature, and that by the union they are one, not two, excluding anyone who separates Christ or mixes His nature, as well as anyone who says that the suffering, crucified, and dead man for humans is a mere man, or who introduces suffering and death into the nature of divinity. The correct faith is to confess that God the Word suffered in the flesh which He united with us. When Anba Severus read it, he accepted it well and spread it throughout the chair of Antioch. This pope remained caring for and guarding his flock for ten years, eleven months, and twenty-three days. Then he departed in peace.

May his prayers be with us. Amen.