Orthodox Calendar – February 27
Saint Procopius the Dekapolite
He lived during the eighth century in the region of Decapolis (Mark 7:31), to the east of Lake Galilee. There he labored for his salvation, struggling in asceticism.
Saint Procopius, his fellow ascetic Saint Basil (February 28), and others zealous for holy Orthodoxy rose up against the Iconoclast heresy of those times. By order of the emperor Leo the Isaurian (716-741), Saint Procopius was arrested, subjected to a fierce scourging and thrown into prison. Here he languished together with Saint Basil until the very death of the oppressive emperor, after which the holy confessors were set free.
Saint Procopius spent the rest of his life in peace, guiding many on the way of virtue and salvation. He died in old age, around the year 750.
Troparion Tone 1
Having advanced in asceticism, O Father Prokopios, / you went from strength to strength. / By venerating the icon of Christ, you were shown as one similar to the Martyrs. / With them, intercede for those who cry to you: / “Glory to Him Who has strengthened you; / glory to Him Who has crowned you; / glory to Him, Who through you, works healings for all.”
Saint Thalelaeus
He lived during the fifth century. He was a native of Cilicia (Asia Minor), became a monk at the monastery of Saint Sava the Sanctified, and was ordained presbyter there. Later on, he moved to Syria, not far from the city of Habala, he found a dilapidated pagan temple surrounded by graves, and he settled there in a tent. This place had a rough reputation, since the unclean spirits residing there frightened travellers and caused them much harm.
Here the monk lived, praying day and night in total solitude. The demons often assailed the saint, trying to terrify him with sights and sounds. But by the power of God the saint ultimately gained victory over the power of the Enemy, after which he was troubled no more. He then intensified his efforts even more: he built a hut, so cramped that it was just possible to get into it, and only with an effort was it possible to raise his head. He lived there for about ten years.
The Lord granted to the ascetic the gift of wonderworking, and his miracles helped him to enlighten the pagan inhabitants. With the help of the inhabitants he converted to Christianity, he demolished the pagan temple, building a church where there were daily services.
Saint Thalelaeus died in old age in about the year 460. In the book entitled Leimonarion or Pratum [The Meadow], a composition of the Greek monk John Moschus (+ 622). Saint Thalelaeus is mentioned: “Abba Thalelaeus was a monk for sixty years and with tears never ceased saying, ‘Brethren, God has given us this time for repentance, and we must seek after Him’” (Ch. 59).
Troparion — Tone 8
By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile, / and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance. / By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe! / O our holy father Thalelaeus, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!
Tr by oca.org
