Orthodox Calendar October 9
Holy Apostle James, the son of Alphaeus, one of the Twelve Apostles
He was the brother of the holy Evangelist Matthew. He heard the Lord’s words and witnessed His miracles.
After the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle James Alphaeus and the Apostle Andrew the First-Called (November 30), made missionary journeys preaching in Judea, Edessa, Gaza, Eleutheropolis, proclaiming the Gospel, healing all sorts of sickness and disease, and converting many to the path of salvation.
Saint James finished his apostolic work In the Egyptian city of Ostrachina, where he was crucified by the pagans.
Troparion — Tone 3
Holy Apostle James, entreat the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.
Saint Andronicus and his wife Athanasia of Egypt
Saint Athanasia is commemorated by the Church together with her husband, Saint Andronicus. They were two devout Christians who lived in Antioch in the 6th century. They lived comfortably, but at the same time, they helped the poor.
Their two children, a girl and a boy, both died at the age of 12. Saint Athanasia was overcome with great sorrow and spent the night at her children’s tomb in the Church of Saint Julian. While she was alone in the church, Saint Julian appeared to her in the form of a monk and comforted her, telling her that the Lord had placed her children among the righteous.
After the death of their children, the two spouses gave their possessions to the poor and set out on foot for Jerusalem. They venerated the Holy Places and met many hermits. They also traveled to Egypt, where they were guided by an abba. He kept Saint Andronicus close to him, while Saint Athanasia was sent to a women’s monastery founded by Saint Pachomius.
Twelve years later, while traveling once again to Jerusalem, Saint Andronicus met Saint Athanasia on the road, but he did not recognize her, because she was dressed in men’s clothing and her ascetic life had transformed her appearance.
They went together to the Holy Places, remaining silent, according to the saint’s wish. Saint Athanasia suggested that Andronicus live with her in silence and prayer in a cell, and after receiving the blessing of his spiritual father, the saint agreed.
For another twelve years, the two lived together, without Saint Andronicus ever suspecting that the monk beside him was actually his own wife.
After Saint Athanasia’s repose, a written note was found beside her, revealing her secret. The spiritual father of Saint Andronicus then praised the patience and great struggles that the holy woman had endured in order to live as a stranger beside her own husband for so many years.
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 holy Andronicus and Athanasia, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!
