Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Oh Most Holy St. Sergius, please pray unto God for us.


September 25th
Troparion
(Tone 4)
Champion of virtue and warrior of Christ, thou didst contend against earthly passions; thou wast a model to thy disciples in vigil, chant and fasting and the Holy Spirit came and dwelt in thee. As thou hast boldness towards the Trinity remember thy flock and visit thy children as thou didst promise, O holy Father Sergius.

St. Sergius was the second son of Sts. Cyril and Mary, nobles of Rostov. They later fled to Radonezh during the Tatar wars in Russia. Having trouble learning how to read and write as a child, he sought understanding through prayer. An angel in the form of a monk blessed him and gave him understanding. He studied the Holy Scriptures relentlessly. After taking care of his parents until they died, St. Sergius sought the ascetic life in the wilderness. He was tonsured a monk at the age of twenty-three. Through prayer, he survived many years of solitude with nothing to eat but a scarce supply of bread and water. Eventually, many came to join him and a monastery was established. St. Sergius was ordained as a priest and was appointed as abbot. He protested, not wishing for any title or honor, but accepted in humility and obedience. He lived an extremely pious life, dressing in worn clothing, working hard, and spending hours in prayer every day. He established countless churches and monasteries and performed many miracles through prayer and fasting. St. Sergius reposed in 1393. Through his intercessions, the faithful have been healed of blindness and delivered from devils.

Icon and Story found on Come and See Icons website.

Today there was a special reading from the OCA calendar for St. Sergius.
One verse inparticular spoke to me....God spoke to me.

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Galatians 6:1


2 comments:

Mimi said...

That is a great reading. I read a brief hagiography to Xavier, as they have the same Patron Saint (before St. Sergius' tonsure) I consider there to be a soft spot for each other.

Liz in Seattle said...

Thank you. For all students who struggle to learn, Holy St. Sergius pray for them.