By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
Today our Church celebrates the memory of Holy Martyr Dorotheus, Bishop of Tyre.
Saint Dorotheus was a traditional shepherd who, according to the Epistle to the Romans of Apostle Paul, had “the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law, that is in the Old and New Testament” (Romans 2:20).
When the terrible persecution of Christians broke out during the reign of Diocletian, his flock, in order not to lose his spiritual hierarch, persuaded him to gi away from the place of persecution. He retired to Dyssos, a city in Thrace, where he led an ascetic life until this wave of persections would come to an end.
He returned to shepherd his flock, who was waiting for him with anxiety and love.
Saint Dorotheus lived for many years while remaining creative. He lived during the reign of Julian the Apostate, who tried in every way to restore paganism.
The idolaters, who were protegees of Emperor Julian, arrested Dorotheus and, after having tormented him mercilessly, killed him in 362 AD, winning the laurels of the Martyr with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Nowadays, a work of St Dorotheos is preserved, which deals with the wider circle of 70 disciples of the Risen Jesus.
Source: Church of Cyprus
