Today, our Holy Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of the Apostle Nathanael, Saint Theodore of Sykeon, and the Holy Martyr Nearchus.
Saint Nathanael was from Cana of Galilee. He was a close friend of the Apostle Philip, who announced to him the prophecies that were fulfilled in the person of the Risen Christ.
He was subsequently numbered among the twelve disciples of the Lord. His missionary work extended as far as Africa, Mauritania, and Britain, where he was martyred by crucifixion at the hands of pagans.
Saint Theodore was born in the community of Sykeon in Anastasiopolis and was the son of the prostitute Maria and of Kosmas, who was an apokrisiarios, that is, a messenger of Justinian.
His birth out of wedlock did not prevent God from raising him to become a most honorable High Priest. From a young age, he revealed his calling to the monastic life.
Later, with the blessing of Theodosius, Bishop of Anastasiopolis, he embraced the monastic way of life and was subsequently ordained deacon and priest. Saint Theodore made full use of all the means of spiritual discipline for the formation of his character and for the benefit of his fellow human beings.
With all these gifts, God elevated him to the episcopacy, despite his own reluctance to assume administrative responsibilities.
Saint Theodore reposed in holiness in the year 613 A.D.
Source: Church of Cyprus
