By Bishop Grigorios of Mesaoria
Today, October 3, our Church commemorates Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite, who came from Athens. He was distinguished by his classical Greek education and was a judge at the Areopagus Court in Athens.
Until the early Christian years, the prestige of the Areopagus Court remained unchanged. The holy Apostle Paul preached in the Areopagus Hill in Athens (literally means “the rock of Ares”). When the Apostle Paul visited Athens, he saw an altar with an inscription dedicated to the Unknown God and decided to deliver a sermon. Dionysios and Hierotheos, who later became bishops of Athens, were the first Athenians to believe in Christ.
The preaching of the Apostle Paul touched the soul of Dionysius who was instructed, baptized and then ordained Bishop of Athens by Saint Paul succeeding Bishop Hierotheos, whose memory is celebrated tomorrow, October 4.
Hierarch Dionysius was distinguished for his deep spiritual culture and virtuous life, drawing on the knowledge and the experience he gained as a judge. He was deemed worthy by the Lord by giving him the gift of performing miracles under the power of the Holy Spirit.
Saint Dionysius suffered a Christian martyr’s end. He is the patron saint of Athens and is venerated as the protector of the Judges and the Judiciary.
SOURCE: Church of Cyprus