The Orthodox Church commemorates Saints Luke and Peter the Reverend and the Martyrs Eupsychios and Sozon.
The Church also celebrates the Forefeast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
Martyr Sozon came from the Lycaonian region of Asia Minor and lived in the 3rd century AD. He was a pagan shepherd, but was soon baptized a Christian and took the name Sozon.
He was a man of virtue and godliness. He studied the Scriptures and preached the word of the Gospel for the benefit of the faithful.
One day he entered a pagan temple where he saw a statue made out of gold and silver. Then, he cut off one hand of the statue and after selling it distributed the money to the poor. When he learned of what had happened, the ruler of the region began to arrest and punish the Christians.
Then, without regretting his act, Saint Sozon went to the ruler and confessed his faith in Christ the Savior. After much torture, he surrendered his spirit to God.
Today, the Church is preparing us spiritually for tomorrow’s Great Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
The birth of Mariam by the righteous Joachim and Anna brought joy to all humankind for the Virgin gave birth to The Son and Word of God and Savior of the world. She was the One who cast away the curse of disobedience of Eve and brought blessing to all human beings.
Source: Church of Cyprus
