By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
Today, September 3, our church commemorates Hieromartyr Anthimus of Nicomedia, Bishop of Nicomedia, († 302) and Hieromartyr Aristion, Bishop of Alexandria († c. 167). We also celebrate the memory of New Martyr Polydorus of Cyprus († 1794), who martyred in New Ephesus, Asia Minor.
Saint Polydorus the New Martyr was born in the 18th century in the Archangel Michael Trypiotis Church, which is located in the old town of Nicosia, Cyprus. The saint was raised by pious parents and was initiated to the teaching of the Orthodox Church. Afterwards, he travelled to many countries, because he was a travelling merchant.
While he was drunk, perhaps he was having a good time at some festival, he renounced Christianity and betrayed his faith. When he woke up and realized his mistake, he was filled with so much bitterness that he turned to God with humble repentance. He confessed his sin and desired to martyr for the resurrected Jesus Christ. After many prayers, he arrived in New Ephesus and confessed his faith in Christ before the Mufti. Finally, he martyred by hanging.
The one who is humble will always seek repentance and return to the true path of the Lord. Once someone receives these God-given gifts, they will always be inside our existence, as if we were a living temple of the Holy Spirit.
Source: Church of Cyprus