By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
The Church celebrates today, July 31, the memory of Saint Joseph of Arimathea, who, along with Saint Nicodemus, buried the body of Jesus Christ.
Today we also celebrate the translation of the relics of Apostle Philip to Cyprus. The relics of Apostle Philip were transferred from Hierapolis in Phrygia to Paphos in Cyprus and more precisely to one little village called Arsinoe. The relics of the saint were deposited in a temple dedicated to his memory.
Today, we celebrate the Consecration of the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos of Blachernae and the forefeast of the Procession of the Precious Wood of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord. It became a tradition to carry the wood of the Venerable Cross through the streets and the parishes of Constantinople for the sanctification of the city and for relief from sickness starting in the beginning of August. The faithful could venerate the Venerable Cross.
We also celebrate the memory of Righteous Eudocimus of Cappadocia, who lived in the 9th century AD. Having received Christian upbringing from his pious parents Basil and Eudokia, Saint Eudocimus was an epitome of virtue from a young age.
He was devoted in serving his neighbour, and was always righteous and humble. Those traits were appreciated by the emperor Theophilus, so he appointed Saint Eudocimus as governor of Chorziane, Armenia. Saint Eudocimus reposed in the Lord at age 33. Despite his brief life, he distinguished himself in discipline, charity, humility and righteousness, as well as unwavering faith in the Holy Trinity.
SOURCE: Church of Cyprus
