Today, March 24, our Church celebrates the Forefeast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and commemorates Saint Artemon, Bishop of Seleucia, and Saint hieromartyr Artemon of Laodicea.
Saint Artemon was originally from Seleucia of Pisidia and lived during the apostolic years. According to ecclesiastical tradition, he was an eyewitness and an earwitness to the preaching of the Apostle Paul when, during his first tour, the Apostle of the Nations visited among other places Seleucia. Artemon’s transcendence in faith, charity, and other Christian virtues prompted the apostle of the nations to decide to ordain him as the first bishop of Seleucia.
From his new deaconship, Artemon did not cease to preach the Holy Gospel day and night and to attract crowds to Christ’s church. His care for widows and orphans was also ceaseless. He ministered with love in God in his bishopric until the time when, in old age, the Lord called him to His heavenly kingdom.
The great feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary marks the fulfillment of God’s eternal will for the salvation of the human race.
Source: Church of Cyprus
