By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
Today our Church celebrates the memory of Saint John, Bishop of the Goths, who lived during the period of iconoclasm and vehemently defended Orthodox teaching. We also celebrate the memory of Saint David from Thessaloniki, the “co-reigning” city of the Byzantine Empire.
Saint David, to whom is dedicated the church in Ano Poli in Thessaloniki, a spectacular example of Byzantine architecture, lived during the reign of Emperor Justinian I (527-565). His holy relic is in the Monastery of Saint Theodora on Ermou Street in the center of Thessaloniki.
From an early age, he obeyed the will of Jesus Christ and lived according to the teaching of the Holy Gospel.
Inspired by the virtue of self-denial, he shared his possessions with anyone who was in need, lived as a anchorite, leading his life in asceticism and constant prayer. He lived in an almond tree for three years then in a cell, in a deserted area of his homeland.
His reputation and virtue attracted many disciples who had chosen the path of monasticism in humiliation and constant repentance.
Saint David received from God the gift of wonderworking, and he healed many from sickness.
The celebration of Saint David casts our mind back to the Thessaloniki, the heart of Macedonia, decorated with the Byzantine temples and Byzantine monuments, which are preserved over the centuries and enhance the grandeur of the past and the glory of Byzantium at present and in the future.
