By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
Our Church commemorates today Saint Eumenius, Bishop of Gortyn on Crete, Wonderworker.
Saint Eumenius strove to serve the Church. He was deemed worthy to receive the gift and mission of priesthood. With the grace of the Holy Spirit, he was chosen as Bishop of Gortyna on the island of Crete. His first concern was to elect worthy, reverent, and loyal clergymen to shepherd the faithful.
He eagerly travelled to Rome to help and support the faithful by performing miracles, comforting his flock in their sorrows, and caring for the poor. He went to Thebaid, where he met the ascetic and hermit monks. His holy relic was buried in his diocese in Crete. Bishop Eumenius was noted for many virtues, mostly for being humble.
Humility and simplicity, two virtues that Saints Eumenius and Ariadne had, are part of an inner spirituality of everyone. It takes a lot of patience, discernment, and prayer to remain faithful and steadfast in God’s will.
Let us not forget the words of Jesus the Great High Priest, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6, 33).
SOURCE: Church of Cyprus