By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
Today, October 15, our Church commemorates Saints Lucian, presbyter of Antioch, Bishop Sabinus and Bishop Varsos of Edessa.
Saint Lucian came from the Syrian city of Samosata, was born to a devout family, and after the death of his parents, distributed his possessions to the poor and began studying the Holy Scriptures, contributing significantly to the translation of the texts of the 49 books of the Old Testament. He was ordained a presbyter in Antioch, and was later arrested in Nicomedia by Diocletian, where he was imprisoned and eventually starved to death.
Saint Sabinus, after much pressure, accepted the ordination of Bishop, but soon abandoned the Archieratic course, due to the deterioration and pressure of the administration. He returned to his monastic cell and practiced asceticism and offering. Living in obscurity voluntarily, the Synaxaria did not retain the title of the bishopric, for which he was ordained. He died peacefully and venerably.
Venerable Varsos the Confessor, Bishop of Edessa was present at the time of the the heresy of Arius. He also excelled in Phoenicia, Egypt, and Thebes. He was banished and eventually confined to a fortress near Algiers, where he left his last breath. His whole life was dedicated to the service of God, the Church, and people.
Source: Church of Cyprus
