The Church commemorates the Prophet Nahum and Saint Philaret the Merciful.
The Prophet Nahum lived in the seventh century BC and came from the tribe of Symeon and his name means “comforter”.
The Book of Nahum, one of the 49 books of the Old Testament, consists of three short chapters and foretells the fall of Nineveh, as it was a city of lies, bloodshed, and injustice.
Saint Philaretos whom we also celebrate today, is a living example of a virtuous Christian.
He lived in the eighth century AD. and was a farmer. He distributed his income to the poor, feeling an inner certainty that this was how he was following God’s will for his brothers. Even when he was destitute and had to face great rials, he nevertheless continued to serve his neighbor with the same genuine love and sympathy, as gifts of the Holy Spirit, which he cultivated with humility.
Later, Mary, granddaughter of Saint Philaretos, married the son of Queen Irene, Constantine, who made the Merciful Saint High Commissioner. From this position, he became had fame and wealth, which he used for the sake of the people who needed his support. God deemed him worthy to know his passing. He taught with his works and his speech that people should love their neighbor in need and that they should frequently participate in the synaxes and sanctifying acts of the Church. Saint Philaretos reposed in the Lord while reciting the Sunday prayer “Lord, let your will be done!”.
Source: Church of Cyprus
