The Orthodox Church commemorates today Saint Sisoës the Great († 429), Hieromartyr Asteius, Bishop of Dyrrachium in Macedonia, and Martyrs Archippus, Philemon, and Onesimus.
Saint Sisoës distinguished himself for his genuine faith in the Trinity, his spiritual wisdom, his humility and his love for his fellow human beings. He became well-known and he was given the name Sisoës the Great because he literally was a front-line ascetic. He was an example of self-restraint, and he also had a pure soul. He was praying for the righteous and the unrighteous, the rich and the poor, the masters and lords, the clergy and the laity. He was generally praying for the whole world, without making any distinction. Although he was on earth, he nevertheless experienced heavenly life and bliss. He fought with his spiritual weapons against the devil, whom the sensitive and virtuous people know how to recognise.
He lived his life with humility, in abstinence, fasting, praying and, above all, showing his love. He was, therefore, able to master completely his physical senses and actions. He was frequently receiving Holy Communion and, with the grace of the Holy Spirit, he was able to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Information about the spiritual wisdom and experience of the Saint can be found in the Gerontikon, a book read by both monks and everyday Christians, that could benefit and enrich the psyche through the didactic quotes of the elders of the desert.
Source: Church of Cyprus
