The Orthodox Church commemorates today Hieromartyr Stephen, Pope of Rome and companions, Saint Myrrh-bearer Salome and Saints Isaac, Dalmatius and Faustus.
Dalmatius was a soldier, but the desire to devote himself to the Creator of the universe, the God-man Lord Jesus Christ, quickly took over his soul. He went with his son Faustus to meet Monk Isaac, whose authentic humility and spiritual glory had brought many people to him because they wanted to have a “divine and virtuous life.”
Saint Dalmatius distinguished himself in his virtue, and, therefore, he was elected abbot after the passing of pious Saint Isaac. In fact, Dalmatius was honoured for his virtuous life by the Third Ecumenical Council that was convened in 431 in Ephesus. It is noteworthy that, among other things, the Council approved Canon 8 and recognised the Autocephalous Ancient Church of Cyprus. The son of Dalmatius, who peacefully reposed in the Lord, followed the same path and proved that he was a worthy successor of his father.
The Saints and Ascetics of the Orthodox Church are considered as “candles that illuminate the universe with their virtues and humility and, thus, the night of the passions of human weakness, which torments the human soul, is defeated.”
Our Church also commemorates humble Bishop Hieromartyr Stephen, who followed the same path and served as a Pope in the 3rd century in Rome. Today, it is also the 43rd anniversary of the passing of late Archbishop and Father of the Nation in Cyprus Makarios III who also was the first president of the Republic of Cyprus. He reposed in the Lord on the 3rd of August 1977. Makarios III was interested in the progress, prosperity and salvation of Cyprus. His work and contribution will always be a cornerstone and a compass for his descendants.
Furthermore, he had given prophetic public speeches, before the coup and the Turkish invasion, which remain the living proof of his love for his homeland and his intuition for the coming troubles. Finally, he knew that the end of his life was near, and, therefore, he said that his descendants would continue their struggle until justice is administered and the liberation of Cyprus from the shackles of slavery is achieved. Their responsibility will be to fight for a better future for Cyprus and its people.
Source: Church of Cyprus
