The Orthodox Church commemorates today Prophet Nahum and St. Philaret the Merciful.
Prophet Naum lived in the 7th century BC. He was a descendant of the tribe of Simeon and his name means “comforter”. Prophets, as “instruments” of the Holy Spirit, were converting people to Christianity through their preach.
St. Philaret the Merciful lived in the 8th century AD and he was a farmer. He was distributing his income to the poor, as he knew that he was doing God’s will. Later, Maria, the granddaughter of St. Philaret, married the son of Empress Irene, Constantine, who then rewarded Philaret. He took maximum advantage of the new position Emperor Constantine offered him in order to help those in need. God let him know that his end was approaching. However, he continued preaching and helping the people and he was going to church regularly. Before passing away, his last words were: “Lord, let your will be done!”
Source: Church of Cyprus
