Today, Thursday, November 20, on the Forefeast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple, the Church commemorates Saint Gregory of Decapolis, who lived an ascetic life during the period of Iconoclasm; Saint Proclus, Archbishop of Constantinople; and the Venerable Sozomenos of Galatia in Karpasia.
Saint Proclus was a disciple of the great Father and Teacher John Chrysostom. He was renowned for his extensive knowledge and virtue, yet, like his teacher, he encountered opposition from the Constantinople establishment. First, he became Bishop of Cyzicus. In 434 CE, he was ceremoniously elevated to the patriarchal throne of Constantinople, also known as New Rome. During his patriarchal ministry of approximately twelve years, he organized the church prudently and discerningly, developed extensive social welfare initiatives, and contributed to the evolution of the liturgical order of Constantinople.
He also oversaw the transfer of the holy relics of Saint Chrysostom to Constantinople from Comana of Pontus, where he died in exile on September 14, 407.
Around A.D. 1100, Venerable Sozomenos lived and practiced asceticism on the sacred, saint-bearing peninsula of Karpasia, at the easternmost part of Cyprus. He became known for his ascetic labors, blameless life, and miracles, such as healing the demon-possessed and lepers.
Source: Church of Cyprus
