Today, the Church commemorates Saint Hieromartyr King, Bishop of Amaseia; Saint Kalandion of Cyprus; and Saint George, the founder of the Monastery of Saint John Chrysostom in Pentadaktylos, near Koutsoventis, at the end of the 11th century.
Saint George became Abbot of the Monastery of Saint John Chrysostom, located approximately 15 kilometers from Nicosia, near the community of Synhari in the province of Kyrenia. It is noteworthy that Saint Neophytos the Recluse began his monastic journey at this very monastery.
Saint Basil lived in the 4th century AD and served as Bishop of Amaseia in Pontus. He was distinguished for his fervent zeal and, through his significant pastoral work, he confronted the idolatry and the various heresies that afflicted his flock.
Envious pagans, provoked by the intensity of his faith in the true God, denounced him to Licinius.
After many incidents and trials, the fury of the pagans against Bishop Basil became even more violent. He was led in chains to Nicomedia and, after enduring many hardships and tortures, he was given a choice: either to betray his faith in the Risen Christ or to be beheaded.
He willingly bowed his honorable head before the executioner, who severed it. Thus, the Hieromartyr, remaining steadfast, sealed the course of his life with devotion to the God-man Jesus Christ, receiving the crown of martyrdom.
Today also marks the end of Easter Week — for us, one day of celebrating the Resurrection is not enough. This bright and joyful week is preserved as one continuous day of resurrectional joy, lasting seven days.
Tomorrow’s Sunday is known as the Sunday of Thomas, also called Antipascha or New Sunday.
Source: Church of Cyprus
