28 ЖОВТНЯ / OCT 28

Saint Stephen the Hymnographer of Saint Savva Monastery lived as an ascetic at the Lavra of Saint Savva in Palestine. Together with Andrew the Blind, he was among the early hymnographers who composed hymns for the liturgical period beginning with the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee and continuing through Palm Sunday.

Through his life of prayer, fasting, and service to the Church, Saint Stephen helped give voice to the faith of the Christian people through sacred hymnography. His hymns continue to remind the Church that worship is not simply words, but prayer offered to God from the heart.

The Church also commemorates the Great Martyr Paraskevi of Iconium, who lived during the third century. She was born into a wealthy and devout Christian family. Her parents especially honored Friday, the day on which the Lord suffered His Passion, and therefore they named their daughter Paraskevi, a name that means “Friday.”

From her youth, Saint Paraskevi loved purity and the consecrated life. She chose to remain a virgin and dedicated her entire life to Christ. She desired not only to live for God herself but also to share the light of Christ with those who did not yet know Him.

Because she openly confessed her Christian Faith, the pagans seized her and brought her before the city prefect. They demanded that she offer sacrifice to their idols. Saint Paraskevi refused, trusting completely in God.

For this, she was subjected to terrible torture. She was tied to a tree and beaten with rods. Then the torturers tore her body with iron hooks and threw her into prison, severely wounded and exhausted.

Yet God did not abandon His servant. Through His power, Saint Paraskevi was miraculously healed. The pagans, however, refused to recognize this miracle and continued to persecute her. Finally, she was beheaded and received the crown of martyrdom from Christ.

Saint Paraskevi teaches us that true beauty is found not in outward appearance or earthly possessions, but in a heart completely given to God. Her courage came from her trust that Christ is greater than every suffering and that eternal life is greater than anything this world can offer.

The Church also remembers Saint Terence of Syria, who suffered for Christ together with his wife, Saint Neonila, and their seven children: Sabelus, Photius, Theodoulus, Vele, Hierax, Nitus, and Eunice.

The entire family was denounced as Christian and brought before the authorities. They openly confessed Christ and refused to worship the pagan gods.

The torturers cruelly wounded them with iron hooks. Vinegar was poured into their wounds, which were then set on fire. Yet the Saints did not abandon their faith. Instead, they encouraged one another and prayed to God for strength.

The Lord answered their prayers. Angels came and freed them from their bonds and healed their wounds.

The pagans then threw the Saints before wild animals, expecting them to be torn apart. But the animals became gentle and did not harm them. The family was then thrown into a cauldron filled with boiling pitch, but they remained unharmed.

Seeing that no suffering could make them deny Christ, the authorities finally ordered their execution. Saint Terence, Saint Neonila, and their seven children were beheaded and received the crown of martyrdom.

Their witness is especially powerful because they suffered together as a family. They strengthened one another when facing fear and pain. Their example reminds us that faith can become a source of strength within our families. Parents and children can help one another remain close to Christ, especially during difficult moments.

May Saint Stephen the Hymnographer, Great Martyr Paraskevi, and the holy Martyrs Terence, Neonila, and their children pray for us. May they teach us to praise God with our lives, remain faithful to Christ in suffering, and strengthen one another on the path toward eternal life.