05 ЛИСТОПАДА / NOVEMBER 5

Saints Galaction and Episteme were born in the Syrian city of Emesa during a time of severe persecution against Christians. Galaction’s parents, Kletophon and Leukippe, were wealthy but had no children. One day, Leukippe met an elderly monk and priest named Onuphrius, who preached to her about the one true God. She embraced Christianity and received Holy Baptism. Soon afterward, she gave birth to a son, Galaction. In time, her husband also accepted the Christian faith.

Galaction grew up in a Christian household and received a good education. Although his father wished him to marry, Galaction longed for a life devoted to God. His betrothed, Episteme, gradually learned about Christianity from him and eventually received Holy Baptism, together with her servant Eutolmius.

Inspired by Galaction’s example, Episteme chose to dedicate her life to Christ. Together, Galaction and Episteme withdrew to Mount Publion, where they entered separate monasteries. They devoted themselves to prayer, fasting, and hard work, growing in holiness through their monastic life.

When persecution reached their monasteries, the monks and nuns fled into the surrounding hills. Galaction, however, remained in his cell, reading Holy Scripture, and was arrested by the soldiers. Upon learning of his capture, Episteme asked her abbess for permission to join him and share in his suffering for Christ.

The two saints endured terrible tortures, remaining steadfast in their faith until they were beheaded. Eutolmius later buried their bodies and recorded the story of their virtuous lives and martyrdom. Saints Galaction and Episteme are commemorated as examples of faithfulness to Christ and courage in the face of persecution.

+++ +++

Saints Patrobus, Hermes, Linus, Gaius, and Philologus were among the Apostles of the Seventy, who preached the Gospel in different regions and served the early Church.

Saint Patrobus preached in Italy, serving as a bishop in Neopolis and Puteoli. Saint Hermes served as Bishop of Philippopolis and suffered martyrdom for Christ. Saint Linus succeeded the Apostle Peter as bishop of Rome. Saint Gaius served as Bishop of Ephesus after Saint Timothy, while Saint Philologus was consecrated by the Apostle Andrew as bishop of Sinope, near the Black Sea.

Through their preaching, pastoral service, and steadfast faith, these holy apostles helped spread the Gospel and strengthen the early Christian communities.