Happy name day!
According to the BOC church calendar, on February 13, we honor the memory of St.Evlogius, archbishop of Alexandria.
St. Evlogius was pious, extremely devoted to faith in Christ. He lived during the time of Emperor Heraclius in the 7th century.
The church pays tribute to the life of St.Evlogius as of his endless faith.
The second saint we worship is the Reverend Martinian,who was born in Caesarea,Palestine.
When he was 18 years old, the young Martinian retired to the mountain, the Medicapadokia, where he spent 25 years in fasting, vigil, in contemplation and prayer, in the fight against innumerable temptations.
A young woman arrived to tempt the righteous Martinian.Realizing that he could succumb to the flesh and sin with the woman, the ascetic jumped into the fire and stood there as the pain killed every lust.
After a while,Satan sent him other temptations,and the righteous Martinian jumped into the sea and touched a rock to get rid of the seduction.
According to the Byzantine Orthodox Church (BOC) calendar, February 13 is a day where faithful remember two significant saints, St. Evlogius, Archbishop of Alexandria, and the Reverend Martinian. Both figures have led lives of deep spiritual devotion and have left enduring legacies in the Christian faith. In this interview, we delve into the stories and teachings of these revered individuals with Dr. Eleni Petropoulos, a leading expert on Orthodox Christianity.
Interview with Dr. Eleni Petropoulos
Table of Contents
On St. Evlogius, Archbishop of Alexandria
Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Petropoulos, could you shed light on the life and importance of St. Evlogius?
Dr. Eleni Petropoulos (EP): Certainly.St. Evlogius, also known as saint Elias, was an archbishop of Alexandria who lived in the 7th century during the reign of Emperor Heraclius. He was renowned for his unwavering faith in Christ and remarkable piety. His life serves as a testament to the importance of steadfastness in the face of adversity and continued devotion to one’s faith. The Church honors him specifically for his profound commitment to his beliefs.
SE: What lessons can modern-day Christians learn from St. Evlogius’s life?
EP: St. Evlogius’s life teaches us the importance of spiritual endurance. Living in a time of significant political and religious turmoil, his constant faith and dedication to his spiritual practices provide a powerful example for contemporary Christians.It reminds us to remain resolute in our beliefs, even when faced with challenges and uncertainties.
On Reverend Martinian of Caesarea
SE: Now, tell us about Reverend Martinian, who was born in Caesarea, Palestine.
EP: Reverend Martinian is another inspiring figure who dedicated his life to asceticism. Born in Caesarea, he retired to a mountainous region known as Medicapadokia at the age of 18. There, he spent 25 years in fasting, vigil, contemplation, and prayer, constantly battling numerous temptations. His example illustrates the depth of dedication one can have towards a life of spiritual discipline.
SE: That’s quite exceptional. How did he face the temptations that came his way?
EP: Indeed, it is indeed extraordinary. Reverend Martinian faced extreme temptations with remarkable fortitude. When a young woman attempted to lead him astray, he jumped into a fire, allowing the pain to extinguish any carnal desires. Later, when presented with other temptations, he submerged himself in water, physically confronting the allurements to regain his focus. These actions highlight his resolution to overcome worldly desires and maintain his spiritual purity.
Spiritual practices and Their Modern Relevance
SE: How are practices such as fasting and vigilance relevant to today’s Christians?
EP: Spiritual practices like fasting and vigilant prayer are deeply rooted in the Christian tradition and remain relevantToday. They help individuals to cultivate self-discipline, improve their relationship with God, and deepen their spiritual maturity.In our busy modern lives, these practices can serve as reminders to prioritize our spiritual well-being and find inner peace.
SE: what do you think contemporary Christians can take away from the lives of these two saints?
EP: The lives of St. Evlogius and Reverend Martinian emphasize the importance of steadfast faith and spiritual discipline. Their stories remind us that our journey in faith requires constant dedication and resilience, especially in the face of adversity. By following their examples, contemporary Christians can strive to deepen their relationship with God and lead more spiritually fulfilling lives.
Conclusion
St. Evlogius and Reverend Martinian offer profound lessons for those seeking a deeper spiritual connection. Their commitment to faith and devotion serves as a beacon of inspiration for modern-day Christians. Through this interview, Dr. Petropoulos has enlightened us on the relevance of their legacies and how we can incorporate their teachings into our lives today.
