Saints – Faith Unto Ages

‘I am a Christian!’ — St. Euplius the Deacon, Preacher, and Martyr: A Witness of Steadfastness Against Idolatry and Heresy.

Some may be unaware of the vitalizing story of the early Christian martyr St. Euplius (304 A.D.). Tradition is silent about his early life, age, and background. Yet, we know that he was of a mature age since the Acts of Euplius testify to him as being both a ‘man’ and a Deacon (1) within Catalina, Sicily during the time of Diocletian. He was a bold preacher, evangelist, and firm defender of truth against false religion and idolatry; always keeping the four gospels on his person. This is what cost him his earthly life; but attainment of eternal glory.

The Oxford Classic ‘The Acts of the Christian Martyrs’ explains that there are two recensions to his story: one Greek (GR) and the other Latin (LR). Both editions complement one another; as they provide details and clues which lack in the other. The examples are many; which will not be covered in its entirety in this article.

Both versions are silent in respect to his life prior to his martyrdom; but instead immediately describe the epoch in which he openly detested Diocletian’s regime and abominable edict – that by the threat of death all should worship the idols of the state. Historical complications arise given that both versions disagree in respect to when he began challenging the governor Calvisianus outside of his council – chamber (2). Nevertheless, both agree that he willed to suffer and die for Christ.

An Orthodox Apologia for the Intercession of Saints

Concerning the Orthodox Church’s teaching on the intercession of saints, heretics often argue that it is both idolatrous and unbiblical. When the Orthodox Christian is challenged on this matter, they are forced to respond to at least one of the following objections: ‘How could the saints hear your prayers if they are dead?’, ‘praying to saints is idolatry!”, “where is that in the Bible?”, & “the Bible says that there is only one Mediator between God and Man.”

It is important to note that the Holy Orthodox Church does not by any means disagree with the latter statement presented above, given that this comes directly from Divine Revelation itself (c.f. 1 Timothy 2:5, Heb 8:6, 9:15, 12:25, etc). Before we address the objections to the doctrine of the intercession of the saints, it is necessary to first define Christ’s role as the Mediator between God and man in detail.

St. Mary’s Warning of Hell – Coptic Vision of The Theotokos

An Excerpt from the book ‘Saint Mary’s Modern Miracles’ published by ‘Pope Kyrillos VI’s Sons’ through St. Mena Monastery Press:

“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Is 65:24).

Habib Farig developed a strong relationship with St. Mary and referred to her as the “Great Lady.” He would say of her that, as a mother, she knows the needs of us, her children, more than we do; he would also say that she knows what Christ has in His heart for us. He believed that having the Virgin’s presence in our lives gives us the hope to wait for the Lord’s miraculous and divine interventions. Through her intercessions, we see His Divine Power and blessings bestowed upon us.