November 17 / Novmeber 4
1. The Venerable Ioannicius the Great, of Bithynia (846)
The great spiritual light Ioannicius was born in the village of Mary- cata in the province of Bithynia, of his father Myritricius and his mother Anastasia. As a youth, he was a shepherd. While tending his sheep, he would often retreat into solitude and remain in prayer the whole day, encircling his flock with the sign of the Cross so that the flock would not stray and scatter. Later, he was taken into the army and dis- played marvelous courage, particularly in the wars with the Bulgarians. Following his mil- itary service, Ioannicius withdrew to Mount Olympus in Asia Minor, where he was ton- sured a monk and dedicated himself com- pletely to asceticism until his repose in great old age. He lived in asceticism for over fifty years in various places, and received from God a truly abundant gift of wonderwork- ing. He healed all sicknesses and pains, drove out demons, and tamed wild beasts. He especially had power over snakes, could cross over water as on dry land, could be invisible to men when he so desired, and could foretell future events. He was distinguished by overwhelming humility and meekness. His out- ward appearance was that of a giant—massive and powerful. He took an active part in the destiny of God’s Church. During the iconoclast contro- versy, he was deceived at first, but later tore himself away from the icono- clast viewpoint and became an ardent champion of the veneration of icons. He had a great friendship with Patriarch Methodius of Constantinople. Ioannicius lived for ninety-four years and entered peacefully into rest in the Lord in the year 846. He was a great miracle-worker both during his life and after his death.
2. Hieromartyrs Nicander, Bishop of Myra, and Hermas the Presbyter Nicander and Hermas were both ordained by Apostle They were both distinguished by their great zeal for the Faith and their great labors in winning pagans for Christ the Lord. Because of this, they were accused before a certain judge, Libanus, who subjected them to bitter tor- tures. They were stoned and dragged over stones; they were imprisoned, suffered hunger and endured many other tortures that no mortal man could endure without God’s special help. The Lord appeared to them in various ways, and when they were thrown into a fiery furnace, the Lord sent His angel to cool the flames for them. Finally, they were buried alive by their cruel torturers. But in vain do men kill those whom the Lord gives life, and in vain do men dishonor those whom the Lord glorifies.
- Sylvia (6th c.), mother of St. Gregory the Dialogist.
- Luke, bishop of Novgorod (1059).
- John III Doukas Vataxis the Merciful, emperor of Nicaea (1254).
- Mercurius the Faster, of the Far Caves in Kiev (14th c.).
- Blessed Simon of Yurievets and Zharki, fool-for-Christ (1584).
- Nicander, founder of Gorodnoezersk Monastery (Novgorod) (1603).
- Paul, metropolitan of Tobolsk (1768).
- (Greek : Martyr Porphyrius the Mime, of Caesarea [361]).
HYMN OF PRAISE
The Venerable Ioannicius the Great
Ioannicius served the people,
The people and the prince, with great zeal,
And then withdrew from all and everything
serve the glory of the Heavenly King.
Ioannicius was a great soldier
For the holy Faith and for pure justice;
With tears and labors for half acentury
He prayed and prayed to Christ.
Glorious Ioannicius was a rich man,
Rich and more than abundant with the power of heaven,
Leading the struggle, and chanting Psalms,
Against every dark and deceitful power.
The wondrous saint, Ioannicius,
Worked many wonderful miracles
In the name of Christ and the power of the Cross,
Mightily destroying the demons’ schemes.
Oh Saint of God, Ioannicius
You found mercy in the Lord Jesus Christ:
Beg mercy also for us sinners,
And from the Holy Spirit, holy grace.
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