30 April
James, deacon and martyr, with reader Marianus and others, beheaded at Lambesa, an ancient town in Numidia (now Algeria), in 259. James was a deacon in the same church as Marianus, and he was imprisoned with him at Cirta (modern Constantine in Algeria) in the persecutions of Valerian. He was tortured over several days to force him from his faith. During this torment he had a dream which showed him final triumph. He was martyred with Marianus, Agapius, Secindinus, and hundreds of others. His story was recorded by a fellow prisoner who was not martyred.
30 April 2008
28 April 2008
A song for Pascha
Translation:
People rejoice, nations hear:
Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
Stars dance, mounts sing:
Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
Forests murmur, winds hum:
Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
Seas bow, animals roar:
Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
Bees swarm, and the birds sing:
Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
Angels stand, triple the song:
Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
Sky humble yourself, and elevate the earth:
Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
Bells chime, and tell to all:
Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
Glory to You God, everything is possible to You,
Christ is risen, and brings the joy!
Thanks to Father Stephen of Glory to God for All Things.
26 April 2008
June brides
Am I the only person in The Episcopal Church, other than "reasserters" or "conservatives," who thinks the marriage of Gene and Mark just before Lambeth is a terrible idea?
25 April 2008
Philo and Agathopodes of Antioch
25 April
Philo and Agathopodes (or Agathopus), deacons, who accompanied Ignatius of Antioch to his martyrdom in Rome, died in 150. These two deacons assisted Ignatius of Antioch and, after his martyrdom in Rome, brought back to Antioch those relics they could recover from Roman authorities. They are believed to have written the acta recounting the life and death of Ignatius.
Philo and Agathopodes (or Agathopus), deacons, who accompanied Ignatius of Antioch to his martyrdom in Rome, died in 150. These two deacons assisted Ignatius of Antioch and, after his martyrdom in Rome, brought back to Antioch those relics they could recover from Roman authorities. They are believed to have written the acta recounting the life and death of Ignatius.
24 April 2008
Homeless in New Orleans
This letter to the New Orleans city council, by Deacon Lydia Hopkins, appeared on Bishop Jenkins' blog this week:
New Orleans City Council Housing Committee UPDATE
Father Walter Baer and Deacons Elaine Clements, Charmaine Kathmann, Mike Hackett and I attended the Housing committee meeting this morning at City Council chambers, as did Martha Kegel of Unity for the Homeless and representatives of several non-profits and faith-based groups concerned about this issue. Unfortunately the committee chair was not present and there were not enough members for a vote to be taken, but Councilmembers Stacy Head and Shelley Midura were there for the whole meeting and James Carter (chair of Criminal Justice committee) for much of it. They seemed very responsive to our concerns; Stacy Head said she had tried to reach someone at the Diocese previously on the housing issue but had not heard back. They are eager to work with us and relieved that we have a task force organized.
Elaine and I both had an opportunity to speak and Fr. Baer read the Bishop's letter, listing most of the names we had available this morning. The consensus--apparently shared by Ms. Midura and Ms. Head by the end of the meeting--was that criminalizing homelessness will NOT help to solve the problem, and that housing, social services, and case management must be in place before there is any serious talk about forcing the homeless off of the streets.
There will be a joint meeting of the Housing and the Mental Health (chaired by Midura) committees on May 8 and we are all invited. Also, a city task force is being formed on the homelessness issue and we are asked to participate.
Updates as they become available....Thanks for all the support.
Deacon Lydia Hopkins
New Orleans City Council Housing Committee UPDATE
Father Walter Baer and Deacons Elaine Clements, Charmaine Kathmann, Mike Hackett and I attended the Housing committee meeting this morning at City Council chambers, as did Martha Kegel of Unity for the Homeless and representatives of several non-profits and faith-based groups concerned about this issue. Unfortunately the committee chair was not present and there were not enough members for a vote to be taken, but Councilmembers Stacy Head and Shelley Midura were there for the whole meeting and James Carter (chair of Criminal Justice committee) for much of it. They seemed very responsive to our concerns; Stacy Head said she had tried to reach someone at the Diocese previously on the housing issue but had not heard back. They are eager to work with us and relieved that we have a task force organized.
Elaine and I both had an opportunity to speak and Fr. Baer read the Bishop's letter, listing most of the names we had available this morning. The consensus--apparently shared by Ms. Midura and Ms. Head by the end of the meeting--was that criminalizing homelessness will NOT help to solve the problem, and that housing, social services, and case management must be in place before there is any serious talk about forcing the homeless off of the streets.
There will be a joint meeting of the Housing and the Mental Health (chaired by Midura) committees on May 8 and we are all invited. Also, a city task force is being formed on the homelessness issue and we are asked to participate.
Updates as they become available....Thanks for all the support.
Deacon Lydia Hopkins
22 April 2008
Abdiesus and Azadanes of Persia
22 April
Abdiesus (or Hebedjesus) and Azadanes (or Azadames), deacons and martyrs, with seven companions, part of a vast multitude martyred in Persia, in 342.
Abdiesus, also called Hebedjesus, and Azadanes, also called Azadames, were deacons in the Christian community of Persia who were caught up in the persecutions conducted by King Shapur II. Records indicate that they were accompanied in their martyrdom by Abrosimus, Acepsimus, Azades, Bicor, Mareas, Milles, and a woman named Tarbula. Some were Persian courtiers, others priests and bishops. Tarbula was the sister of Simeon and suffered a particularly cruel death by sawing.
Abdiesus (or Hebedjesus) and Azadanes (or Azadames), deacons and martyrs, with seven companions, part of a vast multitude martyred in Persia, in 342.
Abdiesus, also called Hebedjesus, and Azadanes, also called Azadames, were deacons in the Christian community of Persia who were caught up in the persecutions conducted by King Shapur II. Records indicate that they were accompanied in their martyrdom by Abrosimus, Acepsimus, Azades, Bicor, Mareas, Milles, and a woman named Tarbula. Some were Persian courtiers, others priests and bishops. Tarbula was the sister of Simeon and suffered a particularly cruel death by sawing.
Luke and Mucius of Babylon
22 April
Luke and Mucius, deacons and martyrs, with three presbyters, beheaded near Babylon, in 250. They were killed during the Roman invasion of Mesopotamia by Emperor Trajanus Decius. The three presbyters were Parmenius, Chrysoteins, and Helimenas. The ruins of Babylon are 55 miles south of Baghdad in Iraq.
Luke and Mucius, deacons and martyrs, with three presbyters, beheaded near Babylon, in 250. They were killed during the Roman invasion of Mesopotamia by Emperor Trajanus Decius. The three presbyters were Parmenius, Chrysoteins, and Helimenas. The ruins of Babylon are 55 miles south of Baghdad in Iraq.
21 April 2008
Proculus, Sossius, and Faustus
21 April
Proculus, Sossius, and Faustus, deacons and martyrs, with their bishop Januarius of Beneventum and others, beheaded at Puteolum (Campegna in central Italy) c. 305.
The group of Christians suffered martyrdom about the year 305 during the persecution ordered by the emperor Diocletian (284-305). The Roman authorities arrested bishop Januarius and led him to trial before Menignus, governor of Campegna. Because of his firm confession of Christianity, they threw Januarius into a red-hot furnace, but he came out unharmed. Then at Menignus’ command, they stretched him out on a bench and beat him with iron rods until his bones were exposed.
In the crowd were deacon Faustus and reader Desiderius, who wept at the sight of their bishop’s suffering. The pagans suspected that they were Christians, and threw them into prison with Januarius, in the city of Puteolum. At this prison were two deacons jailed for confessing Christ, Sossius and Proculus, and two laymen, Eutychius and Acution. On the following morning they led out all the imprisoned Christians into the circus to be torn to pieces by wild beasts, but the beasts would not touch them. Menignus claimed that all the miracles were due to sorcery on the part of the Christians, and immediately he became blinded and cried out for help. Bishop Januarius prayed for healing, and Menignus recovered his sight. He accused the Christians of sorcery and ordered the martyrs beheaded before the walls of the city. Christians from surrounding cities took up the bodies of the holy martyrs for burial, and those of each city took one, in order to have an intercessor before God. Many miracles have been connected with the relics of Januarius, taken to Neapolis (Naples).
Proculus, Sossius, and Faustus, deacons and martyrs, with their bishop Januarius of Beneventum and others, beheaded at Puteolum (Campegna in central Italy) c. 305.
The group of Christians suffered martyrdom about the year 305 during the persecution ordered by the emperor Diocletian (284-305). The Roman authorities arrested bishop Januarius and led him to trial before Menignus, governor of Campegna. Because of his firm confession of Christianity, they threw Januarius into a red-hot furnace, but he came out unharmed. Then at Menignus’ command, they stretched him out on a bench and beat him with iron rods until his bones were exposed.
In the crowd were deacon Faustus and reader Desiderius, who wept at the sight of their bishop’s suffering. The pagans suspected that they were Christians, and threw them into prison with Januarius, in the city of Puteolum. At this prison were two deacons jailed for confessing Christ, Sossius and Proculus, and two laymen, Eutychius and Acution. On the following morning they led out all the imprisoned Christians into the circus to be torn to pieces by wild beasts, but the beasts would not touch them. Menignus claimed that all the miracles were due to sorcery on the part of the Christians, and immediately he became blinded and cried out for help. Bishop Januarius prayed for healing, and Menignus recovered his sight. He accused the Christians of sorcery and ordered the martyrs beheaded before the walls of the city. Christians from surrounding cities took up the bodies of the holy martyrs for burial, and those of each city took one, in order to have an intercessor before God. Many miracles have been connected with the relics of Januarius, taken to Neapolis (Naples).
20 April 2008
Mary Drew of Olympia
20 April
Mary Drew, deacon of the diocese of Olympia, died 20 April 2004.
Mary Stanley Drew was born 26 November 1912 in Dixfield, Maine. She and her family came west during World War I when her father was assigned to Camp Lewis. She graduated from the University of Washington, where she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. For 38 years Mary worked at United Way of King County. She retired at 65 in 1977 as the comptroller. Mary held a variety of lay leadership roles in the Diocese of Olympia.
She started her second career when she was ordained a deacon on 28 October 1989 at age 77. She was the hospital chaplain for the Diocese of Olympia, working in hospitals in the Seattle area. She also served as chaplain for the diocesan School of Theology. When she was 80, she served a term as chaplain for St George’s College in Jerusalem. Mary was a deacon mentor for many deacons in the diocese and was much beloved by each one of them. She was both a pioneer and a woman of fierce dignity. When she was the chaplain at St George’s College she was not allowed to function as a deacon. She held the office of deacon with dignity by being present for every liturgical service dressed in her clericals. She would not hide or go away but sat among the community as a faithful Christian. She functioned as a deacon until she retired in 2002 at age 90.
Mary Drew, deacon of the diocese of Olympia, died 20 April 2004.
Mary Stanley Drew was born 26 November 1912 in Dixfield, Maine. She and her family came west during World War I when her father was assigned to Camp Lewis. She graduated from the University of Washington, where she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. For 38 years Mary worked at United Way of King County. She retired at 65 in 1977 as the comptroller. Mary held a variety of lay leadership roles in the Diocese of Olympia.
She started her second career when she was ordained a deacon on 28 October 1989 at age 77. She was the hospital chaplain for the Diocese of Olympia, working in hospitals in the Seattle area. She also served as chaplain for the diocesan School of Theology. When she was 80, she served a term as chaplain for St George’s College in Jerusalem. Mary was a deacon mentor for many deacons in the diocese and was much beloved by each one of them. She was both a pioneer and a woman of fierce dignity. When she was the chaplain at St George’s College she was not allowed to function as a deacon. She held the office of deacon with dignity by being present for every liturgical service dressed in her clericals. She would not hide or go away but sat among the community as a faithful Christian. She functioned as a deacon until she retired in 2002 at age 90.
19 April 2008
Timon
19 April
Timon, one of the seven ordained by the apostles (Acts 6:5), died 1st c. [also July 28].
Timon, one of the seven ordained by the apostles (Acts 6:5), died 1st c. [also July 28].
18 April 2008
Elizabeth Ferard, Protodeaconess
18 April
Elizabeth Ferard, first deaconess in Church of England, founder of Community of St Andrew, died 18 April 1883.
Elizabeth Catherine Ferard was encouraged by Bishop Archibald Tait of London to visit deaconess institutions in Germany. In November 1861 she and a group of women dedicated themselves “to minister to the necessities of the Church” as servants in the church. On 18 July 1862, Elizabeth Ferard received the first deaconess licence from Bishop Tait. She went on to found the Community of St Andrew, deaconesses living as a religious sisterhood, working first in a poor parish in the King’s Cross area of London and then moving to Notting Hill in 1873. When her health failed, she passed on the leadership to others and died on Easter Day 1883.
Elizabeth Ferard, first deaconess in Church of England, founder of Community of St Andrew, died 18 April 1883.
Elizabeth Catherine Ferard was encouraged by Bishop Archibald Tait of London to visit deaconess institutions in Germany. In November 1861 she and a group of women dedicated themselves “to minister to the necessities of the Church” as servants in the church. On 18 July 1862, Elizabeth Ferard received the first deaconess licence from Bishop Tait. She went on to found the Community of St Andrew, deaconesses living as a religious sisterhood, working first in a poor parish in the King’s Cross area of London and then moving to Notting Hill in 1873. When her health failed, she passed on the leadership to others and died on Easter Day 1883.
17 April 2008
Peter
17 April
Peter, deacon and martyr, with his servant Hermogenes, killed probably at Antioch, date of death unknown.
Peter, deacon and martyr, with his servant Hermogenes, killed probably at Antioch, date of death unknown.
16 April 2008
Isabella Gilmore, Deaconess
16 April
Isabella Gilmore, deaconess in Church of England, died 16 April 1923.
Born in 1842, widowed and childless at age 40, Isabella Gilmore, the sister of William Morris, became a nurse at Guy’s Hospital in London. In 1886 Bishop Thorold of Rochester asked her to begin deaconess work in his diocese. The bishop overcame her initial reluctance, and together they planned for an Order of Deaconesses along the same lines as the ordained ministry. She was ordained in 1887 and a training house developed on North Side, Clapham Common, later to be called Gilmore House in her memory. Isabella retired in 1906.
During her nineteen years of service, she trained head deaconesses for at least seven other dioceses. At her memorial service, Archbishop Randall Davidson predicted that “Some day, those who know best will be able to trace much of the origin and root of the revival of the Deaconess Order to the life, work, example, and words of Isabella Gilmore.”
Isabella Gilmore, deaconess in Church of England, died 16 April 1923.
Born in 1842, widowed and childless at age 40, Isabella Gilmore, the sister of William Morris, became a nurse at Guy’s Hospital in London. In 1886 Bishop Thorold of Rochester asked her to begin deaconess work in his diocese. The bishop overcame her initial reluctance, and together they planned for an Order of Deaconesses along the same lines as the ordained ministry. She was ordained in 1887 and a training house developed on North Side, Clapham Common, later to be called Gilmore House in her memory. Isabella retired in 1906.
During her nineteen years of service, she trained head deaconesses for at least seven other dioceses. At her memorial service, Archbishop Randall Davidson predicted that “Some day, those who know best will be able to trace much of the origin and root of the revival of the Deaconess Order to the life, work, example, and words of Isabella Gilmore.”
13 April 2008
Papulus of Pergamum
13 April
Papylus, deacon and martyr, with his sister Agathonice and bishop Carpus, killed at Pergamum in Asia Minor (now Bergama in western Turkey) in 170.
The account of their martyrdom at the hands of the proconsul Optimus, during a persecution by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, has survived. Carpus: “The gods are unfeeling; deprive them of your veneration and they will be defiled by dogs and crows. I have never before sacrificed to images which have no feeling or understanding.” Papylus: “I have many children, in virtue of the faith of the Christians, spiritual children in every province and city. I feel no pain because I have someone to comfort me; one whom you do not see suffers within me.” Agathonice: “If I am worthy I desire to follow the footsteps of my teachers. My children have God, who watches over them.” They were sentenced to be tortured with clawing instruments and then burned alive.
Papylus, deacon and martyr, with his sister Agathonice and bishop Carpus, killed at Pergamum in Asia Minor (now Bergama in western Turkey) in 170.
The account of their martyrdom at the hands of the proconsul Optimus, during a persecution by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, has survived. Carpus: “The gods are unfeeling; deprive them of your veneration and they will be defiled by dogs and crows. I have never before sacrificed to images which have no feeling or understanding.” Papylus: “I have many children, in virtue of the faith of the Christians, spiritual children in every province and city. I feel no pain because I have someone to comfort me; one whom you do not see suffers within me.” Agathonice: “If I am worthy I desire to follow the footsteps of my teachers. My children have God, who watches over them.” They were sentenced to be tortured with clawing instruments and then burned alive.
10 April 2008
Gajan of Dacia
10 April
Gajan, deacon and martyr in Dacia (modern Romania), early 4th c. Gajan died almost certainly during the persecution under Emperor Diocletian (284-305).
Gajan, deacon and martyr in Dacia (modern Romania), early 4th c. Gajan died almost certainly during the persecution under Emperor Diocletian (284-305).
08 April 2008
Elfgete of Croyland
8 April
Elfgete, deacon and martyr, with abbot Theodore of Croyland and 77 monks, put to death by invading Danes at Croyland in England, on 8 April 870.
On 8 April 870 Danes attacked the famous Benedictine abbey at Croyland (now Crowland in Lincolnshire, East Anglia). They killed abbot Theodore and 79 others. We know the names of some of the monks: Askega (prior), Swethin (subprior), Elfgete (deacon), Sabinus (subdeacon), Grimkell, Agamund (centenarians), Herbert (chanter), Egred, Ulric (servers), and Egelred. By the evening of the next day only Egelred remained. He had been away and would have to wait until September to receive his crown. The morning had started as usual. The abbot was to preside at mass and was vested and at the altar when the Danes broke into the abbey. A few minutes later the killing was done, the looting commenced, and the Danes moved on. Behind them they left Theodore with a slash through the right side of his skull, the other monks also dead.
Troparion to All the Saints of Lincolnshire (Tone 8)
As the bountiful harvest of your sowing of salvation,
the county of Lincolnshire offers to you, Lord,
all the saints who have shone in these lands.
By their prayers, keep the church and our land in abiding peace,
through the Theotokos, O most merciful One.
Elfgete, deacon and martyr, with abbot Theodore of Croyland and 77 monks, put to death by invading Danes at Croyland in England, on 8 April 870.
On 8 April 870 Danes attacked the famous Benedictine abbey at Croyland (now Crowland in Lincolnshire, East Anglia). They killed abbot Theodore and 79 others. We know the names of some of the monks: Askega (prior), Swethin (subprior), Elfgete (deacon), Sabinus (subdeacon), Grimkell, Agamund (centenarians), Herbert (chanter), Egred, Ulric (servers), and Egelred. By the evening of the next day only Egelred remained. He had been away and would have to wait until September to receive his crown. The morning had started as usual. The abbot was to preside at mass and was vested and at the altar when the Danes broke into the abbey. A few minutes later the killing was done, the looting commenced, and the Danes moved on. Behind them they left Theodore with a slash through the right side of his skull, the other monks also dead.
Troparion to All the Saints of Lincolnshire (Tone 8)
As the bountiful harvest of your sowing of salvation,
the county of Lincolnshire offers to you, Lord,
all the saints who have shone in these lands.
By their prayers, keep the church and our land in abiding peace,
through the Theotokos, O most merciful One.
07 April 2008
Rufinus of Sinope
7 April
Rufinus, deacon and martyr, with Aquilina and 200 soldiers, beheaded at Sinope on the Black Sea (now Sinop in Turkey) during the reign of the emperor Maximian (305-311), c. 310. When Rufinus was put into prison for confessing Christianity, Aquilina showed concern. Therefore, she also was placed under guard. In prison they converted 200 soldiers to Christ by their miracles, and all of them were beheaded by the sword.
Rufinus, deacon and martyr, with Aquilina and 200 soldiers, beheaded at Sinope on the Black Sea (now Sinop in Turkey) during the reign of the emperor Maximian (305-311), c. 310. When Rufinus was put into prison for confessing Christianity, Aquilina showed concern. Therefore, she also was placed under guard. In prison they converted 200 soldiers to Christ by their miracles, and all of them were beheaded by the sword.
06 April 2008
Platonida of Nisibis
6 April
Platonida, deacon (or deaconess), founder of a nunnery at Nisibis in Mesopotamia (now Nusaybin in southeastern Turkey), died in 308.
Platonida was at first a deaconess but then withdrew into the Nisibis wilderness, where she organized a women’s monastery. The rule of her monastery was distinguished by its strictness. The sisters took food only once a day. During their free time from prayer they spent the time in monastic works and various obediences, usually involving manual labor. On Fridays, the day commemorating the sufferings of Christ on the cross, all work stopped, and the nuns from morning until evening were in church, where in the intervals between services they read from Holy Scripture and its interpretation. Platonida was for all the sisters a living example of strict monastic ascetic deed, meekness, and love for neighbor. Having reached extreme old age, Platonida died peacefully in 308.
Platonida, deacon (or deaconess), founder of a nunnery at Nisibis in Mesopotamia (now Nusaybin in southeastern Turkey), died in 308.
Platonida was at first a deaconess but then withdrew into the Nisibis wilderness, where she organized a women’s monastery. The rule of her monastery was distinguished by its strictness. The sisters took food only once a day. During their free time from prayer they spent the time in monastic works and various obediences, usually involving manual labor. On Fridays, the day commemorating the sufferings of Christ on the cross, all work stopped, and the nuns from morning until evening were in church, where in the intervals between services they read from Holy Scripture and its interpretation. Platonida was for all the sisters a living example of strict monastic ascetic deed, meekness, and love for neighbor. Having reached extreme old age, Platonida died peacefully in 308.
04 April 2008
Agathopodes of Thessalonica
4 April
Agathopodes (Agathopus), deacon and martyr, with reader Theodulus, killed by drowning in Thessalonica for refusing to give up the sacred books, in 303. Defying the Emperor Maximian and the governor Faustinus, they confessed the Christian faith. For this reason stones were tied to their necks, and they were cast into the sea.
Agathopodes (Agathopus), deacon and martyr, with reader Theodulus, killed by drowning in Thessalonica for refusing to give up the sacred books, in 303. Defying the Emperor Maximian and the governor Faustinus, they confessed the Christian faith. For this reason stones were tied to their necks, and they were cast into the sea.
02 April 2008
Yazzie Mason
2 April
Yazzie Mason, first Navajo deacon, died 2 April 1997. Yazzie was born 18 July 1927 and ordained deacon 21 December 1977. He served at St Michael’s at Upper Fruitland, New Mexico, on the Navajo reservation. There was resistance to his ordination because he could neither read nor write. Every week his wife read the gospel to him, and on Sunday he recited it from memory to the congregation.
Yazzie Mason, first Navajo deacon, died 2 April 1997. Yazzie was born 18 July 1927 and ordained deacon 21 December 1977. He served at St Michael’s at Upper Fruitland, New Mexico, on the Navajo reservation. There was resistance to his ordination because he could neither read nor write. Every week his wife read the gospel to him, and on Sunday he recited it from memory to the congregation.
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