Saints

SAINT ABRAHAM of CARRHAE

Hermit, bishop, and missionary who was born in Cyrrhus, Syria. He became a recluse in the desert near Mount Lebanon and tried to convert the local people. Reviled for his efforts, Abraham continued his apostolate, eventually winning over his neighbors to the faith. Unable to pay their taxes, the locals were saved by Abraham, who used his own funds to settle their debts. He was named the bishop of Carrhae, in Mesopotamia, where he again converted the local people. While visiting Emperor Theodosius II in Constantinople, Istanbul, Turkey, Abraham died.
Died: 422 Feastday: February 14.

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SAINT MACRA

Virgin martyr of Reims, in France. She was tortured cruelly and martyred at Tismes, Champagne, in the persecutions conducted by Emperor Diocletian.

Died 287. Feast day January 6.

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SAINT ADRIAN, ABBOT

Born in Africa, Adrian became abbot of the monastery at Nerida, near Naples. He declined an appointment as archbishop of Canterbury, but accompanied St. Theodore to England when the latter was appointed Archbishop. Theodore appointed him Abbot of SS. Peter and Paul Monastery (later changed to St. Augustine’s) in Canterbury, and during his thirty-nine years’ abbacy, the monastery became renowned as a center of learning. He died on January 9 in Canterbury, and his tomb soon became famous for the miracles wrought there. Feastday: January 9.

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SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE

Saint Bartholomew is mentioned in the synoptic gospels and Acts as one of the twelve apostles. His name, a patronymic, means son of Tolomai and scholars believe he is the same as Nathanael mentioned in John, who says he is from Cana and that Jesus called him an
Israelite incapable of deceit. The Roman Martyrology says he preached in India and Greater Armenia, where he was flayed and beheaded by King Astyages. Tradition has the place as Abanopolis on the west coast of the Caspian Sea and that he also preached in Mesopotamia, Persia and Egypt. The Gospel of Bartholomew is apochryphal and was condemned in the decree of Pseudo-Gelasius.

Feast Day August 24.

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SAINT CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA

The ‘Doctor of the Incaration’ is hailed in the Syrian and Maronite Mass as the “tower of truth and interpreter of the Word of God made flesh”.

Saint Cyril of Alexandria is known to have read of the Faith adhering to orthodoxy, but read profane writers as well, this being known mainly by his written attacks on Julian the Apostate. After his uncle Theophilus’ death, in 412, he was raised to the See of Alexandria.

Cyril exerted authority by closing the churches of the Novations, and expelled the Jews from his See. This caused a major backlash within the society of northern Eygpt, and the pagan philosopher Hypatia took advantage. She had many followers including the governor, but the
suspicion that she had turned the governor against their Bishop, the laity of Cyril took hold on and dismembered her.

Also at this time, the priest-monk Nestorius of Antioch, perpetuated the notion that Christ had two distinct persons one God, one man united in moral dimension only in effect denying the humanity of Christ. This was rebuked in kind by Cyril, but Nestorius was obstinate. The matter was sent to Pope Celestine I, who in turn allowed Cyril to excommunicate Nestorius.

The debate over Nestorianism caused the convention of the general council of Ephesus. Nestorius skated the council, refusing to appear. He was condemned and the excommunication upheld. As it would happen, the Antiochene delegation arrived after this decree. They did not support his errors, but did support the person of Nestorius. They decried Cyril’s original excommunication, and in turn excommunicated Cyril.

Celestine I gave notice from Rome that Cyril had acted properly, overturned his condemnation, and upheld the finding of the Council. The Antiochene Church schismed for a time, but reconciled themselves to Cyril and issued a statement of their orthodoxy.

Saint Cyril was made Doctor of the Univeral Church in 1882.

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SAINT ABBO OF AUXERRE

Bishop and abbot of Auxerre, France. He entered the monastery of St. Germain and was elected abbot of the institution. In 857, Abbo was appointed the bishop of Auxerre, in France, serving in that capacity for only two years. He is revered in Auxerre and in St. Germain.

Died: 860, Feastday: December 3.

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SAINT ACESTES

A soldier assigned to escort St. Paul, the great Apostle, to his death. Acestes and two other soldiers were converted by Paul during their brief encounter. The three Romans, horrified by Paul’s execution, declared their faith before the onlookers and were promptly beheaded.

Died: 1st Century, Feastday: July 2.

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SAINT ADOLPHUS LUDIGO-MKASA

One of many martyrs of Uganda.

Died: 1885, Feastday: June 3.

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SAINT ADRIO

Martyr of Alexandria, Egypt, with Basilla and Victor. No details of their suffering are known. Died: Unknown, Feastday: May 17.

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SAINT UST

Saint Ust, patron saint of the church of Saint Just, Cornwall, England, also called Justus. It is possible that several saints’ lives are present in the accounts of Saint Ust’s life.

He was as a hermit and martyr.

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