Saint Helladios the Hieromartyr (27 May)

Verses

The oil of anointing of the priesthood Helladios,
Was commingled with the blood of martyrdom.
On the twenty-seventh Helladios was killed with fists.

Concerning Saint Helladius, little is known except that he was a bishop who refused to sacrifice to idols, and that during his martyrdom our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him and healed him of his wounds, after which he was cast into fire and was preserved unharmed, suffered further torments, and finally was beaten to death with the blows of fists.

This Saint having cleansed himself of every defilement, became a container of the Holy Spirit. Wherefore he was anointed by election as the Hierarch of God, and was entrusted with steering the Church of Christ. In so far as he was a shepherd, he banished from the flock of Christ the noetic wolves, both heretics and the impious, who were devouring his rational sheep. In so far as he governed knowledgeably, he kept the ship of the Church untouched and unswallowed by every wave and opposing storm of the sea of life.

Apolytikion in Plagal of the First Tone

The hosts of heaven, marveling at thy steadfast courage, were astonished by thine endurance, O blessed one. For though in a mortal body, thou didst shame the bodiless by the power of the Cross, O Hierarch Helladios, defender of godliness and invincible soldier of Christ.

Kontakion in Plagal of the Fourth Tone

Thou didst blossom like a fruitful olive tree, bearing fruit of holy struggles for those who look for God’s mercy. As thou art a martyr and a glorious light of the faith, guide us to divine knowledge, for we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Father Helladios.