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Posted on August 27, 2010 in
Saint Fanourios
by Michelle Hawe
On this the 27th day of the month we commemorate St. Fanourios the Newly Revealed.
Prologue.
Saint Fanourios is without doubt an important and holy youthful figure, who stands out in a particular way among the other Saints of Christianity, as he is not only honored on a single date, but the faithful often make use of the well-known “fanouropita” (Fanourios cake).
Saint Fanourios, who lived during Roman times, went up bravely against the idolatrous world, for the Christian spirit of this man of God did not allow him to deny his unquestionably virtuous principles. Thus, the 12 tortures that the Saint suffered constitute for us a strong motivation for per-severance and adherence to the moral values of Christianity, to come out victors from the incessant struggle of unbelief and injustice of our time. This Saint teaches us with his real sacrifice that even though we do not struggle against Roman soldiers and vile Hagarenes, still we have to confront the more skillfully set traps of materialism and atheism, that attempt in mass to overwhelm the Christian order.
Saint Fanourios also taught us that the crown of a virtuous life is not easily won but only through continuous tests – with boldness, patience and perseverance. Therefore, as true fighters of the faith let us imitate the exemplary and irreproachable life of the Saint, so that we too may be found worthy to honor the Christian name we bear, as he so fittingly did….
Kontakion in the Third Tone
From a vile captivity, thou didst deliver the Lord’s priests, and, O godly-minded one, didst break their bonds by divine might; thou didst bravely shame the tyrants’ audacious madness, giving joy unto the Angels, O thou Great Martyr. O Fanourius most glorious, we all revere thee as a true warrior of God.
