| Sschmch. Ignatius the God-Bearer, Bishop of Antioch |
Ignatius the God-Bearer
(+ 107), Archbishop of Antioch, Hieromartyr Memory December 20, January 29 (transfer of relics to Antioch in 108 and 438)
Originally from Syria, he was a student of the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, together with Saint Polycarp of Smyrna. Saint Ignatius was the second bishop of Antioch, successor to Bishop Evoda, the holy apostle from the 70th.
Tradition reports that when Saint Ignatius was a child, the Savior hugged him and said: “Unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:3). He was called a God-bearer because he had the Name of the Savior in his heart and constantly prayed to Him.
Saint Ignatius worked zealously and sparingly in the field of Christ. He was responsible for the establishment of antiphonal singing in church services. In a special vision, he was honored to see heavenly worship and hear angelic singing. Following the model of the angelic world, he introduced antiphonal singing at divine services, in which two choirs alternate and seem to call each other. This chant from Syria quickly spread throughout the early Church.
During persecution, he strengthened the souls of his flock and he himself was eager to suffer for Christ.
In 106, Emperor Trajan (98-117), on the occasion of the victory over the Scythians, ordered that sacrifices be made to the pagan gods everywhere, and that Christians who refused to worship idols be killed. During the campaign against the Armenians and Parthians in 107, the emperor passed through Antioch. Here he was informed that Bishop Ignatius openly confesses Christ, teaches him to despise wealth, lead a virtuous life, and preserve virginity. At this time, Saint Ignatius voluntarily appeared to the emperor in order to avert persecution of the Antiochian Christians. Emperor Trajan's persistent requests to sacrifice to pagan idols were decisively rejected by Saint Ignatius. Then the emperor decided to give him to be devoured by wild beasts in Rome. Saint Ignatius joyfully accepted the sentence handed down to him. His readiness for martyrdom was testified by eyewitnesses who accompanied Saint Ignatius from Antioch to Rome.
On the way to Rome, the ship that sailed from Seleucia stopped in Smyrna (now Izmir), where Saint Ignatius met with his friend Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna.
Clergymen and believers flocked to Saint Ignatius from other cities and villages. Saint Ignatius exhorted everyone not to be afraid of death and not to grieve for it. In his letter to the Roman Christians dated August 24, 107, he asked them to assist him with prayers, to ask God to strengthen him in the upcoming martyrdom for Christ: “I seek Him, who died for us, I desire Him, who rose for us... My love was crucified, and no There is fire in me that loves matter, but the living and speaking water in me calls out to me from within: “Go to the Father.”
From Smyrna Saint Ignatius arrived in Troas. Here he was caught by the joyful news of the end of the persecution of Christians in Antioch. From Troas, Saint Ignatius sailed to Naples (Macedonia) and then to Philippi. On his way to Rome, he visited temples, delivered teachings and instructions. At the same time, he wrote six more letters: to the Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Philadelphians, and to Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna. All these messages have been preserved and have reached our days, in them the Saint instructs in faith, love and good deeds, calls to maintain the unity of faith and beware of heretics, commands to obey the bishops and honor them, “looking at the bishop as at Christ Himself.”
| Sschmch. Ignatius the God-Bearer. Icon |
Roman Christians greeted Saint Ignatius with great joy and deep sorrow. Some of them hoped to persuade the people to abandon the bloody spectacle, but Saint Ignatius begged them not to do this. Kneeling down, he prayed along with all the believers for the Church, for love between brothers and for an end to the persecution of Christians. On the day of the pagan holiday, December 20, Saint Ignatius was taken to the circus arena, and he addressed the people: “Men of Rome, you know that I am condemned to death not for the sake of crime, but for the sake of my only God, for Whom I am embraced with love and for Whom I strive.” .
I am His wheat, and I will be ground by the teeth of beasts, that I may be pure bread for Him.” Immediately after this the lions were released.
Tradition tells that, going to execution, Saint Ignatius incessantly repeated the Name of Jesus Christ. When asked why he did this, Saint Ignatius replied that he bears this Name in his heart, “and Who is sealed in my heart, Him I confess with my lips.” When the saint was torn to pieces, it turned out that his heart was not touched. Having cut the heart, the pagans saw on its inner sides a golden inscription: “Jesus Christ.” On the night after his execution, Saint Ignatius appeared to many believers in a dream to console them, and some saw him praying. Hearing about the great courage of the saint, Trajan felt sorry for him and stopped the persecution of Christians.
Believers collected the bones of the saint and kept them in Rome. In 108 they were moved to the outskirts of the city of Antioch. The second transfer, to the city of Antioch itself, took place in 438. After its capture by the Persians, the relics of the holy martyr were returned to Rome and placed in the temple in honor of the holy martyr Pope Clement in 540 (according to other sources, in 637).
Prayers
Troparion, tone 4
(from the service on December 20)
The imitator of the apostolic morals/ and the successor to their throne,/ the fertilizer of the bishops/ and the martyrs, gloriously, God-inspired,/ you dared to fire, and the sword, and the beasts for the sake of faith/ and, words Correcting the truth, / you suffered until you bled, Hieromartyr Ignatius, / pray Christ God // our souls will be saved.
Kontakion, tone 3
(from the service on December 20)
The luminous day of your luminous deeds / is preached to everyone in the den of the Born: / For this reason, thirsting to enjoy from love, / you tried to be devoured by beasts; / for this and for God’s sake the nose was called you, // Ignatius to all things.
Kontakion, tone 4
(from the service on January 29)
From the east today, shining / and enlightening all creation with teachings, / / the God-bearing and Divine Ignatius was adorned with martyrdom.
He carried God in his heart: Saint Ignatius the God-Bearer
Akathist to the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer
Kontakion 1 Chosen passion-bearer and chosen one of Christ, to Saint Ignatius, we offer these songs of praise. You, standing with the angels at the Throne of the Most High, do not cease to pray for us, who earnestly cry out to you: Rejoice, God-bearing Ignatius, great and glorious passion-bearer.
Ikos 1 You became like an angel, when the Lord received you into His most pure hands, placed you in the midst of His disciples, and laid His hand on your head, saying to them: “If you do not turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of God.” For this reason, on bended knee, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, carried by God.
Rejoice, for you had God in your heart.
Rejoice, good and faithful servant.
Rejoice, husband of desires.
Rejoice, for from your youth you have loved Christ with all your heart.
Rejoice, for you have completely surrendered to Him.
Rejoice, God-bearing Ignatius, great and glorious passion-bearer.
Kontakion 2 Seeing the pious life of Saint John the Theologian, your teacher, you desired to serve the Lord together with him, preaching the Holy Gospel to people sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, and teaching them to sing to the One True God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2 Understanding in spirit, as the angels in heaven glorify God in the Holy Trinity, the Creator of heaven and earth, crying out to each other: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts, you have made the same singing in the earthly Church. For this reason, we call upon you with tenderness:
Rejoice, pillar and affirmation of the Church of God.
Rejoice, lamp of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, for you were the bishop of the Church, where the first name of Christians was called.
Rejoice, for thou hast been worthy to receive ordination from the supreme apostles.
Rejoice, for you have been worthy to see the holy Angels glorifying God.
Rejoice, for now you yourself glorify the Lord with the Angels.
Rejoice, God-bearing Ignatius, great and glorious passion-bearer.
Kontakion 3 The power of the Most High strengthened you, Saint Ignatius, when you presented yourself to Trajan, you were not afraid of the king’s rebuke, but you courageously confessed that Christ God was true, and you put to shame pagan wickedness, and you taught the faithful to sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3 Having the grace from the Lord to enlighten the people of God, you taught me to the Divine mind by word, and moreover by life, being an image of love, spirit, faith, purity and humility. For this reason we sing to you:
Rejoice, for you have carried the name of God before kings and nations.
Rejoice, for you have provided well for your flock.
Rejoice, you who have gained high humility.
Rejoice, thou who hast been rich through poverty.
Rejoice, guardian of the apostolic traditions.
Rejoice, faithful guardian of the Church of God and wise builder.
Rejoice, God-bearing Ignatius, great and glorious passion-bearer.
Kontakion 4 Having a storm of anger in his heart, Trajan called you and asked with anger: “Are you the God-Bearer? Why are you corrupting my people? You answered: “I am the God-Bearer, but I do not corrupt your people, but save them.” Who will not please this confession of your faith? We, magnifying you, sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4 Having heard your faithful confession, Trajan, gnashing his teeth, again asked you: “Why are you called God-Bearer?” You said: “For I carry my God in my heart.” For this reason we sing to you:
Rejoice, faithful warrior of the Heavenly King.
Rejoice, invincible champion of the faith.
Rejoice, good shepherd.
Rejoice, prayer book for our souls.
Rejoice, for you have been enlightened by the Divine Spirit, and have put to shame the ferocity of the tormentor through your pastoral boldness.
Rejoice, for by instructing the flock of Christ, you have enlightened many with the light of God’s understanding.
Rejoice, God-bearing Ignatius, great and glorious passion-bearer.
Kontakion 5 All the red of the world is counted as a skill, and Christ has been gained, “Who will separate us from the love of God,” you cried, Ignatius, “Sweet is sorrow to me, dear are the bonds for the Desired, my persecution is sweeter than the fatherland, illness is sweeter than bodily health.” " We, who honor your glorious memory, sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5 Seeing you, the confessor of the faith of Christ, invincible, the godless Trajan condemned you to death: but you, rejoicing, cried out: “Death is sweet to me, for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain: to Him I go, I love Him, He I hope to get it." For this sake, we please you, Saint Ignatius, here:
Rejoice, you who have the desire to be resolved and be with Christ.
Rejoice, the sacrifice to God is pure.
Rejoice, imitator of Christ's passion.
Rejoice, for you were crucified with Christ.
Rejoice, for you shed your blood for Christ.
Rejoice, for you have adorned the holy robe with your blood.
Rejoice, God-bearing Ignatius, great and glorious passion-bearer.
Kontakion 6 The preacher of patience, God-bearing Ignatius, appeared when you heard with joy your condemnation to be torn to pieces by fierce beasts. Delighting your firm and undaunted confession of faith, and marveling at the great grace that abides in you, we sing to God the angelic song: Alleluia.
Ikos 6 You shone like the sun, servant of God, with the beauty of your soul, when the soldiers laid bonds on you, but you, like the robe of salvation and the robe of joy, accepted this new torment, and you marched to Rome to suffer, as if to a wedding feast. For this reason we sing to you:
Rejoice, glory to the Church of Antioch.
Rejoice, beauty and fertilizer of the God-wise fathers.
Rejoice, host of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, invincible warrior of Christ.
Rejoice, for you have brought down the pride of Trayanov.
Rejoice, for you have put the devil to shame.
Rejoice, God-bearing Ignatius, great and glorious passion-bearer.
Kontakion 7 Although, the saint of Christ, depart from Antioch, you diligently prayed to the Lord not to abandon your flock. People weep and sob, seeing you face death; But you, blessing them, sang to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7 God, wondrous in the saints, comfort you, Saint Ignatius, when on the way to Rome, led by ten soldiers, you find Saint Polycarp, a righteous man, in Smyrna. But you, talking with him, rejoiced in God, your Savior. For this sake, let us please you:
Rejoice, for you have preserved your faith in Christ.
Rejoice, for you had undeniable hope.
Rejoice, for you have glorified the name of Christ throughout the entire universe.
Rejoice, for the crown of righteousness has been prepared for you.
Rejoice, faithful servant of the Lord.
Rejoice, lamp of God, burn and shine.
Rejoice, God-bearing Ignatius, great and glorious passion-bearer.
Kontakion 8 Strange and wonderful is your journey to Rome to the place of torment: the soldiers saw you as a criminal, but the people of God, the bishops and elders, saw you as an angel of God, and, sweetly listening to your words, they sang to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8 Having the desire to be resolved and to be with Christ, you, marching to Rome to suffer, joyfully sang: “I am the wheat of God: so that I will wipe off the teeth of the beasts and show myself pure bread to God.” For this reason, marveling at your patience and glorifying God’s care for you, we sing to the Lord:
Rejoice, image of courage and patience.
Rejoice, unshakable rule of faith and piety.
Rejoice, invincible confessor of Christ.
Rejoice, for you were not afraid of fire or sword, lower than the teeth of roaring lions.
Rejoice, for through your patience you have made the angels of God glad.
Rejoice, for with your courage you have glorified the name of Christians.
Rejoice, God-bearing Ignatius, great and glorious passion-bearer.
Kontakion 9 Having betrayed yourself entirely to God, you were afraid, lest those who cannot bear to see your sufferings would forbid you to accept them. For this reason, you begged in writing: “Oh, beloved! Help me to be crucified with Christ, to suffer and die for him, so that I may reign and live with Him forever, singing to God: Alleluia.”
Ikos 9 The multi-proclamation Vitias cannot adequately sing of your suffering: for this reason, it is more convenient for us to love silence, but we are overcome by your love, from the abundance of our hearts we cry out to you:
Rejoice, for you have brought many to Christ.
Rejoice, for through your writings you have made clear the path to salvation.
Rejoice, for you have given waters of piety to drink from those who thirst for salvation.
Rejoice, for you have enlightened the spiritual eyes of those blinded by the light of God’s understanding.
Rejoice, for you have raised those weakened by sin onto the path of salvation.
Rejoice, for you have comforted those who mourn and weep.
Rejoice, God-bearing Ignatius, great and glorious passion-bearer.
Kontakion 10 To save your soul, you, Saint Ignatius, were flaming with seraphic love for God: “Oh, brothers!” you prayed Christians, “wish me death: it will lead me to Christ: animals are my joy, fire is dew I long to die so that I may live with Christ.” In the same way, you moved into the heavenly abodes, where you sang to God with the Angels: Alleluia.
Ikos 10 Heavenly King, Good Comforter, Spirit of truth, set you to shepherd the Church of Christ, the right to rule the word of truth, to teach faithful people who resist, to reprove. For this reason we call you:
Rejoice, teacher of piety.
Rejoice, accuser of wickedness.
Rejoice, you who laid down your life for your sheep.
Rejoice, thou who has acquired the crown of martyrdom.
Rejoice, you who constantly prayed for Christians throughout your life.
Rejoice, and after death pray for us.
Rejoice, God-bearing Ignatius, great and glorious passion-bearer.
Kontakion 11 Chanting the Lord and constantly praying to Him, you, Saint Ignatius, taught you and the people entrusted to you to do the same: “Pray unceasingly, let your meekness be known to everyone. Continue in brotherly love, so that there will be no dissension among you. Imitate the Crucified One for us, believe in Him, He is the eternal life: believe in Him, even if He dies, He will live.” We, glorifying God, who has given us such a mentor, cry out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 11 Like the sun, you valiantly flowed around the earth from east to west, and went beyond the earth to Christ, enlightening the world with your teaching. For this reason we appeal to you:
Rejoice, servant of Christ.
Rejoice, martyr and shepherd.
Rejoice, quick helper in troubles.
Rejoice, defender of those persecuted for the sake of truth.
Rejoice, physician of the weak.
Rejoice, protection and intercession of those who flow to you in faith.
Rejoice, God-bearing Ignatius, great and glorious passion-bearer.
Kontakion 12 You have received great grace and rich mercy from Christ our God to pray for all who call on you with faith. We also pray to you: help us, through your intercession with the Lord, to preserve in our hearts undoubted faith, immutable hope, unfeigned love for God and neighbor, to fight the good fight, singing to our Savior: Alleluia.
Ikos 12 We sing of your deeds, we honor your sufferings, we praise your courage, we bless your holy death, and we diligently pray to you: hear us who cry to you:
Rejoice, life has ended gloriously.
Rejoice, having sealed the truth of Christ’s teaching with your blood.
Rejoice, having received from Christ the crown of righteousness, prepared for all who loved His appearing.
Rejoice, thou art dwelling in the brightness of the saints.
Rejoice, for you rejoice with the Archangels.
Rejoice, for you enjoy the sight of God.
Rejoice, God-bearing Ignatius, great and glorious passion-bearer.
Kontakion 13 O long-suffering and wonderful martyr, God-bearing Ignatius! Accept from us unworthy this small song of praise and beg God to preserve us and protect us with His grace from all evil in this life, and at the time of our death will not leave us, and after our death will make us worthy to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and sing to Him forever: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Seven Epistles Extended from the First Century
As a thoughtful elder, on the way to the place of his martyrdom, the Holy Theotokos left precious instructions to the Orthodox world in seven epistles.
Passing through Asia Minor, the apostle visited the cities:
- Elsa;
- Magnesia;
- Trallia;
- Philadelphia;
- Smyrna.
Having visited the community of each city, seeing the merits and problems of each of them, the theologian chosen by God left messages to the Christians of these churches. The Bishop of the Smyrna Church, Polycarp, received a personal appeal. The Roman community, with its universal love, conquered the prisoners going to their death.
During a trip to Rome, Ignatius wrote 7 letters to church communities
In all the messages written by the bearer of God, there is enthusiasm and joy in the anticipation of trials, which, according to the Bishop of Antioch, are obligatory for the perfect Christian. In a letter to the Romans, St. Ignatius begs the residents not to take steps to free him from captivity or save him from a painful death.
Great faith resonates in the words of the apostles that it is better to become food for lions and go to Heaven than to accept an earthly kingdom.
The template for all messages is the same.
First, the bishop praises the Church and its bishop Christ, urging Christians to submit to the ruling bishops. This was a period of struggle against the Gnostics; the saint warned communities against heretics, whose teaching was based on the denial of incarnation and following the customs of the Jews.
Each message ends with a call to maintain faith and increase mutual love to become imitators of Jesus Christ.
The Teacher, Christ the Savior, was the center of the teaching of the Apostle Ignatius, in which the theologian argued that Jesus was 100% material man, a man, his death was terrible and painful, suffering and real blood, hence the Resurrection is not ghostly, but real.
Ignatius compared Christian baptism with a shield, the Orthodox faith with a helmet, saw the power of a spear in love, but collected all this with patience.
History of the life of the saint
Ignatius of Antioch was born in Antioch-on-Orontes around the year 35. An extremely meager amount of information has reached us about his works and earthly life. Religious scholars believe that he was the first who, while a famous author of Christian texts, was of non-Jewish origin. Since the Greek, in which the righteous man wrote many of his epistles, was far from linguistic perfection, it is assumed that Ignatius was a born Syrian. Believers are currently arguing about his status and rank:
- The Roman historian Eusebius of Caesarea described that the minister was listed as the third bishop of the Antiochian Patriarchate (after the Apostle Peter himself and his successor Euodia);
- The Cyrus theologian Theodoret, on the contrary, argued that Ignatius was a subsequent disciple of Peter;
- Some researchers note that Ignatius and Evod simultaneously held the rank of bishops, while the first was appointed for Christians from the ranks of idolaters, the second for Jews.
The saint wisely ruled the church for almost 40 years. On one of the days of the service, he received a vision of an angel singing and performing spiritual worship. Based on what he heard, the man began to put into practice the so-called antiphonal chant, in which 2 choirs alternate at once.
During this period, Trajan was passing through Antioch, an emperor known for his intolerant, absurd temperament, and hatred of dissenters. Subordinates reported to the ruler that Ignatius professes Christianity in his heart, teaches parishioners to despise earthly goods and wealth, and refuses to make animal sacrifices to pagan gods. The bishop was summoned to the court to persuade him to renounce his religion, but he turned out to be adamant. As punishment, the man was sent on foot in chains to distant Rome. On the way to the place of execution, the husband wrote 7 messages, the text of which has survived to this day. When the passion-bearer's journey was over, he was thrown to be devoured by wild animals in the arena of the Colosseum.
Brief information about the origin of the saint
Based on the manuscripts found, it can be assumed that the saint was a Syrian, i.e. a pagan who converted to Christianity. According to legend, it was Jesus who took him in his arms when he said that believers should be like children before the creator (Matthew 18:2-5).
Holy Martyr Ignatius the God-Bearer
From the epistles of St. Jerome of Stridon it follows that the young admirer of Christ subsequently became a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian, and in 68 he led the Christian community of Antioch with the rank of bishop. The messages of one of the first Christian martyrs represent the Holy Spirit, imprinted in the image of the Savior.
Two bishops served in Antioch, Evodius served the Jews, and the God-Bearer, being of Syrian origin, preached to the pagans. The first bishop of Antioch was the Apostle Peter. According to John Chrysostom, who studied the life of the first apostles, Ignatius of Antioch is an example of a virtuous bishop.
Important! The name of Christ was constantly on the lips of the great martyr, for this He was called the God-Bearer.
Saint Ignatius gained his knowledge during close communication with the disciples of Christ, and witnessed the revival of the Christian community. From the message to the Christians of Smyrna we learn that the holy God-bearer was the companion of the Apostle Peter during his apostolic travels. For 40 years the Church of Antioch was under the control of Bishop Ignatius, and it was here that the saint was granted the gift of hearing angelic singing.
It is an amazing fact that antiphonal singing was first established by this blessed bishop after a visit to the Angel Choir. Divine songs sounding in the church of Antioch, like angelic singing, flowing from the lips of one choir, then it fell silent, and the second choir took up the chant of Praise to the Lord.
Interesting! The antiphonal one from the Church of Antioch spread among Christian communities and reached the 21st century.
Traditions of celebrating the date
The main custom, sacredly carried out on the eve of the feast day of St. Ignatius the God-Bearer, was going around the home to protect the building and the family living in it from evil spirits. In the morning, prayer services were held in churches, also aimed at protecting the house. It was believed that upon returning from church it was necessary to bow to the place where the believer lived, to thank for the support, the protection from demonism.
The housewives prepared for the celebration in advance. The day before the national Christian date, they cleaned the hut, cleaned it, and painted the facade. In addition, they gathered in a crowd to help the apple trees. They shook off snow and frost from the trees, believing that the next year's harvest would be richer.
