Apostle Simon the Zealot, Canaanite
The Life and Works of the Apostles – Holy Apostle Simon the Zealot
The Holy Apostle Simon the Zealot is mentioned in the lists of the 12 apostles in the Gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, as well as in the Acts of the Apostles (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13) , however, little is known about it.
Simon came from Cana of Galilee. In the Holy Scriptures he is called a Canaanite and a Zealot to distinguish him from Simon Peter. The nickname Zealot (Greek ζηλωτής) translated from Greek means “zealot,” that is, a pious person who zealously follows the Jewish law. Sometimes the nickname Zealot is often interpreted in the sense of adherence to the party of Zealots (Zealots) - active fighters against Roman rule. His other nickname, Kananite (Aram. Qan'ana), according to one version, indicates his origin as a native of the city of Cana; according to another version, this name is explained based on the translation from Aramaic: “zealot.”
Tradition has sometimes identified him with Simeon, an apostle of the 70, the "brother of the Lord" (son from Joseph's first marriage), who became the second bishop of Jerusalem after the execution of James the Righteous.
The first miracle that the Savior performed - turning water into wine - happened in the house of Simon (John 2:1-11). During the feast there was not enough wine for the guests. Then the Lord, through the intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God, turned the water into wine. Amazed by the miracle, Simon believed with all his heart and soul in the Lord Jesus as the promised Messiah and, leaving everything, followed Him.
On the day of Pentecost, he, along with the other apostles, received the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Apostle Simon preached the teachings of Christ in Judea, Egypt, Libya, Cyrene and Britain. According to legend, the holy Apostle Simon suffered martyrdom on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, presumably in Abkhazia, in the second half of the 1st century. According to another version, he was killed in Persia. It is believed that Simon was beheaded with a sword or sawed alive with a saw. There is also a legend that he was crucified on the cross.
Simon the Zealot was buried in the city of Nikopsia, the location of which is also controversial. According to some opinions, this city is the current New Athos in Abkhazia; according to others, it was located on the site of the current village of Novomikhailovsky in the Krasnodar region. Subsequently, in the 19th century, on the supposed site of the exploits of the apostle, near the Apsara Mountain, the New Athos Monastery of Simon the Canaanite was built. Currently, the relics of the apostle are hidden in the Simono-Cananite Church in New Athos, some of the relics are in Germany (in the Basilica of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called in Cologne) and the Vatican (in St. Peter's Cathedral).
The Holy Apostle Simon the Zealot is considered the patron saint of Christian spouses, since during the Sacrament of Marriage a passage about marriage in Cana of Galilee is read.
See also: “ Memory of the Holy Apostle Simon the Zealot” as presented by St. Demetrius of Rostov.
See also: “ The Council of the Holy Glorious and Most Valuable Twelve Apostles” as presented by St. Demetrius of Rostov.
Canon to the Holy Apostle Simon the Zealot
Song a҃.
Irmos:
Let us follow the song, people who have freed our work, the song of victory, singing and crying out: let’s find you ѣ̀ є҆dinomꙋ vlⷣtse.
In the highest lords there will be, and more glorified, and more glorified, and the light that has shown itself: enlighten my life, and I sing to your memory.
All the good things have been bestowed upon you, the highest gifts given to you, and shown to you by the righteous house, by the way. Yes, righteous one.
All the dawn, before the dawn, descended upon the surface with the new world, was inspired by all the charm of polytheism.
Bgorodichen:
You are my mortal and perishable, immortal and incorruptible, bless you, having shown, in the womb, the indwelling nature of two of the most unsightly fellow creatures. Yes, imagine everything in human nature.
Song of the city.
Irmos:
There is no light in the world, and there is no righteousness in our God, and so all creatures sing: there is nothing more righteous than you, in ⷭ҇i.
God knows the sacred mystery of the Incarnation, truly, and in this day and age it will not be forgotten, and the dawn itself will be blessed with a premium.
The word is beginningless and everlasting, of its own origin, this very day, shining with bright, rich enlightenment of divine blessings.
Bgorodichen:
The all-golden priest of the text, btsⷣe, bears the unevening light, enlightening the world with the light of divinity, ́shegi.
Sedalen, voice g.
God created the light of the world, and enlightened the hearts of the faithful, singing the savior commandment Nїѧ, i҆ ᲂу҆пслідє҆сѝєє҆́́нїїї є҆́́нїї їїнїїнїїнїїнїїїнїїїїїїміѡні мѡѡнінї, more glorious, ґрⷭ҇ta єbgґa pray, grant us great mercy.
Song of the day.
Irmos:
From the blessed mountains, in the word, in the future, in the words of God, and with fear, praise the greater powers ꙋ yours.
All the treasure given to them, full of grace, the light of the world, and the salt of the universe, most blessed, was all.
The material world is shaped by the insubstantial light, and the non-substantial light has been shaped by the light. , thing of humanity, ven.
Sime, our incorruptible life, our living sin, the life-giving power of the life-giver, and above all else action.
Bgorodichen:
Equal to you according to society, equal to people according to nature, above all our two, well, flatly It's acceptable.
Song є҃.
Irmos:
And the nights of the unknown, let us enlighten the ends, enlighten us with the help of your loved one, where.
With ѻ҆gnem, god, you are the visible language of dh҃а, before є҆сѝ ᲂу҆срднѡ, in the upper room here.
Ꙗ҆́кѡ tall, in the highest villages alive, tall and great ᲂuchechє́nїѧ brought us є҆сѝ.
Bgorodichen:
The first and second laws of yours shall cease, but grace shall flourish, and righteousness shall prevail in all things.
Song of ѕ҃.
Irmos:
Give me a robe of light, with light, with a robe, much-merciful Christ, our God.
Jealousy is the name of the betrothed, this day is worthy, jealous of everything, according to the Almighty.
The real people here have shown themselves by giving power to you through the action of their goodness.
Bgorodichen:
Yes, we protect the righteous, the immoral, the all-blameless, and the faces in the world.
Kontakion, voice v҃.
And a prime minor ᲂu҆hniѧѧ, in the bonnials of the hollow, in the laudage, in the praise ᲂblazhim, ꙗ҆ ꙗ҆ ꙗ҆ ꙗ҆ ꙗ҆ ꙗ҆ bg҃ -headed ibmѡna: Cѧ is unceasingѡ ѡ҆ all.
Ikos:
And let us remember, everyone, on the day of salvation, we praise today, and with pious blessings: because the whole universe is like the sun That is, the light shines through all the darkness of the race, and enlightens with love the memory of those who commit it, and with the kindness of those who honor it. At the same time, our heartfelt prayers are praising Him: the future of God is coming, our unceasing prayers are for all of us.
Song z҃.
Irmos:
The three children of the present day asked for the bold flame, and set it upon the rise, crying out: Blessed be they, where ever, in yoki.
Strange, jealousy, sime, імѣѣѧ, the name of jealousy, є҆сѝ, called є҆сѝ, і єнізѝ title, I agree with stѧzhal є҆сѝ: bless Here we go, here we go, forever.
Vkꙋ́пѣ wordsꙋ slikovіѧ, and the interlocutor tomꙋ̀ was, tsrⷭ҇твїѧ there participated in є҆сѝ, call: ›blessed є҆сѝ, whereⷭ May you live forever.
Bgorodichen:
By the flattery of ancient times, the ancestors of the gods exiled them, but you, mt҃i bzhїѧ, called out to you: blessed, most blessed, is your fruit ѡ̀ womb.
Song and.
Irmos:
To those who agree with the world, and to the countless people who worship this image in Deir, the three Trots did not obey, where ⷭ҇a praises and praises to all ages.
Ꙗ҆́кѡ are red, sіmѡne, your legs, goodness is є҆́́st and ҆ ѧ҆чакъ, the verb glory хрⷭ҇тсвꙋ, and what’s your name: gdⷭ҇а по Praise and exalt for all ages.
With the kindnesses of the world, and where we are, we have come to know this, this, the people of this blessed place: where to Do, do, and exalt for all ages.
Bgorodichen:
Oh, we can’t say to your mother, and the word fails: God gave birth to two, and we extol the same. at all times.
Song ѳ҃.
Irmos:
What glory do we honor, people, btsⷣꙋ, the fire of divinity is preeminent in the belly of heaven, we magnify it with songs.
It was the end, the light of this, and the last day, the light showed: also the same We magnify.
All that has been laid down has been dissolved: now we pray to God and praise us with faith and love.
Bgorodichen:
The salvation of all people, and the world with enlightenment, with divine purity, in all glory We eat.
Luminous.
During the course of your red legs, this time, having returned, to the procession the nbⷭ҇nomꙋ rose in joy, and presented itself, in You see the dream and the dhga bzhⷭ҇tvennago. Today, for the sake of your blessed faith, we celebrate your memory.
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Saint Apostle Simon the Zealot is the patron saint of treasure hunters.
Treasure hunting, which is a favorite hobby for many of us, has been known since ancient times, when there were no metal detectors yet. A huge number of signs, beliefs and legends are associated with treasures and treasure hunting.
Despite the fact that in our time it has acquired new shades, there are things that have come to us from time immemorial and remain unshakable and traditional. Let's fast forward to the 1st century AD, to one of the most remarkable periods of world history associated with the earthly life of Jesus Christ. Christ spent the days of his adolescence and youth in Galilee, in the small town of Nazareth. But now the time has come for His ministry to the human race, and Christ goes to Judea, where he receives baptism from John, performs a forty-day fast and calls the first disciples. After this, the Lord returned to Galilee again. On the third day, the “Marriage in Canna of Galilee” took place - a wedding in a small town near Nazareth. By relationship or acquaintance, the Mother of God was present at the wedding, and Jesus and his disciples were invited.
The newlyweds were probably not rich, and a shortage of wine soon became apparent. Jesus asked the servants to fill six stone vessels standing nearby with water. “Now take some,” said the Lord, “and bring it to the master of the feast.” The steward tasted the water, which had already become wine, and was surprised why such a wonderful wine had been preserved for so long, which he did not hesitate to tell the groom about. Here it was revealed to everyone what a miracle Christ performed—the Lord’s first miracle. The disciples saw the divine power of their Teacher and believed in Him as the messenger of God. The groom named Simon also believed in Christ. He left his bride, his home and all the vanities of this world and followed Christ. As one of the most zealous disciples of Christ, Simon was elected one of the twelve apostles.
Simon had two nicknames - Canaanite and Zealot. He received the first by his origin from the Galilean city of Cana. The nickname Zealot means “zealot” - Simon was inflamed with such zealous love for Christ that he left everything for Him and followed the Lord. After the ascension of Christ, the Apostle Simon traveled through Mauritania and Africa preaching the Word of God. Then he visited Britain, Egypt and Persia. Everywhere he preached the holy Gospel with the same fiery zeal with which he left worldly vanity. Simon ended his life with suffering in the name of Christ. At the insistence of the pagan priests in Persia, the holy Apostle Simon was sawn in half. Another legend says that Simon the Zealot was crucified in Abkhazia. This happened on May 23 (May 10, old style), and on this day the Church celebrates in honor of the Apostle Simon. But what does this have to do with patronage for treasure hunters? - you ask. Go ahead!
Before the adoption of Christianity, the Eastern Slavs were pagans; they did not have one God. But not a single event of Slavic life took place without the participation of a deity or the great elements revered by the people of that time. The day of Simon the Zealot coincided with one of the very ancient pagan holidays, when the pagan deities Belee and Makosh - earthly intercessors - are especially revered, and the Magi go out into the field, lie down on the grass and listen to the Earth. On this day, she aroused special worship as the Raw Earth Mother, who was considered the birthday girl on this day. Hence the second name of this holiday - Birthday Earth. On this day, the people performed “Zealot’s round dances”, and also performed consecration ceremonies, told fortunes and glorified the Earth. The consecrated handful of Earth was collected in bags and kept as amulets. The holiday ended with a feast and games.
According to ancient belief, on the Earth’s name day it was forbidden to plow or harrow it. In Tambov they reasoned: “Today is the day of Simon-Gulimon, the lazy saint.” Where they didn’t know this, they said: “Sow wheat on Simon the Zealot and it will be born like gold.” Another belief associated with this holiday says that in the spring all treasures “dry out”, will-o’-the-wisps appear and burn above them. The main custom of Simon Zealot's day has always been the search for treasures, unfortunately, at that time there were no metal detectors. People believed that there was some connection between the words Zealot and gold. Therefore, Simon the Zealot was considered by the people to be the patron saint of treasure hunters and people turned to him in prayer, asking for help in finding treasures.
Another custom is that on this day they walked through forests and meadows, collecting various herbs and roots, which were attributed with special healing powers. And the nickname Zealot supposedly comes from the word “potion”. It can be assumed that these two customs are associated with folk etymology: the incomprehensible name Zealot could well be associated in the popular imagination with the words “gold” and, as already mentioned, “potion.” I have long wanted to find a shrine for myself related to my treasure hunting hobby. And such a case actually presented itself to me! In February of this year, while in the Holy Land, I bought a small icon of the Apostle Simon the Zealot and now I hope that the saint will definitely act as a patron in finding my most cherished treasure. Of course, I bought a metal detector much earlier. Well, May 23 (May 10, Old Art.), the day of remembrance of the Apostle Simon the Zealot, I think, can rightfully be recognized as treasure hunter’s day.
especially pray to Apostle Simon the Zealot for happiness in marriage and for the protection of the family hearth.
Troparion, tone 3
Apostle Saint Simon, pray to the Merciful God that He may grant remission of sins to our souls.
Kontakion, tone 2
It is known by the wisdom of the teaching in the souls of the pious that we will please all Simon in praise, like the God-speaking One: For now he stands before the Throne of Glory and rejoices with the Bodiless, praying unceasingly for all of us.
Kontakion 1
Chosen Apostle of Christ and evangelist, through the midst of your preaching, who caught the salvation of many human souls and brought darkened people to Christ through idolatry, Blessed Simon, in songs we praise you with love and pray to you diligently: for you have boldness in the Lord, praying to Him for our sinners and with your prayers free us from all troubles, and let us call to you: Rejoice, Simon, Apostle of Christ and prayer book for our souls.
Ikos 1
The Creator and Master of angels, Christ God, saved even fallen humanity, having clothed ourselves in our flesh and living with men, but came to Cana of Galilee for marriage in your house, Simon the Most Praiseworthy, together with His Most Pure Matter, the Virgin Theotokos, Who, through the entreaty of our mother, was the firstfruits of miracles. Show Yours in your house, miraculously transforming water into wine on your brother and thereby showing the power of Your Divinity. The same to you, blessed with the visit and favor of the God-man, as the Seer of God and His chosen disciple, we cry out to the Lord with tenderness:
Rejoice, beautiful bridegroom, miraculously called from earthly marriage to the marriage of the Lamb.
Rejoice, glorified in heaven and on earth.
Rejoice, thou who faithfully served the incarnate Word of God.
Rejoice, in preaching the Gospel of truth, great zeal was revealed.
Rejoice, thou who loved the Most Sweet Lord Jesus with all thy heart.
Rejoice, thou who left the earthly betrothed and followed Him.
Rejoice, Simon, Apostle of Christ and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 2
Having seen the miracles of Christ, the most glorious Simone, you faithfully followed God who appeared in the flesh, you were loved from the Unworthy and you were numbered among the chosen twelve Apostles, like a zealot of His glory, you received a new name Zealot, who is a zealot. Ask for this zeal for the glory of God for us, disciples of the Saviors, so that together with you we may be worthy to sing to Christ: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
The heavenly mind was given to you from above, Simon the God-Wise, also listening to the Divine word of Christ God, I formed it in your heart, and, like the good earth, you brought Him a hundredfold fruit of the teachings of the Gospel grace, with it you illuminated the ends of the world for the salvation, and, like a preacher of God soul-saving one, hear songs like these from us:
Rejoice, O yoke of Christ, good and easy, upon your frame.
Rejoice, by the example of your saints attract all of us to follow Christ.
Rejoice, you who are the same-named zealot for the glory of God.
Rejoice, dearest lover of the Lord Jesus.
Rejoice, wondrous teacher to Him of those who seek salvation.
Rejoice, silent evangelist of the Gospel's soul-saving teaching.
Rejoice, Simon, Apostle of Christ and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 3
The power of God's autumn upon you, Apostle of Christ Simon, when you walked in the footsteps of Christ the Lord, walking with Him through Judea and Galilee, listening to His Divine teaching and contemplating the greatness of His miracles. Likewise, Christ, as His faithful follower and disciple, granted you the power and strength to heal ailments, heal illnesses and drive away unclean spirits, so that everyone glorify His power, revealed in you, and sing a song of praise to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
You had only one concern, O all-blessed Simone, to faithfully serve and please Christ God, appearing in the flesh for human salvation, His companion and self-seeing witness, you were honored to be, and from His Divine lips you drew grace from the great teachings of heaven, and marveling at it, we say to you:
Rejoice, all-joyful preacher of the Gospel of truth to us.
Rejoice, Lucifer, who announced to us the non-evening Sun.
Rejoice, self-seeing and servant of God incarnate.
Rejoice, O Master of His wanderings and His immortal table.
Rejoice, chosen and faithful disciple of Christ.
Rejoice, His friend, who has preserved your friendship towards Him to the end.
Rejoice, Simon, Apostle of Christ and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 4
The storm of Jewish rage nailed Christ God to the Cross, who willed to suffer for all people, but did not shake your faith and hope, Blessed Simon, for He is the Savior of the world, prophesied of old by the prophets for the redemption of fallen humanity. Moreover, as the Master and God, you faithfully sang a song of praise to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing the Divine voice of Christ the Giver of Life, who rose from the dead for three days, and who entered to His disciples through the closed door, and “Peace be with you!” You rejoiced greatly, O God-bearing Simone, and you reverently worshiped Him as God, and then you silently proclaimed to everyone the immutable truth of His resurrection. For this reason we call upon you in praise:
Rejoice, the world of Christ has been worthily received into the immaculate vessel of your soul.
Rejoice, you who have pacified the ends of the world with grace.
Rejoice, ancient enmity idolatrous consumer.
Rejoice, the truth of the resurrection of Christ is obvious and loud to the witness.
Rejoice, the door closed to the contemplator of the wondrous passing of Christ.
Rejoice, hearer of His most divine and joyful voice.
Rejoice, Simon, Apostle of Christ and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 5
Having seen the divine ascension of Christ into heaven and the Holy Spirit, sent down from Him in fiery tongues, you became a partaker of Simon the Most Praiseworthy, a divine spirit-bearer and, endued with power from above, you flowed to preach the Gospel in Judea, Syria, Egypt, Mauritania, Spain, Britain , Persia, Iberia and Armenia, proclaiming to people in the darkness of unbelief the saving light of Christ God and the right faith in Him, and bringing everyone to call Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen you, Apostle of Christ, Most Pure Mother of God, from distant countries on a cloud, having arrived at Her most honorable dormition, she rejoiced with holy joy and vouchsafed you with His conversation and blessing before death; You were filled with so much joy, contemplating Her Son and God, who came to Her with the holy Angels and received Her holy soul in His hands. We too, reverently remembering this, and out of zealous love, proclaim these all-joyful verbs:
Rejoice, heavenly disciple of the Savior, miraculously brought to the burial of the Mother of the Lord on a cloud.
Rejoice, O Christ, who received and contemplated the soul of His Mother in His hands.
Rejoice, having served worthily at the burial of the Most Pure Mother of God.
Rejoice, you who understood the Mother of God who was lifted up with the body of the Mount.
Rejoice, you who saw Her burial shrouds and empty tomb in Gethsemane.
Rejoice, in a luminous vision with the saints the Angels were honored to see the coming Lady of the world.
Rejoice, Simon, Apostle of Christ and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 6
The God-speaking preacher appeared, Apostle of Christ Simon, in wild countries, and you proclaimed the Gospel of Christ to beastly people, by your meekness and gentleness overcoming those cruelties and transforming them from divi wolves into lambs of Christ, likewise, and having learned from you to sing to the Triune God the angelic song: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
You, disciple of the Savior, have shone like a radiant lamp in infidel countries and, like a godly light, you have flowed around the east and west, proclaiming to people the saving faith in Christ Jesus, who inspires us to praise you, the divine preacher, with these praises:
Rejoice, you who enlighten the east and the west with the light of Christ.
Rejoice, having proclaimed the teachings of the Gospel across Africa and Spain.
Rejoice, thou who has tamed the severity of the British with the meekness of Jesus.
Rejoice, having led Armenia and Iberia to the knowledge of the Son of God.
Rejoice, you who convinced the Persians and the Medes to believe in Christ God.
Rejoice, you who worked tirelessly in the gospel of Christ.
Rejoice, Simon, Apostle of Christ and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 7
You had a zealous desire, O Apostle of Christ, to suffer as a martyr for the name of Christ and with your blood to seal the divine truth of your preaching of the Gospel, which the Lord arranged to bring you in Iberia from unfaithful manholes to be crucified on the cross and die a martyr. We remember your suffering and Christ-like death, we honor your illnesses and labors and sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
New Noah, the head of the ark of the soul-saving faith of Christ in Iberia, we know you to be, Simone of God, and as the founder and cornerstone of the Church of Iberia we honor you, and the place of your burial with love we honor, as sanctified by your blood and the repose of your relics, from him the healing gifts you exude to the faithful and attract you to call:
Rejoice, everlasting guardian of Iberia.
Rejoice, God-given patron of Pitsunda.
Rejoice, your temple in the desert was miraculously preserved from final destruction.
Rejoice, your honorable coffin given to us as a consolation.
Rejoice, having renovated the place of your exploits and sufferings with a monastic monastery in your name.
Rejoice, ascetics of fasting and prayer from Saint Athos, who marvelously moved in the nude.
Rejoice, Simon, Apostle of Christ and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 8
Having completed your earthly journey, Apostle of the Savior, you moved from earth to the heavenly abode, but on the earth you shine with rays of miracles and enlighten the souls of the faithful, who through God come to you in prayer and honor your holy memory, and we, too, reverently, sing a song to God who glorified you : Alleluia.
Ikos 8
The entire Iveron Church reveres you, Apostle Simone, as its founder and patron, who edified you on the unshakable foundation of the faith of Christ and watered you for spiritual fruitfulness with your honest blood, from the wonder that the host of saints who are now triumphant together with you in heaven vegetated in it. Likewise, we, on earth, bless your deeds and call to you:
Rejoice, good and merciful consoler of the sorrowing.
Rejoice, quickly presenting helper to those in need.
Rejoice, you who have acquired great boldness towards Christ God, as His sincere friend.
Rejoice, you who have received from Him power over unclean spirits.
Rejoice, glory and praise to your holy monastery.
Rejoice, for those who labor in her as intercessors for eternal salvation.
Rejoice, Simon, Apostle of Christ and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 9
Judge the whole world imashi, Apostle of the Savior, seated on the high and exalted throne, when Christ the Lord comes with glory to execute His righteous judgment; Then, holy one, beg His goodness to have mercy on us and not condemn us to eternal destruction, but to make us worthy to sing to Him with the saints: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Human flair is not sufficient for the worthy glorification of your exploits and miracles, Simone, the most praiseworthy, in both cases, accept, disciple of the Savior, graciously and mercifully these little and simple songs of ours, offered in praise to you with faith and love, and hear those crying out to you:
Rejoice, praised and glorified from east to west.
Rejoice, thou who sanctified the Iveron country by thy death.
Rejoice, as a fruitful vine, in which Nina, Equal to the Apostles, grew spiritually.
Rejoice, you who brought fruit to Christ from the bosom of the host of saints.
Rejoice, thou who glorified the mountains and its valleys as ascetics of piety.
Rejoice, as a father of children, triumphant with the saints of Iveron in the abodes of paradise.
Rejoice, Simon, Apostle of Christ and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 10
The guarantee of salvation, the holy Orthodox faith, inherited from you, Apostle of Christ Simon, we also pray to you: keep us, your children, from all heresies and schisms, by your prayerful intercession to God, and help us to remain in unshakable Orthodoxy until the end of our days and sing faithfully To God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The chosen disciple of the Heavenly King Christ, Blessed Simon, pray to Him for us sinners, so that your God-loving zeal for the preservation of His law may be granted to us, unworthy, so that we may be ready for deeds of Christian good deeds and for the confession of our Orthodox faith, not just words, but and deeds, and appear as your children, not only by name, but by the truth itself. For this we pray and call you:
Rejoice, bright star, guiding everyone to the sun of Christ’s truth.
Rejoice, unquenchable light, ever burning in prayer at the Throne of the Lord of Glory.
Rejoice, unshakable pillar of the holy Church of Christ.
Rejoice, golden vial, pour out healing streams for us.
Rejoice, having received from Christ the power to knit and decide.
Rejoice, having received from Him the grace-filled gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, Simon, Apostle of Christ and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 11
Bring the singing of the Most Holy Trinity to the mountain with all the saints, Simone, the most praiseworthy, and from the heavenly heights of your father you come to the place of your exploits and sufferings on earth, with your prayers helping all who faithfully honor your holy memory and sing a song to God about you: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
The light-giving lamp of the Trisolar Light appears to the faithful, Apostle of Christ Simon, and invisibly illuminates all of us on the path of Christian good deeds, may we not fall into the snare of the enemy, the devil, but may we remain unharmed from all his wicked traps and thus be able to cry out to you without condemnation:
Rejoice, good shepherd of the verbal flock of Christ.
Rejoice, do not allow the soul-destroying wolf to plunder your spiritual flock.
Rejoice, thou who through the midst of thy preaching caught the ends of the world unto salvation.
Rejoice, and now contribute to our salvation through your prayers.
Rejoice, wise architect of the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, the cornerstone of its foundation.
Rejoice, Simon, Apostle of Christ and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 12
Ask us for grace and mercy from the Lord, Simon the God-bearing Apostle of the Savior, as you have acquired great boldness towards Him, especially ask us from Him for repentance for sins and correction of our life, so that it will be filled with Christian virtues, so that we may still be able to sing on earth A heavenly song to our Creator: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your illnesses and labors, Apostle of the Savior, in the image in which you labored in the gospel of Christ, we honor your holy and ever-glorious memory, which fragrant us spiritually and delights our souls: for the ointment has truly appeared before God, the sweat of yours and the drops of blood of suffering, poured out by you for Christ, our holy representative. That’s why we call you:
Rejoice, faithful preacher of the Most Holy Life-Giving Trinity.
Rejoice, worthy interlocutor of the angelic faces.
Rejoice, beauty and foundation of the Apostles.
Rejoice, exaltation of the human race.
Rejoice, free physician of mental and physical ailments.
Rejoice, our unshameable hope is in God and the Most Holy Theotokos.
Rejoice, Simon, Apostle of Christ and prayer book for our souls.
Kontakion 13
O holy, glorious and all-praised Apostle of Christ Simon, zealot of the law of God and our most powerful representative! Accept this small prayer song offered to you in praise, and beg the Savior Christ to deliver us from eternal torment and make us worthy of the joy of the saints, so that with them we may sing to Him forever: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1).
Prayer
Holy glorious and all-praised Apostle of Christ Simon, who was deemed worthy to receive into your home in Cana of Galilee our Lord Jesus Christ and His Most Pure Mother, our Lady Theotokos, and to be an eyewitness to the glorious miracle of Christ revealed to your brother - the transformation of water into wine! We pray to you with faith and love: beg Christ the Lord to transform our souls from sin-loving to God-loving; save and protect us with your prayers from the temptations of the devil and the falls of sin and ask us from above for help during our despondency and helplessness, so that we may not stumble over the stone of temptation, but steadily walk the saving path of the commandments of Christ, until we reach those blessed abode of paradise, where you now reside and have fun. Hey, Apostle Spasov! Do not disgrace us, who firmly trust in you, but be your helper and protector in all our lives and help us end this temporary life in a pious and godly manner, receive a good and peaceful Christian death and be honored with a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ, so that we escape the ordeals of the air and the power of the fierce ruler of the world, we will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and glorify the magnificent name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
https://pravoslavie.ks.ua/rubric/prorokam-i-apostolam/article…
Sretensky Monthly
The holy 12 martyrs - Pamphilus the presbyter, Valens (Walens) the deacon, Paul, Porphyry, Seleucus, Theodulus, Julian, Samuel, Elijah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah - suffered during the persecution of Christians erected by the emperor Diocletian in 308-309 in Caesarea Palestinian.
The Holy Martyr Pamphilus, a native of the city of Berita (Beirut), received his education in Alexandria, after which he was appointed presbyter in Caesarea. He worked hard to compare and correct New Testament texts damaged by copyists. Saint Pamphilus rewrote the corrected copies and sent them out to those who wished to have them. Thus, many pagans were converted to Christ by him. Through his labors and concerns, an extensive library of spiritual books was collected in Caesarea, which served Christian enlightenment.
Blessed Jerome (IV - early 5th century) greatly revered Saint Pamphilus and considered himself lucky, for he had found and kept some of his manuscripts. Saint Pamphilus was actively helped in preaching the faith of Christ by Saint Valens, a deacon of the Elean Church, an elderly man who knew the Holy Scriptures perfectly, and Saint Paul, who burned with faith and love for Christ the Savior.
All three were imprisoned for 2 years by the ruler of Caesarea in Palestine, Urban. During the reign of his successor Firmilian in Egypt, 130 Christians were convicted and sent to Cilicia (Asia Minor), to the gold mines. They were escorted to the place of exile by five young brothers. On the way back to Egypt, they were detained in Caesarea and thrown into prison for confessing Christ. The young men were brought to trial before Firmilian along with the previously imprisoned saints Pamphilus, Valens and Paul. Having identified themselves by the names of the Old Testament prophets - Elijah, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Samuel and Daniel, when asked about their homeland, the young men answered that they were citizens of Jerusalem, meaning by this the heavenly Jerusalem.
Firmilian knew nothing about a city with that name, since on the site of Jerusalem, destroyed by Emperor Titus in the year 70, a city was built by Emperor Hadrian (117‒138), then called Elius-Adrian. Firmilian tormented the young men for a long time, trying to find out the location of the unknown city and persuade the young men to apostatize. Having achieved nothing, the ruler had them beheaded by the sword, along with Pamphilus, Valens and Paul.
Before this, the servant of Presbyter Pamphilus, the 18-year-old youth Porfiry, meek and humble, had to suffer. Hearing about the death sentence imposed on the martyrs, he asked the ruler for permission to bury the bodies of the condemned after their execution, for which he was killed and burned at the stake.
A witness to this martyrdom, the pious Christian Seleucus, a former warrior, greeting the feat of the sufferers, approached Pamphilus before the execution and told him about the martyrdom of Saint Porphyry. He was immediately captured by soldiers and, by order of Firmilian, beheaded with a sword along with the condemned.
One of the ruler’s servants, Theodulus, an elderly man and a secret Christian, greeting the martyrs who were being led to execution, kissed them and asked them to pray for him. He was brought by soldiers for interrogation to Firmilian and, by order of the latter, he was crucified on the cross.
The young man Julian, a Cappadocian by birth, approaching Caesarea, saw the bodies of saints thrown without burial to be devoured by wild beasts.
Approaching them, Julian knelt and kissed the bodies of the sufferers. The soldiers standing aside grabbed him and took him to the governor, who condemned Saint Julian to be burned. The bodies of all 12 martyrs remained without burial for 4 days. Neither animals nor birds touched them. Confused by this circumstance, the pagans allowed the Christians to take the bodies of the martyrs and bury them.
Preaching activities of the Canaanite
After the advent of the Day of the Holy Trinity (Pentecost), Simon the Zealot, following the covenant of the Messiah, spread Christian teaching in some parts of the world. These were mainly the Mediterranean regions and nearby lands: Israeli Judea, African Egypt and Libya, as well as Mauritania, located in the far west of the African continent.
Apostle Simon the Zealot
Simon the Canaanite, together with Andrew the First-Called and Matthew, spread the good news of Christ in the Iveron lands, and then they went to Ossetia. Soon the paths of the pious saints diverged. Andrei began to preach along the Black Sea coast near the Caucasus, and Simon settled in a small cave next to a river called Psyrtskhi. Saint Zealot descended into this small grotto with the help of a rope.
Abkhazian monastery in honor of the Apostle Simon
The temple was built in the 9th century near the place where, according to one version, the disciples buried the Monk Canaanite. Two centuries later, the Christian faith was finally established in Abkhazia, which flourished in religious piety: the state was enriched with flourishing cities and pious monasteries, and the nearby mountain ranges were fortified with castles and churches.
New Athos Monastery of St. Apostle Simon the Canaanite
- However, at the end of the 12th century, the area was conquered by Turkish troops, and the Abkhazians changed Christianity to Islam. The Monastery of the Apostle Simon was destroyed, like most similar buildings.
- In the 19th century, the ancient temple was restored by the inhabitants of the neighboring church complex. This activity became possible thanks to the order of Emperor Alexander III, who transferred the rights to this territory to the brethren, and also allowed them to fish in the Psyrtskha River.
- The restored monastery was the central place of religious education in the south of the Russian Empire. The local Panteleimon Cathedral, a religious building in Abkhazia, could accommodate thousands of parishioners. The beautifully painted walls of the structure demonstrated the true grace of Russian icon painting.
- Alexander III presented the monastery with a steam locomotive, a power plant and musical chimes, which were placed on the highest bell tower. Several factories operated on the territory of the monastery; vineyards, potato fields, exotic plants, etc. were planted around.
- To get into the grotto of St. Simon, the brethren cut a convenient entrance and built a staircase made of stone. On the walls of the cave, the faces of Christ, the Mother of God and the Apostle Zealot himself were laid out in mosaics.
- The interior decoration of the grotto has undergone virtually no changes. Pilgrims eager to visit this place can observe up close a source with healing water and a small boulder with the footprints of the venerable apostle.
Read about other Orthodox monasteries:
- Monastery of Our Lady of Kykkos in Cyprus
- Monastery of St. John the Evangelist in Greece
- Divnogorsky Monastery in Voronezh region, Russia
Cell of the Apostle Simon the Canaanite
