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The Ascension of our Lord
Virgin-martyr Pelagia of Tarsus in Asia Minor (ca. 290).
Hieromartyr Erasmus, bishop of Formia in Campania, and 20,000 martyrs with him (303). Hieromartyr Olbian, bishop of Anaea, and his disciples, in the province of Asia in Asia Minor (304). Hieromartyr Silvanus of Gaza and with him 40 martyrs (311). Translation of the relics of the Alfanov brothers of Novgorod: Sts. Nicetas, Cyril, Nicephorus, Clement, and Isaac, founders of the Sokolnitzki Monastery (14th c.-15th c.).
Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Staraya Russa.” (1570)
Martyrs Florian and 40 companions, at Lorsch, Austria (304). Martyrs Aphrodisius, Leontius, Anthony, Melda (Meles), Valerian, Macrobius, and others, at Scythopolis of Palestine (4th c.). St. Monica of Tagaste (mother of Blessed Augustine) (387). St. Ethelred, king of Mercia and monk (716). St. Nicephorus, abbot and founder of Medikion Monastery (813). St. Athanasius, bishop of Corinth (10th c.-11th c.). St. Nicephorus the Hesychast, of Mt. Athos (1340). 4,000–5,000 New Martyrs of Batak (Bulgaria) (1876). New Hieromartyr Dimitry (Lyubimov), archbishop of Gdov (1935). St. Hilary the Wonderworker.
Thoughts for Each Day of the Year
According to the Daily Church Readings from the Word of God
By St. Theophan the Recluse
Thursday. Ascension. [Acts 1:1–12; Luke 24:36–53]
Saint Paul expresses the power of the Lord’s Ascension in this manner: When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men (Eph. 4:8). Having satisfied God’s righteousness, the Lord opened for us all the treasures of God’s goodness. This is indeed a capturing or taking of spoils after victory. The beginning of the distribution of these spoils to people is the descent of the Holy Spirit, Who, having descended, always abides in the Church and gives everyone that which he needs, receiving all from that captive captivity (cf. Eph 4:8). Come everyone and take. But prepare for yourself guardian of that treasure, which is a pure heart; have hands to take it, which is unreflecting faith. Then step forth searching hopefully, and praying relentlessly.
Articles
 Ascension of the LordAscension of the Lord |
 Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in CampaniaSaint Erasmus zealously served the Lord from his youth. |
 Hieromartyr Silvanus the Bishop of Gaza, and with him 40 MartyrsSaint Silvanus came from the vicinity of the city of Gaza, and was a soldier. |
 Venerable Nicephorus of Mt. Athos, AlbaniaSaint Nicephorus was the teacher of Saint Gregory Palamas (November 14). |