21 March 2023

Eastern Rite - Feasts of 21 March AM 7531

Today is the Feast of Our Venerable Father and Confessor James, Bishop of Catania.

Saint James, Bishop and Confessor was inclined toward the ascetic life from his early years. Saint James left the world and entered the Studite monastery, where he was tonsured. He led a strict life, full of works, fasting and prayer. Pious and well-versed in Holy Scripture, Saint James was elevated to the bishop’s throne of Catania (Sicily).

During the reign of the iconoclast emperor Constantine V Copronymos (741-775), Saint James was repeatedly urged not to venerate the holy icons. They exhausted him in prison, starved him, and beat him, but he bravely endured all these torments. Saint James died in exile.

Troparion — Tone 5

(Podoben: “Come, let us worship the Word...”)
Shining forth with purity, you rightly divided the inspired Word of truth / as a Hierarch and a minister of God the Word. / By your virtuous struggle you revealed and confirmed the grace granted to you, O James, / instructing all to venerate the Icon of the Savior, / with Whom you intercede for us all.

Kontakion — Tone 8

You excelled in the gifts of the priesthood, O Confessor, / and through your labors You became illustrious in confessing the Faith. / Since you are a fruitful branch of Christ the True Vine, / grant the new wine of forgiveness and salvation to those who cry to you: “Rejoice, O Father James!”

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