Eastern Rite - Feasts of 7 July AM 7531

Today is the Feast of Our Venerable Father Thomas of Maleum and of Acacius mentioned in The Ladder of Divine Ascent of Saint John Climacus.

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Saint Thomas of Mt. Maleon was a military commander before he became a monk. Strong and brave, he had participated in many battles and brought victory to his countrymen, for which he gained glory and esteem. But, striving with all his heart towards God, Thomas abandoned the world and its honours, and he took monastic vows.

With great humility he visited monastic Elders, asking for guidance in the spiritual life. After several years Thomas received the blessing for solitary wilderness life and, led by a pillar of fire at night by the holy Prophet Elias, he settled on Mount Maleon (on the eastern part of Athos). Dwelling in complete seclusion, Saint Thomas fought with invisible enemies with as much courage as he had displayed against the visible enemies of his country.

The life and deeds of Saint Thomas could not be concealed from the surrounding area. People began to flock to him seeking spiritual guidance, and even those suffering from sickness since he received from God the blessing to heal infirmities.

Many believers received help through the prayers of the holy monk. Even after his death, he does not cease to heal those who seek his aid, from every passion and sickness.

Troparion — Tone 4

O God of our Fathers, / always act with kindness towards us; / take not Your mercy from us, / but guide our lives in peace / through the prayers of Saints Thomas and Acacius.

Kontakion — Tone 4

(Podoben: “As You were voluntarily raised...”)
Inflamed with divine love, you courageously showed us a great victory: / you spurned the mortal king and all earthly beauty. / You completed your worldly sojourn on Mount Maleon, / from where you went up to Heaven to the King of kings. / Unceasingly pray for us all, O Thomas.

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Saint Acacius of Sinai lived during the sixth century and was a novice at a certain monastery in Asia. The humble monk distinguished himself by his patient and unquestioning obedience to his Elder, a harsh and dissolute man. He forced his disciple to toil excessively, starved him with hunger, and beat him without mercy. Despite such treatment, Saint Acacius meekly endured the affliction and thanked God for everything. Saint Acacius died after suffering these torments for nine years.

Five days after Acacius was buried, his Elder told another Elder about the death of his disciple. The second Elder did not believe that the young monk was dead. They went to the grave of Acacius and the second Elder called out: “Brother Acacius, are you dead?” From the grave, a voice replied, “No, Father, how is it possible for an obedient man to die?” The startled Elder of Saint Acacius fell down with tears before the grave, asking forgiveness of his disciple.

After this he repented, constantly saying to the Fathers, “I have committed murder.” He lived in a cell near the grave of Saint Acacius, and he ended his life in prayer and in meekness. Saint John Climacus (March 30) mentions Saint Acacius in THE LADDER (Step 4:110) as an example of endurance and obedience, and of the rewards for these virtues.

Saint Acacius is also commemorated on November 29.

Troparion — Tone 4

O God of our Fathers, / always act with kindness towards us; / take not Your mercy from us, / but guide our lives in peace / through the prayers of Saints Thomas and Acacius.

Kontakion — Tone 2

(Podoben: “Seeking the highest...”)
Forsaking the world, you followed Christ from childhood. / Emulating His voluntary humility, you cast down the prideful tyrant. / All-wise and venerable Acacius, / unceasingly pray for us all!