Dec 20
St. Ignatius was the third bishop of Antioch (including St. Peter) and was a dedicated pastor to his flock. He instructed those in his charge in Christian princioples, exhorted them to stay strong in the face of persecution, and defended the faith against early heresies. He was sentenced to death by the Emperor Trajan, and embraced his martyrdom, insisting that no one work to prevent his death. He was fed to the lions in the Flavian amphitheatre and received the crown of martyrdom.
Troparion (Tone 4)
- By sharing in the ways of the Apostles,
- you became a successor to their throne.
- Through the practice of virtue, you found the way to divine contemplation,
- O inspired one of God;
- by teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith,
- even to the shedding of your blood.
- Hieromartyr Ignatius, entreat Christ God to save our souls.
Kontakion (Tone 3)
- The stirring celebration of your victorious fight
- Is an announcement of the One who is to be born of the Virgin.
- In your eagerness to possess Him forever,
- You hastened to be devoured by the wild beasts.
- Therefore, O glorious Ignatius, you were called the bearer of God!
http://orthodoxwiki.org/Ignatius
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