On September 3, we celebrate the memory of Saint Theoctistus, Saint Deaconess Thebes, and Saint Martyr Antimus of Nicomedia.
Theoctistus was born in the city of Iconium (now the city of Konya, Turkey) into a pious Christian family. From an early age, he aspired to a spiritual life and as a young man entered one of the monasteries, where he devoted himself to prayer, fasting and the study of the Holy Scriptures. Subsequently, Theoctistus decided to go into the desert to get even further away from the worldly bustle and devote himself to a secluded life of prayer. In the desert he met St. Euthymius the Great, one of the greatest saints of that time, who also led an ascetic life.
Euthymius was so amazed by Theoctistus’ spiritual strength and zeal that he requested that the two preach their faith together. They secluded themselves in the desert, began to pray together, fast and struggle with spiritual temptations. About 420 Euthymius and Theoctistus founded a monastery in the desert near Jerusalem. This monastery became a center of spiritual life and a refuge for many monks seeking spiritual perfection. Theoctistus was elected abbot of this monastery and led it with great wisdom and love.
Under the leadership of Theoctistus, the monastery became a place of spiritual achievement, where the monks observed strict rules and devoted themselves to the service of God and fellow men. His wisdom and spiritual authority attract many people who come to him for advice and spiritual support.
Saint Theoctistus lived a long and pious life, achieving high spiritual perfection. His exploits, prayers and miracles made him one of the most revered saints of his time. He died at a very old age, leaving behind the legacy of a great spiritual mentor and ascetic.
Thebes was a deaconess in the church of Cenchrea, an eastern port of Corinth. She mainly helped women in the Christian community. Through her, the apostle Paul sent his message to the Roman Christians and recommended her as a devoted helper to many Christians and to himself. She is the first woman with such a ministry mentioned in the New Testament (Rom. 16:1-2).
Saint Antimus of Nicomedia lived in the second half of the 3rd century. He was a native of the city of Nicomedia in Asia Minor, which, as the capital of the Eastern Roman emperors, gave too many martyrs for the faith.
As a child Antim received a good Christian upbringing. And when he became a man, with his great virtues he attracted the attention of other Christians, who found him worthy of a priest and later a bishop.
But Antimus took over the management of the Nicomedia Church in a difficult time for Christians. Emperor Maximian lived in that city at that time. And when his opponents set fire to his palace, fanatical pagans blamed the Christians for it. A cruel persecution began against the Church. They captured and mercilessly killed Christians as dangerous enemies of the state. On the feast of the Nativity of Christ, about 2,000 followers of Christ were burned in the city, a large number of Christians were thrown into prisons, tortured and killed.
In this dangerous time, by God’s suggestion, Bishop Antim went away to a village, from where he ruled the diocese. He sent letters with which he comforted and strengthened the believers. He also wrote letters to the imprisoned Christians, but one of them was captured and handed over to Maximian. And he, enraged, sent 20 horsemen to find and bring Antimus. The bishop appeared before the persecutors, boldly confessed his faith and endured all the tortures with fortitude. Finally he was cut with a sword. This happened in 303.
Traditions, customs and beliefs for today
If the day is foggy, field work will be calm. If it rains in the afternoon, the bad weather will drag on.
This day is not at all suitable for matchmaking and weddings. It is believed that the union created on this day will soon fall apart. Also, unmarried girls were once forbidden to leave their homes after sunset. Our ancestors believed that girls who did not comply with this would turn into evil spirits.
On this day, it is customary to clean houses, throw away all unnecessary things to make room for new ones. Our ancestors observed another custom that ensured prosperity in the home, unnecessary things were burned in the evening together with the tops of the potatoes.
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