Hieromartyr Paphnutius of Jerusalem

Commemorated on April 19.

Hieromartyr Paphnutius of Jerusalem was a bishop. He underwent many sufferings from the pagans and was tortured by fire, wild beasts, and finally was beheaded by the sword.

Some suggest that the hieromartyr Paphnutius was an Egyptian bishop and suffered together with many other Egyptians, exiled to the Palestinian mines during the persecution by Diocletian (284-305).

The myrrh-streaming relics of the hieromartyr were glorified by miracles. The Canon in his honor was composed during the Iconoclast period (before 842). In the final Ode is a petition for the hieromartyr to put an end to the heresy disrupting the Church.

Troparion

(Podoben: “Go quickly before...”)
As a Priest you offered the Holy Sacrifice,
and as a Martyr you yourself were a burnt offering.
O Hieromartyr Paphnoutios,
God's steadfast contestant and treasury of grace,
bestow grace on us who praise you.

Kontakion

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)
You reddened your priestly vesture in the streams of your blood,
and ran joyously to the heavenly tabernacle, O blessed Paphnoutios,
and you cry out to the Savior:
“You are the Fountain of Life, pouring forth compassion upon us all.”