The Holy Martyr Neophytes Commemorated on January 21 The Holy Martyr
Neophytes, a native of the city of Nicea, was raised by his parents in
strict Christian piety. For his virtue, temperance and unceasing prayer, it
pleased God to glorify Saint Neophytes with the gift of wonderworking, while
the saint was yet but a lad! Like unto Moses, the holy lad brought forth water
from a stone of the city wall and gave this water to those suffering thirst. In
answer to the prayer of the mother of Saint Neophytes, seeking that the Will of
God concerning her son might be revealed to her, a white dove miraculously
appeared, and announced about the salvific path awaiting him. The saint was led
forth from his parental home by this dove and brought to a mountain cave, which
served as a sheltering den for a lion. The lad dwelt there until his fifteenth
year, leaving it but once to bury his parents and distribute their substance to
the poor. © 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos. |
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