Saint Amphilochios, who was born
in Cappadocia, shone forth in asceticism and
divine knowledge even from his youth. He was consecrated Bishop of Iconium in
341, he struggled courageously against the blasphemies of Eunomius, Macedonius
the enemy of the Holy Spirit, and the followers of Arius. He was present at the
Second Ecumenical Council of the 150 Fathers, which took place in Constantinople, convoked during the reign of Theodosius
the Great in the year 381.
In 383 Amphilochios wished to persuade the Emperor
Theodosius to forbid the Arians from gathering in Constantinople
and to commit the churches to the Orthodox, but the Emperor was reluctant to do
such a thing. The next time that Amphilochios entered the palace, he addressed
Theodosius with proper honour, but slighted his young son Arcadius in his
presence. Theodosius was indignant, and said the dishonour shown to his son was
equally an insult to himself. To this Saint Amphilochios answered that as he
would not suffer an insult to his son, so he ought to believe that God is wroth
with those who blaspheme His Only-begotten. Saint Theodosius understood and
admired Amphilochios' ingenious device, and he issued the desired edict in
September of the same year. Saint Amphilochios, having reached deep old age,
reposed in peace about the year 395. Saint Basil the Great wrote many letters
to Saint Amphilochios, his friend and Fellow champion of the Faith, and at his
request wrote his treatise On the Holy Spirit, which besides
demonstrating the divinity of the Holy Spirit and His equality with the Father
and the Son, defends the Church's unwritten ancient traditions, such as making
the sign of the Cross, turning towards the East in prayer, no kneeling on
Sunday, and so forth.
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
O God of our Fathers, ever
dealing with us according to Thy gentleness: take not Thy mercy from us, but by
their entreaties guide our life in peace.
Kontakion in the Second Tone
O thunder divine, thou husbandman
of faithful men, the Spirit's clear trump, O axe that hewest heresies, Hierarch
Amphilochios, thou great servant of God the Trinity, ever with the Angels on
high cease not interceding for us all, O Saint.
http://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=303&type=saints
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