The Antiochian Orthodox Saints are among the most revered and prayed for by the faithful of the church. Among these are the Patriarchs Ephraim, Ignatius and Thecla. Each one has unique attributes that make him special in the Orthodox faith. They are known for their teachings, their virtues and their great love for God.
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Patriarch Ignatius
Ignatius of Antioch is one of the most well-loved of the Antiochian Orthodox saints. He was an early Christian saint who was a disciple of St. Polycarp. During his lifetime, he was known as a fiery shepherd and a writer. In his life, he devoted himself to the edification of the believers. Among his many works, seven epistles are regarded as authentic.
As a young man, he studied literature in Lebanon. When he returned home, he was appointed as a member of the Holy Synod of Bishops. His mission in Antioch was to counteract the teachings of two rival groups.
He wrote letters to congregations throughout the region, especially in Smyrna and Philadelphia. He also had contacts with other churches. Eventually, he was ordained bishop of Antioch.
After a long period of persecution, Patriarch Ignatius was re-elected in 1990. He then visited the United States in May 1985. At that time, he served the Primatial Divine Litury at the Three Hierarchs Chapel. A book of his, “The Resurrection and Modern Man,” was published in 1985 by Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.
Patriarch Ignatius IV (Hazim) is the third Patriarch of the Church of Antioch. Originally, he was born in Mhardey, near Hama in Syria. He graduated from the American University of Beirut and attended theology courses in Paris.
Patriarch Thecla
Thecla is an apostle and a proto-martyr. She was born into a wealthy pagan family, but was converted by St. Paul. Unlike most other first-century Christians, Thecla lived a life of asceticism.
When she was 18, she ran away from her home. Her mother tried to persuade her to change her mind, but she refused. Instead, she devoted herself to following the teachings of St. Paul.
Thecla spent the rest of her life living in a cave. During her time in the grotto, she healed people of all kinds. Her clients included the widow of a general, a woman who wanted to be an actress, and a suppliant who was threatened by a sexually aggressive man.
Saint Thecla is considered equal to the apostles in sanctity. In fact, her name is mentioned in several writings by early Christian fathers.
After hearing Paul’s sermon, Thecla was convinced of the truth of Christianity. She also vowed to remain a virgin. As a result, Thecla became a role model of spirituality through virginity.
Thecla’s cult began in Asia Minor. Later, it spread to Greece and Gaul. By the fifth century, it was widely venerated. It has been claimed that her grotto is located in Maaloula, Syria. Today, pilgrims visit the monastery. A grotto is surrounded by two small churches, a reception room, and cells for nuns.
Patriarch Ephraim
Saint Ephraim of Amida, Syrian Patriarch of Antioch, was a devoted follower of Christ and an active shepherd of his flock. He fought against heresy and monophysitism and defended the Chalcedon canons. His piety and virtue were greatly appreciated. In 527, he was elected as Patriarch of Antioch.
During his enthronement as Patriarch, he restored the city of Antioch from destruction. He also defended the teaching of the union of divine and human natures in Jesus Christ.
During his tenure, the city was also threatened by attacks by the Sasanian emperor Khosrow I. After the Sasanian emperor’s death, the Patriarch helped to rebuild the city. The city was renamed Theoupolis and became a major apostolic establishment.
Ephraim was a great friend of the people of Antioch. He fought against various haeresies in Byzantium and was a defender of the Church against heresy. Moreover, he was a good example to his flock.
Despite his youth, he grew to be a fervent follower of the Lord. He taught hundreds of students and led the Christians in Antioch. During his service as Patriarch, he defended the Orthodox Church against various iconoclast emperors.
During his years as Patriarch, he traveled to Syria to defend the Orthodox faith. His example of defending the faith encouraged many people to accept the canons.
