Synaxarion of the Holy Hieromartyr Helladios

Saint Helladios the Hieromartyr (Feast Day - May 27)

Verses

The oil of anointing of the priesthood Helladios,
Was commingled with the blood of martyrdom.
On the twenty-seventh Helladios was killed with fists.

This Saint having cleansed himself of every defilement, became a container of the Holy Spirit. Wherefore he was anointed by election as the Hierarch of God, and was entrusted with steering the Church of Christ. In so far as he was a shepherd, he banished from the flock of Christ the noetic wolves, both heretics and the impious, who were devouring his rational sheep. In so far as he governed knowledgeably, he kept the ship of the Church untouched and unswallowed by every wave and opposing storm of the sea of life.

When the tyrant of that time had the Saint stand before him, the Saint shined even brighter, illuminating the minds of the faithful. For this reason he bravely anchored in the stadium of martyrdom, and with great boldness proclaimed piety. Thus the renowned one was condemned to many torments, having his body harshly lacerated. But the Master Christ appeared to him, healed his wounds, and made him eager for further torture. The tyrant then became enraged, and had the Saint cast into the flames. Because the Martyr remained without burns by the grace of God, he converted many unbelievers to faith in Christ. Afterwards he was harshly punished and beaten, delivering his soul into the hands of God, and the blessed one received the crown of martyrdom.

Apolytikion in Plagal of the First Tone

The hosts of heaven, marveling at thy steadfast courage, were astonished by thine endurance, O blessed one. For though in a mortal body, thou didst shame the bodiless by the power of the Cross, O Hierarch Helladios, defender of godliness and invincible soldier of Christ.

Kontakion in Plagal of the Fourth Tone

Thou didst blossom like a fruitful olive tree, bearing fruit of holy struggles for those who look for God's mercy. As thou art a martyr and a glorious light of the faith, guide us to divine knowledge, for we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Father Helladios.