June 5

Reading

Saint Dorotheus became Bishop of Tyre in Phoenicia about the end of the third century. During the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian, about the year 303, he fled to Odyssopolis in Thrace to preserve his life, and after the death of the tyrants he returned to Tyre. He lived until the reign of Julian the Apostate (361-363), from whose persecution he again fled to Odyssopolis (or, according to Theophylact of Bulgaria, Edessa), but was found by Julian's men and slain in great torments, at the age of 107, in 361. He was very learned, and has left behind writings in both Latin and Greek relating the lives of the holy Prophets, Apostles, and other Saints.

Apolytikion of Hieromartyr Dorotheus

Fourth Tone

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Dorotheus. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion of Hieromartyr Dorotheus

Third Tone

Having preached the Orthodox doctrines, O most sacred Martyr, thou didst bring thyself as a divine gift to thy Creator; at the first, thou hadst excelled in asceticism; at the last, thou didst contest firmly as a Martyr, and didst lawfully receive the prize of thy vict'ry from Christ our Saviour and God.