July 31

Reading

Saint Eudocimus was from Cappadocia, the son of pious and most illustrious parents, patricians in rank. He especially cultivated chastity and mercy, the one by never meeting the gaze of a woman, the other by cheerfully providing the needs of the poor. When he was made military commander of Cappadocia, he continued in his righteous ways, showing mercy and uprightness in all his dealings. Having so lived in piety, quietly and without ostentation, he was called from this life at the age of thirty-three, about the year 840, during the reign of the Iconoclast Theophilus. Not long after his burial, his grave became a fountain of unending miracles, as God revealed the virtue that Eudocimus had striven to hide; when his grave was later opened, his body was found incorrupt. His holy relics were translated to Constantinople.

Apolytikion of Eudocimus of Cappadocia

Fourth Tone

The One that hath called thee from the earth to Heaven to dwell * preserveth thy body uncorrupted after thy death, O saintly Eudocimus; * for in living modestly and chastely, O blest one, * thou didst keep thy flesh free of all stain and defilement; * with boldness, therefore, pray unto Christ that we may all be saved.

Kontakion of Eudocimus of Cappadocia

Third Tone

Thine august memorial this day hath called us together at the sacred and divine shrine of thy ven'rable relics. Wherefore they that come and worship are all delivered from all harm caused by the demons' accursed malice, O Eudocimus most blessed, and they are rescued swiftly from every disease.