January 10

Reading

Saint Dometian lived in the years of the Emperor Justin II, who reigned from 565 to 578, and the Emperor Maurice, who reigned from 582 to 602. Born of pious parents named Theodore and Eudocia, he received a thorough education in both secular and sacred knowledge. After he had lived in lawful wedlock a short time, his wife died, and he, for his virtue was made Bishop of Melitene in Armenia at the age of thirty. As a kinsman and trusted friend of the Emperor Maurice, he received from him great largesse, which he spent on the building of churches and the help of the poor; he was entrusted with the dealings of Byzantium with Persia. While in Constantinople, he reposed in peace in the year 602.

Apolytikion of Dometian, Bishop of Melitene

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 of Dometian, Bishop of Melitene

Third Tone

When divine love made of thee the Holy Spirit's pure vessel, thou didst shine forth from on high in the august Church of Christ God; eminent in the great grace of the sacred priesthood, thou wast shown to all as ven'rable for thy virtue, O Dometian, thrice blessed, thou fair adornment of worthy high-priests of God.