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Commemorated on March 5
The Holy Martyr
Konon of Isauria was born in Bethany, a village situated alongside the Asia
Minor city of Isauria, the people of which had accepted the Christian faith
from the Apostle Paul. Saint Konon from the time of his youthful years was
accorded the special protection of the "Archistrategos" ("Leader
of the Heavenly Hosts") Michael, who appeared to him and assisted him in
many a difficult circumstance in life.
At the insistence of
his parents, Konon was betrothed to a maiden named Anna, whom he persuaded
after the wedding to remain a virgin. The young spouses lived as brother and
sister, devoting themselves entirely to God. Saint Konon brought also his
parents to the Christian faith. His father, Saint Nestor, accepted a martyr's
end for denouncing idol-worshippers.
Having early given
burial likewise to both his mother and wife, Saint Konon continued his service
to God, devoting himself entirely to monastic works, fasting and prayer. In his
declining years the holy ascetic was glorified with the gift of wonderworking.
By virtue of his preaching and miracles many a pagan was converted to Christ.
When a persecution
against Christians started in Isauria, one of the first to suffer was Saint
Konon. They subjected him to fierce torments for his refusal to offer sacrifice
to idols. But the people of Isauria, learning about the tortures to which the
saint was being subjected, marched out with arms in hand in defense of the
martyr. Frightened off by the people's wrath, the torturers fled, and the
Isaurians found the martyr wounded and bloodied at the place of torture. Saint
Konon desired in all this that he be granted to accept a martyr's end for the
Lord.
Two years afterwards
Saint Konon died peacefully and was buried alongside his parents and wife.
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.
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