Saint Philopatir– Mercurious

(Abu-Sefein)

25  Hatour/ 4 December

 SaintMercurious, well known as the Saint with the two swords, ‘Abu-Sefein’, was born in Rome. His parents were good Christians and they called him Philopatir, which means, ‘Lover of the Father’; they gave him a good Christian upbringing.

As a youth, Saint Philopatir joined the army, and through God’s grace, his strength and courage appeared to his commanders through his good behaviour and pure life.

The war became so fierce between the Roman Empire and the Barbarians that Emperor Decius was in fear of conquer, so he delegated the leadership of the army to the great saint, knowing how brave he was. He also knew of his pure spiritual life through watching him in his prayers and worship every day before the Lord. The Angel of the Lord appeared to Saint Mercurious in the shape of a human being wearing white shining clothes, and he gave him a sword saying, “Mercurious, servant of Jesus Christ, I have been sent to help you deliver you to victory, take this sword from my hand and fight the Barbarians with it, and when you win do not forget the Lord you God.” As soon as he touched this sword together with his own, he felt great power and was able to pass through the lines of the enemy’s army. He did not leave them until he had divided all their lines and conquered them. Decius was very pleased after winning the war and he had divided all their lines and conquered them. Decius was very pleased after winning the war and he awarded the saint medals, giving him a very high rank in the Roman army.

While Saint Mercurious was bowing and praying, the Archangel Micheal appeared to him informed him of the persecution and torture which he was about to face because of his strong

faith. The Archangel also told him that he would be martyred and that his name would be a blessing to the whole world.

After the great victory, the Emperor invited all the statesmen to offer incense to their idol-god, they supposed, had granted them this victory, and at the top of the list was Saint Mercurious, but he did not attend the celebration. Some of the people who were envious of him told the Emperor that he did not attend; the Emperor called him and said to him “I have honoured you and awarded you the highest position in the army, so why did you not come and participate in thanking the gods?” The courageous saint took off the golden garment and medals and threw them away saying, “I am Christian. Hear this everyone; I am a Christian.” This was the beginning of the path of eternity and the crown of martyrdom.

The Emperor tried to make him yield by offering him many promises, but what on earth could replace the love of Christ? The result was endless torture including: being tied with shakes and hit with sharp nails; having his body cut with sharp blades and burnt; being left in a dark jail where the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and healed him; having flames burning on either side of his body; being hanged upside down on a tree while having heavy rocks tied to his neck; and being lashed with a whip which ended with pieces of iron so that they would tear at his flesh.

When the Emperor gave up, he ordered that he be beheaded at Cappaddocia, for fear of the multitude who loved and supported the famous saint. On his way, out Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him, have him peace and promise him that he would receive the crown of everlasting life, it was a great comfort after which he said to the swordsman, in joy and faith, “Do what you have been ordered to do”, and so his holy head was cut off and he gained the crown of martyrdom on the 25^th day of Hatour, corresponding the 4^th day of December.

Many miracles were performed out of his body and through his name, and until now, miracles are still happening. May the blessing and the intercession of the great martyr, Saint Philopatir-Mercurious “Abu-Sefein” be with us all. Amen.