Holy Priest-Martyr Proterius

Life

This saint was a presbyter in Alexandria at the time when the patriarch in that city was the heretic Dioscorus, one of the originators of the Monophysite heresy, which taught that in Christ there are not two natures but one. At that time Marcian and Pulcheria were reigning. Proterius, a holy and pious man, arose against Dioscorus, on account of which he endured many afflictions. Then the Fourth Ecumenical Council was convened in Chalcedon, at which the Monophysite heresy was condemned, Dioscorus was deposed from the patriarchal throne and sent into exile. In his place this orthodox man Proterius was elected. He governed the Church with the zeal and love of a true follower of Christ. But the followers of Dioscorus did not cease stirring up tumult in Alexandria. During one such bloody uprising Proterius departed from the city with the intention of withdrawing temporarily, but on the road the prophet Isaiah appeared to him and said: "Return to the city — I am waiting to receive you." Proterius returned and entered the church. Hearing of this, the frenzied heretics rushed into the church, seized the patriarch, and stabbed him with knives. Together with Proterius six other Christians perished at that time. Thus did this wondrous shepherd of the flock of Christ receive the martyr's crown for the truth of Orthodoxy, in the year 457.

From the Hymn of Praise

### THE GOD-MAN