Priest-Martyr Haralampius

Life

This great saint was bishop in Magnesia and suffered for Christ in his one hundred and thirteenth year. When terrible persecution of Christians arose in the time of Emperor Septimius Severus, the elder Haralampius did not hide from the persecutors, but freely and publicly preached the Christian faith. He endured all torments as if in another's body. And when they flayed the living skin from him, the gentle saint said to the imperial soldiers: "Thank you, brethren, for by scraping off my old body, you have renewed my spirit for a new, eternal life." He performed numerous miracles, and converted many to the faith. Even the emperor's daughter Galina abandoned the paganism of her father and became a Christian. Condemned to death and led to the place of execution, Saint Haralampius raised his hands to heaven and prayed to God for all people, that God give them bodily health and salvation of soul, and that He multiply the fruits of the earth for them. "Lord, Thou knowest that people are flesh and blood; forgive them their sins, and pour out Thy grace upon all!" After the prayer this holy elder gave up his soul to God before the executioner lowered the sword onto his neck. He suffered in the year 202. Galina took his body and buried it honorably.

From the Hymn of Praise

The naked sword swung over Haralampius,Only to be lowered!But the saint knelt and raised up a prayer to God:"Lord, forgive them!