St. Eudocimus

Life

Born in Cappadocia of pious parents, Basil and Eudocia. In the time of Emperor Theophilus (829-842) Eudocimus was a young officer in the army. Yet even as a soldier he put forth every effort to live according to the commandments of the Gospel. He preserved his purity undefiled and avoided conversation with any woman except his mother; he was merciful toward the poor, diligent in reading the sacred books, and still more diligent in prayer to God. He shunned vain amusements and idle talk. "In the midst of the tumult and vanity of the world he was like a lily among thorns and like gold in fire." Because of his extraordinary virtues, the emperor appointed him commander of Cappadocia. In that lofty position Eudocimus strove to be righteous before God and righteous toward men. But by divine Providence he reposed early, in his thirty-third year. His relics proved to be healing. A certain madman touched his grave and was healed; likewise a paralyzed child arose and was made whole. After eighteen months his mother opened the casket and found his body as though alive, without any sign of corruption. And a wondrous fragrance rose from the body of the saint. His relics were later transferred to Constantinople and interred in the new Church of the Most Holy Theotokos, which was built by the parents of this righteous Eudocimus.

From the Hymn of Praise

Joseph, a man wealthy and noble,At Christ crucified he was not scandalized,But when the sun darkened and the earth did quake,To Pilate he went and brought him the newsThat the Lord had died, the Lord the Giver of Life.