Today, December 21, marks the feast day of saint Themistocles, a revered figure in Christian history.Originating from Myra in Lycia during the reign of Emperor Decius, Themistocles was a shepherd by trade. His life took a dramatic turn during a period of persecution against Christians led by the local governor, Asclepius, who sought to capture the martyr Dioscurides. when Dioscurides sought refuge in the mountains where Themistocles tended his flock, the governor’s men soon followed. In a moment of unwavering faith, Themistocles boldly confessed his belief in Christ, showcasing the courage and conviction that define his legacy.This day not only honors Themistocles but also celebrates those named after him, including Themis, Themistoclea, and Julia, among others.
και μοναδικό Θεό.
Οι στρατιώτες ακούγοντας την ομολογία αυτή της πίστης του τον συνέλαβαν και τον οδήγησαν στον Ασκληπιό. Παρ’ όλες τις απειλές που δέχθηκε ο άγιος έμεινε ακλόνητος στην πίστη του.Αυτό εξόργισε τον Ασκληπιό και διέταξε τον βασανισμό του.
Ο άγιος Θεμιστοκλής παρέδωσε το πνεύμα του κατά την διάρκεια του μαρτυρίου το 251 μ.Χ.
Αγία Ιουλιανή
Σύμφωνα με την συναξαριστή, οι γονείς της Ιουλιανής ήταν ειδωλολάτρες και θέλησαν να τη μνηστεύσουν με κάποιο διακεκριμένο αξιωματούχο της Αντιόχειας, τον Ελεύσιο. Αλλά η Ιουλιανή αρνήθηκε σθεναρά. Η άρνησή της κατέπληξε τους γονείς της, διότι μέχρι εκείνη τη στιγμή δεν τους είχε φέρει καμιά αντίρρηση και ήταν υπάκουη κόρη. Ο Ελεύσιος με πληγωμένο εγωισμό ζητούσε εκδίκηση.Αφού ερεύνησε και παρακολούθησε για πολύ καιρό την Ιουλιανή, έμαθε ότι εν αγνοία των γονέων της είχε γίνει χριστιανή. Έτσι ο Ελεύσιος την κατήγγειλε στον έπαρχο, με αποτέλεσμα να συλληφθεί και να φυλακισθεί.
Μέσα στη φυλακή, συνεχίστηκαν οι προσπάθειες να γίνει σύζυγος του Ελευσίου και να αποφύγει τον κίνδυνο του θανάτου.Αλλά η Ιουλιανή προτιμούσε να πεθάνει, παρά να πάρει ειδωλολάτρη σύζυγο. Τότε ο Ελεύσιος με διαταγή του έπαρχου και πολύ μίσος την μαστίγωσε ανελέητα. Έπειτα, έκαψε το πρόσωπό της με πυρακτωμένο σίδερο, και της είπε: «Πήγαινε τώρα στον καθρέπτη να καμαρώσεις την ομορφιά σου». Η δε Ιουλιανή,με ένα ελαφρό μειδίαμα του απάντησε: «Στην ανάσταση των δικαίων,στα πρόσωπα δε θα υπάρχουν πληγές και εγκαύματα. Θα υπάρχουν μόνο οι πληγές των ψυχών από την αμαρτία.Γι’ αυτό, Ελεύσιε προτιμώ τώρα τις πληγές του σώματος, που είναι προσωρινές, παρά τις πληγές της ψυχής, που βασανίζουν αιώνια». Μετά από λίγο, το ξίφος του δημίου έκοψε το νεανικό κεφάλι της Ιουλιανής.
Αργότερα ο Ελεύσιος, όταν βρέθηκε ναυαγός σε κάποιο άγνωστο νησί, βρήκε τραγικό τέλος, όταν τον κατασπάραξε ένα άγριο λιοντάρι.
Ἀπολυτίκιον
Ἦχος δ’. Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε
Ὡς νύμφη πανάμωμος καὶ ἀθληφόρος σεμνή, τῷ Λόγῳ νενύμφευσαι τοῦ ἀθανάτου Πατρός, Ἰουλιανὴ ἔνδοξε, σὺ γὰρ φθαρτὸν μνηστήρα παριδοῦσα, ἐμφρόνως ἤθλησας ὑπὲρ φύσιν καὶ τὸν ὄφιν καθεῖλες, καὶ νῦν ταῖς τοῦ νυμφίου σου τρυφᾶς φαιδρότησι.
Σχετικές ειδήσεις
Discussion between Time.news Editor and Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the exciting chance to discuss Donald Trump’s recent interview for Time Magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year edition. Joining us is Dr. Angela Mitchell, a political analyst and expert on electoral behaviors. Dr. Mitchell, what are your initial thoughts on trump being named Person of the Year for the second time?
Dr. Angela Mitchell: Thank you for having me! Trump’s selection definitely reflects the notable impact he continues to have in American politics. Its fascinating to see how he has maintained this influence, especially after his recent presidential campaign.Being named Person of the Year again speaks to his enduring appeal among a substantial section of the electorate.
Time.news Editor: Indeed! In the interview, Trump discussed his plans and perspectives leading up to the 2024 election. What did you find most striking about his comments?
Dr. angela Mitchell: One of the key takeaways was his unabashed approach to his campaign strategies. He seems to be leaning heavily on his established base and aiming to galvanize them with messages similar to those from his previous runs. His confidence shines through, suggesting he sees himself as a unifying figure for his supporters, despite the controversies that surround him. The interview was also filled with his characteristic bravado, which can be polarizing yet effective for rallying his supporters [[2]].
Time.news Editor: Speaking of controversy,how do you think his interview will be received by different demographics and political factions?
Dr. Angela Mitchell: That’s a great point. His interview will likely be met with mixed reactions. Supporters will appreciate his combative stance against mainstream media and what he perceives as bias. Conversely, critics may see his comments as undermining democratic processes.It’s critically important to note that how he frames issues, like the economy and immigration, can resonate differently across the political spectrum.The nature of his dialogue frequently enough polarizes opinions, making it both a powerful tool and a potential pitfall [[3]].
Time.news Editor: It sounds like his rhetoric plays a crucial role in shaping public perception. With the election approaching, do you think his being named Person of the Year will influence voters’ decisions?
Dr. Angela Mitchell: Absolutely! Media recognition like this can reinforce his narrative of being a significant player in american culture and politics. For some, it lends him a sense of legitimacy and authority, which could energize his base. However, it could also prompt critical voters to rally against him, viewing this recognition as further evidence of a political media establishment with which they are dissatisfied. Ultimately, it will add another layer to the ongoing narrative as we move closer to the election [[1]].
Time.news Editor: Very insightful, Dr. Mitchell. As we wrap up, what do you believe will be the defining issues in the 2024 election that will be shaped by interviews like Trump’s?
Dr. Angela Mitchell: The defining issues will likely revolve around the economy, immigration, and social justice, all framed through the lens of Trump’s unique perspective. His ability to communicate these issues can sway undecided voters, especially if he can present solutions that resonate with the electorate’s current concerns. Additionally, how these issues interact with the narratives shaped by media coverage—whether supportive or critical—will be essential for both his campaign and the election atmosphere overall.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr.Mitchell, for your insights! It’ll be intriguing to see how all of this unfolds as we approach the 2024 election.
Dr. Angela Mitchell: Thank you for having me! It’s going to be an exciting and pivotal time in U.S. politics.