Eustathius, Bishop of Antioch and Timothy the…

2015-02-21

Eustathius, Bishop of Antioch

Meaning of the name:

The name Efstathios is a Greek form Eustathios derived from Eustace.
The name Eustace comes from the Old French form of the names Eustachius and Eustathius, the Latinized forms of the Greek names Eustakhios (derived from "eu" - "well, good" and "stakhys" - "grapes") and Eustathios (derived from "eu" - well, good" and "stēnai" - "to stand").

Obviously, these two names originally had different meanings (Eustakhios meant "good harvest" while Eustathios could mean "stable, steadfast"), but at some point they merged into a single form.
The ultimate origin is still an obscure question.

The Saint:

Saint Eustathius, the great defender of piety and illustrious opponent of Arianism, was from Side in Pamphylia. He 02-21-5002014-02-20-02-27-21became Bishop of Beroea (the present-day Aleppo), and in 325 was present at the First Ecumenical Council. From thence he was transferred to the throne of Antioch. But Saint Constantine the Great, led astray by the slanders directed against the Saint by the Arians, banished him to Trajanopolis in Thrace, where he reposed in 337, according to some. Others say he lived until 360.

Apolytikion of Eustathius of Antioch in the Third Tone

O God of our Fathers, ever dealing with us according to Thy gentleness: take not Thy mercy from us, but by their entreaties guide our life in peace.

Kontakion of Eustathius of Antioch in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

Since thou hadst wholly purified thyself with godly deeds, thou wast a notable example of a true high priest, while excelling in divine vision and a pure life. As a pillar and foundation of the Church of Christ, thou withstoodest all temptations with great steadfastness. Hence we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Father Eustathius.

 

 

Timothy the Righteous

Saint Timothy took up the monastic life from his youth, became a vessel of the Holy Spirit, and reposed in deep old age.

Apolytikion of Timothy the Righteous in the Fourth Tone

O God of our Fathers, ever dealing with us according to Thy gentleness: take not Thy mercy from us, but by their entreaties guide our life in peace.

Kontakion of Timothy the Righteous in the Fourth Tone

Thou didst rise up from the East like a most bright star, shining with the splendour of the virtues of thy miracles within the hearts of all faithful men, O wonder worker of godly mind, Timothy.