Our Holy Father Zossima, Bishop of New Babylon in Egypt

Saint Zosimus, Bishop of Babylon, was born in Cilicia (Asia Minor). While still a youth he left the world and settled on Mount Sinai, and later he withdrew to a more solitary place in Lebanon. One time he encountered an elderly ascetic, who foretold that he would be bishop in Babylon. When Zosimus returned to Sinai, he was sent on an errand to Alexandria. The Patriarch of Alexandria made him Bishop of Babylon, and into old age he wisely guided his flock. Sensing the approach of death, he returned to Sinai and peacefully fell asleep in the Lord (5th century).


Troparion - Tone 4

You appeared to your flock as a rule of faith,
An image of humility and a teacher of abstinence.
Because of your lowliness, Heaven was opened to you;
Because of your poverty, riches were granted to you.
O Holy Bishop Metrophanes, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

Kontakion - Tone 2

You taught and preserved the doctrines of Christ,
Greatly increasing the number of your sheep, O holy Metrophanes.
Therefore you now live with the angels in enjoyment of eternal life,
Fervently interceding with Christ for us all.