Saint Eumenius from the time of his youth was noted for his virtuous life. He strove to serve the One God and therefore he shunned worldly temptations. Concerned for the salvation of his soul, he distributed all his substance to the poor.
By the blessing of God St Eumenius was chosen as Bishop of Gortyna on the island of Crete. The saint, like a compassionate father, comforted his flock in their sorrows, and cared for the orphaned and indigent. He prayers were so strong before God that once, during a drought, he called forth abundant rain upon the earth.
St Eumenius wisely and zealously defended the Orthodox Faith against the Monophysite heresy. For his opposition to the heresy the saint was banished to the Thebaid, where he died in the seventh century. His body was then transferred and buried in Gortyna.
Troparion - Tone 4
We have you as a friend and helper,
gracious advocate Eumenes:
for compassion flowed from you
and you pour forth healing on the Church.
Protect those who honor you.
Kontakion - Tone 2
Radiant with divine light, O blessed one,
illumine us who lovingly praise your precious and glorious passing;
hierarch father Eumenes,
unceasingly intercede for us all.
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