November 5: Martyrs Galaktion and Episteme Celebrate Their Feasttranslated

The Church today, Wednesday, November 5, honors the memory of the Apostles from the Seventy Hermas, Patroba, Gaius, Philologus, and Linus, who emerged as the Bishop of Rome, as well as the Martyrs Galaktion and Episteme, who lived in the 3rd century AD, during the reign of Decius. The Greek parents of Galaktion were initially idolaters, but later embraced the Gospel and devoted themselves to the Church. Cultivating the virtue of mercy, they distributed their possessions to the benefit of their fellow humans without their mercy becoming a profession for glory or dependence on those who received their support.

When Galaktion grew up, he married Episteme, whom he himself had converted to Christ first through his persuasive words, and then according to the teaching of the Gospel. Both decided to live a Christian life and dedicate themselves entirely to Christ. They immediately understood that in marriage there is no tyranny and oppression, but the completion of the deficiency of man and woman as partners in love, respect, and self-respect. In a word, in marriage there is holiness and reverence when the spouses desire to live harmoniously,…