1. On this day of the year 822 A.D., the pure father Abba
Simon II, 51st Pope of the See of St. Mark, departed. This saint was the son of
Orthodox Christian parents of the nobles of Alexandria. He nursed the milk of
the faith from his childhood and he learned the doctrines of the church. He
chose for himself the monastic life, so he went to the desert of Scete. He
became a monk in the cell of his predecessor Abba Jacob, the Patriarch. He dwelt
with Abba Jacob for many years during which he exhausted his body by strenuous
ascetic life, and many worships. When Abba Marcus II became a Patriarch, he requested
St. Simon from his spiritual father Abba Jacob for what was known of his good
reputation and his sound judgement. He stayed with Abba Marcus until his
departure. When Abba Jacob, his spiritual father, became patriarch, he kept Abba
Simon with him and he benefitted from him often. When Abba Jacob departed, the
bishops, priests, and elders unanimously agreed with a spiritual unity to bring
forward this father for what they had seen of him (as to righteousness and
Orthodox Faith) during his stay with the two Patriarchs who proceeded him. They
seized him, bound him and ordained him a Patriarch. He perused an angelic life,
which was well-pleasing to the Lord. And, as God wished to repose him, he did
not stay on the throne but for five and a half months and departed in peace.
His prayers be with us. Amen.
2. On this day also was the martyrdom of St. John the
soldier, who was from the city of Ashrobah.
The blessing of his prayers be with us and Glory be to our
God, forever. Amen.
