The Lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church: Volume 12, December

Lives of the Saints Celebrated on December 1

Prophet Nahum (7th c. b.c.):

Prophet Nahum was a revered figure among the Old Testament prophets, living in the 7th century before Christ, during a time of great turmoil in the ancient Near East. He is best known for his prophetic book, which contains a vivid and powerful oracle against the city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Nahum’s prophecy foretold the divine judgment and eventual destruction of Nineveh because of its wickedness, cruelty, and idolatry. His words were a message of both warning and hope—warning to the proud and oppressive Assyrians, and hope to the oppressed peoples who suffered under their domination. Nahum’s message was a reminder of God’s justice, showing that no earthly power, no matter how great, can withstand divine judgment when it becomes corrupt. His prophecies encouraged faithfulness among the people of Israel and reassured them that God’s mercy is tempered by righteousness. The enduring power of Nahum’s message lies in its call to repentance and its affirmation of God’s sovereignty over all nations.

Saint Onesimus, Archbishop of Ephesus (c.107-17):

Saint Onesimus, who lived in the early 2nd century, is traditionally identified with the Onesimus mentioned in the New Testament Epistle to Philemon. Once a runaway slave, Onesimus experienced a profound conversion to Christianity through the Apostle Paul’s ministry. He later rose to become the Archbishop of Ephesus, one of the most important early Christian communities in Asia Minor. As archbishop, Onesimus was known for his gentle pastoral care and wise leadership during a time when Christians faced external threats and internal challenges. He worked diligently to nurture the faith of his congregation, strengthening their resolve and guiding them toward spiritual maturity. His life is a testament to the power of redemption and transformation, showing how grace can elevate even those who were once marginalized. Saint Onesimus’ story encourages believers to embrace forgiveness, renewal, and service, reflecting the heart of Christian discipleship.

Saints Ananias and Solochonus, Archbishops of Ephesus:

Saints Ananias and Solochonus were two successive archbishops who served the Christian community of Ephesus during its formative years. Ananias was known for his staunch defense of orthodox Christian doctrine during times of theological confusion and persecution. He worked to unify the faithful and uphold the teachings of the Apostles, ensuring that the church remained true to its apostolic foundation. His episcopate was marked by pastoral dedication and a focus on building strong Christian communities. Solochonus followed Ananias and continued this work with equal zeal, fostering spiritual growth among the people and guiding the church through social and political challenges. Both saints were beloved for their humility, wisdom, and compassion, making significant contributions to the stability and expansion of Christianity in Ephesus. Their combined legacies reflect the crucial role of episcopal leadership in nurturing faith during the early centuries of the Church.

Hieromartyr Ananias of Persia (345):

Hieromartyr Ananias was a bishop in Persia during the 4th century who endured severe persecution for his Christian faith. Living in a region dominated by the Zoroastrian Sassanian Empire, Ananias bravely preached the Gospel and ministered to the Christian faithful despite facing oppression and hostility. His courage and unwavering commitment to Christ led to his imprisonment, torture, and eventual martyrdom in 345. Ananias’ steadfastness inspired many believers to remain firm in their faith despite persecution. His life exemplifies the sacrifices made by early Christian leaders in hostile environments and serves as a powerful example of faithfulness and endurance. Through his martyrdom, Ananias joined the ranks of the countless witnesses who bore testimony to Christ with their lives, strengthening the Church in Persia and beyond.