ST. EMILIANOS THE CONFESSOR (JULY 17TH)
St. Emilianos the Confessor Edited by Bp. Joseph ( Ancient Church of the West ) Early Life and Vocation St. Emilianos, also known as Emilianos the Confessor, was born in the early 8th century in the region of Thrace, near the town of Cyzicus. From a young age, Emilianos was known for his piety and deep love for the Church. His parents were devout Christians who nurtured his spiritual growth, teaching him the Holy Scriptures and instilling in him a fervent desire to dedicate his life to God. Monastic Calling Drawn to the monastic life, Emilianos entered a local monastery where he embraced the ascetic discipline with zeal. His life was marked by fasting, prayer, and the study of sacred texts. The monastic community quickly recognized his spiritual maturity and depth of wisdom, leading to his ordination as a priest. Defense of Orthodoxy During the reign of Emperor Leo III, the Byzantine Empire was engulfed in the Iconoclastic Controversy. The emperor, influenced by the growing movement ag...
