THE FEAST OF THE HOLY MACCABEES (AUG. 1ST)

A Contemporary Icon of the Holy Maccabees 

Edited and Compiled by Cbp. Paul (Missionary Diocese of East and Southeast Asia) 

The seven holy Maccabee martyrs, their mother Solomonia, and their teacher Eleazar suffered in 166 BC under the Syrian king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Antiochus, a lover of pagan customs, desecrated the Temple of the Lord, placing a statue of Zeus there and forcing the Jews to worship it. Despite many abandoning the God of their ancestors, some remained faithful, believing in the coming Savior.

Eleazar, a ninety-year-old scribe, was tortured and killed for his adherence to the Mosaic Law. His disciples, the seven Maccabee brothers and their mother, also displayed great courage. Brought to trial in Antioch, they refused to eat pig's flesh, forbidden by the Law, and preferred death to breaking the Law. One by one, the brothers were tortured and killed. The youngest brother, encouraged by his mother, also chose martyrdom. After witnessing the death of her seven sons, Solomonia prayed and died.

Their martyrdom inspired Judas Maccabeus to lead a revolt against Antiochus, resulting in the purification of the Temple. Church Fathers such as Saint Cyprian, Saint Ambrose, Saint Gregory Nazianzus, and Saint John Chrysostom preached sermons honoring the Maccabees.

COLLECT

Almighty God, who didst bestow Thy grace upon Thy faithful servants, the Holy Maccabee martyrs, their mother Solomonia, and their teacher Eleazar, granting them the courage to endure cruel tortures and death rather than forsake Thy holy Law: Grant us, we beseech Thee, the same steadfast faith and constancy in our trials, that we may be faithful witnesses to Thy truth, even unto death; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.