Our Holy Father Dius.

Commemorated July 19 in the Orthodox Christian Menaion

From the Prologue

Born in Syrian Antioch of Christian parents, he was trained in his youth by godly men for the ascetic path of monasticism. He endured a lengthy and hard struggle with the devil and with fleshly lusts, and God rewarded him with great wonderworking gifts. In his prayers, he most frequently turned to the Holy Trinity. He worked great miracles by the power of his prayers, making a dry stick bud forth, a dry well fill with water and an unbelieving man die and return to life. After a twofold heavenly vision, he left Antioch and moved to Constantinople, resuming his ascetic life near the city. His fame quickly spread, to such an extent that the Emperor Theodosius the Younger paid him a visit to ask his advice, and Patriarch Atticus was impressed by him and ordained him priest. Having lived many years, he prepared for death, received Communion, gave his last teaching to the brethren, lay down on his bed and, to the eyes of all, was dead. The news of his death brought many people: Patriarch Atticus came, with Patriarch Alexander of Antioch. But, when they went to bury him, he suddenly got up as if waking from sleep, and said: 'God has given me fifteen more years of this life.' St Dius lived exactly fifteen years longer, and set many on the way of salvation, healed many, gave aid to many in divers needs and weaknesses, and then finally gave his soul to the Lord whom he had served faithfully all his life. He entered into rest in 430, in great old age .

From The Prologue From Ochrid by Bishop Nikolai Velimirovich
©1985 Lazarica Press, Birmingham UK