August 20

S. V. Bulgakov, Handbook for Church Servers

The Holy Prophet Samuel.

He was born of the branch of Levi. Dedicated to God by the vow of his mother Anna, he was brought up in the tabernacle, where the Lord called him to prophetical service. Subsequently he became judge over the Israelites and freed them from the yoke of the Philistines. He died at a very old age (in 11th century B.C.) and was buried in Armathaim (in the Hebrew Bible Ramah). During the reign of Emperor Arcadius the relics of the holy prophet were transferred from Judea to Constantinople (in the year 406). The life and deeds of the Holy Prophet Samuel are described in 1st Book of Kings (in the Hebrew Bible 1 Samuel).

Kontakion, Tone 8

Thou didst blossom as a scion of righteousness from a barren mother, O great Prophet Samuel./ Thou didst reveal beforehand the blessings we should receive;/ from childhood thou didst serve the Lord in the priestly office./ As a prophet thou anointedst kings;/ ever remember those who acclaim thee.

The Martyrs Severus, presbyter, Memnon, Centurion, and 37 others with them.

They suffered during the reign of Diocletian in the year 304 in Thrace. St. Severus after severe torture was truncated by the sword. Converted by him to Christ Memnon together with 37 other martyrs were thrown in the fiery furnace.

The Martyr Luke, Senator.

The Martyr Luke, a senator, truncated by the sword on the island of Cyprus in about the year 310.

The Martyrs Eliodo and Dosi.

The Martyrs Eliodo and Dosi suffered for Christ in Persia during the reign of Sapor II in the year 380.

S. V. Bulgakov, Handbook for Church Servers, 2nd ed., 1274 pp., (Kharkov, 1900), pp 290-1. Translated by Archpriest Eugene D. Tarris (c) 7/28/2001. All rights reserved.

Troparion and Kontakion take from the Menologian for windows

Posted with Permission from the Translator