St Emilianos the Confessor and Bishop of Cyzikos
Commemorated August 8
St Emilianos, Bishop of Cyzikus, lived during the reign of the Iconoclast emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820 AD). He was summoned together with other Bishops to the court of the emperor, who insistently urged the Bishops to refrain from the veneration of holy icons. St Emilianos was the first to tell the emperor firmly that the question of the veneration of holy icons ought to be discussed and decided only within the Church by its spiritual leaders, and not at the imperial court. he was sent to prison for the Orthodox Faith in the 815 AD, where he died as a confessor.
Dismissal Hymn (Plagal of the Fourth Tone)
You are a guide of Orthodoxy, a teacher of piety and modesty, a luminary of the world, the God inspired pride of monastics. O wise Emilianos, you have enlightened everyone by your teachings. You are the harp of the Spirit. Intercede to Christ our God for the salvation of our souls.
Kontakion (Third Tone)
The Church for which you suffered glorifies you in hymns, O Emilianos; you were a valiant champion of the Trinity, therefore we honour your memory. Deliver your servants from all assaults of the enemy.