Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, WA

Prophet Malachias ("messenger of God") is the last of the twelve minor Prophets, and also of all the Prophets of the Old Testament. He prophesied in the days of Nehemias, a wise man among the Hebrews, who also held a high and powerful position in the court of Artaxerxes the Long-armed, King of the Persians, who reigned from 465 to 424 BC. Malachias' book of prophecy is divided into four chapters; he foretold the coming of Christ as the Sun of Righteousness (4:2).

Martyr Gordios, who was from Caesarea of Cappadocia, was a centurion by rank. Unable to bear the impiety of the heathen, he withdrew to the wilderness to purify himself through prayer and fasting. After he perceived that his ascetical training had prepared him sufficiently, he came down from the mountains when a certain pagan festival was held in Caesarea, attended by all, and presented himself before the multitude. Although the spectacles of the festival continued, no one paid them any heed, but all eyes were turned upon him. From his sojourn in the mountains, his look was wild; his beard was long, his raiment squalid, his body like a skeleton; yet a certain grace shone round about him. He was recognized, and a loud shout and tumult was made, as his fellow Christians rejoiced, and the enemies of the truth cried out for his death. He boldly professed his faith before the Governor, and after torments was beheaded, in the reign of Licinius in the year 314 AD. St Basil the Great delivered a homily on St Gordios, mentioning that some of those in his audience had been present at the Saint's martyrdom.

Dismissal Hymn of the Prophet (Second Tone)

A we celebrate the memory of Your Prophet Malachias, O Lord, through him we beseech You to save our souls.

Dismissal Hymn of the Martyr (Fourth Tone)
Be quick to anticipate

Your Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for You received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from You, our immortal God. For since he possessed Your strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' powerless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since You art merciful.

Kontakion of the Prophet (Fourth Tone)
On this day You have appeared

Since the gift of prophecy dwelt in you richly, you, O Prophet, clearly foretold the coming of Christ God and the salvation of the entire world, which is enlightened through grace by His shining forth.

Kontakion of the Martyr (Plagal of Fourth Tone)
As first-fruits of our nature

The whole earth you have watered with your sweat and toils, O glorious one, and have made the entire world glad with your precious blood, O godly-minded Gordios. By your earnest entreaties, O famed Martyr, save all them that sing you praise in faith and worthily revere you as one that has truly suffered much.



	Holy Prophet Malachias (Malachi) The Holy Martyr Gordios of Caesarea Commemorated January 3 Prophet Malachias ("messenger of God") is the last of the twelve minor Prophets, and also of all the Prophets of the Old Testament. He prophesied in the days of Nehemias, a wise man among the Hebrews, who also held a high and powerful position in the court of Artaxerxes the Long-armed, King of the Persians, who reigned from 465 to 424 BC. Malachias' book of prophecy is divided into four chapters; he foretold the coming of Christ as the Sun of Righteousness (4:2). Martyr Gordios, who was from Caesarea of Cappadocia, was a centurion by rank. Unable to bear the impiety of the heathen, he withdrew to the wilderness to purify himself through prayer and fasting. After he perceived that his ascetical training had prepared him sufficiently, he came down from the mountains when a certain pagan festival was held in Caesarea, attended by all, and presented himself before the multitude. Although the spectacles of the festival continued, no one paid them any heed, but all eyes were turned upon him. From his sojourn in the mountains, his look was wild; his beard was long, his raiment squalid, his body like a skeleton; yet a certain grace shone round about him. He was recognized, and a loud shout and tumult was made, as his fellow Christians rejoiced, and the enemies of the truth cried out for his death. He boldly professed his faith before the Governor, and after torments was beheaded, in the reign of Licinius in the year 314 AD. St Basil the Great delivered a homily on St Gordios, mentioning that some of those in his audience had been present at the Saint's martyrdom. Dismissal Hymn of the Prophet (Second Tone) A we celebrate the memory of Your Prophet Malachias, O Lord, through him we beseech You to save our souls. Dismissal Hymn of the Martyr (Fourth Tone) Be quick to anticipate Your Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for You received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from You, our immortal God. For since he possessed Your strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' powerless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since You art merciful. Kontakion of the Prophet (Fourth Tone) On this day You have appeared Since the gift of prophecy dwelt in you richly, you, O Prophet, clearly foretold the coming of Christ God and the salvation of the entire world, which is enlightened through grace by His shining forth. Kontakion of the Martyr (Plagal of Fourth Tone) As first-fruits of our nature The whole earth you have watered with your sweat and toils, O glorious one, and have made the entire world glad with your precious blood, O godly-minded Gordios. By your earnest entreaties, O famed Martyr, save all them that sing you praise in faith and worthily revere you as one that has truly suffered much.

Holy Prophet Malachias (Malachi)The Holy Martyr Gordios of Caesarea

Holy Prophet Malachias (Malachi)
The Holy Martyr Gordios of Caesarea