Synaxarion
By Hieromonk Athanasios of Simonopetra (1987)
On this day (May 1st), we remember our Venerable Mother Isidora.
Verses
Your life is a radiant example for monastics, Isidora,
A gift from God who prefers the humble.
Isidora was secretly adorned with an immortal wreath.
By Hieromonk Athanasios of Simonopetra (1987)
On this day (May 1st), we remember our Venerable Mother Isidora.
Verses
Your life is a radiant example for monastics, Isidora,
A gift from God who prefers the humble.
Isidora was secretly adorned with an immortal wreath.
This most blessed and most venerable Mother of ours, Isidora, flourished in the middle of the 4th century A.D., in the women’s cenobitic community established by the great luminary Pachomios and called that of the Tabennesiotes. Feigning foolishness and assuming the role of one possessed by a demon, she was dishonored by all her fellow nuns, rejoicing in such dishonors as in great wealth. Yet she did not escape the all-beholding eye of Christ the Pantocrator, and the holiness of her life was revealed through an angelic vision to the great ascetic and disciple of Venerable Anthony, the most holy Pitirim, who, before the entire sisterhood of the monastic women, made known the hidden treasure of the despised Venerable Isidora. But she, not enduring the wonder and the honor thereafter being shown to her, secretly fled to an unknown and desert place, seeking to please and to be acceptable to God alone, by Whom also she receives the just reward of her lifelong humility, having become a wondrous example for all the pious and God-loving.
Apolytikion
Tone 3. Tin oraiotita.
Having desired the beauty of Christ, O thrice-blessed Mother, you chose the short path, the one leading to Him, namely humility; wherefore He showed you forth as a teacher of monastics and a supreme example of His imitation; therefore with joy we cry out to you: Rejoice, O all-blessed Isidora.
Kontakion
Tone 2. Ta ano ziton.
Desiring to attain, O Mother, the state on high, you chose humility as the swift path, through which you were led to Christ as a noble and pleasing fruit, O all-praised Isidora, receiving the incorruptible rewards.
Oikos
I have observed many who seem wise in themselves, and I have wholly hated their delusion; for although they subject themselves to labors and struggles, alas, they do not obtain the Kingdom of God because of self-will. But you, O humble-minded Isidora, I set forth as a radiant example of swift salvation for myself and for all; for, by feigning foolishness, you made the evil one foolish, and by enduring with thanksgiving the mockeries of your fellow nuns, in an acceptable time you were heard by Him who loves the poor in spirit, and you were led into His presence, receiving the incorruptible rewards.
Megalynarion
A radiant dwelling of humility, glory of virginity, divine flower of endurance, you were shown to be a laborer of utter freedom from vainglory, O Isidora, for the sake of the Lord.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
