1 February 2015
Saint Tryphon was born in Lampsakos, in Phrygia during the reign of the Emperor Gordian. From a young age, his task was to be a goose-herd. The ignominy of his work, however, did not deprive him of, but actually increased his spiritual knowledge through his exalting humility and his overwhelming love for Christ. Even as a young man he was able to perform wonderful things.
Among many other things, he cured the daughter of Emperor Gordian, who was tormented by an evil spirit. Indeed, he not only expelled it from the young girl, but, by the grace of Christ, forced it to appear before them in the form of a wild dog. As a result of this, many people embraced Christianity.
Later he was brought before Acylinus, the eparch of the East, and confessed his faith before him and received the stigmata of Christ on his body. He withstood a great many tortures. They struck him with wooden swords, tied him to wild horses and dragged him over rough ground. They also burned his sides with lighted candles. In the end, he was beheaded and entered the heavenly dwelling-places wearing a crown. Saint Tryphon is the patron saint of gardeners and farmers.
~PEMPTOUSIA, Mount Athos-Wisdom-Holiness, https://pemptousia.com/2015/02/the-holy-martyr-tryfon-1-february/.
Reading
The Holy Martyr Trypho was from Lampsacus in Phrygia, and as a young man he tended geese. Being filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, he also healed sufferings and cast out demons. During the reign of the Emperor Decius, about the year 250, he was betrayed as a Christian and taken to Nicaea, where he was beaten, bound to horses and dragged over rough ground, then dragged naked over nails; his sides were burned with torches; finally, he was sentenced to beheading, but gave up his holy soul in his torments before the stroke of the sword. Saint Trypho is one of the Holy Unmercenaries, and is also invoked for the protection of gardens from insects and pests.
Apolytikion of Martyr Trypho
Fourth Tone
Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee received the prize of the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons’ strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.
Kontakion of Martyr Trypho
Plagal of the Fourth Tone
By the might of the Trinity thou didst destroy throughout the earth polytheism, O all-renowned Trypho, wherefore thou art precious in the Lord. In Christ Saviour prevailing over tyrants, thou hast now received thy martyr’s crown and gifts of Godlike healings, since thou truly art invincible.
~Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA), https://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints?contentid=416.
***
