Commemorated on February 10
This great saint, Haralambos was a bishop in Magnesia who suffered for Christ in his 113th year. When a terrible persecution began during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus, the elderly Haralambos did not hide from the persecutors. Instead, he freely and openly preached the Christian Faith. He endured all tortures as though he were in someone else’s body. When they skinned him alive, the forgiving elder said to the emperor’s soldiers: “Thank you, my brethren, for in scraping my old body you renew my spirit for a new enteral life.”
He worked many miracles and converted many to the Faith. Even the emperor’s daughter, Galina, abandoned the idolatry of her father and became a Christian. Condemned to death and brought to the place of execution, Saint Haralambos raised his hands to heaven and prayed to God for all people, that God would grant them bodily health and spiritual salvation and that He would multiply their fruit of the earth: “O Lord, Thou knows that men are flesh and blood; forgive them their sins and pour out Thy grace on all!”
After praying, this holy elder gave up his soul to God before the executioner lowered the sword on his neck. He suffered in the year 202. The emperor’s daughter, Galina, removed his body and honorably buried it.
Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 4
You became a firm column in the Church of Christ, wise Haralampus; / a lamp of everlasting light to the world: / Well known to the world through your martyrdom, / you dispelled the dark night of idolatry. / Boldly intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.
Troparion — Tone 4
Your holy martyrs O Lord, / through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God. / For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through their intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion — Tone 4
You rose from the east like a star, hieromartyr Haralampus, / and enlightened the faithful with the brightness of your miracles. / Therefore we honor your holy contest!