Elevation of the Holy Cross Eastern Orthodox Church

It seems that we remember all of God's saints for some particular reason. When we think of St. Nicholas, his generosity immediately is called to mind. When St. John Chrysostom is mentioned, his dynamic preaching of the Word of God instantly comes to the foreground of our thoughts. The saint depicted on this morning's Church Bulletin has long been identified with the most endearing, yet most elusive of Christian virtues: FORGIVENESS.

ST. DIONYSIOS was born into a wealthy family on the Greek island of Zakynthos in 1546 A.D. From his youth, Dionysios showed an eagerness to follow the Lord, entering a monastery soon after the death of his parents. He was ordained a priest and quickly ascended the clerical ranks, becoming the Bishop of Aegina before he was 30 years old. He remained in this position for many years before returning to a monastery on this beloved island of Zakynthos. One evening, a desperate man showed up at the monastery gate, pleading with Dionysios to hear his confession. He confessed to committing murder and was now being pursued by his victim's family. Dionysios agreed to give him refuge, but soon learned that the murdered man was HIS OWN BROTHER! Despite being saddened by his own personal loss, Dionysios followed Christ's example: after instructing the man in the necessity for repentance, he forgave him of his terrible sin. He continued to protect his brother's killer, going so far as to send the authorities in the opposite direction of the man's escape route. Dionysios fell asleep in the Lord in 1621 A.D. May his unparalleled example of forgiveness serve as an inspiration to all of us!