By Bishop Grigorios of Mesaoria
Today, our Holy Church honors the memory of Saint John, Bishop of Gothia, who lived during the iconoclasm and vigorously defended Orthodox teaching. We also celebrate the memory of Venerable David of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine co-capital.
Venerable David, in whose honor there is a remarkable Byzantine church in Ano Poli in Thessaloniki, lived during the time of the emperor Justinian I (527-565). His holy relic is located in the holy monastery of Saint Theodora, on Ermou Street in the center of Thessaloniki.
From his youth he lived according to the will of Jesus Christ and the general teaching of the Holy Gospel, practicing the work of teaching the Holy Orthodox Tradition and charity with distinction to each person.
Then, after cultivating himself with exemplary self-denial, inspired by the spiritual sources of Church life, he distributed his possessions to the poor, and lived as an anchorite, living his life with practice and prayer, on a tree for three years and then in a humble cell, in a deserted area of his homeland.
His fame and virtue attracted many students, who wanted with humility and constant repentance to follow the path of monasticism.
At the same time, with God’s help, he was granted to heal the sick who sought his help before he left this vain world of decay to eternity and immortality.
Source: Church of Cyprus