African Saints (from the Prologue of Ohrid)
August 31st Cyprian (258) Bishop of Carthage. Born a pagan, he devoted himself to studying the scriptures and greatly criticized Roman society’s immorality. Cyprian led the Church against heretics, sometimes in hiding. As he was about to be martyred, the bishop gave 25 gold coins to his executioner.
September 3rd Aristion (Kelladion) (ca. 167) Bishop of Alexandria. Born in Cilicia (Asia Minor). Martyred.
September 4th Moses the God-seer The great holy prophet and law giver. Born an Israelite but raised in the Egyptian Pharaoh’s court. Led his people to the very border of the Promised Land and died. He and Elijah appeared with Jesus at the Lord’s Transfiguration. It is said that Moses has appeared to monks on Mt. Sinai.
Abba Petronius (346) A disciple of Abba Pachomius in Egypt.
September 5th Rhais (308) Martyred in Alexandria.
September 6th David (6th century) He was the leader of thieves near Hermopolis, Egypt before repenting and being tonsured a monk.
A Word from the Fathers & Mothers
“A the breath which comes out of his nostrils, so does a man need humility and the fear of God.” Abba Poemen, from the Sayings of the Desert Fathers
“Imitate the publican, and you will not be condemned with the Pharisee.” Ammah Syncletica, from the Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Desert Fathers Dispatch 