#areopagus

Phryne Before the Areopagus by Jean-Leon Gerome, 1861.

Phryne before the Areopagus by Jean-Léon Gérôme

Today we celebrate the Holy Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite. Saint Dionysius was a learned man of Athens who studied abroad in various countries. While in Egypt, he witnessed the solar eclipse that occurred at the Crucifixion of our Lord. Dionysius remarked, "either the Creator of all the world now suffers, or this visible world is coming to an end." Having returned to Athens, he was selected as part of the assembly on Mars Hill, the Areopagus. It was here where he heard the Apostle Paul preaching and came to believe in Christ. He was soon made the first Bishop of Athens and was even present at the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. He had journeyed to Jerusalem previously to visit the Theotokos and on seeing her, he wrote to the Apostle Paul saying, "Before me gleamed a sort of divine radiance which transfixed my spirit. The grace from her overwhelmed my heart and shook my very spirit. If I did not have in mind your instruction, I should have mistaken Her for the very God. It is impossible to stand before greater blessedness than this which I beheld.” Saint Dionysius preached in many countries, even going to Spain and modern day France. He had many spiritual visions and was even taken up to the Third Heaven where he saw the nine ranks of Angels. The Saint has left us with many writings on various topics which are still studied closely by theologians today. May he intercede for us always + #saint #dionyius #dionysus #areopagus #areopagite #areospagos #bishop #athens #preacher #paul #apostle #apostlepaul #preach #gaul #france #paris #saintdenis #denis #dennis #dion #martyr #hieromartyr #greek #greece #orthodox #saintoftheday (at Athens, Greece) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjOUsGwrTi4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Shot on expired Kodak Royal Gold

Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 

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cat snoozing in front of the Acropolis | Areopagus, Athens | June 2017