Philotheus the Presbyter

Saint Philotheus the Presbyter was a married priest and wonderworker of the tenth century, from the village of Myrmix in the Opsikion region of Bithynia, in Asia Minor.

He married, had children and raised them in the training and admonition of the Lord, so that his family life became an example to others. At the insistent request of his fellow villagers he was ordained a priest. He treated his flock as he did his own household, with piety, love, vigilance and teaching. Often, in rain and cold, he left his own house to go to the homes of his parishioners and help them with gifts or strengthen and console them. He fasted, prayed and gave alms, feeding the hungry without ceasing and helping the needy. Because of the holiness of his life God granted him the gift of working miracles. He reposed in the Lord in peace.

A year after his repose his relics were being moved to another place, and a miracle took place: as though he were alive, the Saint stretched out his hands and seized by the shoulders the two priests who were carrying out the transfer, and stood upright. After walking three steps he lay down in the place where his relics are to this day. Myrrh flows from them.

The Saint is commemorated on 15 September, according to the new calendar.