Saint Autonom: September 25 — a day for liturgy, healing and hospitality

On 25 September the Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Autonom, a martyred priest and evangelist whose life, death and later miracles have been remembered through the centuries.

According to the traditional account, Autonom began his ministry in his native Italy where he served as a bishop. During the severe persecutions of Christians under Emperor Diocletian he was forced to leave his homeland.

From exile to new flocks

He continued his journey to Bithynia in Asia Minor and settled in a place called Soreos. There he was welcomed into the home of a devout Christian named Cornelius; Autonom ordained Cornelius first as a presbyter and later as a bishop. He also built a large church dedicated to the Archangel Michael and converted many pagans by preaching the Christian message.

His success angered pagans from the neighboring district of Limna. While celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the church at Soreos, a furious crowd of pagans broke in, attacked the faithful and killed Autonom at the altar together with many worshippers; the accounts say his blood stained the holy table.

Two centuries after his martyrdom, church records relate, the saint’s incorrupt relics were discovered following a miraculous vision to a soldier named Jovan. From those relics numerous healings were said to have begun, restoring health to the sick and the helpless.

In Orthodox tradition Saint Autonom is venerated as a protector of clergy, preachers and all who spread Christian teaching. The feast on 25 September is regarded as a fitting day for attending liturgy, offering prayers for healing and renewing acts of mercy, hospitality and forgiveness which the saint exemplified.

Photo: press material from the event