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Antiochus PalestineA monk and theologian who lived in the 7th century
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- Antioch of Palestine: A Life of Monasticism and Martyrdom
- Monastic Life and the Martyrdom
- The "Pandectae" and the Prayer for Jerusalem
- Historical and Spiritual Legacy
Antioch of Palestine: A Life of Monasticism and Martyrdom
The Monk and TheologianAntioch of Palestine, a revered figure of the 7th century, left an enduring legacy as a monk and theologian. Known as the author of the second prayer of the evening service, which is recited by all Orthodox Christians, Antioch was born in the vicinity of modern-day Ankara, Turkey.
Monastic Life and the Martyrdom
Living initially as a hermit, Antioch later joined the Orthodox Greek monastery founded by Saint Sabbas in the Judean Desert near Jerusalem. In 614, during the Persian-Byzantine War, Antioch witnessed the fall of Jerusalem to Shahrbaraz, who besieged the city for twenty days and slaughtered its inhabitants. The Persians enslaved the survivors and burned the city to ashes. Antioch himself survived the carnage, but forty-four of his fellow monks were martyred by Bedouins.
The "Pandectae" and the Prayer for Jerusalem
In 619, after the Persian conquest of the Holy Land, Antioch's monastery was destroyed. At the request of his abbot, Eustathius, Antioch compiled a concise summary of the Holy Scriptures to aid wandering monks. This work, known as the "Pandectae," became an essential guide for monastic life.
Around the same time, Antioch penned the prayer "And Grant Us, O Master," which is recited during the Great Compline service. The prayer laments the horrors endured by Jerusalem during the Persian invasion and implores divine mercy to heal the wounded city.
Historical and Spiritual Legacy
Antioch's "Pandectae" and his prayer for Jerusalem are invaluable historical and spiritual treasures. The "Pandectae" provides insights into the monastic practices and beliefs of the time, while the prayer eloquently expresses the anguish and hope of a city devastated by war. Antioch's legacy as a monk, theologian, and martyr continues to inspire countless Orthodox Christians to this day.
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