Martyr Eleazar
Commemorated August 1
Saint Eleazar lived in the second century before Christ, and was a scribe. At the age of ninety he voluntarily endured torture and death rather than violate the Law of God by eating swine’s flesh. By suffering death for the Law of Moses, he left young men, and the whole nation, an example of virtue and courage.
The story of Eleazar is found in II Maccabees, chapter 6.
Troparion
By the pangs of the saints,
which they suffered for Thee, O Lord,
be Thou entreated, and heal Thou all our infirmities,
we pray Thee, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
Kontakion
O ye seven pillars of the wisdom of God,
seven-branched lamp of the divine Light,
O most wise Maccabees
who before the martyrs were martyrs most great:
with them entreat ye the God of all,
that we who honor you may be saved!
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
