Venerable Salamanes the Silent of the Euphrates
Commemorated January 23
Saint Salamanes the Silent was a native of the city of Kapersana, near the River Euphrates. Having found a cave near the banks of the river, he lived there as a hermit in silence and asceticism.
Learning of his exalted life, the Bishop of Kapersana wanted to ordain him to the holy priesthood, but the hesychast would not answer him with even a single word. The holy ascetic did not break his silence, conversing with the Lord alone. The Orthodox Church venerates him as the first saint to have taken upon himself the exploit of silence, which he continued to his very end (+ ca. 400).
Troparion
In thee, O father, was manifestly preserved what is in the image of God, for having taken up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thine own example hast taught that the flesh is to be despised as transient, but that particular care should be bestowed on the soul, as a thing immortal; wherefore, together with the angels, rejoiceth also thine, O holy Salamanes, spirit.
Kontakion
Having divinely armed thyself with the purity of thy soul and unceasing prayers firmly grasping as a spear, thou, our father Salamanes, hast pierced the armies of the demon; supplicate unceasingly for us all.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
