Byzantine Saints: Martyr Sozon of Cilicia (7 September)

About this sermon

The Holy Martyr Sozon of Cilicia, originally named Tarasius, lived during the late third century. A shepherd by profession, he embraced Christianity, received the name Sozon at Baptism, studied the Holy Scriptures, and guided others toward faith in Jesus Christ. While resting beneath an oak tree near a spring, Sozon received a vision foretelling his martyrdom. He was also shown that the spring would become a source of healing through the grace of God. Traveling to Pompeiopolis in Cilicia, Sozon entered a pagan temple, broke the hand from a golden idol, smashed it into pieces, and distributed the gold to the poor. When innocent people were arrested and tortured for the act, he voluntarily presented himself before the governor. Sozon fearlessly declared that an idol unable to see, hear, speak, feel pain, or defend itself could not possibly be a god. The enraged governor ordered him mercilessly tortured. Iron boots were nailed to his feet, his body was torn with iron claws, and he was beaten until his bones were broken. Throughout his sufferings, he continued to glorify Christ. After St. Sozon surrendered his soul to God around A.D. 304, soldiers attempted to burn his body. A sudden storm extinguished the fire, preserving his relics. Christians recovered them by a miraculous heavenly light and gave the martyr an honorable burial. Many healings occurred at his tomb and at the spring where he received his vision. Holy Martyr Sozon, pray to God for us! 0:00 Introduction to the Martyr Sozon 0:25 Tarasius becomes a Christian and receives the name Sozon 0:33 The humble shepherd studies Holy Scripture 0:48 A vision beneath the oak tree 0:57 The spring destined to become a place of healing 1:05 Sozon enters Pompeiopolis 1:14 Breaking the hand from the golden idol 1:22 Distributing the gold to the poor 1:29 Innocent people arrested and tortured 1:44 Sozon voluntarily confesses his deed 1:53 His fearless answer to the governor 2:09 Exposing the powerlessness of idols 2:25 St. Sozon is tortured without mercy 2:34 Glorifying Christ amid his sufferings 2:43 His final torture and martyrdom 2:58 Soldiers attempt to burn his body 3:06 A miraculous storm preserves his relics 3:13 A heavenly light guides the Christians 3:23 Miracles at his tomb and the spring 3:32 A church is built in honor of St. Sozon 3:39 Glory to the Holy Trinity https://www.oca.org/saints/lives #SaintSozon #OrthodoxSaints #ChristianMartyrs #FaithInChrist #LivesOfTheSaints #OrthodoxChurch #SaintsAndMartyrs #HolyMartyr #OrthodoxChristianity #ChristianFaith 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

Topics

• Suffering & Trials