Saints Barlaam and Joasaph of India and Abenner the King
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- Опубліковано 24 лис 2023
- Saints Barlaam and Joasaph of India and Abenner the King
(Commemorated on November 19 n.c. / December 2 o.c.)
According to tradition, in the 4th Century in the time of Constantine the Great, there lived in India (which received the Christian Faith through the Apostle Thomas’ preaching of the Word), a pagan king and worshipper of idols named Abenner. King Abenner was a wise administrator and fearless warrior, loyal to the Indian code of honour, courage and the hatred and fierce persecutor of Christians.
For a long time, he did not have any children. Finally, his son was born, and was named Joasaph (or Ioasaph).
When the Prince was born, 55 astrologers and wise men were called to prophesy the Prince's destiny as king. All of them said the same: that he would be a wise and powerful king. But one dared to tell the truth: the Prince would become Christian and give up his throne.
The King was furious. Wanting to prevent the fulfillment of that prophecy, he ordered every Christian to be killed or banned from the kingdom, and he put the Prince in a private, guarded castle to shield him from any possible Christian influence, and that the prince never hear a single word about Christ and His teachings.
For twenty years of his life -- his entire childhood and youth -- Joasaph was confined to the castle. During this time he was taught the skills of wisdom and warfare. The King visited his son often, and was pleased to find his boy growing into a fine, strong young man.
Finally, convinced that the prophecy was false, Abenner agreed to let the Prince see his future kingdom.
As a result, he saw that there existed suffering, disease, old age, and death. This brought the Prince to ponder the vanity and pointlessness of life, and he spent increasingly more time in serious contemplation. No longer content with his luxuries in the palace, he strove to find a life that was soul-fulfilling, unlike what he felt succession to the throne would be.
At the same time, the holy monk Barlaam was told by God that he must bring the salvation of God's word to the Prince over 1,000 miles away.
Through a divine revelation, he learned of the youth’s painful suffering in searching for the truth.
Elder Barlaam left the desert, and in disguised as a merchant, went to India. Upon entering the city in which the prince’s palace stood, he announced that he had brought with him an especially precious gemstone which had the miraculous capacity to heal diseases.
Elder Barlaam spoke to him of many things, preparing him with parables before revealing that his Master was Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He also proved to him the futility of idolatry. Then he told the Prince how God had created the world and everything in it, and how Adam and Eve had disobeyed God, but God promised to send a Redeemer to save people from their sins. He also spoke of Moses, and how God led His people into the Promised land. Then he proceeded to tell Joasaph about Christ's Incarnation, His Crucifixion, His Death and Resurrection, and His glorious Ascension.
From Barlaam’s instructions, the youth realized that the precious gemstone was faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He came to believe in Him, and asked to receive Holy Baptism. After baptizing the Prince and directing him to fast and pray, Elder Barlaam departed to the desert.
Upon learning that his son had become a Christian, the king was filled with anger and grief. At the advice of one of his nobles, he directed that a debate between Christians and pagans be held.
In that debate, a magician and sorcerer named Nakhor was to appear in disguise of Barlaam. In the debate, Nakhor was supposed to admit defeat, and thus turn the Prince away from Christianity.
In a vision in his sleep, Joasaph learned of the planned trick, and threatened Nakhor with grievous punishment should he be defeated. The terrified Nakhor not only defeated the pagans, but he himself believed on Christ, repented, received Holy Baptism, and went off into seclusion in the desert.
The king tried by other means to sway his son from Christianity, but the prince overcame all temptations. Then, upon the advice of his nobles, King Abenner gave his son half his kingdom.
Reached capacity: - Фільми й анімація
Thank you, these Saints led an extraordinary life, they deserve to be known more widely
Святые Апостолов ХРИСТА БОГА нашего, молите БОГА спастися душам нашим 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Святии Апостоли ХРИСТОВЫ молите ХРИСТА БОГА спастися душам нашим🙏🙏🙏
Братия во ХРИСТЕ!!! Спаси, сохрани, укрепи и помоги нам ГОСПОДЬ ХРИСТОС БОГ наш по велицей милости СВОЕЙ во ИМЯ СВОЕ СвЯтое🙏🙏🙏
Very interesting-thank you!
Thank you! Always wondered what happened after the martyrdom of St Thomas the Apostle
I loved the English chanting, is there somewhere I can hear more ?
@lewisklein9025; Best thing to do is search on UA-cam, “English Orthodox Byzantine hymns or chants.” ☦️