Saint Ignatius was a disciple of Saint John the Theologian, and a
successor of the Apostles, and he became the second Bishop of Antioch,
after Evodus. He wrote many epistles to the faithful, strengthening
them in their confession, and preserving for us the teachings of the
holy Apostles. Brought to Rome under Trajan, he was surrendered to
lions to be eaten, and so finished the course of martyrdom about the
year 107. The remnants of his bones were carefully gathered by the
faithful and brought to Antioch. He is called God-bearer, as one who bare
God within himself and was aflame in heart with love for Him.
Therefore, in his Epistle to the Romans (ch. 4), imploring their love not to
attempt to deliver him from his longed-for martyrdom, he said, "I am the
wheat of God, and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may
be found to be the pure bread of God."
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the
Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of
ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of
truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O
Hieromartyr Ignatius. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion in the Third Tone
The divine and brilliant day of thine illustrious contests doth
proclaim to all mankind Him that was born of a Virgin; for it was for Him
that thou didst thirst to delight in, and didst haste to be devoured
by beasts in thy longing. Hence, O glorious Ignatius, the name
God-bearer was rightly given to thee.
