St. Paphnucius, Bishop of Egyp
by VP
Posted on Thursday September 11, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"HONOURABLE WOUNDS. - St. Paphnucius, the disciple of St. Anthony, and one of the most holy bishops of Upper Egypt, nobly confessed the faith during the persecution of Maximinus. He was grievously wounded in the ankle and thumb, and had his right eye torn out previous to being sent to labor in the mines with the other martyrs. On peace being restored to the Church by Constantine the Great, he reappeared in his diocese with all the more authority, because the halo of the martyr surrounded him. This glorious title, as well as his personal sanctity, attracted towards him the reverent homage of the fathers of the Council at Nicea, where he was anxious to be present, despite his state of suffering. Constantine, who loved to converse with him and consult him as a parent, never parted from him without respectfully kissing his cheek or the scars in his hand. Paphnucius was present likewise at the council of Tyre, and there brought about a reconciliation between Maximus, patriarch of Jerusalem, and St. Athanasius, who had been calumniated by the enemies of the faith. The precise date of his death is not recorded.
MORAL REFLECTION.-If to fight for one's country be
glorious, "it is likewise great glory to follow the Lord," saith the
Wise Man.(Eccles. xxiii. 38.)" Pictorial Half Hour with the saints by Fr. Augustine Lecanu
Wonderful to learn of this holy man who steadfastly defended the faith over many years in spite of so much pain from cruel tortures. Love to hear that he was instrumental in reconciling two heroes of mine, St. Maximus and St. Athanasius. Turbulence in the Church is nothing new. We get tangled up so easily. How ever does the Holy Spirit manage to keep working with us? Saint Paphnuncius, pray for us!
Posted by Barbara on September 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM EDT #
