Saint Eleftherios
18 Saint Eleftherios
December 15
St. Eleftherios was born in Greece in the
beginning of the second century. At an
early age he went to Rome with his mother
Anthia. The Bishop of Rome was the Ani -
kitos (invincible), a Greek from Syria who
valued the piety, the faith, the intelligence
and the other gifts of Eleftherios and show -
ered him with favors.
The Bishop helped Eleftherios complete
his higher education, and then ordained him
priest. As priest, Eleftherios was distin -
guished for his pastoral virtues. For that
reason, he was later elected Bishop of
Rome.
During the time he was bishop, the
Church of Rome made a marked spiritual
progress. St. Eleftherios, more than any
other, tried to make Christianity known in
the British Isles.
Later, Septimus Severus began a persecu -
tion against the Christians. Bishop Elef -
therios faced the situation as a true prelate,
experienced, wise and fearless. He sup -
ported his flock and confronted the emperor
courageously. Giving the example by his
momentous sacrifice, he fearlessly accepted
the martyrdom and ended his life as a holy
martyr.
"The good shepherd lays down his soul for
his sheep."
**Flowers for my lady**
A breath of sweetest air
Tending to her garden
With beauty that is rare
Holding every petal
In velvet she is rich
Captured in her garden
This lady has her wish
Every rose she touches
Gives her heart such bliss
Fragrance fills the garden
Love does fill her soul
She has the perfect flower
To capture heart she holds
Roses pink with elegance
Softness to behold
My Lady of the garden
A treasured velvet rose.