Saint
Philaret
the Merciful
Orthodox
Women's
Guild
Brief Life of St. Philaret the Merciful
St. Philaret was a model of every virtue, in particular generosity and mercy. He lived in the 8th century in the city of Amnia in Paphlagonia. His parents were named George and Anna. He married Theosevo and had three children: a son, John, and two daughters, Hypatia and Evanthia.
Philaret was a farmer, and from his income he gave alms to the poor with great abundance. Yet God allowed him to fall into deep poverty. In this state, the Saint of God showed remarkable endurance, like Job, and continued his acts of charity to an extraordinary degree. God, having seen his unsurpassed faith, arranged through His providence that Constantine, the son of Empress Irene, would take as his wife the Saint’s granddaughter, Maria, because she was exceedingly beautiful in both soul and body. Saint Philaret himself was honored with the title of Hypatos (Consul). Thus, he came into possession of great wealth once again, which he distributed even more generously to the poor.
Shortly before his repose, he called his relatives and said the following: “My children, never forget hospitality. Do not desire what belongs to others. Never be absent from the Church’s Services and Liturgies. And in general, live as I have lived.” And having said these things, he gave up his soul, uttering the words: “Thy will be done.”
He is commemorated by the Church on 1 December.
Apolytikion
Third Tone. Thy Confession
From the inner wealth of a divine faith, thou didst deal thy riches to the needy; and thy works of compassion have glorified Christ, the Bestower of mercy, O Philaret; for thy whole life was adorned with a love like His. Intercede for us, O Almsgiver, that He richly grant great mercy and compassion unto us, the poor.
Kontakion
Plagal of Fourth Tone. To thee, the Champion Leader
In all temptations, thou hadst Job’s courageous manliness, and in thy mercy thou didst give thy riches to the poor, being truly a living fountain of almsgiving. By the holy way of life that thou hast shown to us, thou dost also gladden all that cry to thee with love: Rejoice, O Philaret, faithful servant of Christ our God..
Megalynarion
Ἦχος πλ. δ΄.
Rejoice thou good provider for all the poor; rejoice, thou cheerful giver, whom the Lord God hath greatly loved; rejoice, O height of mercy and depth of true compassion; rejoice, thou Friend of God, O all-blessed Philaret.