Presentation of the book "Great Martyr Elias"
This is yet another God-pleasing book by "Enomeni Romiosyni" that belongs to the series: "Unknown Synaxaria." The book, in the sense of a synaxarion, was recorded around the 9th century in Syria, but the remarkable thing is that it was written in the Greek language. "Enomeni Romiosyni" received it, rendered it also into simple demotic Greek and added commentary.
The reading of this book literally raises the reader one step closer to our Triune God. In learning about the Great Martyr Elias, we learn about the love of God, true faith, God Himself. A principal characteristic of the book is the bringing to light of the martyrdoms that the Great Martyr Elias suffered. This is something that the author of the synaxarion wished to highlight. The Great Martyr was martyred in 779 A.D. by Muslim Arabs. The author of his synaxarion wished for all that the Great Martyr endured to be recorded in detail. Many times, out of fear that the truly miraculous things that happened might not be believed, we refer only in general terms to the martyrdoms suffered by the martyrs of our God. This book, however, focuses on every detail of the martyrdom, for that is how the Saint went through it, that is how he experienced it. How can we wish to learn about, to love and to honor a martyr when we do not even undertake to write or to read all that he suffered, but also all the miraculous things that God did in him? In an era such as ours, where softness and vain and perverted "love" prevail, the least we ought to do is to read, from the moment that some endured them, all that they lived and felt.
Moreover, the author of the synaxarion speaks to us of all these things with complete immediacy. In reading them, it is as if we see them before us at that very moment. He used no affected speech or expressive artifices of pompous content at all. On the contrary, he speaks simply and plainly. The reader feels that he stands before a priest who is recounting them to him at that very moment. A vivid and truthful narration.
It should be noted that the author of the synaxarion begins the account in a way beneficial for the souls of the readers. Before speaking to us of the Great Martyr, he gives us the light so that we may be able to see the Saint. He begins with a passage from Holy Scripture. Specifically, he prepares us to receive, for our salvation, all that will follow. With these examples that the Lord Himself gave us.
After reading the book, every faithful person will have one more saint as an intercessor before the Lord. It is inconceivable that there should exist such martyrs and also manuscripts – documents, and that their synaxaria should still be considered unknown. Our acquaintance with the Great Martyr through the book is truly a window into the Kingdom of God. May the Great Martyr Elias intercede with the most sweet Jesus for us all.
The book is concise, spanning 125 pages, and is offered at the symbolic price of 3 €.
