4 August 2024 (MIA)

Macedonian Orthodox Church Calendar

St. Mary Magdalene, the Myrrhbearer

Also called equal to the Apostles a woman who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities – Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had came seven demons. This Mary, born in Magdala, was healed by Jesus, and she and other women provided for Him during his ministry. She was at His crucifixion with the Theotokos. She visited the Tomb and saw Jesus several times after the resurrection, once even alone. She took a red egg to Caesar in Rome and greeted him with the words, Christ is Risen. By her urging, Caesar had Pilate removed from Jerusalem to Gaul, where he died of a horrible sickness. She also helped John the Theologian in his missionary work and taught the Gospel. She died peacefully and was buried in the same cave as the Seven Saints of Ephesus would come to be buried in hundreds of years later. Her relics are in Constantinople.

Catholic Calendar

John Marie Vianney

Farm hand who in his youth taught other children their prayers and catechism. Priest at age 30, though it took several years study as he was not a very good student, and his Latin was terrible. Assigned to the parish of Ars, a tiny village near Lyons, which suffered from very lax attendance; he began visiting his parishioners, especially the sick and poor. Spent days in prayer, doing penance for his parishioners. Gifted with discernment of spirits, prophecy, hidden knowledge. Tormented by evil spirits, especially when he tried to get his 2-3 hours of sleep each night. Thousands came to hear him preach, and to make their reconciliation because of his reputation with penitents. Spent 40 years as the parish priest. Died in 1859.