Monday, October 6, 2014

St. Kendeas of Cyprus

St. Kendeas was a monk who lived between the 7th and 10th centuries and is recognized as a saint by the Orthodox Church. His cave, church, and monastery are located near the village of Avgorou, in a fertile region of Cyprus that is famous for growing potatoes and for basket-weaving. Nearby coastal towns are known for their sandy beaches and clear turquoise water.
Saint Kendeas left his homeland of Alemanni (modern Germany) when he was 18 and went to Jerusalem to live a monastic life with other hermits in the desert of Jordan. There he healed a young boy who was the son of a great nobleman from Jerusalem. From Jordan he traveled by boat with other hermit monks to Cyprus, where, upon arrival, they miraculously survived a shipwreck. Eventually, Saint Kendeas went to live alone in a cave near Avgorou, spending the rest of his life as an ascetic. When Saint Kendeas arrived at the cave, he was thirsty and prayed to God for water to drink. The Stone he knelt on filled with clear holy water, which still flows today.
Throughout the centuries many sick people have asked Saint Kendeas for his help. Through his prayers to God, they have been cured. He lived a long and virtuous life and has continued to perform numerous wonders and miracles for children and adults who believe in him and love Jesus Christ. His feast day is celebrated on October 6.

Read "Under The Grapevine: A Miracle By St. Kendeas of Cyprus" by Chrissi Hart.

For a craft, color a cave and paste small rocks on it to represent the rocks that provided water as a mircale.
 
Troparion to Saint Kendeas
Having hallowed through struggles the Jordan wilderness and the island of Cyprus,
You shone out upon all through remarkable battles as a fixed star.
Therefore, having seen the fullness of your wonders,
O God-bearing Kendeas, we lift our voices:
Glory to You, O Christ, through him who extols.
Glory to You through him who magnifies.
Glory to the One who through you heals illnesses for all.

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