Philopater Mercurius
Abu Sefein

 St. Mercurius was born in 224 AD of pagan parents, in a town called Askantus in the Roman Empire. He was named Philopater, a Greek name which means lover of the father. His family was well known for hunting wild beasts and offering them to the king. The king paid them well for doing this job.

One day while Philopater’s father Yarus, and his grandfather were out hunting, his grandfather was attacked by a beast and was killed. Yarus, couldn’t bear to witness the death of his father, so he fell unconscious. At that moment Yarus was taken up to heaven where he saw a strange vision. A great light shined around him and he heard a voice calling him by his name, saying, "Yarus, I am the Lord your God Who loves you. I know your ways and goodness of heart. This is why I am telling you that I hate pagan worship and man made idols. Therefore I have chosen your son to be a precious gem that shines day and night, and because of him, you and your wife will be blesssed. I have chosen Philopater not only to believe in Me but he will also suffer for the sake of My name. He will undergo many tortures, so do not be afraid, because I will be with you all the time." Yarus then got up and started to think about this strange vision . He rushed home to tell his wife what had happened to him. She quickly told him that the voice he had heard had also sent His Angel to her, to tell her the same thing. They were both very happy because God was watching over them.

But the devil was strong at work, he could not bear this news, so he provoked some guards to turn against Yarus and later had him arrested. Young Philopater was disturbed by his fathers arrest, but Archangel Michael appeared to him and encouraged him not to be afraid. He said, "Jesus Christ the true King has sent me as a helper and deliverer. Philopater, you will undergo many tortures for the sake of His holy name. You Mercurius will be great in God’s sight, and a chosen vessel for him." Archangel Michael gave him peace and then he left. The Lord saved Yarus from the plot of the enemy, and Yarus returned home to his family. That night the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and told Yarus, take your family, and go to the Bishop and be baptized. The following morning, Yarus took his family and immediately went to the bishop and told him what had happened. They were baptized and given new names, that the Angel had told Yarus about. Yarus was given the name Noah, his wife was called Saffina and Philopater was given the name Mercurius, which means servant of Jesus Christ. From that moment on, the family followed the commandments and teachings of the Lord.

News of the families conversion spread fast, especially to the Prince who ordered the arrest of the family and to have them fed to the beasts. Our beloved God, Who did not allow for Daniel to be eaten by the lions, was merciful upon Noah and his family, and didn't allow the beasts to harm them. Seeing this, the King and his soldiers were very surprised. The King asked for Noah's forgiveness and made him head of the soldiers and also appointed him and Mercurius leaders of the whole kingdom.

One day the Angel of the Lord appeared to Mercurius. Dressed in dazziling white clothing and carrying a shiny sword in his right hand, the Angel said to him, "Mercurius, slave of Jesus Christ, do not be afraid or troubled. I am Archangel Michael, God has sent me to reveal to you what what He is preparing for you. Have strength and courage. Take this sword from my hand and use it in fighting against the Barbarians. When you are victorious, do not forget the Lord your God. You will undergo many tortures in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, but I will protect you and give you strength until you achieve your martyrdom." Mercurius, took the sword from Archangel Michael and immediately felt that he was filled with Godly power. Archangel Michael also said, "all the world will hear of your endurance and your patience, and the Name of Jesus Christ will be glorified in you." After this, Mercurius attacked the barbarians and killed them all. The king was so pleased with Mercurius' victory, that he bestowed upon Mercurius many medals. He even made him a Prince and leader over all his soldiers.

In 294 A.D., Decus, the King denounced his faith and belief in the Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, and christian persecutions began. The king issued a decree requesting everyone to offer incense and worship idols. He even established a day where a great procession would travel through all the countries in celebration of idol worship.

Archangel Michael again appeared to Mercurius reminding him of the what he had told him earlier. He told Mercurius not to be afraid and encouraged him. Mercurius was touched by the tender care that the Lord had for him, and spent the night in prayer. The following morning, the king's soldiers came for Mercurius and took him to the King. Decus, asked Mercurius to offer incense to the idols, but Mercurius refused. He proudly said to the King, "I will never stop worshipping my Master Jesus Christ." Mercurius started to remove his medals and tell the king, "I do not want any of the world's glory." The king was disappointed and angry with Mercurius and therefore had him thrown in prison.

Mercurius was only twenty five years when he was imprisoned. King Decus tried to encourage Mercurius to worship the idols but his attempts were unsuccessful. The king then ordered Mercurius to be tied pulled to four posts and to beat him with long sharp nails all over his body. The young saint was patient and endured this suffering. This only angered the king. Then Decus ordered his flesh to be torn with sharp blades, and to burn him alive. Again, the young saint endured with patience and throught the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Mercurius, nearly dead from all the tortures, was then put in prison. The king thought that Mercurius was going to die that night.

Our beloved God never abandons His children who put their trust in him. God sent Archangel Michael to Mercurius to strengthen him. Archangel Michael stretched out his hands and touched Mercurius' body making as though he was never tortured. The following day, the Saint was brought before the king, who was very surprised to see that Mercurius was completely healed from his tortures. Angered by Mercurius' appearance, he ordered the young saint to be stretched on a hot iron bed. Many were astonished becasue they smelt a sweet aroma coming from the body rather than the usual smell of smoke. Unsatisfied with this outcome, Decus, then ordered that Mercurius be hung upside down, and a large stone hung to his neck to expedite his death. Mercurius never appeared to be in pain, instead he was very happy to suffer in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Again, Decus had Mercurius put in prison, and again Archangel Michael appeared to him and stretched his hand over his wounds and healed him. Finally, King Decus became tired of all the torturing techniques and Mercurius' love for the Lord, he ordered Mercurius to be whipped and then beheaded.

Mercurius asked to be given a chance to pray. He lifted his hands and prayed, asking the Lord to accept him in His Paradise. As he was praying, he saw a great light and the Lord Jesus in His glory, with His angels standing in front of him. Jesus said to Mercurius, "Peace be with you my slave and chosen Mercurius. Your prayers have reached me as good incense and you have accomplished your struggles. I am going to make your name known throughout the whole world and many miracles will be performed in the churches that will be built in your name. I will make Archangel Michael keeper of your church forever and I will save all who call Me in your name." Mercurius, then lowered his head and the soldier beheaded him.

That was at three o'clock on the twenty-fifth of the coptic month of Hatour, or the 4th of December, 250A.D. At the time of his martyrdom the body of the Young Saint illuminated and many great miracles took place during his burial.>br/>

MAY THE BLESSINGS OF THIS YOUNG SAINT BE WITH US ALL

AMEN