St. Azazael (Mor Izozoel)

St. Azazael (Mor Izozoel)

May 12th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Azazael +304 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Mor Izozoel (Mar Azazael) is a holy saint who loudly professed that age is not a barrier to be a worthy testimonial for Christ's infinite love. It is believed that he was born in Samosata or Phrygia. His father was a very influential figure in the imperial court. After his parents' death, his uncle took care of him. Even in his heartbreak, he received the kindness & warmth of Jesus' love. Perhaps his uncle was a reason for his attraction to our Lord Jesus. The heart of Izozoel was filled with love & devotion to God. Along with his uncle, the holy saint began to proclaim the Gospel message of Jesus Christ in the neighboring regions where they were noticed by the king. Historical records exist which attest to the arrival of Mor Izozoel & his uncle to Rome. But there are two traditions in this regard. As per the first belief, St. Azazael & his uncle came to Rome to proclaim the Gospel. The second tradition states that both of them came to Rome as directed by the Emperor. Mor Izozoel was 14 years old when he came to Rome. The preaching of the saint & his uncle attracted many of the countrymen to the Christian faith, infuriating the emperor, who summoned them to Rome for trial. Emperor Maximian ordered him to abandon the faith. When St. Azazael refused, he was brutally tortured. But that night, the Lord healed & comforted him. The emperor was shocked to see the saint regained his health completely overnight. However the emperor's heart of stone did not soften. The Emperor attempted to tempt the saint, but it was all in vain. So he once again chose to torture Izozoel, but with even more brutality. The saint collapsed frequently. But every time the saint regained his health with the help of God's grace. Failing repeatedly, the emperor fumed with rage. Finally, he ordered to kill the saint. St. Azazael was viciously murdered at the age of fourteen (or fifteen) in accordance with the emperor's decree. Thus Mor Izozoel attained the crown of martyrdom. The faithful buried his relics. A large shrine was built there in AD550, & countless believers flocked there in veneration of the holy saint. The feast of Mor Izozoel is celebrated in the Syriac Orthodox Church on May 12th & August 12th. In Western Christianity he is known as St. Pancras. It is believed that the King of Northumberland in Great Britain received a portion of saint's relics & built a church dedicated to the martyr. Additionally, a number of churches in London & surroundings are in the name of the saint. A well known Railway station in London, England is named after St. Pancras. Though young in age, his love for the Lord & courage during persecution until his final martyrdom serves as an exemplary model for us all. Biography courtesy the Malayalam work by Fr. Dr. Greger R. Kollanoor. Translated into English by Miss. Shylin. https://urhotheway.com/2020/08/11/st-azazael/ Oh Mor Izozoel! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.