St. Abrohom of Qidon +366

St. Abrohom of Qidon +366

December 14th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Abraham of Qidon +366 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Mor Abrohom Kidunoyo was born to a wealthy family near Edessa. His family wanted him to get married, however he ran away to become a monk. He then built a hermitage with a small opening only for food, remaining there to pray continuously. When his parents passed, he had all the inherited wealth distributed to the poor & needy; keeping only a cloak, a goat-skin garment, a bowl & a mat for himself. Near to the site of his cell, there was a town called Beth Qidon whose citizens were pagan idolaters. Many had tried to evangelize them, but it was always met with fierce opposition. The bishop of Edessa was disturbed by this, saddened that the word of God could not reach the hearts of these people. He asked Abraham to leave his cell (against his will), ordained him as a priest & sent him to preach the Gospel to the citizens of Qidon. Mor Abrohom built a church in the town, trying his hardest to spread the Gospel, but they would not listen. Each night he would return to his cell to pray, going back to the city every morning. The townsfolk would insult him, abuse him, even attacking him with sticks & stones. Once, St. Abraham was left for dead, but upon recovering he would return to the people trying his level best to soften their hearts & open their ears to the message of the Gospel. This went on with much difficulty for 3 years. By the grace of God, there was a break through. Abraham's patience, steadfast faith & willingness to suffer for the Gospel convinced the citizens of Qidon of his holiness. They listened to & accepted the Gospel, eventually being baptized by him. He continued teaching them the ideals of Christian faith, justice & charity for another year till he retired back to his hermitage. As the whole town of Qidon was converted through his untiring efforts, he was given the name St. Abraham of Qidon. Mor Abrohom Kidunoyo led a life of penance for fifty years & lived to the age of 70. At the news of his last illness, the whole countryside flocked to receive his benediction & after his death each one sought to procure a fragment of his clothing. Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' Oh Mor Abrohom Kidunoyo! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen. RSoH