St. Dionysius the Areopagite

Today, on September 3rd, we commemorate the Saint and Holy Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite.  St. Dionysius was either the first or second Bishop of Athens.  It is said that he was present and one of the first to believe in Jesus Christ.  He met a martyrs end around the year 96 A.D.

Apolytikion:

Since thou hadst been instructed in uprightness thoroughly and wast vigilant in all things, thou wast clothed with a good conscience as befitteth one holy. Thou didst draw from the Chosen Vessel ineffable mysteries; and having kept the Faith, thou didst finish a like course, O Hieromartyr Dionysios. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion:

In spirit, thou dist pass through Heaven's gates, instructed by the great Apostle who attained to the third Heaven's heights, and wast made rich in all knowledge of things beyond speech; and then thou, O Dionysius, didst illuminate them that slumbered in the darkness of their ignorance. Hence we all cry out: Rejoice, O universal Father.