Phil Brewer's Blog

Every year on this day, we celebrate those who served and many who died, wearing a uniform of their country, the USA.  Many, like my Father and Uncle, served during time of war.  We are all justifiably proud of our veterans and their service.

Here is a very different service as related in the Synaxarion.  He is widely honored also each year on this date.

Menas of Egypt

Saint Menas, who had Egypt as his fatherland, contested in Cotyaeion of Phrygia in 296 during the reign of Diocletian and Maximian. A soldier distinguished for his valour in war, he renounced his rank and withdrew to devote himself to ascetical struggles and prayer in the mountains. Filled with zeal and more than human courage, he presented himself in the midst of a pagan festival in Cotyaeion and declared himself to be a Christian. After terrible torments which he endured with astonishing courage…