May 20: Saint Thalalaeus the "Merciful"

Today, May 20, we celebrate the feast of Saint Thalelaeus (also known as Thallelaios or Thalleleus, died 284), physician and holy martyr for the faith. Thalelaeus was martyred at Aegae, in Cilicia, after a life of Christian ministry and service to the poor of his community. He earned the nickname, “the merciful,” given his charitable treatment and service of the poor and ill. At the time of his martyrdom, two Roman executioners, Asterius and Alexander, were killed with him, due to their display of compassion and admiration for the courageous holy man.

Thalelaeus was born in Lebanon, the son of a Lebanese Bishop and Roman mother. From an early age, he displayed the curiosity and skill that befitted a physician, and his father, observing this, offered to him the finest of educations. During this time, Thalelaeus was also instructed in the ways of the Church, and his faith and zeal for Christ continued to blossom.

Upon completion of his studies, Thalelaeus established a clinic in his home in Anazarbus, Cilicia. While most physicians of the day required large payments for treatment, Thalelaeus turned no one away. Only those able to pay were charged a fee, and the rest were offered services in the spirit of love and charity. On Sundays, Thalelaeus would further preach the Word of God to all who would listen, reminding those in attendance that all things come from above, “of the most high cometh healing.” Through his ministry of charity, preaching, and medicine, he brought many to conversion. Soon, miracles of healing and cure began to be reported.

Of course, all of the attention that Thalelaeus was garnering angered the pagan rulers of Lebanon, and they soon determined to imprison and kill him. Thalelaeus continued to travel through the country, however, offering his works of charity to those in need, demonstrating great humility and dedication. Before long, he was seized while traveling home, and brought before the Theodore, the governor of the province of Cilicia. Theodore took great pleasure in the persecution of Christians, and eagerly looked forward to the torture and destruction of this great man. However, his pride in his debating skills led him to challenge Saint Thalelaeus to a debate regarding religion.

Inspired by the grace of the Lord, Thalelaeus quickly won the debate, defeating the governor and his pagan gods. He stated, "I am a Christian, a native of Lebanon. I am studying medicine under the physician Macarius. During a former persecution against Christians in Lebanon, I was brought before the prefect Tiberius, and barely escaped execution. But now that I stand before this court, do with me as you will. I wish to die for Christ my Savior and my God, and hope to endure all torments with His help."

Theodore ordered the holy man to be tortured, expecting a quick victory and recanting of the Christian faith. However, he remained steadfast in his conviction, praying throughout torture, and earning the admiration of his executioners. Eventually, he was ordered executed, and when he was unable to be drowned, was beheaded. The relics of the holy martyr Thalelaeus lie in the church of Saint Agathonicus of Constantinople and many miracles are attributed to his intercession.

Saint Thalelaeus served the Lord as a charitable physician and gifted preacher. His mission, which he viewed as a gift from the Lord, was the combination of physical and spiritual healing, which he brought to all who needed him. His compassion, love, and courage remain a strong reminder of the gifts of grace bestowed upon each of us by our loving God. Saint Thalelaeus dedicated his life to sharing his gifts with others. Can we say the same about ourselves?


Thallelaios,
saintly champion and healer,
intercede with our merciful God to grant our souls remission of sins.


Year 2: Day 139 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Generous sharing of our gifts with those around us.
Requested Intentions: Husband’s freedom from illness (L); Personal intentions (S); Successful passing of dental board examination (P); Blessings on a family (Z); Successful permanent employment (C); Healing of a son with autism (J); Son’s successful employment (L); For the intentions of family and relatives, for the Carthusian community (T); For personal intentions (A); Restoration of lost hearing (C); Resolution of relational and financial challenges (S); Comfort following loss of husband, security for family, assistance with housing (B); Healing and return of brother (O); Successful hermitage foundation (S); Support from family, permission to marry (H); Recovery of wife following surgery, freedom from depression (W); Protection and recovery of mentally ill daughter (J); Successful resolution to legal proceedings (N); Freedom from worry and successful employment (M); For successful sale of home and freedom from debt (J); Freedom from pain and illness (E).