Roman, Monk, Soldier, Martyr October 2

Roman, Monk, Soldier, Martyr -- October 2 1994

Roman, an Othodox Monk, was part of a mission sent to reopen Valaam Russian Orthodox Monastery, in Valaam, Russia. He was known for his devout prayer life as a monk. In response to the killing of Orthodox Serbians, by Bosnian Moselms and Catholic Croatians, Roman entered the fight to defend these people. He was killed October 2, 1994. The Russian Orthodox Church has named him a martyred saint.

Source: Excerpts from Valaam Patericon -Book of Days- Valaam Society of America, New Valaam Monastery, Alaska 1999. p. 103.

 

"O LORD GOD of hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the warriors of thy kingdom in the Church Militant. Support them in the day and hour of battle, and, during slow times, keep them safe from evils and temptations. Endue them with courage and loyalty to God's Word like thy servant now departed, Roman. Grant that we may always serve thee without cowardice, ignorance or fear in the face of men, through Christ our only Rock, Defender, and Savior, whom with thee, the Father, and thee, the Holy Spirit, we worship and adore as the One True and Living God, now and forever. Amen."

 

Hymn: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/a/fallthes.htm

For all the saints, who from their labors rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might; Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight; Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light. O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold, Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, And win with them the victor’s crown of gold. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, Steals on the ear the distant triumph song, And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong. Alleluia, Alleluia!