On October 22, October 9, Old Style, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Venerable Andronikos and his wife Athanasia. Their life combines the story of family love, bereavement and many years of monastic asceticism. At each of these stages, the spouses retained the main thing — the desire to be with God and serve their neighbors.
Andronikos and Athanasius lived in Antioch. Andronik was a goldsmith, and his work provided the family with prosperity. The couple divided their funds into three parts: one was given to those in need, the other was donated to church needs, and the third was left to maintain the house. They took care of the sick, helped the poor, and welcomed travelers. Prayer, fasting, and charity formed their habitual way of life.
In this family, faith was expressed in everyday actions. The spouses had the time and energy for someone else's troubles, and home well-being allowed them to support those who needed help. In his homily on Andronik and Athanasius, Archpriest Victor Guryev draws attention to this aspect of their lives: mutual fidelity, fulfillment of family duties and active love for people.
The couple had two children, a son, John, and a daughter, Mary. One day, both fell seriously ill and died on the same day. Andronikos addressed God with the words of the righteous Job: Athanasia was so painfully bereaved that after the burial she stayed at the children's graves and did not want to return home.
According to her life, consolation came to her through the appearance of the holy Martyr Julian. Appearing before the grieving mother in the form of a monk, he announced to her about the heavenly life of her children. The hope of God's mercy helped Athanasius to gain strength for the further journey.
The desire to become a monk had matured in her even earlier. When Athanasius revealed it to her husband, Andronicus offered her to test the firmness of his intention. The couple made the decision by mutual consent. Before leaving, they freed the slaves and entrusted the property to Father Athanasius, ordering that if they did not return, the house should be converted into a hospital and a shelter for pilgrims.
After the pilgrimage, the couple came to Egypt. Elder Daniel became their spiritual mentor. Athanasia entered the Tavennisiote Convent for women, while Andronikos remained in the Hermitage. The years of prayer, obedience, and silence began. They spent twelve years apart.
A new meeting took place during a trip to the holy places. Athanasius walked in a male monk's robe, calling himself Athanasius. As the long life narrates, she recognized Andronik, but he did not recognize his wife: years of strict asceticism had changed her appearance. They continued on their way together, agreeing to remain silent.
Then, with the blessing of Elder Daniel, Andronik and Athanasius settled in the same cell. Their joint feat continued for another twelve years. All this time Andronikos considered his companion to be Monk Athanasius.
The mystery was revealed after the death of the monk. She left a letter that she asked me to give to Andronik. Before her death, Athanasius told the elder that she was crying for her remaining spouse. This detail of his life is especially touching: after many years of silence, a living concern for a loved one remained. Seven days later Andronikos also departed to the Lord. The couple was buried together.
In the lives of Andronikos and Athanasius, one can see how loyalty to God consists of daily decisions: sharing what you earn, taking care of the sick, listening to another person, and supporting their good intentions. These matters were a part of their lives long before they took monastic vows. Therefore, the memory of the holy spouses is close to people who serve in the family, raise children, work and take care of their relatives.
Their story is also addressed to those who are experiencing loss. There is a place for tears, sorrow, prayer and hope for eternal life. Remembering Saints Andronik and Athanasius, we ask for their prayers for our families, for the strengthening of love and faith, for the consolation of the grieving, and for the strength to continue doing good.
Venerable Andronikos and Athanasius, pray to God for us!