February 1, 2015 - “A SHEPHERD BOY BECOMES A “LAMB” OF GOD”

THE HOLY MARTYR TRYPHON was born in the third century during the reign of the Emperor Gordianus. A poor shepherd boy with no formal education, Tryphon was, nonetheless, touched by the grace of God. Even as a youngster, he was blessed with the gift of healing.

The Emperor has a daughter whom he loved dearly. When she fell ill, all of the royal physicians were unable to cure her. The desperate Emperor had heard of the powers of Tryphon, and he had him summoned to Rome from his home in Phrygia. Tryphon came and kept vigil at the bedside of the Emperor’s daughter. In a few days, she was completely cured of her malady!

The grateful Gordianus lavished Tryphon with gifts and treasures, but the young herdsman gave everything to the poor upon returning to his home. After the death of Gordianus, Decius was chosen to be Emperor. Not having the same tolerance for Christianity as his predecessor, Decius ordered all Christians to renounce their Lord or suffer the consequences. Tryphon was one of those arrested and tortured in an attempt to shake their faith. Tryphon endured all suffering with these words: “OH, WHEN SHALL I BECOME WORTHY TO MAKE AN END FOR THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST?” He was finally beheaded in 250 A.D. Tryphon is viewed as the patron saint of those who labor in the fields. This third-century shepherd symbolizes the loving calmness one can receive from a proximity to the Lord.