Mamas of Caesarea

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St Mamas, the lamb and the lion: icon in the church at Morphou

Saint Mamas of Caesarea (sometimes: Mammas, Mammes, or Mammet) was martyred c. 275 at the age of 15 in Cappadocia. He preached Christianity during his teenage years, and a lion from the fields is said to have remained with him as companion. In iconography, his attribute is the lion. He is commemorated by the Church, with his parents martyrs Theodotus and Rufinaon, on September 2. (His feast day is August 17 in the Roman Catholic calendar.)

In Cyprus Saint Mamas is popularly known as a poor hermit who lived in a cave near the Cypriot town of Morphou (Guzelyurt). When the local authorities tried to tax him, he evaded them. Soldiers were sent out and captured him, but on the way back to town he saw a lion attacking a lamb. He then escaped the soldiers, saved the lamb, jumped on the lion's back, and in that way came to town. His bravery earned him an exemption from the tax.

Hymns

Troparion (Tone 3) [1]

Your holy martyr Mamas, O Lord,

Through his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.

For having Your strength, he laid low low his adversaries,

And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.

Through his intercessions, save our souls!

Kontakion (Tone 3)

Holy Mamas,

Lead your people your as a flock to life-giving pastures

With the staff God has given you;

Crush the invisible and fierce enemies beneath the feet of those who honor you.

For all of those who are in danger have received you as their fervent intercessor.

External links

• Mammes of Caesarea - wikipedia
• http://www.nostos.com/church/Mamas.htm
• Martyr Mamas of Caesarea in Cappadocia - OCA website.
• Mammas the Martyr - GOARCH website.