Saint Leo
Pope of Rome

February 18th
Troparion (Tone 3)
Thou wast the Church's instrument in strengthening the Church's teaching of true doctrine; thou didst shine forth from the West like a sun and didst dispel the heretics' error. O righteous Leo, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.

Leo was born in Italy to devout parents. He served as archdeacon with Pope Sixtus III, then was elected, against his wishes, to succede him. Attila the Hun came to lay siege against Rome. Pope Leo went out to meet him in his episcopal vestments. Attila received him and was persuaded to turn away. This was because of Leo's holiness and because he saw a vision of Ss. Peter & Paul with flaming swords behind the saint. St. Leo also did much to counter the heresy of Eutyches and Dioscorus. He wrote a lengthy epistle which was read at the 4th Ecumenical Council. He wrote it; then placed it on St. Peter's tomb for the Apostle to correct it before it was read publicly. In preparation for his death, he spent 40 days in prayer and fasting at the Apostle Peter's tomb to see if his sins were forgiven. He was told that they all were forgiven except the sins connected with ordaining unworthy priests. This was to show the seriousness of these matters. Finally, he was assurted that these were also forgiven. He then entered peacefully into the presence of the Lord. It was the year 461.

This Icon is by the hand of Nicholas Papas.

Order # inp-92

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