When and where did Saint Philaret live
Saint Philaret was born at the beginning of 700 AD. and lived during the reign of Constantine Porphyrogenitus (about 780 AD) and his mother, Irene of Attica.
He came from the village of Amnia or Amnea of Gangra (Paphlagonia) from pious parents, George and Anna. He and his wife Theosevo had three children, Ioannis, Hypatia and Evanthia.
Why was Saint Philaret named Merciful
Saint Philaret was characterized by acts of benevolence and charity. With the money he earned from his work as a farmer, he helped anyone in need. Thus, he received the name 'merciful'.
How Saint Philaret became an Eparch
On November 788 AD, Constantine, the son of Queen Irene, married Saint Philaret's granddaughter, named Mary. Thus, the Emperor, with the blessing of God, honored him with the office Eparch.
As a result, Saint Philaret the Merciful had the opportunity to help and support even more people who were in need.
The sleeping of Philaret: when did he die and when he celebrates
Shortly before Saint Philaret the Merciful rested in peace, he called his relatives and said:
'My children, do not forget hospitality; visit those who are sick or in prison, watch over widows and orphans; see to the burial of those who die in poverty; do not covet the goods of others; speak no ill of anyone, and do not be glad of misfortunes that befall your enemies; always do as you have seen me do in my life, so that God will keep you under His protection’.
"Lord, let Your will be done" were his last words just before he died.
Our Church honors the memory of Saint Philaret on December 1st.
Find here: Orthodox icon of Saint Philaret the Patron Saint of Beekeeping
Why did Saint Philaret become the Patron Saint of Beekeeping
Saint Philaret was an example of virtue and charity, who helped the poor with all he had. However, he once lost his estates to his neighbors who took advantage of his kindness. Then he continued his philanthropic activity using his bees.
He had only 250 hives left from which he harvested as much honey as possible to satisfy the hunger of the poor. With this act, he had no bees left to make good use of and thus he ended up even poorer.
For this admirable action, Saint Philaret is called the Patron Saint of Beekeeping.
The Prayer of Saint Philaret for the Beekeepers
Despot Lord our God who has power over all creation, we bow to you and beseech you.
As you have blessed and multiplied the bees of your righteous Saint Philaret, bless also these bees of your servant (name) and multiply and strengthen them and make them thousands and myriads, and pour them out of the dynasty of the devil and all the schemes of enemies and deadly winds and infectious disease.
Protect them through your Holy Angels from every disease, every envy and temptation of medicine and charm, by the coming action of the devil, persecutors of them.
For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto the ages of ages Amen.
Find here: authentic Mount Athos Honey (blossom honey, chestnut honey, pine honey, susoura honey, oak honey, arbutus honey, ivy honey).
Find here: Orthodox icon of Saint Philaret the Patron Saint of Beekeeping
