Saint Martin I
Today in the Church we lovingly remember the last pope to be martyred for defending Orthodoxy, Saint Martin I. When Saint Martin I was pope in 649, many were teaching that Jesus was not really a human being. We believe Jesus is fully divine and fully human. Saint Martin I spoke out against this mistaken idea, called Monothelitism. Saint Martin I said that it was a false teaching, and worked diligently against the heresy.
The Emperor at the time, Constans II, believed the false teaching and tried to get rid of Saint Martin I. The Emperor failed in trying to get the bishops to go against him. He also failed at having one of his servants assassinate Saint Martin. The plan was for the servant to get in line to receive the Eucharist from the Pope, and strike him with his sword. However, at the moment of reception, the assassin miraculously was unable to see the Pope.
Finally, he sent his troops to Rome, where they found Saint Martin ill. The troops put him on a ship and sent him to the island of Naxos. After a year, the clergy of Rome assumed he died, because they did not receive any communication. So, they elected Pope Eugenius as his successor. So, for a brief time, the Church had two men acting as Pope. Eventually, Saint Martin I was sentenced to death, and died of mistreatment and starvation in prison. Saint Martin I, led by the Holy Spirit, faithfully handed on the faith. As we get ready for the feast of Pentecost, may we always follow the Spirit’s lead. God bless and stay safe!
In Christ,
Fr. Steve Breck
Pastor, St. Mary Magdalene
