Join us this Thursday, Mar. 10 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana for our weekly Akathist prayers (Click here to learn more about the Akathist prayer services at St. Sava Church).
This week we offer praises forHoly Martyr Zlata of Maglen.
Holy Martyr Zlata of Maglen
Saint Zlata of Maglen
This week’s Akathist is dedicated to Holy Martyr Zlata of Maglen.
Holy Martyr Zlata was born in Slatina region, of poor peasants who had three other daughters. Zlata was a meek and devout girl, wise with Christ’s wisdom and golden (Zlata means golden) not only in name but also in her God-fearing heart.
When Zlats went out one day to get water, some shameless Turks sized her and carried her of to their house. When one of them urged her to embrace Islam and become his wife, Zlata answered fearlessly, “I believe in Christ, and know Him alone as my bridegroom; I shall never deny Him even if you put me to a thousand tortures and cur me into pieces.”
Her parents and sisters then arrived, and said to her. “O our daughter, have mercy on yourself and us. Deny Christ publicly; He will forgive you, that we all can be happy. Christ is merciful, He will forgive you your sins, committed under the pressure of life.”
She replied to her parents, “When you urged me to deny Christ, the true God, you are no longer parents or sisters to me; I have the Lord Jesus Christ as father, the Mother of God as mother, for brothers and sisters, the saints…’ Then the Turks hung her from the tree and cut her to small pieces.
This Martyr Maiden gave her soul into God’s hands, and entered into the realm of Paradise, in 1796. There were many miracles performed at the site of her grave, and holy relics.
What is Akathist?
The Akathist Service at St. Sava Church in Merrillville, Indiana is a brief weekly celebration of the works of the Saints, Holy Days, and Holy Trinity.
The Akathist service lasts approximately 35 minutes and is an opportunity for a uniquely participatory service in which men and women may have the option to read passages from the Book of Akathists, exchanging phrasings with Clergy, and experiencing a unique mid-week spiritual connection with fellow parishioners.
St. Sava Church understands the lives of parishioners today are increasingly busy. The intention of the this evening service start time is to enable people to come together, after work, in the early evening, to worship as a community for a mid-week spiritual uplifting and connection.
Consider making Thursday nights a special night for the entire family. Start your evening at Akthist and then enjoy some additional quality time together as a family.
Everyone is welcome to attend and participate as much as one feels comfortable. If you are new to the Orthodox Faith or if you are familiar, but haven’t been in touch recently, Akathist is a great way to connect and reconnect. It is completely acceptable to come to the Thursday evening Akathist service wearing a work uniform or making a visit on your way home from work. It’s not as much about what you wear as it is about the spirit you bring with you when you join us.
