Meletius was preaching the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father, an Arian archdeacon tried to silence him. However, Saint Meletius boldly displayed three fingers, representing the Trinity, and continued to preach the true faith.
Despite facing opposition and persecution, Saint Meletius remained steadfast in his defense of Orthodoxy. He ordained future saints such as Saint Basil the Great and Saint John Chrysostom, and his theological writings helped convert many Arians to the true faith.
Saint Meletius’s life exemplified gentleness, virtue, and dedication to the Church. His leadership during the Second Ecumenical Council and his unwavering faith in the face of adversity continue to inspire believers today. May we strive to follow his example of humility, courage, and love for the truth. Amen.
Meletius was preaching to the people in church about the Holy Trinity in unity when his own deacon, a heretic, covered his mouth with his hand. Unable to speak, Meletius communicated through signs.
He raised his clenched hand in the air, first opening his three fingers and showing them to the people. Then, he closed his hand and raised one finger. Meletius played a significant role in the Second Ecumenical Council [Constantinople, 381 A.D.], where Emperor Theodosius honored him. During this Council, a miracle occurred through Meletius. While explaining the dogma of the Holy Trinity to Arius, he raised three fingers separately and then folded them into one, causing a light to shine from his hand like lightning before all present.
At the Council, Meletius also confirmed Gregory the Theologian on the patriarchal throne in Constantinople. Previously, he had ordained Basil the Great to the diaconate and baptized John Chrysostom. After the Council, Meletius passed away in Constantinople, and his relics were later moved to Antioch.
Source: vema.com.au