The Church celebrates today the Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius the Godbearer (Theoforos), who was the second bishop of Antioch and a disciple of Saint John the Evangelist.
Saint Ignatius was martyred in Rome in the early 2nd century AD. His holy relics were brought to Antioch by devout Christians for veneration, as the faithful had lost their spiritual leader. This feast has ancient origins, as noted by Saint John Chrysostom.
Saint Ignatius was renowned for his theological insights and is often referred to as the “extremity of theologians.”
The Orthodox Church venerates sacred relics as a reflection of the belief in resurrection and eternal life. The Second Council of Nicaea, following the teachings of Saint John of Damascus, emphasized the importance of honoring the Holy Cross, relics, and icons alongside the Holy Bible.
This reverence is rooted in the understanding that Christ sanctified and transformed matter into something incorruptible.
Source: Church of Cyprus