Bishop
Saint Akakios was born in the Armenian city of Melitene to pious parents, who through prayer and fasting begged God to grant them a son. From his youth he was dedicated to the church, where he grew under the guidance of the bishop of Melitene, the blessed Otrius, who, discerning the grace of God upon him, ordained him a priest. Excelling in virtue, Akakios was later elevated to the archiepiscopal throne following the repose of bishop Otrius.
Being a figure of holy life, Saint Akakios was granted the gift of wonderworking. In a time of severe drought, he lifted his prayers to heaven, and at once rain began to fall, watering the parched earth. At another time, when a destructive flood threatened the area, he placed a stone in the river and, by his command, the waters ceased to overflow.
He also destroyed a pagan shrine, and on that very site he constructed a church in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos, sanctifying the place where once unholy sacrifices had been offered. Many other miracles shone forth from him. He upheld the church roof during the Divine Service when it was on the point of collapse. He even calmed a flock of swallows that disturbed his preaching.
As archbishop, Saint Akakios transformed his home into a hospital for the poor, where he himself took care of the sick with love and humility. By his prayers, he drove away swarms of flies and frogs that afflicted people. He also caused a spring of fresh water to gush forth from a stone.
He also took part in the 3rd Ecumenical Council, where, together with the other fathers of the church, he fought against Nestorianism, which offended the face of the Virgin Mary. Having wisely preached people, worked many miracles, and glorified God throughout his whole life, Saint Akakios peacefully fell asleep in the Lord. He was buried close to the relics of the holy Martyr Polyefktos.
