March: Day 5:
Holy Martyr Conon the Gardener
(Even in the World One Can Be Saved)
By Archpriest Grigory Dyachenko
Holy Martyr Conon the Gardener
(Even in the World One Can Be Saved)
By Archpriest Grigory Dyachenko
I. Saint Conon the Gardener, whose memory is celebrated today, suffered in the 3rd century, during the reign of Decius (249-251). He was born in Nazareth of Galilee; from there he later moved to the Pamphylian city of Mandon and there engaged in cultivating vegetable gardens. From his occupation he received the name of Gardener. He was a man unfamiliar with bookish learning, but kind, gentle and simple-hearted, and with these qualities he pleased God. The governor of that region, Publius, having learned of him, summoned him to himself and forced him to sacrifice to the idols. Conon resolutely refused this and boldly began to confess faith in Jesus Christ. Then they subjected the confessor to excruciating tortures, from which he died with a prayer to God.
II. We have seen, brethren, that the Holy Martyr Conon was a simple layman, not a scholar, a farmer who was engaged in gardening. But neither his constant intercourse with the world, nor his daily labors in cultivating his garden prevented him from pleasing God, Who glorified him with the crown of martyrdom. This shows us, brethren, that it is possible to please God everywhere, both in the desert, in monasteries, and in the family and the world. Therefore, the judgments of some are unfounded, that it is difficult to be saved in the world, that for this one must go to the desert or solitary monasteries.
a) Let us cite the testimony of Saint John Chrysostom about this. “The place will not save us,” says Saint Chrysostom, “but the complete devotion of our soul to God will save us. There is no benefit from either high rank or holiness of place for someone who does not fulfill the commandments of God. What place is more beautiful than paradise, from which Adam was expelled after transgressing the commandment? What is more shameful than the dunghill on which Job, sitting, kept the commandments of God and entered paradise? Saul was in the rank of king, but he destroyed this life and did not receive the future one. On the contrary, Lot was among the Sodomites, lawless people, but he fulfilled the commandments of God and was saved. Another became famous in poverty, like Elijah; another in wealth, like Abraham. Job took care of his wife, his children, and his home, and was saved, while David became famous as king, and the purple and the crown did not distract him."
b) Further, the same Holy Father gives several examples of saints who lived in the world and nevertheless were saved. “Do you want to see,” he says, “people are saved even in military rank? Look at Cornelius. Are stewards saved? Look at the Ethiopian eunuch. Remember that Joseph, even in slavery, preserved virtue, and Daniel and the three youths were glorified in captivity. Nothing can hinder virtue, and if someone says that it is impossible to be saved in the world, with a wife and children, such a person foolishly deceives himself. No, God will accept us everywhere if we fulfill His commandments. Place will not save or condemn anyone, but deeds will condemn and save us. Let us not despair, brethren, although we live in the world, but, having sinned, let us run to God with repentance, and let us be merciful and generous to the poor, doing good to them from our abundance. Give from yourself with your own hand; this is very beneficial for the soul. Only try to do your alms in secret. Do not disdain those who are close to you by kinship. First free your household and relatives from sorrow, and then do alms to others, to strangers. And you yourself will be worthy of mercy from God."
To these examples we will add others. There were many persons who lived in the world and pleased God: such as the Grandparents Joachim and Anna, Zechariah and Elizabeth, the God-receiver Symeon and the Prophetess Anna, Philaret the Merciful, the Holy Unmercenaries, the faithful kings and queens, princes and princesses, as well as many pious laymen.
III. In conclusion, we will cite the advice of Saint John Climacus to some laymen. When some laymen came to this ascetic who cared little for their salvation and wanted to excuse their wickedness and negligence with the following words: “How can we lead an ascetic life, with our wives and social concerns that entangle us like nets?” Saint John answered: “Do those good deeds that you can; do not speak evil of anyone, do not steal, do not slander anyone; do not exalt yourself before anyone; do not harbor hatred towards anyone, do not avoid church gatherings; be compassionate to the poor; do not tempt anyone, do not approach another man’s wife, and maintain marital fidelity. If you do this, you will not be far from the kingdom of heaven” (The Ladder, 1854, Step 1, Art. 21).
Source: A Complete Annual Cycle of Short Teachings, Composed for Each Day of the Year. Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
