Fears Day: January 5th & February 16th
The Life of Saint Romanos: As the two of them fasted, Elder and Novice, and as Saint Akakios received a Divine Revelation regarding the Martyrdom of Romanos, he Tonsured him a Monk and with the Prayers of the Fathers he let him leave with the goal of Confession and Martyrdom…
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Prayers
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone: You first struggled Ascetically on Athos, and received the Divine Will through the teachings of the Venerable Akakios, and hastened towards the trials of Martyrdom and death, and you, O Romanos, stand beside the Crown-bestowing Christ, interceding for us, O all-glorious one.
Canon: Let us honour in songs the glorious Romanos, pride of Ascetics and sweetness of the New Martyrs of Christ, whom the Skete of the Lavra of Kavsokalyvia blossomed as a rose, and whom Akakios, young in years and old in Asceticism had as his own disciple.
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The appearance of Saint Romanos with lightning-white robes to Saint Akakios
Before Saint Romanos left to pursue Martyrdom, he made a promise to Saint Akakios, his Spiritual Father, that if he was able to complete Martyrdom, then he would intercede to God for his Salvation, following his death, being in the Kingdom of Heaven. Saint Akakios, on the other hand, until Saint Romanos would be made worthy of the Crown of Martyrdom, would Pray to God for him ceaselessly. Saint Akakios had agreed to remain in his Cave until the end of his life. After the Martyrdom of Saint Romanos, however, Saint Akakios left his Cave of Asceticism for a few months, to descend to the Cell of Saint Athanasios above Kavsokalyva. There he one time was Praying, when he came into ecstasy, and he saw Saint Romanos shining in an indescribable manner. His face shined more than the sun, as he was amidst the Glory of God. He, however, turned his Godly head from the Elder, and showed his displeasure for his breaking of their agreement, that he left his Cave. Saint Akakios fell to his knees, and entreated him to look upon him with sympathy and compassion and to forgive his error. Saint Romanos, however, did not hearken to Saint Akakios’ entreaties, and he straightaway disappeared. After this, Saint Akakios immediately returned to his cave in Kavsokalyvia. There during Prayer, he many times beheld Saint Romanos, again drenched with the Uncreated Light, however, not with the same austere expression. Instead, he had a joyous and sweet expression, and he consoled and strengthened his friend and Elder.
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