Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Poets
Saint Athenogenes of Pontus
Priest and martyr († 196)Feast: January 18
“O Joyful Light of the holy glory of the Father immortal: heavenly, holy, blessed Lord Jesus Christ!” The story of Saint Athenogenes of Pontus comes from ancient sources, including Saint Basil the Great. Athenogenes was an elderly priest who sang a hymn while being led to his martyrdom at the stake in the year 196. The hymn, said to be his own composition, was the Phos Hilaron—“O gladsome light”—now sung in evening prayer by Eastern Christians.
Athenogenes has been identified by some with the Christian convert and apologist by the same name who lived in Athens, also in the 2nd century. Still others identify him with Saint Athenogenes of Sebaste, a bishop in modern-day Turkey martyred around 305, during the persecution of Diocletian, with ten of his followers. This Athenogenes has a feast celebrated on July 16.
Whatever the biography of its author, the Phos Hilaron is among the most ancient and beloved of Christian hymns. Athenogenes is often depicted in icons with his executioner miraculously stalled waiting for the final words of the Phos Hilaron: “It is proper for you to be praised at all times by fitting melodies, O Son of God, giver of life. Therefore, all the world glorifies you!”
Son of God, shine your joyful light upon me,
my loved ones, and the entire Church
so we may praise you eternally.
