Today, January 26, is the memorial of the Martyred Family of Constantinople.
It was the 5th century when this holy family lived: husband and wife Saint Xenophon and Saint Mary, and their sons Saint John and Saint Arcadius. They were a very wealthy family of senatorial rank in imperial Constantinople. In those times, being a family of such rank meant prominence, a place in high society. However, they never flaunted their riches and position. They led very simple lives, something which amazed the rest of the population.
Xenophon and Mary wanted only the best for John and Arcadius. They sent their sons to the best university in Berytus (Beirut), Phoenicia to take up Law. In a sudden turn of events, the brothers’ ship encountered a storm and got wrecked. John and Arcadius made it alive in different shores.
In thanksgiving to God for their safety, the brothers renounced their wealth and became monks. John became a monk in Tyre, Arcadius in Jerusalem. Now, with no communication around, Xenophon and Mary assumed John and Arcadius were dead.
The couple, wearing rough clothing, went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem many years later and, to their surprise, were reunited with their sons. Xenophon and Mary were so grateful to God that they, too, gave up their wealth and status in society and embraced the monastic life. Xenophon became a monk. Mary became an anchoress.
Accounts said the entire family became miracle-workers and were blessed with the gift of discernment. Later, they were martyred together.