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Icons of St. Leo, Bishop of
Catania in Sicily, 'il Maraviglioso'--'the Wonderworker'
Feast: Feb. 20
In the town of Catania,
beneath Mt. Etna, dwelt Leo the holy man, who had been a priest at
Ravenna. He was a good shepherd with compassion for the people, showing
great care for the sick and the poor. In his days there appeared in
Catania a magician, Heliodorus, who deluded people with illusions and
corrupted the youth. Once this fakir entered the church during holy
services and began acting obscenely. St. Leo tied him to one end of his
pallium (omophor) and led him to the marketplace. Ordering a large fire
to be made, Leo stood amidst the flames and pulled Heliodorus unto him,
into the fire. Heliodorus was burnt up and Leo was unharmed. When he
reposed, it was found that from the Saint's relics flowed heavenly
myrrh. Holy Father Leo, pray to God for us!
Top Icon: of unknown
provenance, with Greek inscription.
Lower Icon: by the hand of
Nicholas Papas, Come And See Icons.
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