St. Mnason of Tamassos

"Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple", with whom Paul and his companions lodged on their last journey up to Jerusalem (Acts 21:16): Luke’s word marks a believer of the very first years. The Church of Cyprus remembers the rest. Born to a pagan family, he came to the faith in Rome through some of the Seventy, went to Jerusalem to receive the blessing of Peter and John, and returned to his island, where he lived with his teacher Herakleidios in a cave near Tamassos. When Herakleidios knew that his end was near he ordained Mnason bishop of Tamassos in his place, and Mnason shepherded it, teaching and healing, until he in turn named Rhodon to follow him. The see of Tamassos was restored in 2007, after eight centuries. Feast: October 19.