Following Apostle Paul’s sermon, Dionysius embraced faith in the true God.
Today, we commemorate the holy martyr Dionysius the Areopagite.
The “Acts of the Apostles” in the Bible recounts Apostle Paul’s sermon in Athens, a city noted for its philosophers and pagan temples. Paul observed an altar inscribed with “To the Unknown God.” During a meeting of distinguished Athenians at the Areopagus, Athens’ supreme council, Paul proclaimed that he was there to speak about the God whom the Athenians unknowingly worshipped— the creator of the world who grants life and all things. He distinguished this omnipresent and almighty God from the lifeless idols they adored. He spoke about Christ’s resurrection, who preached repentance and eternal life and would judge the world.
Many Athenians were skeptical of this teaching. However, some believed Paul’s words and accepted faith in Jesus Christ, including Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus. Dionysius’ heart opened to faith after Paul’s sermon, and he and his entire household were baptized.
Dionysius later became a disciple and close companion of Paul, spending three years absorbing God’s word directly from him during a time when Christ’s teachings were orally transmitted from apostles to successors.
Paul soon appointed Dionysius as a bishop to preach in Athens. Dionysius also met other apostles and was present in Jerusalem at the Dormition of the Mother of God. Tradition holds that Dionysius preached in Gaul (modern France), endured suffering during Emperor Domitian’s persecution, and was eventually martyred by the sword in 96 AD.
Source: BTA, Prof. Ivan Zhelev
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