Saint Narcissus, Bishop of Jerusalem

Saint Narcissus (Nárcissus) was the thirtieth (or thirty-first) Bishop of Jerusalem after Saint James the Brother of the Lord (October 23). He was a temperate, philanthropic, instructive, and uncompromising man in the performance of his duties, without being hindered by his enemies. The Church historian Eusebius describes two miraculous events (History of the Church, Book 6, 9.8).

On the night of Pascha, the lamps of the church ran out of oil, and the entire congregation was distressed by this. Saint Narcissus told the deacons to bring him water. After praying over the water, the Bishop instructed them to pour the water into the lamps, and to trust in the Lord. They obeyed him without question, and found that the water had been turned into oil. Many of those present kept some of the oil in remembrance of this miracle.

Although most of his flock loved their Archpastor, the Saint's energy and conscientiousness as a bishop disturbed some who were not as attentive to their own duties. Knowing that they were guilty of many transgressions, they feared that these might be discovered, and that they would be punished. To avoid this, they brought various accusations against the Hierarch. In order to convince people that they spoke the truth, they swore oaths. The first said, 'If this is not true, may I be burnt to death." Another said, "May my body be wasted by leprosy." A third said, "May I lose my sight."

None of the faithful believed these malicious lies, for they knew of the Saint's character and integrity. The blameless one, however, was so distressed by their contemptible allegations, that he went to a remote desert, remaining there for several years. It was not long before the Lord justified His faithful servant and punished those false witnesses as they deserved. The first perjurer's house caught fire during the night from a small spark which landed on the roof. That man and his family were were burnt to ashes. The second was stricken by the very disease that he had named, and so his entire body, from head to toe, was ravaged by it. Seeing what had happened to the others, and realizing that he could not escape God's judgment, the third prevaricator publicly confessed his part in the intrigue. He exhausted himself with lamentations and a flood of tears, so much so that he lost the sight in both eyes. This was the price these evil men paid for their lies.

So that the Church of Jerusalem would not remain without an Archpastor, the neighboring bishops of the province, appointed Pius, and then Germanion, who reposed after a short time, and was succeeded by Gordius. While the latter occupied the See, Saint Narcissus appeared again like one from the dead. All the faithful rejoiced at his return, and after he was vindicated, they begged him to resume his office. He agreed, but later, due to his advanced age, he made Saint Alexander (May 16) his vicar. Thus, Saint Narcissus ascended the throne twice, serving as Bishop of Jerusalem for a total of 26 years. He reposed peacefully at the age of 116.

This Saint Narcissus should not be confused with Saint Narcissus of the 70, Bishop of Athens (October 31).