Commemoration Day: June 20 (July 3)
Biography
Methodius of Patara, Greek Μεθόδιος Πατάρων.
Information about the life of Methodius is extremely scanty. There is disagreement as to which see he occupied. Greek tradition considers him bishop of the city of Patara in Lycia. Jerome of Stridon, in his work "On Illustrious Men", writes that Methodius was "bishop of Olympus in Lycia, and afterwards of Tyre".
Methodius became known for his numerous theological works; he was the first to come out with a critique of the teaching of Origen. Leontius of Byzantium (7th century) counted Methodius among the famous teachers and Fathers of the Church who lived before the reign of Constantine the Great.
The works of Methodius are included in volume 18 of the Patrologia Graeca.
Hymnography
Troparion to the Hieromartyr Methodius, Bishop of Patara, Tone 1
Thy blood, O wise one, secretly crieth from the earth / like Abel's unto God, / O God-wise hierarch Methodius, / who clearly didst preach the incarnation of God. / Therefore thou didst put to shame the deceit of Origen, / and hast passed into the heavenly bridal chamber. / Pray to Christ God // that He save our souls.
Kontakion to the Hieromartyr Methodius, Bishop of Patara, Tone 4
Initiate into the mystery of the Holy Trinity, / preacher of the divine commandments that surpass understanding, / thou wast the confirmation of the Orthodox, O Methodius; / thou didst expose the teachings of evil repute, / and for the sake of the right faith didst become a hieromartyr by thy blood; / and standing before Christ with the angels, // pray that we be saved.