St. Olympias, Patron saint against punishing political enemies

The latest in our Saints for Current Times Series.

"For not having need of lances, or ramparts, or trenches, or towers, or 

materiel, or armies - but only with firm thinking, and an immovable soul, she confounds every 

human machination."

- St. John Chrysostom about St. Olympias

About St. Olympias:

Olympias, orphaned and then widowed, was offered many proposals to remarry, including one set up by the emperor. When she refused, the fortune left to her by her parents was taekn from her, until she fought for its return. She faced even more trials after befriending the archbishop John Chrysostom. he was unfairly and illegally exiled simply because the emperor did not agree with him. For her defense of him, her money was taken again, the religious community of women she founded was disbanded, and she was also exiled, twice. Both members of the devoted pair wrote letters encouraging each other until they died separately, still in exile.  

Reflect:

- If everyone around you believed exactly the same things, it is not only likely that someone is lying and secretly feels differently, but it is also true that harm could be done without anyone questioning it. It is fair to say our differences make us stronger and lead us to better understanding each other and humanity as a whole. So, when leaders disagree with other leaders, any attempts to silence the other voices or punish them for not agreeing can endanger us all. anyone who can act without being questioned can dictate what is allowed or not allowed, able to take anyone’s freedom in an instant.

- Can you put yourself in the shoes of a member of Olympias’ society? If the emperor had the power to silence you or send you away for disagreeing, would you remain quiet to avoid persecution?

- If you would not stay quiet because you firmly believed in your stance, how could you not, if you then became someone in power, tolerate the beliefs of all (aside from intolerance)?

- Anyone can look back on history today and see that what was done to Sts. John Chrysostom and Olympias was unfair. How could things have been different if the rulers were just and not tyrannical? Can you see why opposing voices are needed in places of power to be able to check each other, represent all ideas, and keep people free and safe?

Bonus:

Against Despair

The content of much of the letters between St. Olympias and St. John Chrysostom was about the despair that they both felt over the situation. They encouraged each other to stay strong and find joy, writing that they felt the fear of pain and death to be less fearsome than that of despair. they also saw staying strong and remaining joyful as a way to combat the harm done to them - a way to “win” the battle.

Are you despairing in your fight for justice and love, currently? Who can you reach out to that could provide you some support? A friend, a book, taking action with an organization? These saints spoke much of finding comfort in Jesus promising comfort and rewards to those who despair, but also provided that comfort for each other while still alive.

Do:

- write letters, protest, or share information about your desire to make sure that political opponents of those in power are not removed from office, threatened into agreement, or silenced. If in the U.S., mention the necessity of the checks and balances of the branches of government that were central to this country’s estblishment.

- examine the stories of those in history who were either “erased”, written out of, or had their stories edited because of opposing authoritarian regimes.

- Write notes to friends who share your ideas and encourage them. Write notes to friends who may not agree with you and seek to understand. 

-  journal about a time you stood up for yourself. How will you stay true to your beliefs in the future?

St. Olympias, Pray for those persecuted for not bowing to tyranny.