The Holy Martyr Ignatius the God-Bearer

Icon from OrthodoxWiki allowed by St. Issac Skete (Wisconsin)

Ignatius was named “God-bearer” because he always carried the name of Jesus in his heart and on his lips. Tradition says that he was the child Jesus blessed (Matt 18:4). He was a disciple of the apostle John and Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna. As bishop of Antioch he introduced antiphonal singing into the Church. On his way to Rome in chains he visited and encouraged several churches and wrote seven letters. He was thrown to the lions in a Roman circus on December 20, 106.

Troparion (Tone 4)
By sharing in the ways of the Apostles,
you became a successor to their throne.
Through the practice of virtue, you found the way to divine contemplation,
O inspired one of God;
by teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith,
even to the shedding of your blood.
Hieromartyr Ignatius, entreat Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion (Tone 3)
The stirring celebration of your victorious fight
Is an announcement of the One who is to be born of the Virgin.
In your eagerness to possess Him forever,
You hastened to be devoured by the wild beasts.
Therefore, O glorious Ignatius, you were called the bearer of God!