Blessed Elesbaan, Emperor of what is now Ethiopia, lived during a time when Arabia was ruled by Dunaan, a cruel oppressor of Christians. Unable to bear the persecution of believers, Elesbaan declared war on Dunaan, but his first campaign failed. Seeking to understand his defeat, he visited the recluse Zenon, who revealed that his actions were driven by vengeance rather than righteousness, reminding him of the Lord’s words, “Vengeance is mine, I shall repay” (Hebrews 10:30). Zenon urged the Emperor to dedicate his life to God if he wished to gain victory and mercy.

Elesbaan vowed to serve the Lord, and in 520, he triumphed over Dunaan, capturing and executing him. Afterward, he sent his royal crown to Jerusalem to be hung near the Tomb of Christ as an offering. Keeping his vow, Elesbaan abdicated the throne and lived the next fifteen years in a monastery, devoting himself to fasting and prayer. He reposed in holiness around 553–555.

Troparion — Tone 4

The love of God led you to avenge the spilled blood of the righteous, / just as David did for Samuel, / and you received a prophecy from the renowned Zenon, / who foretold what was to occur; / with his blessing, and by the vow that you made, / you won a victory over your enemies, / after which, you abdicated your throne and went to a monastery, / where you spent your life in fasting. / O Blessed Elesbaan, entreat Christ the Heavenly King for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion — Tone 4

Rejecting the loftiness of an earthly kingdom, / and the glory of a crown and a mantle out of love for Christ the King, / He crowned you with glory in the Heavens, O wise Emperor Elesbaan. / You exchanged a corruptible and temporal kingdom for the Eternal Kingdom. / Therefore, we glorify you with hymns as a great intercessor for peace.