From the tribe of Judah, born in the village of Morisi. He was a contemporary of the prophets Isaiah, Amos and Hosea and the Judean kings Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. He denounced the vices of his people and false prophets. He foretold the destruction of Samaria. He also foretold the destruction of Jerusalem, which would come because its leaders took bribes, priests taught for a fee and prophets practiced divination for money. Of all his prophecies, the most important is about the Messiah, especially about the place of His birth. He indicated Bethlehem as the place where the Messiah would be born. It is not known for certain whether he was killed by the Jews or whether he peacefully passed away. But it is known that he was buried in his village. His relics were found, together with those of the prophet Habakkuk, during the time of Emperor Theodosius the Great.

Hieromartyr Marcellus, Bishop of Apamea. Assumption Lent.