Saint Philaret the Merciful
A rich landowner in the eighth century, Saint Philaret, as a result of his constant almsgiving, became utterly destitute. Not afraid of poverty, he continued his charitable works with trust in the Lord, paying no attention to the disapproval of his wife and children. After giving away his last animals to those in need, Philaret was left hungry in an empty house. But God did not abandon the righteous man, and when Empress Irene searched the empire to find the best wife for her son Constantine, they found Philaret's very beautiful and modest granddaughter, Maria. The Emperor married her and brought Philaret and his family to Constantinople, showering them with wealth and honor. Philaret, shunning pride in his change of fortune, performed even greater deeds of charity and then went to a monastery and gave his soul to God. At his repose, his face shone like the sun and a sweet fragrance rose from his body. A demoniac was healed at his funeral and miracles were worked over his relics.
A rich landowner in the eighth century, Saint Philaret, as a result of his constant almsgiving, became utterly destitute. Not afraid of poverty, he continued his charitable works with trust in the Lord, paying no attention to the disapproval of his wife and children. After giving away his last animals to those in need, Philaret was left hungry in an empty house. But God did not abandon the righteous man, and when Empress Irene searched the empire to find the best wife for her son Constantine, they found Philaret's very beautiful and modest granddaughter, Maria. The Emperor married her and brought Philaret and his family to Constantinople, showering them with wealth and honor. Philaret, shunning pride in his change of fortune, performed even greater deeds of charity and then went to a monastery and gave his soul to God. At his repose, his face shone like the sun and a sweet fragrance rose from his body. A demoniac was healed at his funeral and miracles were worked over his relics.
Saint Ise, Bishop of Tsilkani
One of the 13 Syrian monks who brought monasticism to Georgia in the sixth century, Saint Ise (Jesse) converted many people to Christ and was known for his spiritual feats and miracles. Born in Antioch to a pious Christian family, he was drawn to the spiritual life from an early age. He became a monk and a disciple of Saint John of Zedazeni, who, commanded by the Mother of God, chose Ise and 11 other monks to journey with him to Georgia to strengthen the Faith in that land. Dwelling in the ruins of a pagan temple, they taught the people, provided an example of sanctity, and healed the sick. Ise was chosen to bring order to the diocese of Tsilkani, where he established the Church amidst rampant paganism. Attaining great gifts of prayer and wonderworking, he set off to preach to the peoples of the Caucasus, evangelizing in the ravines and rocky crags with the Gospel and Cross in hand. At his end, he gathered his flock, communed the Holy Mysteries, and offered his soul to the Lord.
One of the 13 Syrian monks who brought monasticism to Georgia in the sixth century, Saint Ise (Jesse) converted many people to Christ and was known for his spiritual feats and miracles. Born in Antioch to a pious Christian family, he was drawn to the spiritual life from an early age. He became a monk and a disciple of Saint John of Zedazeni, who, commanded by the Mother of God, chose Ise and 11 other monks to journey with him to Georgia to strengthen the Faith in that land. Dwelling in the ruins of a pagan temple, they taught the people, provided an example of sanctity, and healed the sick. Ise was chosen to bring order to the diocese of Tsilkani, where he established the Church amidst rampant paganism. Attaining great gifts of prayer and wonderworking, he set off to preach to the peoples of the Caucasus, evangelizing in the ravines and rocky crags with the Gospel and Cross in hand. At his end, he gathered his flock, communed the Holy Mysteries, and offered his soul to the Lord.
Saint John the Silent
Born in Nicopolis in 454, the son of a military commander, John studied noscripture from an early age and loved silence and prayer. With his inheritance, he built a church to the Mother of God and became a monk at 18, cleansing his heart with tears, prayer and fasting. At 28, he was made bishop of Colonia, but soon abandoned the episcopal throne and went to the monastery of Saint Sava near Jerusalem, disguised as a simple monk. He remained unknown for a few years, performing every obedience the abbot gave him. When Saint Sava suggested that he be ordained a priest, John confessed that he was a bishop. He shut himself in his cell and spent years in silence and prayer and then spent a decade in the desert, living on wild herbs. He returned to wrest the faithful from the heresy of Origen, making a great contribution to its condemnation. Saint John perceived the spiritual realm with clarity, worked many miracles, healed the sick, easily subdued demons, and reposed in peace at the age of 104.
Born in Nicopolis in 454, the son of a military commander, John studied noscripture from an early age and loved silence and prayer. With his inheritance, he built a church to the Mother of God and became a monk at 18, cleansing his heart with tears, prayer and fasting. At 28, he was made bishop of Colonia, but soon abandoned the episcopal throne and went to the monastery of Saint Sava near Jerusalem, disguised as a simple monk. He remained unknown for a few years, performing every obedience the abbot gave him. When Saint Sava suggested that he be ordained a priest, John confessed that he was a bishop. He shut himself in his cell and spent years in silence and prayer and then spent a decade in the desert, living on wild herbs. He returned to wrest the faithful from the heresy of Origen, making a great contribution to its condemnation. Saint John perceived the spiritual realm with clarity, worked many miracles, healed the sick, easily subdued demons, and reposed in peace at the age of 104.
Saint John of Damascus
Born to a Christian family in Syria circa 680, John and his brother Cosmas were tutored by a former slave monk and John, like his father, became chief minister to the Caliph. Because of his writings in defense of the veneration of icons, John was maligned by the heretical Emperor and the Caliph cut off his right hand. John fell down in prayer before an icon of the Mother of God and his hand was miraculously rejoined. The Caliph apologized but John gave up his position, gave all his riches to the poor, and traveled to Jerusalem with his brother where they joined the monastery of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified. As a monk, John excelled in humility and obedience. He composed and compiled great works of hymnography, wrote many profoundly inspired theological works, and denounced the iconoclast heresy at the Council of Constantinople in 754 - for which he was imprisoned and tortured. He reposed peacefully in the Lord at the age of 104 and is numbered among the greatest Fathers of the Church.
Born to a Christian family in Syria circa 680, John and his brother Cosmas were tutored by a former slave monk and John, like his father, became chief minister to the Caliph. Because of his writings in defense of the veneration of icons, John was maligned by the heretical Emperor and the Caliph cut off his right hand. John fell down in prayer before an icon of the Mother of God and his hand was miraculously rejoined. The Caliph apologized but John gave up his position, gave all his riches to the poor, and traveled to Jerusalem with his brother where they joined the monastery of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified. As a monk, John excelled in humility and obedience. He composed and compiled great works of hymnography, wrote many profoundly inspired theological works, and denounced the iconoclast heresy at the Council of Constantinople in 754 - for which he was imprisoned and tortured. He reposed peacefully in the Lord at the age of 104 and is numbered among the greatest Fathers of the Church.
Saint Sabbas the Sanctified
Born in fifth century Cappadocia to pious Christian parents, he entered a monastery when he was eight years old and learned to read and mastered the Holy Scriptures. At 17 he became a monk. He traveled to Jerusalem and came under the guidance of Saint Euthymius the Great, who called called Sabbas a young elder and often took him into the deep wilderness with him. Sabbas lived a cenobitic life in obedience until 30 and then lived in a cave in isolation for five years. He attained perfection through prayer and fasting and was given the gift of wonderworking. After his elder reposed, disciples began to gather around Sabbas and a pillar of fire led the saint to a spacious cave in the form of a church and he began his first monastery. In his long and fruitful life, Saint Sabbas founded seven monasteries, battled demons and heretics, worked many miracles, guided emperors and patriarchs, composed the first monastic rule of services, the Jerusalem Typikon, and entered into rest at age 94.
Born in fifth century Cappadocia to pious Christian parents, he entered a monastery when he was eight years old and learned to read and mastered the Holy Scriptures. At 17 he became a monk. He traveled to Jerusalem and came under the guidance of Saint Euthymius the Great, who called called Sabbas a young elder and often took him into the deep wilderness with him. Sabbas lived a cenobitic life in obedience until 30 and then lived in a cave in isolation for five years. He attained perfection through prayer and fasting and was given the gift of wonderworking. After his elder reposed, disciples began to gather around Sabbas and a pillar of fire led the saint to a spacious cave in the form of a church and he began his first monastery. In his long and fruitful life, Saint Sabbas founded seven monasteries, battled demons and heretics, worked many miracles, guided emperors and patriarchs, composed the first monastic rule of services, the Jerusalem Typikon, and entered into rest at age 94.
Saint Nicholas, Wonderworker of Myra
Saint Nicholas was born in third century Lycia. From infancy he worked miracles, healing his mother of illness and refusing milk on fast days until after evening prayers. Trained by his uncle, the Bishop of Patara, he was tonsured a monk and ordained a priest. He gave all his inheritance to the poor and was known for his kindheartedness. Nicholas attempted a life of solitude but God instructed him to work among the people and he was chosen as archbishop of Myra. Often helping the faithful in secret and considered a saint in his own lifetime, he was imprisoned during the persecution until Saint Constantine returned him to his flock. In his zeal to defend the Faith, Saint Nicholas struck the heretic Arius with his hand and was removed from his duties until a vision of the Lord Jesus Christ convinced the hierarchs that he had pleased God. Nicholas saved multiple men from unjust death sentences and upon the saint's repose in 343, his relics flowed a miraculous healing myrrh.
Saint Nicholas was born in third century Lycia. From infancy he worked miracles, healing his mother of illness and refusing milk on fast days until after evening prayers. Trained by his uncle, the Bishop of Patara, he was tonsured a monk and ordained a priest. He gave all his inheritance to the poor and was known for his kindheartedness. Nicholas attempted a life of solitude but God instructed him to work among the people and he was chosen as archbishop of Myra. Often helping the faithful in secret and considered a saint in his own lifetime, he was imprisoned during the persecution until Saint Constantine returned him to his flock. In his zeal to defend the Faith, Saint Nicholas struck the heretic Arius with his hand and was removed from his duties until a vision of the Lord Jesus Christ convinced the hierarchs that he had pleased God. Nicholas saved multiple men from unjust death sentences and upon the saint's repose in 343, his relics flowed a miraculous healing myrrh.
Saint Nilus of Stolobnoye
Saint Nilus was born in a small village in Novgorod in the late 15th century and orphaned at an early age. He was tonsured at the monastery of Saint Sava of Krypetsk. After a decade of ascetic struggle, he set out for the River Sereml, where he lived for 13 years, surviving on plants and ceaselessly warring against demons. Locals flocked to the monk for instruction but he prayed to God for silence. A voice told him to go to the island of Stolobnoye on Lake Seliger. He traveled there and loved the beauty of the dense forest. He dug a cave in a small hill and built a hut. Nilus practiced hesychia, strict fasting, and only slept briefly while sitting up. His pious life roused the enemy: an arsonist burned the woods around his hut, but his dwelling was protected. Another time, robbers broke into his hut but they were blinded and wept in repentance before an icon of the Theotokos. Saint Nilus dug his own grave, placed a coffin in it, and prayed there every day until his repose in 1554.
Saint Nilus was born in a small village in Novgorod in the late 15th century and orphaned at an early age. He was tonsured at the monastery of Saint Sava of Krypetsk. After a decade of ascetic struggle, he set out for the River Sereml, where he lived for 13 years, surviving on plants and ceaselessly warring against demons. Locals flocked to the monk for instruction but he prayed to God for silence. A voice told him to go to the island of Stolobnoye on Lake Seliger. He traveled there and loved the beauty of the dense forest. He dug a cave in a small hill and built a hut. Nilus practiced hesychia, strict fasting, and only slept briefly while sitting up. His pious life roused the enemy: an arsonist burned the woods around his hut, but his dwelling was protected. Another time, robbers broke into his hut but they were blinded and wept in repentance before an icon of the Theotokos. Saint Nilus dug his own grave, placed a coffin in it, and prayed there every day until his repose in 1554.
Saint Patapios of Thebes
Patapios was born in the 7th century to pious parents in the Egyptian city of Thebes. At an early age he perceived and abhorred the vanity of the world and withdrew into the wilderness, devoting himself to asceticism, cleansing his heart of earthly desires for the sake of God's love. When his virtues became known, people began to flock to him, seeking solace in their sufferings. Fearing the praise of men, Patapios fled to Constantinople, thinking he could hide more easily in the city. He built a hut near the Church of Blachernae and continued his eremetic life. But a blind child was providentially led to Patapios and begged the saint to pray that he might see God's creation. Having compassion on the child, Patapios prayed and his sight was restored. The miracle revealed God's servant to the entire city and people rushed to him for healing, comfort and instruction. Saint Patapios worked countless miracles, all through prayer in the name of Christ and by the sign of the precious Cross.
Patapios was born in the 7th century to pious parents in the Egyptian city of Thebes. At an early age he perceived and abhorred the vanity of the world and withdrew into the wilderness, devoting himself to asceticism, cleansing his heart of earthly desires for the sake of God's love. When his virtues became known, people began to flock to him, seeking solace in their sufferings. Fearing the praise of men, Patapios fled to Constantinople, thinking he could hide more easily in the city. He built a hut near the Church of Blachernae and continued his eremetic life. But a blind child was providentially led to Patapios and begged the saint to pray that he might see God's creation. Having compassion on the child, Patapios prayed and his sight was restored. The miracle revealed God's servant to the entire city and people rushed to him for healing, comfort and instruction. Saint Patapios worked countless miracles, all through prayer in the name of Christ and by the sign of the precious Cross.
Holy Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes and Eugraphos
When Emperor Maximian sent the nobleman Menas to quell rioting between pagans and Christians in Alexandria, Menas restored the peace and then publicly declared himself a Christian and brought many pagans to Christ. The eparch Hermogenes was sent to punish Menas and suppress the Christians. Menas was brought to trial, his feet and tongue cut off and his eyes gouged out. In prison, an angel healed him and consoled him. Seeing this miracle, Hermogenes was baptized, preached the mighty Faith of Christ, and was made Bishop of Alexandria. Furious, Maximian traveled to Alexandria to torture the saints personally, which they endured courageously. Eugraphos, Menas' secretary, shouted in Maximian's face: I too am a Christian! In a rage, the emperor stabbed Eugraphos to death, and then ordered the beheading of Menas and Hermogenes. The saints' remains were cast into the sea but miraculously arrived in Constantinople, where they were buried and a church was built over them.
When Emperor Maximian sent the nobleman Menas to quell rioting between pagans and Christians in Alexandria, Menas restored the peace and then publicly declared himself a Christian and brought many pagans to Christ. The eparch Hermogenes was sent to punish Menas and suppress the Christians. Menas was brought to trial, his feet and tongue cut off and his eyes gouged out. In prison, an angel healed him and consoled him. Seeing this miracle, Hermogenes was baptized, preached the mighty Faith of Christ, and was made Bishop of Alexandria. Furious, Maximian traveled to Alexandria to torture the saints personally, which they endured courageously. Eugraphos, Menas' secretary, shouted in Maximian's face: I too am a Christian! In a rage, the emperor stabbed Eugraphos to death, and then ordered the beheading of Menas and Hermogenes. The saints' remains were cast into the sea but miraculously arrived in Constantinople, where they were buried and a church was built over them.
Saint Daniel the Stylite
Born to a long-barren mother who vowed to dedicate her child to God, Saint Daniel became a monk at 12. He received the blessing of Saint Simeon the Stylite, who foretold the young monastic would also become a pillar dweller. Desirous of solitude, Daniel left the monastery and settled in an abandoned pagan temple by the Black Sea. He endured countless assaults from demons, but prevailed by perseverance, prayer and the sign of the Cross. He climbed up on a pillar and remained there until his death, enduring heat and cold, and attacks from both men and demons. Many disciples gathered around Daniel and he directed them to eternal life by his example, his words, and miracles. Emperor Leo the Great brought foreign princes and noblemen to Saint Daniel, saying: Behold, the wonder of my kingdom! At the time of his repose, Daniel's disciples witnessed angels, prophets, apostles and martyrs above his pillar. Having lived 80 years, this angelic man entered the Kingdom of Christ in 489 AD.
Born to a long-barren mother who vowed to dedicate her child to God, Saint Daniel became a monk at 12. He received the blessing of Saint Simeon the Stylite, who foretold the young monastic would also become a pillar dweller. Desirous of solitude, Daniel left the monastery and settled in an abandoned pagan temple by the Black Sea. He endured countless assaults from demons, but prevailed by perseverance, prayer and the sign of the Cross. He climbed up on a pillar and remained there until his death, enduring heat and cold, and attacks from both men and demons. Many disciples gathered around Daniel and he directed them to eternal life by his example, his words, and miracles. Emperor Leo the Great brought foreign princes and noblemen to Saint Daniel, saying: Behold, the wonder of my kingdom! At the time of his repose, Daniel's disciples witnessed angels, prophets, apostles and martyrs above his pillar. Having lived 80 years, this angelic man entered the Kingdom of Christ in 489 AD.
Saint Spyridon, Wonderworker of Cyprus
Saint Spyridon was born on Cyprus to a farming family at the end of the third century. A simple shepherd, he married in his youth and had children, but when his wife died he devoted himself completely to God. Because of his exceptional piety, he was chosen as bishop of the city of Tremithus. As bishop he continued his humble way of living, raising livestock and cultivating the land. He kept very little of the fruits of his labor and gave most to the poor. Through God's power he worked great miracles: bringing rain in time of drought, stopping the flow of a river, raising people from the dead, healing Emperor Constantius of grave illness, seeing and hearing angels of God, seeing the future, smashing idols by his very presence, and bringing many souls to Christ. At the Council of Nicaea in 325, Spyridon valiantly corrected many heretics through his clear expositions of the Faith and by his mighty miracles. Saint Spyridon peacefully reposed in the Lord in the year 348.
Saint Spyridon was born on Cyprus to a farming family at the end of the third century. A simple shepherd, he married in his youth and had children, but when his wife died he devoted himself completely to God. Because of his exceptional piety, he was chosen as bishop of the city of Tremithus. As bishop he continued his humble way of living, raising livestock and cultivating the land. He kept very little of the fruits of his labor and gave most to the poor. Through God's power he worked great miracles: bringing rain in time of drought, stopping the flow of a river, raising people from the dead, healing Emperor Constantius of grave illness, seeing and hearing angels of God, seeing the future, smashing idols by his very presence, and bringing many souls to Christ. At the Council of Nicaea in 325, Spyridon valiantly corrected many heretics through his clear expositions of the Faith and by his mighty miracles. Saint Spyridon peacefully reposed in the Lord in the year 348.
Saint Herman of Alaska
Saint Herman, born in 1751 near Moscow to a peasant family, became a great ascetic and servant of God, joining the first Orthodox Christian mission to North America. In his youth, he learned from a wise elder in his cell and was miraculously healed of a deadly illness, leaving doctors in awe. After military service, he was tonsured at Valaam monastery and 11 years later was chosen to join a mission to the Russian colony in Alaska. After nine months of dangerous seafaring, Herman and nine other monks arrived at Kodiak and brought thousands of natives to Christ and built a school, a church and a monastery. Defending the natives from vicious exploitation, the monks came under persecution. Herman relocated to the wilderness of Spruce Island where he spent 40 years raising Aleut orphans. He ate very little, wore a heavy iron cross and chains under his clothes, and used a wooden board and two bricks as his blanket and pillow. Cherished by all who knew him, Saint Herman joined Christ in 1836.
Saint Herman, born in 1751 near Moscow to a peasant family, became a great ascetic and servant of God, joining the first Orthodox Christian mission to North America. In his youth, he learned from a wise elder in his cell and was miraculously healed of a deadly illness, leaving doctors in awe. After military service, he was tonsured at Valaam monastery and 11 years later was chosen to join a mission to the Russian colony in Alaska. After nine months of dangerous seafaring, Herman and nine other monks arrived at Kodiak and brought thousands of natives to Christ and built a school, a church and a monastery. Defending the natives from vicious exploitation, the monks came under persecution. Herman relocated to the wilderness of Spruce Island where he spent 40 years raising Aleut orphans. He ate very little, wore a heavy iron cross and chains under his clothes, and used a wooden board and two bricks as his blanket and pillow. Cherished by all who knew him, Saint Herman joined Christ in 1836.
Holy Martyrs Philemon, Apollonius and Arianus
During the reign of Diocletian in the Egyptian city of Antinoe, the judge Arianus cruelly persecuted Christians. He seized Apollonius and threatened him with torture. Apollonius, fearing to suffer, asked the pagan musician Philemon to wear his clothes and offer sacrifice to the idols in his place. When Philemon appeared before the idols, the light of Christ suddenly shone in his heart and he made the sign of the Cross. Leaving the temple, he shouted I am a Christian! A servant of Christ the Living God! The judge laughed, thinking he was mocking Christians. Rain fell from heaven, baptizing Philemon. Apollonius repented of his worldly fear and was brought to trial along with Philemon. Both confessed Christ and were tortured and beheaded. Healed miraculously at the saints' martyrdom, their persecutor Arianus repented and was baptized along with his family and bodyguards. Out of love for Christ, Arianus and four soldiers voluntarily went to their torture and death.
During the reign of Diocletian in the Egyptian city of Antinoe, the judge Arianus cruelly persecuted Christians. He seized Apollonius and threatened him with torture. Apollonius, fearing to suffer, asked the pagan musician Philemon to wear his clothes and offer sacrifice to the idols in his place. When Philemon appeared before the idols, the light of Christ suddenly shone in his heart and he made the sign of the Cross. Leaving the temple, he shouted I am a Christian! A servant of Christ the Living God! The judge laughed, thinking he was mocking Christians. Rain fell from heaven, baptizing Philemon. Apollonius repented of his worldly fear and was brought to trial along with Philemon. Both confessed Christ and were tortured and beheaded. Healed miraculously at the saints' martyrdom, their persecutor Arianus repented and was baptized along with his family and bodyguards. Out of love for Christ, Arianus and four soldiers voluntarily went to their torture and death.
Holy Hieromartyr Hilarion
Saint Hilarion Troitsky was born in 1886 to a priest’s family in the Tula Province of Russia. He was an inspired theologian who burned with great love for Christ and His Church, for which he gave all of his life. In 1913, he was tonsured a monk, ordained a hieromonk, received his master’s degree, and became a professor. Cheerful and sincere, Hilarion was an excellent orator, singer, and polemicist. When the Bolshevik persecution began, Hilarion was arrested. He spent three months in jail and upon release was made Bishop of Verey. He was then exiled for one year and made Archbishop upon his return. Continuing to defend the Church, he was sentenced to three years at the former Solovki monastery, then turned into a prison camp. He endured his trials with great faith and joy, seeing an opportunity to develop virtue. Rejecting an offer by the secret police to betray the Church, his sentence was doubled. Finally exiled to Central Asia, Saint Hilarion succumbed to typhus at age 43 in 1929.
Saint Hilarion Troitsky was born in 1886 to a priest’s family in the Tula Province of Russia. He was an inspired theologian who burned with great love for Christ and His Church, for which he gave all of his life. In 1913, he was tonsured a monk, ordained a hieromonk, received his master’s degree, and became a professor. Cheerful and sincere, Hilarion was an excellent orator, singer, and polemicist. When the Bolshevik persecution began, Hilarion was arrested. He spent three months in jail and upon release was made Bishop of Verey. He was then exiled for one year and made Archbishop upon his return. Continuing to defend the Church, he was sentenced to three years at the former Solovki monastery, then turned into a prison camp. He endured his trials with great faith and joy, seeing an opportunity to develop virtue. Rejecting an offer by the secret police to betray the Church, his sentence was doubled. Finally exiled to Central Asia, Saint Hilarion succumbed to typhus at age 43 in 1929.
Holy Martyr Sebastian
Saint Sebastian was the captain of Diocletian’s imperial guard. Favored by the emperor and beloved by his soldiers, he kept his Christian Faith secret in order to help the brethren under persecution. He saved Christians from torture and death and when unable to do so, he urged them to die for Christ. Two imprisoned brothers, Marcus and Marcellinus, on the verge of losing faith, were strengthened and encouraged to martyrdom by Sebastian. As he spoke, his face was illumined. Angels clothed him in a radiant garment and a voice said You shall be with Me always. Sebastian healed the jailer’s wife and several others and brought them, along with all the prisoners, to baptism. He then healed the governor Chromatus, who was also baptized. Condemned by Diocletian, Sebastian was tied to a tree, shot through with arrows, and left for dead. But soon he reappeared, alive and well, denouncing the Emperor for his impiety. Clubbed to death, Saint Sebastian suffered gloriously for Christ in the year 287.
Saint Sebastian was the captain of Diocletian’s imperial guard. Favored by the emperor and beloved by his soldiers, he kept his Christian Faith secret in order to help the brethren under persecution. He saved Christians from torture and death and when unable to do so, he urged them to die for Christ. Two imprisoned brothers, Marcus and Marcellinus, on the verge of losing faith, were strengthened and encouraged to martyrdom by Sebastian. As he spoke, his face was illumined. Angels clothed him in a radiant garment and a voice said You shall be with Me always. Sebastian healed the jailer’s wife and several others and brought them, along with all the prisoners, to baptism. He then healed the governor Chromatus, who was also baptized. Condemned by Diocletian, Sebastian was tied to a tree, shot through with arrows, and left for dead. But soon he reappeared, alive and well, denouncing the Emperor for his impiety. Clubbed to death, Saint Sebastian suffered gloriously for Christ in the year 287.
Holy Martyr Boniface
Boniface was the slave of a rich Roman woman named Aglaida and dwelt with her in iniquitous cohabitation. A pagan, Aglaida desired the relics of a Christian martyr as protection against evil, and sent Boniface to retrieve some from amidst a terrible persecution. In Tarsus, Boniface witnessed Christians undergoing extreme tortures but their faces were radiant with Grace. His heart was changed and he repented with many tears. He called to the martyrs, proclaiming Christ. Taken for interrogation and refusing to sacrifice to idols, Boniface was whipped and had boiling lead poured down his throat and, as this did him no harm, he was beheaded. His body was returned to Rome and an angel came to Aglaida, informing her that her former servant was now the servant of Christ and the guardian of her life. Aglaida built a church and placed the martyr's relics there. She gave her wealth to the poor and withdrew from the world, living another 15 years in penitence and was buried next to Saint Boniface.
Boniface was the slave of a rich Roman woman named Aglaida and dwelt with her in iniquitous cohabitation. A pagan, Aglaida desired the relics of a Christian martyr as protection against evil, and sent Boniface to retrieve some from amidst a terrible persecution. In Tarsus, Boniface witnessed Christians undergoing extreme tortures but their faces were radiant with Grace. His heart was changed and he repented with many tears. He called to the martyrs, proclaiming Christ. Taken for interrogation and refusing to sacrifice to idols, Boniface was whipped and had boiling lead poured down his throat and, as this did him no harm, he was beheaded. His body was returned to Rome and an angel came to Aglaida, informing her that her former servant was now the servant of Christ and the guardian of her life. Aglaida built a church and placed the martyr's relics there. She gave her wealth to the poor and withdrew from the world, living another 15 years in penitence and was buried next to Saint Boniface.
Holy Hieromartyr Ignatius the Godbearer
According to tradition, Saint Ignatius was the little child that Christ held in his arms when He said Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven [Matthew 18:4]. Ignatius was a disciple of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John and became the second Bishop of Antioch. He governed the Church as a good shepherd and was the first to introduce antiphonal chanting with two alternating choirs, a method revealed to him by angels. When the Christ-hating Emperor Trajan passed through Antioch, he offered to make Ignatius a senator if only he would sacrifice to idols. Rejecting the blasphemy, Ignatius was shackled and sent to Rome to be thrown to wild beasts. Rejoicing in his suffering for the Lord, the saint prayed that nothing would interfere with his martyrdom. In the arena, the lions tore him to pieces leaving only his heart, upon which the pagans found inscribed in gold the Name: Jesus Christ. Saint Ignatius joined God in the year 107.
According to tradition, Saint Ignatius was the little child that Christ held in his arms when He said Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven [Matthew 18:4]. Ignatius was a disciple of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John and became the second Bishop of Antioch. He governed the Church as a good shepherd and was the first to introduce antiphonal chanting with two alternating choirs, a method revealed to him by angels. When the Christ-hating Emperor Trajan passed through Antioch, he offered to make Ignatius a senator if only he would sacrifice to idols. Rejecting the blasphemy, Ignatius was shackled and sent to Rome to be thrown to wild beasts. Rejoicing in his suffering for the Lord, the saint prayed that nothing would interfere with his martyrdom. In the arena, the lions tore him to pieces leaving only his heart, upon which the pagans found inscribed in gold the Name: Jesus Christ. Saint Ignatius joined God in the year 107.
Holy Virgin Martyr Juliana and 630 Martyrs with her
Juliana was born to a pagan family in third century Nicomedia. She had a profound intellect and goodness of soul, seeing through the delusion of the pagan faith and secretly accepting holy baptism. As a child, Juliana was betrothed to Eleusius, the eparch of the city, but when the time of marriage approached, she revealed that she was a Christian and could not marry him unless he accepted Christ. Refusing to change her mind, Juliana was viciously whipped before a large crowd, but after each beating she was miraculously healed and gained new strength from God. Witnessing the steadfastness and courage of the holy virgin healed from her wounds, 500 men and 130 women confessed Christ. They were all beheaded and baptized in their own blood. Juliana was sentenced to death, which she accepted with joy and glorified the Lord for allowing her to receive a martyr's crown. Eleusius was later shipwrecked and swam to an island where he was torn to pieces by wild dogs.
Juliana was born to a pagan family in third century Nicomedia. She had a profound intellect and goodness of soul, seeing through the delusion of the pagan faith and secretly accepting holy baptism. As a child, Juliana was betrothed to Eleusius, the eparch of the city, but when the time of marriage approached, she revealed that she was a Christian and could not marry him unless he accepted Christ. Refusing to change her mind, Juliana was viciously whipped before a large crowd, but after each beating she was miraculously healed and gained new strength from God. Witnessing the steadfastness and courage of the holy virgin healed from her wounds, 500 men and 130 women confessed Christ. They were all beheaded and baptized in their own blood. Juliana was sentenced to death, which she accepted with joy and glorified the Lord for allowing her to receive a martyr's crown. Eleusius was later shipwrecked and swam to an island where he was torn to pieces by wild dogs.
Saint Nikiforos the Leper
Baptized Nicholas, he was born in 1890 in a village in Crete to pious parents who died when he was young. He lived with his grandfather and went to work in a barbershop at 13. At 16, he first showed signs of leprosy. He fled to Egypt to avoid forced quarantine but his condition worsened and he was guided to a leper hospital on Chios run by Saint Anthimos in the manner of a monastery. After two years of obedience, constant prayer and austere fasting, he was tonsured into the angelic schema with the name Nikiforos. A master chanter, the contrast between his heavenly voice and his face, disfigured by lesions, frightened some. With endless patience and love for his neighbor, the saint was blessed with gifts of prophesy and consolation. Crowds gathered at his cell seeking his prayers and many miracles occurred toward the end of his life. Though his body was completely distorted by leprosy, he always smiled and praised God. He reposed in 1964 and his relics exuded a beautiful fragrance.
Baptized Nicholas, he was born in 1890 in a village in Crete to pious parents who died when he was young. He lived with his grandfather and went to work in a barbershop at 13. At 16, he first showed signs of leprosy. He fled to Egypt to avoid forced quarantine but his condition worsened and he was guided to a leper hospital on Chios run by Saint Anthimos in the manner of a monastery. After two years of obedience, constant prayer and austere fasting, he was tonsured into the angelic schema with the name Nikiforos. A master chanter, the contrast between his heavenly voice and his face, disfigured by lesions, frightened some. With endless patience and love for his neighbor, the saint was blessed with gifts of prophesy and consolation. Crowds gathered at his cell seeking his prayers and many miracles occurred toward the end of his life. Though his body was completely distorted by leprosy, he always smiled and praised God. He reposed in 1964 and his relics exuded a beautiful fragrance.
Holy Protomartyr Stephen
Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr and a kinsman of the Apostle Paul. One of the seven deacons ordained by the Holy Apostles, Stephen worked great miracles through his faith. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he daringly preached the Christian Way and defeated the jewish teachers of the Law, for which they falsely accused him of blasphemy. Saint Stephen stood before the people and all saw his face illumined with the light of Grace. In a fiery speech, he boldly denounced the jews for persecuting the prophets and murdering Jesus Christ. As he spoke, Stephen saw the heavens open and beheld the Glory of God (Acts 7:56). Then the jews dragged the holy martyr out of the city and stoned him to death while he prayed for them. The Mother of God, along with the Holy Apostle John, stood on a rock in the distance and witnessed this first martyrdom for the Truth of her Son and God, and she prayed for Saint Stephen. This occurred one year after the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.
Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr and a kinsman of the Apostle Paul. One of the seven deacons ordained by the Holy Apostles, Stephen worked great miracles through his faith. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he daringly preached the Christian Way and defeated the jewish teachers of the Law, for which they falsely accused him of blasphemy. Saint Stephen stood before the people and all saw his face illumined with the light of Grace. In a fiery speech, he boldly denounced the jews for persecuting the prophets and murdering Jesus Christ. As he spoke, Stephen saw the heavens open and beheld the Glory of God (Acts 7:56). Then the jews dragged the holy martyr out of the city and stoned him to death while he prayed for them. The Mother of God, along with the Holy Apostle John, stood on a rock in the distance and witnessed this first martyrdom for the Truth of her Son and God, and she prayed for Saint Stephen. This occurred one year after the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.