Lives of the Saints

Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel

Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel

The Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel is celebrated on the day after the Annunciation, and a second time on July 13. It was instituted in the ninth century, perhaps to celebrate the dedication of a church at Constantinople. Originally, the Feast was observed on October 16 (Juan Mateos, Le Typikon De…

Venerable Stephen of Saint Savva Monastery

Venerable Stephen of Saint Savva Monastery

Saint Stephen of Saint Savva’s Monastery, the nephew of Saint John of Damascus (December 4), was born in the year 725. When he was ten years old he entered the Lavra of Saint Savva the Sanctified (December 5) and was tonsured as a monk. He spent his whole life at this monastery, sometimes…

Saint Julian, Bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans), Gaul

Saint Julian, Bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans), Gaul

Saint Julian, Bishop of Cenomanis, was elevated to bishop by the Apostle Peter. Some believe that he is the same person as Simon the Leper (Mark 14:3), receiving the name Julian in Baptism. The Apostle Peter sent Saint Julian to preach the Gospel in Gaul. He arrived in Cenomanis (the region of the…

Martyr Serapion

The Holy Martyr Serapion, suffered for Christ before the Emperor Severus (193-211). As a Christian he was brought to judgment before the governor Achilles. The holy martyr firmly proclaimed to the pagans his faith in Christ, and he was subjected to inhuman torments. Afterwards, he was thrown into…

Martyr Marcian of Iconium

The Holy Martyr Marcian, a native of Lycian Iconium, while still at a youthful age converted many to Christ by his fiery preaching. For his zeal the idol-worshippers subjected the saint to bodily punishment, and then sent him to Cappadocia to the governor Perennias. By persuasion and threats, he…

“It Is Truly Meet” (“Axion Estin”) Icon of the Mother of God

“It Is Truly Meet” (“Axion Estin”) Icon of the Mother of God

The “It is Truly Meet” Icon of the Mother of God is in the high place of the altar of the cathedral church of the Karyes monastery on Mount Athos. One Saturday night an Elder went to Karyes for the all-night Vigil. He left, instructing his disciple to remain behind and read the service…

Saint Just of Penwith

Saint Just of Penwith

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Virgin Abbess Sarah of Sketis in Libya

Virgin Abbess Sarah of Sketis in Libya

It is written in The Paradise of the Fathers that Mother Sarah spoke these words: “If I were to ask God that all people might be built up through me, I would be found expressing contrition at the door of each one who repents. But I pray to God especially that my heart may be pure with Him and…