Lives of the Saints

Afterfeast of the Meeting of our Lord in the Temple

Afterfeast of the Meeting of our Lord in the Temple

The fourth day of the Afterfeast of the Meeting of the Lord falls on February 6.

Saint Bucolus, Bishop of Smyrna

Saint Bucolus, Bishop of Smyrna

Saint Bucolus, Bishop of Smyrna, was a disciple of the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, and became the first Bishop of Smyrna (Asia Minor). By the grace of God, Saint Bucolus converted many of the pagans to Christ and baptized them. As a wise and experienced guide, he defended his…

Saint Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople

Saint Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople

Saint Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople, “the Church’s far-gleaming beacon,” lived during the ninth century, and came from a family of zealous Christians. His father Sergius died as a martyr in defense of holy icons. Saint Photius received an excellent education and, since his…

Venerable Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet

Venerable Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet

Saints Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet lived during the sixth century during the reign of the emperor Justinian I (483-565). They lived in asceticism at the monastery of Abba Seridus in Palestine, near the city of Gaza. Saint Barsanuphius was born in Egypt (the year of his birth is…

Virgin Martyr Dorothy at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, and those with her

Virgin Martyr Dorothy at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, and those with her

The Holy Martyr Dorothy, the Martyrs Christina, Callista and the Martyr Theophilus lived in Caesarea of Cappadocia and suffered under the emperor Diocletian in either the year 288 or 300. Saint Dorothy was a pious Christian maiden, distinguished by her great beauty, humility, prudence, and…

Martyr Julian of Emesa

Martyr Julian of Emesa

The Holy Martyr Julian was a native of the Phoenician city of Emesa, and he suffered in the year 312 under the emperor Maximian. He was a skilled physician, and healed illnesses not only of the body but also of the soul, and he converted many people to faith in Christ the Savior. When they led…

Virgin Martyrs Martha and Mary, and their brother Lycarion, in Egypt

Virgin Martyrs Martha and Mary, and their brother Lycarion, in Egypt

The holy virgin martyrs Martha and Mary were sisters who lived in Asia Minor, and fervently desired to suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ. Once, a pagan military commander marched past their house. The sisters went out to him and loudly declared that they were Christians. At first the commander paid…

Saint Arsenius of Iqalto, Georgia

Saint Arsenius of Iqalto, Georgia

Saint Arsen of Iqalto was a translator, researcher, compiler of manuscripts, hymnographer, philosopher, and a great defender of the Georgian Christian Faith. His father was Ibadi Vachnadze, a wise, learned man and a fluent speaker of the Greek language. He directed the academy at Iqalto Monastery…