Lives of the Saints

Afterfeast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Afterfeast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

On December 30, the Afterfeast of the Nativity, let us offer thanks to Christ our God, Who is born of a Virgin for our salvation. As the days begin to grow longer, we recall that the Lord is also called the Sun of Righteousness, and enlightens those who were in darkness. At this season of the year…

Virgin Martyr Anysia at Thessalonica

Virgin Martyr Anysia at Thessalonica

The Holy Virgin Martyr Anysia lived in the city of Thessalonica during the reign of the the co-Emperor Maximian (286-305). Upon the death of her parents, who had raised her in Christian piety, Saint Anysia sold everything she owned, distributing her riches to the poor, and she began to lead a…

Martyr Zoticus the Keeper of Orphans

The Hieromartyr Zoticus, Protector of Orphans, an illustrious and rich Roman, was in the service of Saint Constantine the Great (306-337). When the emperor transferred the capital from Rome to Constantinople, Zoticus also moved there. Soon, however, spurning worldly honors, Zoticus was ordained to…

Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy

Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy

The Holy Apostle Timon was one of the seven deacons appointed by the Apostles (Acts 6:5) to minister to destitute Christian widows. Later, he was chosen bishop of the city of Bosra in Syria, where he led many to Christianity. He was thrown into a red-hot furnace and received the crown of martyrdom.…

Martyr Philetairus of Nicomedia

The Holy Martyr Philetairus of Nicomedia twice suffered torture for Christ: under the co-Emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (286-305). When Diocletian arrived in Nicomedia, Saint Philetairus, who was tall and handsome, was put on trial. Seeing him, the emperor compared him to one of the…

Venerable Theodora of Caesarea, in Cappadocia

Saint Theodora of Caesarea, living during the eighth century, was the daughter of the patrician Theophilus and his wife Theodora. Her parents for a long time had been childless, and grieved over this. They prayed and vowed that if a child were born to them, it would be dedicated to God. When their…

Venerable Theodora of Constantinople

Saint Theodora lived at Constantinople during the first half of the tenth century. She had been married, but was widowed early on and led a pious life, caring for the destitute and hopeless. Later, she became a nun and lived under the guidance of Saint Basil the New (March 26), living the monastic…

Opening of the relics of Saint Daniel of Pereyaslavl

Opening of the relics of Saint Daniel of Pereyaslavl

In 1652, after the appearance of Venerable Daniel to the novice John Daurov, his holy relics were recovered and found to be incorrupt. Then they were placed in the Monastery near the altar of Holy Trinity Cathedral. His relics were recovered on November 18, 1653, and they were authenticated by…