Lives of the Saints

Martyrs Menodora, Metrodora, and Nymphodora, at Nicomedia

Martyrs Menodora, Metrodora, and Nymphodora, at Nicomedia

The Holy Virgins Menodora, Nymphodora, and Metrodora (305-311), were sisters from Bithynia (Asia Minor). Distinguished for their special piety, they wanted to preserve their virginity and avoid worldly associations. They chose a solitary place for themselves in the wilderness and spent their lives…

Venerable Paul the Obedient, of the Kiev Caves

Venerable Paul the Obedient, of the Kiev Caves

Saint Paul the Obedient was an ascetic in the Far Caves at Kiev. Upon assuming the monastic schema at the monastery of the Caves, the monk underwent very burdensome obediences without a murmur, on which the monastery’s Superior had sent him. He was never idle, and when he was not at an…

Venerable Prince Andrew, in Monasticism Joasaph, of Kubensk, Vologda

Venerable Prince Andrew, in Monasticism Joasaph, of Kubensk, Vologda

Saint Joasaph of Kubensk, Wonderworker of Vologda, was baptized with the name Andrew. His parents, Prince Demetrius Vasilievich of Lesser Zaozersk (a descendant of holy Prince Theodore Rostislavich, of Smolensk and Yaroslavl), and Princess Maria, were known for their deep piety, which they imparted…

Holy Apostles of the 70 Apelles, Luke (Loukios), and Clement

Saint Apelles Saint Apelles was an important figure in the early Church, who labored diligently to spread the message of the Gospel. His zeal led him to Rome, where he became a support for the faithful. He knew the Apostle Paul, who mentioned him in the Epistle to the Romans (16:10): "Greet…

Martyr Barypsabas in Dalmatia

Martyr Barypsabas in Dalmatia

Saint Barypsabas (Βαρυψάβας) of Dalmatia was a hermit and a Martyr, the guardian of the blood of Christ. According to one source, a righteous man named Jacob, who was present at the crucifixion of the Savior, collected blood and water from the Lord’s side in a vessel made from a gourd.…

Right-Believing Pulcheria, Byzantine Empress

The Holy Right-Believing Empress Pulcheria, daughter of the Byzantine emperor Arcadius (395-408), was coregent and adviser of her brother Theodosius the Younger (408-450). She received a broad and well-rounded education, and distinguished herself by her wisdom and piety, firmly adhering to Orthodox…

Saints Peter and Paul, Bishops of Nicaea

Saints Peter and Paul were bishops at Nicea. Saint Peter defended the Orthodox Faith against the iconoclasts during the reign of Leo the Isaurian (813-820) and endured suffering for this. He died no earlier than the year 823. Four Letters of Saint Theodore the Studite to Saint Peter are known,…