Lives of the Saints

5th Saturday of Great Lent: of the Akathist to the Theotokos

5th Saturday of Great Lent: of the Akathist to the Theotokos

On the Fifth Saturday of Great Lent, the Saturday of the Akathist, we commemorate the “Laudation of the Virgin” Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. In 625, when the emperor Heraclius was fighting the Persians, the Khan sent forces to attack Constantinople by land and by sea. Patriarch…

Hieromartyr Artemon of Laodikeia

Hieromartyr Artemon of Laodikeia

The Hieromartyr Artemon (Artémon) was born of Christian parents in Laodikeia (Laodίkeia), Syria in the III century. From his youth, he devoted himself to the service of the Church, and was a Reader for sixteen years. For his zeal, Bishop Sisίnnius ordained him as a Deacon. Saint Artemon also…

Martyr Crescens of Myra in Lycia

Martyr Crescens of Myra in Lycia

The Holy Martyr Crescens (Kreskes) was descended from an illustrious family and lived in Myra of Lycia. When a throng of city inhabitants were on the way to the pagan temple, he urged them to forsake paganism and come to Christ. This incident became known to the city prefect. When the prefect…

Martyr Thomais of Alexandria

Martyr Thomais of Alexandria

The Holy Martyr Thomais (Thomaίs) was born into a Christian family in the city of Alexandria. She was raised in piety, and loved to read spiritual books. When she was fifteen, Thomais married a fisherman, who was also a Christian. The young couple lived in the home of her husband’s family,…