Synaxarion
11.02.202509:22
Holy Hieromartyr Ignatius the Godbearer
According to tradition, Saint Ignatius was the little child that Christ held in his arms when He said Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven [Matthew 18:4]. Ignatius was a disciple of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John and became the second Bishop of Antioch. He governed the Church as a good shepherd and was the first to introduce antiphonal chanting with two alternating choirs, a method revealed to him by angels. When the Christ-hating Emperor Trajan passed through Antioch, he offered to make Ignatius a senator if only he would sacrifice to idols. Rejecting the blasphemy, Ignatius was shackled and sent to Rome to be thrown to wild beasts. Rejoicing in his suffering for the Lord, the saint prayed that nothing would interfere with his martyrdom. In the arena, the lions tore him to pieces leaving only his heart, upon which the pagans found inscribed in gold the Name: Jesus Christ. Saint Ignatius joined God in the year 107.
According to tradition, Saint Ignatius was the little child that Christ held in his arms when He said Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven [Matthew 18:4]. Ignatius was a disciple of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John and became the second Bishop of Antioch. He governed the Church as a good shepherd and was the first to introduce antiphonal chanting with two alternating choirs, a method revealed to him by angels. When the Christ-hating Emperor Trajan passed through Antioch, he offered to make Ignatius a senator if only he would sacrifice to idols. Rejecting the blasphemy, Ignatius was shackled and sent to Rome to be thrown to wild beasts. Rejoicing in his suffering for the Lord, the saint prayed that nothing would interfere with his martyrdom. In the arena, the lions tore him to pieces leaving only his heart, upon which the pagans found inscribed in gold the Name: Jesus Christ. Saint Ignatius joined God in the year 107.
25.01.202517:22
Saint Sava, Enlightener of Serbia
Saint Sava was was born in 1169, son of the Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja and grandson of the emperor Romanus. As a youth he yearned for the spiritual life and at 17 he fled to Mount Athos and became a monk. His father followed after him and also became a monk and together they built the Hilandar monastery. Saint Sava sought and obtained independence for the Serbian Church and became its first archbishop. In creating the Serbian Church, Sava helped form the Serbian state and Serbian culture along with it, giving a Christian soul to the people and building many monasteries, churches, and schools throughout the land. He negotiated peace between the Serbs and their neighbors, working for the good of all, and brought the Hungarian monarch to the Orthodox Faith. After many years of devoted labor for God and his beloved homeland, Saint Sava reposed in 1236. His miracle-working relics attracted countless pilgrims to his tomb until they were burnt by muslims in the 17th century.
Saint Sava was was born in 1169, son of the Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja and grandson of the emperor Romanus. As a youth he yearned for the spiritual life and at 17 he fled to Mount Athos and became a monk. His father followed after him and also became a monk and together they built the Hilandar monastery. Saint Sava sought and obtained independence for the Serbian Church and became its first archbishop. In creating the Serbian Church, Sava helped form the Serbian state and Serbian culture along with it, giving a Christian soul to the people and building many monasteries, churches, and schools throughout the land. He negotiated peace between the Serbs and their neighbors, working for the good of all, and brought the Hungarian monarch to the Orthodox Faith. After many years of devoted labor for God and his beloved homeland, Saint Sava reposed in 1236. His miracle-working relics attracted countless pilgrims to his tomb until they were burnt by muslims in the 17th century.
15.01.202517:33
Saint Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov
Saint Seraphim was born in Kursk in 1759 to a pious Orthodox family. As a boy, he loved church and prayer and reading Scripture. He was healed from a grave illness by an icon of the Theotokos. He went to Sarov monastery at 19, became a monk at 27, was ordained a deacon and then priest. He began living as a hermit in the forest, devoted to prayer and fasting, going to the monastery on Sundays for Holy Communion. After being beaten by robbers, he was always bent over and needed a staff to walk. He spent a thousand days and nights kneeling on a stone in prayer and then spent 13 years in absolute silence. After a heavenly vision, Seraphim ended his silence and began to speak for the benefit of others. He received thousands of pilgrims from across Russia in his forest cell, greeting all with a prostration and the words: Christ is Risen! Gifted with clairvoyance, he gave consolation and guidance to all. Saint Seraphim reposed in 1833, kneeling before an icon of the Theotokos.
Saint Seraphim was born in Kursk in 1759 to a pious Orthodox family. As a boy, he loved church and prayer and reading Scripture. He was healed from a grave illness by an icon of the Theotokos. He went to Sarov monastery at 19, became a monk at 27, was ordained a deacon and then priest. He began living as a hermit in the forest, devoted to prayer and fasting, going to the monastery on Sundays for Holy Communion. After being beaten by robbers, he was always bent over and needed a staff to walk. He spent a thousand days and nights kneeling on a stone in prayer and then spent 13 years in absolute silence. After a heavenly vision, Seraphim ended his silence and began to speak for the benefit of others. He received thousands of pilgrims from across Russia in his forest cell, greeting all with a prostration and the words: Christ is Risen! Gifted with clairvoyance, he gave consolation and guidance to all. Saint Seraphim reposed in 1833, kneeling before an icon of the Theotokos.
09.01.202515:30
Holy Protomartyr Stephen
Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr and a kinsman of the Apostle Paul. One of the seven deacons ordained by the Holy Apostles, Stephen worked great miracles through his faith. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he daringly preached the Christian Way and defeated the jewish teachers of the Law, for which they falsely accused him of blasphemy. Saint Stephen stood before the people and all saw his face illumined with the light of Grace. In a fiery speech, he boldly denounced the jews for persecuting the prophets and murdering Jesus Christ. As he spoke, Stephen saw the heavens open and beheld the Glory of God (Acts 7:56). Then the jews dragged the holy martyr out of the city and stoned him to death while he prayed for them. The Mother of God, along with the Holy Apostle John, stood on a rock in the distance and witnessed this first martyrdom for the Truth of her Son and God, and she prayed for Saint Stephen. This occurred one year after the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.
Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr and a kinsman of the Apostle Paul. One of the seven deacons ordained by the Holy Apostles, Stephen worked great miracles through his faith. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he daringly preached the Christian Way and defeated the jewish teachers of the Law, for which they falsely accused him of blasphemy. Saint Stephen stood before the people and all saw his face illumined with the light of Grace. In a fiery speech, he boldly denounced the jews for persecuting the prophets and murdering Jesus Christ. As he spoke, Stephen saw the heavens open and beheld the Glory of God (Acts 7:56). Then the jews dragged the holy martyr out of the city and stoned him to death while he prayed for them. The Mother of God, along with the Holy Apostle John, stood on a rock in the distance and witnessed this first martyrdom for the Truth of her Son and God, and she prayed for Saint Stephen. This occurred one year after the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.
01.01.202517:44
Holy Martyr Boniface
Boniface was the slave of a rich Roman woman named Aglaida and dwelt with her in iniquitous cohabitation. A pagan, Aglaida desired the relics of a Christian martyr as protection against evil, and sent Boniface to retrieve some from amidst a terrible persecution. In Tarsus, Boniface witnessed Christians undergoing extreme tortures but their faces were radiant with Grace. His heart was changed and he repented with many tears. He called to the martyrs, proclaiming Christ. Taken for interrogation and refusing to sacrifice to idols, Boniface was whipped and had boiling lead poured down his throat and, as this did him no harm, he was beheaded. His body was returned to Rome and an angel came to Aglaida, informing her that her former servant was now the servant of Christ and the guardian of her life. Aglaida built a church and placed the martyr's relics there. She gave her wealth to the poor and withdrew from the world, living another 15 years in penitence and was buried next to Saint Boniface.
Boniface was the slave of a rich Roman woman named Aglaida and dwelt with her in iniquitous cohabitation. A pagan, Aglaida desired the relics of a Christian martyr as protection against evil, and sent Boniface to retrieve some from amidst a terrible persecution. In Tarsus, Boniface witnessed Christians undergoing extreme tortures but their faces were radiant with Grace. His heart was changed and he repented with many tears. He called to the martyrs, proclaiming Christ. Taken for interrogation and refusing to sacrifice to idols, Boniface was whipped and had boiling lead poured down his throat and, as this did him no harm, he was beheaded. His body was returned to Rome and an angel came to Aglaida, informing her that her former servant was now the servant of Christ and the guardian of her life. Aglaida built a church and placed the martyr's relics there. She gave her wealth to the poor and withdrew from the world, living another 15 years in penitence and was buried next to Saint Boniface.
26.12.202417:55
Saint Herman of Alaska
Saint Herman, born in 1751 near Moscow to a peasant family, became a great ascetic and servant of God, joining the first Orthodox Christian mission to North America. In his youth, he learned from a wise elder in his cell and was miraculously healed of a deadly illness, leaving doctors in awe. After military service, he was tonsured at Valaam monastery and 11 years later was chosen to join a mission to the Russian colony in Alaska. After nine months of dangerous seafaring, Herman and nine other monks arrived at Kodiak and brought thousands of natives to Christ and built a school, a church and a monastery. Defending the natives from vicious exploitation, the monks came under persecution. Herman relocated to the wilderness of Spruce Island where he spent 40 years raising Aleut orphans. He ate very little, wore a heavy iron cross and chains under his clothes, and used a wooden board and two bricks as his blanket and pillow. Cherished by all who knew him, Saint Herman joined Christ in 1836.
Saint Herman, born in 1751 near Moscow to a peasant family, became a great ascetic and servant of God, joining the first Orthodox Christian mission to North America. In his youth, he learned from a wise elder in his cell and was miraculously healed of a deadly illness, leaving doctors in awe. After military service, he was tonsured at Valaam monastery and 11 years later was chosen to join a mission to the Russian colony in Alaska. After nine months of dangerous seafaring, Herman and nine other monks arrived at Kodiak and brought thousands of natives to Christ and built a school, a church and a monastery. Defending the natives from vicious exploitation, the monks came under persecution. Herman relocated to the wilderness of Spruce Island where he spent 40 years raising Aleut orphans. He ate very little, wore a heavy iron cross and chains under his clothes, and used a wooden board and two bricks as his blanket and pillow. Cherished by all who knew him, Saint Herman joined Christ in 1836.
03.02.202514:44
Saint Maximus the Confessor
Born in Constantinople in 580, Maximus was a highly educated chief counselor to Emperor Heraclius, who, alarmed by the corrupting influence of heresy, withdrew from the imperial court and became a monk. A gifted theologian and the greatest defender of the Orthodox faith against Monothelitism (the false belief in one will in Christ), Saint Maximus found himself branded an enemy of both the emperor and several patriarchs. With courage in Christ, Maximus endured to the end, proving that there were indeed two wills, as well as two natures, in Christ. Due to the saint's heroic efforts, councils were held in Carthage and in Rome, both anathematizing the teachings of the heretics. The great suffering of Saint Maximus for Orthodoxy cannot be described: he was tortured by princes, deceived by clergy, beaten by soldiers, imprisoned, until finally, with a severed tongue and hand, exiled for life to the land that is now Georgia, where he spent three years in prison and joined the Lord in 662.
Born in Constantinople in 580, Maximus was a highly educated chief counselor to Emperor Heraclius, who, alarmed by the corrupting influence of heresy, withdrew from the imperial court and became a monk. A gifted theologian and the greatest defender of the Orthodox faith against Monothelitism (the false belief in one will in Christ), Saint Maximus found himself branded an enemy of both the emperor and several patriarchs. With courage in Christ, Maximus endured to the end, proving that there were indeed two wills, as well as two natures, in Christ. Due to the saint's heroic efforts, councils were held in Carthage and in Rome, both anathematizing the teachings of the heretics. The great suffering of Saint Maximus for Orthodoxy cannot be described: he was tortured by princes, deceived by clergy, beaten by soldiers, imprisoned, until finally, with a severed tongue and hand, exiled for life to the land that is now Georgia, where he spent three years in prison and joined the Lord in 662.
23.01.202517:22
Saint Gregory of Nyssa
Saint Gregory, a younger brother of Saint Basil the Great, was a gifted teacher and orator, an exegete of Holy Scripture and a theologian. He was a married priest, but after his wife died, Gregory was chosen and consecrated as bishop of Nyssa. Distinguished by his great learning and wisdom, as well as his kindness and compassion, Saint Gregory participated in the Second Ecumenical Council in 381 and is considered to be the author of the second half of the Nicene Creed. A zealous defender of Orthodoxy, together with his brother he fought against the Arian heresy and suffered great persecution as a result. Emperor Valens ousted Gregory from the episcopal throne and the saint spent eight years in exile, patiently enduring all miseries and all humiliations. Saint Gregory completed the compilation of Saint Basil's Hexameron after his brother's death, and he himself reposed peacefully in old age at the end of the fourth century and entered the Kingdom of God, a great beacon of the Church.
Saint Gregory, a younger brother of Saint Basil the Great, was a gifted teacher and orator, an exegete of Holy Scripture and a theologian. He was a married priest, but after his wife died, Gregory was chosen and consecrated as bishop of Nyssa. Distinguished by his great learning and wisdom, as well as his kindness and compassion, Saint Gregory participated in the Second Ecumenical Council in 381 and is considered to be the author of the second half of the Nicene Creed. A zealous defender of Orthodoxy, together with his brother he fought against the Arian heresy and suffered great persecution as a result. Emperor Valens ousted Gregory from the episcopal throne and the saint spent eight years in exile, patiently enduring all miseries and all humiliations. Saint Gregory completed the compilation of Saint Basil's Hexameron after his brother's death, and he himself reposed peacefully in old age at the end of the fourth century and entered the Kingdom of God, a great beacon of the Church.
14.01.202515:00
Saint Basil the Great
Saint Basil, a great father of the Church and revealer of heavenly mysteries, was born in Cappadocia in 330 to an illustrious and wealthy Christian family. The grandson of martyrs, Basil was educated in Constantinople and Athens, mastering philosophy, law, naturalism, astronomy, mathematics and medicine. After his secular studies, he journeyed to Egypt, Syria and Palestine and met great Christian ascetics who inspired him to live as they did. Basil gave away all his wealth and retreated into solitude and deep study of Holy Scripture. Brothers gathered to him, seeking wisdom, so he provided them a monastic rule and founded several monasteries. He composed a Divine Liturgy, works on the Holy Spirit, Creation, and the Psalms, many prayers, and three books defending the Faith against heresy. As Bishop of Caesarea, Saint Basil the Great guided the Church like a bright star for ten years, strengthening the faithful, comforting the poor, and expounding the Word of God until his repose in 379.
Saint Basil, a great father of the Church and revealer of heavenly mysteries, was born in Cappadocia in 330 to an illustrious and wealthy Christian family. The grandson of martyrs, Basil was educated in Constantinople and Athens, mastering philosophy, law, naturalism, astronomy, mathematics and medicine. After his secular studies, he journeyed to Egypt, Syria and Palestine and met great Christian ascetics who inspired him to live as they did. Basil gave away all his wealth and retreated into solitude and deep study of Holy Scripture. Brothers gathered to him, seeking wisdom, so he provided them a monastic rule and founded several monasteries. He composed a Divine Liturgy, works on the Holy Spirit, Creation, and the Psalms, many prayers, and three books defending the Faith against heresy. As Bishop of Caesarea, Saint Basil the Great guided the Church like a bright star for ten years, strengthening the faithful, comforting the poor, and expounding the Word of God until his repose in 379.
04.01.202516:00
Saint Nikiforos the Leper
Baptized Nicholas, he was born in 1890 in a village in Crete to pious parents who died when he was young. He lived with his grandfather and went to work in a barbershop at 13. At 16, he first showed signs of leprosy. He fled to Egypt to avoid forced quarantine but his condition worsened and he was guided to a leper hospital on Chios run by Saint Anthimos in the manner of a monastery. After two years of obedience, constant prayer and austere fasting, he was tonsured into the angelic schema with the name Nikiforos. A master chanter, the contrast between his heavenly voice and his face, disfigured by lesions, frightened some. With endless patience and love for his neighbor, the saint was blessed with gifts of prophesy and consolation. Crowds gathered at his cell seeking his prayers and many miracles occurred toward the end of his life. Though his body was completely distorted by leprosy, he always smiled and praised God. He reposed in 1964 and his relics exuded a beautiful fragrance.
Baptized Nicholas, he was born in 1890 in a village in Crete to pious parents who died when he was young. He lived with his grandfather and went to work in a barbershop at 13. At 16, he first showed signs of leprosy. He fled to Egypt to avoid forced quarantine but his condition worsened and he was guided to a leper hospital on Chios run by Saint Anthimos in the manner of a monastery. After two years of obedience, constant prayer and austere fasting, he was tonsured into the angelic schema with the name Nikiforos. A master chanter, the contrast between his heavenly voice and his face, disfigured by lesions, frightened some. With endless patience and love for his neighbor, the saint was blessed with gifts of prophesy and consolation. Crowds gathered at his cell seeking his prayers and many miracles occurred toward the end of his life. Though his body was completely distorted by leprosy, he always smiled and praised God. He reposed in 1964 and his relics exuded a beautiful fragrance.
31.12.202417:00
Holy Martyr Sebastian
Saint Sebastian was the captain of Diocletian’s imperial guard. Favored by the emperor and beloved by his soldiers, he kept his Christian Faith secret in order to help the brethren under persecution. He saved Christians from torture and death and when unable to do so, he urged them to die for Christ. Two imprisoned brothers, Marcus and Marcellinus, on the verge of losing faith, were strengthened and encouraged to martyrdom by Sebastian. As he spoke, his face was illumined. Angels clothed him in a radiant garment and a voice said You shall be with Me always. Sebastian healed the jailer’s wife and several others and brought them, along with all the prisoners, to baptism. He then healed the governor Chromatus, who was also baptized. Condemned by Diocletian, Sebastian was tied to a tree, shot through with arrows, and left for dead. But soon he reappeared, alive and well, denouncing the Emperor for his impiety. Clubbed to death, Saint Sebastian suffered gloriously for Christ in the year 287.
Saint Sebastian was the captain of Diocletian’s imperial guard. Favored by the emperor and beloved by his soldiers, he kept his Christian Faith secret in order to help the brethren under persecution. He saved Christians from torture and death and when unable to do so, he urged them to die for Christ. Two imprisoned brothers, Marcus and Marcellinus, on the verge of losing faith, were strengthened and encouraged to martyrdom by Sebastian. As he spoke, his face was illumined. Angels clothed him in a radiant garment and a voice said You shall be with Me always. Sebastian healed the jailer’s wife and several others and brought them, along with all the prisoners, to baptism. He then healed the governor Chromatus, who was also baptized. Condemned by Diocletian, Sebastian was tied to a tree, shot through with arrows, and left for dead. But soon he reappeared, alive and well, denouncing the Emperor for his impiety. Clubbed to death, Saint Sebastian suffered gloriously for Christ in the year 287.
25.12.202420:33
Saint Spyridon, Wonderworker of Cyprus
Saint Spyridon was born on Cyprus to a farming family at the end of the third century. A simple shepherd, he married in his youth and had children, but when his wife died he devoted himself completely to God. Because of his exceptional piety, he was chosen as bishop of the city of Tremithus. As bishop he continued his humble way of living, raising livestock and cultivating the land. He kept very little of the fruits of his labor and gave most to the poor. Through God's power he worked great miracles: bringing rain in time of drought, stopping the flow of a river, raising people from the dead, healing Emperor Constantius of grave illness, seeing and hearing angels of God, seeing the future, smashing idols by his very presence, and bringing many souls to Christ. At the Council of Nicaea in 325, Spyridon valiantly corrected many heretics through his clear expositions of the Faith and by his mighty miracles. Saint Spyridon peacefully reposed in the Lord in the year 348.
Saint Spyridon was born on Cyprus to a farming family at the end of the third century. A simple shepherd, he married in his youth and had children, but when his wife died he devoted himself completely to God. Because of his exceptional piety, he was chosen as bishop of the city of Tremithus. As bishop he continued his humble way of living, raising livestock and cultivating the land. He kept very little of the fruits of his labor and gave most to the poor. Through God's power he worked great miracles: bringing rain in time of drought, stopping the flow of a river, raising people from the dead, healing Emperor Constantius of grave illness, seeing and hearing angels of God, seeing the future, smashing idols by his very presence, and bringing many souls to Christ. At the Council of Nicaea in 325, Spyridon valiantly corrected many heretics through his clear expositions of the Faith and by his mighty miracles. Saint Spyridon peacefully reposed in the Lord in the year 348.
30.01.202517:00
Saint Anthony the Great
Known as the father of monasticism, Saint Anthony was an Egyptian born in 250 to wealthy parents. After their death, he split his inheritance with his sister, gave his half to the poor and, at age 20, dedicated himself to the ascetic life. At first he lived near his village but soon withdrew into the wilderness, where he spent 20 years in isolation, seeking God through constant prayer and enduring unspeakable temptations from the enemy. Eventually, many disciples gathered around him and he guided them to salvation by his example and words. In 85 years of monastic life, only twice did he leave the desert and travel to Alexandria: once during the persecution in an attempt to join the martyrs, and once at the request of Saint Athanasius, in order to publicly condemn the Arian heresy. Though not a scholar, Anthony was a teacher and counselor of the most learned men of his time. Saint Anthony reposed in the Lord in the year 335 AD at the age of 105, leaving behind an army of disciples.
Known as the father of monasticism, Saint Anthony was an Egyptian born in 250 to wealthy parents. After their death, he split his inheritance with his sister, gave his half to the poor and, at age 20, dedicated himself to the ascetic life. At first he lived near his village but soon withdrew into the wilderness, where he spent 20 years in isolation, seeking God through constant prayer and enduring unspeakable temptations from the enemy. Eventually, many disciples gathered around him and he guided them to salvation by his example and words. In 85 years of monastic life, only twice did he leave the desert and travel to Alexandria: once during the persecution in an attempt to join the martyrs, and once at the request of Saint Athanasius, in order to publicly condemn the Arian heresy. Though not a scholar, Anthony was a teacher and counselor of the most learned men of his time. Saint Anthony reposed in the Lord in the year 335 AD at the age of 105, leaving behind an army of disciples.
20.01.202515:22
The Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John
Saint John, called the greatest of the prophets by our Lord, concluded the history of the Old Testament and opened the epoch of the New Testament. John was a kinsman of the Lord, the son of the Priest Zachariah and Righteous Elizabeth, and his birth was heralded by the Archangel Gabriel. Born six months before Christ Jesus, Saint John was filled with the Holy Spirit and spent his life in the wilderness preparing for his great service through fasting and prayer. At the age of 30, he appeared on the banks of the Jordan, preaching repentance and giving witness concerning the arrival of the Only-Begotten Son of God, incarnate in the flesh. Saint John was deemed worthy to baptize Christ in the waters of the Jordan and witnessed the manifestation of the Most Holy Trinity on the day of the Baptism of the Savior. Soon afterwards, Saint John was imprisoned and then died a martyr's death, beheaded on orders of King Herod at the request of his daughter Salome.
Saint John, called the greatest of the prophets by our Lord, concluded the history of the Old Testament and opened the epoch of the New Testament. John was a kinsman of the Lord, the son of the Priest Zachariah and Righteous Elizabeth, and his birth was heralded by the Archangel Gabriel. Born six months before Christ Jesus, Saint John was filled with the Holy Spirit and spent his life in the wilderness preparing for his great service through fasting and prayer. At the age of 30, he appeared on the banks of the Jordan, preaching repentance and giving witness concerning the arrival of the Only-Begotten Son of God, incarnate in the flesh. Saint John was deemed worthy to baptize Christ in the waters of the Jordan and witnessed the manifestation of the Most Holy Trinity on the day of the Baptism of the Savior. Soon afterwards, Saint John was imprisoned and then died a martyr's death, beheaded on orders of King Herod at the request of his daughter Salome.
13.01.202515:44
Saint Melania of Rome
Born to wealthy parents, Melania was forced to marry a young nobleman, Apinianos. She lived in secret asceticism for several years and after both of their children died, her husband agreed to live with her in chastity. They gave their wealth to the poor, to churches and to monasteries, and traveled widely doing good works. Visiting the desert fathers in Egypt, they were edified and greatly inspired. In Alexandria, they received the blessing of the Patriarch, Saint Cyril, and then traveled to Jerusalem where they settled on the Mount of Olives. Melania secluded herself, devoted to contemplation, fasting, prayer and reading Scripture. After 14 years she emerged to help others to salvation. She founded a monastery and a convent in which 90 virgins lived in obedience to her. She traveled to Constantinople and brought her pagan kinsman, the senator Volusian, to the True Faith. Having given her entire life to the Lord and worked many miracles through her prayers, Saint Melania reposed in 439.
Born to wealthy parents, Melania was forced to marry a young nobleman, Apinianos. She lived in secret asceticism for several years and after both of their children died, her husband agreed to live with her in chastity. They gave their wealth to the poor, to churches and to monasteries, and traveled widely doing good works. Visiting the desert fathers in Egypt, they were edified and greatly inspired. In Alexandria, they received the blessing of the Patriarch, Saint Cyril, and then traveled to Jerusalem where they settled on the Mount of Olives. Melania secluded herself, devoted to contemplation, fasting, prayer and reading Scripture. After 14 years she emerged to help others to salvation. She founded a monastery and a convent in which 90 virgins lived in obedience to her. She traveled to Constantinople and brought her pagan kinsman, the senator Volusian, to the True Faith. Having given her entire life to the Lord and worked many miracles through her prayers, Saint Melania reposed in 439.
03.01.202516:55
Holy Virgin Martyr Juliana and 630 Martyrs with her
Juliana was born to a pagan family in third century Nicomedia. She had a profound intellect and goodness of soul, seeing through the delusion of the pagan faith and secretly accepting holy baptism. As a child, Juliana was betrothed to Eleusius, the eparch of the city, but when the time of marriage approached, she revealed that she was a Christian and could not marry him unless he accepted Christ. Refusing to change her mind, Juliana was viciously whipped before a large crowd, but after each beating she was miraculously healed and gained new strength from God. Witnessing the steadfastness and courage of the holy virgin healed from her wounds, 500 men and 130 women confessed Christ. They were all beheaded and baptized in their own blood. Juliana was sentenced to death, which she accepted with joy and glorified the Lord for allowing her to receive a martyr's crown. Eleusius was later shipwrecked and swam to an island where he was torn to pieces by wild dogs.
Juliana was born to a pagan family in third century Nicomedia. She had a profound intellect and goodness of soul, seeing through the delusion of the pagan faith and secretly accepting holy baptism. As a child, Juliana was betrothed to Eleusius, the eparch of the city, but when the time of marriage approached, she revealed that she was a Christian and could not marry him unless he accepted Christ. Refusing to change her mind, Juliana was viciously whipped before a large crowd, but after each beating she was miraculously healed and gained new strength from God. Witnessing the steadfastness and courage of the holy virgin healed from her wounds, 500 men and 130 women confessed Christ. They were all beheaded and baptized in their own blood. Juliana was sentenced to death, which she accepted with joy and glorified the Lord for allowing her to receive a martyr's crown. Eleusius was later shipwrecked and swam to an island where he was torn to pieces by wild dogs.
28.12.202420:00
Holy Hieromartyr Hilarion
Saint Hilarion Troitsky was born in 1886 to a priest’s family in the Tula Province of Russia. He was an inspired theologian who burned with great love for Christ and His Church, for which he gave all of his life. In 1913, he was tonsured a monk, ordained a hieromonk, received his master’s degree, and became a professor. Cheerful and sincere, Hilarion was an excellent orator, singer, and polemicist. When the Bolshevik persecution began, Hilarion was arrested. He spent three months in jail and upon release was made Bishop of Verey. He was then exiled for one year and made Archbishop upon his return. Continuing to defend the Church, he was sentenced to three years at the former Solovki monastery, then turned into a prison camp. He endured his trials with great faith and joy, seeing an opportunity to develop virtue. Rejecting an offer by the secret police to betray the Church, his sentence was doubled. Finally exiled to Central Asia, Saint Hilarion succumbed to typhus at age 43 in 1929.
Saint Hilarion Troitsky was born in 1886 to a priest’s family in the Tula Province of Russia. He was an inspired theologian who burned with great love for Christ and His Church, for which he gave all of his life. In 1913, he was tonsured a monk, ordained a hieromonk, received his master’s degree, and became a professor. Cheerful and sincere, Hilarion was an excellent orator, singer, and polemicist. When the Bolshevik persecution began, Hilarion was arrested. He spent three months in jail and upon release was made Bishop of Verey. He was then exiled for one year and made Archbishop upon his return. Continuing to defend the Church, he was sentenced to three years at the former Solovki monastery, then turned into a prison camp. He endured his trials with great faith and joy, seeing an opportunity to develop virtue. Rejecting an offer by the secret police to betray the Church, his sentence was doubled. Finally exiled to Central Asia, Saint Hilarion succumbed to typhus at age 43 in 1929.
24.12.202418:44
Saint Daniel the Stylite
Born to a long-barren mother who vowed to dedicate her child to God, Saint Daniel became a monk at 12. He received the blessing of Saint Simeon the Stylite, who foretold the young monastic would also become a pillar dweller. Desirous of solitude, Daniel left the monastery and settled in an abandoned pagan temple by the Black Sea. He endured countless assaults from demons, but prevailed by perseverance, prayer and the sign of the Cross. He climbed up on a pillar and remained there until his death, enduring heat and cold, and attacks from both men and demons. Many disciples gathered around Daniel and he directed them to eternal life by his example, his words, and miracles. Emperor Leo the Great brought foreign princes and noblemen to Saint Daniel, saying: Behold, the wonder of my kingdom! At the time of his repose, Daniel's disciples witnessed angels, prophets, apostles and martyrs above his pillar. Having lived 80 years, this angelic man entered the Kingdom of Christ in 489 AD.
Born to a long-barren mother who vowed to dedicate her child to God, Saint Daniel became a monk at 12. He received the blessing of Saint Simeon the Stylite, who foretold the young monastic would also become a pillar dweller. Desirous of solitude, Daniel left the monastery and settled in an abandoned pagan temple by the Black Sea. He endured countless assaults from demons, but prevailed by perseverance, prayer and the sign of the Cross. He climbed up on a pillar and remained there until his death, enduring heat and cold, and attacks from both men and demons. Many disciples gathered around Daniel and he directed them to eternal life by his example, his words, and miracles. Emperor Leo the Great brought foreign princes and noblemen to Saint Daniel, saying: Behold, the wonder of my kingdom! At the time of his repose, Daniel's disciples witnessed angels, prophets, apostles and martyrs above his pillar. Having lived 80 years, this angelic man entered the Kingdom of Christ in 489 AD.
27.01.202516:25
Saint Nina, Enlightener of Georgia
Saint Nina was born in the third century, kin to Saint George the Great Martyr. Raised by an elderly woman after her parents became monastics, Nina heard of how the Savior's robe had arrived in a land of pagans. The Mother of God appeared to Nina, told her to go to that land and bring the people to Christ, and gave Nina a cross made from grapevine for protection. Nina received a blessing from her uncle, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, and journeyed to the land now known as Georgia, narrowly escaping martyrdom at the hands of Diocletian on the way. Arriving in the pagan land, the virgin brought idols crashing down through her prayers, taught the Christian Faith everywhere, healed and baptized the queen Nana and eventually King Mirian, their son Bakar, and all the royal court. Nina found the place where the robe of Christ was hidden and on that spot the first Christian church in Georgia was built. After a life of amazing apostolic devotion, Saint Nina peacefully reposed in 335.
Saint Nina was born in the third century, kin to Saint George the Great Martyr. Raised by an elderly woman after her parents became monastics, Nina heard of how the Savior's robe had arrived in a land of pagans. The Mother of God appeared to Nina, told her to go to that land and bring the people to Christ, and gave Nina a cross made from grapevine for protection. Nina received a blessing from her uncle, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, and journeyed to the land now known as Georgia, narrowly escaping martyrdom at the hands of Diocletian on the way. Arriving in the pagan land, the virgin brought idols crashing down through her prayers, taught the Christian Faith everywhere, healed and baptized the queen Nana and eventually King Mirian, their son Bakar, and all the royal court. Nina found the place where the robe of Christ was hidden and on that spot the first Christian church in Georgia was built. After a life of amazing apostolic devotion, Saint Nina peacefully reposed in 335.
18.01.202517:22
Saint Syncletica of Alexandria
Syncletica was a native of Alexandria, the beautiful daughter of wealthy parents. From an early age she thought only of pleasing God. Loving the purity of virginity, she declined to enter into marriage and spent her time in fasting and prayer. After the death of her parents, she distributed her inheritance to the poor and, having accepted monasticism together with her blind sister, she withdrew into one of the crypts belonging to her kin. Word of her ascetic deeds spread quickly throughout the vicinity, and many pious women and girls came to live under her guidance. Saint Syncletica zealously instructed her sisters through both word and action. Her counsels are considered a true spiritual pearl, for she did not attain the heights of wisdom through books, but through suffering, contemplation, and communication with the Divine. In the 80th year of life, she was struck by a grievous illness but bore her ordeal with true Christian endurance and reposed in the Lord in the year 350.
Syncletica was a native of Alexandria, the beautiful daughter of wealthy parents. From an early age she thought only of pleasing God. Loving the purity of virginity, she declined to enter into marriage and spent her time in fasting and prayer. After the death of her parents, she distributed her inheritance to the poor and, having accepted monasticism together with her blind sister, she withdrew into one of the crypts belonging to her kin. Word of her ascetic deeds spread quickly throughout the vicinity, and many pious women and girls came to live under her guidance. Saint Syncletica zealously instructed her sisters through both word and action. Her counsels are considered a true spiritual pearl, for she did not attain the heights of wisdom through books, but through suffering, contemplation, and communication with the Divine. In the 80th year of life, she was struck by a grievous illness but bore her ordeal with true Christian endurance and reposed in the Lord in the year 350.
10.01.202512:44
20,000 Holy Martyrs of Nicomedia
In 302, during the reign of Maximian, the Christian Faith flourished in Nicomedia, increasing day by day. Embittered, the emperor conceived a plan to kill all the Christians. On the eve of the Feast of the Nativity when all the faithful had gathered, soldiers surrounded the church, not allowing anyone to leave. The emperor's herald announced that they were all to immediately offer sacrifice to idols or be burned alive. The archdeacon, inflamed with divine zeal began to encourage the people, reminding them of the Three Holy Youths in the furnace in Babylon. None of the Christians would deny Christ. All the catechumens were baptized and chrismated and everyone was communed with the Holy Mysteries. The soldiers set fire to the church and 20,000 Christians were burned in the flames while singing praises to God. The church burned for five days; smoke with a wonderful and intoxicating fragrance rose from it and a marvelous, golden light shone over the site of the mass martyrdom.
In 302, during the reign of Maximian, the Christian Faith flourished in Nicomedia, increasing day by day. Embittered, the emperor conceived a plan to kill all the Christians. On the eve of the Feast of the Nativity when all the faithful had gathered, soldiers surrounded the church, not allowing anyone to leave. The emperor's herald announced that they were all to immediately offer sacrifice to idols or be burned alive. The archdeacon, inflamed with divine zeal began to encourage the people, reminding them of the Three Holy Youths in the furnace in Babylon. None of the Christians would deny Christ. All the catechumens were baptized and chrismated and everyone was communed with the Holy Mysteries. The soldiers set fire to the church and 20,000 Christians were burned in the flames while singing praises to God. The church burned for five days; smoke with a wonderful and intoxicating fragrance rose from it and a marvelous, golden light shone over the site of the mass martyrdom.
02.01.202517:30
Holy Hieromartyr Ignatius the Godbearer
According to tradition, Saint Ignatius was the little child that Christ held in his arms when He said Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven [Matthew 18:4]. Ignatius was a disciple of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John and became the second Bishop of Antioch. He governed the Church as a good shepherd and was the first to introduce antiphonal chanting with two alternating choirs, a method revealed to him by angels. When the Christ-hating Emperor Trajan passed through Antioch, he offered to make Ignatius a senator if only he would sacrifice to idols. Rejecting the blasphemy, Ignatius was shackled and sent to Rome to be thrown to wild beasts. Rejoicing in his suffering for the Lord, the saint prayed that nothing would interfere with his martyrdom. In the arena, the lions tore him to pieces leaving only his heart, upon which the pagans found inscribed in gold the Name: Jesus Christ. Saint Ignatius joined God in the year 107.
According to tradition, Saint Ignatius was the little child that Christ held in his arms when He said Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven [Matthew 18:4]. Ignatius was a disciple of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John and became the second Bishop of Antioch. He governed the Church as a good shepherd and was the first to introduce antiphonal chanting with two alternating choirs, a method revealed to him by angels. When the Christ-hating Emperor Trajan passed through Antioch, he offered to make Ignatius a senator if only he would sacrifice to idols. Rejecting the blasphemy, Ignatius was shackled and sent to Rome to be thrown to wild beasts. Rejoicing in his suffering for the Lord, the saint prayed that nothing would interfere with his martyrdom. In the arena, the lions tore him to pieces leaving only his heart, upon which the pagans found inscribed in gold the Name: Jesus Christ. Saint Ignatius joined God in the year 107.
27.12.202418:22
Holy Martyrs Philemon, Apollonius and Arianus
During the reign of Diocletian in the Egyptian city of Antinoe, the judge Arianus cruelly persecuted Christians. He seized Apollonius and threatened him with torture. Apollonius, fearing to suffer, asked the pagan musician Philemon to wear his clothes and offer sacrifice to the idols in his place. When Philemon appeared before the idols, the light of Christ suddenly shone in his heart and he made the sign of the Cross. Leaving the temple, he shouted I am a Christian! A servant of Christ the Living God! The judge laughed, thinking he was mocking Christians. Rain fell from heaven, baptizing Philemon. Apollonius repented of his worldly fear and was brought to trial along with Philemon. Both confessed Christ and were tortured and beheaded. Healed miraculously at the saints' martyrdom, their persecutor Arianus repented and was baptized along with his family and bodyguards. Out of love for Christ, Arianus and four soldiers voluntarily went to their torture and death.
During the reign of Diocletian in the Egyptian city of Antinoe, the judge Arianus cruelly persecuted Christians. He seized Apollonius and threatened him with torture. Apollonius, fearing to suffer, asked the pagan musician Philemon to wear his clothes and offer sacrifice to the idols in his place. When Philemon appeared before the idols, the light of Christ suddenly shone in his heart and he made the sign of the Cross. Leaving the temple, he shouted I am a Christian! A servant of Christ the Living God! The judge laughed, thinking he was mocking Christians. Rain fell from heaven, baptizing Philemon. Apollonius repented of his worldly fear and was brought to trial along with Philemon. Both confessed Christ and were tortured and beheaded. Healed miraculously at the saints' martyrdom, their persecutor Arianus repented and was baptized along with his family and bodyguards. Out of love for Christ, Arianus and four soldiers voluntarily went to their torture and death.
23.12.202416:44
Holy Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes and Eugraphos
When Emperor Maximian sent the nobleman Menas to quell rioting between pagans and Christians in Alexandria, Menas restored the peace and then publicly declared himself a Christian and brought many pagans to Christ. The eparch Hermogenes was sent to punish Menas and suppress the Christians. Menas was brought to trial, his feet and tongue cut off and his eyes gouged out. In prison, an angel healed him and consoled him. Seeing this miracle, Hermogenes was baptized, preached the mighty Faith of Christ, and was made Bishop of Alexandria. Furious, Maximian traveled to Alexandria to torture the saints personally, which they endured courageously. Eugraphos, Menas' secretary, shouted in Maximian's face: I too am a Christian! In a rage, the emperor stabbed Eugraphos to death, and then ordered the beheading of Menas and Hermogenes. The saints' remains were cast into the sea but miraculously arrived in Constantinople, where they were buried and a church was built over them.
When Emperor Maximian sent the nobleman Menas to quell rioting between pagans and Christians in Alexandria, Menas restored the peace and then publicly declared himself a Christian and brought many pagans to Christ. The eparch Hermogenes was sent to punish Menas and suppress the Christians. Menas was brought to trial, his feet and tongue cut off and his eyes gouged out. In prison, an angel healed him and consoled him. Seeing this miracle, Hermogenes was baptized, preached the mighty Faith of Christ, and was made Bishop of Alexandria. Furious, Maximian traveled to Alexandria to torture the saints personally, which they endured courageously. Eugraphos, Menas' secretary, shouted in Maximian's face: I too am a Christian! In a rage, the emperor stabbed Eugraphos to death, and then ordered the beheading of Menas and Hermogenes. The saints' remains were cast into the sea but miraculously arrived in Constantinople, where they were buried and a church was built over them.
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