Lives of the Saints

The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ

The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was born of the Most Holy Virgin Mary in the city of Bethlehem during the reign of the emperor Augustus (Octavian). Caesar Augustus decreed that a universal census be made throughout his Empire, which then also included Palestinian Israel. The Jews…

The Adoration of the Magi: Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar

The Adoration of the Magi: Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar

The Nativity of Christ was revealed to the Magi by a wondrous star. Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Theophylactus, commenting on Saint Matthew’s Gospel, say that this was no ordinary star. Rather, it was “a divine and angelic power that appeared in the form of a star.” Saint…

Commemoration of the Shepherds in Bethlehem who were watching their flocks, and went to see the Lord

Commemoration of the Shepherds in Bethlehem who were watching their flocks, and went to see the Lord

In the stillness of midnight (Wisdom of Solomon 18:14-15), the proclamation of the birth of the Savior of the world was heard by three shepherds watching their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord (Saint Cyprian says this was Gabriel) came before them and said: “Fear not: for behold, I…

Priestmonk Jonah the Martyr of Pechenga

Based on the Synodikon of the Solovetsk Monastery in northern Russian about 1500 AD -- the exact date is unknown -- the Priestmonk Jonah was born in the Pomeranian village of Varzuga in Russia's northern Murmansk district. After serving as a parish priest, he entered the Pechenga Monastery, where…