Lives of the Saints

Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, Agathadorus, and Agathonica, at Pergamum

Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, Agathadorus, and Agathonica, at Pergamum

The Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, Agathodorus and Agathonike suffered at Pergamum during the persecution of Decius in the third century. The governor of the district where the saints lived discovered that Carpus and Papylus did not celebrate the pagan festivals. He ordered that the transgressors be…

Venerable Benjamin of the Kiev Caves

Saint Benjamin of the Kiev Caves, Far Caves lived during the fourteenth century and before accepting monasticism was “an important merchant.” Once at the time of divine services Saint Benjamin felt deeply in his heart the words of the Savior: a rich man shall hardly enter into the…

Martyr Florentius of Thessalonica

The Martyr Florentius was a native of Thessalonica. Zealous for the glory of God, he fearlessly unmasked the darkness of idolatry and led many to the light of true knowledge of God. He taught faith in Christ and fulfilled the will of God. For this the pagans subjected him to cruel tortures, and…

Martyr Benjamin the Deacon of Persia

The Martyr Benjamin the Deacon of Persia converted many pagan Persians to Christianity, and for his zeal and evangelic preaching he suffered in Persia during the fifth century.

Saint Nikḗtas the Confessor of Paphlagonia

Saint Nikḗtas the Confessor of Paphlagonia was a patrician at the imperial court during the reigns of the empress Irene and her son Constantine. He represented the empress Irene at the Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787, though his name does not appear in the Acts of the Council. He also assisted…

New Martyr Zlata of Meglena, Bulgaria

New Martyr Zlata of Meglena, Bulgaria

The Holy Virgin Martyr Zlata (Chrysḗ), that “golden vessel of virginity, and undefiled bride of Christ,” was born in the village of Slatena, in the Meglena diocese, on the border of Bulgaria and Serbia, when Bulgaria was under the Turkish Yoke. Her father was poor and he had four daughters.…

Translation of the Ivḗron Icon of the Mother of God to Moscow

Translation of the Ivḗron Icon of the Mother of God to Moscow

The Ivḗron Icon of the Mother of God, located on Mount Athos, has been glorified by many miracles. Accounts of the wonderworking image were spread throughout Russia by pilgrims. His Holiness Patriarch Nikon (then still Abbot of the Novospasky monastery) asked Abbot Pachomius of the Ivḗron…

“Seven Lakes” Icon of the Mother of God

“Seven Lakes” Icon of the Mother of God

The Seven Lakes Icon of the Mother of God was brought from Ustiug near Kazan on October 13, 1615 by the monk Euthymius, founder of the Seven Lakes Mother of God monastery. He blessed the place of the future monastery with this icon. Feastdays of the Seven Lakes Icon were established in memory of…

Saint Anthony, Metropolitan of Chqondidi, and Saint Jacob, Elder of Chqondidi

Saint Anthony, Metropolitan of Chqondidi, and Saint Jacob, Elder of Chqondidi

Saint Anthony of Chqondidi was born to the family of Otia Dadiani, the prince of Egrisi (now Samegrelo). Anthony’s mother, Gulkan, was the daughter of the prince Shoshita III of Racha. There were six children in the family: five boys and one girl. Anthony’s sister, Mariam, later married…