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…

Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord

Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord

Today’s hymns speak of how Christ made those who ascended Mt Tabor with Him “partakers of (His) otherworldly glory.” The Apostles, “overcome with fear, fell headlong upon the earth.”

Martyrs Anicletus and Photius of Nicomedia, and those with them

Martyrs Anicletus and Photius of Nicomedia, and those with them

The Martyrs Anicetus and Photius (his nephew) were natives of Nicomedia. Anicetus, a military official, denounced the emperor Diocletian (284-305) for setting up in the city square an implement of execution for frightening Christians. The enraged emperor ordered Saint Anicetus to be tortured, and…

Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Comana

Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Comana

Saint Alexander, Bishop of Comana, lived in the III century not far from Neocaesarea. He studied the Holy Scriptures, and knew many sciences. Having taken upon himself the exploit (podvig) of foolishness, the Saint lived in poverty, selling coal in the city square. Many, seeing his face always…

Martyr Gerontius, and those with him, of Saint David Gareji Monastery, Georgia

Martyr Gerontius, and those with him, of Saint David Gareji Monastery, Georgia

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries the Dagestanis were continually raiding and pillaging the Davit-Gareji Wilderness. They destroyed churches and monasteries, stole sacred objects, and tortured and killed many of the monks who labored there. A Dagestani army invaded the Davit-Gareji Wilderness…

Martyrs Pamphilus and Capiton

The Martyrs Pamphilus and Capiton were beheaded by the sword in the area of Oliurea near Constantinople.