Lives of the Saints

2nd Sunday of Great Lent: St Gregory Palamas

2nd Sunday of Great Lent: St Gregory Palamas

This Sunday was originally dedicated to Saint Polycarp of Smyrna (February 23). After his glorification in 1368, a second commemoration of Saint Gregory Palamas (November 14) was appointed for the Second Sunday of Great Lent as a second “Triumph of Orthodoxy.” Saint Gregory Palamas,…

Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of the Kiev Caves Lavra

Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of the Kiev Caves Lavra

On the second Sunday of Great Lent, we commemorate the Synaxis of all the Venerable Fathers of the Kiev Caves Monastery: those who rest in the Near Caves of Saint Anthony (see September 28), as well as those who rest in the Far Caves of Saint Theodosios (see August 28). The Canon, which was added…

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.