Lives of the Saints

Martyr Boniface at Tarsus in Cilicia, and Righteous Aglaϊa of Rome

Martyr Boniface at Tarsus in Cilicia, and Righteous Aglaϊa of Rome

The Holy Martyr Boniface was the slave of a rich young Roman woman named Aglaϊa, and he lived with her in iniquitous cohabitation. Both, however, felt the sting of conscience and they wanted to be cleansed of their sin somehow. The Lord granted them the possibility to wash away their sin with…

Venerable Elias of Murom, Wonderworker of the Kiev Near Caves

Venerable Elias of Murom, Wonderworker of the Kiev Near Caves

Saint Elias was a monk in the Near Caves Monastery in Kiev. He was from the city of Murom, and was called “Shoemaker” or “Cobbler." Popular legend identifies him with the famous warrior Elias of Murom, who was the subject of Russian ballads, and of Gliere’s Symphony No. 3. However, there…

Martyrs Elias, Probus, and Ares in Cilicia

The Martyrs Elias, Probus, and Ares, natives of Egypt, and heedless of their own safety, cared for Christians locked up in prison during the persecution of Maximian (305-313). For this they were arrested, subjected to torture and given over to death (+308).

Saint Boniface the Merciful, Bishop of Ferentino

From his very childhood, Saint Boniface was distinguished by his non-covetousness and love for the poor. When he saw a destitute man on the street, he took his own clothes and gave them away to those in need, to the chagrin of his widowed mother. Once, he gave away a year’s supply of grain,…

Saint Gregory, Archbishop of Omirits

Saint Gregory, Bishop of Homer (Omirits), the son of Agapius and Theodota, was filled with the grace of God and possessed gifts of healing and wonderworking even in his youth. The Providence of God led him to hierarchical service. While still a deacon at Mediolanum (Milan) he heard the foretelling…

Venerable George the Scribe, and Venerable Savva, of Khakhuli

Venerable George the Scribe, and Venerable Savva, of Khakhuli

Saints George and Savva of Khakhuli were brothers of Jacob, the father of Saint George of the Holy Mountain. George and Savva labored as monks at Khakhuli Monastery in southern Georgia. The holy fathers were filled with divine grace. The elder brother, George, was a spiritual adviser in the court…