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April 27, 2011

Synaxis of All Saints of Mount Sinai

 
On Bright Wednesday we commemorate the holy monastic Fathers who have shone forth on the God-trodden Mount Sinai. This commemoration was established by the Church of Russia on April 17, 1997.

The Sinai desert, rich in important shrines, has proved to be fruitful in its anchorites. Unceasing noetic prayer strengthens the anchorites’ spiritual struggle, while participation in common prayer and worship transforms the desert into a spiritual meadow.

In addition to Saint Catherine, whose relics were translated to Sinai, there have flourished numerous elders, martyrs, teachers. These include the righteous martyrs Galakteon and Episteme, and the ascetics Nilus, John Climacus, Hesychios, Philotheos, and the two saints named Anastasios. Saint Symeon Pentaglossos helped establish the veneration of Saint Catherine in the West, while Saint Gregory of Sinai transplanted the traditions of noetic prayer to the Slavic peoples.

The list of Sinai saints includes figures from both the Old and New Testaments, martyrs, and righteous ascetics, who have been revealed as emblems of sanctity. A total of 181 saints are recognized, and their memories celebrated, in the cycle of daily services. The Wednesday after Pascha has been established as the feast day of All Saints of Sinai, in which mention is made of these by name. This also forms the occasion for the celebration of all those whose names are known only to God.

Read also:

St. Anastasios of Sinai: Concerning the Holy Fathers in Sinai

Official Website For Sinai Monastery