Saint Michael, First Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia (+ 992)

St. Michael I, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus (Feast Day - September 30 & June 15)

Saint Michael the first Metropolitan of Kiev, according to the Joakimov Chronicle, was a Syrian by birth, but according to other chronicles, he was a Bulgarian or Serb or Greek. In the year 989, he arrived at Korsun with other clergy following the baptism of Prince Vladimir (July 15) in 988. Prince Vladimir had requested from Constantinople after his baptism that clergy be sent to Russia to shed the light of Christ among the people entrenched in the superstition of idolatry. Ecumenical Patriarch Nicholas II Chrysoberges therefore chose Michael to lead the people of Russia, on account of his wisdom and blameless and holy way of life. He was accompanied by six bishops and a large number of clergy to assist him in his mission. From Korsun Prince Vladmir brought Michael to Kiev, the capital of Russia at the time, for the illumination of the people of Kiev.

Saints and Feasts of September 30

On the thirtieth Gregory died in Great Armenia.

Holy Hieromartyr Gregory the Illuminator, 
Bishop of Great Armenia

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Resource Page

Holy Martyrs Rhipsimia and Gaiana 
and the Thirty-Two Virgin-Martyrs With Them

Holy Martyrs Rhipsimia and Gaiana of Armenia together with their Companions

Holy Seventy Martyrs

Holy Martyrs Rhipsimia and Gaiana of Armenia together with their Companions

Holy Two Venerable Women Martyrs

Holy Martyrs Rhipsimia and Gaiana of Armenia together with their Companions

Holy Martyr Stratonikos

Holy Martyr Stratonikos

Holy Martyr Mardonios

Holy Martyr Mardonios

Holy One Thousand Martyrs

Holy One Thousand Martyrs

Saint Michael I, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia

  

Saint Michael, First Metropolitan of Kiev and All Russia (+ 992)

 

September: Day 30: Teaching 1: Saint Michael, First Metropolitan of Kiev

Venerable Gregory of Pelsheme

Saint Gregory of Pelsheme (+ 1441)

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Resource Page

St. Gregory the Illuminator of Armenia (Feast Day - September 30)

Verses

Knowing the "be watchful" of God the Word,
You were seen to be watchful Father to the call of God.
On the thirtieth Gregory died in Great Armenia.

 

Saint Gregory the Illuminator of Armenia 

 

History of Saint Gregory the Illuminator and the Conversion of Armenia 

 

The Relics of Saint Gregory the Illuminator of Armenia

 

The Descendants of St. Gregory the Illuminator of Armenia 

 

Holy Martyrs Rhipsimia and Gaiana of Armenia together with their Companions

 

The Historical Reason There Is No Fasting Allowed the First Week of the Triodion

 

An Offering of Praise to Holy Abba Isaac the Syrian (Photios Kontoglou)

Sketch of St. Isaac the Syrian by the hand of Photios Kontoglou

ENCOMIUM

An Offering of Praise to Holy Abba Isaac the Syrian,
Inadequate for the Sublimity of Its Subject,
but Written With Much Love

Photios Kontoglou

Athens, 1944

'The man to whom wisdom has been given knows 

the inward essences of immaterial things and what 

is the origin and consummation of the world.'

- Thalassios the Lybian

(Century 1:47)

He who wishes to praise the holy Isaac should hold an Archangel's trumpet, and not this sinful pen I have here in my hand.

Who will weave an unfading garland for his head? With what melodious praise could any human being laud this man who is hymned by the very angels? With the harmonious art of the tongue, come now, let us extol this humble wildflower of Syria, this gold-spangled fountain of immortality, this salt of the earth, this honeybee of virtue, this gold-stringed lute which ravishes the heart, this divinely-fashioned intellect, this glory of the Orient, this tremendous ocean, this enchanted light shining to unfathomed depths, this blessed child of God, and whatever else our tongue may call him, accustomed as it is to speak of trivialities.

The Monk Who Searched for the True Faith

By St. John Moschos

(The Spiritual Meadow, Chapt. 26)

The Life of brother Theophanes and his Marvellous Vision, and of Communicating with Heretics

There was an old man of great merit in God’s eyes called Kyriakos, who belonged to the Lavra of Calamon near the River Jordan. A pilgrim brother called Theophanes from the region of Dora came to him for counsel about his thoughts of fornication. The old man encouraged and instructed him with advice about modesty and chastity, which greatly edified the brother.

Saint Cyprian of Ustiug (+ 1276)

St. Cyril of Ustiug (Feast Day - September 29)

Saint Cyprian of Ustiug was a rich landowner, but turning from the vanities of the world, he received the angelic schema with the name Cyprian at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity at Gledeno.

The inhabitants of the newly-established city of Ustiug begged Saint Cyprian to build a monastery somewhere near the city. Saint Cyprian went about the city and observed its layout, then chose a place near shallow lakes at the Ostrozh falls and he started to construct a cell.

Uncovering of the Relics of Saint John Maximovitch in 1993

Uncovering of the Relics of St. John Maximovitch (Feast Day - September 29)

In the fall of the 1993 the Synod of Bishops charged the Archbishop of Western America and San Francisco, together with a commission comprised of two other archpastors, to examine Saint John's remains. In the evening of September 28, 1993 (o.s.), after a pannykhida served in the sepulcher by members of the commission, Archbishop Anthony gave a brief homily, calling all participants of this holy work to be reconciled and himself asking forgiveness of everyone, blessed those present to open the tomb. Having removed the lid of the sarcophagus, the participants withdrew the metal coffin of the Saint and noticed that in many places it had completely rusted through. With the fear of God and with prayer, they opened the coffin. The face of the Saint was covered and everyone immediately turned their attention to his white, incorrupt hands. Having prayed, Archbishop Anthony removed the "aer" from the brow of Vladyka and exposed the incorrupt face of the God-glorified Saint. At this moment a kind of supernatural spiritual peace, an extraordinary reverent silence was felt. No one was amazed, no one spoke. All problems seemed to vanish, such was the Grace-filled experience of standing beside the Saint's relics.

Saints and Feasts of September 29

Onion-eating Kyriakos made his end on the twenty-ninth.

Venerable Kyriakos the Anchorite

Saint Kyriakos the Anchorite

September: Day 29: Teaching 1: Venerable Kyriakos the Anchorite

Why Saint Kyriakos is Not Called a "Hermit" But Instead Called an "Anchorite"

  

The Relationship Between St. Gerasimos of Jordan and St. Kyriakos the Anchorite

One Hundred and Fifty Holy Martyrs of Palestine

154 Holy Martyrs of Egypt and Palestine

Holy Martyrs Tryphon, Trophimos and Dorymedon

Holy Martyrs Tryphon, Trophimos and Dorymedon

Holy Martyr Petronia

Holy Martyr Petronia

Holy Martyr Goudelia of Persia

Synaxarion of the Holy Martyr Goudelia of Persia

Holy Martyrs Gobdelaha, Dada, Kasdios 
and Kasdoa of Persia

Holy Martyrs Gobdelaha, Dada, Kasdios and Kasdoa of Persia

Venerable Mary of Palestine

Saint Mary of Palestine

Venerable Theophanes the Compassionate of Gaza

Saint Theophanes the Compassionate of Gaza

Venerable Cyprian of Ustiug

Saint Cyprian of Ustiug (+ 1276)

Holy New Venerable Martyr Malachias of Rhodes

Synaxarion of the Holy New Venerable Martyr Malachias of Lindos

Holy New Martyr Malachias of Lindos (+ 16th cent.)

Saint Onuphrius of the St. David Gareji Monastery

Saint Onuphrius of the St. David Gareji Monastery

Holy Martyrs Massacred at Strofades

Strofades Monastery and the Massacre of 1537

 

Holy New Martyrs Lambros, Theodore 

and One Who Was Anonymous, 

Who Were Martyred in Vrachori

Holy New Martyrs Lambros, Theodore and One Who Was Anonymous, Who Were Martyred in Vrachori (+ 1786)

Translation of the Relics of Saint Donatos of Euroea 

from Venice to Paramythia

Translation of the Relics of Saint Donatos of Euroea from Venice to Paramythia

Uncovering of the Relics of Saint John (Maximovitch), 
Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco (1993)

Uncovering of the Relics of Saint John Maximovitch in 1993

Saint Eustochium, Daughter of Saint Paula

St. Eustochium (Feast Day - September 28);
Painting from the Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle, England

Saint Eustochium was born Eustochium Julia at Rome around the year 368. She was the daughter of Saint Paula and is also venerated as a saint and was an early Desert Mother. She was the third of four daughters of the Roman Senator Toxotius, for whom Jerome made a lot of fanciful claims of ancestry. After the death of her husband (ca. 380) Paula and her daughter Eustochium lived in Rome as austere a life as the Desert Fathers of Egypt. Eustochium had three sisters, Blaesilla, Paulina, and Rufina, and a brother, Toxotius.

Synaxarion of Saint Auxentios the Wonderworker of Cyprus

St. Auxentios of Cyprus (Feast Day - September 28)

Verses

Auxentios with the highest praise,
I praise, who increased the God-given talent.
On the twenty-eighth Auxentios was taken up to heaven.

Our holy father Auxentios was by race a German,* as the story concerning him shows. But of what parents, and what religion, and in what age, I cannot say precisely. What I know concerning him, this I will begin to narrate. From his earliest youth he gave himself to forays and wars and won great praise, showing himself to his enemies most terrible, and to the soldiers with him gentle, kind and most beloved. But as they tell of him, through some God-given impulse he renounced the world and its delights, and reckoning all glory as a dream, he hastened to break away from them. Hence, as some say, he opened his thoughts to those about him (for he had three hundred soldiers under his command) and found them all amenable, and even thirsting after that for which he himself thirsted: wherefore he was not heedless, but starting with this purpose he came to a certain sea shore, and there found a ship, and on this he embarked with the soldiers mentioned above, and reached the famous Cyprus, by God's guidance as I suppose, and arriving there they left the ship, and all the soldiers, one here, one there, were scattered abroad, and where each chose his dwelling-place there he followed in all strictness the life of a monk. But himself, our holy father Auxentios, reached Karpas,** a village so called which is a part of the said island, and finding a cave in a place called by the natives Loution, he dwelt therein. He gave himself up to the severest fasting and discipline, until, having cleansed his soul and body from lusts, he made it a temple of the Holy Spirit, and a receptacle of His gifts, and with unceasing prayer, and sleepless entreaty, speaking with God alone, he received from Him the gift of healing, and became a worker of not a few miracles. But the wonders wrought by him we have not set forth in this history, as it is for those for whom it must be brief, but we shall mention one only, which shall give credit to the rest.

Saints Cyril and Maria, Parents of Saint Sergius of Radonezh (+ 1337)

Sts. Cyril and Maria, Parents of St. Sergius of Radonezh (Feast Day - September 28)

Saint Cyril and his wife Maria were the parents of Saint Sergius of Radonezh (Sept. 25). They belonged to the nobility, but more importantly, they were pious and faithful Christians who were adorned with every virtue.

When the child in Maria’s womb cried out three times in church during Liturgy, people were astonished. Although frightened at first, Maria came to see this event as a sign from God that her child would become a chosen vessel of divine grace. She and her husband agreed that if the child was a boy, they would bring him to church and dedicate him to God. This child, the second of their three sons, was born around 1314. He was named Bartholomew at his baptism.

Saints and Feasts of September 28

On the twenty-eighth Chariton died in his old age.

Venerable Chariton the Confessor

 

Saint Chariton the Confessor

 

Saint Chariton the Confessor as a Model for our Lives

 

September: Day 28: Teaching 1: Saint Chariton the Confessor

 

The Rebirth of the First Monastery in the Holy Land - The Lavra of Saint Chariton

  

A Pilgrim Visits Saint Chariton Monastery in the Judean Desert

 

 

Righteous Prophet Baruch

Holy and Righteous Prophet Baruch

Holy Martyrs and Brothers 
Alexander, Alpheios and Zosima

Holy Martyrs of Pisidia During the Reign of Diocletian

Holy Martyr Mark the Shepherd

Holy Martyrs of Pisidia During the Reign of Diocletian

Holy Martyrs Nikon, Neon, Heliodoros, 
and other Virgins and Children

Holy Martyrs of Pisidia During the Reign of Diocletian

Holy Martyrs Eustathios the Roman and Kallinikos

Holy Martyrs Eustathios the Roman and Kallinikos

Holy Martyr Alexander and the 

Thirty Martyrs With Him

Holy Martyr Alexander and the Thirty Martyrs With Him

Venerable Isaac the Syrian

Saint Isaac the Syrian Resource Page

Holy Hieromartyr Alkison, Bishop of Nicopolis

Holy Hieromartyr Alkison, Bishop of Nicopolis (+ 516)

Venerable Auxentios the Wonderworker of Cyprus

Synaxarion of Saint Auxentios the Wonderworker of Cyprus

Saint Eustochium, Daughter of Saint Paula

Saint Eustochium, Daughter of Saint Paula

Saint Faustus, Bishop of Riez

Saint Faustus, Bishop of Riez (+ 495)

John Cassian, Vincent of Lerins and Faustus of Riez Were Not Semi-Pelagians

Saints Cyril and Maria, 
Parents of Saint Sergius of Radonezh

Saints Cyril and Maria, Parents of Saint Sergius of Radonezh (+ 1337)

Venerable Chariton of Syanzhema

Saints Euthymius and Chariton, Abbots of Syanzhema Monastery in Vologda (+ 1509)

Venerable Herodion of Iloezersk

Saint Herodion, Founder of Iloezersk Monastery (+ 1541)

Holy Martyr Wenceslas, Prince of the Czechs

Holy Martyr Wenceslas the Prince of the Czechs

Good King Wenceslas

The Original Words to the Song "Good King Wenceslas"

Finding of the Sacred Relics of the 
Venerable Neophytos the Recluse of Cyprus

 

Synaxarion of the Finding of the Relics of the Venerable Neophytos the Recluse of Cyprus

 

Saint Neophytos the Recluse Resource Page

 

 

Synaxis of the Saints of the Kiev Caves, 

Whose Relics Repose in the 

Near Caves of Venerable Anthony

 

Synaxis of the Saints of the Kiev Caves, Whose Relics Repose in the Near Caves of Venerable Anthony

 

Synaxarion of Saint Ignatios, Abbot of Vatheos Ryakos (+ 975)

St. Ignatios of Vatheos Ryakos (Feast Day - September 27)

Verses

Ignatios received a celestial monastery,
Having beforehand led a monastery as a friend of God.

Saint Ignatios was from the second eparchy of Cappadocia, during the reigns of Nikephoros Phokas (963-969) and John Tzimiskes (969-976). At a young age he was dedicated to God like another Samuel, and went to the monastery known as Vatheos Ryakos, where he learned ascetic precision from Saint Basil, who was the abbot and founder of this monastery. Having arrived at the pinnacle of virtue, he was ordained in steps as a Reader, Subdeacon, Deacon and Presbyter. Because he was a good administrator,* he increased the monastery by both bringing in more revenue and making improvements. He also built various churches, such as one to the Commander Michael, another to the God-Seeing Elias, and another to the Holy Apostles near the monastery. He also built a wall for the nuns that were there, which was strong and beautiful.

Saints and Feasts of September 27

On the twenty-seventh Kallistratos from here was taken.

Holy Martyr Kallistratos 
and the Forty-Nine Martyrs With Him

  

Saint Kallistratos and the 49 Martyrs With Him

 

Saint Kallistratos and the 49 Martyrs With Him as Models for our Lives

 

September: Day 27: Teaching 1: Holy Martyr Kallistratos
 

Holy Martyr Epicharis of Rome

Saint Epicharis the Martyr of Rome

Venerable Ignatios, Abbot of Vatheos Ryakos

Synaxarion of Saint Ignatios, Abbot of Vatheos Ryakos (+ 975)

Holy Apostles Mark, Aristarchus and Zenon 

of the Seventy

Holy Apostles Mark, Aristarchus and Zenon of the Seventy

Holy Marytrs Philemon the Bishop and Fortunianus

Holy Marytrs Philemon the Bishop and Fortunianus

Holy Martyr Gaiana

Holy Martyr Gaiana

Holy Fifteen Martyrs

Holy Fifteen Martyrs Who Drowned at Sea

Saint Sigebert, King of East Anglia

Saint Sigebert, King of East Anglia (+ 637)

Venerable Sabbatius of Solovki the Wonderworker

 

Saint Sabbatius of Solovki the Wonderworker (+ 1435)

 

September: Day 27: Teaching 2: Venerable Sabbatius of Solovki
 

Holy New Hieromartyr Anthimos the Iberian, 

Metropolitan of Wallachia

Holy New Hieromartyr Anthimos the Iberian, Metropolitan of Wallachia (+ 1716)

Holy New Martyr Akylina of Thessaloniki

 

Holy New Martyr Akylina of Thessaloniki (+ 1764)

 

Testimonies Regarding the Miraculous Discovery of the Sacred Relics of the Holy New Martyr Akylina

 

Metropolitan Nikodemos of Ierissos and the Discovery of the Relics of St. Akylina

  

After 249 Years, the Relics of St. Akylina Return to Her Homeland

Saint Nilus the Younger of Calabria (+ 1002)

St. Nilus of Calabria (Feast Day - September 26)

By William Palmer

St. Nilus was born in Calabria, of Greek parentage, in the tenth century. His natural abilities were carefully cultivated by study in his youth. He read holy Scripture continually, and delighted in the lives of the fathers: but when he was in the flower of his youth he fell into sins, from which he was after a time delivered by the grace of God operating on his conscience during his recovery from a violent fever. He then resolved to devote himself wholly to the worship and service of God, and to all the exercises of the religious life; and with this mind he entered a monastery in Calabria, where he was joyfully received; but wishing for more quiet than he found there, he retired to a cavern near at hand, where he spent his days between prayer, copying psalters and other religious books, singing the psalms, and studying holy Scripture and the fathers. In the evening he left his cell to walk abroad and refresh himself, and meditate on some passages of the fathers, without ever forgetting God, whom he contemplated in all the works of creation. After sunset he took his frugal meal, and in the night he slept but for a short time, and then recited the psalms till daylight. His fasts were frequent and long.

Saints and Feasts of September 26

On the twenty-sixth the child of thunder departed unto God.

Metastasis of the Holy, Glorious, Apostle and 
Evangelist John the Theologian

Saint John the Theologian Resource Page

Holy Five Canonical Virgins 

Thekla, Mariamna, Martha, Maria and Ennatha

Synaxarion of the Holy Five Canonical Virgins Thekla, Mariamna, Martha, Maria and Ennatha

Church of the Holy Five Canonical Virgins in Crete

Holy Martyr Chera

Holy Martyr Chera

Righteous Gideon, the Judge of Israel

Righteous Gideon, the Judge of Israel

Venerable John the Cave-Dweller, 
Who Lived in Asceticism in Sia of Cyprus

Saint John the Cave-Dweller, Who Lived in Asceticism in Sia of Cyprus

Saint Nilus the Younger of Calabria

Saint Nilus the Younger of Calabria (+ 1002)

Venerable Ephraim of Perekop the Wonderworker

Saint Ephraim of Perekop the Wonderworker (+ 1492)

Translation of the Honorable Head of the 

First-Called Apostle Andrew

 

The Translation of the Honorable Skull of the Apostle Andrew to Patras 

 

The Return of the Skull of the Apostle Andrew to Patras in 1964 as Reported in the New York Times

 

The Return of the Skull of the Apostle Andrew to Patras as a Fruit of the Dialogue With the Roman Catholic Church 

 

The Priest Who Tried To Investigate the Skull of the Apostle Andrew

Synaxarion of Saint Euphrosyne, Daughter of Saint Paphnutios of Egypt

St. Euphrosyne of Alexandria (Feast Day - September 25)

Verses

To Euphrosyne.

In a manly way you hid your femininity Euphrosyne,
And secretly you beheld the Master who sees.
On the twenty-fifth Euphrosyne submitted to death.

To Paphnutios.

Abating the flesh Paphnutios,
Lived in the Spirit, and is seen as a great light.

Saint Sergius the Wonderworker, Abbot of Radonezh (+ 1392)

St. Sergius of Radonezh (Feast Day - September 25)

Saint Sergius of Radonezh was born in the village of Varnitsa, near Rostov, on May 3, 1314. His parents were the pious and illustrious nobles Cyril and Maria (September 28). The Lord chose him while still in his mother’s womb. In the Life of Saint Sergius it is reported that even before the birth of her son, Saint Maria and those praying heard the thrice-repeated cry of the infant at the Divine Liturgy: before the reading of the Holy Gospel, during the Cherubic hymn, and when the priest pronounced: “Holy Things are for the Holy.”

Saints and Feasts of September 25

On the twenty-fifth Euphrosyne submitted to death.

Venerable Euphrosyne, 
Daughter of Saint Paphnutios of Egypt

Synaxarion of Saint Euphrosyne, Daughter of Saint Paphnutios of Egypt

Saint Euphrosyne as a Model for our Lives

Venerable Paphnutios, 
Father of Venerable Euphrosyne

Synaxarion of Saint Euphrosyne, Daughter of Saint Paphnutios of Egypt

Saint Euphrosyne as a Model for our Lives

Holy Venerable Martyr Paphnutios

Holy Venerable Martyr Paphnutios

Saint Paphnutios of Jerusalem as a Model for our Lives

Commemoration of the Great Earthquake 
and the Snatching Up of the Child in the Air

Commemoration of the Great Earthquake of 447 and the Snatching Up of the Child in the Air

The Miracle of the Trisagion ("Thrice-Holy Hymn")

Earthquakes in the Synaxarion of the Orthodox Church

Holy Martyrs Paul and Tatta and their children 

Sabinian, Maximos, Rufus, and Eugene

Holy Martyrs Paul and Tatta and their children Sabinian, Maximos, Rufus, and Eugene

Saint Finbarr, Bishop of Cork

Saint Finbarr, Bishop of Cork

Saint Arsenius the Great, Catholicos of Georgia

Saint Arsenius the Great, Catholicos of Georgia (+ 887)

Venerable Euphrosyne of Suzdal

Saint Euphrosyne of Suzdal (+ 1250)

Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker, 
Abbot of Radonezh

Saint Sergius of Radonezh Resource Page

Venerable Dositheos the Recluse 
of the Kiev Caves Lavra

 

Saint Dositheos the Recluse (+ 1776)

Saint Dositheos, the Hermit of Kiev (+ 1776)

Synaxis of the Panagia Engymonousa in Katerini

 

Synaxis of the Panagia Engymonousa in Katerini (Celebrating the Six Month Pregnancy of the Theotokos)

 

 

Prologue in Sermons: September 25

On the Love of Enemies: The Teaching of St. Silouan

By Jean-Claude Larchet

Although it is natural and usual to love those who love us and to do good to those who do good to us (Mt 5:46-47; Lk 6:32-33), to love our enemies is distasteful to our nature. One can say that it isn’t in our power but is an attitude that can only be the fruit of grace, given by the Holy Spirit. This is why St. Silouan the Athonite writes, "The soul that has not known the Holy Spirit does not understand how one can love one’s enemies, and does not accept it."

Gospel Commentary for the First Sunday of Luke (St. Theophylact of Ochrid)

First Sunday of Luke
The Miraculous Catch of Fish and the First Disciples

Luke 5:1-11

From The Explanation of the Gospel of St. Luke

By Blessed Theophylact, Archbishop of Ochrid and Bulgaria

1-11. And it came to pass, that, as the multitude pressed against Him to hear the word of God, He stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake, but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And He entered into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And He sat down, and taught the people out of the boat. Now when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon, "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answering said unto Him, "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their net broke. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other boat, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of the fishes which they had taken; and so were also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.

Saints and Feasts of September 24

On the twenty fourth a rock received Thekla.

Holy Protomartyr and Equal to the Apostles Thekla

Saint Thekla the Martyr Resource Page

Venerable Kopris, 
Disciple of Saint Theodosios the Coenobiarch

Synaxarion of Saint Kopris, Disciple of St. Theodosios the Coenobiarch

Venerable Silouan the Athonite

Saint Silouan the Athonite Resource Page

Venerable Nicander of Pskov

Saint Nicander of Pskov (+ 1581)

Holy Venerable Martyr Galaction of Vologda

Holy Venerable Martyr Galaction of Vologda (+ 1612)

Venerable Dorothy of Kashin

Saint Dorothy of Kashin (+ 1629)

Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut

Holy New Martyr Peter the Aleut

Holy Martyr Juvenaly of Alaska

 

Saint Juvenaly of Alaska as a Model for our Lives

 

 

 Holy New Hieromartyr Haralambos Michailides 

of Louroujina

 

Holy New Hieromartyr Haralambos Michailides of Louroujina in Cyprus (+ 1924)

 

 

Synaxis of All Saints of Alaska

Synaxis of All Saints of Alaska

Saint Herman of Alaska Resource Page

Saint Innocent (Veniaminov), Metropolitan of Moscow and Missionary to Alaska

Saint Jacob Netsvetov, the Enlightener of the Peoples of Alaska

Synaxis of Panagia Myrtidiotissa in Kythera 
and the Remembrance of the Healing of the Paralytic

 

Panagia Myrtidiotissa ("Of the Myrtle Tree") of Kythera

 

The Veneration of the Panagia Myrtidiotissa on the Island of Kythera

 

 

Panagia Myrtidiotissa and the Holy Myrtle of Paliani

 

The Holy Myrtle of Paliani and the Continuation of Tree Worship in Crete

 

 

Synaxis of Panagia Smyrniotissa in Nemea

 

Synaxis of Panagia Smyrniotissa in Nemea

 

 

Synaxis of the Panagia of Filerimos in Rhodes

Monastery of the Panagia of Filerimos in Rhodes

Synaxis of the Panagia Myrsinidi Monastery in Chios

Synaxis of the Panagia Myrsinidi Monastery in Chios

Synaxis of Panagia Pantanassa at Vatopaidi

A Hymn to Panagia Pantanassa By Elder Joseph of Vatopaidi

A Miracle of Panagia Pantanassa at Porto Lagos in 2005

Synaxis of Panagia Vourniotissa in Tinos

 

Synaxis of Panagia Vourniotissa in Tinos

 

 

 

Prologue in Sermons: September 24

 

Synaxarion of the Holy Martyrs Andrew, John, Peter and Anthony of Syracuse

Sts. Andrew, John, Peter and Anthony the Martyrs (Feast Day - September 23)

Verses

To Andrew.

While the Word was stabbed once with a spear,
Andrew bore the stabs of two spears.

To John.

By the delusion of the enemy you were slaughtered and buried John,
Thus slaughtering the enemy together with delusion.

To Peter and Anthony.

Anthony and Peter were as firm as rocks,
Remaining steadfast even when their members were cut off.

Saints and Feasts of September 23

On the twenty-third the Forerunner appeared 
and received the womb.

The Conception of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner 
and Baptist John

Conception of Saint John the Baptist Resource Page

Holy Martyrs Andrew, John and his two sons 
Peter and Anthony

Synaxarion of the Holy Martyrs Andrew, John, Peter and Anthony of Syracuse

Holy Martyr Rhais the Virgin

Holy Virgin Martyr Rhais of Egypt

Venerable Sisters Xanthippe and Polyxene of Spain

Synaxarion of Saints Xanthippe and Polyxene of Spain

Saints Xanthippe and Polyxene as Models for our Lives

Holy New Martyr Nicholas the Peddler from Karpenisi

Holy New Martyr Nicholas the Peddler from Karpenisi (+ 1672)

Holy New Martyr John of Konitsa, Formerly a Muslim

 

Holy New Martyr John of Konitsa, formerly a Muslim (+ 1814)

 

The Holy New Martyr John the Former Hagarene as a Model for our Lives 

Holy Ethno-Martyr Gregory the Kalamaras, 

Metropolitan of Argos

Holy Ethno-Martyr Gregory the Kalamaras, Metropolitan of Argos (+ 1821)

 

 

 Venerable Papa-Tychon the Russian

 

Papa-Tychon and Hatzi-George, Ascetics of Mount Athos, Canonized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Synaxis of the Slovenka Icon of the Mother of God

 

Synaxis of the Slovenka Icon of the Mother of God

 

 

Prologue in Sermons: September 23

 

Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion

St. Maurice and the Theban Legion (Feast Day - September 22)

Towards the end of the third century (c. 285), the Roman Emperor Maximian Herculius summoned a select legion from Thebes (in Upper Egypt) to go to Switzerland to strengthen his western front by defeating a revolt by the bagaudae. The legion was composed of Christian warriors whose ardor in battle was matched by an equally ardent faith. The Theban Legion was dispatched with orders to clear the Great St. Bernard Pass in Switzerland across Mont Blanc. Before going into battle, they were instructed to offer sacrifices to the pagan gods and pay homage to the emperor. Maurice pledged his men’s military allegiance to Rome. He stated that service to God superseded all else. To engage in wanton slaughter was inconceivable to Christian soldiers he said. He and his men refused to worship Roman deities.

Saint Jonah the Abbot of Yashezersky (+ early 17th cent.)

St. Jonah of Yashezersky (Feast Day - September 22)

Saint Jonah of Yash Lake was born in the village of Shoksha, sixteen versts from the monastery later established by him. In his youth he heard of the exploits of Saint Alexander of Svir, and desired to imitate his way of life by becoming one of his last disciples at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity at the Svir River. Saint Alexander foresaw the great grace of God in Jonah and accepted him as one of his spiritual children. Shortly before Alexander's death in 1533, Jonah received from him the blessing to live an ascetic life in the forest near his homeland. There he found the remains of an ancient pagan temple, where he planted a cross and chose as the place of his abode.

Saints and Feasts of September 22

On the twenty-second Phocas was killed in a bath.

Holy Hieromartyr Phocas the Wonderworker, 
Bishop of Sinope

 

Saint Phocas the Wonderworker, Bishop of Sinope 

 

Homily on the Holy Hieromartyr Phocas, Bishop of Sinope (St John Chrysostom)

Chrysostom's Homily On Saint Phocas of Sinope

Holy Martyr Phocas the Gardner of Sinope

 

The Life and Veneration of Holy Martyr Phocas the Gardener of Sinope

Homily on Saint Phocas the Gardener of Sinope (Asterios of Amasea)

Holy Martyrs Isaac and Martin

Holy Martyrs Isaac and Martin

Venerable Kosmas of Zographou

 

Saint Kosmas of Zographou Monastery (+ 1323)

 

The Cave of Saint Kosmas of Zographou in Mount Athos

Holy Twenty-Six Venerable Martyrs of Zographou

26 Holy Martyrs of Zographou Monastery

The Holy 26 Martyrs of Zographou as Models for our Lives

Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion

Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion

Venerable Jonah the Abbot of Yashezersky

Saint Jonah the Abbot of Yashezersky (+ early 17th cent.)

Holy Hieromartyr Teodosie of Brazi

Holy Hieromartyr Teodosie of Brazi (+ 1694)

Venerable Paraskeva (Pasha of Sarov) 
the Fool for Christ of Diveyevo

 

Saint Paraskeva (or Pasha) Ivanovna of Sarov - Diveyevo (+ 1915)

 

 

 Prologue in Sermons: September 22

Discovery of the Relics of Saint Dimitri the Metropolitan of Rostov

In 1702, Saint Dimitri, Metropolitan of Rostov, arrived at the Rostov Cathedral and also visited the Monastery of Saint James, Bishop of Rostov.

He served Liturgy at the Cathedral Church of the Conception of the Most Holy Theotokos, after which he indicated to those present the site of his future burial on the right side of the temple. “Behold my resting place,” he said, “here I will settle for eternity.” Saint Dimitri reposed on October 28, 1709.

Contrary to the Saint’s wishes, which he expressed in his will, the clergy and people of Rostov asked the locum tenens of the patriarchal throne, Metropolitan Stephen Yavorsky of Ryazan, who had come for the funeral, to conduct the burial at the cathedral church of the city.

Burial place of St. Dimitri in the Cathedral Church of the Conception of the Theotokos

Metropolitan Stephen insisted on burying the body of his deceased friend beside Saint Joasaph, who was Saint Dimitris’s predecessor. However, a grave was not prepared until the arrival of Metropolitan Stephen, even though about a month had elapsed since the Saint’s death.

Due to the urgent departure of Metropolitan Stephen from Rostov, a hastily constructed wooden frame was placed into the grave, in which the body of the Saint was buried on November 25. This circumstance, foreseen by the Providence of God, led to a quick uncovering of the relics.

In 1752 repairs were being done at the cathedral church of the monastery, and on September 21, the incorrupt body of Saint Dimitri was discovered. The place of burial had been affected by dampness, the oaken coffin and the writing on it were decayed, but the body of the Saint, and even the omophorion, sacchos, mitre and silken prayer rope were preserved undamaged.

Reliquary of St. Dimitri

After the uncovering of the holy relics many healings were worked, which were reported to the Synod, by whose order Metropolitan Sylvester of Suzdal and Archimandrite Gabriel of Simonov arrived at Rostov to examine the relics of Saint Dimitri, and to investigate the incidents of miraculous healings.

A decree was issued by the Synod on April 29, 1757 numbering Saint Dimitri, Metropolitan of Rostov among the saints, and establishing his feast days for October 28 (the day of his repose) and September 21 (the uncovering of his relics).

A healing at the tomb of St. Dimitri