July 31, 2018

Holy New Hieromartyr Benjamin, Metropolitan of Petrograd, and Those With Him (+ 1922)

St. Benjamin of Petrograd and Those with Him (Feast Day - July 31)

The Holy New Hieromartyr Benjamin (Kazansky) was born to a priestly family in the pogost (village) of Nimenskii in the Andreevksii volost of the Kargopol district near Arkhangelsk in the Olonets Governorate in the northwest of the Russian empire.

Saint Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre (+ 448)

St. Germanus of Auxerre (Feast Day - July 31)

Saint Germanus was born at Auxerre around 389, the son of Rusticus and Germanilla, and his family was one of the noblest in Gaul in the latter portion of the fourth century. He received the very best education provided by the distinguished schools of Arles and Lyons, and then went to Rome, where he studied rhetoric and civil law. He practiced there before the tribunal of the prefect for some years with great success. His high birth and brilliant talents brought him into contact with the court, and he married Eustachia, a lady highly esteemed in imperial circles. The emperor Honorius sent him back to Gaul, appointing him one of the six dukes, entrusted with the government of the Gallic provinces. He resided at Auxerre.

Saints and Feasts of July 31


Eudokimos accepts his first burial on the thirty-first.

Holy and Righteous Eudokimos of Cappadocia

Saint Eudokimos the Righteous of Cappadocia


Saint Joseph of Arimathea

Saint Joseph of Arimathea

Life of Saint Joseph of Arimathea


Holy Twelve Martyrs of Rome

Holy Twelve Martyrs of Rome


Commemoration of the Consecration of the Church of 
our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos in Blachernae and 
the Forefeast of the Procession of the Holy Cross

Synaxarion for the Forefeast of the Procession of the Holy Cross

Commemoration of the Consecration of the Church of the Theotokos of Blachernae


Saint Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre

Saint Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre (+ 448)


Saint Arsenius, Bishop of Ninotsminda

Saint Arsenius, Bishop of Ninotsminda (+ 1082)


Holy Anonymous New Martyr from Crete

An Anonymous New Martyr From Crete (+ July 1811)


Holy New Martyr Dionysios of Vatopaidi

Holy New Martyr Dionysios of Vatopaidi (+ 1822)


Holy New Hieromartyr Benjamin, 
Metropolitan of Petrograd, 
with Archimandrite Sergius, 
and the Laymen Yuri and John

Holy New Hieromartyr Benjamin, Metropolitan of Petrograd, and Those With Him (+ 1922)


Holy New Hiero-Confessor Basil, Bishop of Kineshma

Holy New Hiero-Confessor Basil (Preobrazhensky), Bishop of Kineshma (+ 1945)


Translation of the Sacred Relics of the 
Holy Apostle Philip to Cyprus

Translation of the Sacred Relics of the Apostle Philip to Cyprus


July 30, 2018

Holy Apostles Silas, Silouan, Epainetos, Crescens and Andronikos of the Seventy

Holy Apostles Silas, Silouan, Epainetos, Crescens and Andronikos (Feast Day - July 30)

Verses

To Silas and Silouan.
Your proclaimers Silouan and Silas,
Died O Savior, how can I not proclaim it?

To Epainetos.
The great Paul who loved you historicized you,
The good official of all Achaia.

To Crescens and Andronikos.
Crescens and Andronikos the initiates of the Word,
Now behold the face of God the Word.

On the thirtieth four initiates of God died.

Saint Anatole the Younger of Optina (+ 1922)

St. Anatole the Younger of Optina (Feast Day - July 30)

Saint Anatole the Younger (Alexander Potapov in the world) was born on February 15, 1855 in the city of Moscow to an old merchant family. He graduated from the district school, and then engaged in trade, serving as a clerk in Kaluga.

He longed to be a monk from his youth. His mother would not give her blessing for this, so he entered Optina Monastery only after her death in 1885.

Saint Angelina of Serbia (+ 1520)

St. Angelina of Serbia (Feast Day - July 30)

Saint Angelina was the sixth daughter of the Albanian nobleman Gjergj Arianiti (1383–1462). Her mother’s name is not known, but she raised her daughter in Christian piety and taught her to love God. She acquired an excellent education in her parents' home. Her love of books was revealed at an early age, as evidenced by the traces of her library at Krushedol Monastery.

Saints and Feasts of the Last Sunday of July


Translation of the Relics of Saint Theoktiste

Translation of the Relics of Saint Theoktiste to Mithymna of Lesvos in 1960


Translation of the Relics of Saint Theoktiste to Mithymna of Lesvos in 1960


On the island of Icarus is found the Holy Monastery of Saint Theoktiste (or Lefkados Monastery), in the village of Pigi, where in an unknown manner the holy relics of Saint Theoktiste were discovered. It is not known when this small monastery was founded, which is in the old municipality of Messaria (modern Frantato), but it probably existed before 1688. An inscription says the church was painted by Hatzi Panteli from Chios in 1688. It has fifteen monastic cells which were later used for hospice. Though at one time there were over a hundred monks here prior to 1688, in 1982 the last two nuns left.

Saints and Feasts of July 30


On the thirtieth four initiates of God died.

Holy Apostles of the Seventy Silas, Silouan, 
Epainetos, Crescens and Andronikos
 
 
 
Holy Martyr Julitta of Caesarea

Holy Martyr Julitta of Caesarea


Saint Rufinus, Bishop of Assisi

Saint Rufinus, Bishop of Assisi


Holy Hieromartyr Valentine, Bishop of Interamna

Holy Hieromartyr Valentine, Bishop of Interamna

Saint Valentine Resource Page


Saint Tsotne Dadiani the Confessor

Saint Tsotne Dadiani the Confessor (+ 1259)


Venerable Angelina of Serbia

Saint Angelina of Serbia (+ 1520)


Venerable Anatole the Younger of Optina

Saint Anatole the Younger of Optina (+ 1922)


Uncovering of the Relics of the 
Venerable Herman of Solovki

Saint Herman of Solovki (+ 1479)


Synaxis of the Saints of Aegina

Synaxis of the Saints of Aegina



July 29, 2018

Gospel Commentary for the Ninth Sunday of Matthew (St. Theophylact of Ochrid)


Ninth Sunday of Matthew
Christ Walks on the Water

Matthew 14:22-34

From The Explanation of the Gospel of St. Matthew

By Blessed Theophylact, Archbishop of Ochrid and Bulgaria

22. And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a boat, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.

Saints and Feasts of July 29


On the twenty-ninth Kallinikos was devoured by the flames.

Holy Martyr Kallinikos

Saint Kallinikos the Martyr

Holy Martyr Mamas

Holy Martyr Mamas


Holy Martyr Basiliskos the Elder

Holy Martyr Basiliskos the Elder


Saint Constantine Leichoudes, 
Patriarch of Constantinople

Saint Constantine III Leichoudes, Patriarch of Constantinople (+ 1063)


Holy Martyrs Who Were a 
Father, Mother and Two Children

Holy Martyrs Who Were a Father, Mother and Two Children


Saint John the Soldier

Saint John the Soldier of Constantinople


Holy Martyrs Benjamin and Berius

Holy Martyrs Benjamin and Berius


Saint Theodosius the Younger, the Pious Emperor

Holy Emperor Theodosius II the Younger


Holy Martyr Theodoti and her Three Children

Holy Martyr Theodoti and her Three Children


Holy Virgin Martyr Seraphima of Antioch

Saint Seraphima the Virgin Martyr of Antioch


Saint Lupus the Confessor, Bishop of Troyes

Saint Lupus the Confessor, Bishop of Troyes (+ 479)


Holy Martyr Eustathius of Mtskheta in Georgia

Saint Eustathius of Mtskheta in Georgia


Saint Bogolep, Child Schema-Monk of Cherny Yar

Saint Bogolep: Child Schema-Monk of Cherny Yar


Holy New Hieromartyr Bessarion, Bishop of Smolyan

Holy New Hieromartyr Bessarion, Bishop of Smolyan


Holy Confessor Matrona Belyakova of Anemnyasevo



Nativity of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

Nativity of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker


Translation of the Relics of the Holy Martyr 
Michael the Sabbaite

Holy Martyr Michael the Sabbaite


July 28, 2018

Saint Pitirim, Bishop of Tambov (+ 1698)

St. Pitirim of Tambov (Feast Day - July 28)

Saint Pitirim, Bishop of Tambov, in the world Procopius, was born 27 February 1645 (or 1644) in the city of Vyazma. From his youth, the Lord prepared Procopius for high spiritual service. While still a child, he learned reading and writing, attended church services, and acquired the habit of prayer. Procopius loved to read the writings of the holy Fathers and the lives of the Saints. This furthered the future hierarch’s spiritual growth. The boy was remarkable for his overall love of work, broad knowledge and mature judgment. He was endowed with artistic talent, and he successfully occupied himself with the painting of icons and church singing. A sublime spiritual disposition led Procopius onto the pathway of monastic life. Having resolved to dedicate himself completely to God, he entered into the Monastery of Saint John the Baptist in Vyazma, known for its strict rule. When he was twenty-one, he was tonsured with the name of Pitirim.

Saint Moses the Wonderworker of the Kiev Caves

St. Moses the Wonderworker of the Kiev Caves (Feast Day - July 28)

Our Venerable Father Moses pursued asceticism at the Kiev Caves Lavra in the Far Caves of Theodosius in the 13th or 14th century. He wore chains and a heavy copper cross. He was also known for his constant psalmody and innumerable prostrations. Monk Moses possessed the gift of wonderworking. The relics of the Saint rest at the Far Caves.


Saints and Feasts of July 28


On the twenty-eighth the four came together to be initiated.

Holy Apostles and Deacons Prochoros, Nikanor, Timon 
and Parmenas of the Seventy

Holy Apostles and Deacons Prochoros, Nikanor, Timon and Parmenas of the Seventy


Holy Martyr Eustathios of Ancyra

Synaxarion of the Holy Martyr Eustathios of Ancyra


Holy Martyr Akakios the Younger

Synaxarion of the Holy Martyr Akakios the Younger


Holy Martyr Drosis

Holy Martyr Drosis


Venerable Irene of Chrysovalantou

Saint Irene Chrysovalantou Resource Page


Venerable Paul of Xeropotamou

Saint Paul of Xeropotamou (+ late 9th cent.)


Venerable Moses the Wonderworker of the Kiev Caves

Saint Moses the Wonderworker of the Kiev Caves


Venerables Constantine and Cosmas of Kosinsky

Saints Constantine and Cosmas of Kosinsky (+ 13th cent.)


Saint Pitirim, Bishop of Tambov

Saint Pitirim, Bishop of Tambov (+ 1698)


Translation of the Sacred Relics of the 
Venerable John the New Chozebite

Patriarchate of Jerusalem to Officially Canonize St. John Jacob the Chozebite

Synodal Act of Canonization of Saint John the New Chozebite

The Incorrupt Relics of St. John the Chozebite (+ 1960)


Consecration of the Temple of our 
Most Holy Lady the Theotokos at the Diakonissa

Consecration of the Temple of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos at the Diakonissa


July 27, 2018

Saint Nicholas Kochanov, the Fool for Christ of Novgorod (+ 1392)

St. Nicholas Kochanov of Novgorod (Feast Day - July 27)

Blessed Nicholas Kochanov, the Fool for Christ of Novgorod, was born in Novgorod into a rich and illustrious family, and his parents were named Maxim and Juliana. From his youthful years he loved piety, he went to church faithfully, and he loved fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Seeing his virtuous life, people began to praise him. Nicholas, disdaining glory from men, began the difficult exploit of folly for the Lord’s sake. He ran about the city in the bitter cold dressed in rags, enduring beatings, insults and mockery, which caused him to rejoice.

Saints and Feasts of July 27


On the twenty-seventh Panteleimon 
obtained his portion by the sword.

Holy, Glorious, Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon

Saint Panteleimon Resource Page


Holy Blind Martyr, Healed by Saint Panteleimon

Saint Panteleimon Resource Page


Venerable Anthousa the Confessor 
of Mantineou Monastery

Saint Anthousa the Confessor of Mantineou Monastery

The Extraordinary Obedience of St. Anthousa the Confessor


Venerable Sisinios

Saint Anthousa the Confessor of Mantineou Monastery


Holy One Hundred and Fifty-Three Martyrs of Thrace

Holy One Hundred and Fifty-Three Martyrs of Thrace


Venerable Manuel

Venerable Manuel


Holy Seven Apostles of Bulgaria - 
Saints Cyril, Methodios, Clement, Nahum, 
Sava, Gorazd and Angelrius

Holy Seven Apostles of Bulgaria - Saints Cyril, Methodios, Clement, Nahum, Sava, Gorazd and Angelrius


Saint Nicholas Kochanov, 
the Fool for Christ of Novgorod

Saint Nicholas Kochanov, the Fool for Christ of Novgorod (+ 1392)


Saint Joasaph, Metropolitan of Moscow

Saint Joasaph, Metropolitan of Moscow (+ 1555)


Holy New Martyr Christodoulos of Kassandra

Holy New Martyr Christodoulos of Kassandra (+ 1777)

Holy New Martyr Christodoulos as a Model for our Lives


July 26, 2018

Holy Martyr Jerusalem of Byzantium

St. Jerusalem of Byzantium (Feast Day - July 26)

Verses

Jerusalem bears the cutting off of her head,
And now beholds the Jerusalem above.

The Holy Martyr Jerusalem hailed from Byzantium, and during the reign of the Emperor Decius in 250 she entered the Convent of Saint Oraiozele. There she became renowned for her virtues and preached the gospel, helping to convert many to the faith of Christ. For this reason she was seized from the convent, and made to stand in judgment.

Saint Moses the Hungarian of the Kiev Caves (+ 1043)

St. Moses the Hungarian (Feast Day - July 26)

Although the Hungarians were mostly pagan when Saint Moses was born, and later they became Orthodox Christian, the Hungarian chieftain of Transylvania, the Gyula, was baptized in Constantinople in 952, and it is because of this that the Hungarian-born Moses was raised an Orthodox Christian and was able to travel to Kiev.

Venerable Moses the Hungarian of the Kiev Caves was a brother of Saint Ephraim of Novy Torg (Jan. 28), and of Saint George. Together with them he entered into the service of the holy Prince Boris (July 24) of Kiev. After the murder of Saint Boris in 1015 at the River Alta (Saint George also perished with him), Saint Moses fled and hid himself at Kiev with Predislava, daughter of Vladimir I of Kiev and sister of the future Prince Yaroslav I the Wise. In 1018, when the Polish king Boleslav seized Kiev, Moses and his companions wound up in Poland as captives.

Saints and Feasts of July 26


On the twenty-sixth Hermolaos was cut at the neck by a sword.

On the twenty-sixth Paraskevi was beheaded with a sword.

Holy Hieromartyrs Hermolaos, Hermippos 
and Hermokrates

Holy Hieromartyrs Hermolaos, Hermippos and Hermokrates of Nicomedia

Saint Hermolaos, the Protector of Children


Holy Venerable Martyr Paraskevi

Saint Paraskevi Resource Page


Holy Martyr Oraiozele

Holy Martyr Oraiozele of Reuma


Venerable Ignatios of Steirion

Venerable Ignatios of Steirion


Holy Martyr Appion

Holy Martyr Appion


Holy Martyr Jerusalem of Byzantium

Holy Martyr Jerusalem of Byzantium


Venerable Gerontios the Athonite, 
Founder of the Skete of Saint Anna

Saint Gerontios the Athonite, Founder of the Skete of Saint Anna


Venerable Moses the Hungarian of the Kiev Caves

Saint Moses the Hungarian of the Kiev Caves (+ 1043)


Venerable Ioannikios the New of Romania

Saint Ioannikios the New of Romania (+ 1638)


Saint Jacob Netsvetov, Enlightener of Alaska

Saint Jacob Netsvetov, the Enlightener of the Peoples of Alaska


Consecration of the Archangel Michael in Skallai

Consecration of the Archangel Michael in Skallai


Consecration of the Archangel Gabriel in Chaldais

Consecration of the Archangel Gabriel in Chaldais


Consecration of Chrysovalantou Monastery 
Which Was Dedicated to the Archangels

Consecration of Chrysovalantou Monastery Which Was Dedicated to the Archangels


Synaxis of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos 
in Pagidion Next to the New Colonnade

Synaxis of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos in Pagidion Next to the New Colonnade



July 25, 2018

July 24, 2018

Athenagoras and Early Christian Apologetics


By Jackson Watts

Early church history shows that believers took seriously the task of apologetics. They knew that their beliefs and practices had profound spiritual consequences, and thus sought to “destroy the lofty arguments raised against the knowledge of God” (2 Cor. 10:5-6 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] ). One such Christian was Athenagoras of Athens, a philosopher whose passionate intellect is displayed in A Plea for the Christians.[1]

Written in A.D. 177, Athenagoras penned this letter to Emperors Lucius Aurelius Commodus and Marcus Aurelius. To a large degree, the letter is a “plea for civic toleration”[2] It is as striking in its philosophical and legal argumentation as it is in its theological appeal.

While we may be tempted to analyze Athenagoras through the lens of modern apologetic methodologies, his Plea resists narrow classification. Instead, we’ll consider three instructive elements of his work: (1) inconsistencies in Greco-Roman thought and life; (2) the use of secular sources to support religious arguments; and (3) respectful appeals to the character and intellect of the letter’s recipients.

Saint Theophilos the New Martyr of Chios as a Model for our Lives


By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

The Neomartyr Theophilos lived in the seventeenth century. He was a sailor from Zakynthos who traveled on a Greek ship. Once, when he arrived in Chios, which was the homeland of his captain, he met a Turk, who suggested that he work on his ship.

Theophilos refused, and then he was accused of wearing on his head the fez of a Turk. The Turkish judge, to whom he was brought, decided that the accused should become a Muslim. Theophilos boldly confessed his faith in the true God, and for this the enraged Turks forced him to be circumcised, then they decided to send him as a gift to the Sultan, because he was young and handsome. Theophilos managed to escape them and went to Samos. Later, he returned to Chios searching for his captain, and the Turks, who recognized him, arrested him. They had him endure horrible torture, but he remained steadfast in his faith, and for that he was burnt alive in the year 1635. Indeed, when he realized that he would he would burn, he went of his own accord into the fire, after he had made the sign of the cross and said: "My Christ, into Your hands I deliver my soul."

Saint Symeon the Newly-Revealed of Thessaloniki

St. Symeon the Newly-Revealed (Feast Day - July 24)

Our Venerable Father Symeon the Newly-Revealed is only known to us from a Divine Office in his honor which was published in Venice in 1777. The Synaxarion contained in this Office presents a paradoxical case, which is rare but not unknown among the pious. The source for the Synaxarion is a text that no longer exists, but it was written by a hieromonk named Daniel from Kerkyra, who was told about this Saint in a dream which was narrated to him by the Holy New Martyr Anastasios of Paramythia († 7/18/1750), who had previously converted Daniel before his martyrdom from Islam and whom Daniel afterwards honored and revered.

Saints and Feasts of July 24


On the twenty-fourth a sharp spear was cast at Christina.

Holy Great Martyr Christina
 


Holy Martyr Kapiton

Holy Martyr Kapiton


Holy Martyr Hymenaeus

Holy Martyr Hymenaeus


Holy Martyr Hermogenes

Holy Martyr Hermogenes


Saint Athenagoras the Athenian and Apologist

Saint Athenagoras the Athenian and Apologist

Athenagoras and Early Christian Apologetics


Saint Christiana of Termonde

Saint Christiana of Termonde (+ 750)


Venerable Hilarion of Tvali

Saint Hilarion of Tvali (+ 1041)


Venerable Symeon the Newly-Revealed

Saint Symeon the Newly-Revealed of Thessaloniki


Holy New Martyr Theophilos of Zakynthos

Holy New Martyr Theophilos of Zakynthos (+ 1635)

Saint Theophilos the New Martyr of Chios as a Model for our Lives


Holy New Martyr Athanasios of Kios

Holy New Martyr Athanasios of Kios (+ 1670)


Holy Passion-Bearers Boris and Gleb
 
 
Venerable Polycarp of the Kiev Caves

Saint Polycarp of the Kiev Caves Lavra


July 23, 2018

Holy Hieromartyr Apollinaris, Bishop of Ravenna

St. Apollinaris of Ravenna (Feast Day - July 23)

Verses

Apollinaris was cut down,
Vitale hastened at once to arrive.

Saint Apollinaris was a disciple of the Apostle Peter, whom he followed from Antioch to Rome sometime during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius (41-54). Saint Peter appointed Apollinaris as Bishop of Ravenna. Arriving in Ravenna as a stranger, Apollinaris asked shelter of a local inhabitant, the soldier Irenaeus, and during their conversation he revealed the purpose for which he had come.

Translation of the Relics of the Holy Hieromartyr Phocas of Sinope

Translation of the Relic of St. Phocas the Bishop of Sinope (Feast Day - July 23)

Verses

You were illumined with the light of the Lord glorious Phocas,
Your heart was shown to be a holder of light.

Another for the Translation of his Relic.

A new ark of Israel is lifted up anew,
Carrying dead Phocas as another tablet.
On the twenty-third dead Phocas was carried out.

The Holy Hieromartyr Phocas was born in the city of Sinope. During his adult years he became Bishop of Sinope. At the time of a persecution against Christians under the emperor Trajan (98–117), the governor demanded that the Saint renounce Christ. After fierce torture they enclosed him in a hot bath-house, where he died a martyr’s death in the year 117.

Saints and Feasts of July 23


On the twenty-third dead Phocas was carried out.

Translation of the Sacred Relics of 
Saint Phocas of Sinope

Translation of the Relics of the Holy Hieromartyr Phocas of Sinope

Chrysostom's Homily On Saint Phocas of Sinope

Saint Phocas the Wonderworker, Bishop of Sinope


Holy Prophet Ezekiel

Prophet Ezekiel Resource Page


Holy Hieromartyr Apollinaris, Bishop of Ravenna

Holy Hieromartyr Apollinaris, Bishop of Ravenna


Holy Martyr Vitale of Ravenna

Holy Martyr Vitale of Ravenna


Holy Hieromartyr Apollonios, Bishop of Rome

Holy Hieromartyr Apollonios, Bishop of Rome


Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs 
Killed by the Bulgarians During 
the Reign of Nikephoros the Emperor

Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Killed by the Bulgarians During the Reign of Nikephoros the Emperor


Holy Seven Martyrs of Carthage

Holy Seven Martyrs of Carthage


Venerable Anna of Leukadia

Saint Anna of Leukadia


Saint Thyrsos, Bishop of Karpasia

Saint Thyrsos, Bishop of Karpasia in Cyprus


Venerable Pelagia of Tinos

Saint Pelagia of Tinos (+ 1834)

Panagia Evangelistria of Tinos Resource Page


Holy New Martyr Andrew Argunov

Holy New Martyr Andrew Argunov (+ 1938)


Commemoration of the Miraculous Appearance 
of the Mother of God at Pochaev Lavra 
 
 
 
Commemoration of the Appearance of 
Saint Kosmas Aitolos in Arnaia in 1943
 
The Appearance of Saint Kosmas Aitolos to a Woman in Arnaia on July 23, 1943
 
 
Commemoration of the Miracle at the 
Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring Longovarda 
in Paros in 1944
 
Synaxis of the Icon of the Mother of God 
the Joy of All Who Sorrow (with coins)

Icons of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow"


Synaxis of the Holy Prophet and Baptist John 
in Olympou Next to Saint Thomas

Synaxis of the Holy Prophet and Baptist John in Olympou Next to Saint Thomas


July 22, 2018

When Mary Magdalene Visited the Island of Zakynthos


According to tradition, two women evangelized the island of Zakynthos in apostolic times, both Myrrhbearers and eye-witnesses of the Resurrection of Christ - Mary Magdalene and Mary of Cleopas. They first preached Christ crucified and risen to the locals while on their way to Rome around the year 34. Their ship dropped anchor at Porto Vromi and Mary Magdalene came ashore to spread Christ’s gospel. The footprint can still be seen on the rock where she first stepped foot. Today at Maries, Panagia Mariesotissa is the church of the village, standing below the village and housing an icon with miraculous properties. In Maries these events are celebrated annually with a procession on July 22nd, which is the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene.

Saints and Feasts of July 22


On the twenty-second Mary Magdalene slept.

Holy Myrrhbearer and Equal to the Apostles 
Mary Magdalene

Saint Mary Magdalene Resource Page


Holy Virgin Martyr Markella of Chios

Saint Markella of Chios Resource Page


Venerable Menelaos the Wonderworker
 
 
Venerable Cornelius of Pereyaslavl

Saint Cornelius of Pereyaslavl (+ 1693)


Holy New Hieromartyr Michael Nakaryakov

Holy New Hieromartyr Michael Nakaryakov (+ 1918)



July 21, 2018

BEAUTIFUL ICONS FOR SALE !!!


Hey folks!

Looking to raise some much needed funds and make some room in my apartment, so I'm selling most of my own personal icons and other ecclesiastical items, hoping you will be interested and help me out. Below I am beginning with some of my favorites, three of which (the ones with the wood carved frame) were museum pieces gifted to me (don't know anything about them unfortunately). These are all between 16 and 24 inches tall. Beautiful pieces for you collection.

I am selling them individually or collectively. All five are collectively $1,200.00 + shipping and handling (depending on where you live). Individual prices are below each icon. Please contact me at mystagogy@aol.com if you are interested or have any questions. First come first serve.

Thank you,

John Sanidopoulos

UPDATE: All items have been sold. More coming soon.

Depicts Christ (24x14). Hand painted icon with a carved wooden frame. Price: $400.
(Sold. No longer available.)

Depicts the Mother of God with the Christ Child (15x9). Hand painted icon with a carved wooden frame. Price: $300
 (Sold. No longer available.)

Depicts the Apostles Peter and Paul (18x13). Hand painted icon with a carved wooden frame. Price: $350
 (Sold. No longer available.)

A replica (exact look and proportionate size) of the famous Sinai icon of Christ (25x13). Price: $100
 (Sold. No longer available.)

An framed image of the Great Schema worn by monastics covered by glass (23x17). Price: $200
 (Sold. No longer available.)


Saints and Feasts of July 21


Feigning non-sensibility the sensible Symeon 
died on the twenty-first.

Venerable Symeon the Fool for Christ and John

Saint Symeon the Fool for Christ Resource Page


Holy Three Martyrs of Melitene

Holy Three Martyrs of Melitene


Holy Martyrs Justus and Matthias

Holy Martyrs Justus and Matthias


Holy Martyr Eugenios

Holy Martyr Eugenios


Holy Martyrs Theodore and George

Holy Martyrs Theodore and George


Holy Martyrs Theophilos, Trophimos 
and another Thirteen Martyrs With Them

Holy Martyrs Theophilos, Trophimos and another Thirteen Martyrs With Them


Saint Manuel II Palaiologos, Emperor of the Romans

Saint Manuel II Palaiologos, Emperor of the Romans (+ 1425)


Venerable Onouphrios the Silent of the Kiev Caves

Saint Onouphrios the Silent of the Kiev Caves


Saint Parthenios, Bishop of Radovisdiou

Saint Parthenios, Bishop of Radovisdiou (+ 1777)


Synaxis of the Theotokos in Armatios

Synaxis of the Theotokos in Armatios


July 20, 2018

Saint Abraham of Galich (+ 1375)

St. Abraham of Galich (Feast Day -July 20)

Saint Abraham (or Abramius) of Galich pursued asceticism at the Monastery of Saint Sergius of Radonezh during the fourteenth century, where he was a disciple of Saint Sergius. After many years as a novice, he was deemed worthy of the priesthood. Yearning after the perfection of silence, he asked for the blessing of Saint Sergius, and in the year 1350 settled in the Galich countryside, inhabited by foreign tribes of people.

Overcoming Slavery to the Passions as Typified in the Prophet Elijah (St. Maximus the Confessor)


By St. Maximus the Confessor

(On the Lord's Prayer)

It is our aim to make the nous stand alone, stripped through the virtues of its affection for the body; for this affection, even when totally dispassionate, is still natural. The spirit, completely triumphing over nature, has to persuade the nous to desist from moral philosophy in order to commune with the supra-essential Logos through direct and undivided contemplation, in spite of the fact that moral philosophy helps the nous to cut itself off from, and to go beyond, things pertaining to the flux of time. For when the nous has become free from its attachment to sensible objects, it should not be burdened any longer with preoccupations about morality as with a shaggy cloak.

Saints and Feasts of July 20


On the twentieth you were taken up, Elias, by chariot.

Holy Prophet Elijah the Tishbite

Prophet Elijah (Elias) Resource Page


Venerable Abraham of Galich

Saint Abraham of Galich (+ 1375)


Holy New Hieromartyrs Archpriest Alexei Medvedkov 
and Priest Dimitri Klepinine, 
the Venerable Martyr Maria Skobtsova 
and her son the Martyr George Skobtsov, 
with the Martyr Elie Fondaminskii

Synaxis of Saint Maria Skobtsova of Paris and Her Companions (+ 1945)


Uncovering of the Sacred Relics of the 
Venerable Athanasius of Brest

Saint Athanasius of Brest (+ 1648)


Finding of the Sacred Relics of the 
Venerable Gerasim of Boldino

Saint Gerasim of Boldino (+ 1554)


July 19, 2018

The Truth About the Miracle of Saint Haralambos in Filiatra in 1944


By John Sanidopoulos

In 2010 I posted an article on the miracle attributed to Saint Haralambos in Filiatra on July 19, 1944 when he appeared to the German commander and prevented a massacre of the residents of the city. When I did so, I looked for historical corroboration of the event, or at least something close to it, that was not ecclesiastical in origin. I was also a bit troubled by certain contradictions in the accounts from various Orthodox sources. For example, in some accounts it said it took place in 1943 while in others it said it took place in 1944, and in some sources the name of the commander is given as Kontaou while others call him Kunster. As for any historical corroboration, none were to be found, not even close. This surprised me, because the German occupation of Greece is pretty well documented, and I expected to at least find a photo of the German commander, who was said to visit Filiatra annually for the feast of Saint Haralambos. Even more surprising, this only took place in 1944, so surely in 2010 someone must have been alive to corroborate the narrative of the events as they have been handed down to us.

Saints and Feasts of July 19


On the nineteenth the renowned Dios died.

Venerable Dios

Saint Dios the Wonderworker of Antioch


Venerable Macrina, Sister of Basil the Great

Saint Macrina the Younger Resource Page


Holy Four Venerable Ascetics

Holy Four Venerable Ascetics


Saint Theodore the Sabbaite, Bishop of Edessa

Saint Theodore the Sabbaite, Bishop of Edessa


Venerable Diocles

Life and Sayings of Abba Diocles


Saint Roman Olegovich, Prince of Ryazan

Saint Roman Olegovich, Prince of Ryazan (+ 1270)


Venerable Paisius of the Kiev Caves

Saint Paisius of the Kiev Caves


Translation of the Sacred Relic of the 
Venerable Seraphim of Sarov

Translation of the Holy Relics of Saint Seraphim of Sarov

Film From 19 July 1903 of the Litany With Relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov

Saint Seraphim of Sarov Resource Page


Commemoration of the Miracle of Saint Haralambos 
in Filiatra of Messenia

Miracle of Saint Haralambos in Filiatra (1944)

The Truth About the Miracle of Saint Haralambos in Filiatra in 1944

Saint Haralambos Resource Page


July 18, 2018

Saints Stephen II the Archbishop of Constantinople and John the Metropolitan of Chalcedon


Verses

The two Bishops were released from the earth,
Having come to behold the noetic Bishop.

Our Holy Father Stephen was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 29 June 925 to 18 July 928. Before this appointment he served as the Metropolitan of Amasea, which was also his homeland. He appears to have been appointed to the post by Romanos I Lekapenos after the death of Patriarch Nicholas Mystikos as a stop-gap until Romanos's own son, Theophylaktos, was old enough to assume the post; he was only seven years old. According to Steven Runciman, "Boy-bishops, such as were common in the West, shocked the more civilized sentiment of the East; and so Romanos had to choose Stephen of Amasea. To be patriarch then was a task requiring tact; but Stephen did his duty, lived insignificantly and died well in time - too well, in fact, for in July, 928, the date of his death, Theophylaktos was still impossibly young." Elsewhere Runciman calls him a "deliberate nonentity".

Synaxarion of the Holy Martyr Hyacinth of Amastris

St. Hyacinth of Amastris (Feast Day - July 18)

Verses

As a sweet-scented hyacinth flower O Word,
Receive Hyacinth from these reeds.

This Saint was born to pious parents, who were called Theokletos and Theonilla, during the years of Bishop Herakleides, who oversaw Amastris by the sea, which was located at the Black Sea. The Saint received the name Hyacinth due to a manifestation of a divine Angel. When he was three years old he raised a dead child after calling upon the name of Christ. As the Saint physically grew according to his age, so also did he spiritually grow in age according to virtue. The blessed one performed many miracles, until he reached old age.