Saint James the Persian as a Model for our Lives

By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

Saint James lived in the fourth century. He came from Persia and lived in the city of Bethlava. Being of noble lineage, he was friends with King Yazdegerd of Persia. Unfortunately, however, this friendship proved fatal for James, for it became the cause for which he changed his faith. Following pressure from his "friend" the King, he renounced his faith in Christ and worshiped idols. This brought great sadness to his mother and his wife, who truly loved him, which caused them to be hard on him, in order to lead him to repentance. They told him that after what he had done, they no longer wanted to see him. "We will receive you only if you sincerely repent," they told him in a letter. The attitude of his loved ones shocked him and led him to repentance. He sensed his great error and wept bitterly. Then, armed with spiritual courage, he went to the king and confessed boldly his faith in Christ. With this the king put him to be horribly tortured. He cut into little pieces the feet and hands of his "friend", and finally he beheaded him. Thus, James with the blood of his martyrdom sealed his confession, but also corrected the error of his renunciation.

Holy Martyrs Gurias, Samonas and Habibus as Models for our Lives

Sts. Gurias, Samonas and Habibus (Feast Day - November 15)

By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

Saints Gurias and Samonas lived during the reign of Diocletian. They were pious men, "full of the Holy Spirit and faith." They preached Christ with zeal, and during the cruel persecution against the Church they were arrested by the governor Antoninus. With boldness and courage they gave a good confession of the faith and they endured cruel tortures with fortitude and patience. At the end they were beheaded and in this way they delivered their souls into the hands of God.

Saint Elesa of Kythera as a Model for our Lives

St. Elesa of Kythera (Feast Day - August 1)

By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

Saint Elesa came from the Peloponnese from a wealthy family. Her father was a pagan named Elladios, and her mother was a Christian named Eugenia. Elesa was the fruit of the prayers of her pious mother, who was barren, and she constantly prayed to God, begging for a child. One day while praying she was informed, internally within her heart, that she received mercy from God and would become a mother. And because, according to her biographer, the words she heard were: "God has had mercy on you" (ὁ Θεός ἐλέησέ σε), she was named Elesa (Ἐλέσα). She was baptized at a young age and nurtured in the fount of the Gospel. And as she grew her faith and love for the true God became firm.

Saints Hermylos and Stratonikos as Models for our Lives

Sts. Hermylos and Stratonikos (Feast Day - January 13)

By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

Saints Hermylos and Stratonikos lived during the reign of Emperor Licinius (308-322), who to please the pagans ordered a persecution against the Church and its members. He closed and demolished sacred churches and put many Christians to death, after subjecting them to cruel and inhumane torture. Deacon Hermylos spoke against the extermination of so many innocent people, who were perfectly honorable and law-abiding citizens. Of course, he was arrested, cruelly tortured and thrown in prison. In prison he prayed and chanted hymns to the glory of God, and he was peaceful and calm, being "full of the Holy Spirit." Because he remained firm in his faith, and unharmed, he was subjected to even more cruel tortures. Nearby was one of his close friends, Stratonikos, who seeing the torments of his friend wept. When the executioners saw him weep they tortured him. When he also gave his confession of faith, they were both put to death together. Thus, they jointly were made worthy of receiving the unfading crown of martyrdom.