Holy Martyr Maxim Rumyantsev the Fool for Christ (+ 1928)

St. Maxim Rumyantsev (Feast Day - August 13)

By Hegumen Damaskin (Orlovsky)

Maxim Ivanovich Rumyantsev was born in the mid-fifties of the 19th century in the village of Vandyshki in the Kineshma District of the Kostroma province to a peasant family. His parents Ivan and Anna died when Maxim was barely ten years old, and he settled in the house of his brother Yegor and his wife Elizabeth, where he lived until he was fifteen, and at fifteen he left to wander. Where and how Maxim wandered is unknown, but after returning home almost thirty years later, he knew the church services by heart, although he remained illiterate; during his wanderings, he accepted the feat of foolishness, which he did not abandon until his death.

Returning to his native village, Maxim Ivanovich lived with his brother, then with the pious Gruzdev family, who revered the blessed one, then with the Kocherin family, or wherever God would lead.

Synaxarion of Saint Irene, Empress of the Romans, Founder of Pantocrator Monastery in Constantinople

 On the same day[August 13], we commemorate the renowned and most blessed empress and founder of the revered Monastery of the Pantocrator Savior Christ, Irene, who was renamed as the Nun Xene on taking the holy and angelic schema.

Verses

The Pantocrator gave you a Monastery above,
Having built Him the same Monastery below.

It was necessary that this most great and supreme city of Constantinople should not just take pride in the beauty of things given over to corruption, and take delight and rejoice in tales of men of old who are renowned for their virtue. Rather, it was right for her to boast of and be embellished by the celebrated empress and founder of the Pantocrator Monastery. On the one hand, since the things of old had faded with time, and their beauty was extinguished, they no longer served as sources of delight to their beholders. Not even if they had undergone restoration would they have been sufficient to delight the eye; they still looked neglected. For such were the beauty and brightness of the buildings raised from their very foundations by the celebrated empress, with the consent and approval of the mighty emperor, in glorification and thanks to the Pantocrator our God and Savior Jesus Christ who glorified them with coronation, that the city was dignified by them, and by the rays that they emitted, they illumined and brightened the buildings that grown old and faded with time. On the other hand, the empress, who had acquired all the virtues from childhood and was a receptacle of all good things – this is why she was joined in marriage to the God-crowned and Purple-born emperor – showing herself to be a veritable ornament, not only to the offspring of the imperial Porphyra raised as emperors, in that she was reckoned to be, as indeed she was, the one who set the seal on all the empresses before her, as well as a root of all good qualities and archetypal mould for those who came after her; she was also an adornment to the Queen of Cities.

Saint Manetha of Gomel (+ 1984)

St. Manetha of Gomel (Feast Day - August 11)

Matushka Manetha, whose name in the world was Maria Vladimirovna Skopicheva, was born on April 1st, 1918, in the village of Sevryuki, Belarus. The baby was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and the doctors forewarned the parents that she would never be able to walk. 

Despite her serious condition, Maria grew up to be a cheerful, active and earnest girl. Her parents or one of the neighbours would often take her on their shoulders to the local church.

From early childhood, Mary saw her mother Glykeria praying daily in front of the holy icons, and the sensitive soul of the child grasped the meaning of our existence on earth: everything rests on prayer, love and goodness. As a child, in a night vision, Maria saw two roads and was faced with a choice of which to go. There was a voice: "If you will walk on the left, you will live your life calmly; on the right, you will grieve." Without hesitation, Maria chose the right - the sorrowful path.

Saint Nephon of Constantinople Saves a Ship from Certain Danger in 1916

The following was narrated by Monk Bessarion of Dionysiou to Father Lazarus of Dionysiou:

In the year 1916, Brother Lazarus, when I was appointed treasurer in the Mill of Marianos (a Metochion of Dionysiou Monastery in Halkidiki), I arrived in Daphne with a transport steamer, which I think was named "Helen".

From there with another boat we arrived at the Cape of Sykia, in Kartalia, where all the winds cross. Oh, my brother! We were in danger of drowning in a great storm.

You could see the poor little steamer dancing in the sea like a walnut shell. One end of it was underwater while the other end was above the water in the air. The air was crunching it from all over and you could tell it was going to break apart and be torn to pieces.

All the passengers saw the danger, or should I say death, that surrounded us. 

Saint Euplos, an Important Saint for the People of Eastern Thrace

Church of Saint Euplos in Ainos in 1908

To most of the Orthodox Christian world, Saint Euplos, who is commemorated on August 11th, is completely unknown. But to the Greek people of Ainos (Enez) in Thrace, Saint Euplos has historically been very important and well known.

His significance mainly stems from his name - Euplos - which in Greek essentially means "good voyage" or "good sea voyage". To the port city of Ainos, they celebrated and loved this Saint in his church to ensure a good voyage by sea through his intercessions.

Saint Kallinikos of Edessa Resource Page

St. Kallinikos of Edessa (Feast Day - August 8)

Verses

We honor Kallinikos of Edessa,
A holy Spirit-bearing Bishop.

Synaxarion of our Holy Father Kallinikos the Metropolitan of Edessa 

 

My Elder Saint Kallinikos, Metropolitan of Edessa (Metr. Hierotheos of Nafpaktos) - 1 of 5

 

My Elder Saint Kallinikos, Metropolitan of Edessa (Metr. Hierotheos of Nafpaktos) - 2 of 5

 

My Elder Saint Kallinikos, Metropolitan of Edessa (Metr. Hierotheos of Nafpaktos) - 3 of 5

 

My Elder Saint Kallinikos, Metropolitan of Edessa (Metr. Hierotheos of Nafpaktos) - 4 of 5

 

My Elder Saint Kallinikos, Metropolitan of Edessa (Metr. Hierotheos of Nafpaktos) - 5 of 5

 

Commemorating the 40 Year Anniversary Since the Respose of Saint Kallinikos, Metropolitan of Edessa (1984-2024)

Translation of the Sacred Relics of Saint Kallinikos of Edessa

 

Words of Faith from Saint Kallinikos of Edessa

 

Metropolitan Kallinikos of Edessa, Pella, and Almopia (+ 1984) Has Been Canonized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate (Brief Biography and Hymns Included) 

 

Pastoral Encyclical of Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos on Saint Kallinikos of Edessa 

 

Saint Kallinikos of Edessa, a Balanced and Transfigured Man

 

The Confession of a Demon During an Exorcism Regarding Saint Kallinikos of Edessa

 

Saint Kallinikos of Edessa and His Acquaintance With Elder Epiphanios Theodoropoulos and Saint Paisios the Athonite 

 

Two Chapels Dedicated to the Newly-Canonized Saints Kallinikos of Edessa and Sophrony of Essex in Nafpaktos

 

A Church Founded By Saint Kallinikos of Edessa in 1973 is Consecrated in His Name

Homily on the Coming New Year (St. Kallinikos of Edessa)

 

Saint Gervasios of Patras According to Saint Kallinikos of Edessa

The Church That Saint Eugenios the Aitolos Built in his Home Village

Saint Eugnios the Aitolos was born around 1595 in the village of Mega Dendro in Trichonida to poor parents. He was a forerunner to Saint Kosmas the Aitolos, who was born in the same village, and like him was a bright star during Ottoman slavery. He had as his disciple and biographer the newly-canonized Saint Anastasios Gordios (+ 1729). Saint Eugenios was canonized on July 1, 1982.

The Chapel of Saint Solomone With the Sea Turtle Located at the Base of Mount Olympus

Litochoro is a town located at the base of Mount Olympus, on the western shore of the Thermaic Gulf. "Hidden" in the picturesque alleys of Litochoro, the small Chapel of Saint Solomone is really very small for the great history it carries. There are many features and peculiarities that make it unique. The magnificent frescoes inside, which testify to the antiquity of the building. Its history and contribution during the years of Ottoman rule as a secret school. Saint Solomone to whom it is dedicated, is a Saint who is not widely known. And finally, the shell of the sea turtle, which is in a showcase of the Narthex. These make it one of the most remarkable chapels of the wider area. For all these reasons, it has been designated since 1992 as a historical monument, by decision of the Ministry of Culture (ΦΕΚ461/Β/15-6-92).

The Cholera Epidemic of Constantinople in 1871 and the Holy Zoni of the Panagia

In the year 1871 the city of Constantinople was plagued by a cholera epidemic that had traveled south from Russia and left thousands dead. In November, Patriarch Anthimos VI and the Holy Synod, after prayer, addressed a letter to the Holy Monastery of Vatopaidi on Mount Athos in order to bring the sacred relic of the Holy Zoni to the City to bring the grace and the blessing of the Panagia to the people under trial. The cholera was raging and the people had no other hope than the Panagia.

The Patriarch was aware of the history of the Holy Zoni, how it helped eradicate plagues before, and out of paternal care for the mental, but also the physical health and salvation of his spiritual children in Constantinople, and in order to drive away the plague of cholera, he corresponded with Vatopaidi Monastery, so that the Holy Zoni can be transported quickly and by steamer, since its most obvious miraculous power had been ascertained many times and in difficult circumstances and on the basis of indisputable testimonies and proofs.

Saint Eanswythe, Abbess of Folkestone (+ 640)

St. Eanswythe of Folkstone (Feast Day - August 31)

Saint Eanswythe was born around 614, the only daughter of King Eadbald of Kent and his wife Emma, who was a Frankish princess. At the time of Eanswythe’s birth, her father was probably a pagan, while her mother was almost certainly a Christian. Therefore, it is highly likely that Eanswythe was baptized and raised as a Christian.

When she was two years old, her paternal grandfather King Ethelbert of Kent (Feb. 25) died. Saint Ethelbert had been baptized at Saint Martin’s Church in Canterbury by Saint Augustine of Canterbury (May 28). It was Saint Augustine who came to England in 597 with several monks in order to re-establish Christianity, which had almost been wiped out by the pagan Anglo-Saxons. These monks carried out their missionary work under the protection of King Ethelbert.

Beheading of Saint John the Baptist: Epistle and Gospel Reading

Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John

August 29

Matins Gospel Reading

Gospel According to Matthew 14:1-13

English

At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus; and he said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison, for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; because John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter." And the king was sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body and buried it; and they went and told Jesus. Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a lonely place apart. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus; and he said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison, for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; because John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter." And the king was sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body and buried it; and they went and told Jesus. Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a lonely place apart. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.

Synaxis of the Saints of the Kiev Caves, Whose Relics Repose in the Far Caves of Venerable Theodosius

On this day, the 28th of August, the Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Holy Fathers of the Kiev Caves, whose relics repose in the Far Caves of Saint Theodosius. They have their own individual days of commemoration, but today we honor the whole assembly of these venerable saints who were a light upon the earth, guiding us on the path of salvation.

Venerable Theodosius, the Founder (May 3, August 14, September 2)

Venerable Agathon the Wonderworker (February 20)

Archimandrite Acindynus (+ 1235)

Venerable Ammon (October 4)

Bishop Amphilochius of Vladimir, Volhynia (October 10)

Is Patriarch Gennadios II Scholarios a Saint of the Church?

Fresco of Gennadios Scholarios at the Monastery of the Forerunner in Serres, Greece

By John Sanidopoulos

I have been asked about the sainthood of Patriarch Gennadios II Scholarios more than any other ecclesiastical figure. It seems obvious that the first Patriarch after the fall of Constantinople, who held an Orthodox position in matters of dogma, was a successor of St. Mark of Ephesus, a follower of the teachings of St. Gregory Palamas, and who reposed in a monastery in Serres would merit sainthood. However, despite all the reverence he gets for his contributions to the Church, the fact of the matter is, Patriarch Gennadios II Scholarios was never canonized.

But things aren't so simple. It seems that somehow in the late 20th century, maybe even the early 21st century, the Church of Greece acknowledged his sainthood, whether officially or unofficially I do not know, and assigned his feast to be celebrated with three other Patriarchs of Constantinople on August 25th. On top of this, I can trace at least two shrines on the Greek mainland, both monasteries of recent origin, dedicated to his name: the Monastery of Saint Gennadios Scholarios located in Livadi of Thessaloniki which has one abbot and one monk (see here and here); and the Metochion of Saint Gennadios Scholarios which is a dependency of Saint Katherine's Monastery of Mount Sinai founded in 2016 for nuns and is located in Upper Kotylio, a village in Gortyna, which is in southwest Arcadia, Greece (see here and here). These shrines even have new icons of Saint Gennadios, which did not exist before this time, though there is an old fresco depicting him at the Monastery of the Forerunner in Serres where he is buried, though he is without a halo (pictured above).

Homily on the Martyrs Known as the White Mass (St. Augustine of Hippo)

Holy Martyrs Known as the White Mass (Feast Day - August 24)

Saint Martyrius, Archbishop of Novgorod (+ 1199)

St. Martyrius of Novgorod (Feast Day - August 24)

Saint Martyrius was born in Stara Rus. On the northeast side of the city, near the right bank of the Polista River he founded in the year 1192 the Transfiguration Monastery.

At the Novgorod cathedral, Saint Martyrius was chosen by lot after the death of Saint Gregory (May 24). On December 10, 1193 in Kiev, he was elevated to the rank of archbishop. Saint Martyrius became famous as an indefatigable builder of churches. In May 1195, he contracted for a church in the name of the Mother of God at the city gates. On September 13, 1196, he consecrated a church in honor of the Resurrection of Christ in a new women’s monastery at Lake Myachina.

Saint Ariadne, Empress of the Romans (+ 515)

St. Ariadne the Empress of the Romans (Feast Day - August 22);
the bust of Ariadne is at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The Roman Empire had clashed with barbarians on the northern border for centuries, but lost this war during the reign of Emperor Valens (364-378). In the war with the Goths, Emperor Valens died on the battlefield and Rome was on the brink of collapse. Emperor Theodosius, who came to the throne in such a period, decided to be friends instead of fighting barbarians.

This policy was politically successful and brought prosperity. On the other hand, it led to the rise of foreign soldiers in the army, such as Goths, Vandals, Germans and Isaurians. For example, General Aspar of Germanic origin played a major role in the crowning of Emperor Leo I (457-474).

If it were possible, Aspar himself would have wanted to become an emperor. However, it was still not acceptable for a barbarian to come to the Roman throne at that time. However, this rule would change only one generation later. An Isaurian general who married the daughter of Emperor Leo changed his name to Zeno. He would be the first barbarian-born emperor in Roman history.

Synaxarion of the Holy Great Martyr Andrew the General and the 2,593 Soldiers With Him

St. Andrew Stratelates and his Companions (Feast Day - August 19)

Verses

To Andrew

Andrew was a true general,

He was beheaded and his manliness endures.

To Those Martyred With Him

Standing with the beheaded mass of soldiers in a pool of blood,

Were You who produced the pool of water.

On the nineteenth Andrew was beheaded radiantly.

During the reign of the irreverent Maximianus, in the year 289, he was a soldier in the East under the commander-in-chief of all the royal orders, whose name was Antiochus. He was sent by this commander-in-chief of his with other fellow soldiers to fight against the Persians, for they had gone beyond their border and entered into the border of the Romans, where they laid siege and plundered. Having therefore been sent there, he called upon Christ, and he urged his companions to also call upon Christ, and in doing so they defeated the Persians, banishing and destroying them. With this unhoped for victory, he converted to the faith of Christ his companion soldiers.

Saints John V and George I, Patriarchs of Constantinople

Sts. John V and George I of Constantinople (Feast Day - August 18)

Verses

To George.

You exhorted George O my Christ,
Expect death, I come to call you above.

To John.

The faces of the Church are saddened,
Deprived and carrying off John.

John V was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 669 to 674 or 675. Before this he was the Skeuophylax of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople and Protekdikos and Chartophylax of the Patriarchate. It was during his patriarchate that the distressing first Siege of Constantinople (674–678) was undertaken by the rigid Umayyad Caliphate. During the troubled times of the Christological disputes he was a staunch Orthodox in his faith and teaching. The length of his rule as Patriarch is uncertain as different sources have recorded it differently. Kallistos Nikephoros noted it as four years and a few months, while the catalogues of Leoglavios and Nikephoros record it as five years and nine months. Theophanes recorded it as six years.

Holy Martyr Juliana near Strobilos

Verses

Juliana was lifted up by noetic beings,
The place of her martyrdom adorned with blood.

On the 18th of August we commemorate the Holy Martyr Juliana, near Strobilos of Lycia.*

Notes:

* She may be the same person as the Holy Martyr Juliana we commemorate on December 21st, who contested in Nicomedia. Today's commemoration may be in honor of a church that once stood in her honor near Strobilos of Lycia.

Holy Martyr Leo of Myra

Holy Martyr Leo (Feast Day - August 18)

Verses

Leo contested near the sea here below,
And found a sea of good things in the heavens.

The Holy Martyr Leo contested off the coast of Myra in Lycia.*

Notes:

* He may be the same Holy Martyr Leo who contested in Lycia that is commemorated on February 18.