Saints and Scripture

On the second Sunday after Pentecost, the Church remembers all the saints who have lived and shone in North America. These saints, known and unknown, show us how to live as Christians and what challenges we may face. From the first Divine Liturgy celebrated in 1741 to the missionary journeys and martyrdoms, the saints of North America come from many backgrounds. They include apostles, martyrs, hie...

Today we remember the discovery of the relics of Saint Nicholas the Deacon at Karyes Monastery on the island of Lesbos. This event took place on June 13, 1960, following a series of dreams that guided three women to the location of his tomb. Saint Nicholas was a deacon from Thessaloniki who lived during the time of the Turkish invasions. He accompanied Saint Raphael to Lesbos and suffered greatly...

Today we remember Saint Anthimus of Iberia, a remarkable bishop known for his deep knowledge, artistic talents, and dedication to the Orthodox faith. Born in southern Georgia, he became a key figure in the spiritual and cultural life of Wallachia, now part of Romania. Saint Anthimus was not only a gifted artist and writer but also a leader who worked tirelessly to strengthen the Church and his peo...

Today we remember Venerable Onuphrius the Great, a desert hermit who lived in complete solitude for sixty years. His life was one of deep prayer, ascetic struggle, and trust in God's providence, sustained by a miraculous palm tree and spring. Saint Paphnutius, another desert ascetic, recorded the story of Onuphrius and other holy men of the Thebaid desert. Through his journeys, we learn about...

Today we remember Saint Luke, Archbishop of Simferopol, a man who combined his calling as a skilled surgeon with his deep faith as a bishop. Born Valentin Felixovich Voyno-Yasenetsky in 1877, he devoted his life to healing both body and soul, serving the poor and enduring persecution with steadfast faith. Saint Luke's legacy includes his medical achievements, his pastoral care, and his endura...

Today we remember Saint John Maximovitch, Metropolitan of Tobolsk and All Siberia, a devoted bishop and teacher who lived in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Born in 1651, he dedicated his life to preaching, education, and missionary work, especially among the people of Siberia. Saint John was known for his humility, compassion, and deep spiritual insight. He founded schools, published impo...

Today we remember Saint Columba, also known as Colum Cille, the dove of the Church. Born in Ireland around 521, he was a nobleman who became a priest and missionary. After a conflict in Ireland, he left for Scotland and founded the monastery on the island of Iona, which became a center of Christian faith and mission. Saint Columba is remembered for his deep love for God, his missionary work, and h...

Today we remember Saint Euthymius the New, a Georgian monk who founded the Ivḗron Monastery on Mount Athos. Born to noble parents, he was raised in faith and became a priest, scholar, and spiritual leader known for his humility and devotion. Saint Euthymius translated the Holy Scriptures into Georgian, cared for the sick, and faced trials with grace. His life was marked by prayer, teaching, and mi...

Today we honor Hieromartyr Hermogenes, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, who was glorified as a saint in 1913. Known for his steadfast faith and leadership during difficult times, he became a powerful intercessor for the Russian people. Saint Hermogenes was a devoted shepherd of the Church and a defender of the Orthodox faith and Russian unity during the Time of Troubles. His relics continue to...

Today we remember Saints Cyril and Methodius, brothers from Thessalonica who became known as Equals of the Apostles and Enlighteners of the Slavs. They devoted their lives to spreading the Gospel and creating the Slavonic alphabet to bring the Christian faith to the Slavic peoples. Their work included translating important church texts into the Slavic language and defending the use of Slavonic in...

Today we remember Saint Simon, the first bishop of Vladimir-on-the-Klyazma and Suzdal, known for his spiritual leadership and writings. We also honor the memory of Martyrs Philadelphus, Cyprian, Alphius, Onesimus, Erasmus, and fourteen others who suffered for their faith in Sicily. Additionally, we recall Martyr Hesychius of Antioch, a high-ranking official who was martyred for refusing to renounc...

Today we remember Venerable Joseph of Optina, a monk who lived a life marked by humility, obedience, and deep spiritual wisdom. Born John Litovkin in 1837, he faced many hardships early in life but found strength in prayer and the guidance of the Elders at Optina. Joseph served as a devoted cell-attendant to Elder Ambrose and later became a spiritual father himself. His life was a testament to the...

Today we remember Venerable Arsenius the Great, a saint who left a life of learning and honor to seek true wisdom in the silence of the desert. Born in Rome in 354, Arsenius was well-educated and served as a teacher to the emperor’s sons before choosing the monastic life. Arsenius embraced a life of deep prayer, silence, and humility. He lived many years in solitude, guiding others with brief but...

Today we remember Saint John of Zedazeni and his twelve disciples, Syrian ascetics who brought monastic life to Georgia. They were guided by the Most Holy Theotokos to strengthen the Christian faith in the land enlightened by Saint Nino. Saint John and his disciples established monasteries, performed miracles, and preached throughout Georgia. Their holy lives and teachings continue to inspire and...

Today we remember Martyr Barbarus of Thessaly, who turned from a life of robbery to deep repentance and martyrdom. We also honor Saint Seraphim of Labodeia, a monk and spiritual guide who lived an ascetic life in central Greece. Saint Barbarus’s story shows the power of God’s mercy to transform even the hardest hearts. Saint Seraphim’s life reminds us of the value of humility and dedication in the...

Today we remember Great Martyr Irene, born Penelope in fourth-century Persia. Despite being raised in isolation by her pagan father, she embraced Christianity through the teachings of her Christian tutor, Apellian. Irene’s steadfast faith led her to endure many tortures and to convert thousands to Christ. Her story is one of courage, miracles, and unwavering devotion to God. Support the show

Today we remember New Martyr Archpriest Vasily Martysz, a devoted priest who served both in America and Poland. His life was marked by missionary work, dedication to his flock, and ultimately, martyrdom during the turmoil of World War II. Father Vasily’s journey took him from Alaska to Pennsylvania, then back to Poland, where he played a key role in the Orthodox Church and the Polish military chap...

Today we remember Holy Great Martyr Xenia of Kalamata, a young Christian woman who lived in the early 4th century. Despite severe persecution, she remained steadfast in her faith, enduring great suffering rather than renouncing Christ. Born to devout Christian parents who fled persecution, Xenia devoted her life to prayer, fasting, and helping the poor. Her courage in the face of brutal torture an...

Today we remember Saint Athanasius III Patelarios, Patriarch of Constantinople and Wonderworker of Lubensk. Born Alexis on the island of Crete in 1560, he devoted his life to asceticism, pastoral work, and defending the Orthodox faith during difficult times. Saint Athanasius served multiple terms as Patriarch of Constantinople, facing persecution from both Moslems and Catholics. He traveled widely...

Today we remember Venerable Nikēphóros of Chios, a beloved monk, teacher, and spiritual guide from the Greek island of Chios. Born around 1750, he was dedicated to the Mother of God from childhood and grew to be a humble and gentle man who inspired many through his teachings and writings. Saint Nikēphóros served as a teacher and later as Igumen of the monastery of Nea Moni. Though he faced challen...

Today we remember Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov, a man chosen for God’s service even before his birth. Born Demetrios Brianchaninov in 1807, he was raised in a noble family but felt called to the monastic life from a young age. Despite his father’s plans for a military career, Demetrios pursued his spiritual calling with determination and humility. Saint Ignatius faced many challenges, including op...

Today we remember the Nine Martyrs of Cyzicus, who boldly confessed their faith in Christ during a time of pagan persecution in Asia Minor. These martyrs came from different backgrounds and ages but stood united in their witness, enduring torture and death rather than renouncing Christ. We also honor Venerable Memnon the Wonderworker, a desert ascetic from Egypt known for his spiritual wisdom and...

Today we remember Saint Cyril, Bishop of Turov, who lived in the twelfth century. Born into a wealthy family, he chose a life of monasticism, prayer, and teaching, becoming known for his deep understanding of Scripture and his spiritual writings. Saint Cyril served as bishop and was involved in important church councils. Later, he devoted himself to writing sermons and prayers that continue to ins...

Today we remember two significant events in the life of the Church. First, the burning of the relics of Saint Sava, the beloved Serbian saint whose memory inspired his people through difficult times. Second, we honor Hieromartyr Simeon, a kinsman of the Lord and the second Bishop of Jerusalem, who faithfully witnessed to Christ even unto death. Saint Sava's relics were burned by the Turks in...

Today we remember Saint Stephen, Bishop of Perm, who was born around 1340 and devoted his life to bringing the Christian faith to the Zyrian people. He learned their language, created an alphabet for it, and translated important Church books to help spread the Gospel. Saint Stephen faced many challenges, including opposition from pagan priests and the destruction of idols. He built churches and mo...