Tag: saints and blesseds

The holy apostle, Philip, one of the first seven deacons. This Philip came from Caesarea in Palestine. We have a portrait of him from the Acts of the Apostles. While he was chosen as one of the first seven deacons, he quickly expanded his ministry and began preaching in Samaria. His conversion of the magician …

Today, the Church liturgically recalls a significant monastic father, Simeon, who lived on a pillar. You will recall there is an icon of Saint Simeon on the wall in the nave of the parish on the left side (it’s not the image for this post, however). “Simeon was born at the end of the fourth …

Today, the Church recalls the memory of the holy and glorious virgin martyr, Irene. Irene was the daughter of the governor of a Persian city. She was baptized by Paul’s companion, the apostle Timothy, and endured many long years of suffering for her faith, first by her father, and, after his conversion, at the hand …

The Church liturgically recalls the memory of St Barbara a 3rd century martyr-saint, born in Nicomedia in what is now modern day Turkey. The Troparion for the Liturgy reads, Today, let us honor the great and holy Barbara, murdered by her own father for her loyalty to Christ. In spite of all, by the power …

At the beginning of the Fast before Christmas, we celebrate the feast of St. Matthew, who wrote one of the Gospels of the birth of our Lord. (St. Luke is the other.) St. Matthew’s purpose was to show how the prophecies of the Covenant were fulfilled in Jesus. Therefore, he is the son of Abraham …