Tag: saints and blesseds

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 …

Today, we liturgically recall the memory of our venerable mother, Phoebe, the deaconess. “You put aside all the cares of this world that you might dedicate yourself to the service of others, thus revealing yourself as a true disciple of Christ. Holy mother Phoebe, beg him to save our souls” (Troparion). “Note how many ways …