Saint Agapetus, an Unmercenary Doctor of the Body and Soul

We celebrate his feast on 14 June, by magnifying him as a healer of both the body and soul, who guides the evil-hearted to righteousness.

Holy Martyr Dimitrius of Uglich, a patron saint of all children

As a child, he became a martyr at the hands of ambitious noblemen vying for the Russian throne. But he lives in eternity, working miracles and interceding for our children

Saint John of Kronstadt, Preaching Life in Christ

Saint John of Kronstadt (1829 – 1908) is a saint of the Russian church who reaffirmed true faith at a time when the educated classes and large sections of the Russian society with them were distancing themselves from the church and the Orthodox…

Saint Philosophus Ornatsky: sharing in the ways of the Apostles

The beginning of his service to the church coincided with the tragic death of Tsar Alexander II at the hands of revolutionary assassins. To him, it was a symptom of a destructive social disorder: the decline of the faith, especially among the…

Saint John the Russian: projecting God’s love on his enemies

He was only 20 when he was drafted into the Russian army and went to war with Turkey during the reign of the Russian Tsar Peter the Great. He was taken prisoner in a battle with the Turks.

Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk: Planting the Seeds of Enlightenment

In the first week of June, we commemorate Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk, an Orthodox saint and enlightener. She lived more than eight centuries ago, but her life can enrich our argument with many useful insights into the value of education.

Saint John of Korma, a Village Priest and Miracle-Worker

The Venerable John of Korma, a Belarusian saint, built his entire life on the biblical teaching, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."

Saint Pachomius, a Father of Cenobitic Monasticism

He stood at the origin of cenobitic monasticism, the receiver of the monastic rule from an angel, and set an example in resisting temptations and enemy attacks.

Hermit Nikita of Novgorod, the Saint Who Fell and Started Over

As we commemorate this saint on his feast day, we magnify him for his exceptional humility and obedience with which he overcame the enemy’s temptations and defeated his plans.

St. Macarius of Kanev, a Beacon of Unwavering Faith

The Church glorified him as a devoted disciple of our Saviour, a well-known ascetic, and a holy martyr who inspired countless Christians and kept them from apostatising.

Fathers of the Slavic Language and literacyL

The Church Slavonic language - in which we worship today - is the fruit of their good works. They laid the groundwork for the Slavic peoples' cultural and spiritual life.

Alexander of Rome, Shatterer of False Gods, Enlightener of the Souls

The church hymns in his honour extol him for his spiritual strength, which rendered devils helpless, and for his brilliant faith, which illuminated the lives of those around him.

Saint Thais of Egypt, a Repentant Sinner

Saint Thais' change of heart occurred on the final day of her life, teaching us how significant repentance is and how precious it is in the eyes of the Lord.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, a Heart on Fire

In today's hymns, he is lauded as an example of faith and a teacher of humility. What do these qualities mean for us today, and what can we learn from Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker?

The Apostle of Divine Love, Saint John the Theologian

Underneath all his virtues was his undying love for God. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God," he exhorts every Christian, and his entire life reflects this message.

Saint Job of Pochaev, a defender of the faith

He is a beloved saint among the Orthodox of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. His name was written in gold in the history of the Pochaev Lavra we honour him as a defender of the faith.

Great Martyr Pelagia, fairest virgin of Christ

With the purity of her spirit, she enlightened the hearts of many. Pagans who came in touch with her found Christ and became Christians.

Saint Theodosius, a father of monasticism in Russia

The venerable Theodosius lived in the eleventh century, shining among the saints of the Russian church as a father of monasticism in Russia, a model of ascetic living, and a religious writer, whose prayer for all Christians is still remembered…

Boris and Gleb, Passion-Bearers of the Russian Church

An ancient chronicler thus describes the nature of their exploit: "They allowed themselves to be murdered by their older brother Svyatopolk vying for the princely throne. They chose not to raise their hand to their brother."

Saint Ignatius Bryanchaninov, a teacher of prayer and salvation

How can we keep our faith in a rapidly secularizing world? How do we resist the temptations of ideas that promise quick solutions to the world’s problems? With his life and teachings, he answered many of these questions and brought thousands…