Saint Polycarp: Practising Virtue, Teaching the Word of Truth

As bishop of Smyrna for over five decades, he preached faithfully the word of Christ and guarded the purity of His teaching. He left a legacy of theological writings.

Uncovering the Relics of the Holy Martyrs at Eugenios Gate

The relics discovered at Eugenios Gate at Constantinople worked numerous miracles, including surprise healings of the sick and the driving out of the demons from the possessed.

Saints Archippus, Philemon, Apphia, followers of the way of holiness

During the reign of the emperor Nero (54-68), the Archippus, Philemon and Apphia proclaimed themselves as Christians, stood trial and were meted out brutal penalties.

St. Leo the Great, the Inspired Glory of True Believers

His true teaching on two natures and two wills of Christ was affirmed in the doctrine of the Church almost two centuries after his death.

Hieromartyr Hermogenes, Dispelling Cowardice from People’s Hearts

But when the Russian Orthodox Church glorified him in 1913, it was not for his religious ministry, but for his steadfastness in the service of the Russian Orthodox Church as its Patriarch and for his martyrdom.

Saint Theodore the Tyro, Rejoicing in the Fount of Flames

Fearing that his steadfastness might embolden other Christians, the governor sentenced him to be burned at the stake. He walked into the fire and surrendered his soul to the Lord.

Metropolitan Makary: Russia's Pillar of Faith

Saint Makary (Nevsky), Metropolitan of Moscow and Altai is the outstanding missionary saint, lauded as the “Apostle of Altai,” “Siberian Pillar of Orthodoxy,” and “living Russian saint” by his contemporaries.

Apostle Onesimus, Illumined by Saint Paul

With sincere repentance, he received forgiveness of his transgressions and ascended spiritually to become an apostle of the seventy.

Saint Alexis, Pastor and Teacher of the Russian Church

A friend of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, he tried to persuade him to become his successor as metropolitan, but did not succeed. He is also the guardian angel of Alexis II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia in 1990 – 2008.

St Alexiy, a Candle’s Flame, a Nation’s Fate

St Alexiy of Moscow threw himself into church work with spirit. He ordained bishops, established monasteries, and devoted much effort to maintaining peace with the Golden Horde.

Hieromartyr Blaise of Sebaste, Sharing in the Ways of the Apostles

Saint Blaise is venerated in the Eastern and Western churches as a holy healer. Believers invoke his name for protection from wild animals and the healing of illness.

Hieromartyr Harlampios, Dispelling the Dark Night of Idolatry

Harlampios did not hide his faith, but openly confessed it. He endured his tortures manfully, and with his courage brought many people to the faith.

Saint Nikephoros, Bound with the Chains of Love

Saint Nikephoros, a martyr was not just an example of Christian virtue and devotion to God, but also a vivid illustration of the truth that even a sacrifice of life will mean nothing in the eyes of God if given without love.

The Saint of Siberia – a Life of Trials and Triumphs

The future saint and wonderworker, Innocent (known in the world as Ioann), was born in the late 17th century in what is now part of Ukraine. His father, a priest, came from the Polish Kulczycki family.

Saint Theodore Stratelates, Outstanding General for the King of Heaven

Word had reached the emperor that his commander was a Christian. He travelled to meet him personally, hoping to manipulate him into worshipping the Pagan idols.

Saint Parthenius of Lampascus, a Beloved Priest and Unmercenary Healer

His piety and righteousness earned him numerous gifts of God’s grace, most notably, of healing and driving out the demons.

Saints Barsanuphius and John, Rational Harps of Grace

Their teachings influenced Christian thought in the Eastern churches through the works of the Elder Paisius of the Holy Mount and the elders of the Optina monastery

Saint Theodosius: from Noble Roots to Saintly Heights

Not much is recorded about the time when St Theodosius was the head of the Chernigov diocese, though many churches and monasteries were founded or restored during his leadership. It was a period of flourishing monastic life.

Saint Agatha, Pride of Catania

Saint Agatha is one of the most beloved saints martyrs in the East and West, venerated especially in Sicily and Catania as their patron saint.

Saint Isidore of Pelusium, a Teacher of the Living Faith

In his view, this ‘practical wisdom’ was “the foundation of the edifice and the edifice itself”, logic was its “embellishment”, and contemplation its “crown”. He wrote thousands of epistles. His surviving writings contain deep theological reflections…