The Monk Bucolus, Bishop of Smyrna, was a disciple of the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, and was established by him as the first bishop of the Smyrnean Church (Asia Minor). By the grace of God, Saint Bucolus converted to Christ and baptised many of the pagans, and as an experienced and wise … Continue reading Science of the Saints, 19-II-2019 (6 Feb.), St. Bucolus, Bishop of Smyrna

The Holy Martyress Agatha was the daughter of rich and respected Christian parents from the city of Palermo (formerly called Panorum) in Sicily. During the time of the persecution under the emperor Decius (249-251), the city governor of Catana, Centianus, having heard about the wealth and beauty of Agatha, sent his soldiers after her to … Continue reading Science of the Saints, 18-II-2019 (5 Feb.), Martyr Agatha

The Monk Isidore of Pelusium lived during the fourth-fifth centuries. He was a native of Alexandria, and was raised amidst pious Christians. He was a kinsman of Theophilos, Archbishop of Alexandria, and of his successor, Saint Cyril. While still a youth he quit the world and withdrew within Egypt to Mount Pelusiotes, which became the … Continue reading Science of the Saints, 17-II-2019 (4 Feb.), St.Isidore of Pelusium

On the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord, the Church commemorates an important event in the earthly life of our Lord Jesus Christ (Lk 2:22-40). On the fortieth day after birth the God-Infant was taken to the Jerusalem Temple, the centre of religious life of the God-chosen nation. By the Law of Moses (Lev … Continue reading Science of the Saints, 15-II-2019 (2 Feb.), The Meeting of the Lord

The Martyr Tryphon was born in one of the districts of Asia Minor - Phrygia, not far from the city of Apameia in the village of Kampsada. From his early years the Lord granted him the power to cast out devils and to heal various maladies. The inhabitants of his native city were once saved … Continue reading Science of the Saints, 14-II-2019 (1 Feb.), Great Martyr Tryphon.

Sainted Nikita, Bishop of Novgorod, in his youth entered the Kievo-Pechersk monastery and soon wished to become a hermit. The hegumen cautioned him that such an exploit for a young monk was premature, but he trusting in his own strength would not take heed. In the hermitage Saint Nikita fell into temptation. The devil appeared … Continue reading Science of the Saints, 13-II-2019 (31 Jan.), Hierarch Nikita of Novgorod

The Assemblage (Sobor, Synaxis) of the Holy Ecumenical Teachers of the Church and Sainted-Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom: This feast was instituted during the reign of Alexis I Comnenus (1081-1118). A dispute arose in Constantinople among various prominent citizens and clergy, about which of the three Fathers Basil the Great, … Continue reading Science of the Saints, 12-II-2019 (30 Jan.), Hierarchs Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom

After, on orders of the emperor Trajan, the holy Hieromartyr Ignatius was thrown for devouring by wild beasts at Rome, dying in the year 107, Christians gathered up his bones and preserved them there at Rome. Later in the year 108 they were transferred to the outskirts of Antioch. A second transfer - into the … Continue reading Science of the Saints, 11-II-2019 (29 Jan.), Transfer of the Relics of Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-bearer