Saint Stylianos of Paphlagonia: The Hermit Honored as Protector of Children
A biography of Saint Stylianos of Paphlagonia, the hermit venerated as protector of children, covering what the sources say, what is tradition, his confusion with Saint Alypius the Stylite, his feast on November 26 and his hymns and relics.
Saint Gerasimos of the Jordan: Desert Abbot, Founder of a Lavra and the Monk Remembered With a Lion
Saint Gerasimos of the Jordan, fifth-century Palestinian monk and abbot, his lavra near Jericho, his role after Chalcedon, and the lion story, with history separated from tradition.
Saint Stephen the Protomartyr: Archdeacon of Jerusalem and the First Christian Martyr
The biography of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, archdeacon of Jerusalem, with Acts 6 to 8, the reported discovery of his relics in 415 and his place in Byzantine Catholic, Orthodox and Roman worship.
Saint Olga of Kyiv: Princess Regent, First Christian Ruler of Rus and Equal to the Apostles
The biography of Saint Olga of Kyiv, princess regent of Kyivan Rus, with the sources, the dispute over her baptism, the Drevlian revenge stories and her place in Orthodox and Eastern Catholic worship.
Saint Volodymyr the Great: Grand Prince of Kyiv, Baptizer of Rus and Equal to the Apostles
The pagan prince of Kyiv who accepted Byzantine Christianity in the late tenth century, told from the Primary Chronicle and the disputes over his baptism.
Saint Gregory the Wonderworker: Bishop of Neocaesarea, Student of Origen and Apostle of Pontus
The third-century bishop of Neocaesarea who studied under Origen and was remembered by Basil and Gregory of Nyssa, told from the early sources and the disputes over his writings.
Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki: Great Martyr, Myrrh-Streamer and Protector of the City
The martyr whose basilica stands in Thessaloniki and who became the city’s heavenly protector, told from the early sources and the question of whether he was a soldier.
Saint Menas of Egypt: Soldier, Martyr and Wonderworker of Abu Mena
The soldier martyr whose tomb at Abu Mena in Egypt drew pilgrims across the ancient world, told from the archaeology and the disputed traditions of his life.
Saints Sergius and Bacchus: Roman Officers, Martyrs and Patrons of the Syrian Frontier
Two Roman officers remembered as companions in faith and martyrs, whose shrine at Resafa in Syria became a great pilgrimage centre, told from the ancient sources.
Saint Artemios of Antioch: Roman Commander, Great Martyr and Healer
The Roman commander of Egypt beheaded under Julian the Apostate, whose complicated record and healing shrine in Constantinople are told from the ancient sources.
Saint Gordius of Caesarea: Centurion, Ascetic and Martyr
The life of Saint Gordius of Caesarea, Roman centurion who left the army, lived as an ascetic and confessed Christ publicly at Caesarea, as told by Saint Basil the Great.
Saint Florian of Lorch: Roman Official, Martyr and Patron Against Fire
The life of Saint Florian of Lorch, Roman provincial official martyred by drowning at Lauriacum, with the sources, the legends and his place as patron of firefighters.
Saint Maria of Paris: Nun, Poet, Mother and Rescuer of the Persecuted
The life of Saint Maria of Paris, Mother Maria Skobtsova: poet, mother and nun, her houses for the poor in Paris, her rescue of Jews, her death at Ravensbruck and where the sources disagree.
Saint George the Great Martyr: Soldier, Victory-Bearer and Mor Girgis
The life of Saint George the Great Martyr, known as Mor Girgis in the Syriac tradition: what the early evidence shows, what the Passions and legends add, and where the sources disagree.
Saint Longinus the Centurion: Soldier, Witness of the Cross and Martyr
The life of Saint Longinus the Centurion: what the Gospels say about the soldier at the Cross, what tradition adds about his conversion, mission and martyrdom, and where the sources disagree.
Saint Agatha of Sicily: Virgin, Martyr and Patroness of Catania
The life and veneration of Saint Agatha of Sicily, virgin and martyr, patroness of Catania, honored in both Roman and Byzantine traditions. Separates the early evidence from the later Passion and local legend.
Saint Sophrony of Essex: The Painter Who Studied Kandinsky and Advised Arvo Pärt
Before he became Saint Sophrony of Essex, Sergei Sakharov was a Moscow painter shaped by Kandinsky’s ideas. Decades later, as an elder in England, he told composer Arvo Pärt to keep writing music.
Top 10 Coolest Orthodox Saints
Discover the 10 coolest Orthodox saints. From dragon slayers to holy fools and modern healers, these incredible stories of faith will leave you inspired.
Saint Feofil of Kiev: Life, Miracles & Traditional Prayers
Discover the definitive guide to Saint Feofil of Kiev. Explore the full biography, documented miracles, and ancient prophecies of this beloved Holy Fool for Christ.