There were two occasions when the monks and hermits of Sinai and Raitho were murdered by the barbarians. The first took place in 312 when forty Fathers were killed at Mt. Sinai, and thirty-nine were slain at Raitho the same day. The second massacre occurred nearly a hundred years later. Troparion God of our […]
Monthly Archives: January 2023
Jan. 13 The Holy Martyrs Hermolaus and Stratonicus
The Emperor Licinius raised a great persecution of Christians. St. Hermolaus, a Christian and a deacon in the Church, was arrested and brought to trial. When Hermolaus was informed that he was being led away to be tortured, he greatly rejoiced. In vain did the emperor threaten him. Hermolaus openly confessed his faith in Christ, […]
Jan. 12 The Holy Martyr Tatiana
The holy martyr Tatiana was a Roman whose parents were from the nobility. She was a Christian and a deaconess in the church. After the death of Emperor Heliogabalus, there reigned the Emperor Alexander, whose mother, Mammaea, was a Christian. Alexander himself was wavering and indecisive in his faith, for he kept statues of Christ, […]
Jan. 11 Our Venerable Father Theodosius, Founder of the Common Life
Our venerable father Theodosius, founder of the Common Life, lived during the fifth and sixth centuries, and was the founder of cenobitic monasticism. He was born in Cappadocia to pious parents. Endowed with a splendid voice, he zealously toiled at church readings and singing. Yearning for a solitary life, St. Theodosius settled in Palestine into […]
Jan. 10 Our Holy Father Gregory of Nyssa; The Venerable Dometian, Bishop of Melitene; Our Venerable Father Marcia
Our holy father Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, brother of St. Basil the Great, one of the great theologians of the Byzantine Church (c. 395) The venerable Dometian, Bishop of Melitene, who lived under Emperors Justinian the Lesser and Maurice. He was known for his remarkable intelligence, prudence, and spiritual zeal, and for his love of […]
Jan. 9 The Holy Martyr Polyeuctus
The holy martyr Polyeuctus: The Armenian city of Melitene was drenched with the blood of Christians, as was the entire country of Armenia. The first blood shed for Christ in this city was that of St. Polyeuctus in the year 259, during the reign of Valerian. In Melitene were two friends: Nearchus and Polyeuctus. Both […]
Jan. 08 Our Venerable Fathers George the Chozebite and Emilian the Confessor; Our Venerable Mother Dominica
Our venerable father George the Chozebite was a Cypriot monk at the Monastery of the Mother of God at Chozeba near Jericho (614) Our venerable father Emilian the Confessor was a native of Vannes, in what is now France. He was a recluse (767) Our venerable mother Dominica, born in Carthage in North Africa, lived […]
Sunday Bulletin 1/8/23
WEEKLY SCHEDULE Saturday, Jan. 07 – Synaxis of John the Baptist 3:30 PM Santa Paula Outreach Akathist* for those suffering Addictions & Mental Illness 5:00 PM Santa Paula Outreach Vespers-Divine Liturgy 6:30 PM Reader Vespers Sunday, Jan. 08 – Sunday after Theophany 8:30 AM Matins 9:30 AM […]
Jan. 07 Synaxis of the Holy, Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John
Synaxis of the Holy, Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John: A “synaxis” feast follows one of the great feasts, and highlights a major personage of yesterday’s celebration. We remember today the work of the Forerunner, John, who baptized Christ. Troparion The memory of the righteous is celebrated with praise, but for you, O Forerunner, […]
Jan. 06 The Theophany of Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Theophany of Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ: since the second century, the Church has celebrated the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River for our sanctification. Troparion At your baptism in the Jordan, O Lord, worship of the Trinity was revealed; for the Father’s voice bore witness to You, calling You […]