The holy martyr Theodotus lived in Ancyra of Galatia in the third century. He was distinguished by his kindliness and concern. At the height of the persecution under Diocletian (284-305) he provided Christians with everything they needed, and gave them shelter in his home. There they secretly celebrated church services. St. Theodotus visited the Christian […]
Monthly Archives: June 2026
June 6 Our Venerable Fathers Bessarion and Hilarion
Our venerable father Bessarion the Wonder-worker was an anchorite in Skete in Egypt, stood as a beggar for the love of God and as a pilgrim in the fifth century. The Greek fathers compared him to Moses and Elijah because of his virtues and miracles. Our venerable father Hilary the Younger was hegumen of the […]
June 5 The Holy Priest Martyr Dorotheus Bishop of Tyre
The Hieromartyr Dorotheus was bishop of the Phoenician city of Tyre during the time of persecution against Christians under the emperor Diocletian (284-305). Heeding the words of the Gospel (Mt. 10:23), the saint withdrew from Tyre and hid from persecutors. He returned to Tyre during the reign of St. Constantine the Great (306-337), again occupying […]
June 4 Our Father among the saints Metrophanes, Bishop of Constantinople
Our venerable father Metrophanes, Patriarch of Constantinople, was a contemporary of St. Constantine the Great (306-337). His father, Dometius, was a brother of the Roman emperor Probus (276-282). Seeing the falseness of the pagan religion, Dometius came to believe in Christ. During a time of terrible persecution of Christians in Rome, St. Dometius set off […]
June 3 The Holy Martyr Lucillian and his Companions
The holy martyr Lucillian was a pagan priest during the reign of the Roman emperor Aurelian (270-275). In his old age he was persuaded to see the falseness of the pagan religion, and with all his heart he turned to the faith in Christ the Savior and was baptized. Under the influence of his preachings, […]
June 2 Our Father among the Saints Nicephorus the Confessor
Our venerable father Nicephorus was a dignitary at the court of the Empress Irene (797-802). After embracing monasticism, he became widely known for his piety. He assumed the Patriarchal Throne of Constantinople in 806. He was a zealous defender of the holy icons. In 815, the iconoclast Emperor Leo (813-820) exiled him to Prokonnis, where […]