Mar. 19 The Holy Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria

The holy martyr Chrysanthus came from a pagan family who moved from Alexandria to Rome in the third century. He received a fine education, and among the books he read were those in which pagans discussed Christianity. The young man, however, wanted to read books written by Christians themselves. He finally managed to get a […]

Mar. 18 Our Father among the saints Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem

Our father among the saints Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem, was born in Jerusalem in the year 315 and was raised in strict Christian piety. Upon reaching the age of maturity, he became a monk, and in the year 346 he became a presbyter. In the year 350, upon the death of Archbishop Maximus, he succeeded […]

Mar. 16 The Holy Martyrs Sabinus and Papas

The Holy Martyr Sabinus was administrator of the Egyptian city of Hermopolis. During a persecution of Christians under the emperor Diocletian, St. Sabinus and some like- minded companions hid in a remote village. His hiding place was revealed by a certain ungrateful beggar who had brought him food. The saint used to feed him and […]

Mar. 15 The Holy Martyr Agapius and the Six Martyrs with him

The holy martyr Agapius and his companions: the holy martyrs Timolaus, Dionysius, Pausis, Romulus, Alexander, and another Alexander. They all suffered in Caesarea in Palestine at the hand of Prince Urban during the reign of the Emperor Diocletian. All seven were extremely young men, and none of them were Christians except Agapius. Neither were they […]

Mar. 14 Our Venerable Father Benedict

Our venerable father Benedict was born in the Italian province of Nursia in the year 480, to wealthy and distinguished parents. He did not remain long in school for he realized himself that through book-learning he could lose “the great understanding of his souls.” He left school “an unlearned wise man and an understanding fool.” […]

Mar. 13 The Translation of the Relics of our Holy Father Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople

Our holy father Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople, died while in exile on the island of Prochonis in the year 827. After the death of the last iconoclast emperor, the relics of the holy father were brought back to Constantinople, first to the church of Hagia Sophia and then finally to the Church of the Holy […]

Mar. 12 Our Venerable Father and Confessor Theophane; Our Father Gregory the Great, Pope of Rome

Our venerable father and confessor Theophane of the Sygrian Mountains in Bithynia in the monastery of Ager Magnus. He was called the Chronographer. Having been a very wealthy man, he became a poor monk. He was held in prison for two years by the emperor Leo the Armenian on account of his defense of the […]

Mar. 11 Our Venerable Father Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem

Our venerable father Sophronius was born in Damascus around 560. From his youth he was distinguished for his piety and his love for classical studies. He was especially proficient in philosophy, and so he was known as Sophronius the Wise. The future hierarch, however, sought the true philosophy of monasticism, and conversations with the desert-dwellers. […]

Mar. 10 The Holy Martyrs Codratus and Companions

During the time of the persecutions of Christians, many of the faithful fled to the mountains and into the caves. So did the mother of the holy martyr Quadratus(or Codratus). She gave birth to him in the forest, but died shortly thereafter. By the Providence of God the infant Quadratus remained alive and was nourished […]