Saint Matthew the Evangelist and Apostle November 16 The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew was one of the Twelve Disciples of Christ. Before his calling as a disciple, he lived as a tax-collector for Rome, a profession looked down upon by the Jews, having the stigma of “public sinner” and “idol-worshipper”. When Jesus called Matthew to follow Him, Christ had dinner at the future evangelist’s house together with other publicans and known sinners. Matthew repented of his sins and repaid fourfold anyone he had cheated and then distributed his remaining possessions to the poor. After the descent of the [...]

Apostle Phillip November 14 Listen to the Saint's life in Greek: Related links: Philip the Apostle (GOARCH)

John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople November 13 Saint John Chrysostom is one of the Three Hierarchs, born in Antioch and fatherless from a young age. His mother, Saint Anthousa, saw to the raising of her son in a pious manner. Saint John studied under the finest philosophers and rhetoricians, but found no joy in these vain pursuits, and thus turned to the study of the Holy Scriptures. After the death of his mother, Saint John pursued monasticism, which he called the “true philosophy”. Having been elected as a candidate for bishop, the holy one withdrew to the [...]

Saint John the Merciful November 12 Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria was born in Cyprus to an illustrious family where he married and had children. After some years, his wife and children died, and so the widower became a monk, zealous in fasting, prayer, and charity. His immense virtue was soon seen by all men, including the emperor, who elevated him to Patriarch of Alexandria as soon as the see became vacant. In this position, Saint John focused on correcting heretical teachings and driving out heretics from Alexandria. As his chief task however, the saint was [...]

Saint Nectarios the Wonderworker November 9 Nectarios of Aegina, Bishop of Pentapolis, is one of the most well known modern saints in the Orthodox Church. He was born in Selyvria near Thrace, and being from a poor family, had to travel to Constantinople alone to earn a living. At 14 years of age, Nectarios (known then as Anastaios) had no money and asked the captain if he could board his ship to Constantinople for free. The captain refused, but the ship’s engines would not start. The captain then looked over to the dock and saw the pitiful Nectarios [...]