St Macarius the Great of Egypt, the Lamp of the Desert (Commemorated 19th January) St Macarius is one of the founding fathers of monasticism. He was born in the fourth century AD in the village of Jijber, Egypt. From a young age, he realised his calling from God was to apply himself to a life of ascesis and prayer. Having dwelt in the Nitrian desert for three years, he went to Saint Anthony the Great and became his devoted disciple and follower. St Macarius struggled against demonic attacks. As his apolytikion states “By fasting, vigil and prayer thou didst obtain [...]

St John Chrysostom (Commemorated 13 November) St John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, is one of the most influential and important Fathers of our Church. In addition to writing the Divine Liturgy, which we celebrate most Sundays, he gave countless sermons to the people, of which more than 1,400 are available today. His words have inspired and shaped countless Christians and, for that reason, his Apolytikion begins with the words, “the grace of your words illuminated the world like a shining beacon.” Indeed, his great eloquence earnt him the title of “Chrysostom” (“goldenmouth” in Greek), and he is regarded as one [...]

St Maximus the Confessor (Commemorated 13th August) In a world where leaders turn their backs on our faith in the interests of “just getting along” Saint Maximus the Confessor is a moving example of how a wise, steadfast servant of the Church can defend our faith despite unimaginable pressures. Born in 580 and receiving an exemplary education in philosophy, mathematics and the sciences, Maximus rose to become a powerful Court official. However he eventually forsook the secular positions in the world to embrace the life of a simple monk, where he was able cultivate his special gifts in combining his [...]

St Athanasius the Athonite (Commemorated 5th July)   St Athanasius the Athonite is attributed the honour of being the founder of monastic (Κοινοβιακό) life on the Holy Mountain (Mt. Athos) in Greece. He was born in Trepezond (or Trabzon) in modern North East Turkey around 920AD, and was given the name Abraham. Orphaned at a young age, Abraham was adopted by a pious nun who taught him ascesis through fasting and prayer. Finding himself at the Byzantine court, and under the tutelage of the great orator Athanasius, Abraham excelled in his studies surpassing even the expertise of his tutor. Recognising [...]

St Achilles, the Miracle Worker (Commemorated 15th May) Born around 270AD to an imperial patrician family in Cappadocia, St Achilles received a good education, especially in philosophy. On the death of his parents, he sold all his property, gave the money to the poor, and went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands and then onto Rome. He became a monk and finally settled in Larissa, Thessaly. In recognition of his holiness of life St Achilles was made Bishop of Larissa. He was present at the 1st Ecumenical Council (325AD) where he challenged the Arians: “If Christ is a creature [...]