St Symeon the Fool for Christ Commemorated on 21st July   St Symeon, who lived in the sixth century, had a remarkable life filled with wisdom and saintliness. He shared a blessed friendship with a man called John whom he met on a pilgrimage. They became monks at the same time and went into the desert, sharing its isolation together for thirty years. When Symeon received his calling to re-enter the world, John found it difficult to part with his dear friend. Symeon entered the town of Emesa dragging a dog carcass on a rope. His unique calling was to [...]

St Paphnutius Commemorated on 19th April   St Paphnutius, a revered ascetic and defender of Orthodoxy, stood with dignity and truth alongside the Holy Fathers at the First Ecumenical Council in 325AD. There is limited information about Paphnutius’ life. We know he was a disciple of St Anthony the Great and lived in Egypt as a monastic in the fourth century. He later became a bishop. During the fierce persecutions of Christians under Emperor Maximillian, Paphnutius was condemned to work in the mines. While there, he was brutally tortured and lost his right eye. He was later freed, and returned [...]

St Theodore Tyron (and the Miracle of the Kollyva) St Theodore was born under Emperor Maximian’s rule around 303 AD. His epithet, of Tyron, is derived from the Latin "tiro", meaning "newly enlisted soldier". His Christian faith was kept secret whilst he was a Roman legionary in Pontus. Enlightened by God, Theodore knew that it was time for martyrdom when he heard about a frightening dragon in the forest of Helenopontus. With the sign of the Cross as his guide, Theodore speared the dragon and killed it. Subsequently he was prepared to reveal his faith, which would conquer other beasts [...]

Our Holy Father Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia Commemorated January 1st   Basil the Great was born at Caesarea in Cappadocia in 330 AD into a distinguished family. Saint Basil’s early years were spent learning the principles of faith from his mother and grandmother. Proving an excellent student, Basil searched for the best teachers in Palestine, in Constantinople and finally Athens, the centre of scholarship. His reputation preceded him there through Gregory the Theologian, whom he had known in Cappadocia. Their friendship developed into spiritual brotherhood in which they mutually discovered God and acquired virtue. United in [...]

Venerable Iakovos Tsalikis (+1991) November 21 Elder Iakovos and the Night of Pascha