The Theotokos of Yellow Rock (Kitrinopetritissa) in Australia (2012) October 4 Today all of Australia rejoices as we celebrate the very first Icon of the Most Holy Lady and Virgin Theotokos of Yellow Rock, the Kitrinopetritissa. The holy Icon rests at Saint George Monastery in Yellow Rock, Springwood. According to accounts, the Most Holy Theotokos performed a miracle at this site and the Icon was commissioned to be painted. May the Most Holy Lady and Virgin Theotokos intercede for us and save us. Απολυτίκιον Ἦχος α´. Τῆς ἐρήμου πολίτης. Μυστικήν ως λυχνίαν της θερμής ευσπλαγχνίας σου, και πηγήν αφθόνων χαρίτων [...]

The Holy Unmercenaries, Cosmas and Damian Commemorated November 1st Saints Cosmas and Damian were brothers born in Ephesus in the 3rd century AD. Theodota, their mother, was raised a Christian and provided her sons an example of real, unconditional love. Cosmas and Damian became well educated and both dedicated themselves to the art of medicine. The Grace of God extended their art so that the pair cast out unclean spirits and spiritually healed those who approached them. People began to seek out the gifted brothers from all over, and each one found healing and comfort. Having freely received the Holy [...]

Saint Euphrosyne Commemorated September 25 Saint Euphrosyne sacrificed the comforts of wealth, family life and worldly identity for a life of anonymous, humble dedication to Christ. Born in Egypt in the 5th century, Euphrosyne lost her mother early. She was left in the care of her extraordinarily rich father, Paphnutius, who was attentive to his only child. When she came of age, Paphnutius arranged for Euphrosyne to be married to a suitable man. On her wedding day Euphrosyne cut her hair, put on male attire, and left home for a monastery. She presented herself as a eunuch called Smaragdus. For [...]

St Paisios the Great: Commemorated June 19 St Paisios was born in 320 AD in the village of Shansa, Egypt. Younger to six other brothers, he was weak and frail. One night his mother saw an angel in a vision asking her to give God one of her children and pointed at Paisios. When the mother tried to offer one of her stronger children, the angel insisted that Paisios was the chosen one. At the age of twenty, Paisios went to the wilderness of Scetes and became a monk by the hand of St Pambo. When St Pambo died, an [...]

Achilles, Bishop of Larissa Commemorated on May 15  Achilles was born in Cappadocia (in modern day Turkey) of devout and noble parents who afforded him a good education. Through fasting and vigils, he made constant progress, guarding his heart from worldly troubles and cares. He acted in a simple manner and always spoke gently. Still young at the time of his parents’ death, Achilles gave away his fortune and set out on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He sought the company of those closely acquainted with God as he visited monasteries in the desert near Jerusalem. Achilles then went to [...]