Saint Isidore lived during the reign of Emperor Decius (249-251) and came from Alexandria in Egypt. He was an officer in the Roman Navy when the fleet commanded by Admiral Numerius chanced to be anchored off the Greek island of Chios. There Christianity was not persecuted, and perhaps Saint Isidore…
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Troparion & Kontakion
Venerable Isidore the Fool-For-Christ and Wonderworker of Rostov
Saint Isidore Tverdislov (“Constant of Word”), Fool-for-Christ, Wonderworker of Rostov. He was born in Germany of rich parents. From his youth, he led “an unsullied life and had a compassionate understanding.” Leaving his parental home and “desiring the Kingdom of…
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Saint Nikḗtas, Bishop of Novgorod, Recluse of the Kiev Far Caves
Saint Nikḗtas, Hermit of the Kiev Caves, Bishop of Novgorod (+1109): The memory of Saint Nikḗtas was celebrated on May 14 at Novgorod, where his relics are located. The saint is also commemorated on January 31, the day of his repose, and on April 30, the day of the Uncovering of his Relics…
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Martyr Maximus
The Holy Martyr Maximus suffered under the emperor Decius (249-251). Maximus was a layman and a merchant. He was a devout Christian and he led many pagans to faith in Christ the Savior, and persuaded them to accept Baptism. Once, when the pagans had gathered to offer a human sacrifice to their…
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Venerable Serapion of Egypt
Saint Serapion lived during the fifth century in Egypt. He was called the linen cloth-wearer (Sindonite) since he wore only a coarse linen garb called a “sindon.” From his youth the monk lived like the birds of the air, without a shelter. For several days at a time he did not eat, not…
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Saint Leontius, Patriarch of Jerusalem
Saint Leontios was from Tiberioupolis in Phrygia and was born to wealthy and devout parents around the second half of the XII century. When he was 15-17 years old, his father reposed, so he left his birthplace and studied under a pious priest, then he went to Ptelidίon Monastery of the Mother of…
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First opening of the relics of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk
The incorrupt relics of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk were first uncovered in May 1846, during the construction of the new cathedral at Zadonsk. They were found beneath the altar of the old church. Saint Tikhon is also commemorated on August 13.
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“Sweet-Kissing” Icon of the Mother of God
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“Yaroslavl-Caves” Icon of the Mother of God
Alexandra Dmitrievna Dobychkina, who was from a middle-class family in Yaroslavl, suffered terribly from spiritual and physical ailments for seventeen years. In 1823 she beheld a vision of a church in which was an Icon of the Mother of God. Offering her heartfelt prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos,…
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New Martyr Raiko (John) of Bulgaria
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Hieromartyr Therapontus of Cyprus
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Friday, May 15 Pachomius the Great Hours 9:15 Divine Liturgy 9:30 Lenten Potluck (w,o)
Saturday, May 16 Myrrhbearers Sisterhood 5:00 Great Vespers 6:30
The central worship service of the Orthodox Church, celebrating the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Usually celebrated on Sundays and feast days, the Divine Liturgy consists of the Liturgy of the Word (scripture readings) and Liturgy of the Faithful (Eucharistic prayer and communion). The most common forms are the Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great.
The Hours
Brief prayer services traditionally celebrated at specific times of day: First Hour (6 AM), Third Hour (9 AM), Sixth Hour (noon), and Ninth Hour (3 PM). Each Hour includes psalms, troparia, and prayers appropriate to that time of day. These services sanctify the day and connect us to Christ's Passion, as they commemorate specific moments in His crucifixion and death.
Sunday of the Blind Man
The sixth Sunday of Pascha, commemorating Christ healing the man born blind. Jesus declared "I am the light of the world" and gave sight to the man who washed in the Pool of Siloam. This miracle represents spiritual illumination and baptism. The feast emphasizes Christ as the true light who opens both physical and spiritual eyes.
Matins (Orthros)
The morning prayer service of the Orthodox Church, traditionally celebrated at dawn. Also called Orthros in Greek tradition, this service includes the reading of the Gospel, the Great Doxology, and numerous psalms and hymns. Matins prepares the faithful for the day and is often celebrated immediately before the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and feast days.
Pascha
The "Feast of Feasts" celebrating Christ's Resurrection from the dead. The most important celebration in the Orthodox Church, Pascha determines the date of all moveable feasts. The service begins with the joyful midnight proclamation "Christ is Risen!" and continues with the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.
Inquirer's Class
Inquirers' Classes are held Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. from September through Great Lent. Please visit the Inquirer's Class page for the current schedule, information and updates.