Saints and Scripture

Today we remember Greatmartyr Niketas the Goth, who lived and suffered for Christ in the fourth century among the Gothic people. His steadfast faith and courage in the face of persecution inspire us to remain strong in our own struggles. We also honor the uncovering of the relics of Saint Acacius, Bishop of Melitene, and the memory of Martyrs Theodotus, Asclepiodotus, and Maximus of Adrianopolis, who endured great trials for their faith under Roman persecution.Support the show

Today we remember Saint Anthimus of Iberia, a remarkable bishop known for his vast knowledge and artistic talents. Fluent in many languages and skilled in theology, literature, and the arts, he played a key role in advancing Christian culture and printing in Wallachia. Saint Anthimus faced great trials, including captivity and exile, and ultimately gave his life defending his people and faith. His dedication to the Church and his nation is honored on this day.Support the show

Today we remember Greatmartyr Ketevan, Queen of Georgia, a woman of deep faith and courage. She endured great suffering and martyrdom for her steadfastness in Christ during a time of political turmoil and religious persecution. Ketevan was a queen, mother, and prisoner who faced unimaginable trials. Her story is one of faithfulness to God, even unto death, and her relics remain a testament to her holiness and sacrifice.Support the show

Today we honor Venerable Athanasius of Serpukhov, a devoted monk and disciple of Saint Sergius of Radonezh. Born Andrew, he embraced monastic life early, dedicating himself to prayer, copying holy books, and the spiritual formation of others. Athanasius founded the Vysotsk monastery near Serpukhov and later spent many years in Constantinople translating and copying sacred texts. His life was marked by deep faith, learning, and service to the Church through the beauty of liturgical art and literature.Support the show

Today we remember Venerable Joseph, Abbot of Volokolamsk, a devoted monk and spiritual leader born in 1440 near Volokolamsk. From a young age, Joseph showed remarkable dedication to prayer, study, and monastic discipline, eventually founding a monastery that became a center of strict monastic life and Orthodox teaching. Saint Joseph was also a zealous defender of the Orthodox faith during a time of heresy and church disputes. He wrote important theological works and led efforts to oppose false teachings, guiding many monks and laypeople alike. His legacy continues to inspire through his example of prayer, work, and steadfast faith.Support the show

Today we celebrate the birth of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, a day of great joy and hope for all. Born to Saints Joachim and Anna in Nazareth, Mary was chosen by God to be the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Her birth marks a turning point in salvation history, bringing the promise of God's Kingdom and the coming of Christ into the world. We remember her purity, virtue, and her role as a merciful Intercessor for all.Support the show

Today we remember Venerable Macarius of Optina, a monk who dedicated his life to prayer, spiritual guidance, and the study of the holy Fathers. Born Michael Ivanov in 1788, he left a promising secular career to embrace the monastic life, eventually becoming a revered Elder at Optina Monastery. Father Macarius was known for his humility, obedience, and deep love for the spiritual welfare of others. He played a key role in publishing important ascetical writings and served as a spiritual father to many until his peaceful repose in 1860.Support the show

Today we honor Hieromartyr Maxim Sandovich, a priest who lived in the early 20th century in the Lemko region, now part of Poland. He was dedicated to serving the Orthodox faithful despite persecution and imprisonment under the Austro-Hungarian authorities. Saint Maxim was martyred in 1914 for his steadfast commitment to Orthodoxy and his people. His life and witness remind us of the courage and faithfulness required to follow Christ, even in the face of death.Support the show

Today we remember the Holy Prophet Zachariah and the Righteous Elizabeth, the parents of Saint John the Baptist. Their faithful lives and the miraculous birth of their son are a powerful testament to God's plan and mercy. We also honor Martyr Athanasius, Abbot of Bretsk, who stood firm in his Orthodox faith despite persecution and gave his life for the truth. His courage and dedication inspire us to remain steadfast in our own faith.Support the show

Today we remember Martyr Gorazd of Prague, a bishop who faithfully served the Orthodox faithful in Bohemia and Moravia during a time of great trial. Born Matthias Pavlik, he left the Roman Catholic Church to embrace Orthodoxy and was consecrated bishop in 1921. He worked tirelessly to build up the Church and care for his people. During World War II, Bishop Gorazd showed great courage when Nazi forces discovered that resistance fighters were hiding in his cathedral. He took responsibility to protect his flock, ultimately giving his life in 1942. His sacrifice is honored as a witness to Christ’s love and care for His sheep.Support the show

Today we remember Hieromartyr Aristion, the bishop of lesser Alexandria in Cilicia, who lived in the early second century. Born in a pagan family in Syria, Aristion was led to the Christian faith by a young martyr named Anthony and later became a devoted shepherd to his flock. Despite persecution, Aristion stood firm in his faith before the Roman authorities. He was sentenced to death by fire for refusing to worship pagan gods, and he faced his martyrdom with courage and prayer. His relics were carefully preserved by the faithful, honoring his witness to Christ.Support the show

Today we remember Venerable Theodosius of the Kiev Far Caves, known as the Father of monasticism in Russia. From a young age, Theodosius was drawn to the ascetic life, dedicating himself to prayer, fasting, and service at the monastery near Kiev. As igumen, or abbot, he led by example with humility and hard work. He cared deeply for the poor and the unjustly condemned, building a courtyard to feed those in need. His life of prayer and service continues to inspire many.Support the show

Today we remember the Holy Forty Women Martyrs and their teacher, Martyr Ammon the Deacon, who lived in Adrianople in Thrace during the early 4th century. These faithful Christians were arrested for their faith under the rule of Emperor Licinius and faced severe trials for refusing to worship idols. Led by a courageous woman named Kelsina and their teacher Ammon, they stood firm in their confession of Christ. Despite brutal tortures and attempts to force them to renounce their faith, they remained steadfast, ultimately giving their lives as martyrs.Support the show

Today we remember Venerable Moses the Ethiopian of Scete, a fourth-century monk who transformed his life from a feared robber leader to a humble servant of God. His story shows the power of repentance and the strength found in faith and obedience. Moses faced many struggles, including battling his past sins and enduring physical suffering. Yet through prayer, fasting, and guidance from his spiritual elder, he overcame these challenges and became a respected monk and priest, ultimately giving his life for his faith.Support the show

Today we remember Venerable Pimen the Great, a monk from Egypt born around the year 340. Along with his two brothers, he embraced a strict monastic life marked by deep humility and asceticism. Saint Pimen was known for his spiritual guidance, wise teachings, and great humility. He lived to be 110 years old and was honored for his dedication to prayer, fasting, and loving service to God.Support the show

Today we remember the Martyrs Adrian and Natalia, a young married couple from Nicomedia who stood firm in their Christian faith during the reign of Emperor Maximian. Along with twenty-three other Christians, they endured torture and death rather than renounce Christ. Their story is one of courage, love, and steadfast faith. Saint Adrian, the head of the praetorium, openly declared his Christianity and accepted martyrdom. Saint Natalia supported him throughout his suffering and continued to honor God after his death.Support the show

Today we remember Saint Titus, one of the Seventy Apostles and the first Bishop of Crete. Born on the island of Crete, Titus was a virtuous young man who turned from Hellenistic philosophy to the teachings of Christ after a dream guided him to seek salvation. Saint Titus became a close disciple of the Apostle Paul, traveling with him and helping to establish churches. Known for his peaceful leadership and wonderworking, he brought many pagans to the Christian faith before passing away peacefully at the age of 97.Support the show

Today we remember Hieromartyr Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, a faithful shepherd and defender of the Christian faith in the second century. Born in Smyrna, he was a disciple of Saint Polycarp and carried the teachings of the Apostles to Gaul, where he became bishop and a strong voice against heresy. Saint Irenaeus is known for his work against the Gnostic heresies and for upholding the truth of the Incarnation and the divine inspiration of both the Old and New Testaments. His life and writings remain a testimony to the unbroken chain of faith from the Apostles to the Church today.Support the show

Today we honor Virgin Martyr Eulalia of Barcelona and the Martyr Felix, who stood firm in their faith during a time of persecution. Eulalia, a young girl of just fourteen, boldly confronted the governor and endured severe torture for Christ before her peaceful death. We also remember Saint Bogolep, a humble disciple of Saint Paisius of Uglich. Known for discovering a wonderworking icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, Bogolep lived a life of piety and obedience, eventually becoming a priest and being tonsured into the Schema.Support the show

Today we remember Venerable Schema-nun Martha of Diveyevo, born Maria Semenovna Milyukova in 1810. From a young age, she was chosen by Saint Seraphim of Sarov to remain in the Diveyevo community, where she lived a life of deep prayer and asceticism. Maria, later Schema-nun Martha, helped establish the new community at Diveyevo, carrying bricks and performing many obediences with silent prayer. She reposed peacefully at the age of nineteen, and Saint Seraphim honored her as a spiritual mother and intercessor for many.Support the show

Today we remember the Prophet Samuel, the last judge of Israel, who was dedicated to God from birth and played a key role in the history of Israel. We also honor Hieromartyr Philip, Bishop of Heraclea, and the martyrs Severus, Memnon, and 37 soldiers who suffered for their faith in Thrace during the third century. These saints show us lives of dedication, courage, and faithfulness to God. Their stories remind us of God's guidance through His chosen servants and the cost of standing firm in faith.Support the show

Today we remember Martyr Andrew Stratelates, a Roman military commander who led a small group of soldiers to victory against a large Persian army. Though Andrew and his soldiers were not baptized at the time, they believed in Jesus Christ and called on Him for help in battle. After their victory, Andrew and his soldiers were accused of being Christians and faced severe persecution. Despite torture and threats, they remained faithful and were eventually baptized before being martyred together. A healing spring appeared where they were killed, and many were healed through their prayers.Support the show

Today we remember Venerable John, the Abbot of Rila, a great ascetic and spiritual protector of the Bulgarian people. Born in 876, he lived a life of prayer, fasting, and solitude in the wilderness, becoming known for his holiness and miracles. Saint John spent many years in the wilderness, enduring hardships and temptations, and later guiding monks and healing the sick through prayer. His relics have been honored and moved with great reverence, continuing to inspire the faithful to this day.Support the show

Today we remember Venerable Alypios, one of the first and most gifted Russian iconographers who lived and worked in the Kiev Caves Monastery. Known for his humility and miracles, he painted icons without asking for payment and was aided by angels in his work. We also honor the Holy Martyrs Paul and Juliana of Syria, siblings who boldly confessed their faith in Christ under Emperor Aurelian. Despite severe tortures and attempts to break their spirit, they remained steadfast and were ultimately beheaded for their faith.Support the show

Today we remember the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary. After the Lord’s Ascension, the Mother of God lived with the Apostle John and was a source of comfort and teaching for the Apostles and believers. She shared stories of Christ’s birth and life, helping to strengthen the early Church through her prayers and presence. The feast commemorates her peaceful passing, or Dormition, and her bodily ascent into Heaven. The Apostles were miraculously gathered to be with her at her repose. Her burial in the Garden of Gethsemane and the miracles associated with her relics and icons continue to inspire the faithful today.Support the show

Today we remember the translation of the relics of Venerable Theodosius, known as the Father of monasticism in Russia. Born near Kiev, he embraced the ascetic life from a young age and became a guiding figure at the Kiev Caves monastery. Saint Theodosius was known for his humility, hard work, and deep prayer life. His relics were found incorrupt many years after his death, and his life and teachings continue to inspire many.Support the show

Today we remember Saint Tikhon, Bishop of Voronezh and Wonderworker of Zadonsk and All Russia. Born in 1724, he rose from humble beginnings to become a beloved bishop, teacher, and spiritual writer. Saint Tikhon was known for his deep humility, care for the poor, and dedication to pastoral education. He spent his later years in quiet monastic life, writing important spiritual works and guiding many in the Christian faith.Support the show

Today we remember Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Comana, a humble man who embraced poverty and was chosen as bishop for his pure heart and holy life. We also honor Martyr Gerontius and his fellow monks from Saint David Gareji Monastery in Georgia, who suffered martyrdom during raids in the 19th century. Their stories remind us of faithfulness in the face of hardship and the power of humility and courage. We reflect on their lives and the witness they gave through their steadfastness in Christ.Support the show

Today we remember Saint Theodosius, also known as Prince Theodore of Ostrog, who was known for his defense of Orthodoxy and his later monastic life in the Kiev Caves. He played a significant role in military and religious struggles in Volhynia and beyond before becoming a monk. We also honor Virgin Martyr Susanna of Rome, a young woman who remained faithful to Christ despite persecution. Her family, connected to the emperor Diocletian, faced exile and martyrdom for their Christian faith.Support the show

Today we remember Martyr and Archdeacon Laurence of Rome, who lived during the reign of Emperor Valerian in the third century. Alongside Pope Sixtus, Deacons Felicissimus and Agapitus, and the soldier Romanus, Laurence witnessed and endured great suffering for his faith. Saint Laurence was entrusted with the Church's treasures and showed great care for the poor and hidden Christians. His steadfastness in faith led to his martyrdom on August 10, 258, following the deaths of his companions.Support the show

Today we remember the glorification of Venerable Herman of Alaska, a monk who dedicated his life to serving God and the native peoples of northwestern America. Sent from the Valaam Monastery in 1793, he lived on Spruce Island for over forty years, teaching, caring for orphans, and defending the Aleut people. Father Herman was known for his deep faith, humility, and many miracles. Despite hardships and temptations, he remained steadfast in prayer and service. His life and work continue to inspire many as a witness of God's love and mercy.Support the show

Today we remember two remarkable saints: Venerable Gregory of Sinai, a monk known for his deep spiritual teachings and dedication to monastic life, and Saint Euthymius the Elder, an abbot and scholar who cared deeply for his monastery and community. Both saints left lasting legacies through their devotion, teaching, and service. Saint Gregory is remembered for his writings on stillness and prayer, as well as his contributions to hymnography. Saint Euthymius is honored for his leadership, rebuilding efforts, and compassionate ministry during difficult times. Their lives inspire us to seek God with perseverance and love.Support the show

Today we remember Venerable Anthony of Optina, a humble monk who devoted his life to prayer, asceticism, and spiritual guidance. Born Alexander Putilov in 1795, he faced many hardships from childhood but remained steadfast in his faith and obedience. Anthony spent many years living with his brother Moses in the Roslavl forests before helping establish a skete at Optina Monastery. He later served as igumen of Maloyaroslavets Monastery and finally returned to Optina, where he lived in patient suffering until his repose in 1865.Support the show

Today we remember New Martyr Habakkuk, who bore witness to Christ in Thessaloniki in the early 17th century. Though details of his life and martyrdom are scarce, his memory has been preserved through manuscripts and relics. Habakkuk is believed to have been a monk, possibly from Mount Athos, and his relics are kept in the monastery of Nativity in Akarnania. His steadfast faith continues to inspire Orthodox Christians today.Support the show

Today we remember Saint Oswald, king and martyr, who ruled Northumbria in the early 7th century. Born around 605, Oswald spent years in exile before returning to reclaim his kingdom and lead his people both politically and spiritually. Saint Oswald is known for his deep Christian faith, his efforts to spread the Gospel through Celtic missionaries, and his generosity to the poor. He died in battle in 642, remembered for his prayerful spirit and the miracles associated with his relics.Support the show

Today we remember two martyrs from the early centuries of Christianity: Eleutherius of Constantinople and Eudokia of Persia. Both stood firm in their faith despite facing persecution and death. Eleutherius was a chamberlain at the imperial court who became a Christian and was executed for refusing to offer pagan sacrifices. Eudokia, taken captive by the Persian army, taught and converted many while imprisoned, ultimately suffering martyrdom for her faith.Support the show

Today we remember Martyr Razhden of Persia the Georgian, a nobleman who embraced Christianity and stood firm in his faith despite severe persecution. Taken from Persia to Georgia, Razhden became a trusted military leader under King Vakhtang Gorgasali and courageously defended his new faith against Persian opposition. Despite brutal torture and imprisonment ordered by the Persian king Peroz, Razhden remained steadfast. His final act of faith was his crucifixion, after which his followers secretly buried his relics. His memory is honored through churches and the translation of his relics by King Vakhtang.Support the show

Today we remember the finding of the relics of Saint Gamaliel, a Pharisee and teacher of Saint Paul, and his son Saint Abibas. Their relics, along with those of Saint Stephen and Saint Nikodemos, were uncovered in Jerusalem and later transferred to Constantinople. We also honor Hieromartyr Stephen, Pope of Rome, who suffered martyrdom in 257. He bravely opposed heresy and baptized many, including pagans, before being beheaded during the persecution under Emperor Valerian.Support the show

SummaryThe Song of Songs gives us a powerful image: the soul wounded by love. That image may seem to contradict the writings of the desert fathers, who we expect to tell us to quiet our passions rather than celebrate them. But read Evagrius of Pontus, Macarios the Great, and Gregory of Nyssa carefully and you find something more interesting — that eros, purified and rightly directed, becomes the very energy that moves the soul toward God.Description"Strengthen me with sweet wine, refresh me with fruits; for I am wounded with love."The first long-form episode of Saints and Scripture, adapted from my essay on love.We expect the desert fathers to tell us to quiet our passions, not to celebrate them. But three of the tradition's most significant voices — Evagrius of Pontus, Macarios the Great, and Gregory of Nyssa — all recognize that eros, meaning desire, longing, love, is not simply a passion to be overcome. When it is purified and pointed in the right direction, eros becomes the very energy that moves the soul toward God.These three approached the spiritual life from different angles, and this episode takes each in turn.Evagrius of Pontus, who lived from 345 to 399, spent his formative years in Constantinople under Gregory of Nazianzus before fleeing to Jerusalem and finally to the Egyptian desert, where he sat at the feet of Makarios the Egyptian and Makarios of Alexandria. There he brought together the practical wisdom of the Abbas and the theology of Origen to map the soul's journey toward God, and no figure of the early desert tradition left a more systematic account of the inner life. At the center of that account is the problem of desire. His key term is apatheia — not coldness or the absence of feeling, but the freedom of the intellect, the nous, from the tyranny of disordered desire. Apatheia clears the way for love. In his treatise On Prayer he insists that the intellect approach God without images and without concepts, and the yearning that survives that stripping away is eros in its most refined form.Macarios the Great represents a different approach entirely. Where Evagrius is intellectual and systematic, Macarios is experiential and affective. His concern is not primarily the journey of the nous but the transformation of the heart, the kardia, which he understands as the integrating center of the whole person — mind, will, affections, and spirit alike. The fire imagery running through his homilies is not ornamental. The heart that grace has touched does not merely think about God; it burns toward Him. Kallistos Ware has noted that the tension between Evagrian imagelessness and Macarian experiential warmth is one of the most fruitful polarities in Eastern Christian spirituality, and that the tradition holds both in a creative balance.Gregory of Nyssa, who lived from about 335 to 395, brings the theology of eros to its most expansive formulation. Drawing on his reading of Scripture and his Cappadocian inheritance, he develops a vision of the spiritual life as an infinite ascent toward a God who can never be exhausted. In On the Soul and the Resurrection he presents the purification of desire through the voice of his sister Macrina, who distinguishes the disordered passions — wrath, envy, greed — from eros in its proper form, the soul's native movement toward the Beautiful, the True, and the Good. This is the heart of his epektasis: because God is infinite, the soul's desire for God is never finally satisfied, and that perpetual longing is not frustration but the very form of blessedness.The episode closes with the three convictions these writers share. First, that eros must be purified rather than extinguished — the enemy is not desire but desire misdirected toward things that cannot bear its weight. Second, that eros is the motor of theosis: union with God is achieved not by emptying the soul of desire but by filling desire with its rightful content. Third, that eros is transformed into agape without losing its dynamism. The Orthodox tradition does not know a love that has simply arrived. It knows a love that is always arriving.To be wounded with love for God is not to be damaged. It is to be alive in the deepest sense the tradition knows.Sources drawn on include Evagrius's On Prayer and Outline Teaching on Asceticism and Stillness in the Solitary Life from The Philokalia; the Macarian homilies as anthologized in The Art of Prayer; Gregory of Nyssa's On the Soul and the Resurrection, On Virginity, and The Life of Moses; Maximos the Confessor's Four Hundred Texts on Love; Kallistos Ware's essay on prayer in Evagrius and the Macarian homilies; Marcus Plested's The Macarian Legacy; Sebastian Brock's The Syriac Fathers on Prayer and the Spiritual Life; and Dumitru Staniloae's Orthodox Spirituality.Tagslove, eros, agape, orthodox, theology, evagrius, macarios, gregory of nyssa, theosis, epektasis, apatheia, desert fathers, philokalia, patristics, iocs, long-formShow NotesThe Song of Songs image of the soul wounded by love, and why it does not contradict the desert fathersEvagrius of Pontus: the passions and the intellect, apatheia as freedom rather than coldness, and imageless prayerMacarios the Great: the heart, the kardia, as the integrating center of the whole person, and the fire of the SpiritKallistos Ware on the fruitful polarity between Evagrian imagelessness and Macarian experiential warmthGregory of Nyssa: Macrina on the purification of desire, On Virginity, and epektasis — the soul's infinite stretching toward an inexhaustible GodThree shared convictions: eros purified rather than extinguished, eros as the motor of theosis, and eros transformed into agape without losing its dynamismSaint Maximos the Confessor and Dumitru Staniloae on love that is inexhaustible because God is inexhaustibleSupport the show

Today we remember the seven holy Maccabee martyrs: Abim, Antonius, Gurias, Eleazar, Eusebonus, Alimus, and Marcellus. Along with their mother Solomonia and their teacher Eleazar, they stood firm in their faith under the oppressive rule of King Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 166 BC. Their story is one of steadfast faith and courage. Despite facing brutal torture and death for refusing to abandon the Law of Moses, they remained faithful to God. Their witness inspired a revolt that restored the purity of the Temple in Jerusalem.Support the show

Today we remember Hieromartyr Benjamin, Metropolitan of Petrograd and Gdovsk, who lived through difficult times in Russia during the early 20th century. He focused on caring for his people and his Church amid political turmoil and persecution. Metropolitan Benjamin faced the confiscation of Church treasures by the Communist government, choosing to cooperate to help feed the starving population. Despite his efforts for peace and charity, he was arrested, tried, and executed along with others who stood with him.Support the show

Today we remember Hieromartyr Polychronius, Bishop of Babylon, and the faithful martyrs who suffered with him under Emperor Decius in the third century. Their steadfast faith in Christ led them through imprisonment, torture, and death rather than renouncing their belief. Among those commemorated are the presbyters Parmenius, Helimenas, and Chrysotelus; the deacons Luke and Mocius; the Persian princes Abdon and Sennen; and the martyrs Olympius and Maximus. Their courage and witness remain a powerful example of faithfulness.Support the show

Today we remember Martyr Eustathius of Mtskheta, a Persian by birth who embraced Christianity in the face of great danger. Once a fire-worshipper named Gvirobandak, he was baptized by Catholicos Samoel and became a devoted Christian in Georgia. Eustathius endured imprisonment, torture, and ultimately martyrdom rather than renounce his faith. His courage and steadfastness inspire us to remain faithful even under pressure.Support the show

Today we remember Saint Irene Chrysovolantou, a noblewoman from ninth-century Cappadocia who chose the path of monastic humility and spiritual leadership. After being selected to marry the young Emperor Michael, God’s plan led her instead to become a nun and later abbess at the Monastery of Chrysovalantou in Constantinople. Saint Irene is known for her deep prayer life, spiritual gifts, and miracles. She lived to be over 101 years old, guiding her community with wisdom and love, and leaving a legacy of holiness that is still honored today.Support the show

Today we honor the life and witness of Greatmartyr and Healer Panteleimon, a courageous Christian who lived in Nicomedia. Known for his healing gifts and steadfast faith, he cared for the sick without charge and endured severe torture for Christ. Saint Panteleimon’s story reminds us of the power of faith and mercy. His name means “all-merciful,” reflecting his healing ministry and his role as protector of soldiers and those in spiritual need.Support the show

Today we remember Saint Jacob Netsvetov, a devoted priest and missionary who brought the light of Christ to the peoples of Alaska. Born in 1802 on Atka Island to a Russian father and Aleut mother, he dedicated his life to serving remote communities across vast and challenging territories. Saint Jacob faced many hardships, including personal losses and difficult journeys, yet he remained steadfast in his faith. He built churches and schools, translated scriptures, and baptized many, becoming a true shepherd to the native peoples of Alaska.Support the show

Today we remember Venerable Makarios, a devoted monk and founder of monasteries in Russia during the 14th and 15th centuries. From a young age, he dedicated his life to prayer, fasting, and spreading the Christian faith among local peoples. Makarios faced many challenges, including captivity by the Kazan Tatars and the destruction of his monastery. Yet through his faith and humility, he continued to serve God and his community until his peaceful repose at the age of 95.Support the show

Today we remember Venerable Polycarp, Archimandrite of the Kiev Far Caves. He was a devoted monk who grew in virtue and repentance, guided by his relative Saint Simon, Bishop of Vladimir and Suzdal. Polycarp carefully recorded the lives of the ascetics of the Kiev Caves to inspire others. Polycarp became the Superior of the Lavra after the repose of Igumen Akindynus. He was a wise spiritual leader who helped many, including Great Prince Rostislav, who wished to become a monk but was called to serve as a prince. Polycarp reposed in 1182, and after a time of prayer, the monks found a worthy successor in Igumen Basil.Support the show

Today we remember Saint Apollinaris, a disciple of the Apostle Peter and the first Bishop of Ravenna. He faithfully preached the Gospel, performed miracles, and endured many trials and tortures for Christ. Saint Apollinaris served as bishop for twenty-eight years, bringing many to faith despite persecution. His life is a powerful example of steadfastness and love for Christ.Support the show

Today we remember Mary Magdalene, a woman from the small city of Magdala on the shores of Lake Genesareth. Once troubled and healed by Christ, she became a devoted follower and supporter of Jesus during His ministry. Mary Magdalene stood faithfully by Christ through His crucifixion and burial. She was the first to witness the Resurrection and was sent to share this joyful news with the Apostles, earning her the title Equal of the Apostles.Support the show