Excerpt from the Encomium to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker by St. Andrew of Crete

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s1565/s1565005.jpg)

  
Excerpt from the Encomium to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker by St. Andrew of Crete (amateur translation)
O man of God and faithful healer, and steward of the mysteries of Christ, and man of desires of the spirit: receive from us this word offered as a gift, and grant grace to us, who take refuge in your paradoxical and fervent help. We therefore call you a pillar and foundation of the Church, and a light in the world due to the life you led. For many keys of virtue were granted to you, and no good things have escaped you, O perfect shepherd, and all-famed archpriest Nicholas. For in the golden treasury, your blessed soul clearly shines as most-precious stones founded by virtue, honored by all under the sun. For like a lamp placed upon a high stand, which shines with golden light upon the ends of the earth, were you previously on the archpriestly throne, unsurpassed, adorned with the true light of Christ, shining throughout the world as in a dark place. And all are shepherded by you towards the light without night, as you shine as a torch-bearer. In your uplifted position, you are not only seen by those who approach you, but by those who have fallen into error by their spirit of knowledge, upon whom you shine with your light. For your angelic way of life was truly uplifted. You, the pure one, your godly-vision of things divine has truly rung out like a cry, reaching the vault of the heavens, and has gathered all. They have come to behold your many forms of virtues, from which your practical philosophy has gathered, as to your own honeycomb, from the various lives of the Saints, being therefore utterly sprinkled with virtues. For which of the virtues of the Saints were you not zealous for, O Father? Or which of the fragrances did you not rapidly pour forth? Or who equaled you in the virtues which you experienced, with which you were filled?
 

Ornate illumined manuscript with St. Nicholas (source)

 

Abel the righteous, was glorified for his gifts. But you, O Father, gave to God as a gift your whole intellect. Enoch hoped in the Lord, and because of this hope, he beheld its effects. For though Enoch pleased God and was translated, through the state of your soul, you were totally translated from earth to heaven, having “amazed God”, flowing with the transformation of the coming age. Noah became righteous clearly from his sacrifices, for in his wooden ark, he saved living animals from the flood that covered the earth. You, with your holy and sacrificial mind offered mystical worship to God, and were shone another ark of the Church of Christ, and saved from heresies as many forms of animals, by the truth of your words. Abraham's philanthropy and love of the divine is honored, and as he offered as a choice sacrifice his son by the command of God, he was blessed. You, however, gave refuge to Christ and fed Him daily, partaking with Him of His spiritual table, and instead of offering your son, offered yourself wholly as a sacrifice, and offered you life for your sheep, as the Gospel mentions. Issac is glorified for his righteousness, but you are the canon of righteousness, which runs everywhere in the spirit with much boldness, desiring to serve those who have been wronged, appearing to rulers during sleep. Jacob, by his simplicity of life and many children has become ever-memorable, and he beheld the ladder reaching the heavens, a mystery forming an icon of future things. But you, O patriarch of generations, and shepherd, and sheep of the “Arch-shepherd” Christ, were entrusted with His flock, which you did not abandon. You were “uplifted, seated in your heart”, and were beheld from depth to depth, as moving from glory to glory, from earth to heaven, being lifted up by theoria. Job, from his innocence and due to his awesome steadfastness, was exalted. He, however, was not tested as you, who withstood the heresies, being seated as in a high tower surrounded by waves, which could not conquer your treasures. Joseph was famed for his continence and for granting grain. You, however, were the whole icon of continence, and the importer of grain to the eparchy of Lycia, which was enriched by the sweetness of your words. Moses, for his meekness, and preaching of the law to the people, became a god to Pharaoh, and led out Israel. You, however, O all-honored Father, were meek in all things, fearsome to sinners, a law-giver to all the people, abstaining from all vicious deeds, and drowning as another powerful Pharaoh, the revolts of the passions below the bay of your teachings. The brave David defeated the proud Goliath with the weapon of the spirit. You, however, were stronger than him, and daily conquered the noetic tyrrant-of-souls, and drove away the wolves of heretics from the flock of Christ, and have seized them. Therefore the choir of the righteous and the prophets, beholding what you have formed, O most-holy one, through practical virtue, and your boldness, and your zeal, and your meekness, and your sympathy, and your exalted life were zealous for you. And not only them, but also the disciples of Christ, whose grace and truth have lifted the shadow of the law, through revealing to us clearly worship in spirit and truth. You became a follower of them in all things, the eye of the portion of the Church, and a sweet-sounding trumpet. Now it is said, according to that written word: “The memory of the just is celebrated with praises”, and “May the memory of the righteous be unto the ages”, and as is more so illustrated, “When the righteous man is praised, the many faithful rejoice.”

(http://books.google.com/books?printsec=frontcover&pg=RA6-PA1193&id=qiERAAAAYAAJ#v=onepage&q&f=false)

  
This full, wonderful homily is available in English here: https://www.roger-pearse.com/weblog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Andrew_of_Crete_Oration18_Encomium_on_Nicholas_of_Myra_2015-1.pdf

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, with scenes from his life (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s1565/s1565009.jpg)

  

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

St. Barbara the Great Martyr of Heliopolis

St. Barbara the Great Martyr of Heliopolis - Commemorated on December 4 (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s0353/s0353001.jpg)

The Holy Great Martyr Barbara lived and suffered during the reign of the emperor Maximian (305-311). Her father, the pagan Dioscorus, was a rich and illustrious man in the Syrian city of Heliopolis. After the death of his wife, he devoted himself to his only daughter.

Seeing Barbara's extraordinary beauty, Dioscorus decided to hide her from the eyes of strangers. Therefore, he built a tower for Barbara, where only her pagan teachers were allowed to see her. From the tower there was a view of hills stretching into the distance. By day she was able to gaze upon the wooded hills, the swiftly flowing rivers, and the meadows covered with a mottled blanket of flowers; by night the harmonious and majestic vault of the heavens twinkled and provided a spectacle of inexpressible beauty. Soon the virgin began to ask herself questions about the First Cause and Creator of so harmonious and splendid a world.

Gradually, she became convinced that the souless idols were merely the work of human hands. Although her father and teachers offered them worship, she realized that the idols could not have made the surrounding world. The desire to know the true God so consumed her soul that Barbara decided to devote all her life to this goal, and to spend her life in virginity.

The fame of her beauty spread throughout the city, and many sought her hand in marriage. But despite the entreaties of her father, she refused all of them. Barbara warned her father that his persistence might end tragically and separate them forever. Dioscorus decided that the temperament of his daughter had been affected by her life of seclusion. He therefore permitted her to leave the tower and gave her full freedom in her choice of friends and acquaintances. Thus Barbara met young Christian maidens in the city, and they taught her about the Creator of the world, about the Trinity, and about the Divine Logos. Through the Providence of God, a priest arrived in Heliopolis from Alexandria disguised as a merchant. After instructing her in the mysteries of the Christian Faith, he baptized Barbara, then returned to his own country.

Sts. Catherine and Barbara, Great Virgin Martyrs of Christ (http://www.holytransfiguration.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/StKatherine&Barbara.jpg)

  
During this time a luxurious bathhouse was being built at the house of Dioscorus. By his orders the workers prepared to put two windows on the south side. But Barbara, taking advantage of her father's absence, asked them to make a third window, thereby forming a Trinity of light. On one of the walls of the bath-house Barbara traced a cross with her finger. The cross was deeply etched into the marble, as if by an iron instrument. Later, her footprints were imprinted on the stone steps of the bathhouse. The water of the bathhouse had great healing power. St Simeon Metaphrastes (November 9) compared the bathhouse to the stream of Jordan and the Pool of Siloam, because by God's power, many miracles took place there.

When Dioscorus returned and expressed dissatisfaction about the change in his building plans, his daughter told him about how she had come to know the Triune God, about the saving power of the Son of God, and about the futility of worshipping idols. Dioscorus went into a rage, grabbed a sword and was on the point of striking her with it. The holy virgin fled from her father, and he rushed after her in pursuit. His way became blocked by a hill, which opened up and concealed the saint in a crevice. On the other side of the crevice was an entrance leading upwards. St Barbara managed then to conceal herself in a cave on the opposite slope of the hill.

After a long and fruitless search for his daughter, Dioscorus saw two shepherds on the hill. One of them showed him the cave where the saint had hidden. Dioscorus beat his daughter terribly, and then placed her under guard and tried to wear her down with hunger. Finally he handed her over to the prefect of the city, named Martianus. They beat St Barbara fiercely: they struck her with rawhide, and rubbed her wounds with a hair cloth to increase her pain. By night St Barbara prayed fervently to her Heavenly Bridegroom, and the Savior Himself appeared and healed her wounds. Then they subjected the saint to new, and even more frightful torments.

In the crowd where the martyr was tortured was the virtuous Christian woman Juliana, an inhabitant of Heliopolis. Her heart was filled with sympathy for the voluntary martyrdom of the beautiful and illustrious maiden. Juliana also wanted to suffer for Christ. She began to denounce the torturers in a loud voice, and they seized her.

St. Barbara the Great Martyr (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s0353/s0353004.jpg)

  

[St. Barbara is said to have prayed to God thusly as she approached her martyrdom (amateur translations; the first two prayers are from the life of the Saint from St. John of Damascus, and the third from St. Symeon the Translator):

O Beginningless One, not-made-by-hands, crown of Martyrs, Lord Jesus Christ, You Who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth, Who held back the abyss, and walled-back the sea, You Who ordains the rain-bearing clouds to rain upon sinners and the righteous, You Who walk upon the sea as on dry land, You Who command the wind and the sea and make them calm: all things obey Your word of command, my Lord Jesus Christ, for they are Your creation. Grant me, O Lord, this supplication, and grant Your servant grace, that those who remember me in Your Holy name and celebrate the memory of the days of my martyrdom, O Lord, may be forgiven, and not have their sins remembered in the day of judgment. You know, O Lord, that I am flesh and blood, the works of Your Spotless hands. Amen.
  

O Lord, God of the Powers, the Creator of every breath and flesh, He Who heals every sickness, grant Your servant grace, that I may approach the place where my relic will rest and to the blessed waters. Grant to [the faithful] health of soul and body, that through them may be glorified Your all-holy name, with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
  

Uncreated God, Who stretched out the heavens like a tent, and founded the land amidst the waters, Who placed clouds to protect from the light-bearing sun, which shines in common upon the righteous and the unrighteous, upon good and evil works. Therefore, O King, hearken unto my prayer offered in Your name, and look upon this house of my struggle, upon these greatly afflicted bodies and saddened powers. For You know, O Lord, that we are flesh and blood, the works of Your Spotless hands, and we are fashioned in Your Image and likeness. Amen.

(http://voutsinasilias.blogspot.com/2011/12/4_01.html)]

Both martyrs were tortured for a long time. Their bodies were raked and wounded with hooks, and then they were led naked through the city amidst derision and jeers. Through the prayers of St Barbara the Lord sent an angel who covered the nakedness of the holy martyrs with a splendid robe. Then the steadfast confessors of Christ, Sts Barbara and Juliana, were beheaded. Dioscorus himself executed St Barbara. The wrath of God was not slow to punish both torturers, Martianus and Dioscorus. They were killed after being struck by lightning.

The Martyrdom of St. Barbara the Great Martyr (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s0353/s0353007.jpg)

  
In the sixth century the relics of the holy Great Martyr Barbara were transferred to Constantinople. Six hundred years later, they were transferred to Kiev (July 11) by Barbara, the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenos, who married the Russian prince Michael Izyaslavich. They rest even now at Kiev's St Vladimir cathedral, where an Akathist to the saint is served each Tuesday.

Many pious Orthodox Christians are in the habit of chanting the Troparion of St Barbara each day, recalling the Savior's promise to her that those who remembered her and her sufferings would be preserved from a sudden, unexpected death, and would not depart this life without benefit of the Holy Mysteries of Christ.
(http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=103472)

  

St. Barbara the Great Martyr (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJqNtJS2UCWOloLSmXUJwRbdQPyxmKjLEukeW8H0cVRqZKEkMmUw1xodyDljHkBsuZO82vvO_yR52aaivbYPhB7ncqf-n4dN5SiESbFqBTyT6H44h8vfoOsq0d3sYoz-sCpVmQ4iyeIA/s1600/barbara3.jpg)

  

Prayer to St. Barbara, from her encomium by St. John of Damascus (amateur translation)

O Saint of Christ, and victorious Martyr Barbara, you dwell not only in the place of which you are the pride, and your grace of healing is not circumscribed, but you go throughout the whole world to those you approach you with fervent faith, and celebrate your yearly memory. They are healed from the wounds of sicknesses, and you bend down to the people of every age, and remove the indignant power of demons. For those in need have only to call upon your untiring help to be delivered from all dangers and trials. And for us who love and honor your care in faith, which commands honor, and who take refuge in your help and intercessions, become, O Champion Barbara, and victorious and ever-honored and ever-memorable, and most-famed Martyr, and Athlete of the Heavenly King who competed lawfully, a defender and champion for us in every trial, and a ceaseless intercessor towards the all-good Christ our God, together with His Beginningless and Unoriginate and worshiped Father, and the Consubstantial and Life-creating Spirit, to Whom belong glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

(http://voutsinasilias.blogspot.com/2011/12/4_01.html)

  

For an encomium on St. Barbara the Great Martyr by St. John of Damascus (in Greek), see: http://khazarzar.skeptik.net/pgm/PG_Migne/John%20of%20Damascus_PG%2094-96/Laudatio%20sanctae%20Barbarae.pdf.

  

For another account of the life of St. Barbara by St. Dimitri of Rostov, see: http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/12/life-of-holy-great-martyr-barbara.html.
  
For information on the Shrine of St. Barbara in Athens, see: http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2009/12/holy-shrine-of-saint-barbara-in-athens.html.

      

St. Barbara the Great Martyr (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s0353/s0353010.jpg)

  

Troparion - Tone 8

Let us honor the holy martyr Barbara, for as a bird she escaped the snares of the enemy, and destroyed them through the help and defense of the Cross.

   

Kontakion - Tone 4

Singing the praises of the Trinity, you followed God by enduring suffering; you renounced the multitude of idols, O holy martyr Barbara. In your struggles, you were not frightened by the threats of your torturers, but cried out in a loud voice: "I worship the Trinity in one God-head."

(http://oca.org/FStropars.asp?SID=13&ID=103472)

  

St. Barbara the Great Martyr, with scenes from her life (http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/12/life-of-holy-great-martyr-barbara.html)

  

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

A spiritual meeting between Sts. Paisios and Porphyrios

 

Icons of Sts. Paisios the Athonite and Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia: two spiritual giants of the 20th century (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8H76hFUXL_GS8fHksEH64RZl8quLwYJtOhuRT8bRaNZRSe9GwVm3lmKIcM9OEAam-R-O5VqoB9wZWCms4ygB9U01A7vE-YODgx_fSq7YoFKmeRsoeh7mOPbjDu2jrTpb1xmWDJB98i0Vw/s400/Elder+Paisios.jpg, http://ostash.org/upload/Elder_Porphryios.jpg)

  
A spiritual meeting between Sts. Paisios and Porphyrios

Elder Porphyrios relates: Once on the Holy Mountain, I was traveling by tractor with Fr. Paisios. The two of us were saying the [Jesus] prayer mystically. Our souls were united. At a certain point, he got off and we continued. Oh, then you should have seen it! As he was leaving, he rushed towards me and embraced me noetically. You should have seen this unification of souls. You can love others spiritually, and embrace them and feel them, though they are still far away.

  

St. Paisios the Athonite and St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia (source)

  

(Source: Learning from Elder Porphyrios, published by the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior, Milesi, 2011; http://apantaortodoxias.blogspot.com/2011/12/blog-post_2184.html)

   

"It was a pleasure to see how Elders Paisios and Elder Porfyrios thought about each other.

One of the monks said to Elder Paisios: ‘I’d like to talk to you about something I’ve discussed with Elder Porfyrios’.

‘If you’ve talked to Elder Porfyrios, you don’t need to talk to me as well, because he’s a coloured satellite television and I’m only a black and white set’.

That was the humble view of the Elder.

On the other hand, Elder Porfyrios told us:

‘The Grace that Elder Paisios has is worth more than mine, because he’s acquired it through great efforts and ascetic sweat, whereas God gave me mine completely for free, when I was still very young, simply so that I could be of help to the other monks’.

Source: Athonite Hieromonk Christodoulos, «Σκεύος Εκλογής»

  

For a similar discussion of the relationship between St. Paisios and St. Iakovos Tsalikis, see here.
  

Sts. Iakovos, Paisios and Porphyrios the New (source)

 

Sts. Paisios and Porphyrios before Christ the Lord (source)

  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

Excerpt from the homily on St. Andrew the First-called Apostle by St. Athanasios the Great

St. Andrew the First-called Apostle (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s0186/s0186015.jpg)

  
Excerpt from the homily on St. Andrew the First-called Apostle by St. Athanasios the Great (amateur translation)

Beholding this radiant sending-out of the Spirit, and the noblest and apostolic fisherman bringing to the true and waveless sea of the harbor, I bring to mind the Master's voice which cries out: “Come and follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” O powerful voice! O words known through actions! O the true promise that is increased daily! What, therefore, is this gate for many men? What is this gathering for this famed feast, as is seen for the famed apostle Andrew? One speaks and brings to mind his memory as bait, that they might sail this great ship with the apostolic rudder, guiding the vessel towards heaven. And which do we pursue first? Which of his honors is greatest? That of his holiness with which he is arrayed in the splendor of virtues? That of his first apostolic upraised arms, which have led those outside in error towards salvation? But as for this coming feast, this great Andrew has given the answers, and all of the honored apostolic choir. For grace has gathered them together to the same place. And this is like the perfect arrangement of stones that befits a royal crown, where if a part of it brings praise, the whole is praised together. Or it is like a golden chain, in which any part honors the whole. Thus it is to speak of one of the apostles, which is a continuation of the godly voice of Paul: “If one portion rejoices, all parts rejoice.” For among what members has nature bestowed such harmony as the grace of the Spirit has upon the choir of the apostles? For there is one grace in truth of the apostles, who are called the army of the Master.

(http://syndesmosklchi.blogspot.com/2011/11/blog-post_29.html#more)

St. Peter and St. Andrew, Apostles of Christ, and Brothers according to the flesh and spirit (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s0186/s0186017.jpg)

  

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

Two miracles of St. Philoumenos the New Hieromartyr

St. Philoumenos the Cypriot, the New Hieromartyr of Jacob's Well. His scroll above reads the words of Christ: "And do not fear those who kill the body..." (http://apantaortodoxias.blogspot.com/2011/11/blog-post_7911.html)

  
Two miracles of St. Philoumenos the New Hieromartyr (amateur translation/summary)

After a recent radio program from the Station of the Metropolis of Piraeus of the life of St. Philoumenos, the station received many messages with personal miracles of the Saint for the faithful. May this be offered to the glory of Christ and His new Hieromartyr Philoumenos, who celebrates on November 29 (new calendar).

First letter from Xanthi

Regarding the righteous life and martyrdom of St. Philoumenos, I learned of it from the Monastery of St. David in Evia, from a hierodeacon from the Metropolis of Morphou. In reality I was struck by his life, and especially his terrible martyrdom. Later, I found myself in Cyprus for work reasons, where I learned first-hand about the wonders of his earthly life and his heavenly glory. In August 2008 I was in the Holy Land, and I of course visited the Well of Jacob and the newly-built Church of St. Photini, to which was translated the relics of St. Philoumenos from the Patriarchal School. There I entreated the Saint fervently to grant us a child, as we had been married for eight years without having yet conceived a child. In reality, the Saint hearkened to our prayers, and he appeared full of glory to my brother, a hierodeacon, who said: “The children, Apostolos and Elizabeth, should not worry, for the temptation will soon pass and they will soon conceive a child, though they will try to adopt a child.” Thus we continued to try to have a child, but in the summer of 2009, we tried to adopt. Our joy was indescribable! However, our Lord's will was different: suddenly the adoption agency stopped our application, as we had just moved to Greece, and because of this the managers in Cyprus froze the application. As you can see, our saddness was great, as we saw our dream moving away! But besides this, we did not loose our courage, and we continued to pray to St. Philoumenos to grant us a child.

In reality, the same year my wife conceived our little girl, who was born on November 6^th. It is worth noting that her due date was November 16^th, the day of the Saint's martyrdom on the old calendar, as it is celebrated in the Holy Lands. Of course, before our child was born by the will of God, my hierodeacon friend saw a vision in which the Saint appeared full of glory and revealed the birth of our child! He saw the baby crawling to the Well of Jacob, and await there to be born! Our little girl took the Saint's name—through the prayer of naming—and today is 3 weeks old. We unworthy ones are so blessed, through the intercessions of St. Philoumenos to our Lord Jesus Christ, to receive this heavenly blessing.”

A. and E. B. from Xanthi

Second letter, from Moschato

To the glory of God, and St. Philoumenos
I'm glad to have the opportunity to thank St. Philoumenos in this way. Let me share with you how I came to know this Saint.

We call upon him as “The Saint of Parking”, and I'll explain why.

It was the winter of 2008 when I was in my car in the area of Old Phalerou, and tried to find parking. I had a very important business meeting at 7, and I had tried for 20 minutes to find parking, and it was 6:55. On the radio I was listening to the Church of Piraeus talk about some martyr who was killed in Jerusalem, and due to my agony, I did not give care to the name of the new martyr, whether it was Philemon or Philoumenos. Loosing hope, I then said: “O Saint Philoumenos or Philemon, I didn't understand your name, but find me parking, and from now on I will honor you and seek you out.” I did not finish this phrase when miraculously I found a parking spot, and left at that instant for my work. I glorified the Saint, and could not believe my eyes.

Of course this could seem comical, that I connect the Saint with parking, but in Athens especially, the issue of parking is a great difficulty in the lives of people.

From then on my family calls upon the Saint for parking, and unbelievably quickly he works wonders.

Another time I had a rehearsal at the Greek Odeion in Exarcheia, and as I was afraid of that area (this was at the time of a famous murder) my friend and I entreated the Saint to find parking close to the Odeion. We could not believe that we found a spot right outside the door, and my friend was amazed, having never seen anything like this before. I told her about the Saint, and she was amazed, and the next day when we had another practice, she confirmed this. The same thing occurred, and so I said to her: “And what do you have to say now?” Then she began to ask me more about this Saint.

When I told my family about the Saint (I am married in Athens-Moschato, and my parents live in Corfu), all of them believed, with the exception of my father, who doubted until the following incident. It was Holy Friday 2009, and my father had to descend to the city for the Epitaphio to lead the church choir. During this period on Corfu, the area is almost impassible. He left early, but he was looking for 40 minutes for parking, to no avail. At that point he thought, “Why don't call upon that Saint to help me, as I am so worried right now?” And as soon as he finished this thought, he immediately found a spot in front of him! He related this to us with joy.

I will tell you one more incident. I had gone to Corfu to the monastery of St. Athanasios, and I spoke to the sister who was the director of the bookstore about St. Philoumenos, whom she had never heard of. I told her about a book with his life that I had found in Athens, so she would order it for the monastery. Later the same nun related to me: “I had descended to the city with some difficulty by the car of a woman who was helping the monastery. We tried to find parking for a long time, and being without any success, I told the woman: 'let us call upon St. Philoumenos', though we continued to not find a spot. Then I said: 'Help us find this, my Saint, and tomorrow I will go order the book with your life for the monastery's bookstore.' I said these words out loud, and at that instant, we found parking. We were struck by the Saint's speed, and we glorified God.”

So as to not go on and on with similar stories, I will say that there is much to relate. Of course beyond the subject of “parking”, the Saint has helped us many times when we call upon him.

If you decide to distribute some of these stories that I have related, I would rejoice, for thus the world could learn more about this new Saint, who helps us so much in our everyday lives!!

May we all have his blessing.
E.K., age 30, Moschato
(http://opougis.blogspot.com/2010/11/mail.html)
  
For the life of St. Philoumenos the New Hieromartyr, see: http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2009/09/st-philoumenos-new-hieromartyr-of.html.
  
For the Metropolitan of Morphou discussing numerous miracles of St. Philoumenos (in Greek), see: http://apantaortodoxias.blogspot.com/2011/11/blog-post_29.html.
  

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

St. Stylianos of Paphlagonia the Righteous

St. Stylianos of Paphlagonia the Righteous - Commemorated on November 26 (http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=103401)
  

   Saint Stylianus was born in Paphlagonia of Asia Minor sometime between the fourth and sixth centuries. He inherited a great fortune from his parents when they died, but he did not keep it. He gave it away to the poor according to their need, desiring to help those who were less fortunate.

Stylianus left the city and went to a monastery, where he devoted his life to God. Since he was more zealous and devout than the other monks, he provoked their jealousy and had to leave. He left the monastery to live alone in a cave in the wilderness, where he spent his time in prayer and fasting.

The goodness and piety of the saint soon became evident to the inhabitants of Paphlagonia, and they sought him out to hear his teaching, or to be cured by him. Many were healed of physical and mental illnesses by his prayers.

St Stylianus was known for his love of children, and he would heal them of their infirmities. Even after his death, the citizens of Paphlagonia believed that he could cure their children. Whenever a child became sick, an icon of St Stylianus was painted and was hung over the child's bed.

At the hour of his death, the face of St Stylianus suddenly became radiant, and an angel appeared to receive his soul.

Known as a protector of children, St Stylianus is depicted in iconography holding an infant in his arms. Pious Christians ask him to help and protect their children, and childless women entreat his intercession so that they might have children.
(http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=103401)

Icon with the Apolytikion of St. Stylianos (http://www.egolpion.com/agios-stulianos.el.aspx)

  

Apolytikion in the Third Tone

A living monument of self restraint, an immovable pillar of the Church you were shown to be, blessed Stylianos, for you were dedicated to God from your youth, and were seen as a dwelling place of the Spirit. Holy Father, entreat Christ our God, to grant us His great mercy.

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone (amateur translations below)

You were sanctified from your mother's womb as the divine Samuel, O God-bearer, and ascetically were glorified by Christ God. Therefore you were shown a treasury of healings, and a divine protector of children and infants. For Christ radiantly glorifies you, O Stylianos, who from childhood glorified Him.

  

Oikos

You were dedicated from God the Benefactor from childhood, as the great Baptist (St. John), and were shown a zealot and an imitator and type of his pure life and virtuous ways. Therefore like him, O Father, you dwelt in the desert in fasting and vigil, having purified your nous, and brought to mind ceaseless prayer to the Lord. Therefore you were filled with light that surpasses all thought, and with God-given graces, being shown a helper of all, and a most-speedy healer in afflictions. For Christ radiantly glorifies you, O Stylianos, who from childhood glorified Him.

  

Synaxarion

On the 26^th of this month (November), the memory of our Righteous Father Stylianos of Paphlagonia.

   

Verses
The firm pillar of asceticism has fallen,

For Stylianos has left this life.

Stylianos joyfully stands by God on the twenty-sixth.
  
Megalynarion

Sacred pillar placed by God, and a multitude of virtues which your life imparts to us, O Father Stylianos, in godly manner order our minds, of those who praise you. (http://synaxarion.gr/gr/sid/1281/sxsaintinfo.aspx, http://voutsinasilias.blogspot.com/2009/11/26-2.html)

  

St. Stylianos the Righteous Protector of Children (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AJg2OHlnL8rWftS34o25fvfGN6AYQUr8Ln7XlvMGUMz6bl4ckV3VkaU2iVQVjj9zdu7KD_6qV-4y0Q7BwcPAZXlwccjbjX4ZfnAuYGRnnK1lkDhmlbpPE0zW_8AOY-N2byLRRtGfY0gn/s1600/stylianos.jpeg)

  

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

St. Mercurius the Great Martyr of Caesarea

St. Mercurius the Great Martyr of Caesarea - Commemorated on November 24th or 25th (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s1436/s1436001.jpg)

  
When Emperor Decius once waged war against the barbarians, there was in his army the commander of an Armenian regiment called the Martenesians. This commander was named Mercurius. In battle, an angel of the Lord appeared to Mercurius, placed a sword in his hand, and assured him of victory over his enemies. Indeed, Mercurius displayed wonderful courage, mowing down the enemy like grass. Following this glorious victory Emperor Decius made him chief commander of his army, but envious men reported Mercurius to the emperor for being a Christian, a fact which he did not hide but openly acknowledged before the emperor. Mercurius was tortured harshly and at length; he was cut into strips with knives and burned with fire. An angel of God appeared to him in prison and healed him. Finally, the emperor proclaimed that General Mercurius be beheaded in Cappadocia. When they beheaded him, his body became as white as snow and emitted a most wonderful incense-like fragrance. His miracle-working relics healed many of the sick. This most wonderful soldier of Christ suffered for the Faith sometime between the years 251 and 259 and took up his habitation in the Kingdom of his King and God.
(http://www.westsrbdio.org/prolog/my.html)
  
For the vision that St. Basil the Great had of St. Mercurius the Great Martyr, and the deposition of Julian the Apostate, see: http://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2009/12/vision-of-st-basil-great-and-julian.html.
  

The martyrdom of St. Mercurius the Great Martyr (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s1436/s1436006.jpg)

  
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone (amateur translations below)

O heavenly Angel, and safe guide towards far-seen glory, as you partake of light which you bear, O Mercurius. Therefore you were obedient to the immortal King, struggling beyond nature as a brave soldier. Protect those who hasten to you, O blessed one.

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

Arrayed with the power of Christ as a divine breastplate, you who struggled manfully, enlighten those who chant: hail O boast of Martyrs, Mercurius.

(http://www.synaxarion.gr/gr/sid/1274/sxsaintinfo.aspx)

  

St. Mercurius the Great Martyr of Caesarea (http://pravicon.com/images/sv/s1436/s1436007.jpg)

  

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!