If you’re looking for a great way to spend November, consider a celebration of the orthodox saints of the month. From Saint Menas and Martyrius to Saint Nicholas and Saint Theodore, here’s what you should know. These holy men are known for their faith in the Church and their dedication to the heavenly realms.
Table of Contents
Saint Menas
Saint Menas is an Orthodox saint whose feast day is celebrated on November 14. He was born in Egypt in 285 AD. His parents were ascetic Christians who did not have children for a long time. His mother, Euphemia, prayed to the Virgin Mary to give her a son and was answered by God. The sound of the icon said “Amen” and Menas was born.
Saint Theodore
Saint Theodore is a patron of Russia and the former Soviet Union. His life was first published in the 19th century by the Holy Mountain monk Saint Nikodemus. The book is widely considered a classic of Orthodox ecclesiology.
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas was an Orthodox saint who lived in the second half of the 13th century. His final years were during the reign of King Vakhtang III, the son of the holy king Demeter the Devoted. Saint Nicholas’ mission was to help the poor and needy, and his life was marked by many miracles.
Saint Martyrius
Saint Martyrius is an Orthodox saint who was born in 1540 and died in 1603. He was a monk in the Veliki Luki Monastery. He shared a cell with Elder Bogolep and ate only once a day. Later he moved to Zelenets, or “Green Island,” and founded a monastery there. Several benefactors donated money to his monastery. His remains were returned to the monastery. In 1603, he fell asleep in the Lord.
Saint Catherine
The Orthodox church celebrates the feast day of Saint Catherine of Alexandria on 24 or 25 November. Catherine is also venerated by Catholics. In the Roman Martyrology, she is known as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Although removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969, the feast day was reinstated as an optional memorial in 2002.
Saint Theodore’s holy relics
The shrine of Saint Theodore in Amsea, Greece, has been in existence since the fifth century. According to the story, the relics were brought there from the city of Euchaita, which was a popular pilgrimage site. The story tells of a woman named Eusebia who is said to have transported the relic from the city to Amsea. She is also believed to be a dragon-slayer, thus the association with the dragon motif.
Saint Catherine’s holy relics
On November 25, pilgrims to the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai, Egypt, are blessed with the opportunity to venerate the holy relics of Saint Catherine. During the early centuries of Christianity, Saint Catherine’s relics were carried to Mount Sinai by angels, and later, the relics were transferred to a church on Mount Sinai built by the holy Emperor Justinian. The relics are venerated by pilgrims and have the power to grant peace and comfort to those suffering during difficult childbirth.
Saint Matrona
Saint Matrona was a humble woman who immersed herself in the Divine Services of the Church. She spent countless hours in church and several hours a day in private prayer. As a result, she grew to be the breadwinner of her family.
