There are a number of popular orthodox saints. These include St. Gregory Palamas, Saint Nicholas, St. Mena’s mother, and St. Nektarios. They are renowned for their dedication to the Orthodox Church and for their great acts of mercy. In addition, they are popular because they are regarded as having a high moral standing and because their lives are exemplary.
St. Gregory Palamas
Saint Gregory Palamas was a monk and later an Archbishop of Thessalonica. He is known as the Wonderworker of the Church. In addition to his feast day, he is commemorated on the second Sunday of Lent.
Gregory was born in Constantinople. His father was a courtier of the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II. While in Constantinople, the Western philosophies of rationalism and scholasticism infiltrated the city.
During this time, the faith of the citizens of Constantinople was under attack. Five consecutive church councils were held to address this turmoil. Akyndinos, a Bulgarian monk associated with Patriarch John XIV Kalekos, advocated the position of Barlaam the Calabrian, who doubted Christian truths.
St. Sergius
St. Sergius is one of the most popular orthodox saints in Russia. His feast day is 7 October. He was a soldier who was devoted to following Jesus Christ. Throughout the 15th century, his influence on the thought of Christian Russia was considerable.
Many churches in Russia and other countries are dedicated to him. One church, the Holy Trinity-Sergios monastery, continues to serve as the spiritual heart of Russia. It was founded around the life of St. Sergius. The Holy Fire is still poured out on Pascha, the Christian feast of the Annunciation, at this church.
One of his parishioners was a wealthy merchant from Novgorod. When Sabbatius came to his aid, the man was convinced to confess his sins. After taking Communion, he prepared to leave his life. He feared dying without receiving the life-giving Mysteries.
St. Nektarios
Saint Nectarios of Aegina is one of the most popular orthodox saints of the twentieth century. He was an exemplary man of faith and patience. As a confessor, he worked miracles. His intercessions are powerful and he is a strong guardian of the love of God for mankind.
Aside from being a confessor, he was also a mystic and a teacher. His works were similar to those of the early church fathers. In 1961, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople recognized him as a saint.
After his death, his tomb became a major pilgrimage site in Greece. Hundreds of miraculous healings were credited to him.
St. Nicholas
Nicholas of Myra is one of the most popular orthodox saints. He is celebrated as the patron saint of children, seafarers, students, pawnbrokers, and brewers. During his life, Saint Nicholas is said to have performed miracles.
The feast day of Saint Nicholas is December 6. This date has long been celebrated by both Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians.
While Saint Nicholas is celebrated in many countries, he is especially popular among Greeks. His story is very similar to the legends of ancient Greek gods.
At an early age, Nicholas was ordained a priest. But after his parents died, he decided to help his family by working on their behalf.
St. Mena’s mother
The Eastern Orthodox Church is known for its healing miracles. Its saints are considered to be great models for living the Christian life. Many early church fathers speak of miracles that occurred within the church.
One of the most well-known miracle workers is Menas of Egypt. He is also called Mina the Wonder Worker. During his time of martyrdom, he was a Roman soldier, but he refused to recant his Christian faith. Despite the hardships, Menas stayed true to his faith and was rewarded with eternal life.
In the West, Menas is known as the most popular and well-known Saint. His feast day is celebrated on November 11. This date corresponds to the 24th day of the Gregorian calendar.
St. Pasha
The lives of several of the most popular Orthodox saints are marked with great tragedy. Among these are St. Justin, St. Demetrios, and St. Savvas. These saints are celebrated on the anniversary of their repose. But their graves have also served as witness to numerous miracles. So, in our dark times, we must pay attention to the saints’ stories.
Saint Basil of Moscow is often referred to as the Fool-for-Christ. He is known for his harsh asceticism. However, his body continues to work miracles. This explains why he is revered by many Christians. During the iconoclast heresy, he stood for the sanctity of holy icons. Several of his relics are venerated in Compostela.
