St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Publish Date: 2025-07-06
Bulletin Contents

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St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (860) 956-7586
  • Street Address:

  • 433 Fairfield Avenue

  • Hartford, CT 06114


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Sundays: Orthros (Matins): 8:30 AM | Divine Liturgy: 9:30 AM

 

 


Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Mode. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 6:18-23.

Brethren, having been set free from sin, you have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once yielded your members to impurity and to greater and greater iniquity, so now yield your members to righteousness for sanctification.

When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But then what return did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Προκείμενον. Third Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 46.6,1.
Ψάλατε τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν, ψάλατε.
Στίχ. Πάντα τὰ ἔθνη κροτήσατε χεῖρας.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς ῾Ρωμαίους 6:18-23.

Ἀδελφοί, ἐλευθερωθέντες δὲ ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, ἐδουλώθητε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ. Ἀνθρώπινον λέγω διὰ τὴν ἀσθένειαν τῆς σαρκὸς ὑμῶν· ὥσπερ γὰρ παρεστήσατε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν δοῦλα τῇ ἀκαθαρσίᾳ καὶ τῇ ἀνομίᾳ εἰς τὴν ἀνομίαν, οὕτως νῦν παραστήσατε τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν δοῦλα τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ εἰς ἁγιασμόν. Ὅτε γὰρ δοῦλοι ἦτε τῆς ἁμαρτίας, ἐλεύθεροι ἦτε τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ. Τίνα οὖν καρπὸν εἴχετε τότε ἐφʼ οἷς νῦν ἐπαισχύνεσθε; Τὸ γὰρ τέλος ἐκείνων θάνατος. Νυνὶ δὲ ἐλευθερωθέντες ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας, δουλωθέντες δὲ τῷ θεῷ, ἔχετε τὸν καρπὸν ὑμῶν εἰς ἁγιασμόν, τὸ δὲ τέλος ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Τὰ γὰρ ὀψώνια τῆς ἁμαρτίας θάνατος, τὸ δὲ χάρισμα τοῦ θεοῦ ζωὴ αἰώνιος ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν.


Gospel Reading

4th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 8:5-13

At that time, as Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, beseeching him and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress." And he said to him, "I will come and heal him." But the centurion answered him, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth." And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; be it done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed at that very moment.

4th Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 8:5-13

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, εἰσελθόντι δὲ αὐτῷ εἰς Καπερναοὺμ προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ ἑκατόνταρχος παρακαλῶν αὐτὸν καὶ λέγων· Κύριε, ὁ παῖς μου βέβληται ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ παραλυτικός, δεινῶς βασανιζόμενος. καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· ἐγὼ ἐλθὼν θεραπεύσω αὐτόν. καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ ἑκατόνταρχος ἔφη· Κύριε, οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανὸς ἵνα μου ὑπὸ τὴν στέγην εἰσέλθῃς· ἀλλὰ μόνον εἰπὲ λόγῳ, καὶ ἰαθήσεται ὁ παῖς μου. καὶ γὰρ ἐγὼ ἄνθρωπός εἰμι ὑπὸ ἐξουσίαν, ἔχων ὑπ᾿ ἐμαυτὸν στρατιώτας, καὶ λέγω τούτῳ, πορεύθητι, καὶ πορεύεται, καὶ ἄλλῳ, ἔρχου, καὶ ἔρχεται, καὶ τῷ δούλῳ μου, ποίησον τοῦτο, καὶ ποιεῖ. ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐθαύμασε καὶ εἶπε τοῖς ἀκολουθοῦσιν· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, οὐδὲ ἐν τῷ ᾿Ισραὴλ τοσαύτην πίστιν εὗρον. λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν ὅτι πολλοὶ ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ δυσμῶν ἥξουσι καὶ ἀνακλιθήσονται μετὰ ᾿Αβραὰμ καὶ ᾿Ισαὰκ καὶ ᾿Ιακὼβ ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τῶν οὐρανῶν, οἱ δὲ υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας ἐκβληθήσονται εἰς τὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον· ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων. καὶ εἶπεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τῷ ἑκατοντάρχῳ· ὕπαγε, καὶ ὡς ἐπίστευσας γενηθήτω σοι. καὶ ἰάθη ὁ παῖς αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ ὥρᾳ ἐκείνῃ.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode

Let the Heavens rejoice; let earthly things be glad; for the Lord hath wrought might with His arm, He hath trampled upon death by death. The first-born of the dead hath He become. From the belly of Hades hath He delivered us, and hath granted great mercy to the world.
Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος, ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο, ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε. Μὴ παρίδῃς ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.
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This Week at the Cathedral

Today at the Cathedral:

We welcome all newcomers to our Cathedral and are glad you are here!  Please join us after Liturgy in the Social Hall; we would love to get to know you!

Today we welcome Fr. Don Augusta who is celebrating the Divine Liturgy with us.

This week at the Cathedral:

Monday, June 30th - Thursday, July 17th
Fr. George Out of Town

Announcements:     

Stewardship Update
Thank you St. George parishioners for your generous 2025 Stewardship contributions of $126,341 as of 7/3/25. We are on our way to meeting our goal of $275,000!

In order to acknowledge our Stewardship contributors, starting on July 6th, we will be listing all Stewards who have made their 2025 contribution (partial or total) and we will update the listing each week in the bulletin. Please note that stewardship contributions will need to be submitted by July 9th in order to be acknowledged in that week’s bulletin. If you have any questions, please contact Sooty Montanari at 860-402-5467 (text or call) or [email protected]

Frozen, delicious Festival Moussaka trays are available for sale after services on Sundays - $50 plus the pan deposit - to order please call Dot Barry at 860-280-7750.

Canned Goods Drive
Please help us to help those in need!  It is our belief that food is a basic human right and that everyone should have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.  To this goal, we have marked receptacles in the lower entrance area for anyone who wishes to donate and help support the health and well-being of our local individuals and communities in need. (see flyer)

The Hellenic University Club of New York is pleased to announce the continuation of its Undergraduate Scholarship Program to support and encourage high school seniors entering college in the 2025 – 2026 academic year. The scholarship awards are offered in support of deserving Greek-American students who have exemplified high scholastic achievement. The Organization will offer Awards of $4,000 each, based on academic achievement and financial need. The application form with detailed instructions and eligibility requirements is now available online at: http://www.hucnyc.com. Applications must be filled out completely, include all required materials and be received on or before the deadline of July 15, 2025. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. (see flyer)

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Program for Girl Delegates to the United Nations is seeking high schoolers who are eager to engage in global diplomacy, advocate for gender equality, and represent the voices of Orthodox young women at the United Nations. Open to high school girls age 15 and up, this program provides a platform for young women to address issues related to the rights of girls around the world, their individual rights, and their beliefs at the United Nations.  Working in partnership with girl-focused organizations from around the world, their goal is to ensure that GOA Girl Delegates consistently participate in and contribute to UN events and advocacy efforts, both virtually and in person at the UN Headquarters in New York City.  Applications and further info can be found here:  https://www.goarch.org/-/applications-open-for-the-goarch-s-girl-delegates-to-the-united-nations%C2%A0program  The deadline for applications is August 4th.  (see flyer)

Thursday, July 17th
6:30pm - Calling all YAL-aged parishioners and friends! The YAL at our sister parish in Orange, St. Barbara, has invited all adults age 18-30s to their summer Barbecue Party at St. Barbara Church, 480 Racebrook Rd, Orange, CT 06847. There will be music, food, BYOB, and games - $5 requested donation. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP to Ellie Maniatis at 203-985-9875 or Anna Kattis at 203-506-2359. (see flyer)

SAVE THE DATE: The Nathan Hale Chapter #58 of the Order of AHEPA will be holding their Centennial Gala on October 18th, 2025, celebrating 100 years of promoting Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.  More information to come... (see flyer)

2025 Stewardship Contributers

Michelle Adamidis

Lora Klementon

Dimitri Perdikis

Irene Alexis

Marie Klementon

Theodora Perdikis

John Alexopoulos

Peter Klementon

Thalia Pergantis

Neke Alexopoulos

John Kokinis

Peter Perrotta

Nancy Anastasiades

Peter Kokinis

Thomas Peters

Andrew Andrews

Priscilla Kokinis

Arthur Poly

Nicole Andrews

Priscilla Kokinis

Athena Psaras

Louis Antonio

Martha Konefal

Anna Rafti

Paraskeve Apostolidis

Helena Kono

Ektor Rafti

Tsampika Apostolidis

Esmeralda Kore

Chrisoula Raptelis-Mack

William Apostolidis

Mimoza Kore

Dream Roldan

Virginia Argiros

Dorian Koruni

Dr. James Rouman

Angie Augustinos

Fotiona Koruni

Marie Rozanitis

Theodore Augustinos

Maria Kostellis

Elena Russo

Dorothy Barry

Dimitra Kostopoulos

Jack Russo

Hope Battistine

Mary Kotiadis

John Sakoulos

Kristina Beasley

Alexander Koutmos

Maria Sakoulos

Jason Bikakis

Alexia Krionidou- Wing

Panagiotis Samiotis

Kostas Bikakis

Debra Kurker

Savva Savvides

Stella Bikakis

Richard Kurker

Maria Scanlon

Voula Bikakis

Anastasia Kyprillis

Gabriela Schumacher

Kassiani Bisbikos

Giannis Kyprillis

Rita Scuris

Matina Bolger

Andrew Kyriacou

John Sembrakis

Jim Bradley

Elias Lake

Cynthia Lou Serbegis

George Calos

Marguerite Lake

Peter Serbegis

Therese Calos

Apostol Laske

Tolis Serbegis

Patricia Caratasios

Annemarie Leaska

Ferdinant & Esmeralda Shamo

Leonidas Charalambides

Joanne Lemnios-Knotts

Eleni Skouloudis

Georgia D'Agoustino

Dimitrios Lergos

Christina Skouloudis-Marques

Nicholas Demetriadis

John Lergos

Christina Smith

Catherine Deros

Stergos Lergos

Peter Smith

Jennifer Deros

Triantafylla Lergos

Alexandra Spaniotis

Paula DeTuccio

Helen Limnios

Harry Spaniotis

Emmanuel Diacosavvas

Kristiana E. Litts Chockey

Nicholas Spaniotis

Socrates Diacosavvas

Maria Litzendorf

Tara Spaniotis

Zoi Dikegoros

Pat Loulakis-Paradis

Despina Spyros

Christos Dimitrakopoulos

Staci Lynch (Antonio)

George Spyros

Poly Dimitrakopoulos

Marie Machado

Nicholas Stamboulis

Panagitois Emmanouilidis

Dustin Mack

Tsambika Stamos

Rhea Emmanuel

Penny Makris

Marianthi Statoulas

Stella Emmanuel

Perry K. Makris

Nektaria Statoulas

Mica Ensign

Michael Malesta

Nicholas Statoulas

Constantina Fas

Pauline Mantzaris

Eleftheria Stavropoulos

Constantinos Fas

Chris Mantziaris

Emmanuil Stergakis

Emmanuel Fas

Marilyn Mantziaris

Edana Sullivan

Joseph Fazzino

Sophia Marangoudakis

Kelsey Sullivan

Georgia Feigel

Maria Matarangas

Maria Synodi

Eleni Filintarakis

Ariana McClean

Maria (Kottas) Tackett

Mary Filintarakis

Mary Meggie

Maria K. Tougas

Georgia Fleming

Sofia Melabianakis

Demetrios Triantafylidis

Alexa Fleury -Melonopoulos

Emmannuel Meleounis

Penelope Triantafylidis

Patricia Fluet

Konstantinos Meleounis

James Triarhos

Scott Fluet

Michael Meleounis

George Troullas

Efrosini Gavrilis

Stella Meleounis

Maria Troullas

Cornelia Georgantas

Helen Melonopoulos

Maria Tsiknis Gemme

Evangelos Giannakopoulos

John K. Menoutis

Nitsa Tsipouras

Margaret Giannakopoulos

Rania Menoutis

Panagiotis Tsipouras

Elizabeth Giannaros

James Mermegas

Vasilios Tsipouras

Elliot Giese

Argereos Mermegas Jr

John Tyropolis

Maria Haldezos

Maria Mintatos

Sideroula Tyropolis

Panagiotis Haldezos

Sotoria Montanari

Stephanie Uccello

Peter Hantzos

Olga Nako

Elaina Varunes

Vangjel Hoda

Vera Nako

Melitsa Vasilakis

Zoja Hoda

Tina Newman

Kaliopi Venoutsos

Sean Howard

Tony Newman

Brianna Violano

Anna Illescas

Terry Nezames

George Vlahopoulos

Alexandra Ingrassia

John Nisyrios

Joanna Vlahopoulos

Pamela Johnson

Pandelis Nisyrios

Ethel Vounatso-Nowacki

Ioanna Kalas

Themalina Nisyrios

Andrew Walsh

Christina Kaliff

Anastasia Nisyrios-Clark

Catherine Walsh

Alexia R Kalogianes

Constantina Nisyrios-Colt

Kevin Ward

Anna Kanaras

Anesti Nova

Christine White

John Kanaras

Julia Tsaoussis Odell

Paige Wolfe

Stillani ( Stella) Kanaris

Antonios Orsaris

Stephen Wolfe

Andreas Kapetanopoulos

Erini Orsaris

Parthena Yaakob

Sophie Kapetanopoulos

Katholiki Orsaris

Gregory Yatrousis

Joanne Karabetsos

David Pagan

Lazaros Yiannos

Kostas Karabetsos

Nicholas Paindiris

Georgia Zafiris

William Karabetsos

Dorothy Paleologos

James Zafiris

Dennis Karageanis

Martha Pangakis

Mary Zafiris

George Karageorge

Denise Panos

Theodore Zafiris

Maria Karagiannis

Paul Panos

Damien Zaharis

Mercourios Karagiannis

Anita Papadimitrakopoulos

Stephanie Zaharis

Savas Karagiannis

Helen Papadogiannis

Vasilios Zaharis

Vasilia Karagiannis

Marguerita Papageorge

Stephanie Zapatka

Anastasia Karayanis

Savas Papageorge

Dr. Constantine Zariphes

Phyllis Karayanis

Asimina Papageorgiou

Emmanuel Zervos

Evangelos Karelas

Clarence Papanic

Kathryn Zervos

Konstantinos Kasolis

Paraskevi Papastamatious

Eugenia Zessos

Persefone Kasolis

Dr. Tania Papayannopoulou

Mary Zocco

Eleni Kavros

Katie Patterson

Josh Zup

Stavros Kavroudakis

Russell Patterson

Yasmi Zup

Waseem Khoury

David Paul

Erica Zup- Baloga

Constance King

Hrisanthi Paul

 

 

 

       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
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Flyers

    Canned Goods Drive

    Canned Goods Drive

    Please help us to help those in need! It is our belief that food is a basic human right and that everyone should have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. To this goal, we have marked receptacles in the lower entrance area for anyone who wishes to donate and help support the health and well-being of our local individuals and communities in need.


    Hellenic University Club of New York Scholarships

    Hellenic University Club of New York Scholarships

    The scholarship awards are offered in support of deserving Greek-American students who have exemplified high scholastic achievement. The Organization will offer Awards of $4,000 each, based on academic achievement and financial need. The application form with detailed instructions and eligibility requirements is now available online at: http://www.hucnyc.com. Applications must be filled out completely, include all required materials and be received on or before the deadline of July 15, 2025. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.


    St. Barbara YAL Barbecue Party

    St. Barbara YAL Barbecue Party

    Calling all YAL-aged parishioners and friends! The YAL at our sister parish in Orange, St. Barbara, has invited all adults age 18-30s to their summer Barbecue Party at St. Barbara Church, 480 Racebrook Rd, Orange, CT 06847 on Thursday, July 17th at 6:30pm. There will be music, food, BYOB, and games - $5 requested donation. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP to Ellie Maniatis at 203-985-9875 or Anna Kattis at 203-506-2359.


    GOA Program for Girl Delegates to the UN

    GOA Program for Girl Delegates to the UN

    The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Program for Girl Delegates to the United Nations is seeking high schoolers who are eager to engage in global diplomacy, advocate for gender equality, and represent the voices of Orthodox young women at the United Nations. Open to high school girls age 15 and up, this program provides a platform for young women to address issues related to the rights of girls around the world, their individual rights, and their beliefs at the United Nations. Working in partnership with girl-focused organizations from around the world, their goal is to ensure that GOA Girl Delegates consistently participate in and contribute to UN events and advocacy efforts, both virtually and in person at the UN Headquarters in New York City. Applications and further info can be found here: https://www.goarch.org/-/applications-open-for-the-goarch-s-girl-delegates-to-the-united-nations%C2%A0program The deadline for applications is August 4th.


    AHEPA Centennial Gala Save the Date

    AHEPA Centennial Gala Save the Date

    The Nathan Hale Chapter #58 of the Order of AHEPA will be holding their Centennial Gala on October 18th, 2025, celebrating 100 years of promoting Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. More information to come...


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Saints and Feasts

July 06

4th Sunday of Matthew


July 06

Sisoes the Great

This Saint, great and renowned among the ascetics of Egypt, lived in the fourth century in Scete of Nitria. After the death of Saint Anthony the Great, he left Scete to live in Saint Anthony's cave; he said of this, "Thus in the cave of a lion, a fox makes his dwelling." When Sisoës was at the end of his long life of labours, as the Fathers were gathered about him, his face began to shine, and he said, "Behold, Abba Anthony is come"; then, "Behold, the choir of the Prophets is come"; his face shone yet more bright, and he said, "Behold, the choir of the Apostles is come." The light of his countenance increased, and he seemed to be talking with someone. The Fathers asked him of this; in his humility, he said he was asking the Angels for time to repent. Finally his face became as bright as the sun, so that the Fathers were filled with fear. He said, "Behold, the Lord is come, and He says, 'Bring Me the vessel of the desert,'" and as he gave up his soul into the hands of God, there was as it were a flash of lightning, and the whole dwelling was filled with a sweet fragrance.


July 06

Holy Apostles Archippus, Philemon and Onesimus


July 06

Loukia the Virgin-martyr, Rixios and the 24 Companion Martyrs


July 06

Juliana the Virgin-martyr


July 07

Kyriaki the Great Martyr

Saint Kyriake was the daughter of Christian parents, Dorotheus and Eusebia. She was given her name because she was born on Sunday, the day of the Lord (in Greek, Kyriake). She contested in Nicomedia during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 300. After many bitter torments she was condemned to suffer beheading, but being granted time to pray first, she made her prayer and gave up her holy soul in peace.


July 08

Prokopios the Great Martyr & his mother Theodosia the Martyr

The holy Martyr Procopius was born of a pious father named Christopher, but his mother Theodosia was an idolater. After Christopher's death, she presented Neanias - for this was the Saint's name before - to Diocletian, who was at Antioch in Syria. Diocletian made him Duke of Alexandria, and sent him there to punish the Christians. On the way to Alexandria, our Lord spoke to Neanias as once He had to Saul, and turned this new persecutor to faith in Him. Neanias turned back to Scythopolis, and preached Christ. He was betrayed by his own mother, and was arrested and tormented in Caesarea of Palestine. While he was in prison, the Lord appeared to him again and gave him the new name of Procopius (which is derived from the Greek word meaning "progress, advancement"). He was brought out of prison and taken to worship the idols, but at his prayer, the idols fell; many then believed in Christ and suffered martyrdom, among them certain soldiers, twelve women of senatorial rank, and the Saint's own mother, Theodosia. Saint Procopius, after further torments and imprisonment, was beheaded about the year 290.


July 08

Appearance of the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of Kazan

In Kazan, in 1579, the nine-year old Matrona, whose parents' home had burned down in a fire, had a dream in which she beheld an icon of the Theotokos and heard a voice commanding her to recover this icon from the ashes of the ruined house. The icon was found wrapped in an old piece of cloth under the stove, where it may have been hidden during the Tartar invasions. The icon was finally brought to the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, where it became renowned for the healings that the Mother of God wrought through it for the blind; hence the custom of praying before this holy icon for help in blindness and eye diseases. Tsar Ivan the Terrible had a convent built at the place of the icon's discovery; this, however, was destroyed by the Bolsheviks after the Revolution, and a factory was built in its stead. The feast was established in 1595. The icon of Kazan is one of the most beloved icons of the Mother of God in Russia.


July 10

Deposition of the Precious Robe of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Moscow

After the Crucifixion of our Lord, His most precious robe was obtained by lot by a certain Elioz, a Georgian soldier who took part in the execution. He in turn brought it to Georgia where it remained until that land was overrun by the Persians. Shah Abbas, seeking to establish good relations with Tsar Michael Feodorovich, sent the Robe to Moscow as a gift for the Tsar and Patriarch Philaret. This took place in March of 1625, and was appointed to be celebrated on this day in July.


July 10

Righteous Father Anthony of the Kiev Caves

Saint Anthony, who was born in the province of Chernigov, was tonsured in the Monastery of Esphigmenou on the Holy Mountain, Athos, from whence he was sent by his abbot to Kiev to plant the monastic life in 1013, two years before the death of Saint Vladimir, Great Prince of Kiev. Dwelling at first as a hermit, the Saint gradually drew to himself others wishing to emulate his way of life. When the number of the brethren grew, a wooden church in honour of the Dormition of the Theotokos was built, thus laying the foundation of what was to become the renowned Kiev Caves Lavra. Refusing the abbotship, Saint Anthony entrusted this to his disciples, first to the blessed Barlaam, then to Saint Theodosius (See May 3), and his whole life struggled as a cave-dwelling hermit. He reposed in peace in 1073 at the age of ninety.


July 11

Euphemia the Great Martyr

In 451, during the reign of the Sovereigns Marcian and Pulcheria, the Fourth Ecumenical Council was convoked in Chalcedon against Eutyches and those of like mind with him. After much debate, the Fathers who were the defenders of Orthodoxy, being 630 in number, agreed among themselves and with those who were of contrary mind, to write their respective definitions of faith in separate books, and to ask God to confirm the truth in this matter. When they had prepared these texts, they placed the two tomes in the case that held Saint Euphemia's relics, sealed it, and departed. After three days of night-long supplications, they opened the reliquary in the presence of the Emperor, and found the tome of the heretics under the feet of the Martyr, and that of the Orthodox in her right hand. (For her life, see Sept. 16.)


July 11

the All-Praised Olga, Equal-to-the-Apostles, Princess of Kiev

Saint Olga, renowned for her wisdom and sobriety, in her youth became the wife of Igor, Great Prince of Kiev, who ruled during the tenth century. After her husband's death, she herself ruled capably, and was finally moved to accept the Faith of Christ. She traveled to Constantinople to receive Holy Baptism. The Emperor, seeing her outward beauty and inward greatness, asked her to marry him. She said she could not do this before she was baptized; she furthermore asked him to be her Godfather at the font, which he agreed to do. After she was baptized (receiving the name of Helen), the Emperor repeated his proposal of marriage. She answered that now he was her father, through holy Baptism, and that not even among the heathen was it heard of a man marrying his daughter. Gracefully accepting to be outwitted by her, he sent her back to her land with priests and sacred texts and holy icons. Although her son Svyatoslav remained a pagan, she planted the seed of faith in her grandson Vladimir (see July 15). She reposed in peace in 969.


July 12

Veronica, the woman with the issue of blood who was healed by Jesus


July 12

Paisios the Athonite


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