The Lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church: Volume 7, July

Martyr Anna at Rome:

Saint Anna suffered martyrdom in Rome during one of the early waves of Christian persecutions, traditionally dated to the 2nd or 3rd century. A devout Christian woman, she refused to renounce her faith despite threats and tortures. Anna’s steadfastness in the face of suffering inspired many fellow believers and drew attention to the courage of women in the early Church. She endured imprisonment and harsh treatment before being put to death, offering her life as a witness to Christ. Her memory was preserved in the Roman Christian community, where her martyrdom was commemorated with reverence as an example of unwavering faith.

Martyr Cyrilla of Cyrene in Libya, widow:

Cyrilla was a widow from Cyrene, a city in ancient Libya, who chose to dedicate her life entirely to Christ after the loss of her husband. Known for her charitable works and spiritual wisdom, she became a respected figure among Christians in her city. During a persecution, she was arrested and offered the chance to renounce her faith to save her life. Instead, Cyrilla embraced martyrdom with joy and courage, enduring torture and finally death for Christ. Her life exemplifies the Christian ideal of sacrifice, love, and resilience, especially for widowed women in the early Church who found new purpose in monastic and ascetic dedication.

Saints Athanasius and Theodosius of Cherepovetsk, disciples of Saint Sergius of Radonezh:

Athanasius and Theodosius were devoted disciples of the great Russian monastic reformer Saint Sergius of Radonezh in the 14th century. Following their master’s example, they lived lives of intense prayer, humility, and labor in the harsh northern lands around Cherepovetsk. They helped found monastic communities that became centers of spiritual life and education in the region, aiding in the Christianization and cultural development of northern Russia. Their lives were marked by miracles, healings, and a deep pastoral concern for the people. Remembered for their asceticism and faithfulness, these saints helped spread the influence of Sergius’s spiritual legacy.

New-Martyr Cyprian of Koutloumousiou Monastery on Mount Athos:

Cyprian was a monk at Koutloumousiou Monastery on Mount Athos, known for his fervent prayer life and strict asceticism. Living under the difficult conditions of Ottoman rule, he remained unwavering in his Orthodox faith. Arrested for refusing to convert to Islam, Cyprian endured severe torture but never renounced Christ. He was eventually martyred, becoming a symbol of steadfastness and courage. His martyrdom inspired many Athonite monks and believers in the wider Orthodox world, reminding them of the cost of faithfulness in times of persecution.

New-Martyrs Elizabeth the Grand Duchess and those with her at Alapaevsk: Barbara the Novice, Grand Duke John, Princes Vladimir, Sergios, Igor, and Constantine, and Theodore:

Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna, a German princess turned Russian Orthodox saint, dedicated her life to charity and prayer, founding the Martha and Mary Convent in Moscow. After the Russian Revolution, she was arrested by the Bolsheviks and exiled to Alapaevsk with other members of the royal family and nobility, including her fellow martyrs Barbara the Novice, Grand Duke John, and Princes Vladimir, Sergios, Igor, Constantine, and Theodore. In a brutal act, they were thrown into a mine shaft and left to die. Their martyrdom was recognized by the Church as a witness to faith in the face of modern political tyranny. They are commemorated for their sanctity, courage, and the love they showed even to their persecutors.

Saint Sexburga, Abbess of Ely:

Sexburga was a royal princess and later abbess in Anglo-Saxon England during the 7th century. Renouncing worldly power, she dedicated her life to monasticism and the spiritual welfare of her community. As Abbess of Ely, she oversaw the growth of the monastery, promoting education and the arts while maintaining strict discipline among the nuns. Sexburga was known for her humility, charity, and miracles, including healings and protection of her community from harm. She is celebrated for her leadership and holiness, serving as a model for religious women in medieval England.

Saint Morwenna, Hermitess of Morwenstow:

Saint Morwenna was a Celtic saint who lived as a hermitess in the rugged coastal region of Morwenstow in Cornwall, England, during the early medieval period. She is remembered for her asceticism, deep prayer life, and care for the local people, including performing miracles of healing. According to tradition, she came from noble origins but chose the solitude of the hermit’s life to grow closer to God. Her legacy endures in the region where her name is still venerated, and her life inspires those seeking simplicity and devotion.

Saint Modwenna, Hermitess of Burton-on-Trent:

Saint Modwenna was a holy woman and hermit who lived in Burton-on-Trent, England, during the early medieval period. Renowned for her sanctity, she established a small monastic community and was known for her healing abilities and spiritual insight. Her life of prayer and fasting attracted followers and pilgrims, and she became a local patron saint. Modwenna’s dedication to God and her compassion for the sick made her a beloved figure in English Christian history.

Synaxis of 23 martyrs of Lesbos:

This commemoration honors twenty-three martyrs who suffered for their Christian faith on the island of Lesbos. Their steadfastness in the face of persecution, often involving brutal torture and death, served as a powerful testament to the strength of faith in the early centuries of Christianity. The synaxis, or gathering, celebrates their collective witness, reminding the faithful of the cost of discipleship and the eternal reward that awaits the martyrs.

Uncovering of the relics of Saint Sergius of Radonezh:

Saint Sergius of Radonezh is one of the most beloved Russian saints, a monastic reformer and spiritual father who revived Russian monasticism in the 14th century. The uncovering of his relics was a significant event that reaffirmed his sanctity and the continued veneration of his memory. This event was celebrated as a miracle, with many faithful experiencing healing and spiritual renewal through his relics. Sergius’s legacy continues to inspire monastics and laity alike, symbolizing the power of prayer, humility, and national spiritual identity.

* * *

Lives of the Saints Celebrated on July 6

Venerable Sisoes the Great:

Sisoes the Great was one of the last and most eminent Desert Fathers, born in Egypt in the early 4th century. Inspired by the lives of the earlier ascetics, especially St. Anthony the Great, Sisoes withdrew to the harsh wilderness to dedicate himself wholly to God. His life was marked by extreme asceticism—he fasted rigorously, practiced vigil through the night, and prayed ceaselessly. His cell was small and austere, and he rarely left it except to guide pilgrims and fellow monks. Sisoes was known for his spiritual wisdom and prophetic gifts, counseling both monks and bishops. His humility was profound; once, upon hearing of the death of St. Anthony, he lamented that he was unworthy to take his place. Sisoes' spiritual insights were recorded by contemporaries, showing his deep understanding of the brevity of life and the need for repentance. His death around 429 was said to be peaceful, and legend holds that at his passing, the tomb of St. Anthony opened miraculously, symbolizing the continuity of the ascetic tradition. Venerable Sisoes remains a beacon for monastics and laypeople alike, a model of holiness rooted in simplicity, prayer, and self-denial.

Virgin-Martyr Lucy, and Rixius, and those with them at Rome: Martyrs Anthony, Lucian, Isidore, Dion, Diodorus, Cutonius, Arnosus, Capicus, Satyrus, and others:

Saint Lucy, a young noblewoman from Syracuse, was renowned for her steadfast faith and virginity during a time of fierce persecution. Committed to Christ from a young age, she refused marriage proposals and dedicated her life to helping the poor and the sick. During the Diocletianic persecutions, Lucy was arrested and subjected to brutal tortures, including attempts to defile her purity and forced sacrifices to pagan gods. She endured these with unshakable faith and courage. Alongside her, many other martyrs—Rixius, Anthony, Lucian, Isidore, Dion, Diodorus, Cutonius, Arnosus, Capicus, Satyrus, and others—also suffered and died for their Christian beliefs. Each endured unique tortures but shared a common witness: unyielding devotion to Christ. Their stories spread rapidly throughout the Christian communities, inspiring believers to hold fast amid persecution. The collective memory of these martyrs was preserved in the early Church’s liturgical calendar, symbolizing the triumph of faith over oppression and the power of divine grace to sustain those who suffer for righteousness.

Martyr Cointus (Quintus) of Phrygia:

Quintus, known also as Cointus, hailed from Phrygia, a region in Asia Minor known for early Christian communities and periodic persecution under Roman rule. Quintus was a layman deeply rooted in Christian teaching and worship. When the Roman authorities intensified their persecution of Christians, Quintus refused to renounce his faith despite imprisonment and horrific torture. He was subjected to cruel methods designed to break his spirit, yet he remained unwavering, often encouraging fellow prisoners and visitors with words of hope and strength grounded in Christ. His final martyrdom by the sword was seen as a victory rather than defeat, and his relics were enshrined in Phrygia, becoming a source of pilgrimage and spiritual encouragement for generations. His story emphasizes the courage of ordinary believers who stood firm during times of trial.

Martyrs Marinus and Martha, and their children Audifax and Abbacum (Habbakuk), and those with them at Rome: Cyrinus, Valentine, and Asterius the presbyter:

This holy family stands out in the early Church as an example of familial unity in faith and sacrifice. Marinus and Martha, along with their children Audifax and Abbacum (also known as Habbakuk), lived in Rome during the great persecutions under Emperor Hadrian. Their entire family was committed to the Christian faith, supporting one another through prayer, teaching, and acts of charity. Arrested for their beliefs, they were imprisoned alongside other faithful Christians such as Cyrinus, Valentine, and Asterius, a presbyter who served the local Christian community. They endured various tortures together, remaining united in their confession of Christ. Their martyrdom served as a poignant witness to the strength that comes from shared faith and love within the Christian household. Their relics were venerated and their story passed on to encourage families to nurture faith across generations.

Martyrs Isaurus the deacon, Innocent, Felix, Hermias, Basil, Peregrinus, Rufus, and Rufinus of Apollonia in Macedonia:

In the city of Apollonia, located in Macedonia, a group of Christian believers—Isaurus, a deacon, together with Innocent, Felix, Hermias, Basil, Peregrinus, Rufus, and Rufinus—stood bravely during one of the many waves of persecution by Roman officials intent on stamping out Christianity. Isaurus, as a deacon, was charged with ministering to the needs of the Christian community, including the distribution of alms and the care of the sick. This group was arrested on charges of treason against the emperor for refusing to sacrifice to pagan gods. Despite brutal tortures, including scourging and imprisonment, they held fast to their faith, encouraging one another and remaining steadfast. Their witness bolstered the local Christian population and served as a testament to the transformative power of faith under pressure. They are remembered with veneration in Macedonia and beyond as martyrs who gave their lives for the truth.

Venerable Sisoes the Schemamonk of the Kiev Caves:

Several centuries after the Egyptian desert fathers, the tradition of extreme asceticism was revived in the monastic communities of Kievan Rus. One of the most esteemed figures was Venerable Sisoes, a schemamonk of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. The schema is the highest degree of monastic commitment, marked by strict fasting, prolonged prayer, silence, and seclusion. Sisoes withdrew into the deepest cave cells to dedicate his life wholly to God, forsaking worldly comforts and human contact. Despite his solitude, he was renowned for spiritual gifts including clairvoyance and healing. Many pilgrims sought his prayers and counsel, often coming from far and wide. Stories of his humility and miracles circulated widely, affirming the power of asceticism in the Orthodox Christian tradition. His death was mourned by many, and his relics remain a focal point for pilgrims seeking spiritual strength.

New-Martyr Bishop Simon of Ufa:

Bishop Simon was a 20th-century hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church who ministered during the dark period of Soviet anti-religious campaigns. Despite the risks, he served faithfully in Ufa, offering pastoral care to the faithful and openly defending Orthodoxy. His courage brought him into conflict with the communist authorities, who arrested him on fabricated charges of anti-state activities. Imprisoned and subjected to harsh conditions, Bishop Simon refused to renounce his faith or betray his flock. He was executed, becoming a martyr in the new era of Soviet persecution. His martyrdom inspired many Orthodox Christians to persevere despite oppression and strengthened the Church’s resolve to survive under hostile regimes. He is commemorated as a symbol of faithfulness and sacrifice in modern times.

Synaxis of the Apostles Archippus, Philemon, and Onesimus:

Archippus, Philemon, and Onesimus were early Christian leaders mentioned in the New Testament, known for their close association with the Apostle Paul. Archippus was likely a leader of a house church, exhorted by Paul to “fulfill the ministry” entrusted to him (Colossians 4:17). Philemon, to whom Paul wrote a personal epistle, was a wealthy Christian in Colossae known for his hospitality and charity. Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave, was converted by Paul and sent back as a brother in Christ, symbolizing the transformative power of the Gospel to overcome social divisions. The synaxis honors these three figures for their contributions to the spread of Christianity and their embodiment of Christian love and forgiveness. Their lives illustrate the early Church’s focus on community, reconciliation, and discipleship.

Martyrs Apollonius, Alexander, and Epimachus:

Apollonius, Alexander, and Epimachus were martyrs known for their unwavering confession of Christ in the face of persecution. Apollonius was a Roman citizen who defended Christianity before the emperor, showing great eloquence and faith. Alexander and Epimachus, likewise, endured harsh tortures for refusing to sacrifice to pagan gods. Their martyrdoms, though separated in place and time, share the theme of steadfastness and courage. They inspired early Christians and continue to be honored as witnesses who bore their cross with patience, thereby strengthening the faith of believers. Churches and icons dedicated to them stand as reminders of the cost of discipleship.

Saint Monenna, Wonder-worker:

Saint Monenna, also known as Darerca, was an early Irish abbess and missionary. She was instrumental in founding monasteries and promoting Christian teaching in Ireland and parts of Scotland during the 6th century. Monenna was known not only for her leadership but also for her many miracles, which included healings and spiritual gifts that aided her mission. Her work helped establish monasticism in the British Isles, contributing to the Christianization of the region. She is venerated as a wonder-worker whose prayers and intercessions continue to benefit the faithful. Her life is a testament to the power of female leadership in early Christian communities.

Martyrs Epictetos the Presbyter and Astios the Bishop of Dyrrachion in Scythia:

Epictetos and Astios served the Church in Dyrrachion, an important city on the Adriatic coast, in what is now Albania. During a wave of Roman persecution, they were arrested for their unwavering Christian witness. Epictetos, a presbyter, was responsible for pastoral care and teaching, while Astios, as bishop, was the spiritual father of the local Christians. They endured imprisonment, torture, and mockery, but refused to renounce their faith. Their martyrdom strengthened the Christian community and inspired many to hold firm. They are commemorated for their courage, leadership, and ultimate sacrifice for Christ.

Hieromartyr Valentine, Presbyter of Rome:

Saint Valentine was a beloved priest in Rome who ministered during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Known for his compassion and zeal, he secretly performed Christian marriages at a time when the empire forbade the union of Christians, especially soldiers, whom the emperor wanted to keep unmarried. Arrested for defying imperial decrees, Valentine was imprisoned and subjected to harsh tortures. Even in captivity, he healed the jailer’s daughter, a miracle that led to conversions. He was eventually executed, becoming a symbol of love, sacrifice, and faithfulness. His feast day later became associated with courtly love and devotion, though his life was firmly rooted in pastoral care and martyrdom.

Saint Sexburga, Abbess of Ely and Queen of Kent:

Sexburga was a royal princess and later abbess who combined her noble status with deep spiritual commitment. After the death of her husband, she chose to devote herself entirely to the monastic life, founding and governing the Abbey of Ely, which became a center of religious and educational activity in Anglo-Saxon England. Her leadership was marked by charity, wisdom, and dedication to spreading the Christian faith. Sexburga also fostered peace and cooperation between the church and secular authorities. She was venerated for her sanctity and role in strengthening Christianity in her kingdom, leaving a lasting legacy in the English Church.

Synaxis of the Saints of Radonezh:

The monastic center of Radonezh in Russia was home to many saints whose spiritual labors revitalized Russian Orthodoxy. This synaxis commemorates the holy fathers and disciples of St. Sergius of Radonezh, including monks, abbots, and hermits who exemplified prayer, humility, and ascetic struggle. Their lives contributed to the spiritual and cultural flowering of medieval Russia, defending Orthodoxy from external and internal threats. The community’s legacy includes the foundation of monasteries, promotion of literacy and education, and the nurturing of national identity through faith. This feast unites the memory of these holy men as a spiritual family devoted to God’s will.

Opening of the Relics of Princess Juliana Olshanskaya:

Princess Juliana Olshanskaya was a noblewoman renowned for her piety and dedication to the Orthodox faith. After her repose, her relics were miraculously discovered intact, confirming her sanctity. This event led to widespread veneration and pilgrimages to her shrine, where many reported healing and spiritual blessings. Juliana’s life was marked by charity, prayer, and support for the Church. The uncovering of her relics served as a divine confirmation of her holiness and an encouragement to the faithful to pursue a virtuous life. Her memory continues to be cherished, especially in Ukrainian Orthodoxy, as a model of noble sanctity and God’s grace working through human vessels.

* * *

Lives of the Saints Celebrated on July 7

Venerable Thomas of Mount Maleon:

Venerable Thomas was a revered ascetic who lived in the rugged and remote wilderness of Mount Maleon, located in the Peloponnese region of Greece. His life was characterized by an intense commitment to the monastic ideal, embracing a lifestyle of severe fasting, prayer, and solitude. Thomas was known to have spent long periods in complete isolation, meditating deeply on the Scriptures and engaging in ceaseless prayer. His cell on Mount Maleon became a spiritual beacon for other monks and laypeople seeking guidance on the path of repentance and humility. The stories about Thomas emphasize his extraordinary patience amidst temptations and his spiritual wisdom, which he imparted to disciples who sought him out. His holiness is remembered as a testament to the power of ascetic struggle in attaining closeness to God, and his example inspired generations of monks in the Byzantine tradition.

Saint Acacius of Sinai, who is mentioned in The Ladder:

Saint Acacius was a monk of the famous Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai, one of the oldest monastic communities in the Christian world. He is specifically mentioned by Saint John Climacus in his seminal spiritual treatise, *The Ladder of Divine Ascent*, as an exemplar of steadfast humility and perseverance in the face of spiritual trials. Acacius's life was marked by severe temptations and internal struggles that he overcame through prayer and ascetic discipline. The monastic tradition recounts that he was distinguished by his unwavering obedience and deep silence, qualities that enabled him to ascend the “ladder” of spiritual virtues. His example served to encourage other monks, affirming that even amid harsh struggles, one can persevere by God’s grace. Saint Acacius is venerated especially in the Sinai tradition as a model of the spiritual journey toward union with God.

Martyrs Epictetus, Presbyter, and Astion, Monk, in Scythia:

Epictetus and Astion were steadfast witnesses of Christ who lived in the ancient region known as Scythia, which corresponds roughly to parts of modern-day Ukraine and southern Russia. Epictetus served as a presbyter, offering pastoral leadership and sacramental ministry, while Astion was a devoted monk known for his ascetic discipline and prayerfulness. At a time when Christianity was under threat from pagan rulers and hostile local powers, these two holy men were arrested for their refusal to abandon the faith. Despite facing brutal tortures designed to force apostasy, Epictetus and Astion remained resolute, offering their lives as a testimony to Christ. Their martyrdom invigorated the faith of early Christians in the region and helped to plant the seeds of Christian communities that would later flourish.

Martyr Kyriaki of Nicomedia:

Kyriaki was born in Nicomedia, a prosperous city in Asia Minor, during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, when Christians were subjected to violent persecution. From her youth, Kyriaki was known for her extraordinary piety and devotion to Christ. She vowed to remain a virgin for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven and lived a life of prayer and fasting. After her parents were arrested and martyred for their faith, Kyriaki was brought before the imperial governor. Despite facing extreme torture—such as scourging, imprisonment, and attempts to force her to sacrifice to idols—she remained unwavering. Her serene courage and spiritual strength led to her beheading, sealing her witness as a virgin martyr. Kyriaki’s life inspired the faithful to uphold chastity and faithfulness under the severest trials, and her memory is cherished in both Eastern and Western Christian traditions.

Martyrs Peregrinus, Lucian, Pompeius, Hesychius, Pappias, Saturninus, and Germanus of Dyrrachium in Macedonia:

This group of martyrs were prominent members of the Christian community in Dyrrachium (modern Durrës, Albania), a strategic city in the Roman province of Macedonia. They lived during a time when the imperial authorities vigorously persecuted Christians to enforce pagan worship. Each of these men—Peregrinus, Lucian, Pompeius, Hesychius, Pappias, Saturninus, and Germanus—stood firm in their faith despite arrest, imprisonment, and torture. Their close brotherhood and mutual support sustained them during their trials. Their martyrdoms, by beheading or other methods, were a profound witness that strengthened the resolve of Christians across Macedonia. Commemorated together, they symbolize the collective strength and courage of the early Christian witness in the Balkans.

Martyr Evangelus, Bishop of Tomis (Constanţa) in Romania:

Evangelus served as bishop in the ancient city of Tomis, situated on the western shores of the Black Sea (today Constanţa, Romania). During a time when Christianity was spreading into predominantly pagan territories, Evangelus labored tirelessly to evangelize and fortify the Christian faithful. He was known for his eloquence, pastoral care, and strong defense of Christian doctrine amid theological controversies. His steadfastness attracted the attention of persecutors who sought to crush the burgeoning Christian community. Refusing to renounce Christ or abandon his flock, Evangelus was arrested and subjected to harsh torture before being martyred. His sacrifice is remembered as emblematic of the risks taken by early bishops who served as shepherds and defenders of the faith on the frontiers of the Roman Empire.