Saints of the Day
Categories: uncategorized
Date: 03 November 2005 09:39:44
I try each day to pop off to The Orthodox Church in America's website and read the life of at least one of the saints, by clicking on the name of the saint at the top-right of the page. I find it a great blessing and encouragement to read about those who have gone in the faith before us, and how they held steadfast to the faith in the midst of much persecution.
 Icon from OCA | Today I read about the lives of Martyrs Akepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Presbyter and Haiphal the Deacon of Persia, three saints who held onto the faith despite great persecution and suffered unto death.
It is also the Feast Day of the Dedication of the Church of the Greatmartyr George in Lydia; icons of St George are some of my favourites: the imagery of St George defeating the dragon, representing Satan, and rescuing the young maiden, representing the Church. |
All Saints' Day has just passed in the Western calendar, and I can't help but sing one of my favourite hymns:
For all the saints, who from their labours rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!...
From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
and singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!Words: William Walsham How, 1864
Music: Sine nomine
and recite the following Collect for the day from the Book of Common Prayer:
O ALMIGHTY God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord; Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.