Saint Porphyrios was born in 1906 in a village on the island of Evia, Greece. Inspired by the life of St. John the Hut-Dweller and with a calling for monasticism, he left for Mount Athos at the age of 12. There, he demonstrated perfect obedience to two elders in a natural and heartfelt way.

Due to health issues, he had to leave Mount Athos. After spending a period in a monastery near his hometown, he became a priest serving at a polyclinic in Athens, where he remained close to people for 30 years, healing them both physically and spiritually through his prayers.

Even during his time on Mount Athos, God endowed him with the gift of clairvoyance. He could discern the spiritual state of individuals and provide wise counsel. He was also known to heal illnesses simply by looking at the affected area or through a gentle touch.

Throughout his life, Saint Porphyrios himself endured many illnesses. He suffered from kidney disease but postponed surgery for years due to his constant work, which eventually led to a coma. His family even prepared for his funeral, but God healed him, allowing him to continue serving the Church.

Later, he faced other medical issues such as hernias, loss of vision, and haemorrhages. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his mission. He founded a women’s monastery in Milesi dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Lord and lovingly guided people from all walks of life with patience and care.

Toward the end of his life, he returned to his beloved solitude in the Kavsokalyvia hermitage on Mount Athos. There, he confessed, prepared through deep prayer, and peacefully transitioned to eternal life.

On December 2, 1991, Saint Porphyrios fell asleep in the Lord. As per his wishes, his burial was carried out in great secrecy to prevent his disciples from making a great effort to attend. His last words were: “That they all may be one” (John 17:21).

Saint Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia is one of the most beloved contemporary saints, and his miracles are documented in numerous books and widely shared online.

St George of Cernica and Căldărușani – December 3

Saint George of Cernica and Căldărușani is venerated as a renewer of Romanian hesychasm, abbot of the monasteries of Cernica and Căldărușani near Bucharest, and a wonderworker.

Born in 1730 in Săliștea Sibiului, he showed a desire for monastic life from a young age. Following his spiritual guide, he journeyed to Mount Athos, where he became a disciple of Saint Paisios of Neamț. Returning to Romania, he settled at Dragomirna Monastery, where he guided around 350 monks in spiritual life.

Abbot and Spiritual Guide

In 1781, Saint George was appointed abbot of Cernica Monastery and later of Căldărușani Monastery. Under his leadership, monastic life flourished, guided by the Athonite rule. He was known for his asceticism, miracles performed during his lifetime, and the gift of prophecy.

Saint George passed into eternal rest on December 3, 1806, and was buried in the narthex of the Saint George Church at Cernica Monastery.

His Legacy and Final Words

Father Moise the Athonite, a biographer of Athonite monks, recorded the saint’s final words:

“My children, as long as I lived among you, I had no other care than to protect you from all illnesses, like infants whom I swaddled with detachment from worldly things, awakening you to pursue spiritual perfection constantly.”

Veneration and Relics

The saint’s head is enshrined for veneration at the Saint George Church of Cernica Monastery, near the reliquary of Saint Callinicus. Recently, his relics were taken on a pilgrimage to his birthplace in Săliștea Sibiului, offering spiritual blessings to the faithful.

Through his life, teachings, and miracles, Saint George remains a beacon of faith and a model of spiritual renewal for Orthodox Christians.

Greatmartyr Barbara – December 4

Saint Barbara lived in the 3rd century in the city of Heliopolis, located in what is now Lebanon. Renowned for her extraordinary beauty, her father, Dioscor, a wealthy pagan, confined her in a tower during his travels to shield her from the gaze of men.

Even in confinement, the mystery of God was revealed to her, and she vowed in her heart to remain faithful to Christ.

The Light of the Holy Trinity

When her father ordered a bathhouse to be built within the tower, Saint Barbara instructed the workers to include three windows to illuminate the space with a triple light, symbolizing the Holy Trinity.

According to some hagiographic accounts, the water in the bath had healing powers, and many miracles occurred there. Saint Simeon Metaphrastes compared it to the Pool of Siloam and the Jordan River. Saint Barbara also traced the sign of the Holy Cross with her finger on a wall, leaving a deep imprint in the stone.

Persecution and Martyrdom

When Dioscor discovered his daughter’s Christian faith, she fled to the mountains, where a rock miraculously opened to provide her shelter. This event likely inspired her veneration as the patron saint of miners.

Eventually, Dioscor found her and brought her before the governor. There, she was subjected to brutal torture, leaving her body covered in bleeding wounds. Christ healed her wounds and promised to remain with her until the end. Witnessing this miraculous healing, a young woman named Juliana also confessed her faith in Christ.

Both virgins endured further torments and were ultimately beheaded.

Legacy of Saint Barbara

The miracles attributed to Saint Barbara after her martyrdom have made her a symbol of unwavering faith, courage, and the triumph of good over evil. Her life continues to inspire Christians worldwide, and she is especially venerated as a protector of miners and all those who face incredible dangers.

St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia – December 6

Saint Nicholas is one of the most venerated saints of the Church, celebrated as a “model of gentleness,” a great miracle worker, and a swift helper in times of need.

Born around 280 AD in Patara, a city in the province of Myra in Lycia (modern-day Turkey), Saint Nicholas came from a wealthy and devout family. From a young age, he felt called to dedicate his life to God and was drawn to the study of Scripture.

Early Life and Priesthood

After a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which deepened his devotion and enriched his knowledge, Saint Nicholas was ordained a priest at the age of 23. During this journey, he twice calmed storms at sea through his prayers, earning him the title of protector of sailors and travellers.

Despite living under the rule of pagan emperors, he served with zeal, preached the Gospel, healed the sick, helped the poor, and defended the oppressed.

Bishop and Defender of the Faith

Around 30, he was chosen as bishop of his native city, Myra in Lycia. During the persecution of Christians, he was imprisoned and tortured but was freed in 313 following the Edict of Milan issued by Saint Constantine the Great.

In 325, Saint Nicholas participated in the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea alongside his friend, Saint Spyridon. Together, they defended the Orthodox faith against the heresy of Arianism.

Legacy and Relics

Saint Nicholas fell asleep in the Lord in 342 AD. Today, his relics are enshrined in Bari, Italy, while his right hand is preserved at the Saint George – New Church in Bucharest, Romania.

Saint Nicholas remains a beloved figure, celebrated for his humility, charity, and countless miracles, inspiring Christians worldwide to emulate his faith and compassion.

St. Philothea of Argeș – December 7

Saint Philothea was born in the early 13th century in Tarnovo, Bulgaria, south of the Danube. Her mother raised her in the Christian faith, instilling in her virtues, particularly charity, which shone brightly in her young life.

After her mother passed away, her father remarried, ushering in a difficult period for the young girl. Despite being scolded and beaten, her heart remained filled with patience and love for others.

A Martyr for Charity

Her stepmother often sent Saint Philothea to bring food to her father, who worked the fields. Along the way, she shared the food with the poor she encountered. Upon discovering this, her father became enraged and struck her with an axe. Fatally wounded, she died instantly. Her sanctity was evident immediately as her body was surrounded by a divine light.

From that moment, it became clear that the saint’s will was for her relics to be enshrined in the Princely Church of Curtea de Argeș. In 1517, after the construction of the Curtea de Argeș Monastery by Saint Neagoe Basarab, her relics were transferred there.

A Legacy of Miracles

Over the centuries, numerous miracles have been attributed to Saint Philothea, including miraculous healings. Father Clement Haralamb, who guarded the saint’s reliquary for 46 years, witnessed many of these events. He recounted in an interview with Ziarul Lumina:

“I saw paralyzed individuals brought on blankets by their companions, sick children who could not walk or speak, women unable to conceive, and others suffering in various ways. After many prayers, the saint healed them.”

The love of the faithful in Argeș for Saint Philothea is reflected in the affectionate name they have given her: “Sfântulița” (“Little Saint”).

Protection and Recent Honors

In 1917, Saint Philothea’s relics were safeguarded during World War I at St Anthimos Monastery in Bucharest. Recently, the monastery received a vestment of the saint, which is kept above her reliquary alongside an icon depicting a miracle she performed for a young soldier on the battlefield.

Saint Philothea remains a beacon of faith and compassion, inspiring Christians through her humility, charity, and miraculous intercessions.

St. Patapios – December 8

Saint Patapios, originally from Thebes in Egypt, was a monk who initially lived in the desert of his homeland. As his renown grew, he left for Constantinople, where he lived in a simple hut hidden from the world.

One day, a young Christian, blind from birth, sought him out and begged for his prayers to regain his sight. Reluctant to reveal his spiritual gifts, Saint Patapios was eventually moved by the young man’s faith and prayed to Christ for his healing. The miracle of restored sight made the monk’s holiness widely known. Other miracles soon followed: he healed a man suffering from dropsy, cured a woman’s chest wound, and exorcised a demon from a young man.

Relics and Legacy

Saint Patapios was buried in Constantinople, but in 1904, his incorrupt relics were discovered during renovation work at a women’s monastery in Loutraki, Greece. Scholars speculate that his relics were transferred there after the fall of Constantinople by Angelos Notaras, a nephew of Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos. This theory is supported by the presence of an icon of Saint Hypomone, the wife of Manuel II who became a nun, found in the cave where Saint Patapios’ body was uncovered.

Patron of Cancer Patients

Today, Saint Patapios is particularly venerated as a quick helper and intercessor for those suffering from cancer, offering hope and healing through his prayers.

St. Spyridon, Bishop of Trimythous – December 12

Saint Spyridon is one of the most cherished saints in Orthodoxy. Today, his intact relics rest in Corfu, Greece, where he is the island’s patron saint. However, he was born and reposed in Cyprus.

Living in the 4th century, Saint Spyridon was the first Bishop of Trimythous and is renowned for his participation in the First Ecumenical Council. There, he miraculously explained the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and met Saint Nicholas, who became his close friend.

Before becoming a bishop, he was married and worked as a farmer.

A Life of Miracles

Even during his lifetime, Saint Spyridon was a great miracle worker. He resurrected his daughter, turned a snake into gold, brought rain during droughts, cast out demons, and healed the sick.

He is also known as the saint who leaves his reliquary to aid the faithful, evidenced by the fact that his slippers wear out and are replaced annually.

Protector of Churches in Bucharest

In Bucharest, Saint Spyridon is the patron of two central churches: the “Saint Spyridon” Cathedral and the “Saint Spyridon” old Church, which house fragments of his relics. These sacred places attract countless believers who seek his intercession.

Numerous testimonies, found in books and online, recount the swift and miraculous help granted by Saint Spyridon to those who call upon him with faith.

Hieromartyr Eleutherius, Bishop of Illyria – December 15

Saint Eleutherius, whose name means “freedom,” was born in Rome in the 2nd century. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised in the Christian faith by his mother, Saint Anthia, who disciples of the Apostle Paul had baptized.

A Young and Prominent Leader

Eleutherius quickly rose through the ranks of the Church. At just 15 years old, he was ordained a deacon; at 17, a priest; and at 20, he became the Bishop of Illyria.

His growing reputation threatened the Roman emperor, who sent a general to investigate him. Saint Eleutherius boldly confessed his faith in Christ and endured numerous tortures. Through God’s intervention, he was saved by an angel and retreated to a nearby mountain, where he lived peacefully among wild animals.

Eventually discovered by hunters, the bishop was arrested once again. On the journey to Rome, he converted many to Christianity. He was ultimately martyred by beheading, and his mother, Saint Anthia, threw herself upon her son’s body, only to be killed as well.

Patron of Expectant Mothers and Healer of Wounds

In popular tradition, pregnant women invoke Saint Eleutherius for safe deliveries. In his Akathist hymn, he is also named a healer of spiritual and physical wounds.

A Link to Modern Faith: The Story of Daniel Turcea

The name of Christian poet Daniel Turcea is closely tied to the Church of Saint Eleutherius in Bucharest, where a relic of the saint is venerated.

Daniel Turcea once dreamt of a Roman soldier and a bishop urging him to enter a church. In the dream, the bishop took him by the hand and led him to the altar, above which was an icon of the Virgin Mary. After a year of searching, Turcea happened upon the church from his dream—Saint Eleutherius Church in Bucharest’s Opera Square. He identified the figures from his vision as Saint George and Saint Eleutherius. This moment was pivotal in his remarkable conversion to faith.

Saint Eleutherius continues to inspire through his life, martyrdom, and miraculous intercessions, serving as a beacon of courage, healing, and unwavering devotion.

St. Modestus, Archbishop of Jerusalem – December 18

Saint Modestus was born in the city of Sebastea, present-day Turkey. His devout Christian parents were martyred in prison, and although a pagan nobleman raised him, Modest learned about Christ and embraced Christianity.

Miracles and Leadership

While on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Saint Modestus prayed at the Holy Sepulcher, and through his prayer, the tomb’s doors miraculously opened. This divine sign led to his election as Archbishop of Jerusalem.

As a shepherd of his flock, Saint Modestus performed numerous miracles, healing both physical and spiritual ailments. God also granted him the special gift of healing domestic animals. To this day, on his feast day, it is customary to sprinkle stables and animals with holy water, invoking the saint’s help.

The Cross of St Modestus at Neamț Monastery

Elder Ioanichie Bălan mentions in the Romanian Patericon the existence of the Cross of Saint Modestus at Neamț Monastery. With this cross, the monks would bless water, which was then used to sprinkle sick animals in the community.

Martyrdom and Legacy

According to tradition, Saint Modestus was crowned with martyrdom after many years of performing countless miracles.

He is remembered as a protector of the faithful and their livestock, a helper in times of need, and a powerful intercessor before God. His legacy continues to inspire acts of faith and compassion in daily life.

Martyr Boniface at Tarsus in Cilicia – December 19

Saint Boniface stands as one of the most striking examples of repentance and conversion in the lives of the saints.

He lived in the 4th century and was the servant of a wealthy woman named Aglaia, with whom he had lived in sin for many years. Despite being given to drunkenness and improper habits, Boniface had a kind heart that led him to give alms to the poor.

A Journey of Transformation

When Aglaia began to feel the weight of her conscience due to their sinful lives, she sent Boniface to Asia Minor to bring back the relics of martyrs. She had heard that honouring the martyrs could bring forgiveness from God. Boniface mockingly replied that perhaps he would bring back his own body as relics for her to venerate.

Upon reaching Tarsus in Cilicia, Boniface witnessed the martyrdom of Christians in an amphitheatre. In a moment of profound revelation, he recognized Christ as God, fell at the feet of the suffering martyrs, and declared himself a Christian. He willingly embraced martyrdom, following the fate of those he had come to honour.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

His companions returned to Rome with the relics of Saint Boniface, fulfilling his unwitting prophecy.

Informed by an angel of the Lord, Aglaia joyfully went out to meet the procession. She later built a church in honour of the martyr and transformed her own life, becoming a holy woman who received the gift of working miracles.

Patron Saint of Deliverance from Addictions

Saint Boniface is venerated as a helper for those struggling with addictions, particularly drunkenness, and a guide for those seeking to overcome vice. His life serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith, repentance, and the grace of God.

Greatmartyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Poisons – December 22

Saint Anastasia lived in Rome during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (2nd-3rd centuries).

From an early age, her mother instilled in her the Christian faith, though her pagan father married her off against her will. Despite her circumstances, Saint Anastasia would secretly visit imprisoned Christians dressed in simple clothing at night. She washed their feet and cleaned and bandaged their wounds.

A Life of Service and Suffering

When her husband discovered her acts of charity, he confined her, but she was soon freed after his death. From that point on, Saint Anastasia dedicated her life to caring for and encouraging imprisoned confessors of the faith. No Christian in need went without food, money, or comforting words from her.

She was eventually arrested herself. Because of her noble origins, the Romans first attempted to persuade her to renounce her faith. Unwavering, Saint Anastasia continued to boldly confess Christ. During this time, she befriended other future martyrs, including Theodota and her sons.

After Theodota’s death, Saint Anastasia was imprisoned for a time before being condemned to die. Along with other prisoners, she was sent out to sea in a damaged boat meant to sink. Miraculously, Saint Theodota appeared at the vessel’s helm and guided it to an island where persecuted Christians had taken refuge. Learning of their survival, Roman soldiers pursued them and executed the group, including Saint Anastasia.

Legacy and Relics

Her holy relics were initially brought to Rome and later transferred to Constantinople in the 5th century during the time of Saint Patriarch Gennadius. They were enshrined in a church built in her honour, where many miracles were recorded.

“Pharmakolytria” – Deliverer from Spells and Poisons

Saint Anastasia is also known as “Pharmakolytria,” meaning the “Deliverer from Potions,” a title linked not to an episode from her life but likely to the miracles performed through her relics.

Her life of steadfast faith, selfless service, and miraculous intercessions continues to inspire and strengthen Christians worldwide.