Today commemorates the eve (paregentan) of the Fast of St. James (Hagop) of Nisibus. The five day fast, Monday to Friday, leads us to the Feast of St. James, which is next Saturday. Traditionally the entire fifty day period of Advent was a period of fasting, similar to Great Lent. In modern times, three... Read More »
Pontiff St. James (Soorp Hagop) of Nisibis is one of the authoritative and beloved saints of the Universal Church. He has deserved the epithet “Thaumaturge” (Wonderworker) for the numerous miracles relating to his name. According to hagiographical sources St. James was from a Parthian dynasty and the nephew of St. Gregory the Illuminator. When... Read More »
Commemoration of the Prophet St David and Apostle St James, brother of Jesus The Prophet St David was the great grandson of Boaz and Ruth. The Holy Bible depicts him as a psalmist, gifted, wise, handsome man and orator. He was a shepherd. During the battle against Philistines he killed the giant Goliath. After... Read More »
Commemoration of St Stephen the Protomartyr and the first Martyr St Stephen is one of the most beloved saints of the Universal Church, the first person martyred for the sake of Christ’s doctrine of love. According to the hagiographical sources he was from the royal dynasty of Judas and was the son of law... Read More »
St. Peter was one of the 12 apostles of Christ. He was the brother of Andrew. He was one of the beloved apostles of Jesus and the witness of Our Lord’s Transfiguration and the other important events related to Jesus. Peter was a fisherman. His name given during the circumcision was Shmavon, or Simon... Read More »
