Orthodox Portal

From his early youth, Theodosius shunned laughter and levity, dedicating himself to godly thoughts and prayers. Because of this, he was often abused by his mother, especially one day when his mother noticed around his naked body an iron belt, which had stained his shirt with blood. Having once read the words of the Savior in the Gospel, He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me (Mt. 10:37), Theodosius left the home of his parents and fled to the Monastery of the Kiev Caves to see the Venerable Anthony.
Ream more »

By St. Nikolai Velimirovich
Why is it that much is said and written about the sufferings of holy men and holy women? Because the saints alone are considered victors. Can anyone be a victor without conflict, pain and suffering? In ordinary earthly combat, no one can be considered victorious or heroic who has not been in combat, endured much or suffered greatly. The more so in spiritual combat, where the truth is known, and where self-boasting not only does not help at all but, indeed, hinders it. He who does not engage in combat for the sake of Christ, either with the world, with the devil or with one’s self, how can he be counted among the soldiers of Christ? How then is it with Christ’s fellow victors?
Ream more »

For Saint Mary of Egypt

A wonderful penitent, self-tormentor, Mary hid herself from the face of men. Yea, 0 sinful me, By passion darkened.
Passions are beasts which eat at our heart;
Like serpents they secretly weave in us a nest.
Yea, O sinful me, By passion consumed!
In order to save sinners, Thou didst suffer, O Christ, Do Thou now not loathe me, the impure one! Hearken to the cry of Mary, The most sinful of all! The Lord showed compassion, He healed Mary;
Her darkened soul He whitened as snow.
Thanks be to Thee, O All-good One,
O Lord most dear!
Thou didst cleanse an impure vessel and gild it with gold; Thou didst fill it to overflowing with Thy grace.
This is true mercy.
To Thee, O God, be glory!
And Mary became radiant with the Spirit,
Girded by strength as an angel of God,
By Thy power, O Christ, By Thy mercy, Most pure! What is this fragrance in the awesome wilderness, Like beautiful incense in a temple coffer?
Mary breathes it, She exudes sanctity!

All the rebellious impulses of the flesh thou hast subdued by thine ascetic labors, showing the manly courage of thy soul. Desiring to behold the Cross of the Lord, O honored Mother, in sanctity thou hast crucified thyself unto the world, and thou hast sought with eagerness to emulate the angels in their way of life. Therefore with faith we honor thy memory, O blessed Mary, and we pray that full remission of our sins may be given to us through thine intercessions.

From his youth, Titus loved Christ the Lord and detested the vanities of the world. Because of this, he retreated from the world, entered a monastery and received the angelic habit. Without regret, he dedicated himself to the somber and narrow path of monasticism. Through great patience, he attained two basic virtues: humility and obedience. In these virtues he surpassed “not only the brethren, but also all men.” From his youth he preserved the purity of his soul and body. At the time of the iconoclastic heresy he proved himself to be an unwavering pillar of the Church of God. Because of his great humility and purity, God bestowed upon him the gift of performing miracles, both during his lifetime and after his death. When he went to the Lord he left behind a countless number of disciples. He died peacefully in the ninth century.