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02. JANUARY |
Saint Sylvester, Bishop of Rome |
| Sylvester was born in Rome and from his early youth was learned
in worldly wisdom and in the Faith of Christ. He always conducted
his life according to the Gospel commandments. He benefited
much from the instruction of Timothy the priest whose death
for the Faith Sylvester himself witnessed and, observing the
example of the heroic sacrifice of his teacher, was imbued with
such a spirit throughout his entire life. At age thirty, he
became the Bishop of Rome. He amended the customs of Christians.
For example, he dispensed the fast on Saturdays, which was practiced
by many Christians up to that time, and ordered that fasting
be observed only on Holy and Great Saturday as well as on those
Saturdays that fall within the fasting seasons. By his prayers
and miracles Sylvester assisted in bringing Emperor Constantine
and his mother Helena into the True Faith. They were later baptized.
He participated with the Empress Helena in finding the Honorable
Cross. He governed the Church of God for twenty years. His earthly
life ended honorably and he was translated into the heavenly
Kingdom. |
Venerable Seraphim of Sarov |
| Seraphim was one of the greatest Russian ascetics, discerners
and miracle-workers. He was born in 1759 A.D and died in 1833
A.D. Seraphim was distinguished by great humility. When the
entire world praised him, he referred to himself as "the
wretched Seraphim". |
Saint Theodota |
| Theodota was the mother of the brothers Cosmas and Damian,
the Unmercenaries and Miracle-workers. Theodota lived a God-pleasing
life and in such a life she instructed her sons. |
Venerable Ammon |
| Ammon was a great ascetic of the fifth century. He was the
abbot of the Tabennesiote Monastery in Upper Egypt. Three thousand
monks lived the ascetical life under his direction. He possessed
the abundant gift of miracle-working and discernment. Once when
a monk asked him for advice, he said to him, "Be like a
convict in prison, as he continually asks: when will the judge
come, and so should you ask with trembling." |
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