We celebrate the five companions, Eustratios, Auxentius, Egenius, Mardarius, and Orestes on December 13th. These five companions, Martyred during the reign of Diocletian, the five companions are alternatively called Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes. Either way, their names are quite the mouthful! So what do we know about these five companions? Eustratios/Eustratius and Auxentius …
Sabbas the Sanctified
We celebrate our venerable and God-bearing Father Sabbas the Sanctified on December 5th. So right before the Feast of St. Nicholas! Father Sabbas the Sanctified St. Sabbas is also known as Sabas, and is pronounced [Sava]. He was the son of an army officer, and was left in the care of his aunt and uncle …
Home Organization Crash Course (Updated!)
Simple Home Organization Crash Course Hello and welcome back to TheByzantineLife.com. A special welcome if this is your first time here – be sure to follow us on Facebook and Pinterest! And if you’re a returning friend, thank you for following along with us. I first published this article in 2019, to correspond with offering …
John Chrysostom the Golden-Mouthed
We celebrate Saint John Chrysostom (c.347 – 407) on November 13th. (In the west it is in September) It is his Divine Liturgy we celebrate most days of the year. So no wonder St. John Chrysostom is called the Golden-Mouthed! St. John Chrysostom is one of our most popular saints in the East. He is …
Synaxis of Michael the Archangel and Other Heavenly Powers (Angels)
Heavenly powers, bodiless powers, heavenly hosts or angels. There are many names for the great and holy beings we celebrate on November 8th. The Feast of the Synaxis of Michael the Archangel and Other Heavenly Powers. Sometimes this feast is also called Michaelmas. This feast day was established before the 1st Ecumenical Council, at the …
How to Keep Your Young Ones (Somewhat) Quiet at Church
“How to I keep my child quiet and well behaved at Church?” I have seen this question pop up so many times on social media. It can be hard attending church with a baby or young child. Children are loud, energetic, and easily distracted. Their misbehaviour at church is just a stage you have to …
Demetrius the Myrrh Streamer
Demetrius, the Great-Martyr, is celebrated in the Byzantine Churches on October 26th. Although, I didn’t know much about this saint – actually, only that he existed. So I thought that I’d learn and share his story, as well as ways to celebrate this great martyr’s feast day! The Holy and Glorious Great-Martyr Demetrius, from Whose …
Reasons to Reorganize
Sometimes it is obvious when things need a little (or a lot of) organization. Stuff is overflowing, and piles clutter all flat surfaces in the home. But organization and a little re-arranging can be helpful at other times too! In today’s article we will look at three reasons to reorganize. And some tips for organizing …
Apostle James Son of Alpheus
Apostle James Son of Alpheus We celebrate James, the apostle and Son of Alpheus, on October 9th. It is difficult to say what we know about this James. Particularly because there are many other people named James (or as it should be translated, Jacob) in the New Testament. Some people theorize that James Son of …
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Icon Explained
The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is one of my favourite icons. So much so that when I picked our wedding icons I chose a set with Our Lady of Perpetual Help for the Marian icon. And that is why this icon is our topic for today! The Icon The Our Lady of …