Saint Spyridon the Wonderworker, Bishop of Trimythous

Life

The island of Cyprus was both the birthplace and place of service of this glorious saint. Born of simple parents, farmers, he too was and remained simple and humble until his death. He married in his youth and had children. And when his wife died, he gave himself entirely to the service of God. Because of his exceptional piety he was chosen as bishop in the city of Trimythous. But even as bishop he did not change his simple way of life, laboring personally with his livestock and tilling the land. He used very little for himself from the fruits of his labor, but distributed the greater part to poor people. By God's power he manifested great miracles: he brought down rain in time of drought, stopped the flow of a river, raised several dead, healed Emperor Constans of a serious illness, saw and heard God's angels, saw into future events and into the secrets of the human heart, converted many to the true Faith, and so forth. He participated in the First Ecumenical Council at Nicaea, and by his simple yet clear confession of Faith, as well as by mighty miracles, restored many heretics to Orthodoxy. He was dressed so simply that when once at the emperor's invitation he wished to enter the imperial palace, a soldier, thinking he was some beggar, struck him on the cheek. The meek and guileless Spyridon turned the other cheek to him. Having glorified God by many miracles and been of great benefit both to individuals and to the whole Church of God, he reposed in the Lord in the year 348. His wonder-working relics are now on the island of Corfu, and to this very day glorify God by many miracles.

From the Hymn of Praise

Star of Cyprus, and ray of the Church,Defender of the Faith, Saint Spyridon,Simple as a child, chaste as a child,By his simplicity he enlightens the world.