Saint Nicholas of Myra

Saint Nicholas, the Archbishop of Myra, lived during the 4th century and is one of the most venerated saints in the Christian world. Known as “the Wonderworker,” he was a defender of the poor, protector of the innocent, and a bold confessor of the Orthodox Faith.

He famously intervened at the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 AD), where he struck the heretic Arius in defence of Christ's divinity. His acts of mercy—such as secretly providing dowries for impoverished girls to save them from slavery—became the foundation of the modern gift-giving tradition associated with his feast day.

Saint Nicholas passed away peacefully and was buried in Myra. His relics became renowned for exuding a fragrant and healing myrrh. His feast is celebrated on the 6th of December.

Saint Xenophon of Constantinople

Saint Xenophon was a prominent senator in Constantinople during the 6th century. He and his wife Maria were renowned for their faith, humility, and devotion to Christ. Together, they raised their sons Arkadios and John in the fear of God and sought to send them to Beirut to study.

On their journey, however, the ship carrying their sons was wrecked in a storm. Believing them lost, Xenophon and Maria were plunged into grief. Yet through divine providence, the sons survived and independently entered monastic life, later reuniting with their parents in Jerusalem.

Touched by this miracle, Xenophon and Maria also embraced the monastic life, dedicating their remaining years to prayer and asceticism. Their entire family is commemorated together on the 26th of January.