Saint Spyridon

December 12th
Troparion (Tone 1)
Thou wast a champion of the First Council and a wonderworker, O Godbearing Father Spyridon. Thou didst speak to one dead in the grave, and change a serpent to gold; and while thou wast chanting the holy prayers the Angels were serving with thee. Glory to Him Who has glorified thee; glory to Him Who has crowned thee; glory to Him Who through thee works healings for all.

St. Spyridon was a farmer and a self-educated man. He married young and he and his wife had children. After his wife died, he gave himself totally to the service of God. He was chosen as Bishop of Tremithus and he continued to farm, giving most of what he grew to the poor. He was a champion for Orthodoxy at the 1st Ecumenical Council. He debated Arius. Arius was more skilled with words than Spyridon, but Spyridon had power. He took a brick in his hand and squeezed it. Water streamed down to the floor, while flame shot up from his hand, leaving earth in his open palm. Thus, he illustrated the truth of the Trinity and defended the Deity of Christ. He did many miracles in his lifetime, raising several from the dead. He always dressed very humbly. Once, when visiting the Emperor, a guard took him for a beggar and struck him on the face. He simply obeyed the gospel and turned the other cheek. He entered into rest in the Lord in 348. His relics are on the island of Corfu and continue to work wonders.

This icon is by the hand of Robert S. Burt.

Order # rsb-17

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