Author name: Ray Dobson

Martyrs Agape, Irene and Chionia, in Illyria Commemorated on April 16 The Holy Martyrs Agape, Irene, and Chionia were sisters who lived at the end of the third century to the beginning of the fourth century, near the Italian city of Aquilea. They were left orphaned at an early age. The young women led a pious

Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy Commemorated on April 15 Saint Aristarchus was one of the Seventy Apostles, whom the Lord Jesus Christ sent to proclaim the good news of the Gospel (Luke. 10:1-24). Saint Aristarchus, a co-worker of the holy Apostle Paul, became bishop of the Syrian city of Apamea. His name is repeatedly mentioned in

Saint Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome Commemorated on April 14 Saint Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome, was a native of the Tuscany region of Italy. He received a fine education and entered into the clergy of the Roman Church. After the death of Pope Theodore I (642-649), Martin was chosen to succeed him. At

Holy Martyr Thomais of Alexandria Commemorated on April 13 The Holy martyr Thomais was born into a Christian family in the city of Alexandria. She was raised in piety, and loved to read spiritual books. When she was fifteen, the girl married a fisherman, who was also a Christian. The young couple lived in the house

Monastic Martyrs Menas, David, and John, of Palestine Commemorated on April 12 The Monk Martyrs Menas, David and John lived in Palestine. They were martyred in the seventh century by Arabs, who shot them through with arrows (+ post 636, when Jerusalem was captured by the Arabs).