The Holy Apostle Timon was one of the seven deacons chosen by the holy Apostles, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 6:5). These seven men were appointed to serve the early Christian community by caring for the practical needs of the Church, especially the support of destitute widows, so that the Apostles could devote themselves more fully to prayer and the preaching of the Gospel. Timon was selected for his strong faith, wisdom, and good reputation among the believers.

After faithfully serving as a deacon, Timon was later appointed bishop of the city of Bosra in Syria. In this role, he labored zealously to spread the Christian faith, preaching the Gospel with courage and guiding many people away from pagan worship to the knowledge of Christ. Through his teaching and example, numerous men and women embraced Christianity, strengthening the growing Church in that region.

Because of his…

Saint Elias was a monk of the Near Caves Monastery in Kiev, originally from Murom, and was known as the “Shoemaker” or “Cobbler.” Popular tradition links him with the legendary warrior Elias of Murom celebrated in Russian ballads and in Gliere’s Symphony No. 3, though there is no firm historical evidence to support this identification.

At his repose, Saint Elias’ right hand was positioned in the Orthodox form of the Sign of the Cross—three fingers together, with the other two folded—later cited as evidence during the Old Ritualist Schism in support of this practice. He is also commemorated on several feast days, including the Second Sunday of Great Lent, June 10, June 23, and September 28.

Troparion — Tone 4

Come, all ye faithful, let us honor our Venerable Father Elias of Murom with spiritual songs, / the lamp of the Monastery of the Caves, and great intercessor for all…

Saint Simeon of Verkhoturye was a nobleman who hid his origins and lived as a wandering beggar. Traveling through villages, he freely sewed clothing for the poor, deliberately leaving small flaws and patiently enduring abuse. He often lived near the churchyard of Merkushinsk, where he loved the Ural landscape, prayed in solitude, fished, and guided local people in the Christian faith, sowing spiritual seeds that bore fruit throughout the Urals and Siberia.

Saint Simeon died in 1642 at the age of 35 and was buried near the Church of the Archangel Michael. In 1704 his relics were transferred to the Saint Nicholas Monastery in Verkhoturye. After his death, he worked many miracles, healing the sick, freeing people from drunkenness, and offering spiritual guidance. His memory is celebrated on September 12, the day of the translation of his relics.

Troparion — Tone 8

By a flood of tears you made the…

"To the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, beloved children in the Lord,

When it was time for thy coming upon earth, the first taxation of the world was held; and then thou madest ready to enroll the names of all who believed in thy birth. For this cause Caesar published such a decree, since thy timeless and eternal kingdom was newly made manifest.– St. Germanus, Doxastichon at the Praises, tone six

Christ is born! Glorify him!

In one of her most famed hymns, the venerable Cassia draws parallels between the reign of Caesar and the reign of Christ: “When Augustus reigned alone upon earth,” she says, “the many kingdoms of men came to an end,” and when Christ was born in that reign, the many gods of the nations were done away. As the many cities of the world passed under one rule, all the…