Holy Great Prince Vladimir (Basil in Baptism), Equal of the Apostles, and Enlightener of Rus'
The Holy Equal of the Apostles and Great Prince Vladimir, the youngest son of Prince Svyatoslav of Kiev, was born in 963. He was only six years old when his grandmother, the Holy Princess Olga (July 11), who had raised him, reposed, and his father sent him to reign in Novgorod under the tutelage of…
The Holy Martyrs Quiricus and Julitta lived in the city of Iconium in the province of Lykaoneia in Asia Minor. Saint Julitta was a Christian, descended from an illustrious family. Widowed early on, she raised her three-year-old son Quiricus on her own. In those days men, women, and even young…
This courageous soldier of Christ was from the island of Tenedos, which lies opposite the renowned city of Troy,
and he was one of the first Christians to be put to death during the persecution of the Church under Diocletian in the early IV century. Since Saint Aboudimos would not agree to worship…
The evening prayer service of the Orthodox Church, traditionally celebrated at sunset. Vespers includes psalms, hymns, scripture readings, and incense. On Saturday evenings, Great Vespers is often combined with the Sunday Divine Liturgy. The service marks the end of the liturgical day and prepares the faithful for rest and reflection.
Divine Liturgy
The central worship service of the Orthodox Church, celebrating the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Usually celebrated on Sundays and feast days, the Divine Liturgy consists of the Liturgy of the Word (scripture readings) and Liturgy of the Faithful (Eucharistic prayer and communion). The most common forms are the Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great.
The Hours
Brief prayer services traditionally celebrated at specific times of day: First Hour (6 AM), Third Hour (9 AM), Sixth Hour (noon), and Ninth Hour (3 PM). Each Hour includes psalms, troparia, and prayers appropriate to that time of day. These services sanctify the day and connect us to Christ's Passion, as they commemorate specific moments in His crucifixion and death.