SAINT ELIZABETH THE NEW MARTYR

For those of you who carry the beloved and blessed

name of Saint Elizabeth the New Martyr, as I do,

I hope this has been a day filled with the

grace and peace 

of God the Father, 

our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

and the blessed Holy Spirit.

Saint Elizabeth pray for us!

A MOST BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY

On July 8 (June 25 Old Style) the Church commemorates Saints Peter and Febronia--a Married couple who later lived in the monastic rank.  It is one of the most touching saint's lives in the Russian synaxarion.  Peter was a prince of Murom; Febronia was a peasant girl who, although of humble social status, was known as a holy woman, and pleasant to God.  Peter was healed by her prayers of a serious illness.  Although Peter's noble family was against it, they married, and a chaste love so strong existed between them that they preferred life together over all riches, status, and power.  When Peter's family offered her anything she wished if she would only leave the royal house, she answered, I want Peter."  In latter years they received the monastic tonsure in Murom monasteries located right next to each other, and reposed in the Lord one right after the other. When Peter knew it was time for him to die, he informed Febronia.  Well, she said, then I will go, too.  Putting aside her handiwork, she departed to the Lord.

~Priest Gleb Grozorsky

(Appearing on Presvytera Candace Shefe's blog)

Today Russia celebrates the day of 

Family, Love, and Faithfulness

SAINT BRIDGET OF IRELAND

Reading:

When Ireland was newly converted to the Christian Faith, the Holy Abbess Bridget devoted herself to the establishment of the monastic life among the women of her country, and founded the renowned convent of Kildare-Kil "Cell (or Church)" Dara "of the Oak." She was especially renowned for her great mercifulness, manifested in her lavish almsgiving and in miracles wrought for those in need. The Book of Armaugh, an ancient Irish chronicle, calls Saint Patrick and Saint Bridget "the pillars of the Irish" and says that through them both, "Christ performed many miracles." She reposed in peace about the year 525. 

Apolytikion of Bridget of Ireland in the Fourth Tone

Having learned of things divine by the words of Patrick, thou hast proclaimed in the West the good tidings of Christ. Wherefore, we venerate thee, O Brigid, and entreat thee to intercede with God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion of Bridget of Ireland in the Third Tone

At the Church of the Oak, thou didst establish thy sacred monasteries for those that took up the Tree of life, even the Precious Cross, upon their shoulders. And by thy grace-filled life and love of learning, thou didst bear fruit a hundredfold and didst thereby nourish the faithful. O righteous Mother Bridget, intercede with Christ, the True Vine, that He save our souls.

We wish a very happy Name Day to our
granddaughter Bridget Pearl!