February 8: Theodore the Commander & Great Martyr![]()
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The holy Martyr Theodore was from Euchaita of Galatia and dwelt in Heraclea of Pontus. He was a renowned commander in the military, and the report came to the Emperor Licinius that he was a Christian and abominated the idols. Licinius therefore sent certain men to him from Nicomedia, to honor him and ask him to appear before him. Through them, however, Saint Theodore sent back a message that it was necessary for various reasons, that Licinius come to Heraclea. Licinius, seeing in this a hope of turning Saint Theodore away from Christ did as was asked of him.![]()
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When the Emperor came to Heraclea, Saint Theodore met him with honor, and the Emperor in turn gave Theodore his hand, believing that through him he would be able to draw the Christians to the worship of his idols. Seated upon his throne in the midst of the people, he publicly bade Theodore offer sacrifice to the gods. But Theodore asked that the emperor entrust him with the most venerable of his gods, those of gold and silver, that he might take them home and himself attend upon them that evening, promising that the following day he would honor them in public. The Emperor, filled with joy at these tidings, gave command that Theodore’s request be fulfilled.![]()
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Χρόνια Πολλά and God Bless all who celebrate today! 🙏🏼☦️
February 8: Sunday of the Prodigal Son![]()
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Through the parable of today’s Gospel, our Saviour has set forth three things for us: the condition of the sinner, the rule of repentance, and the greatness of God’s compassion. The divine Fathers have put this reading the week after the parable of the Publican and Pharisee so that, seeing in the person of the Prodigal Son our own wretched condition — inasmuch as we are sunken in sin, far from God and His Mysteries — we might at last come to our senses and make haste to return to Him by repentance during these holy days of the Fast.![]()
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Furthermore, those who have wrought many great iniquities, and have persisted in them for a long time, oftentimes fall into despair, thinking that there can no longer be any forgiveness for them; and so being without hope, they fall every day into the same and even worse iniquities. Therefore, the divine Fathers, that they might root out the passion of despair from the hearts of such people, and rouse them to the deeds of virtue, have set the present parable at the forecourts of the Fast, to show them the surpassing goodness of God’s compassion, and to teach them that there is no sin — no matter how great it may be — that can overcome at any time His love for man.
February 2![]()
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The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple![]()
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When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary’s forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord’s Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: “Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master. . .” And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification.![]()
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The Apodosis of the Feast of the Meeting in the Temple is usually on the 9th of February. This, however, may vary if the Feast falls within the period of the Triodion. Should this occur, the Typicon should be consulted for specific information concerning the Apodosis of the Feast.
January 30, 2026![]()
The Feast Day of the Three Hierarchs![]()
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The Three Hierarchs are Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian, and Saint John Chrysostom, highly influential 4th-century bishops and theologians in Eastern Christianity, honored together on January 30th as great teachers, patrons of education, and figures who united Hellenism (Greek culture) with Christianity. They are known as Ecumenical Teachers and Doctors of the Church, revered for their wisdom, defense of faith, and service, especially in education and caring for the needy.![]()
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As Theological pillars, they shaped Christian doctrine and played key roles in confronting heresies. They are considered patron saints of education, especially in Greece, symbolizing the integration of Greek language and philosophy with Christian truth. An 11th-century dispute over their individual greatness led to a vision where they requested a joint feast day (January 30th) to emphasize their unity and friendship. ![]()
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The Three Hierarchs are remembered as shining examples of commitment to God, wisdom, and service, teaching Christians to use knowledge and culture for God’s glory and to care for the poor and vulnerable.![]()
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Χρόνια Πολλά and God Bless all who celebrate today! ☦️🙏🏼
Sunday, February 22nd is forgiveness vespers at 6 PM. Bring the whole family and your friends. Don’t miss out on one of the most beautiful services of the church year. Plan to start off great lent on the right foot, by forgiving one another.
