Orthodox icon | Three Saints | 24748

Saint Elizabeth, the Wonderworker of Constantinople (April 24). She lived in the 5th century. God gave them to their parents, pious and noble Christians from Heraclea in Thrace, at the intercession of the holy martyr Glykeria. From childhood she memorized the lives of the saints so that in every situation she could see their example. When she was orphaned at age 12, she distributed her inheritance to the needy, freed her slaves and entered the monastery of St. George of the Little Hill in Constantinople, which was run by one of her relatives. She eagerly undertook all the toil of the ascetic life.

Saint Apostle Matthias (August 9). He came from Bethlehem and was one of the Lord’s 70 disciples who followed Him to His life-giving Passion. After His ascent, the disciples returned from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem, where in the upper room everyone paused with one accord in prayer and hymn of praise. At that time Peter rose in their circle and suggested that instead of the traitor Judas among those who had followed the Lord from their baptism at the Jordan, they should choose someone else so that he might bear witness to the resurrection of the Lord with them. Two were suggested for this election: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. Divine Providence chose Matthias to make the number of twelve, symbol of perfection, full again.

Saint Eupraxia of Constantinople (July 25). She was only 6 years old when her father, Senator Antigonus, died unexpectedly. Her mother placed the child under the protection of the related emperor Theodosius the Great of Byzantium (379-395), who as a precaution betrothed Eupraxia to a rich son of the nobility. Then the mother fled with her little daughter from Constantinople to Egypt, because both were inspired by the desire to dedicate their lives to the Savior. They distributed abundant alms, visited many ascetics and finally ended up in the Thebais. Here Eupraxia entered a monastery. When she turned 12 and her mother dies, she distributed her inheritance and broke off the arranged engagement. At the age of 20, she received the gracious gift of God to work miracles. Through her prayer, she healed the illnesses of the locals, who were pouring into the monastery in increasing numbers, and cast out demons.