July 13: Orthodox saints

The Sobor of the ArchAngel Gabriel is celebrated both on the day after the Annunciation [Blagoveschenie], i.e. 26 March and on 13 July (probably due to the dedication of a church at Constantinople, constructed in the name of the Holy Archi-Strategos, the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts.

Notes for this article:

Definitions:

Sobor
Russian for "Council"

Blagoveschenie
Russian for "Annunication"

The Monk Stephanos Savvaites, nephew of Saint John of Damascus (commemorated on 4 December), was born in the year 725. At age 10, Stephanos entered the Lavra of Saint Savva (monestery) and spent his whole life there, sometimes going out into the wilderness for solitary ascetic deeds. He received the gifts of wonder-working and perspicacity: he healed the sick, cast out devils, and discerned the thoughts of those coming to him for counsel. He died in the year 724, foretelling in advance the day of his death. His biography was compiled by his student Leontios. Notes for this article:

Places:

Lavra of Saint Savva

Definitions:

perspicacity
keen understanding

Sainted Julian, Bishop of Cremona, was appointed bishop by the Apostle Peter. A legend tells that heis one and the same person as Simon the Leper (Mk. 14:3), in Baptism receiving the name Julian.

The Apostle Peter sent Julian to preach the Gospel in Gaul. He arrived in Cremona (the region of the River Po in the north of present-day Italy) and settled into a small hut out beyond a city, and he began to preach. The people at first listened to him with distrust, but by prayer Julian healed various of the sick, so gradually people came to him asking for help. In healing bodiess, Julian healed also the souls, enlightening those coming to him by the light of faith in Christ.

Once, when his visitors were thirsty, Julian, having prayed to the Lord, struck his staff on the ground and from that dry place came forth a spring of water. This wonder converted many people to Christianity.

Another time Julian wanted to see the local ruler. At the gate of the ruler's dwelling sat a blind man whom Julian prayed for and then healed his vision. The ruler came out to Julian, and fell down at his feet, requesting Baptism. Having catechised the ruler and his family, Julian imposed on them a three-day fast, after which he baptised them.

On the example of the ruler, the majority of his subjects also converted to Christ. The ruler donated his own home to the bishop for the constructing of a temple in it and he provided the Church with means. Julian fervently concerned himself with the spiritual enlightening of his flock and continued to heal the sick. Deeply affected by the grief of parents, Julian entreated of God the raising up of their dead children to life.

Julian remained died in extreme old age (I Cent.). To the end of his days he preached about Christ.

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Places:

Cremona

River Po

Gaul

The Holy Martyr Serapion, suffered for Christ before the Emperor Severus (193-211). As a Christian he was brought to judgment before the governor Achilles. Serapion firmly announced his faith in Christ, and was subsequently tortured and thrown into prison.

Healed by the Lord Jesus Christ, he was brought to the judgment place and he presented himself before the judge completely healthy. He was condemned and martyred around the year 205.

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People:

Emperor Severus