Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, WA

The Holy relics of St Spyridon rest in a shrine on the island of Kerkyra (Corfu), just off the western coast of Greece. These are in a remarkable state of preservation since the fourth century and every year they are carried in solemn triumph through the streets on the occasion of his feast day on December 12.

St Spyridon became well known prior to and during the historic Synod of Nicaea of 325 AD, although he preferred to live a simple and humble life serving to the Lord.

Born on the island of Cyprus, St Spyridon preferred the tranquility of the countryside he explored as a boy while shepherding his father's flocks, and even after he rose to the office of Bishop he would find the time to tend the sheep on a hillside, where he knew complete contentment.

St Spyridon's beginning were inauspicious enough, coming from a rural family, which for generations had lived in such remoteness that there was no school for kilometres around and what little education there was to be had was taught him by his illiterate parents.

The communities that lacked a school never lacked accessibility to a countryside church, and as a boy, St Spyridon's church attendance was regular. He displayed considerable fervour and remarkable intelligence, which enabled him to memorize long passages from the Holy Scripture simply by listening. Although he was needed at home, St Spyridon was not denied the formal education he deserved. His parents, not wanting to see his great talent and love for Christ restricted, sought counsel from their priest, who in turn arranged for the boy's education and religious training.

Ordained a priest just after the turn of the fourth century, St Spyridon was assigned to a rural community much like the one in which he had grown up in and made it his first act to use the church as a school for the education of children. He assured parents that through education their children could be made more useful citizens if they could at least to read and write. His dedication to the people and his complete commitment to the Christ our Saviour did not go unnoticed, and he was appointed Bishop of his province, a post in which he won the admiration of his flock and prominence in the international Christian community.

Whenever he could get away from the responsibilities of his office, he chose to rest and refresh himself by returning to the hillside and to the sheep on his family farm. It was in 325 AD that the First Ecumenical Council (Synod of Nicaea) was convened at the request of the Emperor Constantine to resolve the issues so divisive in that era, an assembly to which the greatest figures of Christianity were invited. Among them was the Bishop Spyridon, whose reputation preceded him and who was therefore made one of the directors.

St Spyridon was clairvoyant and knew men's secret thoughts. Once, while on a journey, he was resting at the home of a hospitable man, when a woman who was enslaved to the passions of the flesh and was a secret fornicator wished to wash his feet. Perceiving her sins, he rebuked her, "Do not touch me, woman!" He spoke like this not because he despised the woman (for how could a disciple of the Lord Who ate and drank with publicans and sinners scorn transgressors?), but because he wanted her to reflect on her miserable state and to feel shame for her impure thoughts and deeds. When the woman persisted in attempting to wash his feet, he relented and began to exhort her in a meek and loving manner, reminding her of her sins and urging her to repent. The woman was amazed and overcome by fear, because this man of God saw even her most secret transgressions. Filled with shame and remorse, she fell at the Saint's feet and washed them, not with water, but with tears, copying the woman in the Gospel, confessing her deeds openly. The Saint repeated to her with compassion the words of the Lord, "Take courage, daughter, your sins are forgiven". From that moment, the woman completely reformed her life, serving as a good example for many.

At this assembly Bishop Spyridon met St. Nicholas, with whom he formed a lasting friendship, one destined to form a parallel of their lives that comes down to us as a glorious part of the rich heritage of Christianity.

St Spyridon acquitted himself most honourably at his meeting and was instrumental in settling a heated debate on the Mystery of the Holy Trinity, which allowed for a successful conclusion to the most important council in early Church history.

Like his friend St Nicholas, St Spyridon fell victim to pagan persecution and was one day dragged off to prison, where he lost the sight of one eye when beaten by the guards.

Years of misery were to follow; when he was co0nsigned to the mines by the Romans rather than being executed. There the gentle Bishop lived in squalor and laboured in agony for many years before he died. Faithful to the end, his last words were in praise of the Lord.

His body was thrown into a ditch from which Christian friends took away for burial, and it is intact to this day, preserved by the hand of God.



	St Spyridon Commemorated December 12 The Holy relics of St Spyridon rest in a shrine on the island of Kerkyra (Corfu), just off the western coast of Greece. These are in a remarkable state of preservation since the fourth century and every year they are carried in solemn triumph through the streets on the occasion of his feast day on December 12. St Spyridon became well known prior to and during the historic Synod of Nicaea of 325 AD, although he preferred to live a simple and humble life serving to the Lord. Born on the island of Cyprus, St Spyridon preferred the tranquility of the countryside he explored as a boy while shepherding his father's flocks, and even after he rose to the office of Bishop he would find the time to tend the sheep on a hillside, where he knew complete contentment. St Spyridon's beginning were inauspicious enough, coming from a rural family, which for generations had lived in such remoteness that there was no school for kilometres around and what little education there was to be had was taught him by his illiterate parents. The communities that lacked a school never lacked accessibility to a countryside church, and as a boy, St Spyridon's church attendance was regular. He displayed considerable fervour and remarkable intelligence, which enabled him to memorize long passages from the Holy Scripture simply by listening. Although he was needed at home, St Spyridon was not denied the formal education he deserved. His parents, not wanting to see his great talent and love for Christ restricted, sought counsel from their priest, who in turn arranged for the boy's education and religious training. Ordained a priest just after the turn of the fourth century, St Spyridon was assigned to a rural community much like the one in which he had grown up in and made it his first act to use the church as a school for the education of children. He assured parents that through education their children could be made more useful citizens if they could at least to read and write. His dedication to the people and his complete commitment to the Christ our Saviour did not go unnoticed, and he was appointed Bishop of his province, a post in which he won the admiration of his flock and prominence in the international Christian community. Whenever he could get away from the responsibilities of his office, he chose to rest and refresh himself by returning to the hillside and to the sheep on his family farm. It was in 325 AD that the First Ecumenical Council (Synod of Nicaea) was convened at the request of the Emperor Constantine to resolve the issues so divisive in that era, an assembly to which the greatest figures of Christianity were invited. Among them was the Bishop Spyridon, whose reputation preceded him and who was therefore made one of the directors. St Spyridon was clairvoyant and knew men's secret thoughts. Once, while on a journey, he was resting at the home of a hospitable man, when a woman who was enslaved to the passions of the flesh and was a secret fornicator wished to wash his feet. Perceiving her sins, he rebuked her, "Do not touch me, woman!" He spoke like this not because he despised the woman (for how could a disciple of the Lord Who ate and drank with publicans and sinners scorn transgressors?), but because he wanted her to reflect on her miserable state and to feel shame for her impure thoughts and deeds. When the woman persisted in attempting to wash his feet, he relented and began to exhort her in a meek and loving manner, reminding her of her sins and urging her to repent. The woman was amazed and overcome by fear, because this man of God saw even her most secret transgressions. Filled with shame and remorse, she fell at the Saint's feet and washed them, not with water, but with tears, copying the woman in the Gospel, confessing her deeds openly. The Saint repeated to her with compassion the words of the Lord, "Take courage, daughter, your sins are forgiven". From that moment, the woman completely reformed her life, serving as a good example for many. At this assembly Bishop Spyridon met St. Nicholas, with whom he formed a lasting friendship, one destined to form a parallel of their lives that comes down to us as a glorious part of the rich heritage of Christianity. St Spyridon acquitted himself most honourably at his meeting and was instrumental in settling a heated debate on the Mystery of the Holy Trinity, which allowed for a successful conclusion to the most important council in early Church history. Like his friend St Nicholas, St Spyridon fell victim to pagan persecution and was one day dragged off to prison, where he lost the sight of one eye when beaten by the guards. Years of misery were to follow; when he was co0nsigned to the mines by the Romans rather than being executed. There the gentle Bishop lived in squalor and laboured in agony for many years before he died. Faithful to the end, his last words were in praise of the Lord. His body was thrown into a ditch from which Christian friends took away for burial, and it is intact to this day, preserved by the hand of God. Dismissal Hymn (First Tone) You were revealed as a champion of the First Council and a wonderworker, our God-bearing father Spyridon. You spoke to one dead in the grave and transformed a serpent into gold. While chanting your holy prayers you had angels serving with you! Kontakion (Second Tone) Wounded by the love of Christ, all-holy one, your mind was given wings through the light of the Spirit, you found work in active contemplation, God-pleasing Spyridon, becoming a divine sacrifice, and imploring divine illumination for all.