Saint Niphon was a monk of the Kiev Caves Monastry, where he struggled in asceticism. In imitation of the Holy Fathers, he uprooted the passions through fasting, vigil, and prayer, and adorned himself with every virtue. He was chosen as Bishop of Novgorod when Bishop John retired to a monastery after twenty-five years of episcopal service.
Saint Celestine, Pope of Rome, a zealous champion of Orthodoxy, lived during the reign of the holy Emperor Theodosius the Younger.
Saints Herodion (Rodion), Agabus, Asyncritus, Rufus, Phlegon and Hermes are among the Seventy Apostles, chosen by Christ and sent out by Him to preach.
The Holy Martyr Rufinus the Deacon, the Martyr Aquilina and 200 Soldiers with them suffered in around the year 310 in the city of Sinope on the Black Sea during the reign of the emperor Maximian.
The Holy Martyr Calliopius was born in Perge, Pamphylia of the pious woman Theoklia, wife of a renowned senator. Theoklia was childless for a long time. She fervently prayed for a son, vowing to dedicate him to God.
