St Spyridon the Wonderworker

Quote: “We believe that He (Jesus) is one in essence with the Father, and equal to Him in authority and honor. We believe this without any sly rationalizations, for it is impossible to grasp this mystery by human reason.”

Patronage: Craftsmen, healers, farmers, Corfu, Piraeus, Cyprus

Feast Day: 14th of December (RCC)/12th of December (EOC)

Venerated in: Orthodox Church, Catholic Church, Oriental Orthodox, Anglican Communion

Known for: many miracles (raising dead, casting out demons, calling rain) and battling the Arian heresy

Life: He was a shepherd on the island of Cyprus. He was known for his care of the poor, sick, and the homeless. He also performed many miracles and cast out demons, earning the title “wonderworker.” After his wife’s death, he was named the Bishop of Tremithus. Arguably, his most famous miracle was when he was called to participate in the Council of Nicaea. He got into a debate with a Greek philosopher who was supporting the Arian heresy, claiming that Jesus was a created being. Taking a brick in his hand, he squeezed it, and fire shot out, water poured down, and only dust remained in his hand. This displayed how God was 3 Persons in one. “There was only one brick,” Saint Spyridon said, “but it was composed of three elements. In the Holy Trinity there are three Persons, but only one God.” A simple bishop, wearing modest clothes, was able to easily refute well educated and esteemed Arian philosophers, not by his own knowledge, but by the Grace of God.