Saint Spyridon, the humble bishop of Trimythous, remains one of the most beloved saints in Orthodox Christianity. He exemplifies the power of simple, unwavering faith, miraculous service, and sacrificial love. Celebrated across the Orthodox world, his relics continue to testify to the living presence of holiness in the Church today.
Early Life of Saint Spyridon
Saint Spyridon was born around 270 A.D. in Ashia, Cyprus into a humble and deeply faithful Christian family.
A shepherd by trade, Spyridon maintained a simple, rural life even after becoming a bishop. His early lifestyle and character deeply influenced his approach to faith, making him one of the most beloved and approachable saints in Orthodox Christianity.
He married and had a daughter named Irina (Irene). After his wife’s death, Spyridon continued in piety and service to God, eventually embracing the monastic path.
Discovery of God and Path to Sainthood
From his youth, Saint Spyridon had a profound relationship with God. He lived in constant prayer, fasting, and acts of mercy. His deep faith and spiritual insight became evident to those around him.
Known for his charity, compassion, and miraculous healings, Spyridon became widely respected as a man of God.
Spyridon was ordained bishop of Trimythous (modern-day Tremetousia, Cyprus), during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great. His appointment came not from theological study but from divine wisdom, humility, and miracles—a path often seen in the lives of Orthodox saints.
Saint Spyridon at the First Ecumenical Council
One of the most significant moments in Saint Spyridon’s life was his participation in the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D., which defended Orthodox Christianity against the Arian heresy.
Despite his simple appearance and lack of formal education, Spyridon’s spiritual authority and clear understanding of divine truth astonished even the most learned theologians.
Miracle at the Council:
To explain the Holy Trinity, he performed a miracle using a clay brick, which produced fire, water, and then crumbled into dust—illustrating the three Persons of the Trinity united in one essence.
Difficulties and Persecutions
Saint Spyridon lived during the era of Christian persecution under Diocletian, enduring torture and imprisonment for his faith. His right eye was gouged out, and the fingers of his right hand were cut off.
Despite this physical suffering, he continued performing miracles and serving the faithful.
Canonization and Death
Saint Spyridon passed away around 348 A.D., in Trimythous. The exact date of his canonization is not formally recorded, as he was venerated from the early centuries—typical of the first-generation saints of the Orthodox Church.
Feast Day and Liturgical Commemoration
The Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Spyridon annually on December 12 (Gregorian calendar), which corresponds to December 25 (Julian calendar) in churches that follow the Old Calendar.
Relics and Incorruption
Saint Spyridon’s relics remain incorrupt—a clear sign of sainthood in Orthodox tradition.
Originally buried in Cyprus, his body was later moved to Corfu, Greece, after the Arab invasions. His relics reside in the Saint Spyridon Church in Corfu, a major pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians.
Miraculous Signs:
- His slippers wear out and are replaced regularly—evidence that he still walks the earth, aiding the faithful.
- Reports of his relics changing positions, exuding a sweet fragrance, and performing miraculous healings are common in Orthodox testimonies.
Rare Stories and Miracles
The Miracle of Rain
During a time of severe drought in Cyprus, the land was parched, and crops failed. People began to suffer from famine, and prayers rose from every church. As Bishop of Trimythous, Saint Spyridon led his flock in repentance and supplication, encouraging fasting, prayer, and acts of mercy.
Moved by their suffering, the saint gathered the people and prayed earnestly for divine mercy. According to Orthodox tradition, as soon as he finished his prayer, dark clouds formed, and abundant rain poured from the heavens, soaking the dry earth. The rain continued just long enough to restore the crops without causing floods.
This miracle showed his role as an intercessor not only for souls but also for the physical well-being of his people. It reflected biblical patterns, similar to the Prophet Elijah.
Protection from Plague
Corfu experienced multiple plague outbreaks during the 17th century. Each time, Saint Spyridon’s intercession was credited with the island’s deliverance. Locals reported seeing a tall figure walking through the streets with a censer, purifying the air.
One account describes how, after the faithful begged for his help, the saint was seen entering homes with the sick and leaving with no sign of infection. The plague would vanish soon afterward. His role as a “physician of souls and bodies” became deeply rooted in local faith.
To this day, people of Corfu pray to him during times of illness and pestilence, often invoking his name alongside Saints Panteleimon and Luke the Physician.
The Resurrection of His Daughter Irene
A woman once entrusted her valuable possessions to Saint Spyridon’s daughter, Irene. But soon after, Irene died unexpectedly. When the woman returned to retrieve her valuables, Spyridon was troubled—he had no knowledge of the matter.
He went to Irene’s grave and prayed tearfully. As the tradition recounts, God allowed Irene to rise briefly from the dead. She revealed the location of the hidden items and then gently returned to rest.
Personal Quotes
“God is simple. Let not your mind be burdened by complex thoughts.”
Spyridon retrieved the treasures and returned them to their owner. Deeply moved, the woman converted to a life of piety.
This miracle is often seen in the Orthodox tradition as a sign of God’s dominion over life and death, and the saint’s closeness to that divine authority.
The Healing of the Dead Child
Another lesser-known miracle involved a grieving mother who brought her lifeless child to the bishop, hoping for a miracle. The mother had great faith in God and His servant Spyridon. After a short prayer and placing his hand over the child’s head, the saint called the child by name.
To the astonishment of everyone, the child opened his eyes and returned to life. This miracle became widely known and led many in the region to accept Christianity.
The Defense of Corfu from the Ottoman Siege
In the 18th century, Corfu was under siege by the Ottoman Turks. As panic spread across the island, the faithful turned to Saint Spyridon, whose relics were kept in the city. They gathered at his church and prayed continuously.
According to Orthodox accounts, the saint appeared in the Ottoman camp as a radiant, warrior-like figure wielding a flaming sword, marching through their tents at night. The Turkish soldiers saw this and fled in terror, believing they were being attacked by a supernatural army. Historical records say the siege was lifted without direct conflict.
This miraculous intervention is still celebrated in Corfu with an annual procession honoring the saint as the city’s protector.
There are many more impressive stories about Saint Spyridon, with the one with the goat being one of the most famous.
The Apolytikion of Saint Spyridon
Thou didst prove to be a champion of the First Council, and a wonder-worker, O God-bearing Father Spyridon our Father. Wherefore, thou didst speak to the dead maiden in the tomb, and didst change a serpent into gold. And while chanting thy holy prayers, thou hadst angels serving the Liturgy with thee, most sacred Hierarch. Glory to Christ Who glorified thee; glory to Him Who crowned thee; glory to Him Who worketh healings for all through thee.
In Orthodox Christianity, an Apolytikion is a concise but theologically rich hymn that encapsulates the essence of a particular feast day or the unique virtues and significance of a specific saint being commemorated.
Typically sung at the dismissal of Vespers and often repeated during other services like the Divine Liturgy, the Apolytikion serves as a brief spiritual portrait, highlighting the key aspects of the event or the saint’s life and their importance within the faith.
Through its poetic and often symbolic language, it invites the faithful to reflect upon the spiritual lessons and grace associated with the commemoration, making it a central and beloved part of Orthodox liturgical life.