The Orthodox saint library.

Equal of the Apostles and Emperor Constantine with his Mother Helen

May 21

Equal-to-the-Apostles Blessed Great Princess Olga (in Holy Baptism Helen)

July 11

Olga governed Kyivan Rus after the death of her husband Igor. Her earlier rule belongs to a world of political conflict and harsh retaliation, while her later baptism marked a decisive personal turn toward Christianity. She received the baptismal name Helen and supported the presence of the Church in a society that remained largely pagan. Her son did not follow her faith, but her example preceded the later conversion associated with her grandson Vladimir. The Church honors her as equal to the apostles for her role in preparing that Christian future, rather than endorsing every act of her political life.

Glorification of Saint Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow, Enlightener of the Aleuts, Apostle to the Americas

October 6

Innocent Veniaminov began missionary service as a parish priest and spent much of his life traveling among communities in Alaska and Siberia. He learned local languages and translated Christian teaching and the Gospel so that people could pray and study with understanding. His work included the Aleutian Islands, Sitka, and distant settlements across a vast diocese. He also shared his experience with Nicholas, the future missionary bishop in Japan. Later he became Metropolitan of Moscow. His life unites practical learning, patient travel, and the conviction that the Church should speak in the languages of the people it serves.

Glorification of the Priestmartyr Alexander Hotovitzky

December 4

Grand Duchess Elizabeth

July 18

After her husband’s assassination, Grand Duchess Elizabeth devoted herself to the convent of Saints Martha and Mary in Moscow. The community united worship with service to people in poverty. She was killed in 1918 and is honored as a new martyr.

Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Poisons, her teacher, Martyr Chrysogonos, and many with them

December 22

Anastasia was raised in Rome and learned Christianity from her mother and the teacher Chrysogonos. Her traditional life remembers her visiting imprisoned Christians in simple clothing, bringing food, treating wounds, and helping secure their release. Opposition within her household restricted that work for a time. After her husband’s death, she distributed her property and resumed her ministry among prisoners in several places. She also encouraged fellow Christians facing martyrdom. Eventually she was arrested and killed during Diocletian’s persecution. Her title, Deliverer from Poisons, belongs to the Church’s remembrance of her healing care and intercession.