History of the Saints in the
Stained Glass Windows of our Church:

Who Were They?

MP Oy

In Eastern Christian iconography, "MP OY" (often with a line above each pair of letters) is a common abbreviation found on icons of the Theotokos (Mother of God)

Specifically:

MP (Mu Rho) stands for Meter, meaning "Mother".
OY (Omicron Upsilon) stands for Theou, meaning "of God".

Combined, they represent "Mother of God," a title given to the Virgin Mary. This title emphasizes her role in the Incarnation of Christ and is a significant aspect of veneration in these traditions.

Similar abbreviations are used for Jesus Christ (IC XC) and Archangels (OAM for Archangel Michael, OAΓ for Archangel Gabriel) on icons.

Saint Ann, is the traditional mother of the Virgin Mary and the maternal grandmother of Jesus Christ. Although she is not mentioned in the canonical Gospels of the New Testament, she is a central figure in Christian tradition.

Key aspects of her life and veneration

Parentage of Mary: Tradition, especially from the apocryphal Gospel of James, states that Ann and her husband, Joachim, were a devout but childless couple who prayed for a child. An angel appeared to them separately, promising them a daughter, who would be Mary, the mother of Jesus. The Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, proclaimed in 1854, further emphasizes that Mary was conceived in the womb of Saint Ann free from original sin, preparing her to be the mother of God.
Significance: Saint Ann's story is seen as a testament to faith, hope, and the power of prayer, particularly for those facing the challenges of infertility or seeking to raise their children in a virtuous way.
Veneration and Patronage: Saint Ann is a widely honored saint in the Catholic Churches. She is revered as the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, childless people, women in labor, and many professions, including lacemakers, miners, and seamstresses.
Feast Day: Her feast day is celebrated on July 26th in the Catholic Church, a date she shares with Saint Joachim.
Depictions in Art: Saint Ann is often depicted in art with a book on her lap, and the child Mary leaning against her, eager to learn, symbolizing Ann's role in educating Mary in the faith. Another popular image is the Anna Selbdritt, showing three generations: Saint Ann, Mary, and the infant Jesus.

Devotion and prayer

Many believers turn to Saint Ann in prayer for various intentions, including for the well-being of their families, for the intercession of her daughter Mary, for strength in difficult times, and for guidance in facing life's challenges.

Saint Olha of Kyiv (Olga of Kyiv) is a highly significant figure in the history of Kyivan Rus' (modern-day Ukraine, Belarus, and parts of Russia). She was the first ruler of Kyivan Rus' to convert to Christianity, playing a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the future Christianization of the region.

1. Ruler of Kyivan Rus' and Avenger

Olha was born around 890-925 CE and married Igor, Prince of Kyiv.
Following her husband's assassination by the Drevlians in 945, she became regent for her young son, Sviatoslav.
Initially, Olha sought revenge for her husband's death, using cunning and ruthless tactics against the Drevlians. Accounts describe her having Drevlian soldiers scalded to death and burning their towns.

2. Conversion and Christianization

Around 957, Olha converted to Christianity during a visit to Constantinople, where she was baptized by Emperor Constantine VII. She took the baptismal name Helena, likely after Saint Helen, the mother of Constantine the Great.
Despite her initial vengeance, her conversion marked a turning point in her life and in the history of Kyivan Rus'.
She made efforts to spread Christianity, even building churches, including the first cathedral of the Wisdom of God in Kyiv.
Although she couldn't convince her son Sviatoslav to convert, her grandson, Volodymyr the Great, would eventually make Christianity the state religion, according to EBSCO.

3. Saintly recognition

Olha is canonized as the first Kyivan saint of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
She is honored with the title "Equal-to-the-Apostles" for her missionary work.
Her feast day is July 11.
She is the patron saint of widows and converts.

Saint Olha's life is a testament to transformation and the powerful influence of faith. Her legacy highlights the complex process of Christianization in Kyivan Rus' and her significant role as a strong female ruler and a pivotal figure in the spread of Christianity in Eastern Europe.

Saint Paraskevia of Rome (Great Martyr Paraskevia)

Life: She was born in a village near Rome to Christian parents, Agathon and Politia, around 140 CE. She was named Paraskevi, which means "Friday" in Greek, because she was born on that day. She embraced a monastic life and dedicated herself to studying Scripture and guiding people to Christ.
Martyrdom: During the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161), Paraskevi was arrested for being a Christian and refused to worship idols. She endured severe tortures, including having a red-hot helmet placed on her head and being thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil and pitch. Miraculously, she remained unharmed and even healed the emperor of blindness when he was burned by a drop of the boiling liquid. She was eventually beheaded in 180 CE.
Veneration: Saint Paraskevi is widely invoked by the faithful for the healing of eye ailments and for general health. Icons often depict her holding two eyeballs, symbolizing her healing of the blind. Her feast day is celebrated on July 26.

Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Traditional Narrative: According to tradition, Catherine of Alexandria was a princess and scholar in Alexandria, Egypt during the 4th century. She embraced Christianity after a vision and was renowned for her wisdom and eloquence. At just 18 years old, she debated 50 pagan philosophers summoned by the Emperor Maxentius, converting many of them, along with over 200 soldiers and members of the emperor's household, all of whom were subsequently martyred.
Martyrdom: Catherine herself was sentenced to death on a spiked breaking wheel, but at her touch, it miraculously shattered. She was then beheaded, and legend says that a milk-like substance, rather than blood, flowed from her neck.
Relics and Monastery: According to medieval accounts, angels carried her body to Mount Sinai, where a monastery was later built in her honor. Saint Catherine's Monastery, founded by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, is one of the oldest in the world and a major pilgrimage site.
Veneration: Saint Catherine of Alexandria is venerated in the Catholic Churches. She is considered the patron saint of students, teachers, librarians, lawyers, and all those who work with wheels. Her feast day is traditionally celebrated on November 25th.

Saint Helen: Roman empress, Christian convert, and discoverer of the True Cross

Saint Helen, also known as Flavia Julia Helena or Helena of Constantinople, was the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. She holds significant importance in Christian history due to her pivotal role in the discovery of what is believed to be the True Cross and her contributions to early Christianity.

Here's an exploration of her life and impact:

Early life and imperial connection

Helena was born into humble circumstances in Drepanon (later Helenopolis), Bithynia, in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), around the middle of the third century CE.
She married Constantius Chlorus, a Roman officer who later became emperor.
Their son was Constantine, who would become the first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity.
Constantius later divorced Helena for political reasons to marry Theodora, the step-daughter of Emperor Maximian.
However, when Constantine became emperor in 306, he brought his mother back into public life, bestowed the title of Augusta upon her, and ensured she received due honor and respect, according to America Needs Fatima.

Christian faith and legacy

Helena converted to Christianity, likely influenced by her son Constantine.
She used her position, influence, and wealth to promote the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, according to sainthelenampls.org.
She made extra effort to help the poor and needy, visiting churches and making large donations to support those facing hardship.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and discovery of the True Cross

In 326 or 327 CE, despite her advanced age, Helena embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
During this journey, tradition credits her with discovering the True Cross, the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
One legend recounts that three crosses were found, and a woman suffering from a serious illness was healed after touching the True Cross.
Helena's discovery led to the construction of several significant churches at sacred sites in the Holy Land, including the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Church of Eleona (Ascension) on the Mount of Olives, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Death and veneration

Helena died around 330 CE, at the age of approximately eighty-two, according to sainthelenampls.org.
She was buried in the Mausoleum of Helena on the Via Labicana outside of Rome.
She is revered as a saint in the Catholic Church.
Her feast day is celebrated on August 18th in the Western Church and May 21st in the Eastern Church.
She is the patron saint of archaeologists (or discoveries), converts, difficult marriages, divorced people, empresses, and Saint Helena Island.

Saint Helen's story is a compelling blend of historical fact and religious legend. Her steadfast faith, generosity, and efforts in preserving the memory of sacred Christian sites have left a lasting impact on Christianity and continue to inspire believers today.

Saint Peter, also known as Simon Peter, Simeon, or Cephas, was one of Jesus's twelve apostles and a prominent figure in early Christianity. He is widely recognized as the first leader of the Christian Church and, in the Catholic tradition, is revered as the first Pope.

Here's a closer look at his life and significance:

1. Biblical accounts and calling

Peter was a Jewish fisherman from Bethsaida, Galilee, according to Britannica.
He and his brother, Andrew, were called by Jesus to become "fishers of men", marking the beginning of his discipleship.
Jesus gave Simon the name Cephas, an Aramaic word meaning "rock," which translates to Peter in Greek, signifying his foundational role in the Church.

2. Leadership in the early Church

Peter is depicted in the New Testament as the spokesman for the apostles, often expressing his faith in Jesus as the Messiah.
He is one of the three apostles (along with James and John) who were present at pivotal moments in Jesus' ministry, including the raising of Jairus' daughter, the Transfiguration, and the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
After Jesus' death and resurrection, Peter took on a leadership role among the apostles and the early Christian community, according to Catholic Online.

3. Missionary journeys and death

Peter was instrumental in spreading the Gospel, traveling to various regions including Palestine and Asia Minor.
He played a crucial role in bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles, exemplified by his baptism of the Roman pagan Cornelius and his support for preaching to Gentiles at the Council of Jerusalem.
Tradition holds that Peter was martyred by crucifixion in Rome during Emperor Nero's reign, around 64 CE.
He is said to have requested to be crucified upside down, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.
His burial place is traditionally believed to be under St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, where his tomb is a site of pilgrimage and veneration.

4. Patronage and commemoration

Saint Peter is the patron saint of popes, Rome, fishermen, netmakers, shipbuilders, and locksmiths, among others.
His feast day is celebrated on June 29th (with Saint Paul) in many Christian denominations.
The Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, commemorating his role as the first Bishop of Rome, is celebrated on February 22nd.
Peter is often depicted in art with keys, referencing Jesus's words in Matthew 16:19, where he gives Peter "the keys of the kingdom of heaven".

Saint Peter's legacy continues to be profound, shaping the history and development of Christianity and inspiring countless individuals through his story of faith, leadership, and martyrdom.

Saint Andrew, also known as Andrew the Apostle, was one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles and the brother of Simon Peter. He is referred to as the First-Called (Protokletos) because the Gospel of John states that Andrew became a disciple of Christ before any of the other apostles. Andrew played a pivotal role in the New Testament as an early follower of Christ and is known for bringing people to Jesus, including his brother Peter.

Key aspects of his life and ministry

Early Life: Andrew was born in Bethsaida, a fishing town in Galilee, between 5 and 10 CE. He and his brother Peter were fishermen before becoming followers of Jesus. It's notable that Andrew's name is Greek, suggesting a possible connection with the broader Hellenistic culture in Galilee.
Disciple of John the Baptist and Jesus: Andrew was initially a disciple of John the Baptist. When John pointed out Jesus as the "Lamb of God," Andrew immediately followed Jesus and later brought his brother Simon Peter to meet him. The Gospels of Matthew and Mark also describe Jesus calling Andrew and Peter while they were fishing, inviting them to become "fishers of men".
Missionary Work: After Jesus' crucifixion, Andrew traveled and preached the Gospel in various regions, including parts of Eastern Europe and around the Black Sea, according to historical sources. He is credited with establishing the first Christian community in Byzantium (later Constantinople).
Martyrdom: Tradition holds that Andrew was martyred by crucifixion in Patras, Greece around 60 CE. He is said to have requested a diagonal, X-shaped cross, as he felt unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross as Jesus, according to saintandrewmidmon.org. This X-shaped cross is now widely known as the Saint Andrew's Cross or Saltire.
Relics: Andrew's remains were originally kept in Patras. Some of his relics were later transferred to Constantinople and then to Amalfi, Italy. A notable legend recounts a monk named Regulus bringing relics to Scotland, establishing a connection between the saint and the nation, according to Historic Environment Scotland Blog.

Patronage and commemoration

Saint Andrew is the patron saint of several countries and cities, including Scotland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Greece, and Barbados. He is also considered the patron saint of fishermen and singers, among others.
His feast day is celebrated annually on November 30th. In Scotland, Saint Andrew's Day is a bank holiday and a celebration of Scottish culture. Many communities mark the day with traditional Scottish music, dancing (ceilidhs), food, and events.
The Saltire, or Saint Andrew's Cross (a white X on a blue field), is the national flag of Scotland. This symbol is believed to have been inspired by the X-shaped cross on which Andrew was crucified.

Saint Andrew's story is a testament to his faith, his readiness to follow Jesus, and his missionary zeal in spreading the Christian message across various lands.

Saint Joseph is a central figure in the Christian narrative, especially known as the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the earthly father of Jesus Christ. He is highly revered in the Catholic Church.

Here's an overview of his life and significance:

1. Biblical accounts and lineage

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide some insights into Joseph's life, primarily through the narratives surrounding Jesus' birth and early childhood.
He is described as a righteous and devout man, belonging to the house and lineage of King David.
When Mary was found to be with child, Joseph, being a just man, planned to quietly divorce her, but an angel appeared to him in a dream, revealing the child's divine origin and instructing him to take Mary as his wife.

2. Role in the Holy Family

Joseph accepted his role as the protector and provider for the Holy Family, demonstrating faith and obedience in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
He led the family to Egypt to escape King Herod's persecution, again following an angel's instructions received in a dream.
Joseph was a carpenter, and he provided for his family through his work, likely teaching Jesus the trade as well.
He raised Jesus in Nazareth, faithfully fulfilling his duties as a father and ensuring the child's upbringing in accordance with Jewish law and tradition.

3. Veneration and patronage

Joseph's devotion and virtues have been celebrated throughout Christian history.
He is considered the patron saint of the Universal Church, a title bestowed by Pope Pius IX in 1870.
He is also known as the patron of fathers, families, expectant mothers, travelers, immigrants, workers, and a happy death. This last patronage stems from the belief that he died peacefully in the presence of Jesus and Mary.
The Catholic Church celebrates two main feast days in his honor: March 19 (Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary) and May 1 (Saint Joseph the Worker).
May 1 is intentionally set to coincide with International Workers' Day to highlight the dignity of human labor, according to Catholic Straight Answers.
Devotion to Saint Joseph has seen a resurgence in recent times, including a Year of Saint Joseph declared by Pope Francis from December 8, 2020, to December 8, 2021, according to EWTN Faith Journey.

In essence, Saint Joseph is a powerful example of faith, obedience, humility, and devoted fatherhood. Though largely a silent figure in the Gospels, his actions speak volumes about his character and his pivotal role in God's plan of salvation.

Saint Anthony Pechersky: Founder of Monasticism in Kyivan Rus'

Saint Anthony of Kyiv, also known as Anthony Pechersky, is revered as a founder of monasticism in Kyivan Rus' (which encompasses the spiritual roots of present-day Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus). Born in Liubech, Ukraine around 983, and christened Antipas, he was profoundly drawn to the spiritual life from a young age.

Journey to Mount Athos and return to Kyiv

Seeking a life of asceticism, Anthony travelled to the Greek Orthodox Esphigmenou Monastery on Mount Athos, a famed center of monasticism in Greece, to become a hermit. After years there, in approximately 1011, the abbot of the monastery entrusted him with the mission of promoting monasticism in his homeland, Kyivan Rus', which had recently embraced Christianity. Upon returning, he found the established monasteries too lenient and chose to live a solitary life in a cave near Kyiv, following the austere traditions of Mount Athos. This was the beginning of what would become the renowned Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Kyiv Monastery of the Caves).

Founding of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and growth of monasticism

Anthony's asceticism and spiritual guidance attracted numerous followers, including Nikon and Theodosius of Kyiv. With the community growing, they expanded the original cave and established a monastery within it, which laid the groundwork for the Kyiv Caves Lavra. Eventually, Anthony appointed Barlaam as the first abbot before retreating to another cave to continue his solitary life, according to Wikipedia. The monks, later led by Theodosius, constructed a wooden church and cells on the surface, further developing the monastery. America Needs Fatima notes that Anthony later founded another monastery in Chernigov as well.

Death and veneration

Anthony died in 1073 at the age of ninety, after blessing the foundation of a larger stone church being built at the monastery. He requested that his remains be concealed, and they were reportedly buried in his cave within the Near Caves, which are also known as Anthony's Caves. His relics have never been recovered.

Anthony is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Catholic Churches, and is also recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. His feast day is celebrated on July 10 (or July 23 on the Gregorian calendar), while the Roman Catholic Church commemorates him on May 7.

Saint Volodymyr, also known as Volodymyr the Great, was a significant historical figure who ruled Kyivan Rus' from approximately 980 to 1015 AD. He is most notably recognized for his conversion from paganism to Christianity and the subsequent Christianization of the Rus' people in 988 AD.

Early life and pagan rule

Volodymyr was the son of Sviatoslav I of Kyiv and his mistress Malusha. Initially, Volodymyr was a staunch pagan, known for military conquests, multiple wives, and the erection of pagan idols throughout his territories.

Journey to Christianity

Volodymyr recognized the political and social benefits of adopting a unified monotheistic religion for his diverse kingdom. He sent envoys to investigate the different faiths of neighboring regions, including Islam, Judaism, Roman Catholicism, and Greek Orthodox Christianity.

The envoys were particularly impressed by the grandeur and spiritual atmosphere of the Divine Liturgy in Hagia Sophia during their visit to Constantinople. Their accounts reportedly swayed Volodymyr, leading him to convert to Christianity around 987 or 988 AD. He adopted the Christian name Basil following his baptism and married Anna Porphyrogenita, the sister of the Byzantine Emperor Basil II.

Christianization of Kyivan Rus'

Upon his return to Kyiv, Volodymyr ordered the destruction of pagan idols and the mass baptism of his people in the Dnieper River. He actively promoted the establishment of churches and schools, replacing pagan practices with Christian traditions.

Legacy

Volodymyr's conversion and the subsequent Christianization of Kyivan Rus' were pivotal events that profoundly impacted the history and culture of Ukraine and Russia. He is revered as a saint, recognized for laying the foundation of Christianity in the region and ushering in a new era of religious and cultural development. His feast day is celebrated on July 15.

Saint Jude: Patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations

Saint Jude Thaddeus, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, is revered in Christianity as the patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations. His name is sometimes abbreviated to Jude to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus.

Here's a closer look at Saint Jude:

1. Biblical figure and apostle

Saint Jude is mentioned in the Gospels of Luke and Acts as "Jude of James" or "Judas, not Iscariot".
He's believed to have been a cousin of Jesus and brother of Saint James the Less.
The Epistle of Jude, a short but powerful book in the New Testament, is traditionally attributed to him.

2. Missionary work and martyrdom

Tradition holds that Saint Jude preached the Gospel in Mesopotamia, Persia, Armenia, and other parts of the Middle East alongside Saint Simon the Zealot.
He is believed to have been martyred by being clubbed or hacked to death, likely in Beirut or Persia, around 65 AD.
His body was later brought to Rome and placed in a crypt under St. Peter's Basilica.

3. Patron saint of lost causes

Saint Jude is widely invoked by those facing seemingly impossible challenges, including illness, unemployment, and addiction.
His patronage is said to have originated from the belief that few Christians sought his intercession due to the resemblance of his name to that of Judas Iscariot.
This led to the idea that Saint Jude was particularly eager to assist those who did invoke him, even in the most dire circumstances.

4. Symbols and iconography

Saint Jude is commonly depicted with a club or axe, symbolizing his martyrdom.
He is also often shown with a flame above his head, representing the Holy Spirit received at Pentecost.
Another frequent attribute is a medallion or image of Jesus, which recounts a legend where King Abgar of Edessa was cured of leprosy after Saint Jude brought him a cloth with Jesus' image.

5. Feast day and devotion

Saint Jude's feast day is celebrated on October 28 in Western Christianity.
Devotion to Saint Jude is widespread, particularly in Catholic and Hispanic communities.
Many people engage in novenas (nine days of prayer) seeking his intercession.
Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, founded by entertainer Danny Thomas, is a testament to the saint's legacy of hope and compassion.

In essence, Saint Jude Thaddeus represents unwavering faith, perseverance in the face of adversity, and a powerful intercessor for those in desperate need of hope and assistance.

Saint Josaphat was an Eastern Rite Bishop. He is a martyr to Church unity, because he died trying to bring the Orthodox Church into union with Rome. There was a schism between the western Church centered in Rome, and the Eastern Church centered in Constantinople in 1054.

Born: 1580, Volodymyr, Ukraine

Place of burial: Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City

Beatified: May 16, 1643; Rome; by Pope Urban VIII

Canonized: June 29, 1867; Rome; by Pope Pius IX

Church: Ruthenian Uniate Church (present-day Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church)

Patronage: The St Leonards academyB

Josaphat Kuntsevych, OSBM (c. 1580 – 12 November 1623) was a Basilian hieromonk and archeparch of the Ruthenian Uniate Church who served as Archbishop of Polotsk from 1618 to 1623. On 12 November 1623, he was beaten to death with an axe during an anti-Catholic riot by Eastern Orthodox Belarusians in Vitebsk,[a] in the eastern peripheries of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.

His death reflects the conflict between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches that intensified after four Ruthenian Orthodox Church (Kyiv Metropolitanate) bishops transferred their allegiance from the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople to the Holy See, under the terms laid down by the 1439 Council of Florence, by signing the 1596 Union of Brest. Archeparch Josaphat remains one of the best-known victims of anti-Catholic violence for his role in both personally accepting and very effectively spreading the Eastern Catholic Churches as a hieromonk and bishop,[6]: 57 [7] and was canonized in 1867 by Pope Pius IX as a saint and a martyr of the Catholic Church.[b]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josaphat_Kuntsevych

Saint John the Baptist: forerunner of Jesus

John the Baptist was a pivotal figure in the narratives surrounding Jesus in the New Testament. He was an ascetic Jewish preacher and prophet who played a key role in preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah.

Key aspects of his life and ministry

Birth and Early Life: John's birth was miraculous, born to the elderly Zechariah (a priest) and Elizabeth (a relative of Mary, Jesus' mother), according to the Gospel of Luke. He spent his early years living as a hermit in the Judean wilderness.
Preaching and Baptism: John emerged as a powerful preacher in the Jordan River valley, proclaiming a message of repentance and the imminence of God's final judgment. He urged people to repent their sins and undergo baptism as a sign of their commitment to a righteous life and in preparation for the Messiah. He is known as "the Baptist" because of his practice of baptizing those who responded to his message.
Relationship with Jesus: John is primarily known as the forerunner or precursor of Jesus. He publicly declared Jesus as the Messiah, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world". Most biblical scholars believe that John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, according to Zondervan Academic.
Martyrdom: John's unwavering commitment to truth led him to criticize Herod Antipas for marrying Herodias, his brother's divorced wife, an act considered unlawful under Jewish law. His boldness led to his imprisonment and eventual beheading at the request of Herodias and her daughter Salome. His death is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus' own suffering and death.

Significance

John's ministry was essential in setting the stage for Jesus' public ministry. He is revered as a prophet in several faiths, including Christianity, Islam, the Baháʼí Faith, and Mandaeism. In Christianity, he's considered the last of the Old Testament prophets and a bridge between the Old and New Covenants. Ukrainian Catholic churches commemorate him on multiple feast days, including his Nativity (June 24) and the Beheading of Saint John the Forerunner (August 29), a day of strict fasting and abstinence.

History of the Saints in the Stained Glass Windows of our Church:

History of the Saints in the
Stained Glass Windows of our Church: