African Saints (from the Prologue of Ohrid) November 16  Apostle & Evangelist Matthew (1st century)  He was Levi the tax collector in Capernaum when Jesus told him, “Follow Me” (Matthew 9:9).  His account of the Gospel was first written in Aramaic.  After Pentecost, Matthew preached the faith among the Parthians, Medes, and Ethiopians.  He was … More Dispatch from the Desert: November 16th thru 22nd

African Saints (from the Prologue of Ohrid) November 9  John the Dwarf (ca. 407)  This well loved monk was a disciple of Paisius the Great and Pambo.  Under Pambo’s direction, John watered a dry stick for 3 years until it suddenly bore leaves and fruit.  This is how he learned the benefits of obedience.  John … More Dispatch from the Desert: November 9th thru 15th

African Saints (from the Prologue of Ohrid) November 3 Elias of Egypt (4th/5th century) Perhaps the same Abba Elias with 8 lessons in the Sayings of the Desert Fathers.  He lived among the rocks near Antinoe, a city in Upper Egypt (Lower Nubia).  He was hearaled for his asceticism and healing.  Abba Elias reposed at … More Dispatch from the Desert: November 2nd thru 8th

African Saints (from the Prologue of Ohrid) October 28th Terence, Africanus, Maximus, Pompeius, and the 36 (250) Martyrs in Carthage. October 30 Eutropia, Alexander, Cronion, Julian, Macarius, and 12 Companions (250)  Martyrs in Alexandria. A Word from the Fathers & Mothers Honor God in dee, praise Him in word, and unceasingly remember Him in the … More Dispatch from the Desert: October 26th thru November 1st

African Saints (from the Prologue of Ohrid) October 19  Varus and the Seven (ca. 307)  Varus was a Roman officer living in Egypt and a secret Christian.  He took care of imprisoned Christian teachers who encouraged him to join them as they were tortured and martyred. Cleopatra (327) & John (320)  Not the Egyptian queen.  … More Dispatch from the Desert: October 19th thru 25th

African Saints (from the Prologue of Ohrid) October 18  Apostle and Evangelist Luke (1st century)  Luke was born in Antioch and and became one of the 70 Apostles Jesus sent to preach during His earthly ministry (Luke 10:1-24).  He and Cleopas saw the resurrected Lord on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32).  Luke authored one … More Dispatch from the Desert: October 12th thru 18th

African Saints (from the Prologue of Ohrid) October 5     Dionysius (265) Born into a pagan family in Alexandria and a student of Origen.  Dionysius became the Bishop of Alexandria in 247 during a time of great persecution having to encouage his flock to hold firm against false teaching.  October 8     Thais(Taisia) (340)  She was a … More Dispatch from the Desert: October 5th thru 11th

African Saints (from the Prologue of Ohrid) October 4     Ammon (350)  He and his wife decided to live seperately.  She organized a convent while Ammon led a community of monks in  the Nitria desert.  Three lessons in the Sayings of the Desert Fathers are attributed to him. Paul the Simple  (339)  He caught his wife … More Dispatch from the Desert: September 28th thru October 4th

African Saints (from the Prologue of Ohrid) September 22         Peter the Merciful of Constantinople (6th Century) Served as a tax collector in Africa under Justinian.  Peter was once a cruel man who rarely gave alms to the poor.  In a vision, he saw the demons heaping his sins against him on a scale.  To his … More Dispatch from the Desert: September 21st thru 27th

African Saints (from the Prologue of Ohrid) September 16th     Dorotheus of Egypt (4th century)  Lived in a cell in the Thebaid.  He built cells for new monks and would pray and recite the Psalms while weaving mats.  Cyprian (258) Bishop and hieromartyr of Carthage.  Unlike the other bishop of the same name, this Cyprian was … More Dispatch from the Desert: September 14th thru 20th