Celebrated February 19th

Several years ago, we had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Greece with my in-laws. Until now, I had never left North America, so venturing across the ocean to Europe was an adventure! With two small children in tow, we ventured out to the busting city and discovered this breathtaking Cathedral Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation in the heart of Athens. We walked into a service that was already in motion, and settled into a spot on the left hand side of the nave. I couldn’t help but notice an encased golden tomb, with a striking silver plated icon hanging over it. I marveled at the story that was etched into the side, wondering who it was that I had the pleasure of worshipping next to. We stayed in Athens for a week, and visited this Church every single day for daily prayers. I became quite fond of this saint, even though admittedly I knew nothing about her expect what I could see in engraved into her tomb. She endured many horrendous trials, resulting in martyrdom.

When I got home to the US, I looked up the cathedral and learned that it was St Philothei (or Philothea), patron saint of Athens. Each year, on her feast day February 19th, I revist St Philothei and hope to learn more about her incredible life story and ask for her prayers.

As I stood there, in that Cathedral, I felt as if I had made a new friend. I felt peace next to her and asked her for her prayers, even though I didn’t know her name.

I shared these slides on Instagram and I wanted to share them here as well. I truly believe that the saints are our friends, and my friend St Philothei wants me to share her story and how she touched my life that day, and continues to even 6 years later.

The Great Cloud of Witnesses: How reading the lives of the saints teaches us what it means to be a Christian

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” St. Paul sums it up in 1 Corinthians 11:1.

If you ever want to know what it means to be a Christian, turn to the Saints. There you will see those who have become like Christ, and we can imitate them 🙏

-Khouria Destinie