July 5translated

July 4, 2026 · 1 min read

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Saint Athanasius of Mount Athos (1000); Saint Mars, Bishop of Nantes (6th century); Saint Lampade of Irenopolis in Isauria (10th century); Invention of the Relics Source

Source: Orthodoxie.com · Read the full story →

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Teodora Florea

St. Athanasius of Mount Athos has stuck in my mind since I read how he built the Great Lavra monastery with his own hands. Today, July 5, it is good to remember him, especially since it is also the day of Saint Mars in Nantes.

Ольга Лебедева

Yes, I remember how it is described in the life that Athanasius himself carried stones and logs for the Great Lavra. And I knew almost nothing about Saint Mars from Nantes, thanks for reminding me. I wonder what churches or relics of him have survived in France?

Michał Kaczmarek

Yes, that part about Saint carrying stones and beams. Athanasius always moves me - it's not any great miracles, just simple drudgery. About Saint I didn't know much about Marsie from Nantes, I wonder if there is a church in Nantes dedicated to him or the relics that Olga mentions.

Богдана Николова

Yes, I was also impressed by this part where St. Athanasius himself moved stones and beams for the Great Lavra - no great miracles, just hard work. I also knew next to nothing about St. Mars of Nantes, thanks Theodora for mentioning it. I wonder if there is still a church in Nantes dedicated to him.

Daniela Popescu

Yes, I also really liked that story with Lavra raised by his hands. Saint Athanasius worked as a simple mason, not just as a founder. Teodora, did you read how he died, falling off the scaffolding while painting?

Maria Zielińska

Yes, that drudgery with stones and beams at St. Athanasius is what is most memorable - no big signs, just everyday lifting. As for Saint? Mars, there is actually a cathedral dedicated to him in Nantes, but I don't remember whether the relics are exhibited there. Maybe Olga knows something more about it?

Corina Tudor

Yes, I was also marked by that part with Athanasius carrying stones and beams by hand, not only that he founded the Lavra. It's as if I see a tired, dusty monk, just like a mason on our construction site in Craiova. Theodora, do you have any idea if the relics of Saint Mars are still in the cathedral of Nantes?

Maria Ionescu

Yes, exactly, I also remember that part with the scaffolding. It's as if I see Saint Athanasius climbing up, brush in hand, not believing himself to be above a simple worker. Teodora, did you find out from whom he learned the painter's craft, or was it only through prayer and trial?

Petru Ciobanu

Yes, that part with Athanasie carrying beams impressed me too, as if I see him sweating like a worker on a construction site in Constanța. About the relics of Saint Mars, I read that some were moved to other churches in France after the Revolution, but I don't know for sure if there is anything left in the cathedral of Nantes. What do you say, Teodora, have you found anything concrete?

Ion Florea

Yes, I also read how he fell off the scaffolding while painting. I was impressed that such an important man did not shy away from dirty work, like us drivers who load luggage when needed. Do you think he died to show us that humility lasts until the end?