July 4: Saint Andreas, Archbishop of Crete celebratestranslated

Today, July 4, the Church honors the memory of Saints Andrew, Archbishop of Crete, the poet, and Michael Choniatos, Archbishop of Athens (†1220). We also celebrate the finding of the Relic of Saint Anisia, which is kept in the church of Saint Demetrius in the queen of Thermaikos, Thessaloniki.

By LAMBROS K. SKONTZOU, Theologian - Professor

Saint Andreas of Crete: The poet of the Great Canon On Thursday of the 5th week of Lent, the Great Canon is sung in our Church, the excellent poem of Saint Andrew of Crete, one of the greatest poets and orators of our Church.

Saint Andrew was born in Damascus, Syria in the year 660 to pious Greek parents, George and Gregory. Because he was mute until the age of eight, he was dedicated to the service of the Church, as an act of gratitude to God. Along with piety, they also gave him a serious education. At the age of fifteen he went with his parents to Jerusalem, where Patriarch Theodore placed him under his protection. In 678 he became a monk, then he was ordained a deacon and promoted to an official of the patriarchal court (notary). Early on he showed unusual action,…