Life
Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, the Wonderworker of Cyprus, lived in the fourth century and stands as one of the most extraordinary and luminous figures in the history of the Church. He was born on Cyprus around 270. Before becoming a bishop he was a simple shepherd — a man who tended sheep, lived in devout simplicity, and fed the poor from his modest means. He married early and had children, and after his wife’s death devoted himself completely to a life pleasing to God.
The people and clergy chose him as Bishop of Trimythous (today Trimithi) in Cyprus because of his unusual holiness and the gift of wonder-working. Spyridon did not change his habits even after episcopal ordination — he remained simple, compassionate, and close to ordinary people. He slept little, prayed and fasted greatly, and kept his door open to all in need.
At the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325, Spyridon confronted the Arians who denied the Divinity of Christ. In a debate with a philosopher who defended Arianism, Spyridon took a piece of unfired clay and pressed it in his hand, saying: “By faith we know that this is earth, water, and fire” — and at once water flowed from the clay, fire leapt out, and earth remained in his hand. By this miracle he showed how three distinct substances can be present in one undivided thing, just as three Persons of the Holy Trinity dwell in one God. The philosophers were left speechless.
Tradition attributes many miracles to him during his lifetime: he restored temporary life to his deceased daughter Irene so that she could reveal where she had placed money entrusted to her; he calmed storms at sea; he healed the Emperor Constans of a grave illness; he unmasked thieves who had stolen his sheep. It is said that angels sang with him when he celebrated the Liturgy alone, without a chanter.
Saint Spyridon reposed peacefully around 348. His body has remained incorrupt — his relics lie on the island of Corfu (Kerkyra) in Greece, where he is to this day the protector of the island and an unceasing wonderworker. Every few years the sandals on his feet are changed because the clergy notice they are worn out — the people believe that Spyridon visits the sick at night and helps those who pray to him.
He is especially venerated in Montenegro and the coastal regions of the former Yugoslavia. His name and feast have been adopted also by many Serbian families who trace their origins to those lands.
Tropar (Tone 1)
At the First Council thou didst appear as a champion of Orthodoxy and a wonderworker, O God-bearing father Spyridon; thou didst give life to the dead maiden in the shadow of thy God-pleasing soul, and thou didst change the serpent into gold; and singing the holy prayers thou hadst angels joining thee. Glory to Christ Who hath glorified thee; glory to Him Who hath granted thee a crown; glory to Him Who through thee worketh healings for all.
Kontakion (Tone 2)
Wounded by love for Christ, and having soared to God on the wings of thy mind, O God-bearer, thou didst receive the divine ray of illumination, and with angels chanting the Trinitarian hymn each day, O blessed father Spyridon.
About the Feast
The feast of Spyridon falls on December 25 by the New (Gregorian) calendar, corresponding to December 12 by the Old (Julian) calendar. It is interesting that by the New Calendar this date coincides with Christmas as celebrated by Western (Gregorian) Christians — but the Serbian Orthodox family that celebrates Saint Spyridon follows the Julian reckoning and observes his feast on December 25 by the New style, that is, the same day the Catholic and Protestant world celebrates Christmas.
The patron feast itself proceeds according to the established Orthodox rite: the priest blesses the slava bread, the slava candle is lit, and the host breaks the bread with the priest or the head of the family. The table is rich, December is a winter month, and guests come to warm both soul and body.
In Montenegro, especially in the Bay of Kotor and the coastal regions, Saint Spyridon holds a special place of devotion. The Church of Saint Spyridon in Kotor is one of the holiest churches of that region, and the relics of Saint Anastasia of Rome are kept nearby — making this area a true place of pilgrimage. Families from the Montenegrin coast, and those who have resettled in Serbia, especially cherish Spyridon’s feast and pass it down from generation to generation.