When Nicholas grew up, he showed himself to be an honorable man. He shunned vain conversations, avoided familiar speech with women and refrained from gazing upon them, and spent his time in mental prayer and reading spiritual books.

Nicholas, the namesake of victory ("the name Nikolas come from nike, or the later form nikos, meaning "victory", and laos, which means "people." The etymology of the name may be interpreted as "victorious people, or "victorious with the people." Thus, the Saint's name signifies either victory over a people, that is, either victory over vices, or a victory in the full sense; because by his way of life and doctrine, he taught the peoples to conquer sins and vice.") and our Wonderworking (Miracle-working) Father among the Saints, was born in Patara, a city of Lycia (Southwestern region of Asia Minor or Turkey).

The Old Testament is made up of 49 books. Together with the New Testament, which consists of 27 books, it constitutes Holy Scripture. The Old Testament has been used continuously in the worship of the Church from the beginning until today. The Psalms are used the most, but readings from other books are also included in various services. Apart from passages inserted in prayers in the Divine Liturgy as well as other services, excerpts from the Old Testament are scattered throughout the language used in worship.

This famous follower of Christ was betrothed to Him from her early years. Her father, Dioscorus, was a pagan in the city of Heliopolis in Egypt and was famed for his wealth and standing. Dioscorus shut up his only daughter, who was both intelligent and beautiful, in a high tower, surrounded her with all possible comforts, gave her a host of attendants, set up idols for worship and built her a bathroom with two windows.

Saint Porphyrios (Bairaktaris) the Kafsokalyvite (7 February 1906 - 2 December 1991) was an Athonite hieromonk known for his gifts of spiritual discernment, a type of clairvoyance which he sometimes called "spiritual television."