Greek Orthodox Icons by Aikaterini

Anthony the Great (Ἀντώνιος Antṓnios; Latin: Antonius; Coptic: Ⲁⲃⲃⲁ Ⲁⲛⲧⲱⲛⲓ; c. 12 January 251 – 17 January 356) was a Christian monk from Egypt, revered since his death as a saint. He is distinguished from other saints named Anthony, such as Anthony of Padua, by various epithets: Anthony of Egypt, Anthony the Abbot, Anthony of the Desert, Anthony the Anchorite, Anthony the Hermit, and Anthony of Thebes. For his importance among the Desert Fathers and to all later Christian monasticism, he is also known as the Father of All Monks. His feast day is celebrated on 17 January among the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches and on Tobi 22 in the Coptic calendar.

Matthew the Apostle (Saint Matthew) (Ο Απόστολος και Ευαγγελιστής Ματθαίος) is named in the New Testament as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. According to Christian traditions, he was also one of the four Evangelists as author of the Gospel of Matthew, and thus is also known as Matthew the Evangelist. The claim of his gospel authorship is rejected by most biblical scholars, though the "traditional authorship still has its defenders." The New Testament records that as a disciple, he followed Jesus. Church Fathers such as Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria claim that Matthew preached the gospel to the Jewish community in Judea, before going to other countries.

Mary the Theotokos (Παναγία Γλυκοφιλούσα) was a first-century Judean woman of Nazareth, the wife of Joseph and the mother of Jesus. She is a central figure of Christianity, venerated under various titles such as Virgin or Queen, many of them mentioned in the Litany of Loreto. The Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Church of the East, Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches believe that Mary, as mother of Jesus, is the Mother of G-D. Other Protestant views on Mary vary, with some holding her to have considerably lesser status.

Saint Pantaleon (Παντελεήμων, romanised: San Pantalon Russian: Пантелеи́мон, romanised: Panteleímon; "all-compassionate"), counted in Western Christianity as among the Fourteen Holy Helpers of the Late Middle Ages, and in Eastern Christianity as one of the Holy Unmercenary Healers, was a martyr of Nicomedia in Bithynia during the Diocletianic Persecution of 305 AD. Though there is evidence to suggest that a martyr named Pantaleon existed, some consider the stories of his life and death to be purely legendary.

Saint Phanourios (Ο Άγιος Φανούριος) is venerated in the Orthodox Church as a great martyr and miracle-worker. Although little is known about his life, his icon was discovered in Rhodes in the 14th century, depicting him as a youthful soldier holding a cross of martyrdom. The faithful believe that through his prayers, lost items are revealed, which gave rise to his name from the Greek phanerono (to reveal). Tradition has also linked him with aiding those who are lost spiritually, bringing them back to faith through his intercession. In many Orthodox homes, his feast on 27 August is celebrated by baking and sharing a sweet bread known as Phanouropita in his honour. The Church Fathers and pious tradition affirm that Saint Phanourios continues to manifest the power of G-D through his miracles, guiding the faithful who call upon him with sincerity.

Saint Nicholas (Ο Άγιος Νικόλαος) is among the most beloved saints in the Orthodox Church, revered as Bishop of Myra in Lycia during the 4th century. Known for his deep faith, humility, and generosity, he became celebrated as a protector of the poor, a defender of the innocent, and a wonderworker whose intercessions brought countless miracles. According to tradition, he saved sailors from storms at sea, provided dowries for impoverished maidens, and defended those falsely accused. His relics, venerated in Bari, Italy, continue to be a source of healing and blessings for the faithful. Saint Nicholas is honoured worldwide as a model of compassion and mercy, and his feast on 6 December is kept with devotion throughout the Orthodox world, testifying to his enduring presence as a shepherd and intercessor for all who call upon him.

Saint Luke the Evangelist (Ο Άγιος Λουκάς ο Ευαγγελιστής) is honoured in the Orthodox Church as one of the four authors of the Holy Gospel. A physician by profession and a companion of the Apostle Paul, he is traditionally regarded as the author of both the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Renowned for his detailed and orderly account, his writings emphasize the compassion of Jesus Christ, the universality of salvation, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. According to ancient tradition, Saint Luke was also the first iconographer, painting images of the Theotokos and inspiring the sacred art of the Church through his devotion. He is remembered not only as an evangelist and missionary, but also as a healer of both body and soul, a man whose life and work continue to guide the faithful.

Saint George (Ο Άγιος Γεώργιος) is one of the most venerated martyrs of the Orthodox Church, honoured as the Great Martyr and Trophy-Bearer. Born into a noble Christian family in Cappadocia, he served as a soldier in the Roman army and rose to high rank. During the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian, George openly confessed his faith in Christ, enduring severe tortures before being beheaded around the year 303. His courage and steadfastness inspired generations of Christians, and his name became synonymous with valour and faith. The famous tradition of Saint George slaying the dragon symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the victory of faith over darkness. His feast on 23 April is celebrated with great devotion across the Orthodox world, where he is invoked as a protector of soldiers, farmers, and all those in need of courage and strength.

Saint Paisios the Athonite (Ὅσιος Παΐσιος ὁ Ἁγιορείτης) was one of the most beloved contemporary elders of the Orthodox Church, revered for his humility, wisdom, and spiritual discernment. Born Arsenios Eznepidis in Cappadocia in 1924, he was raised in deep faith and entered monastic life on Mount Athos, where he lived in prayer and asceticism for many years. Countless pilgrims sought him for guidance, consolation, and blessing, for he possessed the gift of spiritual insight and prophetic counsel. Saint Paisios taught simplicity, repentance, and love of G-D and neighbour as the true path to salvation. His life and teachings have inspired millions throughout the Orthodox world, calling the faithful to live with joy, trust in Divine Providence, and a heart filled with compassion. He reposed in 1994 and was canonised by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 2015.

Archangel Michael (Ο Αρχάγγελος Μιχαήλ) is honoured in the Orthodox Church as the leader of the heavenly hosts and defender of the faithful. His name means “Who is like G-D,” a declaration of Divine majesty and humility before the Creator. In Holy Scripture, he appears as protector of Israel, guardian of the righteous, and the mighty warrior who cast down the rebellious angels. Throughout Christian tradition, Archangel Michael is seen as the one who delivers souls from evil, guiding them safely to the Kingdom of Heaven. Countless miracles are attributed to his intercession, and churches dedicated to him are found throughout the Orthodox world, especially in Greece and Asia Minor. His feast on 8 November, shared with all the bodiless powers of Heaven, reminds the faithful of the unseen battle between light and darkness and the assurance that G-D’s power, through His holy angels, prevails eternally.