Hierarch · c. 270–348
Spyridon
Saint Spyridon the Wonderworker, Bishop of Tremithus
New Calendar December 12 Old Calendar December 25
Why they are a saint
Spyridon was a shepherd-bishop of Tremithus in Cyprus; confessed the faith at Nicaea. His relics on Corfu are famous for wonders, including help with hearing and with the poor. The years given for this life are c. 270–348. The Church numbers him among its holy bishops.
Life
Saint Spyridon was born toward the end of the third century on the island of Cyprus. He was a shepherd with a wife and children, and he used all he had for his neighbours and the homeless; the Lord rewarded him with the gift of wonderworking. He became Bishop of Tremithus, joining his pastoral service with deeds of charity.
According to Church historians he took part in the First Ecumenical Council in 325. There, disputing with a philosopher who defended the Arian heresy, he took a brick in his hand and squeezed it: fire shot up, water dripped down, and only dust remained. 'There was only one brick,' he said, 'but it was composed of three elements. In the Holy Trinity there are three Persons, but only one God.'
Through his prayers drought gave way to rain, the sick were healed, demons were cast out, and a dead child was restored to life. He lived in righteousness and holiness and surrendered his soul to the Lord in prayer. His relics rest on the island of Corfu in a church named after him.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Patron of ears / hearing, potters, Corfu, the poor, because he lived in poverty and cared for those in need.
Prayer
O holy Spyridon, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with Spyridon of Serbia; Spyridon of the Kiev Caves.