Saint Spyridon

Saint Spyridon was born around 270 in Assia on the island of Cyprus. A humble shepherd, he was known early for simple, steadfast piety. He married and had a daughter, Irene; after his wife’s death, Spyridon embraced monastic life, and Irene entered a convent. In time he was chosen Bishop of Trimythous, where he served his flock with fatherly care and a reputation for holiness. Spyridon took part in the First Council of Nicaea in 325, defending the true faith against Arian error. Tradition remembers how, to help a philosopher grasp the mystery of the Trinity, he held up a potsherd and, invoking Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it seemed to reveal fire, water, and dust—an image of one reality in three distinct Persons. He died peacefully about 348. His incorrupt relics were later brought to Corfu, where the faithful honor him as protector of the island and many cities, and as patron of cobblers and the footwear trade. His feast day is December 12.