Venerable Стилиан Пафлагонянин

Venerable Stylianos of Paphlagonia was born in the town of Adrianopolis, in the region of Paphlagonia, Asia Minor, likely in the 5th century (his exact dates are unknown). Born into a pious family, from his youth he was marked by purity of life and diligence in prayer. On reaching adulthood, he distributed his entire inheritance to the poor and took monastic vows, afterward withdrawing to a desert cave in Asia Minor for a life of strict asceticism. For his righteous life, the Lord granted him a special gift — the protection and healing of children: mothers from surrounding towns and villages brought their sick infants to him, and taking each child in his arms, the saint would pray with tears for healing, which he unfailingly received. Women unable to bear children also turn to him in prayer. In icons, St. Stylianos is always depicted smiling, holding a swaddled infant. His veneration is especially strong in Greece, Cyprus, and Asia Minor; in the Russian Church his cult spread later, from the 19th century onward. He is regarded as the chief patron of infants and children in the Orthodox Church. Feast: November 26/December 9.