The Akathist of Saint Thecla—Saint Hosea the Prophet and Saint Andrew the Martyr of Crete

On this day, the following are commemorated: Saint Andrew the Pious Martyr of Crete, Saint Hosea the Prophet, the Veneration of the Holy Icon of the Mother of God “You Preserved Your Virginity in Childbirth,” the Veneration of the Holy Icon of the Mother of God “The Deliverer,” and the Transfer of the Relics of Saint Lazarus the Righteous to Constantinople.

Saint Hosea the Prophet is one of the prophets of the Old Testament and a herald of God’s love and mercy toward His people. Through his words, he called people to return to God and to renounce idolatry and sin. His message remains relevant today: God never ceases to call people to repentance and return, even when they stray.

On the same day, we commemorate the Holy and Venerable Martyr Andrew of Crete, who zealously defended the veneration of holy icons during the iconoclastic persecution. He traveled to Constantinople to strengthen the Christians who were being persecuted for confessing their faith. He received the crown of martyrdom for defending the truth of the faith, becoming a model of courage and steadfastness. The lives of these two saints call us to uphold God’s truth and to have the courage to bear witness to it even in difficult times.

We warmly welcome you to the Chapel of the Saint Thecla Foundation, in a warm and welcoming setting!