Saint Spyridon of Trimythous was born at the end of the 3rd century on the island of Cyprus. He was a shepherd, had a wife and children, and gave all his means to the needs of others. After the death of his wife, he was elected bishop of the city of Trimythous. He participated in the First Ecumenical Council in 325, where he defended the Christian faith against Arianism. His simple speech and miracles, including the healing of the sick and the expulsion of demons, led many to turn to Christ.
At the Council, the saint provided a visual proof against the Arians of the Unity in the Holy Trinity by squeezing a brick, from which fire and water emerged, while the clay remained in his hands. He cared for his flock with great love, healed the sick, and prayed for rain during drought.
Saint Spyridon brought a dead child back to life through prayer, and healed the mother, who was shaken with joy. He also performed a miracle by commanding a flood to cease in order to save a friend, and he was hospitable to a stranger, even during fasting days.
Saint Spyridon distributed to the poor and needy without checking how much they took. His life was full of miracles; he awakened the dead and calmed the elements. By the prayers of the saint, idols fell, and he was summoned to the Council for their destruction.
Saint Spyridon lived a righteous life and surrendered his soul to the Lord in prayer around the year 348. His relics rest on the island of Corfu in the church named after him.
