Saints

Monk and Abbot of Mount Sinai. A seventh century Palestinian, John was married as a young man. When his wife died he became a monk. He lived in a community for a short time and then became a hermit. He lived at Thole, coming to church with other Egyptian solitaries on Saturdays and Sundays, but spending the rest of the week alone. His name means ladder, and he wrote a book called the Ladder to P... Read More

These sixth century saints were the parents of Cadoc, one of the early founders of monasticism in South Wales. They are also one of very few married couples to be canonised. Gwynllyw was a chieftain. His wife Gwladys also came from an aristocratic family. Much of their life was spent fighting neighbouring tribes, but their son Cadoc converted them to Christianity and they became devout followers... Read More

Bishop of Antioch. According to legend, this third century saint was so revered by his flock that they nicknamed him 'Agathangelus' - which means 'The Good Angel'. When the Emperor Decius began persecuting Christians, it is said not a single Christian in his diocese denied their faith. In 261, a representative of Decius named Martian, summoned the bishop for cross-examination. Acacius told him ... Read More