Feast: Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishops, Teachers of the Faith; Seraphim, Monk of Sarov, Spiritual Guide; Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah, Bishop in South India, Evangelist — 2 January 2026

Church of England Calendar

Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishops, Teachers of the Faith; Seraphim, Monk of Sarov, Spiritual Guide; Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah, Bishop in South India, Evangelist

2 January 2026

Today we honor the lives of Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, Seraphim of Sarov, and Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah, who dedicated their lives to serving God and spreading the message of faith. These saints exemplified steadfast devotion, wisdom, and humility in their teachings and actions, inspiring countless believers to deepen their relationship with God. Their legacies continue to impact generations, reminding us of the transformative power of faith and the importance of living out our beliefs in all aspects of our lives.

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Today's Collect

"Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, Seraphim of Sarov, and Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah. May their dedication to your kingdom inspire us to live out our faith with courage and compassion. Help us to follow their teachings and emulate their virtues as we strive to grow closer to you each day. Amen."

The Cloud of Witnesses

Basil the Great

Basil the Great was a fourth-century bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, known for his theological writings and efforts to combat heresy. He played a key role in shaping the doctrine of the Trinity and is revered as a Doctor of the Church.

Gregory of Nazianzus

Gregory of Nazianzus, also known as Gregory the Theologian, was a fourth-century Archbishop of Constantinople and a prominent theologian. He is recognized for his contributions to the development of early Christian doctrine.

Seraphim of Sarov

Seraphim of Sarov was a Russian monk and mystic who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. He is revered for his ascetic life, spiritual wisdom, and miraculous healings. Seraphim is considered one of the greatest saints of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah

Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah was a pioneering Indian bishop who served as the first Indian bishop of the Anglican Church in South India. He was a prominent evangelist and advocate for social justice, working tirelessly to spread the Gospel and uplift marginalized communities.

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🙏 Let us take a moment to reflect on how we can incorporate the teachings and examples of these saints into our own lives. How can we emulate their dedication to God and their commitment to serving others? Let us seek ways to deepen our faith and share the message of God's love with those around us.

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