Saint Seraphim of Sarov († 1833), is one of the most renowned Russian monks and mystics in the Orthodox Church who was canonized in 1903. He is generally considered the greatest of the 19th-century startsy (elders) and, arguably, the first. He is remembered for extending the monastic teachings of contemplation, theoria and self-denial to the layperson, and taught that the purpose of the Christian life was to acquire the Holy Spirit. He was canonized in 1903 in Sarov at the ceremony attended by the Tsar and senior members of the Russian Imperial family.
Saint Martyr Nikephoris of Antioch received martyrdom when he was beheaded during the time of Christian prosecution by Roman emperors Valerian (253-259) and Gallius (260-268).
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