Spyridon the Wonderworker

ca. 270–348

Also known as St. Spyridon of Trimythous

A simple shepherd-bishop at the First Council; worker of many wonders.

Feast Day

December 12

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Commemorated as

Our Father among the Saints Spyridon, Bishop of Trimythous, the Wonderworker

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Life

Spyridon of Trimythous (Greek: Σπυρίδων, ca. 270–348) was a fourth-century bishop of Trimythous in Cyprus who was present at the First Ecumenical Council. Born around 270 in the village of Ashia in Cyprus, he was a peasant farmer and shepherd with no formal education, and he is remembered for a life of piety, humility, and pastoral care.

By tradition Spyridon was married and had a daughter named Irene. After his wife died, he and his daughter both entered monastic life. He was later made Bishop of Trimythous during the reign of Constantine the Great, continuing in the piety for which he was widely known. He died in Trimythous, Cyprus, in 348.

He is venerated in the Orthodox Church as a wonderworker, known for his miraculous works and his incorrupt relics. The Church commemorates him on December 12.

Customs & Traditions

On Corfu his incorrupt relics are carried in solemn procession four times a year in thanksgiving for the island's deliverances.

Timeline 4 moments Read Hide

ca. 270 Birth in Cyprus Spyridon is born in the village of Ashia in Cyprus and grows up as a peasant farmer and shepherd without formal education.
4th century Marriage and monastic life By tradition Spyridon marries and has a daughter, Irene. After his wife's death, he and his daughter both enter monasticism.
during the reign of Constantine the Great Bishop of Trimythous Spyridon is made Bishop of Trimythous in Cyprus, continuing in the piety for which he was known. He is present at the First Ecumenical Council.
348 Repose Spyridon dies in Trimythous, Cyprus.

Contributions & Legacy

3 contributions Read Hide

Historical Context and Ministry

A simple shepherd raised to the episcopate, Spyridon was present at the First Ecumenical Council, where he is numbered among the bishops who upheld the faith. His life exemplifies devotion, humility, and pastoral leadership, and he was greatly known among the faithful for his piety.

Though without formal education, he served as Bishop of Trimythous during the reign of Constantine the Great, continuing his ministry of pastoral care and spiritual leadership in Cyprus.

Relics & Shrines

Spyridon's incorrupt relics are preserved on the island of Corfu, where he is venerated as the patron saint and is commonly called the Keeper of the City (Greek: ο πολιούχος). The relics remain a testimony to his holiness and continue to draw pilgrims.

By tradition, his slippers are said to wear out, a sign associated with his ongoing intercession for the faithful.

Miracles & Traditions

Historically Documented: Spyridon is known throughout the Orthodox Church for his miraculous works and for his incorrupt relics, which pilgrims venerate on Corfu while seeking his intercession.

Traditional Accounts: On Corfu, his incorrupt relics are carried in solemn procession four times a year in thanksgiving for the island's deliverances. By tradition his slippers are said to wear out, and pilgrims continue to experience healings and deliverances through his intercession.

Notes

Incorrupt relics on Corfu, said to wear out his slippers.

Sources: Synaxarion