"Theodora"

An interesting survey of the life of St. Theodora, wife of St. Justinian and venerated by the Local Orthodox Churches that accept and reject Chalcedon, can be found here. It has some innaccuracies (for example, the author at one point refers to the controversy over Chalcedon as involving Trinitarian theology, not Christology), but is a good read nonetheless. Enjoy!

St. Severus of Antioch

Joyous feast! St. Severus is one of the great Fathers of the Church of Antioch. He was enthroned as Patriarch of Antioch in 512 as the divisions over Nestorianism and the Council of Chalcedon were hardening. During the first part of his patriarchate he did not suffer persecution, but following the enthronement of a new, pro-Chalcedon emperor St. Severus was persecuted for his opposition to Chalcedon and even threatened with death. Thanks to the intervention of the empress, St. Theodora (a former dancer venerated by both those for and against Chalcedon), St. Severus was able to escape to Egypt, where he visited the desert monasteries disguised as a simple monk. He fell asleep in the city of Sakha in 538. More here. May his blessing and prayers be with us all!

Sts. Philip the Apostle, Justinian and Theodora, Gregory Palamas, Alexander of the Neva, and Alberic of Utrecht (!)

It's the second most feared feast day of the ecclesiastical year - St. Philip! Poor St. Philip not only ushers in the Prophets' Fast (which is called Philip's Fast in Rus'), but also has to share his feast day with the energetic St. Gregory Palamas ;-), the rather formidable Sts. Justinian (the peasant soldier-turned-emperor) and Theodora (the prostitute-turned-empress), and that greatest of Russian military saints, Alexander of the Neva. We Dutch also celebrate St. Alberic of Utrecht today :-). So, a full day! I hope it is one full of joy for you! May the Saints blessings and prayers be with us all!