The Orthodox Church in Africa traces its origins to St. Mark, who planted the church in the city of Alexandria in 42 AD or thereabouts.
Man becomes holy and “sainted” by participation in the holiness of God. Holiness or sainthood is a gift (charisma) given by God to man, through the Holy Spirit. Man’s effort to become a participant in the life of divine holiness is indispensable, but sanctification itself is the work of the Holy Trinity, especially through the sanctifying power of Jesus Christ, who was incarnate, suffered crucifixion, and rose from the dead, in order to lead us to the life of holiness, through the communion with the Holy Spirit.
In our society, however, who can be addressed as a saint? Who are those men and women and children who may be called saints by the Church today? Many Orthodox theologians classify the saints in six categories:
The Apostles, who were the first ones to spread the message of the Incarnation of the Word of God and of salvation through Christ. The Prophets, because they predicted and prophesied the coming of the Messiah. The Martyrs, for sacrificing their lives and fearlessly confessing Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. The Fathers and Hierarchs of the Church, who excelled in explaining and in defending, by word and deed, the Christian faith. The Monastics, who lived in the desert and dedicated themselves to spiritual exercise (askesis), reaching, as far as possible, perfection in Christ. The Just, those who lived in the world, leading exemplary lives as clergy or laity with their families, becoming examples for imitation in society.
Below is a list of the 21 saints listed in the Saints of Africa. This is not a complete list of all of holy black men and women. Others will be added.
FEAST DAYS OF AFRICAN SAINTS
Anthony the Great 17 January
Athanasius the Great 18 January
Macarius the Great 19 January
Perpetua & Felicity 7 March
Isadore of Scetis 13 March
Mary of Egypt 1 April
George of Damascus 23 April
Isidora of Tabenna 10 May
Pachomius the Great 15 May
Onuphrius the Great 12 June
Sisoes 6 July
Pambo 18 July
Paisius 19 July
Moses the Ethiopian 28 August
Cyprian of Carthage 31 August
Theodora of Alexandria 11 September
Maurice of Thebes 22 September
Thais 8 October
Menas 11 November
Catherine of Alexandria 24 November
Patapius 8 December
Each and every one among all these saints has his or her own calling and characteristics: they all fought the “good fight for the faith” (1 Tim. 6:12 and 2 Tim. 4:7). All of them applied in their lives the scriptural virtues of “justice, piety, fidelity, love, fortitude, and gentleness” (1 Tim. 6:11).