July 9 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, July 9th (or June 26th on the Julian Calendar, for churches which still follow the Old Calendar) is a day with several significant commemorations. These include:

• The Holy Hieromartyr Pancras, Bishop of Taormina: Commemorates the martyrdom of Saint Pancras, a disciple of the Apostle Peter, who was consecrated Bishop of Taormina in Sicily and later stoned to death for his faith.

• The Holy Martyr Theodore, the Varangian of Kiev and his son, St. John: Celebrates the martyrdom of Theodore and his son John. Theodore was a Varangian (Viking) serving in the court of Prince Vladimir of Kiev. When pagan idols were to be offered human sacrifice, Theodore refused to offer his son John, and both were killed for their Christian faith, thus becoming the first martyrs on Russian soil.

• Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Quick to Hear" ( Gorgoepikoos ): This day is associated with celebrations of the "Quick to Hear" icon, one of the most revered icons of the Theotokos (Mother of God) in the Orthodox tradition. Miracles and answered prayers are frequently attributed to this icon. Multiple "Quick to Hear" icons exist, with various feast days, but this specific date often commemorates the original image at Dochiariou Monastery on Mount Athos.

Besides these major commemorations, numerous other saints may be commemorated on this day, depending on the particular local church tradition and calendar. Services on this day would typically incorporate hymns and readings relevant to the saints and icons celebrated.