Justinian and Theodora

Saints Justinian the Emperor and Theodora the Empress, builders of Hagia Sophia.

The Emperor Justinian ruled the Byzantine Empire in the sixth century and is remembered for the building of the Great Church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, for his codification of Roman law and for his defence of the Orthodox faith. His wife Theodora was his close counsellor and known for her charity.

The Church honours them together as pious rulers.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Justinian and Theodora is commemorated on November 15. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on November 28 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on November 15

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  Gurias and Samonas

  Martyr, Γούριας και Σαμωνάς

  Holy Martyrs Gourias, Samonas and Abibus.

  Name days: Gourias, Samonas, Samona

• Elpidios, Marcellus and Eustochios

  Martyr, Ελπίδιος, Μάρκελλος και Ευστόχιος

  Holy Martyrs Elpidios, Marcellus and Eustochios, who suffered under Julian the Apostate.

• Kyntion of Seleucia

  Hierarch, Κυντίων Σελευκείας

  Saint Kyntion, Bishop of Seleucia.

• Demetrios of Thrace

  Martyr, Δημήτριος ο Μάρτυς

  Holy Martyr Demetrios of Dabuda in Thrace.

• Thomas II of Constantinople

  Hierarch, Θωμάς ο Β' Πατριάρχης

  Saint Thomas II the New, Patriarch of Constantinople.