Saint Stylianos Ministry
Ministry Leader: TBD
Contact Email: ststylianos@slocc.com
The Saint Stylianos Ministry strives to embody the spirit of this venerable Saint by joyfully offering support and prayer for mothers and children in the church community. Through weekly Mothers and Children gatherings, families come together in fellowship, learning, and faith-centered activities that nurture each child’s love and yearning for Christ, helping to establish a lasting foundation for their spiritual life.
A central aspect of our ministry is fostering meaningful community among mothers by creating a welcoming support network rooted in shared faith and friendship. We seek to cultivate a place where every family feels supported and connected, firmly believing that belonging precedes belief.
Come join us with your children on Wednesdays from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the Saint Lawrence fireside house. Our program begins with circle time, with stories, sharing, and group singing. Following this, we head outside for free play, with activities such as crafts and sensory play available for interested children. All activities will take place in safe spaces under the close supervision of our registered volunteers and fellow mothers.
Matthew 19:14: “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
Saint Stylianos was born in the Province of Paphlagonia in the late 6th century. Although being brought up in a wealthy family, he instead chose a life of solitude and devotion, becoming a hermit and dedicating himself to prayer. Despite living apart from society and dwelling in a desert cave, he continued to interact with the people around him and sought ways to help those in need.
According to tradition, Saint Stylianos prayed to the Lord for guidance on how he could best serve others. After emerging from his prayer with a deep, newfound serenity, he began ministering to the sick. When he encountered a child who had fallen ill, he placed his hand on him and felt the power of the Lord moving through his arm. The child recovered quickly, marking the beginning of Saint Stylianos’s dedication towards helping children.
Saint Stylianos also became an intercessor for mothers. A woman who frequently helped him care for sick children was unable to have children of her own, which brought sadness to both her and her husband. Through the saint’s intercessory prayers she was able to conceive, and her husband went on to spread the word of the miracle to the local people.
More families began seeking Saint Stylianos’s guidance, and increasing numbers of children were brought to him for care and instruction. This sudden increase prompted him to search for a larger place where he could house and teach the children and enlisted the help of other hermits. Mothers trusted that their children would be safe under his supervision. Through his ministry, Saint Stylianos became widely known for nurturing children in his care both spiritually and personally.