"Zhitiia Sviatykh, v. 04 – Dekemvrii" by Saint Metropolitan of Rostov Dimitriĭ is a comprehensive collection of hagiographies focusing on the lives of saints celebrated in the month of December. The book provides detailed accounts of the virtues, miracles, and sufferings of these holy men and women, offering readers a glimpse into the spiritual journeys that led them to sainthood.

Saint Metropolitan of Rostov's writing is both informative and inspiring, shedding light on the profound faith and dedication of the saints. The author's deep reverence for the subjects of the hagiographies is evident in his eloquent descriptions and thoughtful reflections. Each biography is carefully researched and thoughtfully presented, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the lives of the saints.

Overall, "Zhitiia Sviatykh, v. 04 – Dekemvrii" is a beautifully crafted book that captures the essence of the lives of the saints and their enduring legacy. It is a testament to the power of faith and the transformative impact of devotion, making it a must-read for anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment and inspiration.

Book Description:

Жития и похвалы святых подобятся светлостию звездам: якоже бо звезды положением на небеси утвержденны суть, всю же поднебесную просвещают, тыяжде и от Индиан зрятся, ни сокрываются от скифов, землю озаряют, и морю светят, и плавающих корабли управляют: ихже имен аще и не вемы множества ради, обаче светлей доброте их чудимся. Сице и светлость святых, аще и затворены суть мощи их во гробех, но силы их в поднебесней земными пределы не суть определенны: чудимся тех житию, и удивляемся славе, еюже Бог угодившыя Ему прославляет.

[St. Symeon Metaphrastes on the Lives of the Saints, 10th century A. D. ENGLISH TRANSLATION: The lives and the eulogies of the Saints resemble, by their luminosity, the stars: for as the stars, firmly studded in the firmament as they are, illume the entire universe, and the same stars are beheld by the Indians, and are not hid from the Scythians, and shed their radiance over the earth and the seas, and show the way to the ships: and even if we know not their names for their multitude’s sake, we as yet admire their brilliant loveliness. So, too, doeth the brilliance of the Saints, even when their relics are shut under a tombstone, yet their miracles in the entire universe are not bound by earthly confines: we admire their lives and wonder at the glory wherewith God glorifieth those who have pleased Him.

This succinct description is found as introduction to each of the 12 volumes of the Church Slavonic Lives.]