Saint Augustine was born in the city of Thagaste in northern Africa. He was raised by his mother, Saint Monica (May 4), and he received his education at Carthage. In the capacity of professor of rhetoric, Augustine arrived at Milan, Italy where Saint Ambrose (December 7) was bishop. Under the guidance of Saint Ambrose, Augustine studied the Holy Scriptures.

The Word of God produced in his soul a radical crisis; he accepted holy Baptism, gave all his wealth to the poor and was tonsured as a monk.
In the year 391 Valerian, Bishop of Hippo, ordained Saint Augustine a priest, and in 395, appointed him vicar bishop of the see of Hippo. After the death of Bishop Valerian,

Saint Augustine took his place.During his 35 years as bishop, Saint Augustine wrote many works devoted to combatIng the Donatist, Manichaean and Pelagian heresies.

Saint Augustine wrote many works (according to his student and biographer Possidias, the number approached 1030). Of his works the best known are: The City of God (De civitate Dei), The Confessions, 17 Books against the Pelagians and Handbook of Christian Knowledge (The Enchiridion). Saint Augustine was concerned above all else that his writings be intelligent and edifying. “It is better,” he said, “for them to condemn our grammar, than for people not to understand.” Saint Augustine died on August 28, 430.

APOLYTIKION
Let us cry out to Augustine the Great, / a Hierarch of the divine Church of Christ and a wise guide; / a renowned theologian of the city on high,1 / a lover of prayer, and a pillar of repentance; / “Intercede with the Lord, that He may have mercy on our souls.”

KONTAKION
You accepted the light of Christ in your heart, / and being in this light, and illumining the faithful with light, / you burned the enemies with your wise writings; / O blessed Father Augustine, always intercede with Christ for all of us.

“You called and cried out loud and shattered my deafness. You were radiant and resplendent You put to flight my blindness. You were fragrant and I drew in my breath and now I pant after You.  I tasted You and I feel but hunger and thirst for You. You touched me, and I am set on fire to attain You forever.”  (from The Confessions by St. Augustine)