Here are some interesting and surprising facts about Valentine's Day...

~ There are  two Orthodox saints with the name Valentine (Valentius). The martyr in the icon (left) is from Bulgaria.

~ Both martyrs lived in the  3rd Century Roman Empire and were victims of pagan persecution.

~ February 14 is Roman Catholic  feastday.  Irconically, in 1969 St. Valentine was removed from the revised calendar.

~ Historical accounts have no association of either Valentine with romance. Chaucer's 'Parliament of Foules' was the first.

~ The commericalization of Valentine's day was started in the 19th Century by printers and card retailers.

Here is some additional information about these martyrs of the Church.

OCA Biography:   St. Valentine of Bulgaria (April 24) ~ St. Valentine, Bishop of Interamna (July 30)

Homily: Rehabilitating the Memory of St. Valentine  (a good summary)