Commemorations
Meshir 25, 1121
The Martyrdom of Archippus, Philemon, His Sister, and Apiphia the Virgin
On this day, the saints Archippus, Philemon, and Apiphia the Virgin were martyred, who believed through the hand of Saint Paul the Apostle when he was preaching in Phrygia. It happened that the pagans were celebrating the festival of Artemis on her feast day, so the saints entered the marketplace to witness what the people were doing. They saw them sacrificing to the idol and glorifying it, so divine love was kindled in their hearts. They left the marketplace and went to the church, proclaiming the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and magnifying His holy name. When some pagans heard about them, they seized them and brought them before the governor, who attacked the church and arrested them. He tortured them by placing heated nails in their south sides, then threw Saint Archippus into a pit and ordered him to be stoned until he surrendered his pure spirit. As for Saints Philemon and Apiphia, they were tortured with many kinds of torments and were not spared until they surrendered their spirits. May their prayers be with us. Amen.
The Martyrdom of Deacon Qouna in the City of Rome and the Martyrdom of Saint Mina in the City of Cyprus
On this day, we commemorate the martyrdom of the deacon Qouna in the city of Rome and the martyrdom of Saint Mina in the city of Cyprus.
May their prayers be with us, and to our Lord be glory forever and ever. Amen.