Commemorations
Paremhat 7, 1121
The Martyrdom of Anba Philemon the Singer and Anba Ablabius
On this day, the saints Philemon and Ablanius were martyred. Philemon was a singer for Arianus, the governor of Ansena, and Ablanius was a psalmist. They were close friends. They desired to receive the crown of martyrdom. One day, Philemon entered the governor's presence and confessed the Lord Jesus Christ before him, so the governor ordered that he be shot with arrows. Then Saint Ablanius entered holding his psaltery and also confessed the Lord Jesus Christ. When the governor recognized him, he became very angry and ordered that he too be shot with arrows. During this, the arrows turned back toward the governor and struck his eye, gouging it out. As for the two saints, they completed their struggle and received the crown of martyrdom. May their prayers be with us. Amen.
The Martyrdom of Mary the Israelite
On this day, Saint Mary the Israelite was martyred. This saint did not know the Lord Jesus Christ and had a bad reputation. When she desired to repent and return to a righteous life, the Lord sent her a holy man who preached to her and taught her the way of salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He told her that the soul must give an account for all its deeds on the Day of Judgment, and that after death and leaving this world, she would be held accountable for what she had done. She said to him: "What is the proof of your words? What do you mention from the Torah given by God to Moses the prophet? My ancestors never said this. Prove to me the truth of your words with legal and rational evidence." He proved to her what she requested. When his words were established in her mind, she said: "If I repent from my filthy deeds, will God accept me?" He answered her: "If you believe that Christ came into the world for the salvation of mankind and walk the path of repentance, God will accept you." She believed and repented. When the governor heard about her, he brought her before him. She insisted on her Christianity, so he ordered her beheading by the sword. She received the crown of martyrdom. May her intercession be with us. Glory be to our Lord forever. Amen.
Commemoration of the Martyrdom of Mina in the Time of the Arabs
On this day is the commemoration of the martyrdom of Mina in the time of the Arabs. May his prayers be with us, and glory be to our Lord always, forever, Amen.