Synaxarium

On this day is the martyrdom of the venerable Saint Abaskhiron the soldier from Qalyub. He was among the soldiers of Ariana and Antinoopolis. When the orders of Diocletian to worship idols were issued, this saint stood in the midst of the gathered crowd, showing the error of the king and cursing his idols. They arrested him and imprisoned him in the governor’s palace prison in Assiut. Five soldiers (Alphius, Armanius, Archeas, Peter, and Cyriacus) agreed with him to shed their blood for the name of Christ. When they appeared before the governor, he ordered their limbs to be cut, tortured them, crucified some, and beheaded others. As for Saint Abaskhiron, the governor tortured him with various torments, but the Lord strengthened him, gave him patience, and healed his wounds. The governor summoned a sorcerer named Alexander to give the saint some deadly poison, saying, “O prince of demons, show your power in this Christian.” The saint took the poison, made the sign of the cross over it, and drank it without harm. The sorcerer was amazed and believed in the God of Saint Abaskhiron. The governor then beheaded the sorcerer, who received the crown of martyrdom. The governor’s anger increased against the saint, and after much torture, he ordered his beheading as well, and he received the crown of martyrdom.

May his prayers be with us. And to our Lord be the glory forever. Amen.