Synaxarium

On this day, Saint Paphnutius the Bishop departed. He became a monk in the wilderness of Saint Macarius and exerted himself in asceticism and worship. He spent his days eating only dry legumes. He learned reading, writing, and the church canons in the wilderness. They ordained him a priest, and he remained in the wilderness for thirty-five years. His virtues became well known, so Pope Philotheos the Sixty-Third of the Popes of Alexandria summoned him and ordained him a bishop. He did not change his clothes except on the day of the celebration of the offering of the sacrifices; otherwise, he wore haircloth. Due to intense asceticism, his body became very thin and he fell ill. He prayed to God saying: "O Lord Jesus Christ, for the sake of the episcopate, do not take away Your grace from me." Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said: "Know that when you were in the wilderness, no one cared for you during your illness, nor did you find what to heal yourself with. So God supported you and prevented the illness from harming you. But now you are in the world, and you have those who care for you and the medicine you need when you are ill."

This father remained in the episcopate for thirty-two years. When his death approached, he summoned the priests and deacons. After he handed over to them the church vessels, he said to them: "Know that I am going to the Lord Christ, and I have walked among you as you know. And the Lord Christ, before whom I am about to stand, bears witness that I have not hidden a single penny from all that came to the episcopate." Then he blessed them and departed in peace. May his prayer be with us, and glory be to our Lord forever. Amen.

On this day, Saint Theoclia, the wife of Saint Justus (his life is mentioned under the tenth day of the month of Amshir), was martyred. After Diocletian sent them to Alexandria and separated them, the governor sent Justus to Ansena, where he received the crown of martyrdom. Then he sent this saint to Salijar. When the governor saw her, he was amazed at how these people abandon the kingdom preferring death over it. He tried to persuade her kindly, but she did not accept his words and said to him: "I have left the kingdom and accepted separation from my husband since my youth, and I have consoled myself for my son for the sake of the Lord Christ. What can you give me?" He ordered her to be beaten until her body was cut, then he imprisoned her. The angel of the Lord appeared to her, comforted her, and strengthened her. When the prisoners saw that she had healed from her wounds, they believed in the Lord Christ and received the crown of martyrdom. Then the governor ordered her beheading. She received the crown of martyrdom. Some believers came, paid the soldiers silver, took the body, wrapped it, and placed it in a coffin until the end of the persecution. May her prayer be with us. Amen.