December 28
Reading:
All these Saints, some 20,000 in number, were burned alive
in the year 303, while they were gathered in church. This came to pass
during the reign of Diocletian and Maximian. According to the
Synaxarion, this took place on the day of Christ's Nativity. Eusebius
(Eccl. Hist. VIII, 6) says that, of the Christians then living in
Nicomedia, all were slain by imperial decree - some by the sword, and
others by fire, and that, because of their divine and inexpressible
ardour, both men and women cast themselves into the fire. Besides those
burned in church. the following, who were slain in the same Persecution,
are commemorated today. Indus, Gorgonius, and Peter were cast into the
sea; Glycerius the Presbyter and Mardonius were burned; Dorotheus the
Prefect and Zeno were beheaded; Theophilus the Deacon was stoned;
Mygdonius was buried alive; and Domna, who had been a priestess of the
idols, believed in Christ, and was baptized, was beheaded and cast into
the fire. See also the account of Saint Anthimus on September 3.
Apolytikion of 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia in the Second Tone
Blessed is the earth that drank your blood, O prizewinners of the
Lord, and holy are the tabernacles that received your spirit; for in
the stadium ye triumphed over the enemy, and ye proclaimed Christ with
boldness. Beseech Him, we pray, since He is good, to save our souls.
Kontakion of 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia in the First Tone
A twenty-thousand numbered battalion of Martyrs ariseth like an
unwaning star great with brightness, enlight'ning by faith the hearts
and the minds of all godly folk. For, enkindled with divine love unto
the Master, this courageous host received a sanctified ending when
eagerly burned with fire.
SOURCE:
SAINT OR FEAST POSTED THIS DATE 2015(with 2014's link here also and further: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and even 2007!):
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