Holy Forty-Five Martyrs
Date of celebration: 10/07/2020
The Holy Forty-Five Martyrs were martyred in Nicopolis, Armenia, and among them were the prefects of the city, Daniel, Maurice, Antonius and Leontius.
When in 315 AD the emperor Licinius issued a decree against the Christians, these Forty-Five Saints, went alone to the duke and revealed that they are Christians.
When asked by Lysias, who convinced them not to sacrifice to the gods, they answered: “Christ is the one who taught us and convinced us not to worship non-existent gods, and not to worship their idols.” Enraged, the duke ordered and imprisoned them handcuffed, without giving them any bread or water.
The Saints spent the night praying. Among other things, they said: “We bless you, Lord, the king of glory. For you are the true life, who was sacrificed for us sinners, the Son of the true God. Unite us, Lord, so that we may all confess you with one soul and die together.” In the morning Lysias, after taking them out of prison, asked them if they had repented and returned to the gods of the state. The Saints answered with one voice: “Christians we are.” We are Christians.
Furious then Lysias commanded and they cut off their hands and feet, and then threw them into the fire. Thus, all together deserved to receive the amaranth crown of martyrdom.
