Hieromartyr Zenobius and his sister Zenobia of Aegae, Cilicia; Apostle Cleopas

Orthodox Calendar, October 30 Hieromartyr Zenobius and his sister Zenobia The Hieromartyr Zenobius, Bishop of Aegea, and his sister Zenobia suffered a martyr’s death in the year 285 in Cilicia. From childhood, they were raised in the holy Christian Faith by their parents, and they led pious and chaste lives.

In their mature years, shunning the love of money, they distributed away their inherited wealth giving it to the poor. For his beneficence and holy life, the Lord rewarded Zenobius with the gift of healing various maladies. He was also chosen bishop of a Christian community in Cilicia.

As bishop, Saint Zenobius zealously spread the Christian Faith among the pagans. When the emperor Diocletian (284-305) began a persecution against Christians, Bishop Zenobius was the first one arrested and brought to trial to the governor Licius.

“I shall only speak briefly with you,” said Licius to the saint, “for I propose to grant you life if you worship our gods, or death if you do not.” The saint answered, “This present life without Christ is death.

It is better that I prepare to endure the present torment for my Creator, and then with Him live eternally, than to renounce Him…