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Martyrs Epictetus the Presbyter and Monkmartyr Astion; Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea and his mother Theodosia

July 7, 2026 · 1 min read

Orthodox Calendar July 8 Martyr Epictetus the Presbyter and Monkmartyr Astion The monastic martyrs Epictetus and Astion lived in Bithynia on the southwest coast of the Black Sea during the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian (284-305). From his youth, Saint Epictetus had dedicated his life to God, and studied to acquire knowledge of the Gospel.

He entered a monastery, and later was found worthy to be ordained to the holy priesthood. Proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, the saint converted many people to Christianity. God granted Epictetus the gift of wonderworking, and he healed many people troubled by unclean spirits, or afflicted with other maladies.

One day while out for a stroll, the illustrious youth Astion met Saint Epictetus. During a long conversation Saint Epictetus enlightened Astion, sowing the seed of God’s Word in the young man’s soul. He spoke to him about the only true God, about the great value of the immortal human soul, and about fleeting worldly pleasures.

Astion came to believe in Christ and was baptized. Soon after this, he also became a monk. Since Christians were being persecuted in Bithynia, he asked Saint Epictetus if they might travel together to…

Source: Basilica News Agency (English) · Read the full story →

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Тамара СемёноваИнтересно, что Астион встретил Епиктета просто во время прогулки. Обычная беседа — и вот уже семя упало в душу, крещение, монашество. У нас тоже бывает: поговоришь с человеком по делу, а потом смотришь — и жизнь у него повернулась.

Laurent MoreauOui, cette rencontre pendant une simple promenade m’a frappée aussi. Mon mari et moi, on discute souvent avec des gens au marché ou au jardin, et parfois une phrase sur la prière suffit à ce que quelqu’un revienne la semaine d’après avec des questions. C’est beau de voir que le Seigneur se sert même d’une balade ordinaire.

Teuta NakoPo, edhe mua më ka ndodhur diçka e ngjashme. Një ditë në kopsht, një grua që erdhi për domate filloi të fliste për shqetësimet e saj, dhe pas pak fjale për lutjen e mëngjesit, u kthye javën tjetër duke kërkuar të vinte në kishë. Nuk është gjithmonë predikim i madh, por një bisedë e thjeshtë si ajo e Epiktetit me Astionin gjatë shëtitjes.

Илья АндреевДа, точно подмечено. У меня тоже так было с одним соседом — зашёл за инструментом починить проводку, разговорились про жизнь, а через месяц он уже в храм стал ходить. Семя и правда может упасть в самый неожиданный момент.

Laura LewisYes, that chance meeting on a stroll really struck me too. My late husband and I used to chat with folks while I tended my tomatoes in the community garden, and sometimes a few words about the Gospel would lead to real questions later. Simple conversations can plant that seed, just like with Astion.

Максим ВасильевДа, Тамара, точно. У меня тоже бывало: пришёл мужик по работе проводку посмотреть, разговорились про семью, а через полгода он уже на исповедь собрался. Семя падает, когда не ждёшь. А у вас такое часто случается в разговорах?

Athina PapaPo, Teuta, më pëlqeu shumë kjo që the për bisedën e thjeshtë në kopsht – një grua për domate dhe një fjalë për lutjen e mëngjesit mjafton për të lënë farën. Edhe mua më ka ndodhur diçka e ngjashme njëherë pas liturgjisë, kur një plakë më pyeti për një pasazh të Ungjillit dhe pas dy javësh e pashë të vinte me nipin e saj. Nuk duhet predikim i madh, siç thua ti.

Олег ГолубевДа, Максим, точно подметил. У меня в автобусе тоже пару раз бывало: пассажир спросит, куда еду в отпуск, а потом разговор сам на веру свернёт. Семя падает неожиданно, как в притче. А у тебя такие разговоры часто продолжаются потом или обычно разово?

David TurnerThat chance meeting really does show how God works through ordinary moments. I remember striking up a conversation with a guy while we were both waiting for the ferry last summer — nothing deep at first, just about the weather and fishing spots — and it turned into him asking real questions about why I go to church. Those tomato-garden chats of yours sound like the perfect setup for that. Did any of those folks ever come back around for more?