Martyrs Probus, Tarachus & Andronicus; Holy Hierarch Cosmas, bishop of Maiuma

Orthodox Calendar, October 12 Holy Martyrs Tarachus, Probus, and Andronicus They suffered for Christ in the year 304 at Tarsus in Cilicia. When the pagans ordered him to offer sacrifice to idols, the old soldier Tarachus replied that he would offer a pure heart to the one true God instead of sacrifices of blood. Seeing the firmness of the saint’s confession of the true Faith, the proconsul gave them all over to torture.

The tormentors subjected the martyrs to various tortures, and then they tore the bodies of the saints apart. Christians secretly took up the relics of the saints and buried them.

Troparion — Tone 5

The heavenly powers were amazed at the triumph of the holy martyrs Probus, Tarachus, and Andronicus. / For having fought the good fight with their mortal bodies, / they conquered bodiless enemies by the power of the Cross. / Now they intercede with the Lord / that He may save our souls.

Saint Cosmas the Hymnographer, Bishop of Maiuma He was a native of Jerusalem. He was raised by the parents of Saint John of Damascus (December 4) together with their son, and he received a fine education. When Saint Cosmas came of age, he set out to one of the…