November 7: The 33 Holy Martyrs of Melitini are celebratedtranslated

Today, November 7, the Church honors the memory of the 33 Martyrs in Melitini as well as the spouses Melanippos and Kassini and their son Antonio, from Ankara in Asia Minor.

Saint Hieron and his companions in Melitini 33 Holy Martyrs Hieron was born in Tyana in Cappadocia to a good and godly mother, who was blind. He himself was a zealous Christian and ministered to his mother with tender filial love. Hieron did not wish to join the army for two main reasons. First of all he could not leave his helpless mother, and then he loathed the idea even of being forced as a soldier to offer sacrifice to idols. So when sent soldiers came to find him to recruit him, though unarmed, he fearlessly chased them away. Finally, Hieron was arrested and brought to trial before the prefect, together with other Christians in Melitini. On the way, one night, a white-clad man in shining clothes appeared to Hieron and said to him: "Hail Hieron! Behold, I announce to you the gospel of salvation; that you do not fight for an earthly king, but for the heavenly king you fight and he will glorify you and you will receive glory...