The Holy Martyrs Achindinus, Pigasius, Aftonius, Elpidiphorus and Anempodistustranslated

Orthodox calendar, November 2 The Holy Martyrs Achindinus, Pigasius, Aftonius, Elpidiphorus and Anempodistus The holy martyrs mentioned today lived in Persia, during the reign of King Sapor II (309-379), the one who started the persecution of Christians.

Among the people who served at his court were secretly Christians, among them Achindinus, Pigasius and Anempodistus, leading men and strong in faith, who brought many to Christ. But, being defendants, they caught them and brought them before King Sapor.

After confessing their faith, they were subjected to torture. But the saints, strengthened by divine grace, remained unharmed and, through prayer, tore down an important idol of the Persians. Enraged, the pagans subjected them to even harsher tortures.

And escaping from all this whole, the saints also brought other prominent courtiers to faith, such as Aftonius and Elpidifor, this being the first of the king's advice. Then, they beheaded Saints Aftonia and Elpidifor and another 7,000 Christians, led by the king's mother. And Saints Achindin, Pigasius and Anempodistus were martyred in a fiery furnace.

Troparion To the warriors of the Lord, happy is the land that…