Память святых мучеников Аристоклия, Димитриана и Афанасия

The holy martyr Aristocles, a native of Cyprus from the city of Tamas, was a cathedral presbyter. In the days of King Maximian 4071, when a great persecution broke out over Christians, Saint Aristoclius withdrew into the desert, where he hid in a mountain cave: here, while praying, a light that surpassed the sun once shone upon him, and a voice was heard from heaven, commanding him to go to the Metropolis of Salamis, on the island of Cyprus, and there to undergo martyrdom for confessing the name Christ's. Strengthened by the appearance of light and the Divine voice, he immediately, leaving the fear of torment, went where he was commanded. Along the path that ran through the forest, he entered the church of the Holy Apostle Barnabas and here he found Deacon Demetrius and Reader Athanasius, who greeted him with love. During the conversation, Saint Aristoclius revealed to them the reason for his journey to the city of Salamis, telling about the vision he had. After this story, Demetrius and Athanasius had an irresistible desire to go with Aristocles to die for Christ. When they reached the city of Salamis, they stood on an elevated place, in full view of everyone, and began to preach in a loud voice about Jesus Christ, glorifying Him, and blaspheming pagan gods and insensitive idols; The pagans immediately seized the preachers and brought them before the governor for interrogation. The latter, having learned that they were Christians, and seeing their unshakable devotion to the holy faith, ordered the presbyter Aristoclius to behead with a sword; After many torments, he betrayed Saints Demetrius and Athanasius to be burned; but after the holy men remained alive and unharmed in the fire, the ruler condemned them to be beheaded with the sword. This is how the 4072 passion-bearers of Christ died, adorned with the crown of martyrdom. Maximian Galerius reigned from 305 to 311. You might be interested in: