Commemorations for Tout 23

• The Martyrdom of Sts. Eunapios (Onanius) and Andrew.
• The Commemoration of the Martyrdom of St. Thecla.
• The Re-Opening of the church of the Virgin in Haret El-Rum.

1. The Martyrdom of Sts. Eunapios (Onanius) and Andrew.

On this day, the righteous Sts. Eunapios (Onanius) and Andrew, his brother, were martyred. These saints were the sons of one of the nobles of the city of Lydd. They agreed together since their young age to become monks. They went to one of the monasteries of Syria and became monks there. Later on, they went to the honorable saint Abba Macarius. They became his disciples and dwelt with him for three years. During which they lived with love and humility, fasted and prayed continually. Their asceticism became well known. They chose Eunapios (Onanius), bishop, and Andrew, priest. They shepherded the flock of Christ with the best care. They overcame their souls and bodies.

Julian, the infidel emperor, heard about them, and he had them brought to him. He commanded them to deny their faith in the Lord Christ, and to adopt paganism. When they refused his commands, he tortured them severely until they yielded up their spirits in the hand of the Lord Christ, to Him is the glory. Each received three crowns: one for monasticism, asceticism, and worship; one for the priesthood and guarding the flock against the devilish wolves; and a third one for martyrdom and shedding their blood for the Christian faith.

Their prayers and their blessings be upon us. Amen.

 

 

 

2. The Commemoration of the Martyrdom of St. Thecla.

On this day also is the commemoration of the holy martyr, St. Thecla (Takla), the bride of Christ.

Her prayers be with us. Amen.

 

 

 

3. The Re-Opening of the church of the Virgin in Haret El-Rum.

On this day also of the year 129, of the martyrs, the Church of the Virgin in Haret El-Rum in Cairo was re-opened after having been closed for 11 years.

Her intercession be for us, and Glory be to our God, forever. Amen.