Anthony of Alexandria
Martyr
Commemorated August 9
The Holy Glorious Martyr Anthony of Alexandria was martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. His memory is commemorated August 9 .
Anthony, a native of the city of Alexandria, was a Christian who publicly declared the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was arrested because of his confession of faith and tortured severely. At first he was tied to a tree and his body was torn with iron hooks. He was then sentenced to be burnt in a furnace. Standing in the furnace, he calmly exhorted those standing about that in aspiring towards God they must toil not for the body which is temporal but for the eternal soul. After this, he gave up his soul to the Lord.
When the furnace was opened, his holy relic was found untouched by the flames.
Troparion
Thy martyr, O Lord, Anthony, through his suffering, an incorruptible crown did obtain from Thee, our God; for, rejoicing in Thy strength, he laid low his tormentors and did beat off impotent affronts of the demons also; at his intercessions save our souls.
Kontakion
Thou hast appeared as a bright star, uninviting for the world, but a sun announcing Christ with thy rays, O martyr Anthony; all the enchantment hast thou extinguished and grantest unto us light, supplicating incessantly for us all.
Source: OrthodoxWiki
