Hieromartyr Abramius the Bishop of Arbela in Assyria
Commemorated February 4
The Hieromartyr Abraham, Bishop of Arbilia, suffered during a persecution against Christians in Persia under the emperor Sapor II. When they demanded that the saint renounce Christ and worship the sun, he answered, “How foolish to forsake the Creator and instead worship creatures! Isn’t the sun just a creation of my God?”
After this, they fiercely beat and tortured him. St Abraham prayed during torture, echoing the words of the Savior: “Lord, do not count this sin against us, for they know not what they do!” The hieromartyr was beheaded by the sword in the village of Felman.
Troparion
Having been a participant of the character and a successor of the apostles on the throne, thou, O God-inspired one, didst find work in coming into visions; whilst therefore rightly dividing the word of truth, for the sake of the faith didst thou suffer even unto the shedding of thy blood. O hieromartyr Abramius, intercede before Christ the God that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion
Having lived piously among hierarchs and having gone through the path of martyrdom, thou, O God-wise one, hast extinguished the sacrifices of idols and wast a protector unto thy flock. Wherefore, in honouring thee, in our hearts we cry out unto thee: Do ever deliver us from dangers through thine intercessions, O Abramius, our father.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
