Hieromartyrs Nerses and Joseph
Commemorated November 20
The PriestMartyrs Bishop Nirses, and Joseph his disciple, the Bishops of Persia John, Saverios, Isaac and Ipatios, the Martyrs Azates the Eunuch , Sasonios, Thekla, Anna and many other Men and Women suffering in Persia: They were executed during the time of a persecution against Christians under the emperor Sapor II.
Saint Nirses and his disciple Joseph were beheaded; Saint John was stoned. This fate befell also Saints Isaac and Ipatios. Saint Saverios died in prison, and after death they cut off his head. A certain apostate-presbyter strangled the Martyr Azates the Eunuch. The Martyrs Sasonios, Thekla, Anna and many other men and women likewise underwent torture, suffering and death for Christ (+ 343).
Troparion
O God of our fathers that ever dealest by us according to Thy kindness, do not withdraw from us Thy mercy, but at their intercessions direct our life in peace.
Kontakion
As the never-setting lights of the reasonable Sun, we that are to-day assembled, will praise you in odes; for ye did shine forth unto those in the darkness of ignorance, and are now calling all to the height of piety, O hieromartyrs. Therefore we cry up to you: Hail, O ye the foundation of all those that keep fasts.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
