Martyrs Ananias the Presbyter, Peter the prison guard, and seven soldiers
Commemorated January 26
The Holy Martyrs Ananias the Presbyter, Peter the prison guard, and seven soldiers suffered in Phoenicia in the year 295. During a persecution of Christians under the emperor Diocletian (284-305), St Ananias was brought before Maximus the governor of Phoenicia. He had been arrested for confessing Christ and refusal to worship idols.
He was beaten with hammers, burnt with fire, and salt was sprinkled on his scorched body. After his terrible sufferings, a temple and the idols standing in it were destroyed through the prayers of St Ananias.
Troparion
Through the sufferings of Thy saints which they did endure for Thy sake, be moved, O Lord, and all our infirmities cure, Thou, O Lover of man, we implore Thee.
Kontakion
Having appeared as bright lamps, ye, O divine martyrs, enlighten the whole creation with the shine of your miracles, releasing from maladies, ever driving away the profound darkness and supplicating continually Christ the God for us all.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
