Our Holy Fathers, the Martyrs Epictetus and Astius
Commemorated July 7
Epictetus, a priest, brought Astius, the only son of his parents, to the Christian faith, baptised him and made him a monk. They then went off eastwards, to the region of Scythia, and settled in the Scythian town of Almirida (now Ramzina), at the mouth of the Danube on the Black Sea. They were tortured and killed for the Christian faith in about 290. They both appeared after their deaths in great light to St Astius"s parents, Alexander and Marcellina, who turned to Christ and were baptised by Bishop Evangelus, who was himself then executed for Christ; "Evangelus, another angel", as is sung of him.
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
Through the multitude of waves dry-shod passing, with the streams of your tears did ye submerge the incorporeal enemies, O Godly-wise ascetic martyrs; having now received the gift of miracles, intercede incessantly for us all.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
