The Holy Martyr Gormizdas
Commemorated August 8
He was a noble at the court of the Persian King Yezdegeherd. As he refused to deny Christ, the king sadly deprived him of his rank and possessions and sent him to look after the animals, being convinced that Gormizdas would soon grieve for his rank and possessions, and would worship idols. Gormizdas peacefully minded the cattle and remained faithful. The king therefore put him to harsh torture, which succeeded only in weakening the body of Christ"s martyr without affecting his soul. Finally, Gormizdas was killed, in 418, immediately after the martyrdom of St Abdus the Bishop (see March 31st). He suffered on earth, and was glorified in heaven.
Troparion
Thy martyr, O Lord, Gormizdas, 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 Gormizdas; all the enchantment hast thou extinguished and grantest unto us light, supplicating incessantly for us all.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
