The Holy Martyr Heliodorus
Commemorated November 19
He was from the town of Magidus in Parnphylia, and was tortured for the Christian faith in the time of the Emperor Aurelian (270- 75). While undergoing harsh torture, he heard a voice from heaven: "Fear not; I am with thee!" Thrown into a white- hot copper ox, he prayed fervently to God, and God saved him. The white- hot ox was suddenly cooled, and Heliodorus emerged alive. The judge cried to him that some sort of magic had done that, but to this the martyr replied: "My magic is Christ!" He was then beheaded and went to the Lord.
Troparion
Thy martyr, O Lord, Heliodorus, 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 Heliodorus; all the enchantment hast thou extinguished and grantest unto us light, supplicating incessantly for us all.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
