The Holy Martyrs in Africa
Commemorated December 8
The Holy Martyrs of Africa (62 Clergy and 300 Laypeople): They suffered in the time of the emperor Zeno (474-491). Guneric, the ruler of the Vandal kingdom in North Africa, came under the influence of heretical Arian bishops and began a fierce persecution against the Orthodox.
When believers had gathered at one of the churches and secretly celebrated the Divine Liturgy, barbarian soldiers burst into the church. Some of the worshippers fled, but 300 men voluntarily gave themselves over to torture and were beheaded. Of the clergy, two were burned, and sixty had their tongues cut out. By a miraculous Divine power they continued to preach and to oppose the Arian heresy.
They all endured horrible torments, but remained faithful to Christ and His holy Church.
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
