Orthodox Calendar, August 24
The Hieromartyr Eutyches
A disciple of the holy Apostles John the Theologian and Paul, lived from the first century into the beginning of the second century, and was from the Palestinian city of Sebastea.
Although Saint Eutyches is not one of the 70 Apostles, he is called an Apostle because of his labors with the older Apostles, by whom he was made bishop. After hearing about Christ the Savior, Saint Eutyches first became a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian. Later he met the Apostle Paul, and preached together with him on the early journeys.
Saint Eutyches underwent many sufferings: they starved him with hunger, beat him with iron rods, they threw him into the fire, and then to be devoured by wild beasts.
Once, a lion was let loose upon the saint, which astonished everyone because it praised the Creator with a human voice. The hieromartyr Eutyches completed his labors in his native city, where he was beheaded with a sword at the beginning of the second century.
Troparion, tone 4:
By sharing in the ways of the Apostles, you became a successor to their throne. Through the practice of virtue, you found the way to divine contemplation, O inspired one of God; by teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith, even to the shedding of your blood. Hieromartyr Eutyches, entreat Christ God to save our souls.
Martyr Tation (Tatio) of Claudiopolis
He lived in Bythnia and suffered under the emperor Diocletian (284-305). When the persecutors of Christians learned that he believed in Christ, they arrested him and took him to the city of Claudiopolis to the governor, Urban.
Many times they urged the saint to deny Christ, and they locked him in prison and gave him over to various tortures. They beat him with sticks and dragged him beyond the city for execution. The holy martyr, after making the Sign of the Cross, died along the way.
Troparion, tone 4
Your holy martyr Tation, O Lord, / through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. / For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through his intercessions, save our souls!
Martyr Sira of Persia — August 24
Saint Sira lived in Persia in the 6th century and was the daughter of a Zoroastrian priest. Fearing the influence of Christians, her father sent her to another city to become a priestess at a pagan temple. However, after speaking with some poor Christian women, her heart became filled with love for Christ.
Once, she fell ill and asked a Christian priest to give her some dust from the church, believing that she might be healed by it. The priest refused, but the saint touched his vestments and was miraculously healed.
When her father learned that his daughter believed in Christ, he subjected her to terrible tortures and had her imprisoned. The young virgin managed to escape and went to be baptized by the local bishop.
Praying that she would not be deprived of the crown of martyrdom, the saint was captured again and put to death at the age of only 18.
Troparion of Saint Martyr Sira — Tone 4
Your lamb, Jesus, Sira, cries out to You with a loud voice: “I love You, my Bridegroom, and in seeking You I endure suffering. I am crucified and buried with You through Your Baptism. I suffer for You, that I may reign with You; I die for You, that I may live in You. Therefore, receive me as a blameless sacrifice, for I offer myself to You with love.” Through her prayers, O Merciful One, save our souls.
