Commemorated on March
15th
The holy Martyrs contested for piety's sake during the reign of
Diocletian (284-305), when Urban was Governor of Caesarea of Palestine. When
Urban had commanded that together with a heathen festival, certain condemned
Christians be publicly cast to wild beasts, Timolaus, a native of Pontus,
Dionysius of Tripolis in Phoenicia, Romulus of Diospolis, Plesius (or Paisius)
and Alexander from Egypt, and another Alexander from Gaza, tied their own hands
and presented themselves to Urban when the exhibition was about to begin,
professing their faith in Christ; they were immediately cast into prison. A few
days later Agapius and Dionysius also presented themselves. All were beheaded
together at Caesarea. Their martyrdom is recorded by Eusebius (Eccl. Hist.,Book
VIII, ch.3, called The Martyrs of Palestine).
Troparion Tone 4
Thy soul aflame with love for Christ,/ thou didst gather a company of
illustrious athletes, O glorious Agapios./ With them thou didst excel in lawful
contest,/ and together you were beheaded by the sword./ Henceforth ever pray
that we may be granted the forgiveness of our sins.
Kontakion Tone 4
For love of Christ the eightfold choir of martyrs spurned all earthly
things./ As they were beheaded they cried out together:/ O Compassionate One,
gladden Thy servants.
Source:
www.goarch.org,
Menologian Software 2.0
|
