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Holy Martyrs Trophimus, Sabbatius and Dorymedon 10/2/2013
In the reign of the Emperor Probus, in 3rd century, when certain Atticus was the Governor of Antioch, in Antioch came two Christians, Trophimus and Sabbatius, both of them respectable and honourable citizens. At the same time there happened a blasphemous feast and offering sacrifices to Apollo in Daphne by Antioch. Atticus paid particular attention all the citizens to participate in this feast. So, as some saw Trophimus and Sabbatius, they told Atticus that these two foreigners would not participate in their feast. Atticus brought them to trial, and as they did not deny Christ, he put them to tortures, one by one. Having had Trophimus beaten up and tortured, he sent him to Phrygia to Dyonisius, an even more brutal torturer of the Christians, and himself brought out Sabbatius from prison and put him to trial. When the torturer asked Sabbatius who he was and what his rank was, he answered:" My rank and my dignity, my fatherland, and glory and wealth is Christ, the Son of God, by Whose Providence the universe exists and is governed." He was beaten up for this and his body was torn with iron claws until his bones came out from under the flesh. In these torments he gave up his soul to God. And Trophius was put to even greater tortures by Dyonisius and held imprisoned for more tortures to come. Then Dorymedon, a principal councillor of the city and secret Christian, visited Trophimus in prison. When he found out about this, the tormentor again put them under tortures and at last threw them to the beasts. Yet, the beasts would not touch them. Saint Dorymedon deliberately provoked the bear pulling her by the ears, so that she would tear him apart, yet, she only played with him gently. At the end, by order of the torturer Saints Trophimus and Dorymedon were beheaded. The souls of these martyrs reign in the heavens.
