August 22, 2018

Synaxarion of the Holy Martyrs Irenaeus, Or and Oropsios

Sts. Irenaeus, Or and Oropsis (Feast Day - August 22)

Verses

Standing against error the three were beheaded by the sword,
Their blood covered in the depths.

Of the three, the blessed Irenaeus was a Deacon of the Church, and boldly proclaimed Christ as the true God. For this he was apprehended by the Greeks, and stood before the governor. Saints Or and Oropsis were Christians who also stood together with Saint Irenaeus, and having confessed the faith of Christ, the three were cast into the flames. However, immediately rain came and extinguished the fire. The Saints were therefore kept unharmed. After, they were given over to the wild beasts to be devoured, but they were kept by them unharmed, so they were suspended on wood and harshly lacerated. Finally, they were beheaded, and in this way the blessed ones received the crown of the contest.