October 25, 2019

Holy Martyrs Papias, Diodoros and Claudius

Sts. Papias, Diodoros and Claudius (Feast Day - October 25)

Verses

The sword cut off the three heads of the three athletes,
The mind in their heads was therefore threefold.

The Holy Martyrs Papias, Diodoros and Claudius contested during the reign of Emperor Decius (249-251) and were from Attaleia of Pamphylia. They were breeders by occupation of various cattle. Because they worshiped the one true God and denounced the worship of idols, converting many pagans to the faith of Christ, they were arrested by Governor Pouplios of Pamphylia. Being questioned by him, they boldly confessed the name of Christ, our true God, and taught that He created the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything therein, and besides Him there is no other God. Hearing this, the governor became enraged and gave them up to various harsh tortures.  Unable to change their minds to deny Christ, he had them beheaded, and in this way they received crowns of martyrdom. They were honorably buried by Christians, to the glory of Christ our God.