Holy Martyrs Alexander, Alphaeus, Zosimus, Mark the Shepherd, Nicon, Neon, Heliodorus and Others (4th Century) — September 28 / October 11 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, September 28 according to the Julian Calendar (October 11 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Holy Martyrs Alexander, Alphaeus, Zosimus, Mark the Shepherd, Nicon, Neon, Heliodorus and Others.

The holy martyrs Alexander, Alphaeus, Zosimus, Mark the Shepherd, Nicon, Neon, Heliodorus, and others suffered in various places of Asia Minor during the reign of the Emperor Diocletian (284-305). Saint Mark the Shepherd was arrested near Antioch of Pisidia. Thirty soldiers who had been imprisoned as martyrs were converted to the true faith by his preaching, and for this they were beheaded at Nicaea, while Saint Mark was handed over to be tortured.

Three smith brothers from the village of Cataliti (Calatis), Alexander, Alphaeus, and Zosimus, were summoned to forge the instruments of torture. Their work plainly would not succeed: at times their hands were stiffened by some unseen power, at times the iron melted and broke. At last a voice from heaven called the brothers to endure torments together with Saint Mark. They too believed and openly confessed Christ. For this the godless poured molten tin down the throats of Alexander, Alphaeus, and Zosimus, and they gave up their souls in torment, while Mark was beheaded at Claudiopolis.

When Mark’s head was brought into the temple of Artemis, all the idols fell down and were shattered. Witnesses of this miracle, Nicon, Neon, Heliodorus, together with virgins and children, believed in Christ, declared their faith aloud, and died as martyrs.