Holy Martyrs Claudius, Asterius, Neon and Theonilla (†285) — October 29 / November 11 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 29 according to the Julian Calendar (November 11 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs Claudius, Asterius, Neon and Theonilla.

The holy martyrs Claudius, Asterius, Neon and Theonilla were brothers and sister by birth. They suffered in Cilicia in the year 285, during the reign of the Emperor Diocletian (284–305).

After their father’s death, their stepmother, who did not wish to share the inheritance with them, handed the chosen ones of the Lord over to the persecutors of Christians. Lysias, the governor of Cilicia, tortured the saints for a long time, demanding that they worship idols. The brothers Claudius, Asterius and Neon, faithful to the Saviour’s faith, were led outside the city after terrible tortures and crucified. Their sister, the pious widow Theonilla, was stretched between stakes, beaten with straps, and had burning coals heaped upon her stomach. The body of the martyr, who died during this cruel torture, was finally thrown into a sack and sunk in the sea.