On this day, June 4 according to the Julian Calendar (June 17 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Hieromartyr Astius, Bishop of Dyrrachium (2nd century).
The Hieromartyr Astius was Bishop of the Macedonian city of Dyrrachium (present-day Durrës, Albania) during the reign of Emperor Trajan (98–117). Once, in a divine vision during sleep, the saint was informed that he would soon have to endure suffering and death for Christ. He advised his deacons to go into hiding, while he himself was arrested and cruelly tortured. Saint Astius did not renounce Christ. He was then smeared with honey and crucified, being tormented by the stings of bees and wasps. The body of the holy martyr was honorably buried by Christians.
May the intercessions of the Hieromartyr Astius be with us all.