Hieromartyr Athinogenes and His Ten Disciples — July 16 / July 29 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, July 16 according to the Julian Calendar (July 29 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Hieromartyr Athinogenes and His Ten Disciples.

The Hieromartyr Athinogenes and his ten disciples suffered martyrdom in the city of Sebastea around the year 311. The governor Philomarchos held a great pagan festival and demanded that the citizens of Sebastea participate in the sacrifices to the idols.

The holy bishop Athinogenes refused to offer sacrifice to idols and boldly confessed his faith in Christ before the governor. Together with his ten disciples, he endured terrible torments for the name of Christ.

Before his martyrdom, Saint Athinogenes composed a sacred hymn of praise to God — a hymn that the Church continues to sing to this day. This hymn, known as the ‘Gladsome Light’ (O Joyful Light — Phos Hilaron), is one of the oldest Christian hymns still in liturgical use, sung at every Vespers service.

The holy Hieromartyr Athinogenes and his ten disciples were beheaded by the sword, receiving the crown of martyrdom for their steadfast confession of Christ.