On this day, July 10 according to the Julian Calendar (July 23 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Holy Forty-Five Martyrs of Nicopolis in Armenia.
The Holy Forty-Five Martyrs of Nicopolis in Armenia suffered for Christ during the reign of Emperor Licinius (around 319 AD). They were soldiers and civilians who refused to renounce their Christian faith under the pagan persecutors.
Among the leading martyrs were Leontius, Mauritius, Daniel, Anthony, Alexander, Janikicius, Sisinios, Menevs, Biriliades, and others — forty-five in all. When brought before the magistrate and ordered to sacrifice to idols, they confessed Christ boldly and refused.
They endured terrible tortures with great courage. Their bodies were burned, and various other torments were inflicted upon them. Through all these sufferings they remained steadfast in the faith, encouraging one another with prayer and with words of Scripture.
The forty-five martyrs received the crown of martyrdom around the year 319 in Nicopolis of Armenia. The Church venerates them as courageous witnesses to Christ who sealed their faith with their blood.
May the intercessions of Holy Forty-Five Martyrs of Nicopolis in Armenia be with us all.