Holy Martyr Archdeacon Euplius of Catania — August 11 / August 24 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, August 11 according to the Julian Calendar (August 24 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Archdeacon Euplius of Catania.

The holy martyr Archdeacon Euplius suffered in the year 304, during the reign of the emperors Diocletian and Maximian (284–305). He served in the Sicilian city of Catania. Blessed Euplius always carried the Gospel with him and fearlessly preached the teaching of Christ among the idolaters.

Once, while the saint was reading the Gospel to people gathered in a poor hut, he was seized and brought before the governor of the city, Calvisianus. Euplius fearlessly confessed Christ and denounced the lawlessness of the pagans, for which cruel torments were inflicted upon him; then, his body torn, he was cast into prison. There the Lord caused a cool spring to well up for His chosen one within the cell.

Standing a second time before the judge, the archdeacon, now strengthened, again boldly confessed the true faith and reproached the tyrant for the shedding of innocent Christian blood. The judge commanded that the ears of the lamb of Christ be cut off first, and afterward that his head be struck from his shoulders.

Before he was led out to execution, the Gospel was hung about the blessed one’s neck. Having asked for time to pray, he opened the Gospel and began once more to preach. On that day many pagans came to believe in the salvation given by Christ. Suddenly a voice was heard from on high: “Blessed are you, Euplius, My good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord!” Rejoicing in spirit, the martyr gave thanks to the King of Heaven and meekly bowed his neck beneath the sword.