Holy Martyr Hyacinthus of Amastrida — July 18 / July 31 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, July 18 according to the Julian Calendar (July 31 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Hyacinthus (Iakinthos) of Amastrida, who suffered for Christ in the fourth century.

The Holy Martyr Hyacinthus was born into a devout Christian family in the city of Amastrida (on the southern shore of the Black Sea, in present-day Turkey). According to his holy Life, even before his birth an angel appeared to his parents and announced his name, calling him to be a vessel of God’s grace.

From his earliest childhood, Hyacinthus showed remarkable signs of holiness. When he was only three years old, God worked a miracle through his prayer — a dead child was restored to life. This miracle confirmed the special grace that God had placed upon the infant saint.

As he grew, Hyacinthus lived a life of prayer, fasting, and purity. He was eventually seized by the pagan authorities for his steadfast confession of Christ and was subjected to torments. Refusing to deny his faith, the Holy Martyr Hyacinthus gave his life for Christ and received the crown of martyrdom.