Holy Martyrs Andrew, John and His Sons Peter and Antoninus (9th c.) — September 23 / October 6 (Julian Calendar)

The Holy Martyrs Andrew, John and his sons Peter and Antoninus suffered martyrdom in Africa during the rule of the fierce Ibrahim. After capturing and ravaging the Sicilian city of Syracuse, Ibrahim took John and his two sons, Peter and Antoninus, captive and forced them to be educated in the Arabic language and sciences. As the young men grew up, the ruler came to love them so much for their wisdom and godly way of life that he declared Antoninus his kinsman and appointed Peter chief steward. When Ibrahim learned that the youths were secret Christians, ineffable rage seized him, and he ordered that the chosen ones of the Lord be bound in iron shackles and beaten mercilessly. After prolonged torment, Antoninus was set on a donkey, strapped to it with belts, and paraded through the city amid blows, beatings and abuse. The martyr bore the insults patiently and gave thanks to the Lord. The terribly beaten Saint Peter was thrown into prison. The ruler commanded that the father of the martyrs, John, be brought out, and the lawless Ibrahim thrust a sword into his throat. The father’s body was cast before his sons, and then they too were put to death; a great fire was kindled and the bodies of the martyrs were burned.

Their teacher, the holy Elder Andrew, was long tormented by the persecutor with hunger, and then a spear was driven into his chest. When the martyr offered thanksgiving to the Lord, Ibrahim struck him a second time, and finally, drained almost entirely of blood, he was beheaded by the executioners (†867–886).