On this day, July 6 according to the Julian Calendar (July 19 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs Marin, Martha, Avdifaks, Ambakum, Kyrine, Valentine the Presbyter, Asterios, and many others who suffered for Christ in Rome in the year 269.
During the reign of Emperor Claudius II (268–270), the holy martyrs Marin and his wife Martha, together with their sons Avdifaks and Ambakum, came to Rome from Persia. They devoted themselves to burying the bodies of martyrs, ministering to the imprisoned Christians, and strengthening the suffering with their presence and prayers.
When they were arrested by the pagan authorities and brought before the tribune Benedictus, Marin, Martha, Avdifaks, and Ambakum refused to offer sacrifice to the idols. They were beheaded by the sword. When the senator Asterios witnessed the martyrdom of Martha and saw a dazzling angel receive her soul into heaven, he was immediately struck to the heart and declared himself a Christian. He was also beheaded.
Valentine, a presbyter of Rome, and Kyrine, a noblewoman who had cared for the Christian prisoners, likewise suffered martyrdom at the same time. Together with them, many other Christians who witnessed their courage came forward to profess their faith and were also put to death.
The Church venerates all of them together as a radiant company of witnesses to the resurrection and eternal life.
May the intercessions of the Holy Martyrs Marin, Martha, and their companions be with us all.