✝ Holy Martyrs Trophimus, Theophilus, and the Thirteen Martyrs with Them
July 23 / August 5 (Julian Calendar)
On this day, July 23 according to the Julian Calendar (August 5 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs Trophimus, Theophilus, and the thirteen martyrs with them.
The holy martyrs Trophimus, Theophilus, and thirteen others with them suffered during the persecution of Christians under the Emperor Diocletian (284–305). Standing before the tribunal, the believers boldly confessed Christ and firmly refused to offer sacrifice to the idols. For this they were subjected to cruel tortures.
Then, with their legs broken, they were cast into a fire. Healed and strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, the lambs of Christ came out of the flames wholly unharmed and confessed the true faith more valiantly still. The lawless ones at last lost every hope of bending the saints, and beheaded them.
May the intercessions of the Holy Martyrs Trophimus, Theophilus, and those with them be with us all.