By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
Today, the Church celebrates the memory of the Martyr Agathonicus and Martyrs Zoticus, Theoprepius, Acindynus, Severian, Zeno, and others, who suffered under Maximian.
Saint Agathonicus and his companions lived in the area of Pontus during the reign of Emperor Maximian. They developed intense missionary activity, according to the Holy Gospel. They converted many pagans to Christ and baptized them in the name of the Holy Trinity.
At the beginning of the persecutions of Christians, the governor of Nicomedia went to the area of Pontus, arrested the saints, and ordered that the martyrs should be taken to Thrace for trial by the emperor. Zoticus, Zeno, Acindynus and Severian were put to death during this journey, because they were unable to proceed further behind the chariot of the governor due to the wounds received during torture.
After having refused to worship the idols, Saint Agathonicus together with others Christians was beheaded in Selymbria.
Today the Monastery of Panagia Prousiotissa, located in Evrytania, celebrates the appearance of the miraculous icon of the Theotokos.
According to tradition, the holy icon was made by Saint Luke the Evangelist. The icon was transferred to Greece during the iconoclastic period and then it was lost. However, it later appeared as a holy fire to a shepherd somewhere near Proussos monastery. In commemoration of this appearance, there is today a gathering of believers and a great feast in honour of the Theotokos.
Martyr Agathonicus and his companions are eloquent proof of struggle for moral values and high ideals, which have always been necessary in order to resist every effort, both from within and without, to harm one’s soul.
SOURCE: Church of Cyprus
