Martyrs Innas, Pinnas, and Rimmas, disciples of the Apostle Andrew, in Scythia
Commemorated on January 20.
The Holy Martyrs Innas, Pinnas and Rimmas were Slavs from Scythia Minor, who were disciples of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. He baptized them, and later he ordained them as priests. They assisted him in converting many idol-worshippers who had settled around the Danube River, near Varna in what is now Bulgaria. After being captured by the barbarians, Saints Innas, Pinnas, and Rimmas were brought before the local prince, who was a pagan. He ordered them to offer sacrifice to the idols, and when they refused to deny Christ, they were tied to upright wooden poles and lowered into the freezing waters of the Danube. It was winter, and the river was so frozen that not only people, but even horse-drawn carts could travel over the ice. The Martyrs were lowered into the freezing water, and when the ice reached their necks, they surrendered their blessed souls to the Lord and received the crown of martyrdom. They are said to be the first Slavic Martyrs in recorded Church History.
After the death of the three Martyrs, some pious Christians buried their holy relics. Seven years after their martyric contest, the Saints appeared to Bishop Gedtz in a dream and ordered him to transfer their relics.
Their principal Feast Day is January 20. On June 20, we commemorate the transfer of their relics to the port of Alushta in the Crimea.
Troparion
As disciples of the First-Called, you were the first-called of the Slavs,
and because you enlightened your brethren with the light of Truth,
you received a cruel death at the hands of a savage and godless prince,
bound by frost and ice on the Danube River in the land of Scythia.
But since you lay down your lives for your friends,
1
O Saints Innas, Pinnas, and Rimmas,
you offer your most powerful prayers for us,
and once again all the Slavic peoples are converting to Christ.
Kontakion
A great exploit
2
of faith;
bound by the ice, as if by the water of rest,
3
Saints Innas, Pinnas, and Rimmas rejoiced,
but the torturer, in his foolish frenzy, tried to destroy the fruits of their vineyard;
nevertheless to this day, Christ accepts holy clusters from the Slavic peoples,
and crowns the Slavic Protomartyrs with crowns.
Therefore, as the children of the faithful you nurtured,
we thank and implore you, O Saints:
"By your prayers, fervently entreat Him,
so that we also, in the Spirit of truth, may be zealous for God."
1
John 15:13.
2
Podvig, ascetical contest.
3
Psalm 22/23:2 (Septuagint).