Martyrs Romanus, Jacob (James), Philotheus, Hyperechius, Abibus, Julian, and Paregonius, at Samosata

Commemorated on January 29.

The Holy Martyrs Romanus, James, Philotheus, Hyperichius, Habib, Julian and Parigoreas suffered in the year 297, during the persecution by Diocletian (284-305), in the city of Samosata (in Syria on the River Euphrates). They bravely denounced the senseless worship of idols, for which they were arrested and given over to various terrible tortures. Their bodies were scraped with iron, heavy iron fetters were hung around their necks, and they were locked up in prison. Finally, nails were driven into their heads while they were suspended on crosses.

Troparion

We implore You, O Lord, for the sake of the sufferings of Your Saints,
which they endured for Your sake,
show compassion unto us, and heal all our infirmities,
O Lover of mankind.

Kontakion

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)
O divine Martyrs, you appeared as bright lamps,
enlightening all of creation with the radiance of your miracles,
unceasingly supplicating Christ God on behalf of us all,
thereby releasing us from our maladies,
and ever driving away the most profound darkness of ignorance.