Martyr Nicander of Egypt
Commemorated on March 15.
The Holy Martyr Nicander suffered in Egypt under the emperor Diocletian (284-305). He was a physician and during a time of persecution he visited Christians in prison. He assisted them, brought them food, and buried the dead.
Once, he came to the place where the bodies of the martyrs were thrown to be eaten by wild beasts. Fearing to bury them by day, he waited for night and buried the bodies under cover of darkness. They discovered Saint Nicander and subjected him to terrible tortures: they skinned him alive and then beheaded him in 302.
Troparion
Your holy martyr Nicander, O Lord,
through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion
(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)
You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance,
which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Nicander;
extinguishing the allure of false gods,
you enlighten the faithful,
always interceding for us all.