Martyr Caluf of Egypt

Commemorated on May 19.

The Holy Martyr Caluf the Egyptian lived during the third century, and was from the city of Thebes. For his confession of faith in Christ he was arrested and taken before the prefect of the city. He was suspended head downward, and received a cruel beating. The sufferer repeated, “I endure everything in expectation of the future life.”

They then untied him and urged him to offer sacrifice to idols, but the saint did not consent. Finally, he was thrown into a fire and surrendered his soul to God. This occurred in the year 303.

The holy martyr Caluf suffered during the persecution by the emperor Maximian Hercules, who ruled jointly with Diocletian (284-305).

Troparion

Your holy martyr Caluf, 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 Caluf;
extinguishing the allure of false gods,
you enlighten the faithful,
always interceding for us all.