Martyrs Leontius, Hypatius, and Theodulus at Tripoli in Syria

Commemorated on June 18.

All the martyrs firmly confessed their faith in Christ. Saint Hypatius was put under a column and raked with iron claws, and Saint Theodulus was mercilessly beaten with rods. Seeing the steadfastness of the saints, they beheaded them. And after torture, they sent Saint Leontius to prison. In the morning he came before the governor. Adrian tried to entice the holy martyr with honors and rewards, and accomplishing nothing, he gave him over to new tortures. The holy martyr was suspended head downwards from a pillar with a heavy stone about his neck, but nothing could make him renounce Christ. The governor gave orders to beat the sufferer with rods until he died. They then threw the body of the holy Martyr Leontius outside the city, but Christians reverently gave it burial near Tripoli. The death of the holy martyrs occurred between 70-79.

The accusation against Saint Leontius, and his sufferings and death are recorded on tin tablets prepared by the court scribe [commentarisius]. These tablets were placed at the grave of the holy martyr.

Troparion

Girded with divine strength you triumphed in your contest,
O Leontius, the Savior’s trophy-bearer.
You sprang into the contest like a lion,
and destroyed the enemy’s might.
O glorious martyr, entreat Christ our God to grant us his great mercy!

Kontakion

You confounded the wicked plans of tyrants
and exposed the godless worship of the pagan Greeks.
You illumined all mankind with the knowledge of God by your teachings of true piety, divinely-wise martyr.
Therefore, Leontius, we lovingly honor your memory.