Martyr Arethas and 4,299 Martyrs with him

Commemorated on October 24.

The holy martyrs replied that Jesus is God the Word, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, Who for the salvation of mankind was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary. Those suffering said, “We shall not abjure Christ, since He is Life for us. To die for Him is to find Life.”

More than four thousand Christians, men, women, both the aged and children, from the city of Negran and surrounding villages suffered martyrdom for Christ.

Troparion

Through the sufferings which Your holy martyrs Arethas and his companions
endured for Your sake, O Lord,
we beseech You, O Lover of mankind:
heal all of our infirmities.

Kontakion

Today the radiant feast of the passion-bearers Arethas and his companions
comes to us as a herald of joy;
as we celebrate it we glorify the Lord on high.