Apostle Epίmakhos of Alexandria
Commemorated on October 31.
The Holy Martyr Epίmakhos of Alexandria was a native of Egypt. For a long time he lived in seclusion on Mount Pēlousium. When he learned that Christians were being persecuted in Alexandria, Saint Epίmakhos entered the city and destroyed some pagan idols, declaring that he too was a Christian. Apellianos, the eparch of Alexandria, ordered him to sacrifice to the idols, and when the Saint refused to do this, he commanded that he be tortured.
Among those who witnessed his suffering was a woman who was blind in one eye. A drop of the Martyr's blood fell into her eye and she received her sight. Thus, the woman came to believe in Christ. After enduring many fierce torments, the Saint was beheaded with a sword.
The Holy Martyr Epίmakhos is also commemorated on March 11 (the transfer of his relics).
Troparion
Your holy martyr Epίmakhos, O Lord,
through his suffering 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: “Today the Virgin...”)
Of your own accord you went to contend for the true Faith, O Epίmakhos,
and courageously you cried out to the impious:
"I have come to strive in contest for the truth,
and to destroy the idols of perdition."
And when you were beheaded, you received a crown of righteousness.