Hieromartyrs John the Bishop and Jacob (James) the Presbyter, of Persia

Commemorated on November 1.

The Hieromartyrs John the Bishop and James the Presbyter (known as "the zealot"), lived during the reign of the Persian King Shapur II 1 and preached the true Faith, and many devout persons were attracted to it. The Saints were arrested by Shapur and, after being subjected to cruel torments, they were beheaded in the year 332 (or 343). Thus, they received unfading crowns of martyrdom from Christ.

1 Shapur II, known as the Great, was a Persian king, who reigned from 310 to 381, and persecuted Christians.

Troparion

O God of our Fathers,
always act with kindness towards us;
take not Your mercy from us,
but guide our lives in peace
through the prayers our holy fathers John and Jacob.

Kontakion

(Podoben: “As the first fruits...”)
The Church glorifies you as teachers of virtue and adornments of hierarchs,
singing: “By your intercessions for those who lovingly honor you,
grant progress in virtue, and deliverance from temptations.”