November 22, 2016

Holy Martyrs Stephen and the Two Marks of Antioch

Sts. Stephen and Mark of Antioch (Feast Day - November 22)

Verses

You were beheaded with the sword Stephen together with Mark,
Both of you receiving many crowns.

These Holy Martyrs lived during the reign of Diocletian, when Magnus was governor of Antioch in Pisidia. They were taken as prisoners for boldly proclaiming in public the Christian confession that Christ was the true God. After undergoing various tortures to get them to deny their faith and sacrifice to demons, they steadfastly refused. For this Magnus ordered that they be beheaded, and in this way the blessed ones received the crown of martyrdom.