Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucis, Callinicus

Saints commemorated

Saint of the day

Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucis, Callinicus

Thyrsus, Leucius and Callinicus were martyrs of the persecution under the emperor Decius (249–251), suffering about the year 250 in Bithynia. Leucius, a Christian of standing, openly rebuked the governor for his cruelty toward the faithful and was tortured and beheaded. Thyrsus, still only a catechumen, gave himself up for Christ, endured savage tortures unharmed, and by his prayer toppled an idol of Apollo before reposing under sentence of death. Callinicus, a pagan priest who watched Thyrsus's courage and his miracle, was converted on the spot, confessed Christ aloud, and was put to the sword. The three are commemorated together on December 14.
Holy Martyrs Philemon, Apollonius, Arian and those with them (3rd c.)

Philemon and Apollonius were martyrs of Antinoöpolis (Antinoe) in the Egyptian Thebaid during the persecution of Diocletian, suffering about the year 305. Apollonius, a reader of the Church, was afraid of torture and paid a pagan flute-player named Philemon to sacrifice to the idols in his place; but when Philemon put on the reader's clothes and came to the altar, grace touched his heart, he confessed Christ, and — praying for baptism, he received a sudden shower of rain as his baptism. Both were beheaded, and their example converted their judge, the governor Arrian, who with four of his bodyguards was in turn martyred by drowning. Their brother Theonas and the wider company of the Thebaid martyrs are remembered with them on December 14.

British Isles and Ireland

St. Hygbald, abbot of Hibaldstow (7th C)
SS. Fingar and Phiala, and 770 other martyr companions (5th C)

Troparia & kontakia

Kontakion — Tone 4

Come, let us all assemble today and, with sacred songs of praise, extol the luminaries of the Church, hymning them as the prize-winning athletes of Christ our God.

Kontakion — Tone 2

Champions of the true faith, you spat upon the impious tyrant and laid bare his beast-like thirst for blood; strengthened by the help of Christ, you overcame his raging violence, O Thyrsus and Leucius. Together with those who suffered at your side, intercede for us.

Troparion — Tone 4

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their contest received incorruptible crowns from Thee our God; for, possessed of Thy might, they cast down the tyrants and broke the feeble insolence of the demons. By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Troparion — Tone 4

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their contest received incorruptible crowns from Thee our God; for, possessed of Thy might, they cast down the tyrants and broke the feeble insolence of the demons. By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Readings

Epistle

1 Timothy 5.22-6.11

²²Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. ²³Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. ²⁴Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. ²⁵Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. ¹Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. ²And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. ³If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; ⁴He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, ⁵Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. ⁶But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. ⁸And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. ⁹But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. ¹⁰For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. ¹¹But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Gospel

Mark 8.30-34

³⁰And he charged them that they should tell no man of him. ³¹And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. ³²And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. ³³But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. ³⁴And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Saints commemorated