Reviewed entry
Martyr4th century

Martyrs Terence and Neonila and their children

Also known as Terence · Neonila · Sabelus · Photius · Theodoulus · Vele · Hierax · Nitus · Eunice

A Christian husband, wife, and their seven children who were denounced, tortured, and martyred together for confessing Christ.

October 28New Calendar
Feast Day
November 10Old Calendar
Commemorated as

The Holy Martyrs Terence and Neonila and Their Children

Come to them for
Marriage
Children

Life

Terence and Neonila were a Christian husband and wife from Syria who, together with their seven children, were denounced, tortured, and put to death for confessing Christ. The synaxarion preserves them as a single family company, remembered for having walked the path of martyrdom together.

Their seven children are named in the tradition as Sabelus, Photius, Theodulus, Vele, Hierax, Nitus, and Eunice. The whole family is commemorated on 28 October.

Kontakion & Troparion2 hymnsReadHide
KontakionTone 4

(Podoben: “As You were voluntarily raised...”) The universe rejoices at the honorable commemoration of the martyrs:
Terence the most-wise, his wife Neonila, and their children.
Therefore, let us hasten that we may receive healing;
for he has received grace from the Holy Spirit
to cure the sicknesses and ills of our souls.

Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).

TroparionTone 3

Bound together by natural bonds
and clothed with the might of faith,
you walked the path of martyrdom with your seven children.
O holy Martyrs Terence and Neonilla,
pray that those who honor your contest may receive forgiveness of their sins.

Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).

Contributions & Legacy

1 contributionsReadHide

Martyrdom

According to the tradition, Terence came from Syria and suffered for Christ together with his wife Neonila and their seven children. The family had lived as Christians, and when they were denounced to the authorities they were brought forward for interrogation, where they confessed Christ openly and refused the worship of the pagan gods.

The synaxarion relates that they endured a succession of tortures: they were hung up and lacerated, their wounds treated with vinegar and salt while fire was set beneath them, and they were beaten with rods. They are said to have been exposed to wild beasts, which did not harm them, and cast into a cauldron of boiling pitch, from which they emerged unhurt. When none of these torments could overcome them, they were beheaded with the sword, receiving together the crown of martyrdom.

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Sources: OCA Synaxarion (oca.org), Lives of the Saints