Hieromartyrs Akepsimas Joseph, and Aeithalas of Persia
d. 376–377
Persian church leaders arrested under Shapur II for their ministry, who endured imprisonment and torture before martyrdom.
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The Holy, Glorious Hieromartyrs Akepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Priest, and Aeithalas the Deacon, of Persia
Life
Akepsimas (also spelled Acepsimas), Joseph, and Aeithalas (Aitillaha) were leaders of the Christian Church in fourth-century Persia, arrested under the Sasanian ruler Shapur II for their refusal to abandon their ministry and conform to the Zoroastrian faith. They are commemorated together as hieromartyrs.
Akepsimas was a bishop, Joseph a priest, and Aeithalas a deacon. After enduring imprisonment and torture, all three were put to death, their executions falling between 376 and 377. Their acts survive in Syriac literature and are regarded as genuine records of the Persian martyrs of this era.
They are venerated across multiple traditions, with the Greek and Russian Orthodox commemorating them on November 3, the date of Aeithalas's martyrdom.
Troparion & Kontakion2 hymnsReadHide
Your holy martyr Aithalas, O Lord,
through his sufferings 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!
Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).
(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”) You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance,
which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Aithalas;
extinguishing the allure of false gods,
you enlighten the faithful,
always interceding for us all.
Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).
Timeline3 momentsReadHide
- October 10, 376Martyrdom of AkepsimasAkepsimas, Bishop of Hnaita, is executed at Arbela after some three years of imprisonment and repeated torture under Shapur II.
- 377 (Friday after Pentecost)Martyrdom of JosephJoseph of Bet-Katoba, a priest aged seventy at his arrest, is stoned to death at Tabaha.
- November 3, 377Martyrdom of AeithalasAeithalas of Bet-Nuhadra, a deacon aged sixty-six at his arrest, is stoned to death at Destegerd. This date became the common Orthodox commemoration of the three.
Companions1 figureShowHide
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