Holy Martyr Babylas of Sicily and His Disciples Timothy and Agapius (III)

The holy Martyrs Babylas of Sicily and his disciples Timothy and Agapius lived in the third century near Rome. Saint Babylas was born in the city of Reepol, into a rich and pious family. While still young he withdrew from earthly cares, took refuge on a mountain, and lived there in fasting, prayer and silence. His disciples Agapius and Timothy laboured together with the saint. To avoid persecution by the pagans the ascetics went to the island of Sicily, and there converted many of the godless to the law of Christ. Angered by Babylas’s activity, the governor of the island seized the saints and cruelly tortured them. They courageously endured the torments and at last met their end by the sword. The bodies of the lambs of Christ were thrown into a fire, but the flames did not touch the holy relics. The local Christians committed the relics of Babylas, Timothy and Agapius to the earth with honour.