Holy Martyrs Martha, Mary and Their Brother the Child Lycarion

The holy Virgin Martyrs Martha and Mary were sisters and lived in Asia (Asia Minor). Divine zeal for martyrdom for Christ gave them no rest, and they sought a favourable occasion. Once a pagan military commander rode past their house. The maidens went out to meet him and declared aloud that they were Christians. At first the commander paid no attention to them, but the blessed sisters insistently called out their confession to him. Then the pagan seized them both and crucified them together with their brother, the child Lycarion. Their own mother watched her children’s sufferings and urged them to be steadfast. At last Martha and Mary were killed with a spear, and Lycarion was beheaded.