Venerable Martyrs Epictetus the Presbyter and Astion the Monk (+290)
The Venerable Martyrs Epictetus the Presbyter and Astion the Monk lived in the eastern part of the Roman Empire in the reign of the lawless autocrat Diocletian (284–305). The pious presbyter dedicated himself to the Lord while still young, and for his tireless labours he was granted the gifts of wonderworking, healing and casting out demons.
Astion, the son of the head of the city, was brought up in pagan surroundings. Once, walking outside the city with his friends, he came upon a small hut standing in the forest; some mysterious power drew him towards it; he broke away from his carefree companions and knocked at the door. The host turned out to be an aged and venerable presbyter, Epictetus. He received the young man with love, asked him who he was, and then said to him prophetically: “As I see, thy blessed soul has pleased Christ the Saviour Himself, who has chosen thee for His servant.” Astion felt a wonderful reverence at the mention of the name of Jesus Christ. Gladdened by this, the elder briefly explained the teaching of the Gospel to his guest. The young man listened attentively to every word and accepted everything with faith.
The youth visited the presbyter again, and from that day on, leaving home on the pretext of a walk, he went to him every morning and evening. When he had deeply mastered the truths of the Gospel, Epictetus baptised him in secret. After this he fervently begged his teacher that they go away somewhere to a distant land and devote themselves entirely to the Lord. Epictetus and Astion boarded a ship and made for the land of Scythia. Here they settled near the city of Almyris, at the mouth of the Danube, among the pagan Slavs, and spent their days in fasting and prayer.
The God-pleasing life of the hermits did not long remain hidden from the local inhabitants. Many sick people came to the venerable fathers asking for help, and were healed through the saints’ prayers.
At this time Latronianus, the governor of the region, came to Almyris. The pagan priests denounced Epictetus and Astion to him, saying that they drew the people by sorcery and converted them to their own faith. The blessed ascetics were seized. After torture the martyrs were sentenced to be beheaded (+290).
The parents of the holy Martyr Astion, Alexander and Marcellina, believed in Christ and were baptised by the hand of Bishop Evangelus. The lawless beheaded them too for confessing Christ.
