The Nine Martyrs of Perga in Pamphylia: Leontius, Attius, Alexander, Cindeus, Cyriacus, Mineon, Catunus, Mnesitheus and Eucles (II)

The holy Martyrs Leontius, Attius, Alexander, Cindeus, Cyriacus, Mineon, Catunus, Mnesitheus and Eucles lived in Perga in Pamphylia in the time of the Emperor Diocletian (284–305). Saint Mineon was a carpenter, and the others earned their daily bread by tilling the land. When the cruel persecution of the Christians began, the martyrs were set on fire with the desire of martyrdom for Christ and smashed the altar of the pagan goddess Artemis. For this terrible torments were brought upon them, and then they were thrown to the beasts in the circus to be torn apart. Tamed by the martyrs’ prayer, the beasts did not touch the Lord’s chosen ones. The astonished people roared: “Great is the God of the Christians!” Suddenly a terrible thunderstorm broke out. Lightning and fire struck the earth together. A voice was heard from heaven calling the blessed ones to the Kingdom of heaven. Rejoicing in spirit, the lambs of Christ gave thanks to the Lord, willingly bowed their necks to the sword, and, adorned with martyrs’ crowns, joined the heavenly Church.