SAINTS MARK THE BISHOP, PIONIUS THE PRIEST, CYRIL AND BENJAMIN THE DEACONS

Commemoration of Saints Mark the Bishop, Pionius the Priest, Cyril and Benjamin the Deacons, and Martyrs Abdelmseh, Ormistan, and Sayen.

During the reign of King Yazdegerd I of Persia (399–420), severe persecutions arose against the Christians living in Persia, forcing them to renounce Christianity and return to fire worship. Among the many martyrs of that time was Deacon Benjamin, who, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, fearlessly preached and evangelized, converting many from sorcery to the worship of the true God.

After being severely beaten by the fire-worshipers and imprisoned for two years, Benjamin was eventually released thanks to ambassadors sent by Emperor Theodosius II (401–450) to Persia. These envoys had heard of the saintly deacon and his imprisonment and interceded with Yazdegerd for his freedom. The king agreed to release Benjamin on the condition that he would no longer preach or convert anyone to Christianity.

However, the blessed deacon, once freed from prison, continued to preach and teach with the same boldness, declaring that divine grace could never be forbidden by human command. When the ambassadors returned to Byzantium, the Persian king ordered Benjamin to be arrested once again and brought before him. But neither threats nor the most horrific tortures could break the holy martyr or compel him to worship the sun and fire.

Enduring inhumane and excruciating torments, Saint Benjamin continued to pray until he finally surrendered his soul, receiving the longed-for crown of martyrdom.