The 16th Day of the Blessed Month of Baramoudah
Martyrdom of St.Antipas, Bishop of Pergamos
On this day, St. Antipas, bishop of Pergamos, was martyred. He was a disciple of St. John the evangelist (Rev. 2). Domitianus started persecuting and killing the Christians because he heard, that they were saying, that Christ was their God and King. This Saint was one of them. He was tortured severely, but adhered more to the faith. During his imprisonment, St. John the evangelist sent him a message to comfort and strengthen him. In his message, he called him faithful priest and good shepherd. Finally, the Emperor placed him in a bull of brass and lighted fire under him until he delivered up his soul in the hand of the Lord. The believers took his body and placed it with great honor in the church.
May his prayers be with us and Glory be to God forever. Amen.