Day of Remembrance of the Martyrs Photius and Anikita and many with them (25/08)

The martyrs Anikita and Photius (his nephew) were from Nicomedia. Anikita, a military dignitary, denounced Emperor Dioclitian (284—305), who installed execution instruments in the city square to intimidate Christians. An angry Dioclitianus ordered Saint Anicitus to be tortured and then thrown to be devoured by the beasts. But the released lion became meek and caressed him.

Suddenly a strong earthquake began, causing the temple of Hercules to fall, and many pagans died under the collapsed city wall. The executioner brought the sword to cut off the saint's head, but he himself fell unconscious. They began to wheel Saint Anikit and fire, but the wheel stopped and the fire went out. The martyr was thrown into a cauldron of boiling tin, but the tin cooled. This is how the Lord protected His servant for the establishment of many.

The martyr's nephew —, Saint Photius, greeted the sufferer and, turning to the king, remarked: «Idol worshiper, your gods — nothing!». The sword brought over the new confessor struck the executioner himself. The martyrs were put in prison. Three days later, Dioclitian began to persuade them: « Bow to our gods, and I will glorify you and enrich you». The martyrs answered: «You perish with your honor and wealth!». Then they were tied by the legs to wild horses, but the saints, dragging themselves on the ground, remained unharmed. They were not injured in the heated bathhouse, which collapsed.

As a result, Dioclitian ordered a huge furnace to be lit, and many Christians, inspired by the exploits of Saints Photius and Anikita, themselves stepped into it with the words: «We are Christians!». They all died with prayer on their lips. The bodies of Saints Anikita and Photius were not damaged by the fire and even their hair remained intact. Seeing this, many of the pagans believed in Christ. This event occurred in 305.

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