Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, WA

St Euplus the Holy Martyr and Archdeacon of Cantania

Commemorated August 11

The Martyr Archdeacon Euplus suffered in the year 304 under the emperors Diocletian (284-305 AD) and Maximian (284-305 AD). He served in the Sicilian city of Catania. Always carrying the Gospel with him, St Euplus preached constantly to the pagans about Christ.

Once, while he read and explained the Gospel to the gathered crowd, they arrested him and took him to the governor of the city, Calvisianus. St Euplus confessed himself a Christian and denounced the impiety of idol-worship. For this, they sentenced him to torture.

They threw the injured saint into prison, where he remained in prayer for seven days. The Lord made a spring of water flow into the prison for the martyr to quench his thirst. Brought to trial a second time, strengthened, and rejoicing, he again confessed his faith in Christ and denounced the torturer for spilling the blood of innocent Christians.

The judge commanded that the saint's ears be torn off, and that he be beheaded. When they led the Saint to execution, they hung the Gospel around his neck. Having asked time for prayer, the Archdeacon began to read and explain the Gospel to the people, and many of the pagans believed in Christ. The soldiers beheaded the Saint with a sword.

His holy relics are in the village of Vico della Batonia, near Naples.

Dismissal Hymn (Fourth Tone)

Your Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for You received the prize of the crowns of incorruption and life from You, our immortal God. For since he possessed Your strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' powerless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since You are merciful.

Kontakion (First Tone)

While bearing in your hands the divine laws of Christ God, you came to your foes, in the stadium crying: Now being self-called, I come to contend with most firm resolve. Therefore, having bent your neck in great jubilation, you were then beheaded with the sword, O wise Euplus, completing your valiant course.