Holy Martyrs St Kalliopios and Theocleia
Commemorated April 7
The holy Martyr Kalliopios was from Perga in Pamphylia, brought up in piety by his godly mother Theocleia. When the persecution of Maximian broke out, St Kalliopios presented himself of his own accord before the Governor Maximos in Pompeiopolis of Galatia. After he had suffered many torments, his mother visited him in prison and encouraged him in his martyrdom. After this, his thrice-blessed mother, upon learning that he was to be crucified on Holy and Great Thursday, bribed the tyrants to defer it one day, that he might imitate the Lord's Crucifixion on the same day that He suffered it. The holy Martyr Kalliopios received the crown of martyrdom on Holy and Great Friday in the year 304 AD, being crucified upside down.
Dismissal Hymn (Fourth Tone)
Your Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for You received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from You, our immortal God. For since they possessed Your strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' powerless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since You are merciful.
Kontakion (Third Tone)
When your mother looked on you made fair with wounds as a Martyr and conformed to the Lord through holy contests and suffering, she was filled with ardent longing to win such glory and became with you a Martyr in her volition. Now with her do you entreat Christ, O Kalliopios, that we find mercy and grace.