Akhmim's Martyrs
At the 29th of Kiahak 303, people were filling the big church of "Soutir" (Saviour), and
they spent the last night praying and praising the Lord, in the preparation for the Holy
Nativity Mass, which starts in the third quarter of the night. Bishop Odagious, their
beloved pastor was not there with them, as he died from a while. They heard that the
evil ruler of Ansna "Erianos" was coming to their town with his soldiers. So Bishop
"Abadion" went secretly (because he was arrested before) to them to pray with them.
After the prayers finished at dawn, the ruler of the town went to the idols temple, and
was filled with hatred for the Christians, because the idols' priests talked bad about
them. So they went to the church and found thousands of Christians praying there..
So Bishop "Agfa" and Bishop "Wanin" went out to talk to him, and he asked them
about the reason for this gathering. They told him that today was a feast for the birth
of Jesus Christ.. He was so mad, and killed them both at once, so they became the
first fruits of Akhmim's Martyrs. Then the ruler and his soldiers called all the
Christians to come and bow and worship idols.. All people challenged him, and
confessed their faith in One God.. Jesus Christ.. And said that they are ready to die
for Him.. And when the ruler noticed their strong faith, order to kill all the priests (of
whom Father Asconda, who drew to Christianity 70 of the idols' priests), and
deacons followed them and many of the people. They were few thousands..!
And when the ruler saw that they were full of faith and bravery, he put torture
instruments. That continued for three whole days! The number of martyrs at that time
from Akhmim was 8140 martyr! (From 29 Kiahk till 1 Tooba).
May their prayers be with us all, and glory be to God forever Amen.