Martyrs of Persia
Martyrs Acindynus, Pegasius, Aphthonius, Elpidephorus and Anempodistus
Five confessors of Christ remembered together for their steadfast witness during persecution in Persia.
Core account checked against Orthodox Synaxarion (Greek). Additional ecclesiastical references appear below.
Life and Witness
Confession in Persia
These five martyrs are commemorated during the reign of the Persian king Shapur II. Their confession of Christ brought them before the authorities, who sought to compel them to renounce their faith.
Strength in Suffering
The Greek Synaxarion recounts severe beatings and an attempt to kill the Christians by fire. In its account, their prayers were followed by a storm that extinguished the flames. Their preservation did not end the persecution: they were summoned again and remained steadfast.
The Crown of Martyrdom
Aphthonius and Elpidephorus were put to death by the sword. Elpidephorus confessed Christ as the way to truth and life, refusing to separate learning from faith. The remaining martyrs were cast into a furnace. Their common feast on November 2 honors the courage with which they encouraged one another and entrusted themselves to God.
Biographical information on this page is based exclusively on the Orthodox ecclesiastical sources listed below.
Orthodox Synaxarion (Greek)